The Kimball graphic. (Kimball, Brule County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1905, 1885-07-03

tan
The testimony of the publican had
worked a complete change in the
huctuatlng feelings Of the mob towards
the prisoner, and the words OF
the judge were answered back by
a shout of approval. The prisoner was
seen to turn deatbly pale. She did not
reply, however, to the question, but
shook her head despondingly, as if con-
scious that all hope was over.
Lead her away" hoarsely growled
the mob, while the dense mass of peo-
pie swayed to and fro in the excite
ment, as if they would have rushed on
the d%efenceless victim.
again I ask thee, woman, wilt thou
confess? 2"
She shook her head despondingly,
buried her face in her hands, and muir
INJURED something; perhaps it was q
prayer. The mob burst once more into
connection.
"Where are the servants ofthis wom-
an?-let them be put on the rack" said
the judge.
"They have escaped" answered an
official.
Escaped" said the Judge, cha! were
they living men or the servants of the
foul tiend? Know you ought?"
IL do know" said the maiden, sud-
denly rising to her feet, and speaking
with the energy of a queen, while her
eye flashed and her bosom heayed with
excitement, "and thank God they are
free, although they have left me de-
fenseless. Yes, they are free from your
t%ortures. Me, you may murder with
your accursed laws, but-mark mel
shall be fearfully avenged. My
story has been truly told-so help
me Gcd"-and she raised her eyes
to heaven in a%biuration, "and
if [ die, 1 die innocent. 1 tell We I am
the betrothed bride of q noble. I am
more; I am the daughter of a prince.
And now do your worst. 1 shall die
worthy of my race"
She sat down. Not a murmur was
heard for the space of a minute after
she had ceased. Her daring energy
awe-struck all. But what could ever
bravery like hers effect against brutal
bigoted populace? AS soon as the
hearers could recover from their mo-
mentary CONSERVATION, they broke into
a whlrlwind OF shouts and impreca-
tons, and rushed on to the defenseless
girl; and had not the soldiery, who i'm
mediately guarded her, interposed, she
would have fallen an instant victim to
the rage of the populace. To be torn
in pieces by a mob was a death too hor-
rible. She turned imploringly to the
Judge, but there was no hope in his
iron face. She closed her eyes, but the
bowling mob still swan before her
vision; and when she buried her face in
her robe, and strove to shut out their
imprecations, their fierce, wild cries
still rung in her ears. At each moment
the tumult deepened, until the excite
ment of the populace became uncon-
trollable.
away with her-she is sold to the
tiend-away-away!"
Vengeance for the sufferers byher
incantations!" hoarsely growled a voice
from the mob.
The Judge no longer hesitated, but
yielding to the popular current as well
as his own preiudices, sentenced her to
be burned at high loon of that very day.
A wild shout of exultation rose from
the frien2ied mob as the sentence was
pronounced, but over all the din
swelled the fearful cry. "To the stake
with her-away with the sorceress.
1t was a few hours earlier in the
same day when a noble knight sat in a
hostelry of the little seaport town Of.
He was of siugularly imposing cast of
c~ountenance. His features we're of the
true Norman outline, with a , lofty in
tellectval brow, shaded by locks of the
richest chestnut hue. His cheek was
embrowned by a Syrian sun until it
was of the darkest olive color, but the
clear white Of his forehead, which had
been protected from exposure by his
helmet, betrayed the original purity of
his complexion. He had an eve whose
glance a only be likened to that of an
eagle. His form was tall and COM
handing. He sat apparently absorbed
in thought but was aroused from his
reverie by the entrance of q retainer.
care the horses Yeady?"
YES my lord" said the man.
1--WE will mount into the saddle at
once then; how far did they say it was to
Bourdonnis?"
"Six leagues"
eve shall reach it before nightfall
lead on
The party which set forth from the
inn was a gallant sight to behold.
Knights, squires. men-at-arms and 9TH
er retainers swelled the escort of the
Young count to the number of nearly
four-score, while the pennons waving in
the air, and the occasional sound of a
trumpet gave a l~iveliness to the escort
which attracted the attention of the pass
er-bY of every rank and sex, and drew
many a sigh of envy from them. But
who might pretend to be the equal of
the renowned Count Garonne, a crusad-
er of u~ntarnished fame, q gallant still
in the flower of his youth and the lord
of half a score of castles scattered over
the wide domain of France.
AT the head OF the proud array rode
the count himself, conversing gaily with
a knight at his side, whom he Familiarity
called cousin.
cay, by st. Dennis!" said the count,
she is a divinity such as even our sunny
Provence doth not afford. Such eyes,
such hair, and then, By my faith such a
voice! 1t panied my heart topart from
my sweet Zilah-but she would have it
so-and so she comes in company with
Father Ambrose and a score of my best
knights. Her maidenly modesty die
tated this, and 1 was forced to submit.
We were separated, however, by that
heathenish storm, and l suppose her
galley put into Genoa. You know she
will be given away by none but the holy
father himself" and the glailover reign
ed his horse, while the animal, as if par
taking of the masters Joy curvetted
gaily.
II long to see your princess, MOI do ]
wonder at your love, since she freed
you from q Mcslem prison; when shall
/ greet nv future cousin ?"