The New York Herald Newspaper, October 18, 1868, Page 5

wn... SIBALLA, THE BORCBRESS, EA Loy! 4 WILLIAM VAN NAMER. BY A When years lave rolied thelr lengiusecong Wit mingicd joy ant pain, And sunvea. 8 cave our horizon, Aud 1a ts the goute rain, Where clouds viscure our skies age biue, And care an suriow bend, Ani Laie has proved to us so Laie, So chau cate a ir eud— We love to wauder back 4a ip O’er mewory’s subuy pluto, Zt Abd tive our happy chi dhowd over, ‘ur early loves asain, And from communion sweet we tnd Dew streugia to giapple with ‘The crosses aud the Luclens waich Gur daily uues inust give, And Hope potuts us to lool ‘yhis world of care and strife, To that vlest luie ta heave above, Where tiere’s iuaiortal Le— Where disapposntuent canuot or care. Nor grel vor pain, Where we will evi in eudicss bias Gur early loves again. SIBALLA, THE SORCERESS; oR, TUE FLOWER Gil Or LONDON, 4 TALE OF TUB DAYS UF RICLARD CROOKBACK. BY PROF. WILLIAM HENRY PECK, " ‘ AUTHOR OF “WILD REVUURN,” “THE BEAUTY OF PARIS,” “COPPER AND GOLD,” “THE EXBCU- TIONER OF VENICE,” “TOE attom WEY’s PLOT,” ETC, ETO. CUAPTER 1 THE FLOWER GIRL, .Our story opens in the wonth of May, 1495, the second and last year of tue brief and bloody reign of the last of the royal Plan a;cnet line, Richard the ‘Third of England. As it was the first day uf the fowe-y month the reat mass of the citizens uf London were abroad in their holiday attire, and au the market piaces were thronged with crowds intent upon gayety and plea- sure, It was within an huur of the setting of the gan when a young man, accompanied by a little girl @f rare beauty of face and form, left the street and entered an enclosed squure, in whose centre towered @ lofty Maypole decked and crowned witn garlands, and around which danced a ring of laughing youth of both sexes, The app a.anc3 of the young man ‘Whom we bave just mentioued was remarkable even amid that animated sceuve. The plume im his cap, the costly black velvet gurments in which he was attired, and the dark sieathed sword at bis thigh betokencd that their wearer claimed to be of the gentry. ea “The little girl, whose white and tiny hand ctung to Dis, Was also clad in guiments of the same hue as those of her companion, und sho appeared to be some seven or eight years of age. A stranger to them would have thought them to de brother and sister, weaiing mourning for the re- cent death of some near and dear relative; and in this would have erred, for between the two there ‘Was no relationship, beyond that of a protector and Protected, though they addressed each other as bro- ther and sister, Eig “Ah, Flaydiila,” said tue young gentleman, after advancing several paces into the green, “I must not forget to buy @ garland fur mother, and yonder is a Dooth where they sell‘lowers.” “And here is one, boower Mortimer, not so far,” replied the litte girl, hohung back and pointing to another booth. “Leside that one has an ugly old man im it, while this one is tended by a bandsome young lady.” “The flowers will not be less sweet and beantiful, Flaydila, if sold by the ugiy old man,” said Norti- mer, with a grave smile. but halting and turning to- Wards the flower booth s)oken of by Flaydilla. As his glance rested upou the face of the occupant of the booth he grasped tue little hand he held #0 tightly that Flaydilla looxed up in surprise. “What is the mat brother Mortimer?” she asked, as she saw his features suffused with a burn- fing blush, and then grow suddeniy pale, while bis hand trembled violently. ‘Are you ii?” He did not immediately reply, but kept his eyes wpon the maiden in t! e nower booth, who, on per- eriving him, had instantly *urned her back toward Bim, 80 a8 to avoid recognition. “Can it be Lauretta?” iuttered Mortimer, nalt @loud, as an expression of mortifleation clouded his features. ‘‘Lauretta, exposing her beanty to the No, it rude and licentious stare of a market place} cannot be. Yetthat was ber face, Why doce she not turn her features 80 that Ican see them? 1. her form.” He advanced toward the booth, with bis eyes fixed upon its occupant, who seemed determined that he should not see ber face uniess he approached very near. But as he reached and paused before the table upon which her wreaths and garlands were spread he turned and faced him suddenly, “Ah!” he exclaimed, “Lauretia here!” Then, see- fing that the maiden seemed ready to sink with shame, while tears stole Trom her beantifut eyes, he added, in @ gentler tone, “At least | know that you ‘are not here of your own (ree will.’ “Oh, I would rather be in my grave than tn this public place, Mortimer,” replied the fower-girl, Ina trembling voice, whose agitation could not conceal | tts melody. “You do not knowhow Lt have veen threatened, nor with what. Ob, {tis dreadful!” she face with her bean added, as sue covered her lov tiful hands and stifled her “Dear Lauretta,” said Mortimer, gently, there is | ba. fome mystery here which | do not understand. I not aid you in any way? Why are you in Lonijopt Why in this public place It i more than year Can | since I saw you. Your friends in the country——” “fricnds! They were wy enemies! exclaimed the Girl with great bitterness, and dropping her banda, Why am I in London? Because—becauso—alas! how ii young gentleman of the © whom she thought her can a modest maiden tei Wicked proposals of th friends? But, baston away! for yonder comer the Do not jet her see you, one in whose power I ain. for she will detect that you are a friend and guard Seainst our meeting ‘wean. Away! move away @uickiy—there, hasten! ge bebind that tree.” Indnitely surprised by her mahaer, Mortimer PLE SHEET, 5 SIBALLA, THE SORCERESS, obeyed quick!y and was instantly behind the creat oak which towered above ‘uc Little booth, and which effectually hid him and is companion from any one standing before the boot, It seemed very undignite. to one so proud as Mor- timer Clair to retreat 80 precipitately, and his cheek barned as he did #0; yet tue extreme agitation, and even terror, with which Laaretta bad appealed to him, and bis amazement at all that he had heard forced him to comply with lr request, He whispered to Flaydiia to remain silent and bent his ear to learn more «f the mystery which had filled bis bosom with miuzied emotions of doubt, Jove, faith and anger. Little more than two y had passed since he frst saw Lauretta, and sie was then a villaze maiden living with one who claimed to be her aunt. I¢ was tien in the country seeking to clear Up a dark mystery which had saddened the life of his mother since his birtu, 4 mystery yet unsolved, and which had imparted unat grave and thoughtful expression to nis handsoiae face; for Mortimer Clair could not say and prove that his father had ever been married to his mother, nor that he had ever seen that father, nor that bis father ved. ay While seeking taformation secretly In the village tm whigh his mother asserced that she had become the lawful wife of a gentieman who had suddenly and mysteriously disappeared few months before the birth of Mortimer, he had met and loved Lau- retta Mansfeld, who had returned bis love and Promised to be his wife on the first of the next year. ‘The supposed aunt of Laurette, Dame Martha Mansfield, though not weaithy, had the reputation of never being in want, aad owned the little house in which she and Lauetta lived a vety secluded fe, Yet the villagers wondered why Dame Mansfield Hved so much to herself, sud was go jealously Care- falin keeping Lauretta aimost @ prisoner. Still, she failed to prevent the a/quaintance and courtship of Mortimer and Lauretta; for, from tha very begin- ning, she never suspected tat the maiden, led by the hand of fate, had one day rambled into the meadows, glad to escape even for an hour, from her | | al lelelzl | | lonely home, had met a handsome young gentleman, had conversed with him, dreamed of him, met him in secret again and so on until one ‘day Mortimer Clair pressed his lips to Lauretta’s and sald:— “On the first day of nexi year I will return to Bay- burg and claim your promiss to be my wife.” All this was unknown to Dame Mansfield, yet when the first day of the next year arrived Mortimer was in Bayburg to claim his bride. She was not there, nor could the villagers teil him where to seek her. Dame Mansfield had disappeared with the maiden as suddenly and mysteriously as she had arrived in Bayburg ten years before with that maiden, then @ child scarcely ix years old. Heartgore and sad, and with this new mystery heavy upon his soul and that other mystery of bis father still pressing upon his brain, Mortimer Clair Fad returned to London to find in bis mother’s house another mystery in tle person of little Flaydilia, whom Madame Clair hud found lying half frozen and senscless upon her doorsteps one old and suowy morning while her son was away. There was astrange and startling likeness to his lost Lauretta in the atures of the littie waif, who “sr, could not remember aught of her past except that her name was “Pla,” and that she had been wander- ing about London for many montis, no doubt, with an old woman who treated her cruelly—as the many brulses and scars upon her tender body proved—and fually that she had es from the ola woman and wandered here and there until she sank to sleep ex- hansted upon the hard st hear ted Madame Clair had ne steps where the gentic- ad her, Her grace and beauty, her helplessness and her re- markable resemolance to ‘Lauretta, drew the noble heart of Mortimer Clair closely to the friendicss ehid, and be named her Flaydilia wod called ber master. ik Waa no Wonder, then, that he was amazed upon recog nizing Lauretta, whom he had given up as faise or lost to him, nor that he was surprised to finds maiden so pure and w st as she bad appeared when he sought her love, showilly, scantily dressed and selling Mowers in a market place, a mark for jest», insults and the rude badinage of the vnigar, the rude stare of the vi ous of every class, He had not been long behind the tree when he heard the accents of a harsh and angry voice apeak- ing to Lanretta—a voice w ch mingled the deep tones of amon with the sharper topes of # woman, an if its owner used each by tarns, ‘How? eried this voi “Not sold # wreath since 1 left you! Idie husay, you shall scream for this to-night if something doesn’t happen in the meantime. 1 thought your beauty, such as it is, would attract purchasers, but you ave beon here mo re than an bour and not sold a flower." “i have beard that “voice before and to-day,” thought Mortimer. “Heard it bawling loudly in some market piace.” The sharp clasp of the litte nand whicn clung to his made him look down at his companion, and he waw that the child was trembling violently and had become ghastly pale, while every feature in her face expressed unbounded terror. He knelt npon one knee, and ,casting nis strong arm around her drew her tenderly to his bosom, say- ing wortiy, he “My little pet, are you sick? Whatr’ ‘The child clasped her littie arms around kis neck tightly and murmured, “yp hear her! Thear her!” ‘ “Whom? Do not be airaid, my darting,” whis- pered Mortimer, soothingly, for Flaydilis trembied fo fearfully as to alarm him, “ptay with me, brother, Do not let her have me . KEW YORK HERALD, SU SIBALLA, THE SORCE RES. AS Tt Is the old woman who nsed.to boat me sy,” repled Fiardilla, “Ah, then, I will have to look at her,” thought Mortimer, rising and holding the child on bis left “There, darling, hile your face in my mantic, for I must see who this old wretch 13, by all means,” replied Mortimer, adjusting his velvet mantle 80 that the chiid’s features could not be seen and moving from behind tne tree. She who continued to rate Lanretta did not at first Perceive him, and therefore he had ample time to study her matignant visage without her knowledze that so keen and sagacious an observation was going on, “Ah, it ts Siballa, the Sorceress he mentally ex- claimed, as he recognized the haz. “Now, what has Siballa, the Sorceress, to do with Lauretta 1” “Idle hussyj” cried Siballa, shaking her staff, which was fashioned like a serpent, and raising It as if about to strike the shrinking girl, “it is well for you that you are on the greon, for I do not wish to draw acrowil, or I'd lay tis on your dainty shoulders,” She was a large and p werfal woman, old, but as mascular’as an athicte. Her arms, bare to the shoulders, were statned with vermilion and painted here and there with black and caballstic characters, and as she gesticulated the muscles stood out hard and distinct, like great cords, She wore a kind of crown fashioned of misletoe and hemlock twigs, beneath which her flesos vray eyos sparkled with evildesires, A long and dingy gown, which on hai been crimson, covered her heavy, burly form and tratied for at least # yard behind her. ‘The hag was vexed in spirit, for the day had been unprofitable to her purse at her own booth, which was in another market place. No one had consulted her all that day to ask her aii in prying into the fu- ture, great and dreaded as was her reputation, for a ival hal swept away all her custom »y miking small gifts to all who consulted nim—arivai who made much show and parade, and dargpto ridicule her powers of prophecy, and sneered at her wisdom, Thus she stood before the flower booth boiling with a wrath she dared not vent upon that rival, but eager to overwhelm the help!eas. “Do you know, idle wretch, that T have not taken in a shilling all this day?” she cont'nued. cally knave who calls himself ‘Wise Josephus’ has attracted aul my trade—but I will be even with him yet. And behold you have not sold a fower! What do you mean? Did you sing as 1 bade you, to at- tract customers? Did you pipe up with that fine voice of yours?” “T have not sung. I cannot sing so londly, 80 op- goenely as do those boid nower girls over tnere,”’ re- Plied Lanretta, pointing at several boottis, whose owners were females of the commonest stamp, and whose shrill voices clamored for customers in vile verses, “And did you not sing? I gave you a new batlad to learn, Youcan read as well as any clerk in Lon- don. Dame Mansfield taught you that, and you can sing like a nightingale. Are you too good to earn arm, | | | “A ras- your dally bread?” “Tam not too good to work, Sibatia, bat Iam too good to sing the vulgar ballad you gave me.” “Hear the proud fool. | wrote the ballad myself, end she ts too good to sing it, while she mopes and lets those wenches jet @!l the custom, Out on your modesty 1 With these words the enraged heg lifted up her crooked staff and struc’ Lauretta a sharp blow upon the shoulder. She raised the siaff again to repeat the brutal deed, but with a leap like that of a leopard Mortimer Clair sprang forward, snatched the staff saying as be from her hand and broke |t in tw: pushed her headlong to the ground; “Witch, but that you cl im to be a woman, though you are more of @ devil, | would belabor you toa jelly.” nae ‘The sorceress was much amazed at this unexpected assault, and fors moment remained heaped ap on the grass, ataring at her areailant. CHAPTER TT. THR SORCERESS AT BAY. The mishap Of the sorceress Was not anseen by those near the booth of the flower girl, and in an in- stant, and before Stbaila had scrambied to her feet, a motley crowd was rnnning toward the spot with al that eagerness which tnfames the vulgar on behold- ing a scene of strife. “Come, Lanretta,” said Mortimer, bastily, “T will protect you. Come with moto my mother’s house, Let this evil-eyed bag atteroptto provent it if ane dare.” Sihalla, however, who had by this time risen from the ground, sprang toward Lauretta with ber hands wide stretched to seize her, ex aiming— “What! you two know each other! Girl, if you dare forsake me for him I'll have vengeance on yon both—black vengeance | “1 will see to that, detest ie Witeh,” replied Morti- mer, as he stepped between the vindictive hag and the trembiing Lauretta, fell from the face of Play- ognized the child with Ashe did #0 his manti dilla, and the old woman @ how! of mingled rage and wonder. “Pia! He has got Fla! Ah, you little sprite of ob- stinacy,"’ she added, brandishing her fists and glaring atthe afrighted child, “you dared to eacape from your good old grandmother. Bat il have you back if there is any law in England.” “Yon are not my grandmother,” orted the child, “Brother Mortimer, save me." A crowd had now swarmed around the spot—a crowd composed of apprentices, tradesmen, farmers And idiers, Who, prepossessed by the noble air of Mortimer and the beauty of those he protected, began to revile the hideous old woman with cries of scorn and hate. “out agen, the old witoh | said a binff-facea conn. tryman, flourishishing a stout oaken staff, “Witches stould be burned. What! this old hag pretend to be the grandmother of that of hat pretty child '" A wishes to use her in her sorcery," cried Ditve her off the green.” “Pelt ner, my frienta,” said Mortimer, as reveral ‘Stop, rushed forward aa if men ine Maitreat the scowl old woman, Who faced scovers with ap - NDAY, OCTOBER 18, 1868,—TRI SIBALLA, THE SORCERESS. ragol viesise. “Do not barn her but ma’ ve aml Gus young waly, wo vas been ba lly used by thse d workin, Ching to mv ava, Lauretia, aid we wili hivry away. ? He took of tis velvet mantle and cast it over the Scautiy oad shoulders of tie dower gurl, unwil'tng uh me rude sof the Mob shoud toast Upoy such eaven bless you, dear Mortimer,” said Lauretta, as she ciaspe i the manuie aroimd her, “she would have Kuled meu Thad not exposed my ucck wad ar She said it would attract | rade" ay no more Lauretia, You can explato all when we reach iny mother’s house,” replied Movtimer, as they moved away in haste. sibs la woud have pursued had she dare 1, but the menacing aspect and shouts of te crowd war.ed her that she tad best look to her own safety, Sorcery was ex realy uapooular in chat and, in fact, the late fratricigal* Kinz, Elward {V., had compassed the deata of igs brother George, Duke of Clareace, by accus.ng him of tue crime of sorcery. piballa, hovever, though she professe) to foretell and prophesy, clained that sue received ler power iron gvo.l spiriig and that she deait with nothing evil, nor had any formal accusation ever been made inst her, Some secret friend of powerful infu- we at court also protected her, and she could show @ perinit from no meaner hand than that of the King giv.ng siballa Thornbuck the mght to foretell and receive pay therefor, ‘Still sie Was hated as well as feared by the people. because of her furious temper and bitter tongue jomed to the general belief buat ali sorceress necessaruy had dea tugs with evil sp ris in d.vers suapes, and sometnes with the father of atl evil himself; feared because it was eurrently reported that none who dared to offend her bad ever pros- pered after—that some mishap was sure to befa.| the oifender, ‘Tuas she was regarled with dark feetings by all, and uniny who lad hitherto avoide t her baleiul 2aze Bow book courage from the nuwuber of ler revilers and clainored for her puntsameut, ‘The eutreaty of Mortimer, a3 he left the fower boon, restrained the vioease of tue crowd bat for & moment. ant waen a voics shouted, “Let us cudzel she witch )* a scove of o hers reyeated the cry. cioalla, perceiving her danger, looked avout for Qn open og to escape, but saw that she was con: pletely ueuimed in by adeep circie of dashing eyes, augry faces aad outstretched arag. ‘Though alt shouted “Beat ber !' “Cudgel hor!” “Tear ler to pieces!’ all waited for 80 ne vu to be- gio the atiack, for finding Might finpossible ths de+ verate hag had drawn a great katie from under ber gown aad defied her enenies. “Cowe on, ye rascally dogs!” she screamed, as she flourished tue glittering steel over dead. “Who says ‘Beas her? Here she ts, Come on, my bold oucxs! Who wishes the tirst taste of my kuder It won't burt—ou no! Don't be afraid, my chitiren of the devil, its point and ed.es are poisoned, my dears, dust a soratch on your hides and 1's all up Wita you. You'll die veiore thy day’s out. ‘Thit is ail, Co.ue on, my lads. Lay ou, my boys. ‘ue vid Woman 1s uot afraid. She won't hurt you—oh no!” Thus sneering and threaie.ing the tierce sorceress stood at vay, delylug and. jeering by turns. « There was ucu suouting by those Wav composed the outskirts Quad ceutre of the circle around her; but those in the front raak sbraus from the terrivie glare of her ilery eyes, tne glitter of her poisonsd Kuule, aad the desperate race aud hate wulca dia wrted her hideous, scarlet visage, aud spiu tered __ of fvam from her grinning Weta and purple inven the bluff-faced countryman with the stout oakenu sluil, reco: ed as she dar ed w giance of fury wt him, siricking as she shoo« her kniie at hin. “Coue, cludhopper, try your suit aguinst my knife ! Chaw bacon, you are a coward |” At this moment aa incident occurved which added to the grow.ng terror of the superstivous um A harge owl suddenly fluttered dowu with heavy, Happing wings from the tree near the vooth aud perche ; on tue head of the s rcecess, ro'lag his con staring eyes about him and suapping his horny bi pivalla recognized the bird, as he fiutvered from the ies, a3 oue of her uncouth pets which had es- caped row her booth (hat mornuy, The ugiy bird dad recognized the voice of hsm sire*s, aud” being huugry acer his truancy, naturaily soucut tue pres- poe oue Wao supplied his voraciiy w.th daiuty foo the mob, however, imagined this mass of featuered ugliness as one of Lue servant demons of the sorceress coumg to her aid, aud teil back bastily as wie called out:— “Are you there Philip? Look at the rascals, Philip! Be realy to tear their eyes out, my pet inen seraich the face of that clodhopper,” she ad ted, pouting at a far.ner Whose eyes Were expadued Wiill terror as he gazed at tue bird. Tue owl, tramed to understand and obey every gesture of 113 misiress, BWoOped wl the feeutor with @ hoarse cry, and yashed his cheek wiih a swill clutch of tus sharp and powerfui claws, the buor, wiy unagined the devil was in the bird, roaret witi pain and terror, and piunged head.oug into tue crowd, yelung at the top ut us voice: “Save me, good people! Save me frou the devil bis anzeis!? A 8uia | tung will often strike a mob with a panic, and, istead of lookin, to te safety of the lucaless voor, every nan, Womaa aad Cuild Hed ta laugaavie hasie aul co.fusion. ‘rhe owl futtered heavily around his mistress, as if drawing a magic circie for her protection, and the: dazzled by ine rays of the eun, agaia perched lia. sel. upon ler head, miboling her ear, as Was his cu* tom when tte desired food, ‘rue mob, however, guncing back over their shoul- ders, limagined that the ow! was imparting diabolical scuemes tO tie sorceress for their punisiinent, and did not pause uniu ata cousiderable distance. ‘There they halted to take hote of ihe movements rceress, Who had made no attempt to pur- My as they Lad feared. i'd give aton of hay,” suid the farmer with the bleeding ccek as he caught breach, “to wruig the weck of that owl May tue flend take i’? “ihe fend is in the bird,” repied the bluff-faced countryman With the stad. “When it dari ode, | made at it Lo strike it down, aod, asl ana Lvuns onan, my tad, iny cu we. cut through it with- out turning @ lealuer.” “Let's peit the witch, Robin; @ party of the etty gallant “yphey are servants of a A tue HORS? must be eof riders ri here goes ountrymen moved ve way before the udvanece of jarmed and re.clad Med, & Whose whose name handed down to poscerity—as invamous. He Was aman im the prime of young imantood, being nov quire thirt ears of age; Yot lis dark aud s.nister face, ¢ its manly appeared iar older, ihe craft and ¢ od io scheming ambition and mercies cruety already wrinkled the chee} the brow Oi lehard of Glow aud, He sul in tis steet saddie erect aud stern, and as 1 the greeu lus keen, wary ylauce swept rapiaiy over all. ‘The fora of the sorceress wag at the consploucus Ob,ect, Lor aie stood ia th great circle of peopie whose cries and a d toward he isthe woman | desire to ae," remarked 2 a8 lus eve fell apON Lhe Crinson gown O. Lhe = rf ne Hen.” ; «d Yuiwes, as the pepple Jay for the Sing peor er gree the people, and women turned paie and Iwhen the savage mu;derer of the “Princes the fower” pussed by. While tue King and his party advanced at a rapid trot, thelr ewords aud spars jingling loudly, a nobie- man jounted Ona powerful black @orse and at tended by ball & score OF 8o OF MeMAL-atias ON foul, had already reached the sorceress and reined his siwed uear her. {his nobleman was a man well advanced in years, yet vigorous aud active, thougn tis loag balr aud beard were quiie gray. Like tue Kfag, lie was clad in conpiete panoply of wteel, bat woe bis helinet with the visor up. His features were dark, cruel avd cunning in ueir expression, and his voice excerd stern and hareh as he abruptly addressed the What means this rabble romt? Have any dared to sliow you uisreapect, Sibaila Thornvuc “Ay, wy Lord, aad if Ut ared Woud murder ne, (ie cowardy knaves, isut here vd he King, for whose sigh Manual these rascals show no re- spect. But, my Lord, i have just veea rovved of the wri Laur wtobved | What mean yon, Sibatia? Have you lost her’ demanded tie hobie hastiiy, while” his harsh vo.ce showed mucit egi'ation. ~irne, Lord Roger, A gallant, marvelously ike him wuo siveps in the chest, but now suatched her from me aud hurried away with her, Tt would have pursued, if but to do no jure than learn where he lives, but the mobstook his part aud were about to murder me,"" Hefore Lord Roger De Montford could reply the King arrived upon the «pot, and scarcely dei ning to notice the noble sald to Sibaila: “Worn, are you sie Whom they call Sibaila, the Sorceress!" “My lege, T am no sorecress, That is 8 name Which my cnemies have fixed upon me that they may destroy we. Lam an hou lemale seer, who, by tue help of good angels, can foretell the evil which lurks in the fature of ail who consult me, My name, , i# sibalia Thornbuck, and | bear tie mannal of the noble Richard ——"" . We know that we were persuaded by Lord Koger be Montfort to aMx our royal signature toa parcument granting you certain extraot Until now we have never seen yor ou look not Hke one to whom aay angel, good or bad, Would give aid, though there is mucit ‘of the devi! in your face. “My face Is. as God made ft, your grace," said Si- balla, while her red eyes flashed with resentment even against the king. ‘tle fashions the faces of wouen abd shapes the forma of men as He sees ot? “You are over bold, hag," cried the king, whose sensitiveness to @ught that hinted at deformit; wioced under the covert sneer. “But you # faisely, Vice and lust have made up the ugliness of your face. We have heard of your strange powers And Would put them to the test. See to it that you ue at th eae entrance of onr palace at the hour of ten Having #pokén these words, Richard glauced keenly at the face of Lord Roger and rode away, fol- lowed by his escort, “Pall back, knaves,” Lord Roger to his at- tendants, ‘i have something to say to (his woman.’’ His followers obeyed and the sorceress drew very panwlad the noble, Who bent in his saddie aad whis- Perot see the treats me coldly. He suspects me as he does every one.” = SIBALLA, THE SORCERTSS, nama”? sail the rash young noble, as he advanced ar Laue tte. Jaiv insteatly p'aced Fi tit himselt Tae to ine me doawlag tie sword bu. f SIBALLA, THE SORCERESS, - | “Tfas he cause, my lord?” asked Sibalia, sharpl, “Whagis that to yeu, Sibatia? You are'to mave &@ private au Lence with tao Contrive to dias. pate Lis susp cions.’” Jt Was Siva ge (hat a nob'e 80 noted for his weal’ h ad fierce cuaracter as Roger de Moatfort siould use @ Loud of deep respe Laat even of cepentene rdil'a upon the wth Sir simon, ner tor- ie said nothing a8 he di i this, but his eye s’arp de iance with (hose of sit Sine toward « creature so base and despivavle as sibala z Thornbuck, chvel by Moraum-r's bearing, whi,yed out be Sore iyoterious tie bound them together tu all yor. saying — their sch oines—a seeret yet poweriul Ge, kaovO as Ow upaia! do you dare lay your band on your yet only bo thease. Vos. Word at me”? Ay, uborting, and araw it on von as rendil I Mortiner, as his sword ‘ea ed front An |, Wilha singie stroks, seat orb 0a" bi ur, ereatly ty the wonder of that y’ \s “twill do al taat f ean, my lord,” reptiet Sibatly, | gravely; “but in te (ine Waat 18 to be dong About LAW et a? She nas been torn from me, as | 1 and by agallant who resewubies slrangey the ioe rascal, man wh» sleeps in the cuest.” | was to those w tan hea: ing like vie ful in your expressions, Stbatia,” said o. tire faling upon gunpowde. instantiy Lord Roger. ‘Vo you kno y the gallant the ery of *Swors!a tight! was reise! anda “No, my lord, nor ever saw lilin belore, But Tl have More to tell you. Yourewme.uber the little girl, bia, ated her?” ‘Ay, What of her? Have you recovered her? | Ting of exci'ed s ectators belted im the gentlemen id the two tvemblng g ris. Sim n'y sword had town too far for him to re ain itece tt had been trampled upen and broken Have you sven or heard aught of her?” dewanded | by tie heavy hobualed brogans ef the mob. But the novice eageciy. histw ler and mere formidaile companion’s sword ‘Ne sume gallant who snatched away Lauretta | was out and smmediacely crossed that of Mortimer. ed in his arms that very cuilu.’? “You may disarm a boy, my back frient,” sald fen she lives? Sir Paro \, tauntingly, ag ‘he ba tied an attempt of “Lives, and is well cared for by no common per- | Mortimer to da h tis sword from his grasp, “but not son, if | may Judge by his dress and bearing. Now, | me.’ mark this sudden conjunction of evil presage to you, sir Barton Woolfort, a mere adventurer and bra‘ my lord,” said the sorceress soleinuly, = “fue King | famous for tis courage and skillas a brawler, ant is evidently suspicious of your joxaite bane, Kulshed by tdward TV, for his desperaie valor at upou Whose possession so uch depeuds, Is snatche the baite of Barnet, had been employed by Lord from my contro. by oue of whou | have no know- | Rozev, Earl of Montiort, to attend upon hs wild and ledze, but whose form, ar and features are the Lv- | reckless heir, Sir Simon Vagrim, ani therefore ing tinage of the man in the chest, und who is the | never iatled to stand fairly and squarely in behalf of protector of the child Fia, who should be either dead | the young libertine, or in our power, As ilve,”? she excluimed, and Ashe spoke the above words a sharp thrust of poindng lowards a distant booth, “theve stands the | Mertimer’s sword tore y his mask o1 white vel- unknown gullant now, with Lau etta aad tue child. | vet and revealed hiseswarthy, war-s asone! visa: Cau We not manage to separate tie u fruin their pro- “Take care, youns sir,” cried @ Voice in tue ring of tec or and rega.a possession of btn??? spectators, “Lhat is Black Bartoa you are fight @ will try, at least. Follow me, Siballa,” re- | tug!’ plied Lord Roger, eageriy. “stove cauuously, uy lord, or le may take the alarm and evade us in the crowd.” Lord Oger gave a few orders Lo his (ollowers, who imme linte y dispersed in varivus d.rections, though all hye couverged towards tie boot bee Wilca Mortimer Clair and his two companions were slauding. “Were he the black devil T would not fear him,” replied Mortimer, assal.ing the notorious bully with asklland resolution which taxed the adventurer’s deience sorely. Z “iets no plgeon. He aims to ki'l,” muttered Sir Barton, as le was forced back, inch by hich, beiore @ anare more formidabie than any be had ever met ip mon. “Gads allve !” exclaime4 the same friendly vote “the youn gentieman will pink the court bully. At him, Mortimer, at him! and, by Faustus! tato him bravely!’ the speaker added, as the sword of the youns gentie nan beat aside tiat of Sir Sunon and Was thrus: eur to the bit guards throu zi tue throat CNAPLER MT. THE CLUB OF THE PRINTER, After leaving the viciuity of the sorceress Mortimer Clair, with Fiaydilla ou bis lett arm aud Laurette clinging to his rigut, had direct-d bis steps towards one of Lue gates of che muciosuie, intending to uasien | of the bu ly. to lus mother’s house, ‘The wounded man uttered & cry of rng and pain, ‘They Lad reached the gate when Flaydilla cried | ant feli teavily on the green swacu. He wae out:— scarcely there when Mortimer’s fovt was upon his “Brother, we are going home and have no flowers | breast, wh le ho reached forward, graspei the collar for motner.” of Sir Simon, and with astonishing quickness hurled “True, uy little pet,” replied Mortimer,” and that | the young baronet across the bodv of sir Barton ere must not be. I hardly think tiat tie sorceress will | tue latter could struggle to his fect. dure to molest os again, especially as | see that the In another instant Mortimer tore off the mask of peuple huve surrounded ber. We wul go buck aud | Sir Simon, and gaced sternly into te nobie’s pale Purchase a garuad.’? far “Mortimer,” whispered Lauretta, in an anxious It was a fair and handsome face, more suttab'e to tone, ‘do nut look arouad just yet, Are you listen- | a woman's form than that of @ man, yet withal & ing’? face fulof evil expression, cunning, and treachery, ‘Could you speak to me, Lauretta, and ask me | it was nut a cowurdly face elt.er, 0° the ips and thaty’? cin were resolute and aggress.ve ta the.r incall, and “thank you, dear Mortimer, But do not look | the eyes keen sud deflaut even tucn, Wh le tie sword arouud yet, for | au sure we are foliowed.”” of Mortimer Clair was at the throatof thetr owner, “By whom, Lauretta t’” Sir Barion could not rise, ag Sir Simou lay across his chest, and the kace of mortimer was pressing * td two yo geutiemen dressed as mummers.” “lf they wie dressud a3 mum.uers how do you | sharply upon the breast of the young baronet, while the victor <aid, sternly :— know that ae ure gentlemen, young or old?’ asked Moitimer ag they crossed the green, yet not looklug | ‘Ask pard yu, rir Simon, of the lady you presumed back.’? to imsust, or see th: light of day no more." “oh, they twice stopped at the booth where you Agiance at the resoiute fave which irowned upon found inc, and asked Ww purchase Mowers, oferimz | him to.d Sir Simon that the victor was not a man five umes the price I stated wf 1 would permit tuew | whose threats were mere winl. He saw specdy ty Kiss be—' death tn the blazing orbs fashiug over uim, yeti@ “the rude scoundrels |’ exclaimed Mortimer, mude no appeal for mercy, though his cheek and ilps ing with jealousy. grew deatuly pale, “They to.k me to be like these bold girls in the “Devil! he criet, glaring hate and deflanc? es he other buoths, Mortimer—an, it Was base and crue! .n | scowled at luis conquecor, “1 defy you! vo you tuink that oid Woman Lo eXpuse @ miudest gurl to such | @ Vazram will apologise to a trull?’ T trembie lest you, Mo. timer, tuink jess of “Liar!” said Mortimer, as he drew back his hand to give force to lus intended tirust, “ole is purer 10 more of that, Lauretta,” taterrupted Mor- | than the wother who bore you!” timer, quickly. “My faith m your puruy is un- “Do not slay him, Mortimer !’’ exctatmed Lauret suuken, dearest gril, and | Know you can readily ex- | who lad sprung forward aud grasp the powert pian ul. us 800u 48 We Can Converse in peace. But | arm of her lover. “vo uot, for my sake! Oh, tt 1s @ of tue Maummers—iow da you discover tuat they | dread ul tug to take a human life! Spare him 1"? were young geaewea? Ah, it is irae,” he added, “ihe Eari of wentfort !” shoute | sone one in the after a quick @d apparently careless gusace over us | crow i, “Way tor the Earl of Montfort " suvulder, “we ure loiowed b/s two muwimers, Yielding re.uctantly to the entreaties of Lanretta masked aod in quaumt disguise, Bai ted me way you | Mortimer with irew a | ed or two froin his prostrate tulak (hey are not of the ravbley” antagon.st and turned to confront one whose name Before we give the reply of Lauretta it may be | and Ute struck lis ear with terrible torce. well to state Lo the untulorued reaser, if any are Tne Earl, conspicuous in his lofty #sat upon his uuiniormed in these days of geverai education, What | coal black war s*eed, erect and formidable in bear- Was meant by the term “iunuuuiers,” @ Word which ing, and scowling angrily as he ursed his horse has almost gove out of use, thougd commun iu tue | siraizht though the deise circle of spectators, Ume of which we write. reined up as he entered the space 1n the celitre of the un ali holidays many disguised themselves in | agitated tarong. masks and fantastic dress 8, olten of the most ab- His face fushed deeply red as his first g'ance fell gura aod Jaoguable as Wei us of tue most repu.sive | upon the foris of his son and Sir Barton, then in the designs, and thus atured stroiied through tue sireets | act of rising from their unpleasant position, or jested aud danced around te market piaces, Lauretia and } laydilia clung to Unir protector as siuging and carousing. they saw the scarlet visage of the evil- yx sorcere: Bioud and course oumor, rude practical jokes, | karing at them as she stood Lear the carl, glar pleased the taste of the age, and the wid aud ret babe tee ‘ai them and eager to pounce upoo thew ous of botu sexes delighteu in the iminunity adorded | her hapless prey; whi.e the hideous bird of night, by disguise to revel unknown. Nob.es aol gentry | perched upon her tangled yellow hair, fanned the as wel ag the lowest ranks of the populace, thus | bloated cheeks of his mistress with his broad, heay attired, used their d.aguises as mucu for Lgut und | winss, and rolied bis enormons eyes about him witl serous Lnurigue a8 for sport. a@ horrible siare. Taese Maskers were teruned “mummers” in the “What ineans this disgraceful scene?’ demanded days of icuard LIL, and two of tue were evident- | Lord Koger, in @ harsh, disasrecabie voice, a8 his ly followiag Mortimer Clair and his co.upanions, | deepset eyes flashed rebuke upon nis son and Sir whether through huri.ess curiosity or Wicked intea- | Barlon; aud, for the moment forgetting the sorceress, tion could not be wid, “Simon Vagram, what rout 1s this: “you see that there are two of them,” replied Lau- AS he repeaied this inquiry his eyes for the first retta * One in @ bive dress trimmed with silver | time feil uvon the haughty, yet noble face and form lace, and tue other in greea aud goid. Boil wei of Mortimer Clair, whose dark aud steady eyes were siuilar inasks. but he in geeen und gold 18 the chi fixed earnestly upon his features, i believe they are young nobies—at least eue of An ashy pallor swept every siade of crimson from them—and the over is of the gentry, First, the imi the face of tue earl as he stared, open mo tera of thea dress is new aud very costly, the u o.ng genticman whose flery gaze votces are sooth, and their ianguage, thuza vul- | search and p ere his soul, Lord Roger t gar in meaning, correct and po.isved in utterance. | is sadd.e and he seemed so taint and sick, 1 noticed, too, Liat bow Wore gold spurs, aud no | deathly pile, that the sorceress, whose keen eves e inierior to that of a knight is permutied to wear | were suddenly turned upon him, grasped hus irom byen you, Mortiiner, tuoaga of the gentry no | gloved band and cried warning! cannot wear gol teu spurs.” fake care my lord, Be e of the Mortimer eunilet at this recnark, and then suddenly These words recal ed the courage of the earl. looked grave, saying:— dark tace burned with shame and wrath, te drew “some day | way wear them with hereditary riait | his sword husaly and perceiving that his guards ese tWO way gullanta; at present what | had arr.ved upon the sp ted out: to Wear tues Woo willl Iny sword.’ “Seize and bind that man! Seize him instantly! fush- Pp 4 & momeat as Wf in doubt, aad then Bint and gag hin taking @ par of golden spurs trom his bosoa | “Buck! shouted Mortimer, undaunted by the stuoped and yuckied the. nus Hels, overwhelming odds so suddenly arrayet ajainst “Ah, then you ate @ kul exclaimed Lauretta, | him. “What right has Robert Vagram, Parl de amazed, “i knew you Were @nowe by nature, Mor- | Montfort, to order my arrest?” u batt did not know that you were a kt suit’? His bearing Was 80 bold, his alr 80 nob'e, his hand- 1ou Will not love me Jess for that, Lad some and glowing face so prepossessin at the “Love you lesa, Mortimer! Alas, why guar ls ed, whie the _ who bates Karl 4er began to murmur loadly. “AY. why arrest a gentleman who has merely de love me?” “Because you are beantifal and innocent, Lau- retta, ut Waat more of the manners?” ied bis Bisters?”? Mec tell me why you puton tiose spurs, brother “these proud lords think the people have no mer?’ asked Fluyatlia, rights f e forgets taat he is no born noble. As, and thar had noble Earl Heary livel tli now held ve plain St voger Vagram, the serivener! A tg for his nobility 1”? ’ Bari Koge. alared angrily about him as these cries fell hotly upon fils ears, and he was abo it to repeat clean. a deexed with jeweled rings, 80 that you | bis orders fierce\y, when an elderly gentie:mnan clad see that (hey Lust be at icast of the gentry. besides, | in plain brown ga.b but weartag asword and bad, i heard Ue ove ta blue and silver call lum in greea | of bonor, forced his way to Morduer's side, whi and gold Sir Simon.” the mob shouted:— To warn those maskers that [am _ not to be fol- lowed with iusolout cuss ty. OF perhaps bec whey syga to wnsuit Laurette lo uy pre se ““vhey drew off tieir gloves at the booth,” cont nned Laur “and [saw tuat their hands were far and i is very provable that they are as you suppose, ‘Long lve William Caxton! Caxton, the Lauretta, We will pause at (his booth, and perhaps | prinver i they may pass Sir Sumon, did you sayy" Wiliam Caxton, for the gentleman was none other “Yes, Sir Simon Vagrau, 1 thax,” replied Lau- | than that great pionmver of the press, the first that rete, and as she glanced at her lo ‘5 face sue | ever printed @ book In England, lifted his bat asa i, “Ah, why are you 80 pale, Mortimer?’ rStwon Vagram? You are sure” asked Mor- timer, jaying bis land upon the hilt of bis sword, and haitiug abraptiy, (hough @ui several paces from = for silence, and then addressing Kari Koger, sald — “Be careful, my lord, in ordering the arrest of this gentieman. ie stands high in the favor ct the booth to whiea he had directed hi. s-eps. “You | one waose lecter your lordship bears iu your bosom. made no mustake in the uawe, Laaretiay \ou are cer- | I will vouch for his appearance when and where you tate Uh ein green and gold was called Sir Simon | command. Take care, { say, my lord. He comes | from over the sea. Your lordship kaows my mean- a was surprised at his agitation as he | ing.” spose, Ills face Was usty paic, (houga a bright red | * . hreecheers for WI'tam Caxton, whose types wil spot buracd upon each cheek, tis dark hazel eyes | Nght ali men in Ba slacd to liberty of thought !" cried and his broad whive brow looked | # dep voice [rom one in the crowd. flerces tuan Lauretia bad ever fmagined the Tivee hearty cavers followed these words, for a the noodle brow of Mortiaer Claw coud lovK. mob wil svout oa every and any opportunity. But “| know his companion cal him Sir Simon | the speaker of these words had @ de>p purpose in Vagrem,” rephed Luuretia, decidedly, “Do you | view in thus raising the cry of the crowd and makin, kuow hina?" “the welk n ring.” He knew that the noiwe wou! “It inust be his #ou," said Mortimer, speaking his | hurry hundreds of otuers to the spot to see and hear thoughts aloud, and not heeding Lauretta’s question, | abd ao doubt to ald in beating down the unpopular “the sou of Roger Simon Vagram, now calied Lord | earl and ais armed ftulowers, should occasion de- Re ‘be Montiort. it ia Lnpossibie that he shoud | mand. know me, He may not be so greul @ vulainas bis Wuoile the cheers were still shaking the air, he ad- jutuer, We will see.” vanced fom the mass and stood ut the #.de of Mor- They moved on ani soon stood near the ower | tier, In full view of the earl. booth in which two bold faced, brazen look he young “Here am 1, Nicholas F.ame," he said, as he bran- Women Were seding garlands, wreaths aud bou- | dixhed a formiJable club, heavily sia ided at the end quets. with spikes of tron au incnin lengtu. ‘“iere am I, tae throng of epectators and bmyers was so great | Nicholas F ame, torman of the printers, ready to say that Mortuuer saw tt would be dificuit to force ius | tuat rir Moctuner is as good as any earl | see now | wuy to the flower table uniess lie ieit bis Companion, With these bod words he staced ste ulily tuto tue abo Gis he was unwilling to do. | face of Lord Koger and seeined to dare lis rage. “Let us wait,” he said. “we bave time enough, | fhe Bari reooaaaes th# tail and powerfal min and beside, | wish to see ff those two mummers u- | as one whom he bad not seen for ten] to continue ihe rannoylug pursuit.” a8 one whota he bal hoped was 4 tho It Was then that he wasseea by the sorceress, a4 30.) of Fiauders—as one who, w j@ Rosa, we have narrated, | the late Bari de Montour, lived, was the foster Mortimer, however, was not looking toward Sibal- | brothers of that nobleman. ta, ui kept is eyes fixed upon tie (wo mummers, | — tie recognized him with @ gasp of terror, in wick Who contrived to advance with an tule, saunteriug the amazed sorceress greatly suared; for, on seotny pace, until they huited within a few feet of him and Nicholas Fiame, she screened her ugly form aud his companions, uideous face beaind the horse of the noble: Their masks were plain, though of white velvet, though biesding leaving nothing visible of thetr faces except their had injured no vitwl organ eyes. (hese they fixed rudely upou the beautiul and thrust alone having ove blushing countenance of Lauretia, ne, but his sword ha “so,” said he in green and gold, with @ light | snapped as he feil, and ve was now ormed only with laugh, “the bewuty of the Qowers has fown from her | a dagger. This, however, he was ready to use—nay, roses to roatn with”—here he stared at Mortim: tager to wield; for he was not & man to be easy put down, nor one that ever surank tro.n an affray. “Were I in my steel jacket,” he muttered, as be @ Ared at Nicaoias Fiame, “i'd soon scatter tuls moo oF brawling knaves |” rk Sir Barton,” whispered Sir Simon, “how my father stares wt tie knave wita the club, He inazed. and added, “with—what shall we ca! this gallant, Barton?" 11 him the king of crows,” repited h's compan- alluding to Mortimer’s black garb, " said Mortimer, haughtlly, “I atm the friend and protector of this lady, as you May learn to your cost. Go your way and we wil go ours,” seemns al e “Beat let him alone,” whispered Sik Barton to his Ama.ed but for @ momont, for, rousing himself comrade, “lie is to me, but he wears | witu a powerful effort, Karl .oger dashed his spurt stran, spurs and is no country simpleton, a§ we thought. | into the danks of his horse, and as the autmal leaped Come, there is tight in his face and eyes,’ | forward with @ mighty bound, raised bis sword, “The girl pleases me, Barton; and though she is a ting— 7 prude, this tall fe.low shall not rufile it so loudly ut down the villain with the club! Guards, you may leava| replied Sir ‘simon, petuny “ea hae ae sturdy f ft did leap J mn, pel y. atardy foreman of the printers not “Bal | Barton Woolfort fearest nothing,” said the | aside or attempt to avoid tie onset. other, ‘Your father bays my sword for your attend: His massive club swept through tho alr with @ ance, and I have drawn it often tn your wiid frolica, | sinzie rapid sweep, and as tt crashed loudiy upot nd will do so again, Sir Simon, but | warn you to | the sieel plate whic guar ed the luretead of the ein poss! enue aoe | Bad airike this, Let the | seed, voth horse aad rider fell heavily 10 theground y 8 a8 fair, Wi Wil clap | a: if siniticd by a buundervolt elf Haida With joy to Feceive your hotice.” | | Ths contiiuariou Ul LAULA, THE SORCERESS “No, there (renee fairer, 1 am amitten through — wii be ound im No, 00 of the NeW YORK WEEK the heart by her beauty. At least 1 will learn lier | now reaty ani for sie uy wil news agents