The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-02-24

his back. witltO feet in the air! you
my lord. are the boar; big, clumsy
brutal! Shall we begin the snort?
promise to prick you with every rush -,
The prospective bridegroom pause,
thoughtfully.
There is some justice in what 70,
say" he returned. his manner that Of
man who has carefully weighed anf
considered matter. II confess tr
partlality for the thick Of the fray. tb,
brunt Of the fight. where men press
all around you."
"Assuredly. my lord: for then the
boar.is In his element. Nomatter how h.
fushes' his tusks strike yielding flcsh.'
why should VIC fight at all-aii
present." cautiously ventured the
noDle, with further hesitation. "Noi
that doubt 1 could easily crush you'
Extending his muscular arm;-"hu,
you might prick me. and Just now
discretion may be the better part Of
vaior. 1, a duke, engaged to wed n
princess, have much to lose: YOU MOTH.
ing! a fools strike might XIII n kim :.
VT knave. my lordr' added the
plaisant.
"Or knave, sirrah!' thundcrcd fho
duke. the veins starting out on his
forehead. -''
Inc Jester half drew his dagger. His
aaiet coincidence and glittering eye i'm.
pressed even his antagonist, Injured IN
scenes of violence and strife.
"Is it truce. most noble lord,., so,,
r,fl
IN we may call black, black, and white
white! A truce which may he broken
by either of us, with due warning t.,
the other?
hnitting his brow. the noble stood
motionless, deeply pondering, his head.
ionG passion evidently at combat with
MS Judgment. Then his face cleared ,
hard. brusque laugh burst from his
i,ps' ana he brought his fist violently
uo"n on the massive oak table near
the door.
$50 be it" he assented, with n NOR,
open look.
"A truce-without any rushes from
the boar?'
fool! Does not my word suffice?"
retortcd the duke.
les, for although You are-whot
you arc-you have been. e-'.'-----.-'
nSGch commentator from-my jester
Is. indeed, hattering," satirically re-
the kings guest, seating him
self in n great chair which brought him
face to face with the fool and yet COM
the door, the intruder's only
means Of retreat.
Pardon inc, the dukes jester. you
meanf"
Eyes; NINE"
"a distinction with difference" re-
torted the fool. ut Is quite true 1 am
the dukes Jester. 1t Is equally untrue
am yours. Therefore, we reach the
conclusion that You and the duke are
two different persons. Plainly, not be-
ing the duke, you are an impostor.
Have you any fault to find with my
reasoning"
"Cn the contrary" answered the 9th
er, with no sign Of anger or surprise.
"your reasoning is all that could be de-
sired. Why should deny what you
already know? l was aware, of course.
that you knew when first learned his
jester was In the castle. Frankly, !
am not the duke-to YOU"
"But with Francis and the court?'
suggested the fool. uplifting his brows.
81 am the duke and such remain.
You understand
Perfectly. my lord" replied the jest,
er, Struggling his shoulders. But
since l am not the king nor one Of the
courtiers. whom for the time being
have I the honor Of addressing? Bu,
perhaps l am overinquisitive."
mot at ALL" said the other. will
mocking ceremony. "You are whim
sical fellow. Besides. am taken will
q man who stands near death withou
flinching. TO tell you the truth. ou
truce is somewhat to my liking. There
what you have tonight. And, although
you're only a fool. will you drink witt
me from this bottle on the table here
I'm tired Of ceremonies Of rank, am
would clink glass In private with
merry fellow. What say your"
And. leaning over. he filed two larg
gobiets with the rich beverage from
great flask placed on the stand for hi
convenience. His face lighted wit
gross conviviality. but behind his i
vial. free manner. that Of trooper
his cups. cleaned a furtive. guarde
look, as though he were studying an
testing his man.
"Tm for free life, some fightin;
but snug walls around for companion
ship" he continued. "Look at my so
diers now: roistering, love making
Charles2 Francis2 Not one of Il
troop would leave me for emperor I
king! Not one but would follow me
where ambition leadsv' Holding I
the glass. he looked into the depths
the thick burgundy. why. O like
Halinrr like Won shnnld carry q CLEAR