Wisconsin tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1847-1854, 1854-01-19
CHAPTER XII.

CHAPTER XII.
THE NKKrINe IN PRISON.
THERE'S more in your bosom than you
will confess. but by Allah, it shall be drag
ged from you r'
This was spoken by Mohammed, as the
Christian knight of Leon stood bound be-
fore him. AT short distance BEN Ham
ed stood, supported by two attsndants.-
He was weak from pain and the loss of
blood, but his soul seemed strong with
deadly passion.
s'You had better beware how you carry
out your threats" was the Christians an
swer Il have nothing to tell you, save
that which you know"
'And know enough to cause the death
of a score like you. BY the sword of the
Prophet, Christian cur, your head is not
worth the half of revenge I owe you
Three of my knights lie dead by your
hand, and you would have snatched away
my bride. Away with him to prison !"
Not yet, sire" interposed Ben Hamed.
''Let the dog die now"
Away with him to prison. He shall
die soon enough"
Let 1T be now" urged the alcade-
He Is dangerous while alive
No." thundered the king. springing
from his seat and striking his hands to-
gether. His death shall grace my nup,
tial day, and then your fair daughter shall
see his CORY head I'll make her a pres
ent of it, and if she love him as she seems,
twill be right glorious nuptial present.
Away with him, and bid Tarik that he
look well to his safety"
The cords that bound the Christian
knight were strong, but they came nigh
bursting while the king spoke The young
man felt his temples throb and his throat
SWELL but he had no power of utterance.
The kings officers took him by the arm
to lead him away, and without word
he turned from the royal presence
In an hour from that time Charles of
Leon was delivered up at the prison of
Granada. Tarik. the jailor, received him
from the hands of the officers, and took
him away. 1t was not subterranean
dungeon to which Charles was conducted,
but strong vaulted room on the second
floor of the prison. The walls were of
solid stone-so were the floor and the vaul-
ted roof 1t was early morning, and the
light came in through a small loop hole
oAeN$sSo cOihS lSSC GuC uOOT.
In the centre of the room there was a
stone bench. and near it a stout iron bolt
Az attendant had followed Tarik, with
chains, and ere long our hero was secure
ly fastened by a shackle upon each ankle,
to which was affixed chain that was boil
ted to the ring in the pavement Mana
cles were placed upon the knights wrists
and when all was completed Tarik sent
his assistant away.
You've fallen into rather rough hands,
Sir knight said the jailor, ashe arose from
his work
Charles looked upon the stout form of
the old man-for the jailor was old-and
a painful shadow fitted across his face.
L do not mean that I am rough Tarik
added, though my calling is not by any
means gentle one but / think the king
means you little good
The king will not dare to take my life,
uttered the knight.
Don't be too sure of that I have had
younger men than yourself come here by
the kings orders, and
Go on said Charles.
They never went forth 20 the world a.
gain
The young Christian shuddered
My orders with regard to yourself are
not very strict, save that my own life is in
peril for your safe keeping If you want
any delicacies, and have the means. to pur-
chase them, you can be gratifed'
am thankful for your Kindness but
[ know of nothing now that wish which
1t is in your power to give
Charles of Leon was alone in Moor
ish prison The dread sentence of
death, pronounced by remorseless ty-
rant, hung over him A stout heart can
be made to tremble in Chains, and proud
spirit can be quailed in strong dungeon
What ray of hope was there for the Chris
tian2 Only such rs every strong man
feels while life lasts-a hope in chance
Of one thing Charles felt assured and
that was. that the jailor was kind heart
ed man, and this single circumstance gave
him some balm for his misery.
The day passed, and Charles had food
ty as good as he could have desired, though
the man who brought it had no word to
say with regard to payment.
On the next morning as Charles of Le
on was eating the meal that had been
brought to him, the door of his prison was
opened.
'Go in said Tarik, but remember you
will only have half an hour
Charles looked up as stranger entered
the cell
Charles of Leon this is strange meetingr
'Abdallah 7 uttered the knight, rising
to his feet.
Yes, Christian, you see me now as
feared we both should be. These irons
are less heavy than stout armor, but not
SO beautiful to the eye
The Moor was manacled, and his an
kles were chained together, but yet he
could sluf1ie along very slowly without
much 0 .ficuity.
'Wiat brings you here 3 asked Charles.
TIE same that brought you. The king
But wherefore p
That cannot SO readily tell Officers
have been watching me for long time
Perhaps Mohammed fears me-
when were you brought 2