The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1903-06-28
CHAPTER VIII.
A RRIEE TRuCE

Turn out these torch-bearers. human
candlesticks and Wallets de chambre, and
III get me to bed" commanded the duke,
standing in the center of his room, and the
trooper with the fierce red mustaches waved
a swarm of pages. cup-bearers and attend
ants from the door and closed it. How are
the men quartered, JOHANN
With all the creature comforts, my
lord" answered the soldier. 1.-The King
hath dressed them like popinjays: they
drink overmuch, dice, and run after the
maids, but otherwise are well-behaved."
Drink; dice; run after the maidsr' said
the noble. gazing thoughtfully downward.
BOLD them in check. Johann. as though we
were in campaign
Yes. my lord returned the man. star
ing impassively before him.
And especially keep them from the
kitchen wenches. There's more danger in
these femmes de chambre, laundresses and
scullery CinderelIas than in a column of
glittering steel. Remember. no court Of love
I'm the scullery. Now goi Yet stay. JOHANN
he added, suddenly. This fool OF ours Is
bold fellow. Look to him welll''
Saluting respectfully, an expression of
quick intelligence on his forid features, the
trooper backed out OF the room. With his
hands behind him, his shoulders bent for
ward. the duke long pondered. his look.
keen and discerning; his perspicacity clear,
In spite of Francis's wine, or the intoxica-
tion of the princess's eyes. Although the
mobiles glance seemed bent on vacancy, 1t
was himself as well as others he was
studying; weighing the memorable events
OF the evening; recalling to mind every word
with the princess; reviewing her features,
the softening of her cold disdain; now,
mentally distrustful. because she
woman: again. confident he already domi-
mated the citadel of her heart.
But a new element had entered into the
field; an element unforeseen-the jesteri-
and, although not attaching great impor-
lance to this possible source of hazard in his
plans for the future, the duke was too good
soldier to disregard any risk, however
slight. In love and battle, every peril should
be avoided; every vulnerable point made inn
pregnable. Besides, the fool was audacious.
foolhardy; his language of covert mockery
and quick wit proved him an intelligent an
tagonist, who might become a desperate
one.
"A woman and fool muttered the duke,
striding with quick steps across his cham
Der, ARE two uncertain quantities. The one
should be subjected: the other removed"
MusefuI, he stood before the niche, where
in shone a cross of silver, set with anne
thysts and turquoise. his rugged face
lighted by the uncertain Pickering of the
candles
Removed he repeated. contemplatively.
"And she
The clear tinkling of bell broke in upon
his cogitation; a faint. musical sound that
seemed at his very elbow He wheeled about
abruptly, saw nothing save the mysterious
shadows of the curtains, the flickering
lamps the dark outline of the canopy of
the great bed. Instinctively he knew he was
not alone. and yet his gaze, rapidly sweep
ing the apartment, failed TO perceive an in
truder.
Again the tinkling. a low laugh, and.
turning sharply toward an alcove from
whence the sounds came, the duke, through
the half-Iight and trailing, sombrous shad-
ows OF Its entrance, perceived figure In
ameIed stick a yellow glfmmering, that
came and went with the sputtering flame,
rested upon an ironical face. a graceful fig
ure in motley and wand with the Jester 8
head and the bell Without rising, the plais-
ant quizzically regarded the surprised no.
had stepped back involuntarily at the sud-
denness of the encounter.
Good evening. my lord" said the fool. IT
am like the genii OF the tale. You think Of
Regainfng his composure at once the
Kings guest bent his heavy brOws over
his deep-set eyes. and deliberately surveyed
And now" went on the jester. gany,
sit Is In your mind am like as suddenly
to-disappeari Am at fault?"
''On the contrary, you are unusually clear
witted," was the answer.
2eaurged Se my
asked caller with deprecatory gesture.
The hands of the other worked impatient
~: his herculean figure blocked the door
way. 'Y0n are a merry fellow!' he OBJ
served. 1T Is to be regretted. but-confess
what MY fate? Oh, yes!S And he in
wooden figure upon it. without moving from
You have no fear?" questioned the duke.
Fear? why should To-
Yawning. the fool stretched his arms,
looking not at the nobleman. but beyond
trothed peered over his shoulder in the semi
darkness behind, while his hand quickly
sought ugh his sos sword gos,s ous., xo,.,o ~.
Jester. I'VE have no eavesdroppers or inter-
lopers. believe me, We entirely alone.
you and I-master and fool. There: come no
nearer, j beg! AS the nobleman menacing-
ly moved toward him.
Have you any argument to advance. Sir
Fool, why i should n0t? said the other,
grimly. CLEAN OF amusement depicted on
his broad face as he paused the while.
An argument sharp as needle. somewhat
longer!' replied the jester touching his
breast and drawing from between the folds
OF his doublet shining hilt.
Harsh and loud laughed the kings guest.
tunity below there in the hall and missed
IL. You hesitated, went blindly another
course. and now"-with ominous meaning
you are herei"
Upon the stick candle dripped. sput-
tered and went out: the jester bent forward,
and with the copper snuffer on the table
near by deftly trimmed the remaining light.
"Only fools tight in darkness" he re-
marked. quietly. land here is but one of
you pit yourself and that-plaything,-
against me-" asked the burly soldier. de-
risively.
Have you hunted the wild boar. my
lord?" lightly answered the other. How
mighty IL Isl How savage. What tusksl
You know the pastime2 "A quick step. a
sure arm. an eye like lightning-presto!
your boar lies on his back. with his feet in
the air! You. my lord. are the boar: big.
clumsy. brutal, Shall We begin the sport?
i promise TO prick you with every rush."
The prospective bridegroom paused
thoughtfully.
There is some justice In what you say"
ne returned his manner that of a man who
mas carefully weighed and considered a
matter. II confess TO partiality for the thick
OF the fray. the brunt of the fight, where
men press all around you"
"Assuredly, my lord for then the boar is
in his element: matter how he PUSHES.