The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-03-24

from her litter last farewell"
"a last farewellr' repeated the fool.
"a splendid picture. JacquelIne. They
all shouted TIE Deum. and none stood
there to warn her."
ITO warn" retorted the jestress.
mot a maid but envied her that spec-
tacle--the magnincence and splendorr'
"But not what will follow" he said
and, lying back on his couch, closed
his eyes.
The free baron must have known the
emperor was In Spain and had met the
foors stratagem with final masterly
meneuver. The bout was over, the first
! great bout; but In the next-would
there be next? Jacqueline's words
now implied doubt.
"You are soon to leave heren she
said, "for Paris
why am to leave for PARISH" he
remarked absently.
Because they are going to take you
there" she returned, ''to be tried as a
heretic." He started and again sat up.
I'm your room was found a book by
Calvin. Now hereto need expect no
mercy. They are placed in cages hung
from beams over the fire." Abruptly
she arose. would you escape such
fate7" she added.
He remained silent, thinking that II
the mission to the emperor miscarried
MS own position might, indeed, be past
mending. If the exposure of the free
baron were long delayed, the fools as.
surance in his own ultimate release
might prove but vain expectation. In
Paris the trial would doubtless not be
protracted. From the swift tribunal
to the slow fire constituted no compli-
Gated legal process, and appeal there
was none, save to the king, from whom
might be expected little mercy, less
Justice.
Escape" the Jester answered, dwell
Ing on these matters. "But how?"
by leaving this prison." she answer
ed, lowering her voice.
He glanced significantly at the walls,
the windows and the door, beyond
which could be heard the tread of the
5ailer and the clanking of the keys
hanging from his girdle.
Il would have done that long since,
Jacqueline, II had had my WILL" he
replied.
.Are. you strong enough to attempt
itT she remarked doubtfully, scanning
the thin face before her.
your words shall make me So" he
retorted. And. looking into his glitter
ing eyes, she almost believed him.
mot today, but tomorrow" the girl
added thoughtfully. perhaps then
II shall be ready" he broke in i'm
patiently. "What must do?
mot drink this wine have brought,
but give 1t to the turnkey in the morn
Ing. Invite him to share it, but take
none yourself, feigning sudden illness.
He Will not refuse, being always sharp
set for cup. Although he drinks
many tankards and pitchers every day,
yet will this small bottle make him
drowsy. You will leave while he is
sleeping"
I'm tine daylight, mistress" he asked
eagerly. "Why not watt
mo-" she said decisively, "there is
no other way. This turnkey is only q
day watchman. 1t is dangerous, but
the best plan that suggests itself. I
know many unfrequented corridors
and passages through the old part of
the castle the king has not rebuilt and
a.road at the back now little used that
runs through the wood and thicket
down the hill. 1t is desperate chance,
The danger Of remaining is more
desperate" he interrupted quickly.
Besides, we shall not fail. 1t is I'm the
book Of fate" His expression changed:
became fierce, eager. "Are you, In
deed, the arbiter of that fate, the
sorceress Triboulet fearedT'
You are thinking of the duke" she
answered, with frown, "and that II
you escape
Truly you are sorceress," he re-
piled, with smile. 'T confess life has
grown sweet"
She moved abruptly toward the door.
"Nay, I meant mot to offend you." he
spoke up, more gently.
"It is your own fortunes you ever
ipture," she retorted, gazing coldly
back at him.
"One moment, sweet Jacqueline.
Why did you not go with the prin-
cessT,
Her face changed, grew dark; from
eyes deep and gloomy she shot a
quick glance upon him.
"Perhaps-because like the court
too well to leave It." she answered
mockingly and, vouchsafing no further
word. quickly vanished. 1t was only
when she had gone the Jester suddenly
remembered he had forgotten to thank
her for what she had done in the past
or what she proposed doing on the
morrow.
CHAPTER XyII.
1" lRULY are youa right proper
fool, for n man merry In