The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-10-03
Unde," The Rose
By FREDERIC S. ISHAM,
= Author Of "7he Strolers'
u @& Copyright
Awthor Of "7he Strollers.''

came and went with the suffering flame
rested upon an tronical face, a grace
full figure In motley and a wand with the
TESTERS head and the bell. Without rising
the PLEASANT quizzically regarded the sur
prised nobleman, who. in spite of his self
control had stepped back involuntarily
at the suddenness Of the encounter.
Good evening, my lord said the fool
Il am like the genii of the tale. You
think of me, and I appear"
Regaining his composure at once, the
kings guest bent his heavy hrows over
his deep-set eyes. and deliberately sur.
veyed the fool. Ri
'And now went on the jester, gaily
1T Is In your mind am like as suddenly
to-disappear! Am at fault?'' .-...-.
ION the contrary, you are unusually
clear-witted," was the answer
"Oh, my lord, YOU over-estimate my
poor capacity returned the nobleman's
masked caller with deprecatory ges-
ture .t...@ u. ts. @<.--t.-.
The hands Of the other worked impa
! tiently; his herculean figure blocked the
doorway. You are a merry fellow" he
observed. ct is to be regretted, but
| confess you have brought It upon your.
self?' ~, 80
What? My fate? Oh, yes' And hi
| indifferently regarded the wand and the
| wooden figure upon it, without moving
| the chair. s..f
You have no fear?" questioned the
duke, quietly. 5-a .le2s
Fear? Why should To- - e.
Yawntng, the fool stretched out his
| arms, looking not at the nobleman, but
beyond him, and, instincttvely, the prin-
cess betrothed peered over his shoulder
In the semi-darkness behind, while his
hand quickly sought his sword.
"Fie, most noble duke!" exclaimed the
Jester. 1--WE have no eavesdroppers or
| interlopers, believe me! We are entirely
| alone, you and master and fool. There
come no nearer, beg!" AS the noblemar
| mena cingly moved toward him.
Have you any argument to advance
Sir Fool. why I should not?" said the
| other, grimly, a CLEAN of amusement
depicted on his broad face as he paused
the while.
| Gan argument, sharp as needle
somewhat longer!" replied the jester
touching his breast and drawing from
| between the folds of his doublet a shin
ing hilt.
Harsh and loud laughed tho king
guest. You fool" he said, you hat
your opportunity below there in tn,
hall and missed it. You hesitated, wen
bl1ndly another course, and now"-w1tl
ominous meaning-''you are here!'
Upon the stick candle dripped sput
tered and went out; the Jester bent for
| ward and with the copper snuffer on tn,
table near by deftly trimmed the remain
ing light.
"Only fools fight in darkness" he re
marked, quietly, land here is but one O
them
You pit yuorself and that-plaything
against me?" asked the burly soldier
derisively.
'Have you hunted the wild boar m.
tlord?" lightly answered the other. HOY
mighty it is! How savage! What tusks
You know the pastime? A quick step, (
sure arm, an eye light lightning-presto
your boar lies on his back, with his fee
in the air! You, my lord, are the boar
big, clumsy, brutal! Shall we begin tn
sport? promise to prick you with ever.
PUSH" -' - @ts@ Z
The prospective bridegroom pause
thoughtfully.
Il "There is some justice in what yo'
say" he returned, his manner that Of
man who has carefully weighed and con
!, sidered a matter. Il confess to partialit
for the thick Of the fray the brunt of tn
fight, where men press all around you