The Woodwose of Cannock Chase — page 15: what you’re looking at

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10 THE WOODWOSE OF CANNOCK CHASE fe EER TEREST LIE CNL ORT FL NL “This place is full of ‘em; said Westonby. “Many’s the time out on a hunt when a fox or deer has sought refuge and then been cornered by the hounds. When they comprehend the jig is up, the large stags come out fighting. It’s quite a sight.” “Maybe, but methinks that the creature we saw this morning would make mincemeat of any stag, Westonby?’ said Dalton. Westonby nodded, remembering the fleeting glimpse he had seen of the large, hairy being hours earlier. He was also musing on the look exchanged between Lord Hugh and Dalton and decided to inquire further into the circumstances that had led to such a terrible conclusion. “What do you think came over the boy?” asked Westonby. “How could anyone mistake a woman for such an unholy creature as came at you this morn?” “It ig common among the lower classes that a kind of madness overtakes them at times when a man needs to hold his wits? said Dalton, shrugging his shoulders. “They fly into a panic and know not what they are doing.” Westonby said nothing, but raised a hand to Dalton. “This is it, we should lower our voices now,’ said Westonby quietly. «Follow me and I will show you the dreadful place.” The two men, shotguns drawn, descended the slope toward the mouth of the cave. The snow was beginning to melt as the noon sun valiantly fought to break through the grey cloud, and many of the objects about the entrance — previously hidden from view — now emerged from their white shroud. Dalton saw part of an arm with a delicate hand frozen into a clenched fist. Shreds of dress material and women’s cloaks were scattered around and much of the snow was stained crimson. “The melting snow has revealed more than we could note on our first expedition here? said Westonby, shaking his head at the horrors strewn about. “And what of the cave” asked Dalton, “vou and Hunstone entered it?” «We did, but found only gore; said Westonby, KT] shudder to think of the terror those poor young women endured.” Dalton paused long enough to produce an impression of respect, and then took a step toward the cave. “As familiar as you are with it Westonby, I believe the best course is for you to take the same steps you took earlier” said Dalton thoughtfully. “I will be behind you and ready with my shotgun should anything untoward happen.” “Agreed” said Westonby, and he cautiously stepped over the threshold of the entrance and into the shadows. GRAND DISTRIBUTION OF PRIZES!! — 1,400 VALUABLE PRESENTS GIVEN AWAY WITH: THE BOYS OF ENGLAND, Consistings of Ponies, Pet Dogs, Pigeons, Ducks, Fowls Rabbits, Concertinas, Watches, Cricket Bats, Balls and Stumps, Bows and Arrows, Fishing Rods, Quoits, Boxes of Colours, Sets of Characters, Scenes, Stage Front, etc., ete. CHAPTER 8. SOME DEPARTURES At Brockton Hall, the preparations were complete Six men — including the butler Lowe - had fount horses and all were now mounted and ready, the animals stamping their shoes on the cobbles igith impatience. John Deane had visited the kennels with Dorkins and from the pack of hunting hounds they had selected two of the sharpest. These dogs had had lon leashes ae to their collars and been introduced a garments worn less than a day before and Lady Hannah. 8 te era Once he was sure the hounds had the scent, Deane had given the signal and the party set off doen the long driveway, the hounds leading the way in their eagerness to be on the search. Those left behind to worry and fret could only wave kerchiefs and eal] “Godspeed, John Deane!” The hunting party was soon out of sight, and Mar the chambermaid turned to the housekeeper. “What will we do now, Mrs. Butterworth” asked Mary, her fear getting the better of her. Mrs. Butterworth had worked for the Hunstone’s for most of her life but still she hid her own apprehension from the young girl. “There, there, Mary” she nated the girl’s arm, “we will trust in God and He wil] shake off our doubts and deliver Lady Hannah and Lady Martha back to us before dusk.” So saying, Mrs. Butterworth clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “When Mr. Deane returns with Lord Hunstone and our blessed Ladies there will be a supper tonight as we have not seen at Brockton for some years. Let ug prepare for the homecoming as best we can - there are fires to be laid in the guest rooms, and extra clothin to be ironed and arranged. Cook - go to your nadie and prepare soups, for there will doubtless be eold limbs to warm when they all get back here.” Mrs. Butterworth’s stirring speech did indeed g0 some way to blowing away the torpor and fear that had descended on them all, and soon the household was bustling with activity. y From the moment they had arrived at the crossways the two hounds began straining at their leashes to head off on one track. John Deane and his riders stared in the same direction as if to discern the future as a gipsy woman might peer into a chrystal ball. “They have the scent, men!” Deane cried. “Let them lead us on to our Ladies!” As one mind, Deane and the other six riders allowed the dogs their head, their leashes held strong by Dorkins the kennel-master on his own steed, and all raced along the path which led to the fields. a: * * 2 * Shortly later, in the main hallway of Brockton Hall, Mrs. Butterworth was helping Mary carry baskets of linen to the guest rooms when a commotion outside gave her pause. She placed the heavy wickerwork on the floor and opened the main doors. Outside was an exhausted man on an even more bone-weary horse. Mrs. Butterworth peered closely at the figure, before running down the steps to him. “Why, Lord Hugh, whatever has happened? Did a <SriGO) 5} GEomicboo