Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1906-05-07
s-zsInng ms youth. ne began to JalK or Cyprus. and so time went on until the dark was falling,


 Southminster, where the man desired to eat his Christmas feast. So the reckoning was paid-it was long one and while the horses were harnessed to the vain the merchant bored holes in the little cask of wine and set spig- ots in them, bidding them all be sure to drink of it that night. Then calling down good fortune on them for their kindness and liberalty he made his salaams in the eastern fashion and de- parted. accompanied by Wulf.
 Within five minutes there was a sound of shouting, and Wulf was back again, saying that the wheel of the vain had broken at the first turn, so that now it was lying upon it's side in the courtyard. Sir Andrew and God win went out to see to the matter, and there they found Georgios wringing his hands.
 Noble knights" he said, what am to do? Already it is nearly dark, and how I shall find my way up yon- der steep hill 1 know not. As for the priceless broideries, I suppose they must stay here for the night, since that wheel cannot be mended till tomor- row.
 "As you had best do also,' said Sir Andrew kindly. "Leave your serv- ant with my people, who will look aft CT him, and come you into the hall and tell me some more of Cyprus till our food is ready, which will be soon. Do not fear for your goods. They shall be placed under cover"
 "All unworthy as I am, I obey" an swered the obsequious Georgios. "Pe- tros, do you understand? This noble lord gives us hospitality for the night. His people will show you where to eat and sleep and help you with your horses"
 This man, who, he explained, was a Cypriote-a fisherman in summer and muleteer ill winter-bowed and. fixing his dark eyes upon those of his master, spoke ill some foreign tongue.
 You hear what he says, the silly fellow?" said Georgios. What! You do not understand Greek. only Arabic! Well. he asks me to give him money to nav for his dinner and his nights lodg- ing. I will explain to him. the pig. And explain he did in shrill, high notes, of which no one else could understand a word.
 "Tbere Sir Knight. do not think he will offend you so again. An, look! He is walking off; he is sulky. Well, let him alone. He will be back for his dinner, the pig!'
 So. Georgios still declaiming upon the shortcomings of his servant they went back into the hall.
 At length 5 o'clock came, and Geor- gios. having first been taken to the lav- atory-it was but stone trough-to wash his hands, was led to the dinner or. rather, to the supper, table. Whlcn stood upon dais in front ot the en- trance to the solar. Here places were laid for six-Sir Andrew, his nephews, Rosamund, the chaplain, Matthew, who celebrated masses in the church and ate at the hall on feast days, and the Cyp- riote merchant, Georgios himself. De- low the dais and between 1t ana ne fire was another table, at which were already gathered twelve guests, belng the chief tenants of Sir Andrew and the reeves of his outlying lands. On most days the servants of the house, with the huntsmen, swineherds and others. sat at third table beyond the fire. but. as nothing would stop these from growing drunken on the good ale at a feast-and though many ladles thought little of it there was no sin that Rosamund hated so much as tnis- now their lord sent them to eat ana drink at their ease in the barn which stood in the courtyard with its back to the moat.
 When all had taken their seats the chanlain said grace, and the meal be- gan. It was rude, but very plentiful. For drink ale was served at the lower table On the dais, however, they drank some of the black wine which wulf had bought-that is, except Sir Andrew and Rosamund, the former be- canse he dared not, and the latter be- cause she had always hated any drlnK but water.
 Thus they grew merry since thelr guest proved himself cheerful fellow, who told them many stories of love ana war. At last the feast drew toward US end. when suddenly, as though struck bv a sudden recollection, Georglos ex- claimed:
 1.-The wine! The liquid amber from Trooidos. had forgotten 1t. Noble knight, have your leave to draw:
 "Aye, excellent merchant" answered Sir Andrew. Certainly you can draw your own wine"
 So Georgios rose and took large jug and silver tankard from the side board. where such things were display ed. With these he went to'the little keg and filed the vessels to the brim. Then he beckoned to a reeve slttlng al the lower table to bring him ieatnef jack that stood upon the board. Hav. ing rinsed it out with wine, he niied that also, handing it with the Jug to the reeve to drink their lords health on ., , ~y.,~ .;.,h< Tho oi1vpP vessel he