Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-04-13

by those who hover around the palace.
Gut YOU may go in peace" he added,
No one will harm Il fool If It's
amusement YOU seek. there's a camp on
he verge of the forest where n dark
haired, good looking baggage dances
nd tells cards You can find the place
rom the noise within. and if you're
Merry they'll welcome you royalty. Go,
nd God be with YOU
The jester turned from the good ma
ured guard and quickly walked down
he road. which wound gracefully
trough the valley and lost itself afar
n Il fringe Of woodland A light pat
ering on the hard earth behind caused
i'm to look about. Following was n
log that now sprang forward with
OyOus demonstration. The fool stop.
ped and gravely caressed the hound
Which last he had seen at the princess
eet.
"Why," he said, thou art now the
ooFs only friend at court"
When again he moved on with rapid,
hervous stride, the animal came after.
Parker grew the road. deeper hued the
ields and stubble. more somber the
istant castle against the cleaning
pnly the cry of Il diving night bird
tarlcd the stiffness of the tranquil
If; rapacious filcher that quickly
ose and swept onward through the
ca of night. Its melancholy note
echoed in the breast of the fool. Me.
financially, without relaxing his swift
pace, he looked upward to follow it.
vhen short. sharp bark behind him
nj prcmonition of impending danger
aused him to spring suddenly aside
Ht the same time a dagger descended
the empty air just grazing the
houlder of the jester who, recovering
ilmself, grasped the arm of his assail.
mt and grappled with him. Finding
him man of little strength, the fool
fasily threw him to the earth md
Fncellng on his breast in turn. menaced
he nssailant with the weapon he had
vrested from him.
Have you any reason. knave. why l
hould spare YOU asked the fool.
"lf l had, for want Of breath II
would fail me- answered the mlscre-
mt with some difficulty.
The dukes jester arose. Get IN.
fogue,' he said, and the man obcyed.
lie was a pale, gaunt fellow, with
ong hair, unshaven face hollow
hceks and dark eyes set deeply in his
head and shaded by thick. black brows.
lis dress consisted of a rough doublet.
With lappet sleeves, carried down to a
point; tight legGings. broad shoes AMI
he pulled upper hose; the entire raj
nent frnyed and worn; his 1esh or,
ather, his bones. showing through the
cahty covering for his legs. while his
Get We're no better protected than
nuns OF trooper who has been long
pa the march. He displayed no fear
pr ehnity. On the contrary. his man.
let was rather friendly than other
wise. az though he failed to under.
taho Tue enormity Of his offense and
ne position In which he was placed.
Shiltlng from one foot to another no
pressed his great, thin hands before
bin and patiently awaited his con.
tors pleasure. The latter SURVEYED
him curlously and, noting his woebe.
gone features and bcggarly attire, pity.
perhaps, assuaged his just anger to.
ward this starveling.
"Why did you wish to kill mc?" ask
I'D the jester quietly IL somewhat i'm
patiently.
1T was not my wish, Master Fool"
gently replied the other. but even as
be spoke the resignation in his man
ner gave way to look of apprchen-
sion. Lifting his hand, he felt in his
breast and glanced about him on the
road. Then his face frightened