Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-09

black-eyed, grizzled end tatter-bearded
Spahard, seated, nearly naked, on a tall
gray mare. Van Trier crossed himself
prayerfully, and then, finding that action
pcwerless to dispel this devilish image he
tried rubbing his eyes But the unclad man
proved no monstrous exhalation of the
morning. He was alive, and went In need
of succor.
"Good-mcrrow, worthy sir How far is
1t to Mons?' began Manrique.
Two leagues, and the road lies before
you" answered Van Trier.
so far well; but / am in no plight TO
make the entry of a notable town. Regard
ne, good farmer. / have been sore set up
on and now come from seeing death face to
face. / am upon a perilous enterprise for
Countess de Miranda, lady Of the court,
and have fallen into the hands of bloody
masked bandits among the nightly fast
nesses of the hills"
Truly you need a pair OF brooches and
some such like matters" admitted the
farmer.
"Ay, and more than that. My left foot
is in poor case; and TO go thus mother
naked through half the night hath chilled
my blood not little. Accompany me anon
to Mons, and three golden ducats shall be
thy reward"
The farmer hesitated. knowing a Span
iard's word TO be more brittle than spring
ice. Manrique's foot spoke truth: II was
greatly swollen, and there could be no mis-
take as to the severity of the cash upon his
heel. Finally, when the promise of gold
sented to do what was desired of him.
Breakfast was made ready. and the farm
ers wife tended Manriquc's foot, swaddling
II Handsomely in roll OF soft stuff while
a stout doublet and breeches of frieze cloth
brought warmth TO his body. Before mid
day start was made for Mons. the good
samaritan accompanying his guest.
The first thing they heard on reaching
the city was that Count de Miranda and
his retinue had arrived on the previous
cay; and that the count designed TO pro-
coed to Brussels that same evening. Man.
rique's name acted like charm, and Count
de Miranda commanded tina: he should in
slsntly be brought before him. The se.g-
neur had his share of the hidalgo haughti-
hess proper &c CASTLE, but hs could unbend
upon occasion, and n good soldier ever held
the key of his heart.
Welcome, Manriquei Thou art in seq
son. as much for thine own sake as my
anxieties. But thy presence, not unwound-
ed anu with easy conscience kills my fears
The Red Dragon"
is safe and sound. my master"
THY story, them"
Il went about my business and left the
Caudenberg gate at the time Count de We
lasco directed. Further. ere / recite my
adventure. / beg you to note a thing 1
have here beneath my doubIet." So saying
Manrique produced broken dagger which
had wounded his foot. The other knew 1t,
and stared with establishment.
by our Lord! tits Nelasco's poignard"'
Il much fear so, count. [ saw IL in his
hand before | felt ii in another's."
Then the soldier told his story, emitting
no detail.
There hath been a plot to steal the dia-
mond" declared Miranda. ;houghtfully.
This migrate hath worked upon my wifes
fear TO suffer the stone out Of ner own pos
session, and hath conspired dgains- myself
the man whose voice placed him in his
present position Of power"
True, noble count: and but for certain OF
the soldiery, who knew my name and
fame, my life had surely passed from my
body in such torme mt as the great Seigneur
&c NoirCarmes had devised. The men were
stout for me, and ! pray you think upon
them when you shall arrive i'm Brussels. for
else their courage is likely to meet with
ugly reward"
They shall enter my service IL they
live tomorrow, friend. And now. Man.
rique, this same wondrous splinter OF