The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-17
~ ~
S!ITHE ROSEv6
- By FREDERIC s. IStiAM. "
" (CopYRoHr coMpMrl
[CopYRloHr. 1905 tn. Bowzs-MrRRnL coMrAsr.l


mounted her horse, and rode away, followed
by her maids and the troopers of France.
AS she disappeared, without one backward
glance, the duke gaZed quickly toward the
spot where Jacquelne had been standing.
He remembered the young girl had heard his
story; he hac caught her eyes upon him
while he was telling it; very deep, serious.
judicial they seemed. Were they weighing
his past infatuation for the princess; hold
ing the scales to his acts? Swiftly he turned
to her now, but she had vanished. Save for
rough nurses companions in arms, moving
here and there among the wounded, he and
the Emperor stood alone. In the bushes
bird which had left nest of fedglings re-
turned and caroled among the boughs;
clarifying melody after the mad passions OF
the day. The elder man noted the direction
of the dukes glance. the yellow ribbon on
mis- arm.
$50 ii was jestress not a princess you
found, thou dreamer" he said. half ironi-
cally.
1.-The daughter of the Constable of Du-
The Emperor nodded. 'sThe family colors
have changed" he observed dryly.
with fortune, sire"
Truly" said Charles. fortune is jest
ress She had like to play on US this day
But your fever?" he added. abruptly. set
ting his horses head toward camp.
Us gone, SIRE" answered the duke, riding
by his side.
'.And your injuries?''
Were slight they are forgotten"
Then is the breath of battle better medi-
cine than nostrum salve. In youth, tbs
the swordpoint; in age, turn we to the hilt-
cross. But this maid-have you won herr?
The young man changed color. ''Won her,
sire? he replied. That 1 know not-no
word has passed."
mo word" said the Emperor, doubtingly.
"a knight Grant and castleless maid!
The duke vouchsafed no answer.
"Humphv' added Charles. Thus do our
What aa end WOULD Se
mo end Of state, perhaps SIRE"
Why" observed the monarch 'the state
and the faith-what else is there? But go
your way. How smooth it may be no man
can tell"
us the road like to be rougher than it has
been, sire?"
Charles, land France belongs to the King"
THE King!' exclaimed the duke. fiercely.
Involuntarily had they drawn rein in the
shade of tiny thicket overlooking the val
ley. Even from this slight exercise, bowed
and weary appeared the Emperors form.
The hand which controlled his steed trem-
bled, but the lines of his face spoke of un-
weakened sinew of spirit, the iron grip Of
will that only death might loosen.
The King" repeated the young man.
"He is no King of mine, nor hers. To you,
SIRE only, l owe allegiance, or my life at
your need"
A gentler expression softened the Emper-
or's features, as a CLEAN of sunshine forces
itself into the somberest forest depths.
I'VE have had our need" he said mot
long since" His glance swept the outlook
| below. Heaven watches over monarchs."
he added, turning a keen, satircal look on
the other. ''but through the vigilance OF our
earthly servitors.
The dukes response was interrupted by
| the appearance below of a hOrseman, COW
cred with dust, riding toward them, and
urging his weary steed up the incline with
| spur and voice. Deliberately the monarch
I. surveyed the newcomer.
What make you of yonder fellcw?" he
said. He is not Of the guard, nor of the
| bastards following"
His housings are the color of France.
sire
Then I can make shrewd guess of his
purpose" observed the monarch.
AS he spoke the horSeman drew nearer and
| a moment later had stopped before the EN-
! peror
"A message from the King. sire!" ex-
| claimed the man, dismounting and kneeling
to present formidable-looking document.
| with great disk of lead through which a
| silken string was drawn.
Breaking the seal, the Emperor opened
the missive. 1T is well'' he said at length,
! folding the parchment. THE King was even
| on his way to the chateau to await our COM
ing, when he met Caillette and received our
communication. Go you to the camp"-to
| the messenger-"where we shall presently
return" And as the man rode away: 1.-The
King begs we will continue our journey at
our leisure" he added, land announces he
| will receive us at the chateau"
| ''And have 1 your permission to return to
Friedwald, sire?' asked the other in a low
voice.
"Alone?"
daughter there to safety"
| And thus needlesSly court Francis'S re-
| sentiment? Not yet"
| The young man said no word, but his face
| hardened
| Tut said the Emperor, dryly, although
| not unkindly. where's fealty now? Fine
words; fine words! A slender chit of a maid,
| forsooth. Without lands, without dowry;
| with naught-save herself
| us she not enough, sire?
| Francis is more easily disarmed in his
own castle by his own hospitality than in
| the battlefield" observed Charles, without
replying to this question. I'm field have we
| conquered him; in palace hath he conquered
| himself, and our friendship. Therefore will
you and the maid return in our train to the
| Kings court
| AT your order, SIRE"
But the young mans voice was cold,
| ominous.
l ITO be Continued Tomorrow