Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1902-01-30
the edge of the Green forest, not far

away.
This is most unfortunate, what you
tell me-" Casparin was saying "You
should not have taken up the pursuit.
We could have found the fool with
less trouble. Now undoubtedly he has
told his story to Volner. And Volner
is strong adherent of my brother,
though a tenant of myself. Ha! 1
have an idea! Volner owes me consid-
cradle land tax. He is so far behind
that threatened him but day or two
since. Now | will issue orders not to
allow single member of his house.
hold to leave the farm. I will have
the place surrounded, and any one at
tempting to get away l will cause to
be arrested and brought here 1t can
appear that l suspect them of an at
tempt to rob me of my dues, for he has
no goods, this Volner, upon which 1
can seize.
"1n this way, even if the American
does tell the story, we can keep it
from getting out till we know what is
to be done. If this report is true and
my brother intends entering Deneslia
by way of Ontro, then all is easy as
play. The road they will take leads
past the Green forest, where almost
anything could happen. 1, of course.
must not be suspected. l shall meet
them with my men handsomely mount
ed. A feast shall be prepared, for the
prince will undoubtedly stop at my
castle. You, disguised and with the
best horses awaiting you in the Green
forest, will do your part. and at once
mount and get across the border. I
will give you money, and when have
been seated securely upon the throne
you shall return and claim the other
rewards promised
at was strange, though, that it
should be the father of the girl you
suggest for my bride who met us at
the ravine," said Vandal.
| Eyes, was it not?" said Casparin.
with laugh. How do you like Papa
| Volner? He is host in himself. Have
you seen the daughter yet?"
mo; have not been near the place."
ut would be rash. But you shall see
her soon enough. This Duvally, who
stands like tiger between my brother
and his foes, shall be among the first
to meet his fate"
1t was on the following day that the
cure, while riding his sleepy and well
fed horse toward Volner's farm, was
stopped on the road by two Of the ball
Ifs from Casparin's official household.
WHITTIER goest thou, father?' asked
they.
Whittier indeed. my son, but to
nurse the wounded. Hast thou not
heard of the poor young gentleman
who lies wounded at Volners farmY
1--WE know naught Of that, father,
but we have received orders from
Prince Casparin, our master, to allow
no one to enter Volner's or one of Vol
ner's people to come out"
us that so?" queried the priest I'M
surprise. II knew that volner was be.
hind in his rents, but what has he done
to merit this?"
ut has become known that he Isl
planning to step out and leave the
place and the prince in the lurch."
"Nonsensel Volner was talking With
me but yesterday about his plans for
the coming year."
"And has been writing to land agents.
in England to obtain farm for this
very month";" said the bailiff, with a
ready lie.
Ills it possible? Is 1t possiblew said
the gentle cure. II did not suspect
that of Volner. Then I am even forI
hidden to. attend the wounded at yo1s
ner's house,?
"You are not to enter, or any one.
father"
The priest, shaking his head sadly.
turned his horse and rode homeward.
Heres pretty pass!" cried one OF
the farm hands, who had started for the
village to make purchases, to volnerI
when he had been sent back. CT was
stopped at the gate by the bailifs Of
Prince Casparin, who Informed me
that not one Of us was to be allowed tai
leave the place nor another enter"
'My God! Has Casparin resolved
thus to crowd me to death? What plan
has he by which he can squeeze NOM
ey from the stones ON this farmS
whether people go or come"
well, 1t seems there is rascally
story that you have planned to leave
Deneslia, rob him Of his due and seek
home and fortune elsewhere"
"My God, my God" groaned yolner,
sinking into chair. eff they say
that, they have lied. And if they have
sunk SO low as to lie about me, they
are plotting something worse: AhI
This wounded lad! He is the center
of this attack, am sure. Oh, that
he could speak and tell
"Fathcc, come quickr cried Adria
just then, bursting in upon him.
Come at once! May heaven be with
us now, for we need Gods power to
help. Our young man is talking, and
the cure is not arrived oh, come
and hear these terrible whisperings,
know not If they be the rambling of
the delirious or the words Of awful
| truth" ,.,...l
ITO be Continued)