Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-02-15

there. without beat Of drum, arrange his own affairs before Henry was even seen by your pleasure loving monarch !? Yes; to the impostor and to Francis, Charles is in Austria; to us-for now you share my secret-is he in Spain. where by swift riding he may be found and yet interdict in this matter"
 "rhen why haven't you ere this fled to the emperor with the news?"
 Last night I had determined to get away, when first was assaulted by an assassin of the impostor and next detained by his troop and brought back to the castle. I had even left on foot, trusting to excite less suspicion. and hoping to find horse on the way, but fortune was with the pretender. So here am I. closely watched and wait ing" he added grimly.
 The indifference faded from Gail lette's face and almost boyish en- thusiasm shone in his eyes.
 Mon ami, I'll do it!' he exclaimed lightly. "I'll ride to the emperor for you"
 Silently the jester of the duke wrung his hand i've long sighed for an ad- venture," laughed Caillette. and here is the opportunity. Caillette. knight errant! But" his face falling, "the emperor will look on me as a mad man.
 Nay" replied the dukes plaisant, sshnra ic n 1o<for Wybov bo dc ho will at least think the affair worth consideration. He knows me and trusts my fidelity and will be assured I would not jest on such serious mat ter. Believe me, he will receive you as more than madman."
 "Why, then. twill be rare adven- ture," commented the other, wander ing in the countrywide beautiful coun- try, where I was reared-away from the madness of courts. Already hear the wanton breezes signing in Sapphic softness and the forests elegiac mur- mur. Tell me, how shall ride?"
 "As knight to the border. thence onward as minstrel. In Spain there's always a welcome for blithe singer"
 "'Tis fortunate learned some Span ish love songs from fair sonora who was in Charles retinue the time he wis ited Francis" added Caillette. An I should fail?" he continued more grave ly.
 You will not fail," was the confident reply.
 T am of your mind, but things will happen-sometimes. And why do you not speak to the princess herself-to warn her.
 Speak to her"' repeated the dukes jester, shadow on his brow. ''When he has appealed to her, perhaps when"- He broke of abruptly. His tone was proud, in his eyes look which Caiilette afterward understood. As 1t was, the latter nodded his head wisely.
 "A woman whose fancy is touched is what she is." he commented gener- ally. Truly it would be a more thank less task even than approaching the king. But, look you, there's another channel to the princess mind. wonder black browed maid. our ally in motley when she chooses to wear it-Jacque. line"
 ''She likes me not" returned the fool "would she believe me in such an i'm portant matter?'
 Pm afraid not" tranquilly replied Caillette. ''in view of the improbability of your tale and the undoubted creden tials held by this pretender. For my part. to look at the fellow was almost enough. But to the ladies his brutality signifleth strength and power and his uncouthness originality and genius We are fools, you and I. and love. my friend. is but broad farce at the best" | Even as he spoke thus. however, iron 1 the lists came the voices of the well in structed heralds. secretaries of the oc casion, who had delved deeply into tn, practices of the merry and ancien' pastime: Love of ladies! For you :sn glory! Chivalry but fights for love Look down. fair eyes." peroratiol which was answered with many piece. of silver from the galleries above ant which the gorgeously dressed officials 1 readily unbent to gather. Among tn, fair hands which rewarded this per fuuctory apostrophe to the tender pas sion none was more lavish in offering. than those matrons and maids in tn, vicinity of the king. A satirlcal smil' again marred Caillettes face. but h' kept his reflections to himself. revert ing to the business of the moment.
 T sbould be of at once!' he cried But what can we do? The king hatl commanded all the testers to appear fl the tournament today. properly arme' and armored, the better to mak' sprightlier sport amid the ponderou pastime of the knights. Here am bound to shine on horseback. will, nilly Yet this matter of yours is press ing. Stay. I have 1t. l can cen fal from my horse by a ruse. retire iron the field and fly southward."
 Then will I wish you godspeet now" said the dukes fool We've was a stancher heart than thine, Gail lette. or a truer friend"
 one word" returned the other. no without a trace of feeling which ever his cynicism could not hide. "Bewar of the false duke in the arena! It vii be his opportunity to-
 .'I understand answered the duke fool again warmly pressing Caillette' hand. but with the knowledge you ar fleeing to Spain I have no fear for tn