Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-05-18

81. NEJ
He looked at that fnir painted sem.
bldnce.
after the mad passions of the day. The
elder man noted the direction of the
dukes glance, the yellow ribbon on his
arm.
$50 It was jestress. not princess.
you found. thou dreamer" he said, half
ironically.
"1he daughter Of the constable Of
Dubrois, sire was the reply.
The emperor nodded. THE family
colors have changed" he observed dry.
~.
with fortune, sire"
Truly" said Charles, fortune ia
jestress. She had like to play OH us
this day. But your fever:" he added
abruptly, setting his horses head to.
ward camp.
as gone, sire" answered the duke
riding by his side.
land your injuries?"
"Were so slight they are forgotten"
medicine than nostrum or salve. In
youth, it's the sword point; in age,
turn we to the hilt cross. But this
maid-have you won herT
The young man changed color. "Won
her. sire?" he replied. THAT know
not. No word has passed"
mo word" said the emperor doubt.
{rulv kpiChf orrout onH AT Ia.
less maid!'
The duke vouchsafed no answer.
"Humphw added Charles. Thus dc
our plans come to naught. If you got
her and wore her. what end would be
served"
"No end Of state, perhaps, sire"
"Why," observed the monarch. "ths
state and the faith-what else is there !
But go your way. How smooth it may
be no man can tell
"Is the road like to be rougher than
1t has been. sire?'
1.-The maid belongs to France" an,
swered Charles, land France belongs
to the king"
''The king" exclaimed the duke
fiercely.
Involuntnrily had they drawn rein
in the shade Of tiny thicket overlook.
ing the valley. Even from this slight
exercise. bowed and weary appeared
the emperor's form. The hand which
controlled his steed trembled. but the
lines Of his face spoke of unweakened
sinew Of spirit, the iron grip of a will
that only death might loosen.
"The king" repeated the young man
"He is no king of mine nor hers. To
you, sire, only owe allegiance or my
life, at your need
A gentler expression softencd the
emperor's features as CLEAN of sun
shine forces itself into the sOmberest
forest depths.
I'VE have had our need" he said
mot long since" His glance swept
the outlook below. Heaven watches
over monarchs." he added. turning a
keen. satirical look on the other, but
through the vigilance Of our earthly
servitors."
The dukes response was interrupted
| by the appearance below of horse
| tauH, CONcTcu Win uubt, TluIuk tOW8TO
them and urging his weary steed uT
the incline with spur and voice. Delhi
erately the monarch surveyed the new
conner.
What make you Of yonder fellow7'
b. said. HE is not Of the guard mol
Of the pretender's following"
His housings are the color of France
sire"
Then can l make n shrewd guess Of
his purpose" observed the monarch.
As he spoke the horseman drew near
or and a moment later had stopped be
fore the emperor.
"A message from the king. sire" ex
claimed the man. dismounting and
kneeling to present a formidable look
ing document, with a great disk of leat
through which silken string wa,
drawn.
Breaking the seal. the emperor open
ed the missive. 1T IL WE'LL" he sale
at length, folding the parchment. "Th'
king was even on his way to the cha
teau to await our coming when he me
Caillette and received our communica
ton. Go you to the camp"-to the mes
senger-"whsve We shall presently 70
turn" And Qs the man rode AWAY