The Woodwose of Cannock Chase — page 7: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE WOODWOSE OF CANNOCK CHASE The figure reminded Dalton of a tapestry no longer on view at Shugborough Hall. A tapestry put away many years before due to age and moth-damage. This tapestry was a depiction of a Woodwose - A Wildman of the Woods - as it confronted some rustics and their herd of sheep. “Yes” thought Dalton, “this thing before me is the ‘Woodwose I remember from that old drapery!” The Woodwose spun its head in the direction of voices. Before Dalton could follow its movements, it was gambolling along the hedgerow and in a few moments was out of sight. The next thing Dalton saw was his old friend Lord Hunstone, accompanied by three other gentlemen on horses. “What's this?” cried Lord Hunstone. “You had an adventure!” “I did indeed, my old friend!” declared Dalton. “Then let’s have you up off the ground and perhaps you can explain to my friends and I exactly what you are doing laying around on a cold day like this?” laughed Lord Hunstone. The two shook hands and while his men retrieved Storm who had gone not too far away, Dalton told Lord Hunstone about the strange creature which had attacked him. Once reunited with Storm - who was still shaken by the experience — the party of men then rode off together to the seat of the Hunstone family - Brockton Hall. As Lord Hunstone led Dalton and the other members of the group up the long driveway toward the hall, he espied a figure on the steps waving a kerchief. He cantered up to discover what was amiss and his butler Lowe — the figure with the kerchief — soon explained all. By the time Dalton arrived and dismounted, the whole household were in disarray. It was soon explained to Dalton that Lord MHunstone’s two daughters had not returned from their morning ride, yet their horses had been found wandering free some miles away by the bailiff. Lord Hunstone looked at Dalton with deep fear. “You don’t think they could have become prey to your hairy Beast?” he asked, with wide eyes. “There’s only one way to discover the fact and reason of their disappearance?’ said Dalton levelly. “We must ride at once along the path your blessed daughters took this morning. Quick! There is no time to lose!” So saying, he summoned Hunstone’s stable boy to his side. “You, boy, pray what is your name?” “Why, Dick it is, Sir? said the youth. “Know you the favoured path for your Master’s daughters to take their morning ride?” demanded Dalton. “Aye, I do that Sir!” admitted the youth. “Then get you a fast steed and come back here at once, that you may lead us in the correct direction!” ordered Dalton. Dick did not hesitate for a moment, and by the time Lord Hunstone, Dalton and the three other gentlemen were mounted, Dick was galloping around the side of Brockton Hall on a young stallion. “Follow me, Sirs!” cried Dick as he struck out down the driveway. And thus, the searching party departed and rode at speed after Dick, leaving Lady Hunstone to be comforted by the housekeeper. As good as his word, Dick led the party across two meadows, the brittle, frozen grass shattering under the hooves of the horses. They jumped the gate at the far end of the meadow and found themselves on a country road. After only a few minutes, a crossways checked their speed. “Well, young Dick, which way do we head?” asked Dalton, “Time is short!”. “On my oath, Sir? said Dick, “Lady Hannah, she has a preference for the road that leads down to Tixall. However, I have overheard Lady Martha say she has a softness for the Milford Hall path Sir.” “Then we will separate in twain!” cried Dalton, “Hunstone, ride with your three friends toward Milford - perchance your daughters have already received aid and hospitality from Lord and Lady Levett. Myself and young Dick here will take the road to Tixall. Do not fear, Hunstone, your daughters will this night be back in Brockton Hall and this will be a tale for supper!” “Onward then, Gentlemen!” cried Lord Hunstone, and he led his friends up the horse path, the beasts’ nostrils flaring and filling the cold air with steam. “Come, Dick!” shouted Dalton, and with that he dug his stirrups deep into Storm who neighed sharply before starting off down the path. “T’ll be right behind you Sir!” cried Dick as he thrust his steed down the same desolate track. CHAPTER 2. TWO LADIES IN LOVE When they had started out that morning, Lady Hannah and Lady Martha had been in a contempla- tive frame of mind. Young John Deane from Blithfield had been in both of their thoughts for some weeks now. Deane had been organising the labourers who were repairing the east wing of Brockton Hall after a lightning storm had started a fire. He had proven able and practical and then had surprised both sisters at luncheon one day by reciting a poem he had authored, extolling the virtues of Cannock Chase. Soon, each sister found herself inventing reasons to spend time in Deane’s company — whether he were instructing the workmen on the repairs, or angling in Brockton Hall’s trout lake. Each of them had on occasion managed to persuade the handsome young man to row them out onto the lake, and had read to him from books they supposed would arouse feelings of tenderness beneath his steely chest. Thus it was that on this morning, Lady Martha had made up her mind that she would raise the subject of John Deane to her sister and steer the conversation toward a conclusion as to who should leave this delicate situation and who should remain. But before Lady Martha could speak, her sister reined in her horse and held a pretty, gloved hand up. “Do you see that man _ over there, Sister?” murmured Lady Hannah. Lady Martha peered in the direction her sister was gazing. NOTICE TO OUR READERS. REMEMBER!—A most valuable present is in prepara- tion, and will be presented to all our regular Sub- scribers with an early Number. Full particulars will be announced in Number 6. OMIGDIOOKS —————— 5) SCOULALA = a