Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-02-24

"see" she said eagerly. "A ladder" And at the foot of the ladder our horses.' he exclaimed in surprise. "Who has done this?"
 Her response was interrupted by q hand at their door and clamor with out, followed by heavy blows.
 "Quick, Jacqueline!' he cried and helped her to the long ladder set, as it seemed, providentially against the wall. Gan you do it?'' he asked, yet hold ing her hand. Her eyes gave him an- swer. and he released her. watching her descend.
 The door guivered beneath the gen. erai onslaught of the now exultant out laws, and as glave shattered the panel the jester threw himself over the easement. A deafening hubbub en- sued. the door suddenly gave way, and the band rushed into the room. At the same time the plaisant ran down the ladder and sprang to the ground at the young wife's side. From above came exclamations of wonder and amazement. mingled with invective.
 "They're gone" cried one:
 "Here they are" exclaimed another. The jester at once seized the means of descent but not before the man who had discovered them was on the upper rounds. A quick effort on the fools part and ladder and rogue top pied over together. The enterprising knave lay motionless where he fell. 1 "Vrai Dieu. He wanted to come down. said an approving voice. 1 Turning, the jester beheld the Span 1 ish troubadour, who was composedly engaged in placing bundles of straw against the wall of the inn.
 T don't think he'll bother you any more,'' continued the minstrel in his deep tones. "If you'll ride down the road I'll join you in moment
 So saying, he knelt before the cOni- bustible accumulation he had been dili' gently heaping together and struck q spark which, seizing on the dry ma terial, immediately kindled into great flame.
 What are you doing, villain?' roar, ed the landlord from the window. dis covering the forks of fire already leap ing aud cracking about the tavern.
 ."Only making a bonfire of foul nest" lightly answered the minstrel standing back as though to admire his handiwork. Your vile hostelry burns well. my dissembling host.'
 Hell dog! Varletw screamed the pro prietor. overwhelmed with consterna tion.
 'Is it thus you greet your guestsT replied the troubadour. throwing an other bundle of straw upon the al ready formidable confagration. "Yo, were not wont to be so discourteous my prince of bonifaces."
 But. recovering from his temporary stupor, the landlord, without reply, dis appeared from the window.
 "Now may we safely leave the fame' to the wind," commented the minstre as he sprang upon small nag whicl had been fastened to shed near by AS we nave Dufneu tuc lOoL O'Ci ou heads," he continued. addressing th' wondering jester and his companion who had already mounted and wer' waiting, "let us seek another hostelry.
 Swiftly the trio rode forth from tn tavern yard. out into the moonlit road
 Not so quickly. my friends" com mented the troubadour. "As fastene' the doors and blinds without, we ma, proceed leisurely. for 1t will be som time before mine host and his friend can batter their way from the inn"
 "Who are you, sir?" asked the fool.
 The minstrel laughed and answere in his natural voice.
 Don't you know me. mon ami:' h said gayly. What a jest this will b at court! How 1t will amuse the king
 "Caillette"' exclaimed the plaisan loudly. "Caillette!'