Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-04-27
CHAPTER XIV.

fMY n mood of contending thought
IXI the free baron left his apart.
E11S6I ments the next morning and
l2YsD traversed the tapestry hung
corridor leading toward the servants
and soldiers quarters.
Following the exposure of the jest
er's weakness his passion for his mis-
tress Francis, as Nillot told Jacque
line, had Immediately ordered the fool
into strictest confinement, the donjon
Of the ancient structure. In that dark
ened cell he had rested overnight. and
there he would no doubt remain in
definitely. The kings guest had not
been greatly concerned with the jest
er's quixotic love for the princess, be-
ing little disposed to jealousy.
But to Offset his satisfaction that the
jester lay under restraint he took in
bad part the troopers continued in
sensibility which deprived him Of the
much needed information. When he
had repaired to the bedside of the SOL
der the night before he had only his
trip for his pains. as the man had
again sunk into unconsciousness short
ly before his coming. Thus the free
baron was still in ignorance of the per-
son to whom the fool had betrayed
him.
With firm step the kings guest en-
tered the chamber of the injured SOL
der. Upon q narrow bed lay the troop
er, his mustachios appearing unusually
red and fierce against his now yellow.
washed out complexion. AS the free
baron drew near the couch n tall figure
arose from the side Of the bed.
How is your patient, doctor?" said
the visitor shortly.
Low" returned the other laconic-
ally. This person wore black gown.
pair OF huge broad trimmed glasses
resting on the bridge of n thin. long
nose, and in his clawlike fingers he
held vial, the contents Of which he
stirred slowly. His aspect was that Of
living sorrow and melancholy
HAS he been conscious again:" ask
ed the caller
"He has cen lain as you see him." re-
piled the wearer of the black robe.
His days are numbered" quoth the
free baron to himself staring forward.
But as he spoke he imagined he Wv
the red mustachios move, while one eye
certainly glared with intelligent hatred
upon the doctor and turned with anx.
ious sOlicitude upon his master. The
latter Immediately knelt by the bed
side and laid his hand upon the already
cold one Of the soldier.
Speak" he said
| 1t was the command Of an officer
to Il trooper, an authoritative bidding.
and seemed to summon Il last rallying
energy from the failing heart. The
mans gaze showed that he understood.
From the free baron's eye dashed a
glance OF savage power and force.
Speak" he repeated cruelty, inpcra-
lively.
The mustachiOs quivercd the leader
bent his head low, so low his face al
most touched the soldiers. A voice
was 1t voice. so faint it sounded?-
breathed few words.
"Ibe emperor Spain - Caillette
gone!'
sOberly the kings guest walked
down the echolng stairway out into the
open air Of the court The emperor in
Spain? 1t seemed not unlikely. II
the emperor had gone to Spain a mes
senger riding posthaste. could reach
Charles in time to enable that mon
arch to interpose in the nuptials and
override the confidence the free baron
had established for himself In the court
Of Francis. An impeachment offered
by Charles would be equivalent to the
aba ndOnment Of the entire marital en-
terprise.
Pausing before massive arched
doorway that led into wing Of the
castle where the free baron knew the
testers md certain OF the gentlemen
Of the chamber lodged. the master OF
Hochfels, in answer to his inquiries
from servant, learned that Caillettt
had not been In his apartments since
the day before; TINT he had ridder
from the tournament ostensibly to re
turn to his rooms. but nothing had
been heard Of him since.
No further doubt remained In hi
mind that the dukes PLEASANT had Sent
q cOmrade In motley to the emperor
and AZ he would not have inspired
mere fools errand Charles without
question was In Spain. several days
nearer to the court OF the French mon
arch than the princess betrothed hat
presumed. Caillette had now beer
four and twenty hours on bis journey
1t would be useless to attempt pursuit
as the Jester was a gallant horsemen
trained to the hunt. Such man would
be indefatigable in the saddle. and TIN
other realized that, strive az he might
he could never overcome the handicap.
Then Of what avail was one fool II
the dungeon, with . second on tn
roadi Should he abandon his quest
be driven from his purpose by mes
Of motley meddlers? The idea neve
Rqrioualy onto rod his mind. He WOul(