Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-03-03

The mask became half quizzical. half friendly, as her cheeks mantled be- meath his regard. Was it but quiet arrangement against jestress whose tongue had been unsparing enough, even to him, the day before? Certes, here stood now only a rosy maid, rob- bed of her spirit, or folle, struck wit less, and Charles face softened, but immediately grew stern as his mind abruptly passed from wandering jes- tress and fleeing fool to matters of more moment.
 Under VOW to the Virgin the emperor had announced he would not draw sword himself that day, but seated beneath a canopy of velvet overlooking the val ley he so far compromised with con- science as personally to direct the prep: arations for the conflict On his sable throne, surrounded by funereal hang ings, how white and furrowed, how harassed with many cares, he appeared in the glare of the morn to the young girl! Was this he who held nearly all Europe in his palm? Who between martial commands talked of holy or ders, the apostolic see and the seven sacraments to his priestly confessor?
 And from aloof she studied him, with new doubts and misgivings, her thoughts running fast, and anon bent her eyes to the hill on the other side of the valley. In her condition of mind, confused as before crisis, 1t was a distinct relief when toward noon word was brought that the free baron was approaching. Soon, not far distant, the cortege of Louis of Rochfels was seen; at the front, flashing helmets and breastplates; behind, 8 cavalcade of la- dies on horseback and filters, above which lloated many flags and banners
 Would he come on? Would he turn back? Many opinions were life.
 "Oh," cried a page with golden hair, "there will bc no battle after all.''
 And truly, confronted by the aspect of the emperor's camp, the marauder had at first hesitated. But if the dan- gers before him were great tEose be hind were greater. Accordingly. leav- ing the cavalcade of the princess, her maids and attendants, the free baron of Hochfels, surrounded by his own trusted troops, dashed forward arro- gantly into the valley, bent upon sweeping aside even the opposition of Charles himself.
 Wonders daring knave, your maj esty." with some perturbation observed the prelate who stood near the emper- or's chair.
 "Certes. he tits at fame or death with bold lance," replied Charles. "Would that Robert of Friedwald were there to cry him quits"
 While thus he spoke, as calm as though secluded in one of his monas- tery retreats, weighing the affairs of state. nearer and nearer drew the sol diers of Louis of Pfalz- z-Urfeld--roughly calculating, a force numerically as strong as the emperor's own guard.
 The young girl, her face now white and drawn, watched the approaching band. Would Charles never give the signal? Imperturbable sat the mount cd troopers of the emperor, awaiting the word of command. At length, when her breath began to come fast and sharp, Charles raised his arm. In a solid, steady body his men swept on- ward. The girl strove to look away, but could not.
 Both bands. gaining in momentum. met with a crash. That nice symmetry of form and Orderliness of movement were succeeded by a tangle of men and horses. the bristling array of lances had vanished. and swords and weapons for hand to hand warfare threw a play of light amid the tumble of troops and steeds, flags and banners. With sword red from carnage Louis of Hochfels drew his men around him. hurling them against the firm front of Charles veterans. It was the crucial moment, the turning point in a struggle that could not be prolonged, but would be rather sharp. short and decisive. If his men failed at the onset all was lost. If they gained but little ascend ency now their mastery of the field became fairly assured. Great would be the reward for success: the fruits of victory-the emperor himself. And savagely the free baron cut down a stalwart trooper His blade pierced the throat of another.
 Clear the way to Charlesr' he cried exultanty. He is our guerdon!-'
 So terrible that rush the guard of Spain on the right and tine troops of Flanders on the left began 10 give way. . Only the iIen of Friedwald stood, but with the breaking of the forces on each side it was inevitable they. too. must soon be overwhelmed. Involuntarily, [ as the quick eye of the emperor detect ed this sign of impending disaster. he half started from his chair. His hand |; sought his side. In his eyes shone . steely light. The prelate quickly cross cd himself and raised his head as if in i prayer.
 The penance. sire" he murmuresl. but his voice trembled-
 Mechanically Charles replaced his blade. Yea. better a Kingdom lost, - he muttered. ''than broken vow-
 Yet after % many battles won in the l field and diet, after titanic contests with kings in Christendom and Soiy- man in the east. to fall by the mockery of fate into the grasp of a thieving