The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-03-31


iron frame for candles. Upon a shelf a
row of battered tankards, suggesting
many bout, shone duly, like line
or war worn troopers, while great
pewter pitcher, the worse for wear,
commanded the disreputable array.
In this room was gathered non
descript company-mounteban and
buffoons; rogues unclassified, drinking
and dicing; robust vagrant, at whose
feet slept n performing boar with q
ring-badge of servitude-through its
nose; a black bearded, shaggy haired
Spanish troubadoIlr with attire so
ragged and worn as to have lost its
erstwhile picturesque characteristics.
This last far from prepossessing
worthy half started from his seat upon
the appearance of fool and jestress.
stared at them and then resumed his
place and the ballad he had been sing.
ing.
Watching the nimble fingers Of the
shabby minstrel with tDitlably childish
I expression of amusemenf,-a half I'M
beetle morio leaned upon the table fiss
huge form-for he wes giant among
stalwart mei.---and his great moon
shaped head made him at once an OBJ
1ectshideol,s and miserable to contem-
plate. But the poor creature seemed
unaware of his own deformities and
smiled contentedly and patted the
table caressingly- to the sprightly
rhythm.
Gazing upon this choice assemblage,
the, plaisant was vaguely conscious
that some Of the curious and uncom-
mon faces seemed familiar, and the
picture Of the Franciscan monk whom
they had overtaken on the road re-
Cured to him. together with the mis-
givings lie had experienced upon part
ing from that canting knave. He half
expected to see Nanette, to hear her
voice, and was relieved that the gypsy
OH this occasion did not make one of
the unwontcd gathering The land
lord. observing the FOOLS discriminate
ing gaze and-reading something Of
what was passing in his mind, reas-
suringly motioned the newcomers to
an unoccupied corner and by his man.
ner sought to allay such mistrust as
the appearance of his guests was cal
culated to inspire.
AS the darkness gathered without,
the merriment increased within. Over
the scene the dim light cast an uncer-
tain luster. Indefatigably the dicers
pursued their pastime, with now and
then an audible oath or muttered i'm
precatlon which belied that docility
mine host had boasted of. The trouba-
dour played and the morio yet listened
Sprnrnl n wi hn1 ci,,
ing now sat in sullen silence. Suddenly
one of them uttered broken sentence,
and his fellows Immediately turned
their eyes toward the corner where
were fool and jestress. This ripple of
interest did not escape the young girls
attention, who said uneasily:
"Why do those men look at us?"
"One of them spoke to the Others"
replied the jester. "He called attention
to something"
what do you suppose it WASP" she
asked curiously.
"Gladius gemmatus!' ("The jewelel
sword.')
Whence came the voice? Near the
couple, in shadow, sat woebegone
looking man who had been holding u
book so close to his eyes as to conceal
his face. Now he permitted the volume
to fall, and the jester uttered an ex-
clamation of surprise as he looked up
on those pinched, worn, but we'll re-
membered features.
'"The scamp studentr' he said.
Immediately the reader buried his
head once more behind the book and
spoke aloud In Latin as though quot
ing some passage which he followed
with his finger. Did you understand 2"
"Yes," answered the plaisant, appar-
emily speaking to the jestrcss, whose
face wore a puzzled expression.
The scamp student laid the volume
on the table. "These men are outlaws
and intend to kill you for your jeveled
sword" he continued in the language
Horace.
"Why do you tell me this? asked the
fool in the same tongue, now address
Ing directly the scholar.
Because you spared my life once
would serve you now."
whats all this monks gibberish
about?" cried an angry voice as the
master of the boar stepped toward
them.
"a discussion between two scholars"
readily answered the scamp student
"Why don't you talk in language
we understands grumbled the man.
Latin Is the tongue of learning" was
the humble response.
II like not the sound Of It," retorted
the other as he retired. From dis
tance, however, he continued to cast
suspicious glances in their direction.
Bewildered, the girl looked from one Of
the alleged controverters to the other
Who was this starveling the jester
seemed to know? Again were they
conversing in the language Of the mon