The times and democrat. [volume] (Orangeburg, S.C.) 1881-current, 1908-03-31

1lolt nlvrc good than anything"
should have been on my manners In
stead of on such farof things as en-
perors and their love affairs"
He began hewing at the big loaf as
if it were an enemy to be conquered.
And there were few in Rhaetia who
had ever seen those dark eyes so
bright.
81 like ham and bread cut thin.
please" said the princess. There;
that's better III sit here If you'll
bring the things to me, for find that
I'm tired. and you are very kind"
"a draft of our Rhaetian beer will
do you more good than anything" sug'
gested the hunter. taking up the plate
of bread aad ham he had tried hard to
cut according to her taste, placing 1t In
her lap and going back to draw tank,
ard of foaming amber liquid from q
quaint hogshead in a corner.
But Virginia waved the froth crown
ed pewter away with smile and a
pretty gesture. "My head has already
proved not strong enough for your
mountains. I'm sure 1t isn't strong
enough for your beer. Have you some
nice cold water:"
The young man laughed and shrug
ged his shoulders. "Our water here Is
ft only foi the outside Of the body
he exnlalned. "ro us that's no great
derivation. as we're all true Rhae-
.ians for our beer But now on your
account I'm sorry"
perhaps you have some milk" sug-
gested Virginia. Il love milk. And |
could scarcely count the cows, they
were so many. rs came up the noun
tain from !Alleheiligen."
IT'S true there are plenty of cows
about" replied her host. "and | could
easily catch one. But if fetch the
beast here can you milk it?"
Dear me, no. Surely you, great
strong nan, would never stand by and
let a weak girl do that? Oh, ] almost
wish I hadn't thought Of the milk II
I'm not TO have it. 1 long for 1t so
much
You shall have the milk. lady" re-
turned tn, chamois hunter. "1"-
"How good you are" exclaimed the
princess. 1T will be more than nice OF
you. Butt don't want you to think
that lin giving you all this trouble
for nothing. Here's something just to
show that appreciate it and to re-
member me by"
She would not look up, though she
longcd to see what expression the
dark face wore. but kept her eyes
upon her hand, from which she slowly
withdrew ring. 1t fitted tightly. for
she had had it made years ago, before
her slender fingers had finished grow.
ing. When at last she had pulled of
the jeweled circlet Of gold she held II
up temptingly.
What | have done and anything
may yet do is q pleasure" said the
hunter. "But. after all, you have learn
ed little of Rhaetia If you think that
we mountain men ever take payment
from those to whom we've been able
to show hospitality"
"Ah, but I'm not talking Of pay
ment," pleaded the princess. II wish
only to be sure that yon mayn't forget
the first woman who. you tell me, has
ever entered this door,
The young man looked at the door,
not at the girl. at is impossible that
should forget" said he. almost stitf1y.
"Still, it will hurt Inc if you refuse
my ring" went on Virginia. please
at least come and see what It's like"
He obeycd, and as she still held up
the ring he took 1t from har that he
might examine it more closely.
"The crest Of Rhaetia" he e1claim.
ed as his eyes fell upon shield Of
black and green enamel set with s.a, !
but exceedingly brilliant white dia-
moncs. How curiousl I've been
wondering that you should speak our
language so well'-
Its not curious at all really, but
very simple" said Virginia. "Now."
with faint tremor in her voice
"press the spring on the left side Of
the shield, and when you've seen
what's underneath I think you'll feel
thnt rou can't Loyalty refuse to accept
my u1tle offering"