Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1905-04-27

a treacherous onslaught" said the fool.
"Did I not say when you left that
night the truce was Over!" returned
the kings guest, frowning.
True" was the ironical answer.
"Forewarned, forearmed. And that sort
OF warfare was TO be expected"
"Well," unrcservedly replied the free
baron, who for reasons of his own
chose not to challenge the affront, lin
those two instances you were not
worstcd. And. as for the trooper who
attacked you. know not whether your
lance or the doctors lancet is RESPONSE.
bic for his taking of. But you met
him with true attaint You would have
made good soldier. It is to be regret.
ted you did not place your fortune with
mine. But Il is too late now
"Yes.' answered the PLEASANT ut is
too late"
In the fools countenancc or his man
ner the kings guest sought confirma-
ton OF the dying troopers words; also
was he fencing for such additional in
formation as he might CLEAN, and for
this purpose had he come. Had the
emperor really gone to Spain? The SOL
dier's assurance had been SO faint
sometimes the free baron wondered If
he had heard Alright or If he had cor
rectly interpreted the mcagcr message.
lie hoped to provoke from the plat
SAINT some expression of self content in
his plans for the future.
What If he offered the fool clemcn-
cy! asked the princess betrothcd of
himself. If the jester had confidence
in the future he would naturally rath-
err remain i'm the narrow confines Of his
dark chamber than consider proposals
from one whom he believed he would
yet overcome.
"Why.' he said patronizingly, survey
good man should die by the sword
rather than go to the scaffold. II got
the king TO forgive you and the prin-
cess to overlook your offense will you
we'll and truthfully serve me-"
"Never" answered the fool promptly
''I1e Is sure the message will reach
Charles in Spain," mentally concluded
the kings guest. Yet" he continued
aloud in tone Of mockery, you did
not hesitate to betray your master
yourself. Why. then, will you not be
tray him to me?'
ITO him l will answer not to you. y
returned the jester calmly.
A contemptuous smile crossed the
free baron's face.
"And tell him how you dared look IN
to his mttress; that you sought to save
her from another. while you yOursef
poured your own burning tale into her
ear? Two things I most admire in ma.
ture," went on the free baron, with
emphasis, "a daredevil who stops not
for man or Satan and--an honest man
You take but Il compromising middle
course and will hang. hybrid, from
some convenient limb
but not without first knowing that
you. too. in all likelihood will adorn an
equally suitable branch, my lord of the
thieves rookery,' said the jester, smil
ing.
Louis Of Hochfels responded with ar
ugly look.
Fool. you expect your duke will in
tervene." he exclaimed. Not wher
he has been told all by the king or the
princess he sneered do you think
she cares? You. a motley fool, a
theme for jest between u.s.
but when she learns about you? p
retorted the PLEASANT significantly.
"She will cen be mistress Of my cas-
tie"
Castles" laughed the jester. "a rob.
ber's aere. A footpad's retreat. \
ritler Of the roads become great lord
You of royal blood. Then was your
father king Of thieves
The free buron's face worked fear
fully.
Infuriate. his hand sought his sword
but before he could draw it the fool
anticipating his purpose. had rushed
upon him with such impetuOsity and
suddenness that the kings guest, ir
spite of his bulk and strength, was
thrust against the wall. Like griT
Of iron the TESTERS fingers were buried
in his opponents throat. For one sc
youthful and slender in build his pow
err was remarkable, and, strive rs he
might. the princess betrothed could
not shake him off. Although his arms
pressed with crushing force about Tho
figure of the fool, the hand at hi.
throat never relaxed. He endeavOreG