Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-01-17

his back, with his feet in the air! You,
my lord, are the boar; big, clumsy,
brutal! Shall we begin the sport?
promise to prick you with every rush"
The prospective bridegroom paused
thoughtfully.
"There is some justice in what You
say" he returned. his manner that OF
a man who has carefully weighed and
considered matter. 81 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 il IN HI; element Nomatter how he
rusLcs. his tuslis strike yielding flesh
why should we fight NJ ail-at
present." cautiously ventured the
noble. with further hesitation. Not
that doubt could easily crush you
extending his muscular arms-"but
you might prick me, and just nov
discretion may he the better part ot
vulor. l, a duke, engaged to wed Il
princess. have much to lose; you. moth
ing. A fools strike might kill Il king.
"Or a knave, my lord" added the
plaisant.
"Or knave, sirrah" thunierei Il"
duke. the veins starting out OH his
forehead.
The jester half drew his dagger. His
quiet confidence and giittcgIng eye ini
pressed even his antagonist, Injured t.
scenes Of violence and strife.
"Is it truce. most noble 10 Tl:" said
the fool significantly. - truce where
in we may call black. black, and white.
white, \ truce which may Lc broken
by either OF us. with due warming to
the other:'
Knitting his brow, the noble stood
mctionless, deeply pondering. his head
long passion evidently 1T combat with
his Judgment. Then his face cleared. Il
hard brusaue laugh burst from his
lips and he brought his fist violently
down OH the massive oak table near
the door.
so be IT," he assented. with more
open look.
"A truce-without any rushes from
the bOar!'
Fool. Does not my word suificeF
contemptuously retorted the duke.
Yes, for although you are-what
you are-you have been L soldier and
would not break truce"
''Such cOmmendation from-my jester
is, indeed, hattering," satirically re
marked the kings guest, seating him
self in great chair which brought him
face to face with the fool and yet COM
munded the door, the intruder's only
means of retreat.
Pardon me. the dukes jester, you
meanT
"Yes: mine"
"A distinction with q difference" re-
torted the fool. 1T is quite true | am
the dukes jester. 1t is equally untrue
| ain yours. Therefore, we reach the
conclusion that you and the duke are
two different persons. Plainly. not be-
ing the duke, you are al impostor.
Have you any fault to find with m!
reasoning"
"On the contrary" answered the 9th.
err with no sign Of anger or surprise.
'your reasoning Is all that could be de
sired. Why should l deny what you
already know? | was aware, of course.
that you knew when first learned his
jester was in the castle. Frankly. |
an not the duke-to YOU"
But with Francis and the courtT
suggested the fool, uplifting his brows.
81 am the duke and such remain.
You understand"
"PerfectIy, my lord replied the Jest
er, Struggling his shoulders. But
since | AIN not the king nor one Of the
cOurtiers. whom for the time being
have | the honor Of addressing? Bu'
perhaps | am overinquisitive."
"Not at ALL" said the other with
mecklng ceremony. You are Il "iim
sical fellow. Besides, am taken with
a man who stands near death without
fiinching. TO tell you the truth. ON
truce is somewhat to my liking. There
are few men who would have dared
what you have tonight. And. although
you're only fool, will you drink With
me from this bottle on the table here;
I'm tired Of ceremonies of rank. ana
would clink glass in private with a
merry fellow. What say you
And. leaning over. he filled two large
goblets with the rich beverage from =
great flask placed on the stand for his
convenience. His face lighted WITH
gross conviviality. but behind his ]o'
vial. free manner that of trooper In
his cups. CLEANED furti"e. guarded
hook as though he were studying and
testing his man.
"Tm for Il free life. some fighting.
but snug walls around for companion
shin" lie continued. Look ut my sol,