The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-12-27
tn e
the
LION OF FLANDERS:
OR THE
BATTLE OF THE GOLDEN SPURS.
OR THE
BY HENDRIX CONSCIENCE.
CONTINUED. |


The butchers continued their conversation in
th's strain for long time, and many exc.
Grafton was ute, ed against the men of Client
when suddenly peculiar noise es cited their
Affection: they heard n sound of quarrellinp
aud wrestling at some little distance, as il two
men were struggling together. All spraug up
| to see what it meant, but, before they could
leave the tent, one of the butchers, who had
been on guard, entered it, dragging a man
| with bin by main force
" Masters" said he, pushing the stranger
into the tent. :" this rowing minstrel found
behind the camp; he was listening at all the
tents and Sinking about in the dark like o
fox. have been tracking him for some time !;
aud am convinced that there is some treason
! at the bottom of it, for look how the rascal is
| trembling"
The man thus dragged Into the tent wore q
blue cloak, and had on his head o small can
adorned with plume; long beard covered
half Of bis face, In his loft hand he held
small musical instrument, which had some
what the appearance of harp; and he made
as if he would like to play some little piece to
the assembled company. Yet he trembled
with fright, and his face was pale as though
hi' last hour were come. He evidently wisht d
to avoid the eye of Jan Breydel; for he kent
his head turned In the opposite direction, SO
hat tie dean mi sht not see his features.
What are you doing In the campT ex-
claimed Breydel. Why are You listening at
the tents 7 Answer me Instantly"
The minstrel nswercd in q Language which
was evident he came from another part of the
country.
Master, 1 come from Luxembourg and have
brought message from Nessire van Lonchyn. |
had been told that some of my brothers were
in the camp, and came to find them out.
am overcome with shame and vexation that
the sentinel should take me for spy; but
hope that you will do me no injury"
Breydel felt his heart touched with compass
sion for the minstrel. Bidding the sentinel
stand back, he offered chair to the stranger,
and said
I" You are surely weary with your long
Quincy There, my good minstrel, sit down
md drink; the can is yours. Now sing us q
ew songs, and we will let you go in peace
'enrage, man; you are amongst good friends"
"Excnsc me, master" answered the minstrel
! cannot remain here, for Messire van Lonchyn
waits me. am sure you would not wish to
tsaPpoint the noble knight by OBTAINING me-"
" We must have a song " cried the butchers
You shall not go hence until You have sung 1
s a song"
"Qnick, then" said Breydei; "for promise c
On, that if you do not sing us something, You
ill be kept here until the morning. II You q
ould only have sung at once and with good
i'll, you would have finished ere this. Now o
Dg, bid and command you" IL
The terror of the stranger was sensibly in
eased by this peremptory speech. 1t was u
it'll difficulty that he could hold his harp "
ID he trembled so violently that the strings, u
uched by his clothes, gave forth some con-
sed sounds. This yet further whetted the ~
petite of the butchers for a lay. ="
- Arc you going to play sing to US at
cef' exclaimed Breydel. al assure you
at if You don't make haste, you will have or
use to rue it." tn
The minstrel, in mortal fear, proceeded to til
lch the strings of the harp With his tn
milling fingers; but lie drew forth only or
Sc a2d diseordAnt tones. The butchers saw on
once that he could not play at ali" To-
He is . spy I" cried Breydel. strip him en-
d search HAM, 70 see whather ne has any col
asosahle peprra atont hiul.E Al