The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1905-04-07

the horScman Sternly
nat 4 have run away from the
duke, fool,' answered the hunchback
Ihe foreign lord dared to beat me
Iriboulct--who have only been beaten
by the king. Sooner or later must 7
nave fed i'm any event, for what is
1ripouict without the court or tho
court without Triboulet?' his indigna-
ton merging into arrogant vainglory.
When did you leave the duke:" nsk
ed the other slowly.
several days ago." replied the
dwarf, gazing narrowly Mt his oues.
TONER. down the road lie should
be far away by this time"
Susp1ciously the dukes Jester regard
cd the hunchback and then glanced du.
Diously toward the gate through which
lhey had entered the town. He had
experienced Iriboulets duplicity and
malice, yet in this instance was dis.
posed to give credence to his story. be-
cause he doubted not that Louis Of
Hochfcls would make all haste out of
FRANCIS Kingdom. Nor did 1t appear
unreasonable that Triboulet should
pine for the excitement Of his former
life, the pleasures and gayety which
prevailed at Fools hall. II the huncb.
backs information were true they need
now have little fear OF overtakinc the
free baron and his following, as NOT
tar beyond the chateau town the main
ROAD broke into two parts, the one con.
unuing southward and the other
branching off to the east.
While the horseman was thus ra-
hecting, Triboulct, like an imp. began
to dance before them.
y good joke my master and mis-.
tress III motley" he cried. THE king
was weak enough to exchange his
dwarf for demoiselle. The latter has
ned; the monarch has neither one nor
the other, therefore is he himself tho
1901. And thou, mistress, art also
worthy Of the madcap bells" he added.
his distorted face upturned to the 1es.
tress.
How so!' she asked. not conccalIns
the repugnancc he inspired.
Because YOU prefer fools can 70 a
kings CROWN" he answered, looking
significantly Mt her companion. where.
III you but followed the royal prefer.
ehce Tor head coverings. Ho, ho.
saw which way the wind blew: how
the monarch's eyes kindled when they
rested on you; how the wings Of Nine
Etampes' Golf futtered like an angry
butterfly"
silence, rogue" commanded the
luke's fool, wheeling his horse toward
the dwarf.
And then for her to turn from .
.hrone room to n dungeon" went on
rriboulet satirically as he retreo+ed
AS Brusquet wrote, twas
Morbleu! A merry monarch and q
jcstrcss fair;
A Jcstress fair. I wecn-'
But ere the hunchback could finish
MS scurrilous doggerel of the court.
,Vcr which doubtless many loose wit.
lied on TrriBoS4iat-s thef girls compan-
lodged into narrow space between
wo houses, where he was safe from
pursuit. JacQuclinc's face had become
iushcd. Her lips were compressed.
The cOuntcnancc Of the dukes plaisant
paler than it's wont.
Little monster" hc muttered.
But the hunchback in his retreat was
low regarding neither the horseman
,or the young girl. His glittering eyes.
Is IL fascinated, rested on the weapon
II the plaisant
What fine blade you've got there"
ie said curiously. "Much better than
/ wooden sword. Jcweled, too, by the
loly bngpipe! And n coat Of arms
more excitcdly-'ycs. the coat OF arms
IF the great constable of Dubrois! AS
proud sword as that Of the king.
Where did you get it," And In his
sudden interest the dwarf half ven
tured from his place of refuge
Answer him not.' said the girl
hastily.
"Was it you. mistress, gave it him:"
he asked, with sudden sharp look.
Her contemptuous gaze was her only
reply.
"By the dust of kings, when last I
saw it, the naughty constable himself
it was who wore It," continued Trl-
boulet. AYE, when he defied Francis
to his face. l can see him now. rich
surcoat over bis gilded nrmor, tho
queen mother gazing at him with ali
her soul in her eyes the brilliant COM
pany startled, even the king overawed.
Twas 1 broke the spell. while the
monarch and the court were silent, not
daring to speak"
"You" From the young woman's
eyes flashed a fame Of deepest ha-
tired.
The hunchback shrank back, then
laughed. II, Triboulet!" he boasted.
'IIa,' said l, hes greater than the
king! whereupon Francis frowned.
started and answered the constable, re-
fusing his claim. Not long thereafter
the constable died in Spain, and COM
pleted the jest. 'So,' said l. he Is less
thnD N mnnt And tho hing vhn "a