Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-02-14

louder Again the fool essayed to waken him. and this time he opened his eyes, felt for his beads and com menced to mutter a prayer in Latin words strung together in meaningless phrases.
 Why" commented the jester. "his learning is as false as his cloak. Wake up. sirrah! Would you approach heav- ems gate with feigned prayer on your lips end toss pot in your hand?'
 "Christe tuum--I absolve you. absolve you" muttered the frlar ''Go your way in peace"
 Hear me. thou trumped up monk! Do you want another piece of goldY'
 "Gold"' repeated the other tipsily. ''What-what for: Toto help some fool to paradise-or purgatory: 'Tis for the church I beg, good people. The } holy church-church, say.' Winking and blinking. seeing noth- ing before him. he held out trem. bling hand. "The piece of gold! Give it to me-" he mumbled
 "Yes: in exchange for your cloak, answered the jester.
 My cloak. thou horse leech! Sell my skin for-piece of gold. Want my cloak? Take it!' And the dissembler rolled over, extending his arms. The jester grasped the garment by the sleeves and with some difficulty whip ped it from him.
 .,,J nd CT me with rags that-I may sleep continued the beer bibber. "So"--as he grasped the money the fool gave him and stretched himself luxuriously be- meath noisome litter of castoff clothes and rubbish--"I languish in ec- stasies. The angels-are singing around me-
 With growing surprise and i'll humOr had the woman observed this novel proceeding, and now. when the jester had himself donned the false friar's gown, she said grudgingly:
 You did not give him one of the five pieces?"
 ''No; there are still five left"
 "A bit of gold for a cloak!" she grumbled Tt is overmuch. But there --unfastening door that looked out upon the field-"give me the money and be gone.'
 He grasped the bridle of the horse, handed her the promised reward and, drawing the hood of the monks gar ment over his head, led the nag out into the open air. The door closed quickly behind him. and he heard the wooden bolt as it shot into place. Above the dark outlines of the forest the moon. full orbed. now shone in the sky with a myriad attendant stars, it's silver beams flooding the open spaces and revealing every detail. soft, dreamy, yet distinct. A languorous, red oent air just stirred the waving grain, on which rested d glossy simmer.
 As the fool was about to spring upon the horse a shadow suddenly appeared around the corner of the house, and the animal danced aside in alright. Before the jester could quiet and mount the nag the shadow resolved itself into a man. and behind him came nu- merous band, the play of light on hel- met, sword and dagger revealing them as a party of troopers. Doubtless, hay ing ndulged freely. they had: become inclined to new adventures, and ac- cordingly had bent their footsteps to- ward the little house on the verge of the wood.' where merry company was ho ha cinhf af the dukes fool and the horse they pressed forward and. with one accord. surrounded him.
 ''The Franciscan monk. cried one.
 "Where is he going so late with the nag?' asked another.
 Hes of to confess some one" ex. claimed a third
 "A petticoat. most likely. the rogue"' rej ined the second speaker.
 Well. what have we to do with his love affairs?" laughed the first trooper. "Ride on. good father. and keep tryst." "Yes. ride on!'' the others called out.
 The monk bowed. An interruption which had promised to defeat his de signs seemed drawing to a harmless conclusion His hopes ran high; the soldiers had not yet penetrated be- meath the costume; he had already de termined to leap upon ihe horse in a rush for freedom when heavy. de- taining hand was laid on his shoulder.
 one moment, knave"' said deep voice, and. wheeling sharply. the fool look ed into the keen, ferret eyes of the trooper with the red mustaches. "I have a question to ask. Have you done that which you were to do?'
 The friar nodded his assent. ''The fool will trouble the duke no more," he answered.
 An. he is"- began the soldier.
 Even SO And now pray let me pass
 Yes. let him pass urged one of the soldiers. Would you keep some long ing trollop waiting:"
 The leader of the troopers did not answer; his glance was bent upon the ground. "Yes. you may go" he com mented. when and suddenly thrust forth an arm and pulled back the en shrouding cloak.
 'The dukes fOol.'' he cried Close in. rogues. Let him not escape"'
 Fiercely the fools hand sought his breast: then. swiftly realizing that il needed but pretext to bring about th' end desired hy the pretenGer in tht enstIe. with an effort he restrained