Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1899-04-26

mans. The tents were soon lost to view
in the gray of the coming night. One by
one the camp fires began to light the hills;
the mist that rises here after shutdown en-
veloped me, and, slackening speed, / let
Castor pick his way up an ascending road,
covered with loose stones, and cut into ruts
and assures. In awhile came to an out
post, and, at once CHALLENGED by the SEN
try, and surrounded by the picket. l ex-
planned that / was from Rome to see the
duke, and could not possibly give the pass
word. The officer of the watch replied that
this was my affair, not his, and that would
have TO remain here until the morning, or
until field officer inspected the posts, in
which case he would take his orders. There
was no help for it, and 1 resigned myself to
circumstances, with an impatient heart. So
an hour or two passed, which / beguiled by
discourse with the subaltern, telling him
of Rome (he was cadet of the house of
Albani), and hearing petty items of news
in return, the chief of which was that the
Seigneur de Bayard had returned to the
camp. Even as he said this, we heard the
deep bay Of hound, and 1 recognized Bran's
throat.
"Per Bacco! It is Bayard himself going
the grand rounds" exclaimed the subaltern,
springing to his feet, and giving the order
for the men to stand at attention. In
few minutes we heard the sound of horses
hoofs, the sharp clink of steel scabbards,
and half-dozen horsemen rode up. As
they approached, Castor neighed in recogni-
ton of his twin brother, and ap answering
call showed that Pollux knew the greeting,
and gave it buck The hound, too, came up,
and, raising on his hind feet, fawned a
welcome to ME. made myself known to
Bayard at once.
"Ciel!" he said, "you are the last man l
expected to meet, and you want to see the
duke; come with me then"
On our way told him of the success of
my attempt to free Angola.
I'VE have just heard of it," he said, "and
it has gone far in your favor. In fact, Nine.
de la Trelnouille, who is back again, could
speak Of nothing else at supper this even
ing. 1t was brave deed, and envied your
luck, cavaiere."
told him of my plan, inquiring if he
thought Tremouille would give me the as
sistance wanted, pointing out that the
movement of any troops, where wanted
the detachment to go, could not possibly be
taken as breach of the truce.
"As for the truce" he made answer, "it
il in the air. The king has really left Ma
con at last. 1t is said that the advance
guard under the Seneschal of Beaucaire has
already crossed the Ombrone. Tremouille
cannot possibly refuse, and here we are"
We pulled up to the entrance of a large
pavilion, out of whose open door broad
band of light streamed into the night.
Follow me" said Bayard, and did so,
the guards saluting respectfully as we en-
tered.
had not time to look about me, but saw
that Tremouille, who was in his armor,
was pacing up and down the tent, with his
limping gait, and debating dispatch to
his secretary. He stopped short in his walk,
and, greeting Bayard cheerfully, looked at
me with grave surprise.
has business of such Importance with your
excellency, that have taken it upon my
self to bring him here
The duke glanced at me keenly, the thin
lines of his lips closing together.
care you aware of the risk you run by
coming to my camp?" he asked.
81 am perfectly aware, your excellency.
but"
"You must either be fool, or very
brave man." he interrupted.
II lay claim to neither honor, my lord,
and / take the. risk; will you hear me?"
He nodded, and laid my proposal before
him. When I had finished, his face ex-
pressed approval.
Every well,". he said, II will detach
Hardwood. If you succeed, hand the
money over to him"
II understand, my lord" and, bowling, !
| retired. AS 1 reached the door of the pa,
vilion, heard the dukes voice again:
IN. di Savelli."
"My lord" and faced him.
Succeed in this, and count me as q
friend. 1 give the word of Tremouille."
Il thank your excellency," and, turning
| again, went forth. Bayard followed me
/ out.
1 Il have half mind to ask you to let me
share your adventure" he said; II ar
afraid, however, they will not allow me to
go. At any rate, will ride back to the
outposts with yorktown, Bran" and BIZ
swung into the saddle.
| When ] shook hands with Bayard or
parting from him, his last speech was: "Be
careful, cavaliere, for Tremouille is a man
of his word-if you fail, however, remember
the game is not yet lost-good- bye, ane
good luck"
/ turned Castor's head towards the con
vent, and, leaving the camp fires behind me
went on through the darkness. 1t wa,
midnight when reached the villa. Thos,
tough old soldiers, Jacopo and Bande Mere
were on the watch. Everything was ready
and, after sharing skin of wine all round
we rode out-shadowy figures through tn,
mist, now family lit up by a young moon
whose thin crescent lay quietly in the sky
looked back at the walls of the convent
from window OF an upper chamber lirh
was shining. PerhapsSt was hers! And
bent down my head in a silent prayer fol
Gods help in my fight back to honor.