Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-10-03

solitary hosiery was not unwelcome to the
weary fugitives. second inspection of
the place, however, awakened misgivinss.
The building seemed the better adapted for
a fortress than a tavern, being heavily
constructed, with massive doors and blinds.
and 1oopholeS above. A brightly painted
sign, The Rocks Haunt, waved cheerily, it
is true, above the door, as though to dis
arm suspicion but the isolated situat ton
OF the inn, and the depressing sense of the
surrounding Wilderness. might well cause
the wayfarer to hesitate whether to tarry
there or continue his journey.
A glance at the pale face and unna turally
bright eyes of the girl brought the jester,
however, to quick decision. Sprnging
frCm his horse, he held out his hand to
assist her. but, overcome by weakness or
fatigue she would have fallen had he not
sustained her. Quickly she recovered. and
with faint flush mantling her white
check, withdrew from his grasp, while at
the same time the landlord of the tavern
came forward to welcome his guests.
lr appearance mine host was round and
jovial; his bulk bespoke hearty living; bis
rosy face reflected good cheer: his stem
j torian voice, free-and-easy hospitality. His
eyes constituted the only setback to this
general impression Of friendiness and fel
iow-feeling; they were small, twinkling,
CLASSY.
Good even to you, gentle folk" he said.
You tarry for the night, l take it?'
If you have suitable accomm oda TONS
answered the jester, treasured by the mans
aspect and manner.
The Rocks Haunt never vet turned
away a weary traveller" answered the
landlord You come from the palace?"
Yes. briefly, as lad led away their
horses.
"And have done we'll? Reaped a harvest
from the merry lords and ladies?"
There were many others there for that
purpose returned the jester, following the
proprietor to the door of the hosiery.
True. Still I'll warrant your fair COM
panion cozened the silver pieces from the
pockets of the gentry" And. smiling
knowingly, he ushered them into the prin-
Cipal living loom of the tavern.
1t was a -begrimed apartment,
with tables next to the wall, and rough
chairs and benches for the guests Heavy
pine rafters spanned the ceiling; the floor
hung a wrought-iron frame for candles.
Upon a shelf a row of battered tankards,
suggesting many bout, shone DULY, like
a line of war-worn troopers. while great
pewter pitcher, the worse for wear, COM
manded the disreputable array.
In this room was gathered a nondescript
company; mountebanks and buffoons;
rogues unclassfied, drinking and dicing; a
robust vagrant, at whose feet slept a per-
forming boar. with a ring-badge of servi-
tude-through it's nose; a black-bearded
shaggy haired Spanish troubadour, with at
tire SO ragged and worn as to have lost its
erstwhile picturesque characteristics. This
last far from prepossesSing worthy half
started from his seat upon the appearance
of fool and jestress: stared at them. and
then resumed his place and the ballad he
had been singing:
''Within the garden of Beaucaire
He met her by a secret stair.
Said Ancassin. My love, my pet.
These old confessors vex me SO!
They threaten all the pains Of hell
Unless give you up. ma BELIZE"
Said Aucassin to Nicolette."
Watching the nimble fingers Of the shah
by minstrel with pitiably childish express