Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-05-04

"Nay. I'll not leave YOU" she replied.
"Do you think they will return" she
added In a voice she strove to make
Arm.
~ am certain Of 1t. Go, beg you, to
tour window and call out. 1t IL a slen.
.'er hope. but the best we have. Fear
p"s. can hold the stairs yet awhile"
A moment she hesitatetl. then glided
pway. At the same time ne of the boar
grasped sword in his left hand and,
with his right hanging useless. rushed
up the stairs.
"Oh, there you are. my niinble wit
cracker" he cried az the jester stepped
boldly out. "'1was a pretty piece or
foolery you played on the monster anu
us. but quip for qurk. my merry wng"
And, so speaking. he directed violent
thrust. which. had II taken effect,
would indeed have made good the lead
ers threat.
But the PLEASANT stepped aside. the
blow grazed his shoulder. while his
own blade by rapid counter passed
through the throat Of his antagonist.
With a shrek, the blood gushing from
the wound the master of the boar fell
feess on the stairs, his sword clnt-
tering downward. At that grewsome
sight his fellows paused irresclute. and
seeing their indecison, the jester
rushed headlong upon them, strik ing
bercely, when their hesitation turned
Into panic. and the knaves fairly flew.
Below the irate landlord stamped and
fumed, cutting and striking as he
moved among them with threats and
abuse.
Thus exhorted, the knaves once more
took heart and gathered for the ut.
tack. Glaves were provided for those
in front. and the PLEASANT waited. GRIM
ly determined. yet liking little the as
pect of those terrible weapons and
feeling the end of the unequal contest
was not far distant when light hand
was laid on his arm.
Follow me quietly" said Jacqueline.
I'VE may yet escape. Don't question
me. but come" she went on hurriedly
Impressed by her earnestness. the
Jester. after a moments hesitation,
obeyed. She led him to her room.
closed and locked the door. but not De.
fore n scampcring of feet and sound Of
voices told them the rogues had gain
ed the upper passage, and drew him
hastily to the window.
See" she said eagerly. "a ladder"
"And at the foot Of the ladder our
horses he exclaimed in surprise.
"N'ho has done thisY'
Her response was interrupted by n
hand at their door and clamor with
put. followed by heavy blows.
"Quick. Jacqueline.' he cried and
helped her to the long ladder set. as it
seemed, providentially against the wall
"Can 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 qulvered beneath the gen.
eral onslaught Of the now exultant out
avs. and as glavc shattered the
panel the jester threw himself over the
easement. A deafening hubbub en-
sued, the door suddenly gave way, and
he band rushed into the room. At
he same time the PLEASANT ran down
he ladder and sprang to the ground
1t the young wife's side. From above
game eXclamatiOns of wonder and
mazement. mingled with fnvectivc.
They're gone" cried one.
''Here they are." exclaimed another.
The jester ut once seized the means
pf descent. but not before the man
who had discovered them was on the
upper rounds. A quick effort on the
fool's part and ladder and rogue top
Dled over together. The enterprising
knave lay motionless where he fell.
"Vrai Dieu. He wanted to come
Town." said an approving voice.
Turning. the jester beheld the Span
sh troubadour, who was compOsedly
Engaged in placing bundles Of straw
against the wall Of the inn.
Il don't think he'll bother you any
more continued the minstrel in his
Aeep tones. If you'll ride down the
Foad I'll join you in moment
So saying, he knelt before the COM
pustible accumulation he had been dill
GENTLY heaping together and struck
park which. seizing on the dry ma
erial. Immediately kindled into great
lame.
What are you doing, villain?' roar
ID the landlord from the window, dis.
lowering the forks of fire already leap.
nR and cracking about the tavern.
"Only making bonfire Of foul
best, lightly answered the minstrel.
landing back as though to admire his
handiwork. Your vile hostelry burns
we'll nv disscmhlirp hnst
Hell dog, Varlet" screamed the pro.
brietor. overwhelmed with consterna-
ion
'Is it thus you greet your guests!"
Feplied the troubadour. throwing an
bther bundle of straw upon the al
|eady formidable contagration. you
we're not wont to be so discourteous,
my prince of bonifaces."
But, recovering from his temporary
(tupor, the landlord, without reply, dis.
appeared from the window.
"Now may we safely leave the flames
10 the wind commented the minstrel
hs he sprang upon small nag which
had been fastened to Il shed near by.
AS we have burned the roof over our
heads" he continued, addressing the
wondering Jester and his companion,
who had already mounted and were
waiting, "let us seek another hOstelry."
Swiftly the trio rode forth from the
tavern yard. out into the moonlit road.