Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1899-03-08
CHAPTER II.
RUIN.

1 started at the mans words, and my
rage and despair may be imagined when l
saw that he proposed to bind me, noble,
like any thief! From this hoped to escape
by bringing on death, and, on sudden, hit
the guard next to ME on the face, with all
my force. Down he went like an OK, and I
made rush to the tent door, little doubt
ing that should be cut down, and put out
of my misery. But they were too quick. I
was one, and they were many. In hand
turn was trlpped up, my wrists securely
fastened behind my back, and any further
resistance on my part impossible. The man
whom l felled scrambled up and attempted
to brain me with the butt of his spike as
went down; but Braccio struck him sense
less with the hilt of his sword, and this time
he lay in huddled heap, quiet enough
| besought Braccio to give me my pdfole,
swearing on the faith of gentleman, on the
honor of a Savel]i, that would not attempt
escape, and would go with him quietly, if
were but free from the ignominy of the cords
that bound me-
Shut the cage door, keep your bird" he
laughed brutally. II have to answer for you
tomorrow, and weigh the faith of a gentle
man, and the honor-God save the mark
of a Savelli, as that" he snapped his fin
gers, when it comes to consideration of
Rraccio Fortebraccio's head. So your
knlghthood must even go as you are, with
my loveknots on you. Here, two of you,
take charge of this tent, and see after Ar
nulf there-I never thought his skull so thin
-march!"
And tn this manner was led out, two men
in front of me, two behind, one on either
hand, oil with their weapons ready, whilst
the provost himself brought up the rear,
with his drawn sword in one hand and a
lighted torch in the other. Not that light
was needed, for the moon had risen, and
was in its full. believe, however, that
Braccio held the torch, so that the addition
al light might the more clearly show who his
prisoner was, and hung down my head as,
with quick steps, we marched to the mill
tary prison.
'Qui vive la," the challenge rang out
crisply, and on the instant the provost re-
piled: France and Tremouille."
"Pass on" and the sentry, one of Buci-
"cault's arquebusiers, looked at us curiously
as we went by. And now, to add to my
. shame, we met, face to face, group of late
jewellers returning to the camp.
"Diable!" called out gay voice, "our
respectable provost is at work see. What
nave you got there, BraCclO"
shuddered, for recognized Bellegarde,
"a young noble of the Franche Compile, who
chad come to seek glory in the Italian war;
"Close up, men-another of my strayed
lambs brought back to the fold, Viscompte
pardon met is late, and must hurry
on"
But Bellegarde was merry with wine.
"Not till you have drunk our health" he
laughed, barring the way with his drawn
rapier, as he added: <Lowcnthal here has
a skin Of wine from the Rhineland, have a
pull at it, man, and let us see the prisoner"
"Blitzen! Der prisoner first, he will hang
before der herr provost" and the half
drunken Lanzknecht thrust his wine skin
toward me-
"Gentlemen-gentlem have you a
core! See here, Viscompte," and Braccio
whispered to Bellegarde.
my God!" said the latter; and then,
hastily: "Come on, Lowenthal! Let them
co." ''',r''~'r~,">re~ -: ~.
''Let der prisoner drink. Would you de-
brife boor man of his liquor?' replied
Lowenthal, and to hide my face, / seized the
skin, and raised it to my lips. Even Braccio
held the torch away, and Won Lowenthal
failed to recognize me in the half-3ight. My
throat was red-hot with thirst, aud sick as 1
was with shame, I drank greedily, and
handed the wine skin to the German.
. "Blitzcn!" he said, giving it a shake, you
drink like an honest man. Now, herr bro
vost, a health to Germany, in honest Ger
man wine. What! No! Then drink to der
halter, man, and Lowenthal will knight
you," swaying to and fro, he attempted to
draw his sword. ~: II >
Matters were at crisis, for Braccio was
not to be triaed with any longer At this
juncture. @Bellegarde and the others with
him again, INTERVIEWED, and dragged Won
Lowenthal away. The provost Instantly
i pressed forwards with ! hurried good night.