The Cincinnati daily star. [volume] ([Cincinnati, Ohio]) 1875-1880, 1879-12-27
would have this signal from YOU

"But how Tor ner SdkeI askeu Soiie'
"Why," returned Damonof, "do you
not see? Rosalind, in the simplicity, OF
her heart, may think that you-a-thatt
YOU might claim her love; and out OF
pure principle grant it to you simply De-
cause you were the first claimant.
"But l never claimed her love-" said
Ruric, warmly. "f she loves me, she
loves me from her own heart. With the
noble duke l never spoke but once, and
then he came here for me to temper ms
sword. If you would marry with the
lady, do so; and if you seek help in the
work, seek it from those who have some
power in the matter"
"You mistake, sir" said the count,
hotly. 'T seek not POWER now. only
seek simple word from one who may
have some infuence-even as beggar,
having saved the life Of king, may,
through royal gratitude, WELD an intiu-
ence. Will you sign the paperY
Now all this seemed very strange to
Ruric, and he knew that there was some
thing behind the curtain which he was
not permitted to know. He knew the
proud and stubborn duke we'll enough to
know that he never would have sent such
message as this but for some design
more than had yet appeared. In short,
he could not understand the matter at
all. 1t looked dark and complex; such
conduct was in direct conflict with the
nature of the man from whom it now ap-
peared to have emanated. Ruric pom
dered upon this few moments, and be
made up his mind that he would on no
account yield an atom to the strange de-
mand thus made upon him.
"Sir Count" he said, calmly and firm,
ly, "you have plainly stated your propo.
sition, and I will as plainly answer.
can not sign the paper"
"Ha!" gasped Damonof, in quick pas
sion. "Do you refuseT'
"Most fatty"
For a few moments the count gazed
into Rnric's face, as though he doubted
the evidence Of his own senses.
'1t is the dukes command" he said, al
length.
sThe Duke Of Tula holds no power O.
command over me-" was the gunmaker
calm reply.
"Bewarel Once more I say: sigr
this paperp 9.
"You but waste your breath, Si
Count, in speaking thus. You have m!
answer"
"By heavens! Ruric Newell, you shal
sign this! the count cried, madly.
"Neyer, SIR"
"But look you, sirrah! Here is m!
whole future Of life based upon my hope
of union with this fair girl. Her guar
dian bids me get this paper Of you ere
can have her hand. And now, do yo,
think I'll give it up so easily7 No! II
have your name to this, or I'll have you
lifeW
'Now your tongue runs away will
you, Sir Count. I have given you m!
answer. Be sure that only one man OF
earth can prevail upon me to place m.
name upon that paper"
"And who is heY"
'1 mean the emperor"
"But you will sign it," Kissed Da
monoff, turning pale with rage. "Her
it is-signl If you would live-sign!"
perhaps he can not write," suggeste'
Urzon, contemptuously.
Then he may make his mark" re
Joined the count, in the same contemptu
GUS tone.
ut might not require much more ur{
ing to induce me to make my mark in
manner not at all agreeable to you, sir,
the youth retorted, with his teeth nov
set, and the dark veins upon his bro'
starting more plainly out. "You hav
come upon my premises, and you hay
sought your purpose. You now hay
your answer, and for your own sake-fo
my sake-T beg you to leave me-" Th
above we publish as specimen chapter
but the continuation of this story will b
found only in the N. Y. Ledger. As
, for the number dated January 10tl
, which can now be had at any news o
flee or book store. If you are not will
in reach of news Office, you can HAY
the Ledger mailed to you for one yes
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ner, publisher, 1872 Williams street, Ne
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