The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1902-06-13


which had risen to her cheeks died
away. her lips parted and her hand
went to her heart.
M de Mare" She cried. M. de Marc
tits thou. Thou wilt save me from
this madman!'
princess" replied, none shall harm
thee. The king hath sent me TO take
thee back 10 Paris"
She smiled softly, laying her hand
upon my arm. Brave NJ. de Mare
cried she, would might
The voice of De Rossel checked her
words, his face appearing between til,
curtains.
Look to thyself, De Mare he cried
A cry from the princess made me
turn sharply. Beyond the circle Of
light where the dark canopy of the be,
met the wall l saw an evil figure
cloaked and booted. plumed hat upoI
head and naked blade in hand. Twas
the Duke de Biart, who had entered
noiselessly through secret passage ii
the wall.
LIS Nsto nNAt AACA hHOh AhN III
mute establishment, nor methinks he
recognized in the intruder OF the prin
cess chamber the kings musketeer.
AS l wavered. 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 ladyT'
The princess crept to my side. Grave
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.
Aye, the good king" he muttered
1--WE were to dine together. What OF
the king?"
De Rossel stepped across the thresh
old. The man is mad" he whispered
mad as hare. Beware. De Marc"
The sight OF him changed the duke.
mood
"Begone" he cried; then OF 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 Rossel pressed for.
ward
Angered by the wound. made &c
thrust my opponent through the body,
but De Rossel thrust my point aside.
"Wouldst Stay a madmany he cried
There is another way"
Even as he spoke my point being
turned from its true aim, pierced the
dukes shoulder. He started back, a
wondrous change coming over him
The mad light in his eyes died out, the
letting forth of blood oercoming the
malady. With bewidered gesture he
passed his hand across his eyes.
80 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. It's the curse
upon my race Twas for that sought
to be a churchman."
y look OF great pity came to the la
dy's eyes My lord" said she, "thou
art forgiven. The king
The king" cried he. Il cannot meet
the king"
With a cry Of terror lie gained his
feet and sought blindly for his sword
thought he would have set upon Us
and stood on guard. but twas against
himself be turned the blade.
Quicker than thought lie set the hilt
against the wall. pressing the point
upon his heart so the steel pierced
through ere any could raise a staying
hand.
De Rossel bent over the quiyerine
body Gods death" he muttered.
IT'S q sorry thing The madness Of
the Duke de Biart hath slain him"
Then. turning To the princess. who
leaned half fainting against my Shout.
der, spoke he:
Madame the horses await below
and the king in Paris. Let US ride
thithcr quickly. ! warrant VI. de Mare
will soon become a nobleman."
But what care I for what the king
might offer me? In the eyes of the
princess l had read that which is not
in the gift Of kings.