The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-09-06
STAR AND CATHOLIC MESSENGER SUNDAY SEPTEMBER s. 1874

| Their Flemish guide had, in fact, drawn nea
unobseryed, and was drinking in every wor,
that passed with attentive ears. As soon a
he saw that he was noticed, he darted off will
astrange burst of laughter among the trees
then halted at some little distance, and nm
sheathsd his knife.
"Messire de Chatillon !" be cried, in threat
ening tone, look well at this knife, that yo
| may know it again when you feel it under th
fifth rib!"
" Is there none of my servants, then, tina
will avenge me 7" cried De Chattillon in fury
Before the words We're we'll out of his moutl
burly man at arms had dismounted, and wa
making at the youth sword in hand but tn,
latter, 30 far from defending himself with his
weapon, put it up again into its sheath, ant
awaited his adversary with no Other arms thar
those two sinewy ones with which nature hai
provided him.
Die thou shalt, accursed Flemingw CRIED
the man at arms, with 1plifted sword.
The youth answered not but fixed his large
piercing on the soldier, who suddenly stood
still with amazed look, as though oil courage
had at once forsaken him.
Oh stab him /! kill him cried De Chat
tillon.
But the Fleming did not wait for the foe to
come on. With dexterous side.sprine he
threw himself within the swords point. caught
the man-at-arms with his powerful grasp about
the waist, and dashed him SO mercilessly head
foremost against tree, that he fell to the
ground without sign of life. A last shrek OF
despair resounded through the wood, and the
Frenchman closed his eyes for ever, while a
final spasm convulsed his limbs. With fright
full laugh the Fleming placed his mouth on the
dead mans ear and said in tone of bitter
scorn
"Now go and tell thy lord and master that
Jan Breydels flesh is no food for ravens 80
French carcass is filter meat for them"
And with this he sprang into the thicket,
and disappeared in the depths of the forest.
The knights, who had meanwhile halted, and
become anxious spectators of the scene, had
not had time to exchange so much as word
with one another; but, as soon as they were
recovered little from their first establishment,
st. Pol exclaimed
In very truth, my brother, believe that
you have to do with magician; for, as God is
my helper, this is not according to nature"
The place is indeed enchanted" replied De
Chatillon, with disconsolate air F." first my
poor horse breaks his neck, and now 1 fear here
is a faithful followers life gone "a most I'M
lucky day My men, take up your comrade,
and carry him as we'll as you can to the nearest
village, that there he may be cared for or
buried, as his need may be. pray you, gen.
tlemen all, let the Count de Valois hear
nought of this Natter
"Of course not!' was Peter Flotte's ready
answer. But let us now spur on little; for
I perceive Messire de Valois just at this mo-
ment disappearing among the trees"
Therenpon they gave their horses the reins,
and soon overlook the count, who had mean
while trotted steadily on, and did not now
notice their approach. HIS head, with it's
silvered helmet, dropped in thought upon his
breast his gauntlet, keeping mechanically its
hold of the reins, rested carelessly on his
horses name; his other hand clasped the hilt
of the long sword that hing down beside the
saddle.
AS he thus rode on, immersed in thou ght,
and the other knights by signs to one another
jested at his displeased air, Castle Wynandael,
with its massive ramparts and lofty towers,
was slowly rising before them.
"Hrrrah !" cried Raoul de Nesle, ioyfully I:
there is our journeys end. Spite of the devil
uuu Ill lis "oTkS, mere we are at Wynandael
ut last !"
"Would that conld see it on fire !" III uttered
De Chatillon; the journey has cost me a good
horse and q faithful servant"
And now the knight with the lilies on his
breast turned to the others and spoke:
This castle, gentlemen, is the abode of the
unhappy Count Guy of Flanders-of father
whose child has been taken from him, a prince
who has lost his land by the fortune of war.
which has favored us Il pray you let him not
feel that we come as conquerors, and be careful
not to embitter his sufferings by any words of
affront."
Think you, Count de Valois," snappishly
interposed De<Chatilion, "that we know not
the rules of/knightly good breedingR Think
you that 1 am ignorant that French knight
should/be generous in victoryH"
You knou it, as 1 hear" replied De Valois.
with strong emphasis; "a pray you, therefore,
let me see you practise it, 1t is not in empty
words that honor liaS Moss;ra 10