The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1902-01-17

HAAA - u'hAAJ III a
voice well understood by his prince,
"his highness has injured his right leg
and will not be able to please the coun-
try people by appearing on horseback.
He must ride, therefore, with the la
dies in their carriage. You, Prince
Casparin, must therefore lead the pro-
cession from Ontro to your castle,
for a day or two. And, as it would be
unseemlJ for me, q poor captain, to
ride horse more richly dressed than
yours, l will take the steed you now
ride, and you take the one intended for
the prince"
''Yes, my brother Casparin," said the
prince, going to the carriage with an
artful limp, Il was unfortunate enough
to bruise my leg while riding one of
the emperor's wild beasts. Take the
horse, then, you so generously provided
for me and let Duvally take your own"
For a moment a pallor overspread
the face of Casparin, but he rallied and
in calm voice said:
mo; since my brother will not ride
the horse, let him be led at the side of
the carriage. There are horses enough
for the retinue."
A CLEAN of intelligence passed from
the eyes of Duvally to those of his
prince.
"Ride the horse, Casparin," said the
prince, with laugh, yet with a voice
of firmness. Il do not wish to turn the
parade into funeral march. When
you carry me to the tomb, walk my
Horse at the hearse. But I'll have none
of it here.'
There was slight hesitation in Cas-
parin's manner; then, with smile, he
mounted the gayly harnessed horse.
The procession set off from Ontro,
with Casparin leading.
ut cannot be true, Duvally," said
the prince in whisper.
''It is true," said Duvally. 81 will
bring your intended assassins before
you today"
After mile or two had been trav-
eled, the populace gathering from afar
to witness the return of their beloved
prince, Casparin was seen by the
watchful Duvally to scribble some
thing stealthily ON a paper and turn to
one of his faithful retainers at his side.
"Ride on ahead" was what Casparin
whispered. You will find at the edge
of the Green forest, short distance
before you reach the castle, three men
who are waiting to give the prince
wnlanmn Sly dol OIL,
him this"
The courier rode off.
Il have sent ahead to give orders to
have the lights at the castle ready"
said Casparin to his brother.
Duvally had fallen to the rear, where
his own faithful fellows were riding.
He selected four of them.
''Leave the road for short distance"
he said, "and get to the front. Follow
that courier of Casparin's. He will
speak to some one between here and
Casparin's castle and will deliver
note. Arrest him, the person he ac-
costs, and save the note. Obey this
with your best skill, for the lives of all
in that carriage are in danger"
Duvally was at the side of the car
riage again as if nothing had happened
or was expected to happen. And that
evening the procession reached Caspa-
rims castle without incident
Adria had ridden home ON the black
mare in the rear Of the royal process
sion.
''It is done," she said to her anxious
parents. Il told the prince, and Bosso
is in command"
That night Casparin gave a feast.
The great dining hall of the castle was
ablaze with light and rang with the
voices of good cheer. The prince sat
at the end of table, with Casparin
near him.
Duvally, whose eye was everywhere
at once, stood near his royal master.
A messenger came to him. He heard
what was to be said and then whisper
ed to the prince. A nod was his reply.
Duvally gave two commands In re-
sponse to these a door opened, and a
squad entered. At the same moment
two soldiers with drawn swords STEP
ped to the side of Casparin.
Traitor" was the word breathed by
Duvally as he looked down on the
white faced Casparin.
-Four men were brought in. One was
Casparin's messenger. The other three,
in irons, We're Vandal, Reber and Ro-
bello.
Duvally handed note to the prince.
1t read as follows:
BE careful. 1t is not the prince, but
myself, who is riding the gay horse.
The prince rides in the carriage with
the princesses."
A stern look passed from the prince
to his brother.
"Casparin," he said, "you have cho-
sen." Then, turning to his faithful Off
Ger, he said:
"Duvally, the prisoners are yours"
Concluded next week.
Helping sIim Out.
Whichever mind if you have failed,
lear. l have fifteen hundred dollars
saved up from the pin-money that you