The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-07-15
CHAPTER XIV.
IN THE TENT OF THE EMPEROR.

IN THE TENT OF THE EMPEROR.
On an eminence commanding the sur
rounding country an unwonted spectacle
that same day had presented itself to the
astonished gaze of the workers in a neigh
boring vineyard. Cleaning with crimson and
gold. a number Of tents had appeared as by
magic on the mount, the temporary en-
campment of a rich and numerous caval-
cade. But il was not the splendent aspect
of this unexpected bivouac itself so much as
the colors and designs of the flags and BAN
ners floating above which aroused the won
derment Of the tillers of the SOIL Here
cleaned no salamander. with it's legend. I'm
fire am 1 nourished; in fire die, but the
less magniloquent and more dreaded coat Of
arms of the Emperor, the royal rival and
one-time jaier of the proud French mon
arch.
The sunlight, reflected from the golden tas-
sells and ornamentation of the tents. threw
a flaming menace over the valley. and the
peasants in subdued tones talked of the
sudden coming of the dreaded foeman. Mere
de Dieu! what did 1t portend. Ventre Saint
Girls! were they going to storm the fort
resses Of the King? Was an army follow
ing this formidable retnue of mobiles. SOL
diers and servants?
Above, on the mount as the sun climbed
toward the meridian. seated in one of
the largest Of the tents a man of resoute
and stern mien who gazed refectively tow
ard the fertile plain outstretching in the
distance. His grizzled hair told Of the after
prime of life; he simply, even plainly.
dressed, although his garments were Of fine
material and from his neck hung a heavy
chain OF gold. His doublet lacked the pro-
longed and grotesque peak, and was less
puffed slashed and banded than the coat
worn by those gallants Of the day who
looked to Italy for the latest extravagances
Of fashion. His hat lying carelessly on the
table at his elbow, was devoid of aigrette.
jewels or plume; a head-covering for the
campaign rather than the court. Within
reach Of his hand stood heavy golden COB
let of massive German workmanship, the
solid character of which contrasted with
the drinking vessels after Cellinis patterns
affected by Francis. This he raised to his
lips, drank freely, replaced the goblet on the
table, and said as much to himself as to
those around him:
"A fair land, this Of our brother! Small
wonder he likes to play the host. even to his
enemies. We may conquer him on the en-
sanguined field, but he conquers us-or
Henry of England.-on a field Of cloth Of
gold!"
But for your Majesty to put yourself in
the Kings power?" ventured courtier. who
wore a begemmed torsade and cloak OF
Genoa velvet.
The monarch leaned back in his great
IA har Ac ho eof
there musing, his virility and iron figure
gave him rather the appearance of the SOL
der than the Emperor. This impression his
surroundings further emphasized. for the
walls of the tent were covered, not with the
gorgeous colored Gobelins of the pleasure
loving French, but with severe and stately
tapestries from his native Flanders, depict
ing in somber shades various scenes of mar
tial triumph When he raised his head he
cast look of ominous dspleasure upon the
last speaker.
Had he not once the English King be-
meath his roof" answered the monarch "At
Amboise, where we visited Francis some
years ago, was there any restraint put upor
us?"
A grim smile crossed his features at the
recollection of the gorgeous fetes in his hon.
| on that other occasion. Perhaps, too, he
thought Of the excitements held out by those
servitors of the King, the frail and fair la.
| dies Of the court, for he added
Saints ct saintes. twas a palace of pleas.
ure. not a dungeon. he prepared for u.s. Blu,
enough of this! 1t is time we rode on. LIE,
| the cavalcade, with the tents, follow be.
hind"
Think you, your Majesty. IL the princes.
be not yet married to the bastard, she 1.
like to espouse the true duke?" asked q
courtier. as a soldier left the tent to carry
out the orders Of the Emperor
Charles arose abruptly. ''Of a surety! H,
must have loved her greatly, else"
The Gathering of hoofs, drawing nearer
| interrupted the Emperor's nominations, and
wheeling sharply, he gazed without A bant
of horsemen appeared on the mount
1.-The outriders!'' he said in surprise. ''Wh,
have they returned?"
They are bearing some one on a litter
answered the attendant noble "and-cap d.
! Dieu-there is a woman with themr'
| AS the troops approached, the Empero
| STROBE forward. Out in the sunlight his fac,
| appeared older. more careworn. but although
! IL cost him an effort to walk, his step wa
unfaltering moment he surveyed the mel
|
| one look at their burden, uttered an excla
nation. His surprise, however, was of shor
| duration. AT once his features resumed thei
| customary rigor.
What does this mean?" he asked, short
ly, addressing the leader of the soldiers. IL
he badly hurt?"
THAT l cannot say. your Majesty" re
piled the man. "A horse fell upon his leg
which is badly bruised. and there may b
| other injuries"
Where did you find him." continued tn
Emperor. still regarding the pale face of tn
piaisant.
Not far from here. your Majesty. Tn
woman was sitting in the road, holding hi
| head.
Charles's glance swiftly sought the Jest
ress and then returned.
They were being pursued, for shortl,
! after we came a squad of men appeare,
| from the opposite direction. When they saw
| us they fed. The woman insisted upon be
| ing brought here, when she learned of you
| Majesty's presence.
Take the injured man into the next ten
and see he fMs every care. AS for the WON
| an | will speak with her alone
Your Majesty's orders TO break camp
| began the courtier.
I'VE have changed our mind and will re