Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1903-02-19
CHAPTER VII.
THE ANSWER no n1,po,1r,

THE ANSWER TO BURGUNDY.
touch on the shoulder reused Villon
from his honeyed meditations, and he
turned with a start to find the sable
figure of the king at his side and the
sinister visage smiling upon him
Good afternoon, Lord Contable."
Louis said amiably, and as Villon
dropped respectfully on his knee. he
questioned:
Does power taste well?"
"Noby, sire. On my knees let me
thank your majesty
Nonsense man; I'm pleasing myself.
You sang yourself into splendor. If
Francois were the king Of France
Eeh?"
Villon rose with voice and gesture of
lapologetic entreaty.
Your majesty will understand"
Louis brushed his apologies aside
blandly.
Perfectly. My good friend, you cap
tivated me. With what u flashing eye,
with what a radiant forehead, with
| what n lofty carriage you Numbered
your verses at me. There, l said 10
myself, is a real man. a man with a
mission, a man who may serve
I France"
Sire that has been my hunger's
dream of plenty"
Louis clasped his thin arms across his
| chest and Rugged himself affectionate-
ily.
Well. l couldn't very we'll make you
king, you know. and / wouldn't if /
could, for | have fancy for the task
myself But / owed you a good turn turf,
aud your own words prompted the pay
ment. This poor devil shall taste
power 1 said. / will make him my
grand consta BILE"
Nillon's joy was SO great that he was
unable to hear the king out but inter-
irupted him with enthusiastic promises.
Sire, 1 will serve you as never king
was served"
Louis went on unheeding, and his
quiet, nonotonous words fell on the hot
brain of the poet and chilled 1t.
7 Will make him my grand constable
for week.
If Louis had jerked dagger into
Niilons side. he could not have more
surely hurt his victim.
| - week, sire?' Vilon gasped. almost
unable TO realize the meaning of the
kings words.
Louis turned upon him and snarled at
him
Good Lord, did your vanity credit
permanent appointment? Come, friend,
come, that would be pushing the joke
too far.''
All the sunlight seemed to hau. gone
out of the world, all the scent out OF the
roses. Nillon could only repeat to HIM
self: ~ wreck" and stare vacantly
at the king. The king emphasized his
offer, lingering over it lovingly.
Even so One wonderful week, seven
| delirious days He paused for an in
slant as he counted. Zone hundred and
chance of lifetime. The world was
made in seven days. Seven days of
power, seven days of splendor, seven
days of love-.
Nilon gave a groan of despair for
his golden hopes.
And then go back to the garnet and
the kennel, the tavern and the brothel,,'
Louis malign smile deepened. He
came closer to the poet and tapped him
on the chest with his lean forefinger.
He was enjoying himself immensely.
No. no, not exactly" he hummed.
You don't taste the full force of the
joke yet. In a weeks time you will
build me big gibbet in the Place de
Greve, and there your last task as
grand constable will be to hang Master
Francois Villon."
III the world had been colorless and
/ scentless before, it was now no better
| than a hideous heap of ashes. IL VII
| lon had run up a heavy reckoning with
| the king at the Frcone tavern, must he
Wipe out the score with his life blood?
Nillon fell at the kings feet with en-
tended hands and agonized beseech-
ing eyes.
Sire, sire, have PITY"
The king looked down on him in dis
dain.
Are you so fond Of life? Are you so
poor thing that you prize your garrei.
and your kennel your tavern and your
brothel so highly?"
Nillon bowed his head.
II was content yesterday"
The king surveyed the covering fig
ure with growing contempt.
Can you be content today? Please
yourself There is still a door open
to you. You can go hack to your gar
ret this very moment if you choose.
Say the word and my servants shall
strip You Of your smart feathers and
drub you into the street.
| Nillon buried his face in his hands.
| Your majesty. be mekciful!" he i'm
/ plored.
! The kings scorn blazed out:
4 You read Louis of France lesson,
and Louis of France returns the COM
pliment. / took you for true gold and
l am afraid that you are only base
metal. You mouthed your longing for
the chance to show what you could do.
Here is your chance! Take 1t or leave
It But remember that never change