The Morris County chronicle. [volume] (Morristown, N.J.) 1877-1915, 1902-05-23
YOLANDE'S CHOICE.
by BARRY PAIN

ture and profession a caitiff. And one fine
spring morning, very early, he saw certain
noble damsel that had wandered far, all
unattended, over a Towering mead, seeking
for the purple basque anemones that of all
flowers she loved most dearly. She was fair
OF skin, and her hair was gloriously red in
the sunlight, and her little mouth was the
desire of mems hearts. Long had she de-
MED the caitiff's suit, for the reason that she
did not love him, and that she was affianced
to that very gentle knight, Sir Azor of the
Hill. The caitiff, espying Yolande thus un-
protected, rode swiftly to her, bound her
hand and foot, and taking her up with him
galloped off to the dark of the forest.
But hard by there toiled an humble
clown, who was indeed by birth and educa-
ton varlet, and, all unseen by the caitiff,
he espied what was going forward, and
presently bore word of it to his master, Sir
Azor of the Hill, as shall shortly appear.
AS the caitiff's charger galloped along
with its double load, Yolande said frequent
ly that the caitiff was a caitiff and likewise
recreant, and that her position was most
uncomfortable. Also, she made ferVent and
plous appeals to the saints to protect her.
The caitiff said nothing, for he had to guide
his horse, to hold Yolande on the saddle, to
lind his way, and to dodge now and then
projecting bough; and that left but little
OF his attention free for the fashion of COM
pllments or courteous retorts. And whether
the saints verify heard and answered her
appeals | will not take it upon myself to
say, but leave it rather to the judgment of
my readers at the end of this history, if,
indeed, it be my good fortune that their pa
thence endure so long.
Now when he was come nigh to the mid
die of the forest, the caitif reined in his
horse, leaped down, and presently tied the
damsel by the middle to the nearest tree.
Then ne sat down on the verdant sward to
get his breath after his exertions.
"Dastard!" cried the fair Yolande, with
her beautiful red hair all tumbled about her
face.
"Quite so, said the caitiff.
"Why are you doing this? What means
it," Feminine curiosity will show itself even
in times of stress
81 was even now about to explain. You
will remain tied to that tree until you swear
by your head that you will never marry Sir
Azor of the Hill"
"Of what use might that be to you? For
you, in sooth, | will never look upon-you
with the neck of bull, using your strength
as a coward, repulsive"
ut may be. You will take the OATH"
"Never"
'Never is very long time 1 trust you
have breakfasted. l will call again about
midday"
''Brute!" cried Yolande.
But at this moment there was a sound OF
a galloping steed, and instantly Sir Azor of
the Hill was upon them, riding in hot haste.
NCo,t;H ,aJ
sheer force of habit as well as from the
necessity of the occasion.
The eaitiff surveyed him carefully '1
would avaunt at once," he said, "for have
no mind to be spiked on a lance and made
meat for the crows this fine spring morning.
But inadvertently you come without ar
NOR and without weapon in your hand, and
so we are man to man. Avaunt, sir knight"
Sir Azor looked a little perplexed 81
was called from my bed to chastise you, and
had no need of arms to smite so base a
recreant, nor time to assume them. Release
me this maiden instantly, or bitterly shall
you rue it,"
Release me YOURSELF" cried Yolande.
The caitif stood between the knight and
the damsel, keeping his horse by his side
and ready to mount "a good world" he
cried. "Release her yourself, Sir Azor. We
are man to man. | will wrestle with you on
horseback or afoot. | will cut us two slaves,
that we may fight together. But, certes, you
shall not release her until you have first over
come me-"
He was rather large size in caitiffs, and
Sir Azor was rather small size in knights.
"'Tis beneath my dignity to brawl with
such carbon said Sir Azor.
'Help me, Instantly" cried Yolande,
and there was anger as well as entreaty in
her voice.
81 could not love thee, dear, so much,
loved l not honor more" said Sir Azor of
the Hill with stately grace. at is beneath
me to fight with such one, or be aught but
his executioner."
"Idle vanity and meanwhile am tied
to a tree. Base vanity!"
"You use hard words, Yolande."
'My heart uses harder"
ct will ride back post-haste, and get my
arms, and return"
"By all MEANS" said the caitiff, "and
when you return you will find neither this
maiden nor me-"
"That we shall see," said Sir Azor; "my
horse is swift, and have many at my beck
and call to hunt the forest"
For the love of me release me now"
cried Yolande. care you not man to man"
Patience, Yolande. will return as soon
as possible" said Sir Azor.
As he spoke the catiff drew his knife, and
cut the cords that bound the damsel.
"Since it is for love of you, Yolande," he
said, "choose now"
And Yolande looked from the knight to
the catiff, and then she put her arms about
the caitiff's neck and kissed him on the
mouth. Sir Azor of the Hill, without
word, turned away, squirting his horse.
And the caitiff and Yolande wandered
away deep into the forest and far from the
track, he leading his horse, and with one
arm about her waist.-Black and White.
TenOrs Are Not Cheap.
While travelling from Toulouse to Bor-
deaux, the other day, an inspector of the
railroad fell fast asleep, and was not aroused
until the conductor called out the name of
station. AS he did not hear the name
very distinctly, he summoned the conductor
and asked him what station it was. "Cas-
telsarrazin," was the reply, whereupon the
inspector said, rather angrily: "Why didn't