Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-02-06
ride, and you take the one intended for

ride, and you take the one intended for
the prince"
eyes, my brother Casparin," said the
prince, going to the carriage with an
artful limp, Il vas 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 g calm voice said:
No; 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 a laugh, yet with Il voice
of tirmness. II do not wish to turn the
parade into a 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 a slight Hesitation in Cas-
parin's manner; then, With Il smile, he
mounted the gayly harnessed horse.
The procession set off from Ontro,
with Casparin leading.
1T cannot be true, Duvaliy," said
the prince in a whisper.
1T is true" said Duvally. 81 will
bring your intended assassins before
you today"
After Il mile or two had been trar-
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 s%tealthily oil a-paper and turn to
Il of his faithful retainers at his side.
Ride or ahead,"' was what Casparin
| whispered. You will find at the edge
of the Green forest, a short distance
before you reach the castle. three men
who are waiting to give the prince a
welcome. Ask for Vandal and give
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 ear where
his W faithful fellows were riding.
He selected four of them.
Leave the road for a 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 a
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"
Duyally 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 sal
at the end of a table, with Casparir
near him.
Duvally, whose eye was everywhere
at once, stood near his royal master.
A messenger came to him. He hearG
what was to be said and then whisper
ed to the prince. A nod was his reply
Duyally gave two commands. In re
spouse to these q door opened, and 6
squad entered. At the same moment
two soldiers with drawn swords step
ped to the side of Casparin.
'Traitor!!" was the word breathed by
Duyally as he looked down on the
white faced Casparin.
-Four men were brought in. One wal
Casparin's messenger. The other three
In irons, were Vandal, Reber and Ro
bello.
Duvally handed q note to the prince
1t read as follows:
BE careful. 1t is not the prince, bu
myself, who is riding the gay horse
The prince rides in the carriage will
the princesses."
A stern look passed from the prime,
to his brother.
"Casparin," he said, "you have cho
SEN" Then, turning to his faithful Off
Ger, he said:
"Duvally, the prisoners are yours"