Motion Picture Story Magazine (Aug 1911-Jan 1912)

50 TEE MOTION PICTURE STORY MAGAZINE i first to set his face toward Dublin. After hearing of Shaun's arrest and receiving the note from Fanny, his duty lay clear before him: he must save Shaun's life by giving himself up. He reflected bitterly that Fanny Power would learn too late how she had misjudged him. After sending her a note acquainting her with his purpose, he engaged one of his men to secure a mount for a fast ride over the long road to Dublin. Colonel 0 'Grady had the same destination in view when he left the court-martial, convinced of Shaun's innocence. And when Fanny Power read Beamish 's note, she knew that there was but one course open — to ride in hot haste to Dublin and throw herself upon the generosity of the only man who could avert the catastrophe. Thus, it happened that on that night three riders, on the same errand bent, made the rocky Dublin road ring to flying hoof-beats. When Beamish presented himself before the august Secretary of State, that gentleman was mightily interested in the surrender of The McCoul and the story of Shaun's impending execution. "I presume, then," he said, with a sly chuckle, ' ' that you and this fellow are disputing which of the two shall die?" Beamish answered quickly : " And I rely on your lordship's sense of justice to give me the preference." The statesman was about to reply, when a commotion at the gate diverted his attention. His man entered with a card. The Secretary smiled a wry smile, and asked Beamish to step into the window enclosure. Colonel 0 'Grady was shown in. He began his explanation of his visit, but the Secretary cut him short by forestalling him with the facts, and, further than that, enlightening him as to the love-affair existing between Fanny and Beamish. His words were cut short by a loud knocking. The Colonel, at the Secretary's suggestion, concealed himself behind a screen. Fanny swept impetuously into the room. The Secretary surprised her, in turn, with his knowledge of her reason for seeking him. In her distress and embarrassment, she made a full confession as to her love for Beamish. The Secretary finally made a pronouncement. * ' The surrender of this young man, ' ' he said, ' ' is known only to me. Let him return at once to his exile, and pledge his word never to set foot in this country. On these conditions, he is free to depart." "He will do so; he will," averred Fanny. "He will not sacrifice his life, as I have done, to be revenged upon his love." "Let him answer for himself," said the Secretary, drawing aside the window curtain. "Beamish!" cried Fanny. Beamish gravely thanked the Secretary for his generosity, then turned to Fanny and advised her to return to the Colonel, who deserved her far more than he. Upon this, the Colonel emerged from his concealment and refused to accept the sacrifice from Beamish. So, it was settled then and there, and, with the Colonel as surety, Beamish was accorded a full and free pardon. "The devil admire me!" suddenly exclaimed the Colonel. "I forgot Shaun ! Here we are exchanging the height of politeness, while we left him beside the door of death and only on a jar!" "Shall I dispatch a courier to arrest proceedings?" asked the Secretary. "Give it to me," answered 0 'Grady, extending his hand for the reprieve. "I know what government speed is ! If any animal can get over the ground to save the boy, I am that individual ! ' ' After a hasty leave-taking, he started back with his message of mercy, with Beamish and Fanny galloping close behind him. Poor Shaun possessed no power of divination to bring those hurrying hoof -beats to his ear. His light heart had taken on a leaden weight, and the