Courier Democrat. (Langdon, N.D.) 1891-1920, 1903-10-22
Copyright, 1900, by seuard W. Hopkins.

BY SEWARD W. HOPKINS

'his highness has injured his right leg
and will not be able to please the coun-
try people by appearing on horseback.
He must ride, therefore, with the la
dies in their carriage. You, Prince
Casparin, must therefore lead the pro-
cession from Ontro to your castle,
where his highness intends to remain
for day or two. And, as it would be
unseemly for me, u poor captain. to
ride horse more richly dressed than
yours. will take the stced you now
ride. and you take the one intended for
the prince"
"Ycs, my brother Casparin," said the
prince, going to the carriage with an
artful limp. II was unfortunate enough
to bruise my leg while riding one of
the emperors wild beasts. Take the
horse. then, you so generously provided
for me and let Duvally take your own"
For a moment Il pallor overspread
the face of Casparin, but he rallied and
in a calm voice said:
mo; since my brother will not ride
the horse, let him be led at the side OF
the carriage. There are horses enough
for the retinuc."
\ CLEAN of intelligence passed from
the eyes of Duvally to those of his
prince.
ride the horse, Casparin," said the
prince. with laugh, yet with a voice
of firmncss. Il do not wish to turn the
parade into funeral march. When
you carry me to the tomb. walk my
horse ut the hcarse. But Ill have none
of it here
There was u slight hesitation in Cas-
parin's manner; then, with smile, he
mounted the gayly harnessed horse.
The procession set off from Ontro.
with Casparin leading.
ut cannot be true. Duvally." said
the prince in whisper.
1T is true" said Duvally. Il will
bring your intended assassins before
you today"
After a mile or two had been trav-
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 stealthily on paper and turn to
one Of his faithful retainers at his side
ride OH ahead" was what Casparin
whispered. "You will find ut the edge
Of the Green forest. 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.
II have sent ahead to give orders to
have the lights at the castle ready"
said Casparin to his brother.
Duvally had fallen to the rear, where
his own faithful fellows were riding.
He selected four Of them.
leave the road for 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"
Duvally 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 sat
at the end of table. with Caspariu
near him.
Duvally. whose eye was everywhere
at once, stood near his royal master.
\ messenger came to him. He heard
what was to be said and then whisper
ed to the prince. A nod was his reply.
Duvally gave two commands. In re-
spouse to these door opened. and
squad entered. At the same moment
two soldiers with drawn swords STEP
ped to the side Of Casparin.
Traitor" was the word breathed by
Duvally as he looked down on the
white faced Casparin.
-Four men We're brought in. One was
Casparin's messenger. The other three.
in irons. were Vandal. Reber and Ro-
bello.
Duvally handed note to the prince.
1t read as follows:
"Be careful. 1t is not the prince, but
myself. who is riding the gay horse.
The prince rides in the carriage with
the princesses.'
A stern look passed from the prince
to his brother.
"Casparin." he said, you have cho-
sen." Then. turning to his faithful off,
Ger, he said:
"Duvally. the prisoners are yours"
IN pTEp VIII