The morning star and Catholic messenger. [volume] (New Orleans [La.]) 1868-1881, 1874-09-20


Thus for q while they sat in gloomy 81 lence,
the Count disconsolate and uncertain what to
do, and the eyes of all the rest fixed ON him.
Suddenly servant of the cqurt appeared at
the door of the chamber, and cried with q loud
voice:
"Messire de Nogaret, with a message from
the king"
A sudden movement sufficiently evinced the
anxiety felt by the Flemings at this startling
announcement. Messire de Nogaret was
the accustomed and well known instru-
ment of the kings secret commands; and
they all supposed that he was now come
with armed force to arrest them.
Robert de Bethune drew his sword from
the sheath, and laid it before him on the table,
The other knights grasped the hilts of their
swords, and looked fxedly at the door; in
which position they still were when Messire
De Nogaret entered, who, oourteously bowling
to the knights, turned to Count Guy, and thus
addressed him:
"Count of Flanders! My gracious king and
master requires of You to appear before him
tomorrow, an hour before noon, and there
publicly to ask pardon of him for your trans
gcessions4The arrival of our most gracious
queen-has fastened this-ecommapd. She has
herself interceded in your behalf with her
royal consort, and have it in command from
her to assure you of the satisfaction your SUBJ
mission gives her. Tomorrow, then, gentle
men! Forgive me that leave you hastily;
their majesties are waiting for me, and can
not stay. The Lord have you in His keepipgf"
And with this greeting he left the room.
Thanks be to Heaven, gentlemenp ex-
claimed Count Guy; "the king is gracious to
as: now we may go to rest with hearts at ease.
You have heard his majestys commands be
pleased to hold yourselves in readiness to obey
them"
The knights now recovered their spirits once
more. They conversed for some time upon the
alarm Diederik had given them, and the happy
result which seemed now to await their expe-
dition while q goblet of wine was emptied to
the health of their aged Count
As they were separating for the night, Died
erik took Roberts hand, and in @ suppressed
voice said to him:
" Farewell, my friend and master yes, fare
well; for fear it will be long before my hand
shall again press yours. But remember that |
your servant Diederik will ever stand by You
and comfort you, in whatsoever land-in what
soever dungeon your lot may be cast"
1hoooAo odW d tSStE SllSIeu III DlSQeTlkS eye, |
which told how deeply his faithful friend was
moved.
" understand you, Diederik," he whispered
in reply; what you fear is what too foresee. |
But there is no escape left now. Farewell, then,
till better days."
Gentlemen" pursued Diederik, turning to
the company and speaking aloud, "if you have
any commands to your. friends in Flanders, 1
shall be happy to convey them but must beg
you to be quick"
"What do you mean 7" cried Walter of Low
endeghem; care you not going to court with
us tomorrow, Diederik 7"
" Yes, shall be there with you ; but neither
you nor the Frenchmen shall know me- Ihave |
said it, it will take better huntsman than |
King Philip to catch the fox. God have you in |
His guard, gentlemen NJ"
He was already out of the door while he ad-
dressed to them this last greeting.
The Count withdrew with his attendants,
and the rest of the company likewise left the |
apartment, and betook themselves to their !
beds.
tTo be continued.l