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

with single window, whose barren
furnishings consisted OF a narrow
couch, q chair and a massive ward.
robe. Unlike the chamber assigned to
Jacqueline, the door was without key
or bolt. a significant fact to the jester,
in view Of the warning he had receiv.
ed. Nor was it possible to move ward.
robe or bed, the first being too heavy
and the last being screwed to the
floor, had the occupant desired 10 bar
ricade himself from the anticipated
danger without. A number Of suspi
CiOus stains enhanced the grewsome
character Of the room, and as these ap.
| peared to lead to the wardrobe, the
| jester carried his investigation to q
more careful survey Of that imposing
piece of furniture. Opening the door.
although he could not find the secret
Of the mechanism. the fool concluded
en- receptacle was trap through
which the body Of the victim could be
secretly lowered.
This brief exploration Of his sur.
roundInes occupied but few moments,
and then. after blowing out the candle
and heaping the clothes together on
| the bed into some resemblance Of q
human figure lying there. the jester
drew his sword and softly erept down
the passage toward the stairs. Mt the
head Of which he paused and listened.
He could hear the voices and see
the shadows Of the men below and
with beating heart. descended a few
steps that he might catch what they
were saying Crouching against the
wall, with bated breath. he heard first
the landlords tones.
"Wel, rogues. what say you to
another sack OF wine?" asked the host
cheerily.
Haven. we waited long enough?
said An impatient voice.
Tut. tut. young bloodv' growled
another reprovingly. Would you dis
turb him at his prayers:'
1.-THE landlord is right" spoke up the
Bring the wine'
In stentorian tones the host called
the serving man. and soon from the
ciinkIng Of cups. the clearing OF
Threats and the EXPLANATIONS Of salts
faction foully expressed the listening
jester knew that the skin had beer
circulated and the tnnkards filled.
where. think you. he got thu
sword" asked one of the gathering
reverting to the enterprise in hand.
'Stole it, most likely" replied thu
leader at is booty from the palace.
And therefore is donbly fair spells,
laughed another
Remember. rogucs," interrupted thu
host, "one-third is my allotted portion
Else we fall out"
''Art so solicltous. thou co-pulen
scrimp" gruulbled he Of the boar
Have you not always had the hulkine
share? Pass the wine"
Foul names break no bones" laugh
ed the host. "You were always
, churlish. uugentle knave. There's tn
wine. An it's not better than your
, temper. beshrew me for the enemy OF
, true hospitality. But to show ! an
q withal-prime head Of calf. Bolt ane
eWlG az ye WILL.
The rattle Of dishes and the play o.
: forks succeeded this good natured sug
a gestion. 1t was truly evident mine
host commanded the good will and th'
, services Of the band by appealing Il
their appetites.
/. A wave Of anger against this I'm
wieldy hypocrite aud we'll fed male
factor swept over the Jester. TIL
J.. mans assumed heartiness. his mnnIe
Of joviality and good fellowship wer'
a only the mask Of moral turpitude AM
blacklist purpose. But for the lawies
scholar the fool would probably nav
retired to his bed with full confidence
Of tho probity ana honesty OF til
greatest delinquent OF them all.
= what shall we do with the girl!
y asked one Of the outlaws. -
;, Serve her the same as tho FOOL" an
swered the landlord carelessly.
II but she's a handsome wench," rs
= torted the leader houghtfully. "Straish
as a poplar; eyes like sloe Wit
tho boar aud tho Jade should do We
!. when become tired resting here"
=. "Give her 10 the scamp student" p
a marked the fellow who had first sp,
q ken.
a NAY, since Nnre.te ran off with
street singer and left me spousc!eYs