The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-05-10

 like thunder and compelled silence. In that critical moment of the fortunes of himself and France he was every inch the King. Ever at his best in his worst predicaments, he seized the critical mo- ment masterfully and before Crevecoeur could leave he had managed to obtain grace of 24 hours to make reply to his cousin of Burgundy
 We must rid ourselves of this Countess of Croye,' said Louis, as soon as he was alone with Oliver Dain. If Burgun- dy arms against us England will attack us through Calais It is not our time yet to defy them. But l dislike sorely to send the Countess back to Burgundy. Her cas- tie is almost impregnable; it lies between Burgundy and Flanders, and if the lady were wed to one who is bound to France it would highly profit us and be i'll for Charles of Burgundy. Why not William de la Marck?'
 "On my life" said Oliver, "I cannot tax Your Majesty with being over scru- pulous! The Wild Boar of Ardennes. al most an outlaw and under the ban of Romel Robber and murderer, eXcommu- nicated with the manners and heart of a Flemish butcher and the face of wild sow!'
 Nevertheless, said the King, The is formidable and will make an able ally. With Grove for his stronghold he could defy even him. of Burgundy. Nor will it be difficult to raise the ban, once he hath fair territories. l shall send the la dies toward Liege to take refuge with the Bishop. And if the Wild Boar should seize them on the way and marry the Countess Isabelle by force" Quentin Durward was the m.n to whom fell the honor of conveying the two la dies to their refuge. The King gave him scroll on which were set minute direc- tions for the route to be taken and at midnight he set forth with four men un- der his command. See thou start neither a minute before nor a minute after mid night said the superstitious King, flor the stars have proclaimed that good for tune for me will attend this venture if the horses are in motion on the stroke of the clock!''
 Silently they set out at the moment dered by Louis. The two countesses and a serving woman were mounted on horses, while two sumpter mules carried their baggage. His men, dressed in steel, moved forward at his whispered word and soon they were out of the precincts of the castle
 They rode at smart pace till dawn began to quicken in the east when sud denly Quentin, looking back, saw two armed men, clad in full mail, with visors down, spurrng after them. Quentin and one of his men immediately placed them selves across the road
 One of the oncoming knights ordered him to give way and surrender his charge. For reply Quentin couched his lance and rode toward them, his attend ant following his example. The four men met with a shock. Quentin's attendant hurled from his saddle, fell dead with the lance of his enemy transhxing his brain. But the young Scotchmans foe was less successful than his brother knight. Quentins lance caught him fair under the breast and threw him headlong from his horse.
 Quentin leaped down to unhem his op- ponent, but the other knight bestrode his friend and dealt the Scot such fearful sword blow as Quentin, though bred where stout blows were plenty, had read of only in romance. He reeled to one knee and then sprang up again to con- tinue the fight, searching to drive his sword into a joint in the armor, but talk ing good care not to get in the way of
 
 whose superior strength he had proof in ringing head and dizzy brain. The duel was at it's hottest, when a party of archers under Lord Crawford rode up in hot haste and put an imme- diate end to the engagement The knight threw off his helmet at once and handed his sword to the old lord, saying: "Craw- ford, render myself, but for Gods sake save the Duke of Orleans!" "Dunois." cried the old Scot How came you to bring this noble Prince into such an adventure?"
 Tt was not Dunoisi He accompanied me only at my commando cried the other knight. who had recovered. Look on me who will! l am Louis of Orleans, willing to pay the penalty for my own ill., starred passionW
 You must both with me-" said Craw- ford. sadly. "i must take you back as prisoners. You said he turning to Quentin. have done your duty; go on with it%'
 Outward. depressed at the misfortune that had befallen the two noble knights and especially the chivalric Dunois who was admired by all as pattern of honor and faithfulness. rode ahead so mournful- ly to join his charge hat the Countes Is- abele was about to ask him why he re- gretted his victory when she noticed that he was bleeding