The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1906-05-05
by S. r. Crockett-I

concerning the law.
And even his guest Prince Ivan was
complaisant, standing behind Louiss
chair and smiling TO himself
Brother of mine" he would say, Il
came to help you TO your wife. 1t is
your own affair how you take her and
what you do with her when you get
her. For me. as soon as you have her
safe within the summer palace. and
have given me, according to promise.
my hearts desire. your sister Mar
garet, so soon will l depart for Mos
COW. My father. indeed, sends daily
posts praying my instant despatch, for
he only waits my return to launch
host upon his enemy the King OF Po
lcgnia.'
And Prince Louis, reaching ov,
the arm of his chair. patted hts
friends small. sweet-scented hand,
thanked him for his most unselfish
and generous assistance.
Thus the Lacquer of Hohenstein at
tanned its object Price Louis had
not, it is true stormed the heights OF
kernsberg as he had sworn to do.
He had. in fact, left behind him to
the traitors who delivered their Ouch
ess a large portion of his stores and
munitions of war. Nevertheless. he
returned proud in Heart to his capital
city, For in the midst of his most
faithful body of cavalry rode the
yourg Duchess Joan. Princess of
Court.and. on a white Neapolitan
barb with reins that jingled with sill
yer bells and rosettes of ribbon on
the bosses of her harness
No indignity had been offered to
her. Indeed, as great honor was done
her as was possible in the circum
starCes. Prince Louis had approached
and led her by the hand to the steed
which awaited her at the fords Of the
Ala. The soldiers of Courtland ele-
waited their spears and the trumpets
brayed a salute. Then, without a
word spoken her husband had bowed
and withdrawn as gentleman should
Prince Ivan then approached. and on
one knee begged the privilege OF kiss
ing her fair hand.
The captive Princess spoke not at
all, as was indeed natural and fitting.
A woman conquered does not easily
forgive those who have humbled her
pride. She talked little even to Alt
Pikker. and then only apart. The
nearest guide. who had been chosen
because of his knowledge of German
could not hear a murmur. With
bowed head and eyes that dwelt
steadily on the urdulating name of
her white barb. Joan swayed her
graceful body and compressed her lips
like one captured but in no wise van
quished And the soldiers of the army
of Courtland (those of them who were
married) whispered one to another.
noting her demeanor. "Our good
Prince is but at the beginning of his
troubles; for, by Brunhild, did you
ever see such a wench? They say
she can engage any two fencers of
her army at one time!
Her eye is like rapier thrust"
whispered another. Just now l went
near her to look, and she arched an
eyebrow at me, no more, and 10! l
went cold at my marrow as if l felt
the blue steel stand out at my back
bone"
at is the hunger and the anger that
have done it," said another: "and, in
deed, small wonder! She looked not
so pale when l saw her ride along
Courtland Street the day to the Don
the day she was to be married. Her
face was like that of any saint in
chapel when the sun shines through
the stained glass in the western win
dows. Then her eyes did not pierce
you through. but instead they shone
with their own proper light and were
very gracious"
"a strange wench, most strange
wench," responded the first, so soon
to change her mind"
"Ha," laughed his companion, "lit-
tie doubt OF that. Besides, is she not
a princess? and wherefore should our
Princes wife not change her mind?"
They entered Courtland, and the
flags flew gaily as on the day OF we'd
ding. The drums beat, and the popu-
lace drank from spigots that foamed
red wine. Then the Prince Louis
came with hat in hand. and begged
that the Princess Joan would gra-
ciously allow him to ride beside her
through the streets. He spoke re-
spectfully, and Joan could only bow
her head in acquiescence.
Thus they came to the courtyard OF
the palace. the PEOPLE shouting be-
hind them. There, on the steps,
gowned in white and gold. with bare
head overrun with ringlets. stood the
Princess Margaret among her women.
And at sight of her the heart Of the
false princess gave mighty bound,
as Joan of the Sword Hand drew her
hood closer about her face and tried
to remember in what fashion a lady
dismounted from her horse.
my lady" said Prince Louis, stand
ing hat in hand before her barb, Il
commit you to the care of my sister,