Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1906-05-11
WHAT HAPPENED
AT STARKENFELS
Copyright, by Joseph B. Bowles)
By RAFAEL sABATINI

in believing that 1t was to my heart,
and not to my ambitions, that fell a
victim?
For months l worshipped her from
afar, as pious ones worship saint
reverently, ecstatically. Despairing,
too. was my love for her, realizing
that while she was helress to the
throne of Lichtenstein. | was but one
Of the minor satellites of the court.
My princess was chosen by the
states of Sachsenberg and Lichtenstein
to become the wife of King Heinrich
of Sachsenberg. Few were there at
the Court of Vaduz that were not
privy to this. and few whom the
princess fiat refusal to enter into the
alliance did not fill with consterna-
ton. She had never seen the king of
Sachsenberg, and she openly vowed
that she never wished to see him; that
she would not be bestowed like unto a
chattel for purposes of state.
Then did it occur to me that haply
the princess had already given her
heart to another. Could 1t be, asked
myself, that my ardent glances had
not been In vain?
will not dwell here upon details of
our flight; they scarce concern my
story. But so well did l contrive that
in three days my mistress sat safe
within the walls of her castle of Stark
enfels. We were prepared for
siege, and I had victualled the place
so that a score of people might hold
out for year, if need be.
On the eighth day of our coming to
Starkenfels held parley with one who
rode up in hot haste to the very edge
of the moat.
From the battlements | inquired on
what errand he was come, and in an
swer he pompously announced that his
business was with the Princess Yola
of Lichtenstein. Then there came the
rustic of gown beside me, and the
princess was at my elbow, gazing
down upon that leather-clad> clown.
who is this, Geristein?"
II know not, madame. 1t pleases
him to be mysterious"
But he is wounded" she cried,
look of pity clarifying her matchless
eyes. And you leave him at the
gate?"
The graceless dog, perceiving her.
doffed his grey beaver. decked by a
broken goose quill, disclosing a face
that was very pale.
Lady" he began, then stopped alb
ruptly. Inc hat fiuttered from his
grasp; he sank forward upon the
withers of his horse, then rolling from
the saddle, lay inert upon the turf.
See to him, my lord" the princess
cried. He has tainted. Have him
brought into the CASTLE"
The wound was a mere scratch,
though much blood had flowed, as his
sodden sleeve bore witness. With her
own kerchief she bound it up.
Poor lad" she murmured, '"he hath
lost much blood"
AS she spoke he stirred; sigh es-
capped him, and he opened his eyes, to
find the princess mirrored in them.
| Then from those eyes of his there
flashed with returning consciousness
look of such wonder and bold ad-
miration that my lady's dignity was
aroused by it.
My lady's brow grew dark, and
stern her eye.
Come you on behalf Of King Helm
rich?"
NAY, your highness, on my own,
and a sorry traitor do l hold myself
Yet, madame, that which is a foot
seemeth to me so foul thing that
had no longer. esteemed myself gen.
tleman had l, Anthony Won Turgen
not ridden to warn you"
What is this warning that keeps
you a gentleman yet makes you a
traitor?"
Lady, the prince, your father, ac-
companied by the king of Sachsenberg
is on his way hither with thousand
men,"
There was a moments pause, and
white grew the Princess Yola's cheeks
But despair not, lady. You may
yet escape, leaving your castle gar,
risoned. Bid your men hold out for 6
month, and then surrender the empty
nest to the prince. But, lady, you mus
hasten, for he draws near!"
Yola put her hand to her heart, ant
looked about her with eyes that for {
moment told of fear. Then
Here will remain" she said, "un
til these tyrants shall have starved
me. Do you save yourself. sir. ant
take with you my thanks for you
! noble effort"
At the princess command fresl
horse was brought him. In this ther,
was some delay. and when at last h.
was mounted 1t was too late. Th
princes force was within couple o
hundred yards, and / could not sane
tion the lowering of the bridge.
With careless laugh Won Turgel
dismounted and flung the reins to
servant.
For month sat the Prince of LIGHT
enstein and the King of SachsenberI
besieging us. and in my whole life
/