Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1898-04-28

lines Of grief and despair. He knew
that he was utterly powerless-
nothing could save the noble life that
was ebbing slowly away before him,
His long and varied experience as n
sailor, pilot, and traveller in many
countries had given him useful knowl-
edge OF medicine, and surgery. and If
anything was possible to be done, he
could do il. But in this case no med
i,al skill would have been availing-
I the old mans ribs were crushed in and
( aiS spine injured,-his death was
question of but few hours at the ut
most, If SO long.
| olaf the King" muttered the bonde
! presently, True. They make no
mistake yonder, they know each war
rior by name and rank-'tis only in
! this world we are subject 10 error.
This world! by the gods! ..,... tits
but a puff OF thistle down or a light
mist floating from he sunset to the
sea-"
| He made vigorous attempt to
| LdiSN hlhiSSil AlSiit lilo fNAAN" ShSACA
the excruciating anguish caused by
his movement, made him vince a lit
tie and grow paler.
Wine, Valdemar, Fill the holm
cup TO the hrim and bring it to mel
must have strength to speak before
depart--on the last long Journey"
| Obediently and in haste, Svenson
filled the cul he asked for with old
I.acrir>e Christi, of which there was
always supply in this far Northern
abode, and gave 1t to him, watching
him with a sort of superstitious rever-
ence as he drained off its contents
and returned it empty.
All! That warns this freezing
blood of mine" he said, the lustre
lshing back into his eyes. Twill
find fresh force to flow brief while
longer Valdemar--I have little time
| to spend with thee-I feel death here. ;"
and he slightly touched his chest.
cold cold and heavy. IT'S nothing
a passing, chilly touch that sweeps
away the world! But the warmth of
a new, strong life awaits me-a life of
never ending triumph! The doors of
Valhalla stand wide open-I heard the
trumpet-call last night saw the
dark haired Valkyrie! All Is we'll
and my soul Is full Of rejoicing. Val
demar-there Is but one thing now
tou hast to do for me,-the one great
service thou hast sworn to render.
Falfill thine OATH"
Valdemar's brown cheek blanched, -
his lips quivered,-he flung up his
hands in wild appeal. The picturesque
flow of his native speech gained new
fervor and eloquence as he spoke.
mot yet-not yet, my lord!" he
cried passionately Wait but little
there is time. Think for one NOM
ent-think! Would 1t not be well for
my lord to sleep the last sleep by the
side of his beloved Thelma-the star Of
the dark mountains moonbeam of
night of his life? Would not peace en-
wrap him there as with a soft garment,
and would not his rest be lulled by the
placid murmur of the sea? For the
udNs vi olN llilt anu Slot III NibAolJ
are past-and the dead slumber as
stones in the silent pathways-why
would my lord depart in haste as
though he were wrathful, from the land
he has loved?-from the vassal who
implores his pardon for pleading
against deed he dares not dol"
"Dares not-dares mott" cried the
bonde, sprnging up half-erect from his
couch, in spite of pain, and looking
like some enraged old lion with his
tossed, streaming hair and glittering
eyes. "Serf as thou art and coward!
Th!nkest thou an oath such as thine is
but thread Of hair to be snapped at
thy pleasure? Wilt thou brave the
wrath of the gods and the teeth OF the
Wolf OF Nastrond? AS surely as the
seven stars shine on the white brow OF
Thor, evil shall be upon thee If thou re-
fusest to perform the VOW thou hast
sworn, And shall a slave have
strength to resist the dying curse OF a
king?"
The pride, the supreme authority
that flushed the old mans features,
were extraordinary and almost ter
rihle in their impressive grandeur,
II he indeed believed himslf by blood
a king and descendant Of kings,--he
could not have shown a more forcible
display Of personal sovereignty. The
effect OF his manner upon Valdemar
was INTERCHANGEABLE superstitious
fears OF that bronzed sea- wanderer
were easily aroused. His head dropped
he stretched out his hands implor-
ingly.
Let not my lord curse his servant. .
he fa!tered 1T was but tremor OF
the heart that caused my tongue TO
speak foolishly. ! am ready have
sworn--the oath shall be kept to its
utmost end"
Olaf Guldmar's threatening counter
ance relaxed, and he fell back on his
pillows.
1t is. WE'LL he said feebly and some