The champion. (Arcadia, Fla.) 1895-1911, 1906-07-12

DfJt eANhl " VIA AIMAN ANMMAn MNAl
In the middle Of the bridge and gallop.
ed down upon him at speed TIL within
a lance's length Then suddenly he
checked his horse and, while his audi
ence shouted, wheeled Il around on. It's
hind legs. It's fore hoofs beating the air,
and galloped back again, followed by
Goodwin.
"All went well" Wulf said as they
rode to the castle, "and nobler or more
gentle horses we're never crossed by
men. have good hopes for tomorrow
night I shall do my best, and II
fall, why, then, act upon your own
counsel. At least. let him not kill both
of u.s."
Having stabbed their horses, the
brethren wandered into the garden and
drew by roundabout road to the tall
rock, Then, finding themselves alone,
they unlocked the door and, slipping
through it, locked 1t again on the far
Their side and CROPPED their way to the
mOonllt mouth Of the cave. Here they
stood awhile studying the descent OF
the gulf as best they could in that lishs
till suddenly Goodwin, feeling a hand
upon his shoulder, started round to find
himself face to face with Masouda,
How did you come" he asked.
by a road In which Is your only
hope" she answered Now, Sir God
win, waste no words, for my time Is
short, but II you think that you can,
trust ue-and this is for you to Judge
give me the stgnet which hangs about
your neck"
Thrustlng down his hand between his
mail shirt and bis breast, Goodwin drew
out the apclent ring and handed It to
Masouda
"You trust indeed she said, with
little laugh, as she hid 1t in her bosom.
eyes, lady" he answered, 81 trust
you, though why you should risk so
much for us do not know"
"What Is 1t to you, Sir Goodwin, why
a certain woman spy Of the assassins,
whom in your own land you would spit
on, chooses to do this or thatP
She ceased and stood before him with
heaving breast and flashing eyes,
mysterious white figure in the moon
light most beautiful to see.
Goodwin felt his heart stir and the
blood flow to his brow, but before he
could speak wulf broke in, saying:
"You babe us spare words Lady Ma
SCUBA. so tell MS what we must do"
This she anSwered, becoming calm
again. "Tomorrow night about this
hour you fight I.ozelle upon the narrow
way. You may fall, though that man
at heart Is a coward, which you are
no. for here courage alone will avail
nothing, but rather skill and horseman-
shlp and trick OF war. II so, then Sir
Goodwin fights him, and of this business
none can tell the end. Should both OF
YOU 90 down, then will do my best to
save your lady and take her to Salah-
ed-dln >.
"Now. IL you conquer, Sir Wulf' or II
Won fall and your brother conquers'
both Of you--or one of you, as II may
happen-must gallop back at fun speed
toward the stable gate that lies more
than mile from the castle bridge
Nor must you stop at the gate, but ride
An ride like the wind till you reach this
blace. The gardens will be empty, FOR
every soul within the city Will have
gathered on the walls and on the house
TONS 10 see the fray. There Is but one
fear. BY then guard may be set be
fore this mound. n So you must GU
them down or be cut down and brin9
vour story to an end. Sir Goodwin, here
is another key that you may use II you
are alone. Take It."
He did 30, and she continued:
"Now, II both Of you, or one OF you
win through to this cave, enter WIN
vour horses, lock the door, bar IL ana
wait II may be 1 will join you mere
with the princess, But If | do not come
nv the dawn then know that the worst
bas happened and fly to salah-ed-din
and tell him of this road by which he
NAV take vengeance upon his foe 81
nan Only then. pray you, doubt NOT
that have done my best, who II ran
must die most horribly Now, rare
we'll Go; you know the road"
They turned to obey, but when they
had gone a few PAGES Goodwin looked
round and saw Masouda watching
them. The moonlight shone full upon
her face, and by It he saw also that
tears were running from her dark and
tender eyes. Back he came again
and with him wulf, for that sight
drew them. Down he bent before hel
TIL his knee touched the ground and
taking her band, he kissed It and SAID
"Henceforth through life, through
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