The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1897-06-27

ported by magic across the prOmontory
and placed across the way. The SUI
shone on the uplifted blade of the leader
reminding the archbishop of the flaming
sword that barred the entrance of oul
first parents to paradise. The leader
with ringing voice that had a touch Of
menace in it, cried:
my Lord Archbishop of Treves-Tht
Countess Laurette Won Starkenburg in
vites you to sup with her"
Trapped, by God!' muttered the cleo
tor between his clinched teeth. His eyes
sparkled with anger, and the sinister
light that shot from them had before
now made the emperor quail. He spurreC
his horse toward the leader, who lower
ed his sword and bowed to the great
dignitary approaching him.
THE Countess of Starkenburg is my
vassal," cried the archbishop. you are
her servant, and in much greater degree
therefore, are you mine. | command you
to let pass unmolested on our way
refuse at your peril"
"a servant" said the man slowly
''obeys the one directly above him, and
leaves that one to answer a still superior
authority. My men obey me; / take
my orders from my lady the countess
II yOu, my lord, wish to direct the au.
thority which / obey. my lady the coun-
tess awaits your pleasure at her castle
Of Starkenburg."
what are your orders, fellowY asked
the archbishop in calmer tone
ITO convey your lordship without
sea the to the gates Of Starkenburg."
"And if you meet resistance, what
thenY
"rhe orders stand, my lord"
''You will, | trust. allow this mendi-
cant monk to pass peaceably on his way
to Treves."
SIN no castle on the Moselle does even
the humblest servant of the church re-
ceive warmer welcome than at Stark
enburg. My lady would hold me to
blame were she prevented from offering
her hospitality to the mendicant."
Does the same generous impulse ex-
tend to each of my followersT'
1T includes them all, my lord"
Every well. We will do ourselves the
honor of waiting upon this most bounti
full hostess"
BY this time the troop which had first
stopped the archbishop's progress, came
slowly up, and the little bodyguard OF
the elector found themselves hemmeG
i'm with 20 men in the front and 20 al
| their rear, while the rocky precipice rose
on one hand and the rapid river flowed
| on the other. The cortege reformed and
trotted gently down the road until il
came to a byway leading up the hill
Into this byway the leaders turned re-
| ducing their trot to walk because OF
| the steepness of the ascent. The arch
bishop and his men followed with the
second troop of Starkenburg bringing
| up the rear. His lordship rode at first
| in sullen silence, then with a quick
chances in his eye he summoned the cap
tain to his side. He slipped the ring OF
office from his finger and passed it I'M
perceived into his officers hand.
There will be some confusion at the
gate" he said, in a low voice. Escape
then if you can. Ride for Treves as you
| never rode before. Stop not to fight
| with any; everything depends on out
stripping pursuit. Take what horses
you need wherever you find them, and
kill them all if necessary, but stop fol-
| nothing. This ring will be warrant fol
whatever you do.
Tell my general to invest this castle
! instantly with 10000 men, and to press