The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1896-06-11
The Old Custodian Brought Forth a
LOng-Necked Bottle of White

Long-Necked Bottle of White
Wine.
the knights hall, with lofty vaulted
roof of timber: and what was more
to the purpose in Smiths opinion, a
long table covered with viands and
drinking f1agons.
each man to his place." said the
knight OF Ehrenburg, and with the
noise of shutting feet, and some ap-
parent confusion, the co rpany present
arranged themselves around the ta-
BILE. The knight of Ehrenburg stood
at the head, with Smith some distance
to the right of him, and behind Smith,
the two men-at-arms. In the deep ST
lence that followed the knight of En-
renburg, sending look of hatred to-
wards his prisoner, said solemnly.
emperor, [ ain your vassal, and
here in presence Of my vassals, l do
you homage" whereupon he bowed his
gray head low ...-. +-..
'Quite so,'' said Smith, ''but allow
me to say it would be more to the pur-
pose if you l.
Once more the knights voice rang
out.
''Enperorv' he cried, syour life and
liberty are in our hands. You would
question shall ask you"
Fire away" said Smith, who by
this time was getting somewhat fright
ened, and was ready to promise any
thing.
"Will you withdraw your forces
from the investure of this castle. and
swear to respect our ancient rights
and privileges?'
you bet!' cried Smith enthusiastic
ally. Then seeing they did not compre-
bend his meaning he answered "yes,''
with much firmness and decision.
Iu1n your face to the north and
swear it by the three kings of Col
ogne." said the lord of Ehrenbure.,
All right" said Smith, ''but I'm a
little mixed this evening. and if Won
will kindly point out which Wav is
north 1 will face in that directions
The right hand of the knight of
Ehrenhurg was Strengthened towards
the further end Of the Rittersaal. and
Smith, turning roung. swore by the
three kings of Cologne that he would
do as the knight of Ehrenburg wished
Whereupon there was a great cheering.
and place was made for him at the
right hand of the lord Of the castle.
al. q such supper as Smith had that
night he says he never tasted before
The wine passed freely, and Of the
after events Smith says his memory is
of the dimmest. He family remembers
being led to a sumptuous apartment
by two chamberlains, and finding there
luxurious bed he flung himself down
upon it, being, as he said, too tired to
uEuresS
In the morning be found himself
even more bewiidered than he was
the night before. He was lying in his
CLOTHES on the stone floor Of the castle
OF Ehrenburg when, he came to CON
sc!ouSness next morning. and he WDulG
nave doubted his remembrance Of his
generous entertainment CT the hight
before if such 4 severe headache hail
not afflicted him and somewhat .hudnd
bis reasoning powers. All the grand
eur OF the night previous had van
iShrd; and in it's place was the r,lin he
kE2W SO we'll.
Witt. unsteady gait he sought the
Old custodian of the ruins, who seemed
amazed to find him inside the castle.
a0W did you get here?'' he asked,
Il came last night
But the gates were locked.'' said
the custodian.
They weren't when [ arrived: bnt
where were you?''
'Me| rI,lied thu custodian. 81
sleep here all the year, but one night.
and last right slept at Brodenbach.
4 don't suppose there is anything in it.
but it is said that on the anniversary
of last night. centuries ago, the knight
of Fhrenburg captured the emperor.
who straJcd here while hunting, It
Is said that the knight wrung conces-
slons from the emperor by means of
terrible torture"
ALI" said Smith, history or legend
is entirely wrong there. The KNIGHT
OF Ehrenburg treated the emperor
with the utmost hospitality and his
majesty granted the concessions en-
tirely of his own Accord
am an unIeui1led man replied
the custodian, "and only know what
has been told me. 1t is said that once