, 1863-05-28
The Poisoned Gun.

upon bis sword, for his life had been attempted
more than once. But be smiled ct this causeless
fear, as bis eyes fell upon the slight form Of the
intruder, with It's sweet; youthful ace.
The young girl advanced with timid yet
graceful step, and sank down upon one knee.
"What do you seek, my child?" said the king,
looking with paternal kindness upon the face,
which, with ali It's softness and delicaey Of eoh-
tour, had high and daring look.
~ crave no boon, sire, returned the maiden,
obeying the motions Of his hand, and rising to
her feet-"at least not now. I have come to
warn you Of plot against your life"
| Hal what mean you'll" exclaimed Henry,
IN alarm, his countenance darkening with the
suspicious that were ever ready to spring up in
II viii tell you. But irsi swear, BY the cross
upon your sword, that if you Iind my words
true you viii give ne'the life shall ask Of you"
"f swear" said the king; hurriedly, raising
the jewelled hilt Of his sword to bis lips as be
You dine in siats tomorrow, with The Duke
Of BedfOrdf"
"That was our intention. Bot surely his
grace. our good uncle, has not turned traitor 70
bis kingl"
".N0f iO%y knOwiedge, sire, yet Il is there
that death lies In wait for you'll Listen to me,
and mark my words well, IN fhe banquet hall
you will observe among the serVitors man, tall,
broad d-chested, and strong Of limb, and with
look and bearing ill:beftting be EarB and sta.
ton. Unless weary 81 liies drink not Of the cup
be win present yo1l Neither forget the pro-
mise you made to her who has Fisked more Gidn
life in saving yours."
And before the king could recover from Bis
aslonishment, she was gone.
The entertainment given by the Duke Of Bed
f0Fd n hin rouOl nnnh0uv nennarad u,ifh All
the splendor and magni6cence due to bis own
rank and the ehSrsetef, of hiF llustFipus gdeSt.
A tournament and various Of the fantastic mas
querades, much In vouge ct the time, were pro-
duced expressly for the kings amusement
At their close the doors Of the banquet hall
were thrown open, and, to the inspiring strains
Of music, King Henry entered, followed BY the
Duke, some others Of Che royal family and long
retinue Of retainers.
The table ran nearly the whole length Of The
wide and lofty hall, and was covered with every
variety Of the substantial dishes Of the time and
age. With all the demonstrations Of respect
paid to royalty, the king was escorted to his
seat, which was on slight elevation. Upon bis
right sat his hostf upon bis left the Earl oil
Derby; the rest were seated Sccdfdihg % their
stah6h, The lowest in rank taking the lowest
place.
King Henry; whose couhtenGnee had xofn aif
the morning Q gloomy, disquieted air, glanced
sharply around the hall, where the serving men
were ranged at regular intervals. He started -
bis eye iell upon stalvart man, who bore IN
bic brawny hands gilded salver, upon which
was q silver cup.
"Who Is that, my lord dukei" he exclaimed
By'r lady but hO looks more used to hand.
ling the lance than that bit pf gilded metal y
know not, your majesty" returned the
Duke. He Is . stranger, who, for the day,
takes the place Of my faithful butler, Hubert
who is sick"
Just ct this instant the man approached them. |
According to custom be presented the cup be
bore, and which was tlled with compound Of
milk, honey, wine and spices, then held 10 much
repute to the Duke who gave it with bis own
hands to the king.
Henry took the cup, and, keeping his eyes
hxed steadily upon the mans countenanee, raised
Il slowly to hisiips. Only keen observer could
have detected the CLEAN Of triumph that shot
from beneath the dropping lashesy but Il Was not
unnoticed BY him. Removing the cup, be torn
ed bis eyes full upon bis host saying:
"Will II please your Grace 10 receive this
from our hand, as . token Of our gratitude for
the faithful and Jealous service you have rem
The Dukes Ace flushed with gratHsd pride
for 10 be thus publicly served BY his sovereign,
and with such kind and gracious words was .
high distinction.
"With many thanks, my Iiege," be said, TAX.
ing the cup as be spoke. "GOd save King
Henryr ....t.
Unsuspicious Of evil, be would have drained
tat draught bad not the king, whose cOonte.
nance instantly cleared, laid bis hand upon bis
arm.
"Nay. my good uncle" he said, "yOur VIII
lingnesS TO oblige Us is enough"
Il Is our royal pleasure" be added, "that
the bearer Of this cup shall drink Of Il TO the
confusion Of the enemies Of our crown and per-
sonl"
As Henry said this, he fxed his eyes koenly
upon the c0untenance Of the servitor, who. dur
ing this conversation, had been vainlV striving TO
conceal bis increasing agitation.
II turned slightly pale as the king pushed the
cup toward him Nevertheless, he said, In
clear, steady voice:
"I pray your majesty TO excuse ms. have
made vow that no wine shall pass my lips IN
III my own wrongs be righted."
ais that thy reasonl" said the king with
| significant smile. ave shall see. Here, Eric"
he added, offering the cup to . large greyhound
that was crouched at bis feet
The long, smooth tongue Of the noble animal
bad scarcely Tapped the last drop, when, stAgger-
ing, be lell liieless upon the floor.
4 King Henry sprang 10 his feet.
"Tfeason!" be shouted, bringing bis clenched
hand down heavily upon the table, and glancing
with flashing eyes around upon the astonished
cOurtiers, who, following his example, arose and
stood looking at each other In terror and dismay.
IL trust that your majesty Wil bear witness. 7"
said the Duke, In On agitated vOice, that !
would have drank Of the cup had you permitted
me"
"I would that tho hearts Of al present were
| a. Laval - thinatn aaid Haorv lav1no hia harfl