Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1893-04-14
DULY Welded.

DootOh o1ODt i.dfduCIIlS over Tie
! undulating Mains Of Lombardy, in
northern Italy, one Of the beautiful
autumn days carly i'll the 10th cen,
fury might have been observed two
cavaliers.
| Both were dressed in the full armol
of the period, their shining accouter-
ments flashing like fire of diamonds
AS they caught and reflected the spark
ling rays Of the midday sun.
Their heels bore the golden spur de-
noting their llnightly rank, while their
horses, which were Of the famous
breed of Flanders, WIRE caparisoned,
like their masters, ready for the fray.
The elder who was listening to his
companions conversation, appeared to
be somewhere between 80 and 50 years
Of age-his deep gray eyes, set under a
firm and massive brow impressed one
with the sense Of their owners power
and steadfastnCss, while the we'll cut 40
Hline nose and curly auburn beard
added a further air of dignity and
nobleness to a countenance striking in
its manly strength.
His companion, of somewhat slighter
build, was Il fair haired youth, lust
verging into manhood. His form gave
promise of probably equal power with
his senior when time had ripened his
muscles and set his frame
The one- was Pierre du Terrail, Seig-
naur de Bayard-the Sir Bayard Of his
tory sans peur ct sans reproche.
The younger was his erstwhile page,
Sir Arthur de Beaufoi, known COM
monty as ''The Golden Knight" by
reason of his fiaxen hair
$50 you have thrown down the gaunt-
let" remarked Sir Bayard to his COM
panion. Il fear me your antagonist
will prove your metal in no mean
degree. He bears the reputation of
being one of the brayest knights that
ever bore Il lance, and, methinks, Ar
thur, you have been somewhat over
bold to thus lightly challenge an arm
SO stout and stalWart But young
blood will out, lad, and as the deed is
done we must do our best
You cannot blame me, surely, Sir
Bayard,' replied Arthur, 'tthe provoca-
ton was on Signor Colonna's part,
and his ssertion, which | feel convin-
ced was leveled at me, was made in
tones 50 decided and clear that ali
around might hear
Ills words burn my soul, All English
are towards and braggards' Well, he
shall find one here to ram the falsehood
down his throat or perish I'D the attem-
pit We meet tomorrow at daybreak.
by the bye, Sir hayward, heard
We the rumors current in Milan today
that the Venetians have retalen Bres-
cia? Think You that it is true?'
"Ies it is true and we shall march
iii Il few days to regain the town. Cour-
iers have been dispatched to Bolonga
to the Duke of Nemours for rc-enfOrce-
ments, and Immediately they return
we shall proceed.
'AIethinlls my lad, we had better
turn our horses heads as by the time
we get back to Milan the day will be
waning and it will not do to Overture
ourselves today, with tomorrow's work
in view. What are the conditions of
your meeting?'
1--WE run three tits with the lance,
and if neither is endorsed dsmount
and fight with swords
Signor Colonna was no mean adyer-
saly, and, being in the prime Of man
hood, he had the advantage of his OPP
ponent in weight and experience
The insult and challenge had happen
ed exactly as Sir Arthur had recounted,
but the real reason which underlay
their animosity was the twin passions,
love and hate.
Lombardy had been for two years
in the hands of the French, and the
Duke de Nemours, nephew of Louis
MI, had become governor Of the DroY-
ince.
When the city Brescia was first taken
by Louis army from the NenetianS, the
Knight Of Rayar1, with his troop Of
horse among whom vas Sir rthur de
Beaufoi, We're the first to enter the
beleaguered city. The conquerors bill
eted themselves on the inhabitants.
and in many cases the ordinary man
ut arms arquebusiers and archers-
despoiled their victims of any valua-
bles they could lay their hands on.
The house wherein Sir Bayard and
Sir Arthur took up their abode was
occupied by Count Antonio ScartelH.
wealthy nobleman who was on bed
of sickness. and his family consisted
of his wife and two daughters. The
two knights, although enemies. were
received by the ladies with signs of
contentment and even rejoicing.
They knew that under their guardian
ship their home would be safe from
the hands of the common soldierv, and
their own persons protected from
violence
The French arms having proved vic
torious throughout the province. peace
was proclaimed and victors and van
pushed commingled in terms Of friend
ship. The two knights remained as
guests where they had entered as en-
emies. and the heart of one Welded If
self up to the hostage to the Youngest
daughter of the house. the lovely Al
lea Scartelli.
Sir Arthur de Beaufoi had a rival in
the person Of Eduardo Colonna. who
was distantly related to the princely
house Of Colonna OF Venice.
Alice herself favored Sir Arthur. but
her father had granted the Colouna
permission to advance his surit to his
daughters hand.
Matters stood thus when the French