The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-09-13

All present answered, one after another, that
they were ready to accompany and stand by
their Count, where and when and in what way
he would. All answered him except one, Died
erik die vos.
"Sir Diederik," asked the Count, twill you
not go with us ~
"Surely, surely" answered he. thus person
ally appealed to, the fox will go with you,
were it to the mouth of hell. But tell you,
noble Count-forgive me, but must have my
say tell you, that one need be no fox to see
where the trap lies here. "What! after once
having been caught in this way, will you run
into the very same snare again God grant
that all may turn out we'll but one thing I
tell you, Philip the Fair shall not catch the
fox"
"You judge and speak too lightly, Sir Died
erik" answered Guy "ws are to have q writ
ten safe conduct from Charles de Yalois, and
his honor pledged for our free return to Elan
ders.p
The Flemish mobiles, well knowing De Valois
as a model of knightly honor and good faith,
were satisfied to trust to his promise, and went
on to discuss the matter with the old Count.
Meanwhile Diederik slipped unobserved out of
the hall, and wandered up and down the outer
cOurG wrapped IN deep bnOuSut.
Before he had spent much time in this occu-
patton, the bridge was lowered, and Robert de
Bethune entered the castle. As soon as he had
dismounted, Diederik approached, and thus
addressed him:
al need not ask, noble Count, as to the re-
suit of your affair to-day the Lions sword has
never failed him yet; doubtless by this time
Messire de Chatillon is on his journey for the
other world"
NO." answered Robert; "my sword came
down upon his helmet in such sort that he will
hardly speak for some days to come. He is not
dead, God be praised for that; but another
mishap has befallen US. Adolf of euwland,
who was with me as my second, fought with
st. Pol, and he had already wounded his oppo-
nent in the head, when his breastplate failed
him; upon which he received a severe wound,
I fear even a mortal one. In few minutes
you will see him, for my men are now carrying
him hither."
but say, my lord" proceeded Diederik;
" think you not that this journey to France is
q venture somewhat of the rashest 2"
"What journeyF I know not what you
mean 7"
"What! you have not yet heard of it ?"
mot one word"
DWELL, we set off tomorrow with your noble
father for France"
"What is it you say, Diederik are You jest
ing,-to France7"
eyes, Lord Robert. To throw ourselves at
the feet of the French king, aud sue for for
giveness. I have never yet seen O cat creep
into sack of her OWE accord but before long
1 shall see it OF Campiegne, or / am greatly
"But are you quite sure of what you say,
Diederikf You fill me with alarm"
"Sure, do you sayf Be pleased to go into
the hall; there you may see all your friends
assembled with your father. Tomorrow we
set out for our prison. Believe me then, and
cross yourself when you leave Wynandael."
Robert could hardly contain himself for in
at this intelligence.
Diederik, my friend" he said, " pray you
have my poor Adolf taken up to my own
chamber when he is brought in, and laid upon
the left hand bed. See that he is duly cared
for until can come myself; and send, too, for
Master Roger to dress his wounds"
And with these words, he hurried away to
the hall, where he Count was still in confer
ence with his mobiles, and pressed forward has
tily till he stood before his father, not little
to the establishment of all present; for he
was still in full armor from head to foot.
&" o my lord and fatherp cried he "a" what
report is this hear are you really about to
deliver yourself up to your enemies, that they
may make mock of your grey hairs that the
vile Joanna may cast you into letters 7"
Yes, my son." answered the Count stead
lastly; i" am going to france, and you with |
is the will of your father" !
Let it be SO, then," replied Robert: K" L will |
go with you; but not to fall at the kings feet
God forbid that we should humiliate our
selves IN
1t must be SO, my son; and it behooves |
you to accompany me-" was the unalterable |
reply.
81 !" cried Robert in fury " 1 fall at Phil
P's feet I, Robert de Bethune PROSTATE
myself before our foe What shall the Lion
Of Flanders bow his head before Frenchman,
q maker of false coin, perjured prince 2"