The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1906-03-31


her Hishness had better judge for her
self. Here at last was something to
be done. 1t was almost like the old
foraying days. but now in more des-
perate cause.
No one in all Castle kernsberg was
to know Of the departure OF this cav
alcade. The STarhawk was appointed
to command during Won Orseln's alb
sence. Ten men only were to go, and
these picked and sifted riders-cnosen
because of their powers of silence
and because. being unmarried, they
had no wives to worm secrets out OF
them.
Joan and her chief captain rode on
ahead, Won Orseln glancing keenly
about him, and Joan riding free and
careless. as in old days when she over
passed the hills TO drive prey from
the lands of her fathers enemies.
1t was grey morning when they
came to goatherds hut at the top
of the green valley Already they
had passed the bounds of Hohenstein
by half dozen miles. The goatherd
had led his light skipping train to the
hills for the day. and the rude and
chaotic remains of his breakfast were
still on the table. Boris and Jorian
cleared these away, and. with the
trained alacrity of seasoned men at
arms, they placed before the party a
breakfast prepared with speed out Of
which they had brought with them
and those things which they had
found to their hand by foraging in the
cottage of the goatherd-towit, sliced
meats tongue dried in the smoke,
bread of fine wheat which Jorian had
carried all the way in net at his sad
die bow. Boris had charge of the
wine skins. and upon shelf above
the door they found a great butter pot
full of freshly made curded goats
milk. very delicious both to taste and
smell
OF these things they ate and drank
largely, Joan and Won Orseln being to-
gether at the upper end of the table.
Boris and Jorian had to sit with them.
though much againht their wills. be-
ing (spite Of their sweethearts) more
accustomed to the company of honest
men at arms than to the practice Of
dolhty SoliA6 III lodiCo GoSAtis.
Soon Joan of the Sword Hand rose
to her feet. for the ex-men at arms
had few words to say.
Let us now mount and ride home
ward" she said, there are no enemy
to be found on this northerly road.
We shall be more fortunate upon
another occasion"
Then Werner Won Orseln nerved
himself for a battle more serious
than any he had ever fought at the
elbow Of Henry the Lion of Hohen
stein.
My lady" he said, standing up and
bowling gravely before her. you see
here eleven men who love you far
above their lives, of whom | am the
chief. Two others also there are
who. though not of our nation, are in
heart joined to us, especially in this
thing that we have done. With all
respect. your Highness cannot go
back We have come out, not to
your Grace in place of safety till the
storm blows over"
The Duchess had slowly risen to
her feet, with her hand on the sword
which swung at her belt.
You have suddenly gone mad, Wer-
ner." she said; 'let us have no more
of this. | bid you mount and ride
Back to Kernsberg, l say, Ye are not
such fools and traitors as to deliver
the maiden Castle. the Eagles Nest of
Hohenstein, into the hands of our enc
mies?"
Nay" said Won Orseln, looking
steadily upon the ground, that will We
not do. Kernsberg is in good hands.
and will fight bravely. But we cannot
hold out with our few folk and scanty
provender against the Lacquer of
thirty thousand. Nevertheless we will
not permit you to sacrifice yourself
for our sakes or for the sake of the
women and children of the city"
Joan drew her sword.
werner Won Orseln, will you obey
me. or must I slay you with my
hand?" she cried.
The chief captain yet further bowed
his head and abased his eyes.
I'VE have thought also of this" he
made answer. Me you may kill, but
these that are with me will defend
themselves, though they will not
strike one they love more than their
lives. But man by man we have
sworn to do this thing. At all hazards
you must abide in our hands till the
danger is overpast. For me (this he
added in a deeper tone), am your
| immediate officer. There is none to
no ic riu n
| slay me if you will. Mine is the re-
| sponsibility for this deed. though
the design was not mine. Here is my
sword. Slay your chief captain with
| it if you will. He has faithfully
served your house for five-and-thirty
years. 'Tis perhaps time he rested