The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1906-06-23
CHAPTER xxlv.-continued.

CHAPTER xxlv.-Continued.
They have brought him down from
the cart. The Cossacks are close
about him. They have put all the
Courtland men far back.
The Muscovites are binding the
lad to a wooden frame They have
stripped him to the waist
Blessed Virgin. they are casting
loose the horses, A Cossack with a
cruel whip stands by each to lash
them to fury. They are slipping the
platform from under him. God in
heaven! what is that"
Hitherto the eyes of the great mul-
titude, which on three sides surround
ed the place of execution, had been
turned inward. But now with one ac-
cord they were gazing, not on the ter
rible preparations which were SO near
= bloody consummation, but over the
green tree-studded ALA meads toward
a group Of horsemen who were ap-
preaching at a swift hand-gallop.
Peter the lank giant, was in greater
request than ever
What do they look at, good Peter
tell us quickly"
There is woman among those
who ride-no, two. They are getting
near the skirts of the crowd. Men
are shouting and throwing up their
hands in the air. l cannot tell what
for The soldiers have their hats on
the top of their pixies. They are
shouting."
By this time it needed no Peter Alt
maar. The ring was rapidly closing
now all about save upon the meadow
side. where a lane was kept open.
Through this living alley came a
knight and a lady-the latter in riding
habit and broad velvet cap, the knight
with his vizor up. but armed from
head to foot a dozen squires and men
alarms following a compact little
cloud, and as they came they were
greeted with the enthusiastic acclaim
OF all that mighty concourse.
Prince Conrad-our own Prince
Conrad. he has come back, our true
prince! We knew he was no priest.
CORTLAND forever, Down with Louis
the craven, Down with the Musco-
vite. The young man shall not die!
The princess shall have her sweet
heart,"
And as soon as the calvacade had
come within the square the living
wave broke black over all. Then the
cries began again. Swords and bare
fists were shaken at the grand stand,
where white as death Prince Louis
still kept his place.
About the center platform whereon
the living cross was extended the
crush first grew oppressive and then
dangerous.
Back there-you are killing him.
Back. say"
Then strong men took slaves and
halberts, and by force of brawny arms
and sharp pricking steel pressed the
people back breast high The smiths
who had riveted the wristlets and
ankle rings were already busy with
their files. The lashings were cast
loose from the frames. A hundred
hands chafed the white, swollen limbs,
At last all was done, and dazed
ard blinded. but unshaken in his soul.
Maurice Won Lynar stood totteringly
upon his feet.
Lift him up! Lift him up, Let us
see him, II he is dead we will slay
Prince Louis and cruelty the Musco-
vite in his place!"
BAH" another would cry, Louis
is no longer ruler. Conrad is the
true prince!"
Down with the Russ, the Cossack,
Where are they? Pursue them. Kill
them!"
So ran the fierce shouts ard as the
rescuers raised the Sparhawk high on
their plated hands that all men might
see, on the far skirts of the crowd
Ivan Of Muscovy, with bitter smile