The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1904-05-19

sure him. Having distanced my poorly
mounted pursuers I stopped to water
my horse at the spring before riding
the few hundred yards to the gates OF
spring I was Mortified to see men
struggling on top CT the great tower.
Their fight was brief and decisive.
TWO of them, one being Maurice my
most trusted man at arms, were
thrown violently to the courtyard be-
low. OF the others some were killed.
some o~verpowered and carried below
again.
All of this took only an instant, for
1t appeared but the end OF a desperate
encounter which had been raging else
where. The time, however, IA long
enough for me to see that those of the
Larger party wore the white sash and
cross which distinguished my assail-
ants In Rouen.
God in heaven, what murders work
have we at Cartillon2" I cried aloud
In my misery. Then one who could an
swer came running toward me from
b castle, gashed, with snapped sword
in hand.
"Oh, master, master. the Catholics.
6s Catholics" was all he could speak
cat before he fell a senseless mass at
my horses feet.
Cartillon was not now a refuge.
Immediately the distant sound of
hoof beats came LOUD and louder yet,
from the direction of Rouen. Ortez
vas coming.
"Qutck, CASTOR, we must fly"
NY overtaxed horse failed me now.
Pulling the rein he only sank slowly
60 his knees, and after a few spas
saedio witches, stiffened out forever
URon the rocky road. I stood erect a
moment. child in arms, irresoluta.
There was short shrift to think My
blood rebelled at flight.
Here, CASTOR, take the boy; hide liz
he wood. Carry him to the Abbot OF
vaux, and c~onture the good priest, by
u fathers love and ours, to save my
baby"
CASTOR had hardly passed from sight
among the trees before a dozen we'll
armed horsemen, bearing the same
white cross in their caps, spurred
round a curve in the forest road, COM
ing suddenly upon me beside my fallen
gteed. Sword In hand, I fronted them,
determined, come what would, to fly no
further. The evil face OF Ortez shone
with qualification at SO unexpectedly
finding me alone.
NOW. yield thee, sirrah," he cried,
a. his men surrounded me. A quick
thrust through the body OF his horse,
brought him to the ground.
Not yet thou slayer Of women; here
upon equal footing, thy life shall pay
for those Of wife and child"
l verify believed the Almighty ven
! houid have slain him despite his
troopers, but for a crushing pike blow
over the head. SO swiftly lid it alI come
about.
My brain reeIed; the sword dropped
changing from my nerveless hand.
When I recovered, I found myself
bound upon q horse behind one Of the
men.
ION with him, men, to Cartillon;
there I'VE rest this night In the kings
name"
In this wise we rode along; Ortez
openly exultant, I silent and scornful.
AHA, my fine brother" he spoke low
at my saddle. thy fathers son has
thee In his power now. And shall I not
revenge thee the wrong our father did
my mother for thine? Didst know the
storyT'
I made no reply, but he went on IN
mindful.
ITO nv mothe,r ha gaza
his love, but dared not give
his name; to thy mother he gave his
name but could never give lis love.
So thou art the proud lord Of CartiIlon,
and I the outcast solder of fortune,
49, ~ CILuiSkt slayer Ol
women-what thou wilt. But things
are changed now. Before many hours
! win be the Count d'Arttn, and thou
a ~dishonored corpse, sweet brother"
Thou. Thou my brother?"
I turned upon him a look Of incredu-
lous contempt, yet. for I had heard
come such tale OF my fathers youth, l
asked:
Thy mother was-2"
"Nanon Esculas, whom thy father
abducted in Spain to desert in France"
My heart sank; I had seen the worn-
an, and knew her son for one of he
most courageous and u~nprincipled ad-
Vsnturers who hung about the court
q held their swords for hire. When
taa noisy troop rode up to the gates Of
Carttllon their leader paused, a head
appeared upon the battlements.
"Guise." cried Ortez, giving the
watchword of that day Of slaughter.
The ~drawbrtdge lowered, and open
swung the gates.
welcome to CartiIlon, 6'Artin,' Or
tan bowed. Here at last we find rest
and Fefreshment. Let a feast be
spread In the great hall, ransack the
place for good cheer. We've done brave
work this glorious day. my lads, and a
merry ending we'll have before the
night Is gone"
Everywhere IN the courtyard were
evidences of bloody conflict. singly, in
groups, in hideous, cri1n6on~splashed
nea lay Catholics and Huguenots to-
8ether, peaceful enough In death.
BY my faith. and a gallant set Of
gentlemen we nave here" laughed Or
ten What think you, brother nine?"
ana as he spoke he leaned from his
saddle to strike down a half dying
wretch who lifted his head from among
the slain.
s~pnre, >, he o,u.5 a.