The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-06-26


The King, who heard, laughed, and the
dwarfs heart Immediately expanded, au-
curing that he should soon be restored 70
the monarch's favor; for since the nlSnt
the buffoon had failed TO answer the duke
jester in Fools Hall Francis had received
Triboulet's advances and small pieasantries
with terrifying coldness. In fact. the dwarf
had never passed such an uncomfortable
period during his career. save on one MEM
orable occasion when a band OF mischievous
pages had set upon him, carried him 10 the
scaffold and nailed his enormous ears to the
beam. Now, treasured, burning with de-
light, the jester spurred presumptuousiy
| forward. no longer feeling bound to lag In
Go backr' cried an angry knight. II can
not bear a fool on my right.
Triboulet refined in his horse. but pushed
ahead the other side of the rider VINO
had spoken.
~ can bear it very WE'LL" he retorted and
found his proud reward in the company
laughter. The remark, moreover, passed
from lip TO lip to the King, and the mis-
shapen jester felt his little cup of happi-
ness filled once more TO the brim; his OLD
prestige seemed coming back TO him; mold
ing his position In the road: he gazed dis
painfully at the dsgruntled knight. and the
other returned the look with one or hearty
ill-will, muttering an imprecation and warn
ing just above his breath
Sire" called Triboulet, loudly, now above
fearing courtier, knight or any high official
of the realm, 1.-The Count de Piseione says
he will beat me to DEATH
IF he does" goed-naturedly answered the
King. II will hang him quarter of an hour
afterward''
Please, your Majesty. hang him quarter
of an hour before"
Thus right pleasantly, with quip and jest.
and many smart sally, did the monarch
and his retinue draw near the meeting spot,
where. at fork of the road, beneath the
shade of overhanging branches, were al
ready assembled goodly group of soldiers.
Beyond them, at a respectful distance,
stood many beasts of burden, heavily laden,
the great packs promising stores of rare
and costly gifts. At the head of the troop
ers was a thick-set man, with broad shoul-
ders and brawny frame mounted on pow
erful gray horse. This leader whom the APP
preaching company surmised to be the duke,
sat motionless as statue, gazing stead
tasty at the shining armor and gallant fig
ure of the King who spurred to him, a
friendly greeting on his lips. Then, lightly
springinS to earth and throwing his bride
to one OF his troop, the foreign noble APP
preached the royal horseman on foot, and,
bending his head, knelt before him, respect
fully kissing his hand.
Grim, silent, with hardened faces, the
dukes men regarded the scene, their dusty
attire (albeit rich enough beneath the
marks of traveD sunburned visages and
stolid manner in marked contrast with the
bearing and aspect Of the Kings gay fol-
lowing One of the alien troop pulled a red
mustachio fiercely and eyed a bithe popin-
jay of the court with quizzcal superiority;
the others remained, stock-still, but OBJ
servant.
u see you are punctual and waiting. noble
sir!' said the monarch gaily when the ini-
tial formalities had been complied with.
But that is no more than should be ex-
pected from-an impatient bridegroom"
Then, gazing curiously, yet with penetrat-
ing look. on the features of his guest, who
now had arisen: SYou appear slightly older
than expected from the letter of our dear
friend and brother, the Emperor"
And truly the dukes appearance was that
five and twenty; his face was brown from
exposure and upon his brow the scar of an
old sword wound; yet fearless, dashing
countenance; an eye that could kindle to
headlong passion, and thick-set neck and
heavy jaw that bespoke the foeman who
would battle to the last breath
THAT must needs be, since living in the
saddle ages man."
Truly" returned the monarch, instinct
lively laying his hand upon his sword. '"rhe
waving banners-yes, glory is seductive
mistress who robs us of our youth. Have /
not wooed her and found.gray hairs? Who
History. your Majesty, shall give them
to posterity," answered the duke.
Even those we lost to Charles?" NUT
tered the King shadow passing over his
GLORY. sire. is mistress sometimes tickle
in her favors.''
"And vet we live but for" He broke off
abruptly, and with the eye of trained
commander surveyed the dukes men.
"Daredevils: daredevils. air. he mrttered:
fellows sire apocgzed
Somewhat dusty and road-worn." And his
eyes turned meaningly to the Kings suite;
the the flashing ,h girdies of silver the shining
adornment Of ribbons.
Nay" said Francis. meditatively, ION a
eaters at my back. They look as though
they could cut and hew."
Moderately well, your Majesty" an
swered the duke with modesty.
x-ol~l 10. = Il. A.
me? Yonder is the castle, and in the castle
Is certain fair lady whom you, no doubt,
fam would see."
Long gazed the Duke of Friedwald at the
distant venerable pile of stone; the majestic
turrets and towers softly floating in a
dreamy mist; the setting, fresh, woody,
green. Long he looked at this inviting pic
ture and then breathed deeply.
'Ah, sire, 1 would the meeting were over"
he remarked in a low voice.
why SO. sir?" asked the King in sur
prise. do you fear you will not fancy the
iady?'
II fear she may not fancy me-" retorted
the nobleman, soberly. Your own remark,
sire; that appear older than you had ex-
pected?" he continued, gravely significantly.
"A Recommendation In your favor"
laughed the monarch. II ever prefer sober
manhood to callow youth about me. The one
is prop, stanch, tried; the other a reed
that bends this way and that, or breaks
when you press II too hard"
should be lacking In gratitude were
not deeply appreciative of your Majesty's
singular kindness replied the duke, his
face flushing with pleasure. But your Maj
esty knows womankind-"
NAY; I've studied them little but know
them not, retorted Francis, dryly.
And it Is unlikely the lady may find me
all her imagination has depicted went on
the nobleman, with palpable embarrass-
ment. My noble master, the Emperor, hath
regarding me still as but a STRIPPING from
his own vantage point of age and wisdom
represented me a young man in his prepos-
ais But though I'm younger than / look
and feel no older than am. how young or
how old, shall / seem to the princess %
young enough to be her husband: old
enough for her to look up to-" answered the
monarch. reassuringly.
Again" objected the duke, meditatively
regarding the castle. she mSy be expecting
a handsome, debonair bridegroom and
when she sees me'-ruefully surveying
himself-"what will she say?"
What will she say? Yes at the altar Is
1t not enough" Leaning back in his saddle
the Kings face expressed the enjoyment he
derived from the conversation with the
Here was a groom whose wedding promised
the court much amusement and satisfac-
ton in those jovial days OF testing and
Incorporating.
Come" resumed the King encoura ging-
ly, 'pll warrant you more forward I'm bat
"Battew said the duke. That's another
matter. To see your foeman's cleaning eyesi
but hers.-Should they express danger,
disdain-"
Let yours show but the greater wrath"
like cures like. Let me be your physician
"a