Mineral Point tribune. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1854-1858, 1854-07-06

sentenced to die with them. I escaped
from the strong prison, and | tried to effect
the escape of my mothef, but it was in
vain. disguised myself, and went to the
place where she was to be executed, still
family hoping that something might turn
up to assist me In the accomplishment of
my purpose But my hopes were all gone
when | saw my poor mother led forth to
die an ignominious death. But she did
not die. A dark-eyed maiden sprang
| through the crowd. and rushed to the spot
where my mother was bound. | was So
overcome that | saw but little more but
L soon knew that my mother was pardon
ed, and faint and giddy | moved away from
the spot, When | saw my mother again
she told me that the dark eyed maiden had
saved her life.
shall soon be done, Sir Nandon-
My mother is now de;d d. but amidst all the
thorns and weeds that have grown SO rank
ly in my bosom, | have not forgotten the
love she bore me, nor have | forgotten to
worship the gentle being who saved her
life. That dark-eyed maiden, now grown
into the fading of lfe's bloom, saw il the
cot | visited this evening Nandon du
Chastel, all the gold in Navarro could not
tempt me to do her harm p
The dark knight started up from his
chair, and then sank heavily back again
His face was ashy pale, and he trembled
at every joint
Matteo," he at length said, in hoarse
voice, ''was she the woman you were to
have killed 2"
Yes.n
"Then you know her?"
L know that she saved my mother S
life"
Ay; but do you know more of her ?''
1es-I kn0lO air.
For few moments, Du Chastel sat still.
His trembling had ceased, and the blood
had come once more to his face
Matteo, you know too much p he hiss
ed between his clenched teeth and as he
spoke, he seized his dagger and sprang
upon his companion.
But Matteo had anticipated this move
ment from the first, for his knife was in
his hand in an instant, and he sprang
quickly aside in time to avoid Du Chas-
tells blow.
8 You are quick, Sir Nandon i" he NUT
tered & but | am ready for you. | gave
you credit for this, and so prepared for
it."
The knight struck again, but Matteo
caught his arm and wreDched the dagger
from him then, with one mighty effort,
he hurled him to the floor, and held him
there
Now, Sir Nandon," said Matteo, with
his knee upon the fallen mans bosom, "you
are in my power; but [ will not betray
you. You know me not if you think [
would do that thing"
VIII you swear to keep the living of
that woman secret 2" gasped the pros
trate knight, having given over his strug-
giles to free himself from the iron weight
and grip of his companion.
On one condition [ will give you the
oath" returned Matteo.
What is it 2"
Swear to me first that you will not
seek to do her more HARM" Du Chastel
hesita.ed
"It is but oath for OATH" continued
Matteo. Swear it to me, and I will keep
your secret inviolate"
4" Well. [ swear, then, that I will not do
her more harm" said the knight
. do not trust you, Sir Nandon," said
Matteo. with scorn, for think you would
as soon break an oath as not but prom
ise you in return that | will keep your
secret. Now, get up"
AS Matteo spoke; he arose and turned
towards the door He turned back once
to look at Du Chastel, but he did not
speak; he only shook his fuger men
acinUlv at him and then loft tho aoart
ment.
Nandon du Chastel sat down once more
in his chair. The waxen taper had burned
down till there was nothing left of it. and
the black wick toppled over with a flick
erng glare, aud then all was dark as the
graye-the room was as dark as was the
heart Of him who sat trembling within its
gloom.