Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1902-05-17

couch and confronted me. The half
light touched her with a glow soft as
moonlight, revealing the Wilderness of
her skin, the gentle curve of her throat
and neck and the yelled splendor of the
soft, dark eyes.
"My lord said she, what means
this intrusion? 'Tis but poor courtesy
which sends thee hthcr when | would
be alone
She took me for the Duke de Biart.
The shadow Of the drapcricS concealed
my features, and | being somewhat
the size of the noblcman the mistake
was easy. | took Il step toward her.
the CLEAN of my hilt flashing in the
light. She started, her hand going 10
little toy dagger which lay upon til"
table ut her side. suddenly the color
which had risen to her cheeks died
away, her lips parted and her hand
went to her heart.
M de Mare" she cried, IN. de Mare.
tits thou. Thou wilt save me from
this madman.'
princess" replied, "none shall harm
thee. The king hath sent me to take
thee back to Paris"
She smiled softly, laying her hand
upon my arm. Brave NJ. de Marc.
cried she, would might
The voice of De Rossel checked her
words, his face appearing between the
curtains.
Look to thyself, De Marc" he cried.
A cry from the princess made m"
turn sharply. Beyond the circle of
light where the dark canopy of the bed
met the wall | saw an evil figure.
cloaked and booted, plumed hat upon
head and naked blade in hand. Twas
the Duke de Biart, who had entered
noiseleSsly through a secret passage in
the wall.
His eyes were fixed upon me IN
mute establishment, nor mcthinks he
recognized in the intruder of the prin,
cess chamber the kings musketccr.
As | wavcrcd. my hand upon the hilt.
he advanced slowly, his eyes still fixed
upon my face.
Sir" said he very softly, what
would you with this LADY,"
The princess crept to my side. "Brave
NJ. de Mare" she whispered, trust
him not \ sudden thrust
Sir" cried the duke a second time,
what is thy business"
at the kings command" replied
shortly.
"Ayc. the good king" he muttcrcd.
I'VE were to dine together. What of
the king?'
De Rossel stepped across the thresh-
Old. The man is mad" he whispered:
mad as a hare. Beware. De Mare"
The sight of him changed the dukes
mood.
'BegOne"' he cried; then of a sudden
he lunged at me with his sword.
AS the blood drawn from the prick
he gave me in the shoulder appeared
upon the lace of my collar the princess
cried out. and De Rosscl pressed for
ward.
Angered by the wound, | made to
thrust my opponent through the body.
but De Rossel thrust my point aside.
"WOuldst slay n madman?" he cried.
There is another way"
Even as he spoke my point, being
turned from its true aim, pierced the
dukes shoulder. lie started back, n
wondrOuS change coming over him.
The mad light in his eyes died out, the
letting forth of blood ocrcoming the
malady. With Il bewildcred gesture he
passed his hand across his eyes.
90 God" he muttered, what thing
be thiS?'
Suddenly, before l could intervene,
he threw himself upon his knees be-
fore the princess.
Madame" cried he, "'tis the curse
upon my race. Twas for that sought
to be a churchman.'
A look of great pity came to the la
dy's eyes. My lord" said she, thou
art forgiven. The king
'"The king!" cried he. 81 cannot meet
the king
With cry Of terror he gained his
feet and sought blindly for his sword.
thought he would have set upon us
and stood on guard, but twas against
himself he turned the blade.
Quicker than thought he set the hilt
against the wall, pressing the point
upon his heart so the steel pierced
through ere any could raise n staying
hand.
De ROssel bent over the quivering
body. Gods death!' he muttered.
TITS sorry thing. The madness of
the Duke de Biart hath slain him."
Then, turning to the princess, who
leaned half fainting against my shoul-
der, spoke he:
Madame, the horses await below
and the king in Paris. Let us ride
thither quickly. warrant NJ. de Marc
will soon become a nObleman."
But what care | for what the king
might offer me? In the eyes Of the
princess | had read that which is not
in the gift of kings.