Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1905-02-28
fcoNTISUED.1

| AS t!.r darkness gathered without,
tie merriment increased within. Over
tie scene the dim light cast an uncer-
tain luster. Indefatigably the dicers
pursued their pastime, with now ana
then an audible oath or muttered i'm
precation which belied that docility
mine host had boasted Of. The trouba-
dour played and the morio yet listened.
Several of a group who had been sing
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 u.s."
Zone Of them spoke to the others,
replied the jester. "He called attention
to something"
What do you suppose it was?' she
asked curiously.
"Gladius gemmatusw 1.-THE jeweled
sword.')
Whence came the voice? Near the
couple. in a shadow, sat a woebegone
looking man who had been holding Il
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
OH those pinched, worn, but well re-
membered features.
"The scamp student!' 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"
YES" answered the PLEASANT, appar-
emily speaking to the jestress, whose
face wore puzzled expression.
The scamp student laid the volume
OH the table. ''These men are outlaws
and intend to kill you for your jeweled
sword" he continued in the language
of Horace.
why do you tell me this?' asked the
fool in the same tongue, now address
ing directly the Scnoiar.
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.
Il like not the sound Of it." retorted
the other as he retired. From a 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
astery, and their colloquy led to con-
clusion as unexpected as it was star
tling.
What if we leave the inn now?"
asked the jester.
"They would prevent you"
"Who Is the leader?"
"The man with the boar" answered
| the scamp student. But 1t Is the
morio who usually kills their victims"
is there no way of escape:" the jest
er asked.
Alas can but warn, not advise"
said the scholar. ALREADY the leader
suspects me"
\ half shiver ran through him. In
the presence Of actual and seemingly
assured death he had appeared calm,
resigned. Socrates in temperament;
before the mere prospect of danger the
apprellensiye thief and fugitive ele-
ments of his nature uproSe.
Yes: | am sure have put my own
neck in it, he muttered. 81 must de-
wise way to save it. have it. We
must seem to quarrel" And rising. lie
closed his book deliberately.
"Fool.' lie said in sharp voice.
Your argument is as scurvy as your
Latin. Thou. philosopher. look
less. shallow dabbler! So | treat you
and your reasoninSs!
Whereupon. with quick gesture. he
threw the dregS Of his glass in the face
| of the Jester So suddenly and uncX-
pectedly was It done the other sprang
angrily from his seat and half drew
his sword. A moment they stood thus.
| the fool with his hand menacingly up
on tie hilt. the scamp scholar continu-
| ing to confront him with undiminished
volubility.
Make ring for two monks. my
masters" cried the man with the boar.
Then let each state his case with
| bludgeon or dagger"
with bludgeon or dagger" echoed
the excited voice Of the morio. whose
| appearance had undergone trans
formation. The indescribable vacancy
with which he had listened to the min
strel was replaced by an expression OF
revolving malignity.
The jestress half arose, her face once
more white, her dark eyes fastened on
the fool. But the latter, realizing the
purpose of the affront and the actual
service the scamp student had render
ed him. UNEXPECTEDLY thrust back his
blade.
"Tll not fight a puny bookworm," he
said and resumed his seat, although
his cheek was flushed.
Disappointed at this tame outcome
of an affair which had so spirited be-
i ginning. the company, with derisive
soothing and muttered sarcasm, re-
sumed their places; all save the morlo
who stood giaring upon the jester.
"Stab. stabv he muttered through his
dry lips. And at that moment the trou'
badour played few chords on his IN
strument. The passion faded from the
creatures face. Quietly lie turned anG
sought the chair nearest to the min
strcl
"Sing, MASTER" he said.
"D.ab,e, thou art an Unsuitable mon
ster.' grumbled the troubadour.
"Insatiablem smilingly repeated the
strange being.
"If YOU went also. ma douce miette.
The Joys of heaven I'd forego
To have you with me there below,
Said Aucassin to Nicolette,
softly sang the troubadour.
Owe: the gathering a marked con
straint appeared to tall. More soberl!
, / A. 81, I,ntp m