Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1907-03-15

ing each others hands. it was the
first time they had been alone together
since the day on which they had
walked along the sand dunes Of Ru-
gen.
Since then they seemed to have
grown inexplicably close together To
Joan, Conrad now seemed mach more
her own-the man who loved her,
whom she loyed-than he had been
on the island To watch day by day
for his passing in martial attire
brought back the knight of the tourna-
ment whose white plume she had seen
storm through the lists when, a slim
secretary, she had stood with beating
heart and shining eyes behind the
chair of Leopold Won Dessauer, Am
bassador of Plassenpurg.
For almost five minutes they stood
thus without speech; then Joan drew
away her hands.
you forget" she said smiling, that
was forbidden in the bond"
my lady" he said, was. not the
bond for Isle Rugen alone? Here we
are comrades in the strife. We must
save our fatherland. have laid aside
my priesthood. If live, shall appeal
to the Holy Father to loose me wholly
from my vows"
Smilingly she put his eager argu-
ment by.
at was of another vow 1 spoke.
am not the Holy Father, and for this
l will not give you dissolution. We
are comrades, it is true-that and no
more, Tomorrow I ride to Kerns-
berg, where 1 will muster every man,
call down the shepherds from the hills,
and be back with you by the ALA be-
fore the Muscovite can attack you. l.
Joan of the Sword Hand, promise it,"
She stamped her foot, half in earn
est and half in mockery Of the sonor-
Gus name by which she was known.
q would rather you were Joan Of
the Grange at Isle Rugen, and 1 your
jerkined servitor. cleaying the wood
that you might bake the bread"
Conrad" said Joan, shaking her
head wistfully, such thoughts are not
wise for you and me 10 harbor. We
must stand to our digHities now when
the enemy threatens and the people
need us. Afterwards, an it like us, we
may step down together"
JOAN" said Conrad, very grayely,
do not fear for me. have turned
once from a career never chose.
Death alone shall turn me back this
time"
81 knew It," she answered; 81 never
doubted it. But what shall we do with
this poor lovesick bride of ours?"
And she told him of her interview
that morning with his sister. Conrad
laughed gently. yet with sympathy.
Leave me Won Orseln, and do you
take the young man." said Conrad; |
then Margaret will go with you will |
ingly and gladly"
But she will want to return-that /
is, if Maurice comes. too"
isle Rugen?" suggested Conrad. |
Send your ten men who know the |
road If they could carry off Joan Of /
the Sword Hand. they should have no
difficulty with little Margaret of Court
land"
Joan clasped her hands with pleas
ure and relief, all unconscious that i'm
mediately behind her Margaret had |
entered softly and now stood arrested
by the sound OF her own name.
"Oh, they will have no trouble, will 4
they not?" she said in her own heart.
and smiled. isle Rugen? Thank you,
my very dear brother and sister. You
would get rid of me. separate me from
Maurice while he is fighting for your
precious princedoms. What is coun-
Try in CON parison with a husband? l
would not care a doit which country
to, so long as I had Maurice
With mel"
A moment or two Conrad and Joan
discussed the details of the capture.
while more softly than before Mar
yaret retired to the door,. She would
rave slipped out altogether. but that
happened just them which
roze her to the spot.
A trumpet blew without-Once, twice
md thrice, in short and stirring blasts.
Hardly had the echoes died away when
he heard her brother say. 'Adieu, best
,elovedl 1t is the signal which tells
ne that Prince Ivan is within a days
march of Courtland. bid you good
we, and if-if we should never meet
gain, do not forget that I loved you
loved you as none else could love,"
He held out his hand Joan stood
Dotted to the spot, her lips moving. but
10 words coming forth. Then Mar
-aret heard 4 hoarse cry break from
er who had condemned love.