The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1871-06-23


"But have presentiment that the
unknown will slay Rudolph.
II do not know, daughter, do
not know; but il he does hope he
may be worthy of YOU"
When the knights reached the edge
Of the forest, it was agreed that each
one should hunt the wood-demon in
dependent Of his companisns and
fight him single-handed.
Each warrior carrieda silver bugle,
which was to be blown by the success
full one. With many mutual good
wishes, the knights plunged into the
forest and separated. AS we cannot
follow all, let us follow one, and be
the unknown. He rode for the dark
est portion Of the great wood with
drawn sword. CHANGING from right
to left, his keen eyes swept the
gloomy surroundings.
At last he deserted blue smoke far
ahead. He gently touched his horse
with the spurs and galloped forward.
AS he neared the spot he saw naked
figure crouched over fire. 1t was
the wood-demon of Rolstadt. In
stantly maturing his plans, the un-
known gently drew rein and rode slow
ly on. The demon did not espy the
knight until he was almost upon
him. Then he darted TO his feet
with an animal-like cry, and sprang
ct the warrior. A gallant thrust the
knight executed at the broad breast
Of his mad antagonist, who caught
the blade and almost wrenched ii
from the gauntleted hand. But,
with great effort the mailed warrior
released his blade, and the next
thrust wounded the demon. Mad
dened beyond description ut the
sight of his own blood, the wild man
knocked the sword from his enemy's
hand and sprang upon him. But bis
SUCCESS was Of short duration, for a
mighty blow from a steel-clad hand
sent him to the earth, and before he
could renew the attack, the knight
plunged his recovered sword into his
breast.
Then the silver bugle sent its clar-
ion tones throughout the wood, and
| one by one ihe unsuccessful warriors
came TO the bloody spot. Brave fel-
lows they were, not jealous of the
unknown, but they were glad that he
had gained success. They wanted
to see him unclasp his helmet, and
gaze upon the face they had never
| seen.
Leaving the wood-demon to sleep
in death where he fell. the party gal.
ioped back TO the castle.
The Count and his daughter met
him IN the courtyard. Tne face oi
Parthenope was pale as ice, for she
saw in the faces of the uBheimeted
knights that the unknown had slair
til. wood-demon.
Remove your helmet, Sir Knight,
said old Bardolph, 'and let mJ
daughter see her future lord and IN,
future son."
Count Bardolph, obey" said th,
knight, and, as if by magic, the stee
helmet flew back.
Count RudoiphI" cried the war
riors.
Rudolph shrieked Parthenope
and she staggered from her parent
arms.
But ere she touched the grounc
steel-protected arms were thrown
around her and the lips of the grea
knight were glued to hers.
And the white horse stood rider
less before the astonished group.
"When l left your presence tha
wofal day, said Rudolph, addressin.
the Count, II swore that would re
turn with war-worn armor, or perisl
on the battlefield. Sir, look at m,
armor. Is it not SCARED enough?
"Yes," cried old Bardolph, an,
he received Rudolph with open arms
| II was on my way to Rolstad
when l heard of your proclamation
and resolved to enter the lists. Sir
the madman was a servant of min
in his sane days. ! recognized hin
after / had slain him."
Loud and prolonged were the cheer
that welled from the throats of tn
gallant knights of Germany, whe
Count Rudolph again folded Pal
thenope to his heart and kissed he
joyous face. They remained at tn
: old castle until the reunited pal
were made one flesh by the old min
lister, and then they departed fo
their distant homes. The Empero
Charles, eager to reward Rudolph
the unknown knight, for his gallar
services in the war, restored his cor
fscated estates, and gave him other
of great value. .And old Bardolp
was satisfied, for he could bequeat
his sword to Germany's bravest d.
fender.