The Beacon Fire.

" And many a beacon fire hath blazed from its summit , " rejoined Sidroc . " It is said that in the clays of King Alfred the ' Truth-teller , ' there was a sentinel placed there to watch ancl give the alarm in the event of any Danish vessels ajipearing in sight ; ancl once it was the scene of a deed of valour , and of treachery too ; ancl further , it is said that the spirits of those concerned in this event still haunt the spotthough 'tis now nih two hundred

, g years since it happened . " " Ancl dost thou believe the tale ? " asked Aclhelm , surprised at the grave , earnest tone and expression of his comrade . " I cannot do otherwise than believe it ; 'tis true I never saw the apparition ivith mine own eyes , but often have I heard my father tell , in terms that left no doubt in the minds of those who listened to himof the thrilling scenes he

, witnessed on the top of the beacon tower , the Yule Eve of the year 1016 , the year preceding that in which Edmund Ironsides was slain at Oxford , ancl Canute the Dane claimed the crown of England . " "Ancl hath it not been seen since then P " asked the youth . " No ; when it appeareth 'tis always at Yuletide , and it bodes some great change or danger that menaceth the land within the coming year . "

" Ancl doth it ahvays so happen ? " said Adhelm , curiously . " So far as I have heard , always , " answered Sidroc , in a low , solemn tone . " The story haunts me ever as the season returns ; ancl instinctively I have gazed at yonder tower each Yuletide I have passed on these heights , but never yet have I beheld the boding shades . " " Nor ever will , I warrant me ! " cried the youth , laughing . " Comrade ,

methought thou wast above heeding such old wives' tales , which in these Christian days savour of paganism . " A dark frown gathered on Sidroc ' s brow , ancl he seemed about to reply in anger , hut he checked himself , and laying his heavy hand on Adkehn ' s shoulder , he merely said , " There is one below , boy , who will tell the the tale better than a blunt , rough fellow like myself ; one who has himself witnessed the apparition ; see when thou hast heard him , if thou callest it any longer an old dame ' s fable , or a heathen superstition . "

The young soldier smiled incredulously , and shook his head with the superior wisdom of twenty years ; but at that moment their watch was relieved , and they descended the dark , narrow staircase which led from the battlements . A few minutes more , ancl they were seated by the blazing fire in the guardroom , discussing a substantial repast . All the soldiers , save the few who were absent on duty , were taking their ease , ancl horns of- foaming ale , stories and songs , wereas usualoccupying their attention .

, , When Sidroc ancl Adhelm had finished their supper , the latter reminded his comrade of the promised tale . The Saxon looked all round the room , apparently seeking something or somebody , and after peering vainly in every direction , he exclaimed , "Where is Osyth ? " At this summons an old man emerged from the deep shadow of the chimney-corner , ancl advanced towards Sidroc . He presented a somewhat wild appearancehis hoary beard straggling

, in ragged locks far below his waist , and his hair white as flax , scattered in the same dishevelled manner over his shoulders ; he was wrapped in a long blue mantle which completely enveloped him . Alike respected ancl beloved by the rough hard y warriors of the garrison , Osyth held an honoured place amongst them ; his knowledge was accounted something wonderful , according to the ideas of the timesand who was so well acquainted with every Saxon tale and

, ballad as Osyth , the story-teller and minstrel of Dover Castle ? He raised his dreamy blue eyes from the scroll he was perusing , and demanded , in a clear and somewhat imperious tone , "What would Sidroc have with Osyth , the son of Aidan ?" "Tell us the story of Leofwine the True-hearted , " replied Sidroc .