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


master Of the boar rubbed his shoulder.
matchmaking roundly the cause of
the disaster.
Il think my arms put out" he said.
rs the creature deadT" he added vi
ciously.
"Beshrew me. l thought the Jester
was craven" growled he of the boar.
What does 1t mean?"
That he saw the snare and spread
another" replied the host.
Go back to your room, mistress"
whispered the plaisant to the young
girl, "and lock yourself in."
NAY. I'll not leave YOU" she replied
do you think they will return?' she
added in q voice she strove to make
firm.-
your window and call out. 1t is q slen-
der hope, but the best we have. Fear
not. can hold the stairs yet awhile"
A moment she hesitated, then glided
away. At the same time he of the boar
grasped a sword in his left hand and.
with his right hanging useless, rushed
up the stairs.
"Oh, there you are, my nimble wit
cracker" he cried as the jester stepped
boldly out. "'Twas a pretty piece of
foolery you played on the monster and
us, but quip for quirk, my merry wag!'
And, so speaking, he directed violent
thrust, which, had it taken effect,
would indeed have made good the lead
er's threat
But the plaisant stepped aside, the
blow grazed his shoulder, while his
own blade by a rapid counter passed
through the throat Of his antagonist.
) With a shrek, the blood gushing from
the wound, the master of the boar fell
lifeless on the stairs, his sword clat-
tering downward. At that grewsome
sight his fellows paused irresolute, and,
seeing their indeclsion, the jester
rushed headlong upon them, striking
fiercely, when their hesitation turned
into panic, and the knaves fairly flew.
Below the irate landlord stamped and
fumed, cutting and striking as he
moved among them with threats and
abuse.
Thus exhorted, the knaves once more
took heart and gathered for the at
tack. Glaves were provided for those
in front, and the plaisant waited, grim.
ly determined, yet liking little the as.
pect Of those terrible weapons and
feeling the end Of the unequal contest
was not far distant, when light hand
was laid on his arm.
Follow me quietly" said Jacqueline
"We may yet escape. Don't question
d me, but come" she went ON hurriedly
Impressed by her earnestness, the
Jester, after a moments hesitation
obeyed. She led him to her room
closed and locked the door, but not be
fore a scampering of feet snd sound OF
voices told them the roglies had gain
ed the upper passage, and drew hin
hastily to the window.
"See" she said eagerly. "a ladderr
"And ut the foot of the ladder ou
horses" he exclaimed in surprise
"Who has done thisP
Her response was interrupted by ,
hand at their door and clamor with
out, followed by heavy blows.
"Quick, Jacquelinev' he cried ant
helped her to the long ladder set, as
seemed, providentially against the wall
"Can you do itf he asked, yet hold
ing her hand. Her eyes gave him an
b"er, anu hc reieaseu hers Watcninl
her descend.
The door quivered beneath the gen
eral onslaught Of the now exultant out
laws, and as glave shattered tn
panel the Jester threw himself over tn
easement. A deafening hubbub en-
sued, the door suddenly gave way, an
the band rushed into the room. A
the same time the plaisant ran dow
the ladder and sprapg to- the graup