Daily Arizona silver belt., 1909-02-05
thrown to the floor, whcss shs. " et11nned

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 ~'Tis the antechamber ts cse hmas room," said De Rossel, pecring over my shoulder, "Go in I win look to the wench that she make DO outcry." Pushing the heavy draperies guard ing the entrance to the inner chamber aside, entered without ceremony. then paused, for the princess was be- fore me.
 Aroused by the sound of voices in the antechamber, she had risen from couch and confronted me. The hak light touched her with glow soft as moonlight, revealing the wilderness cf her skin, the gentle curve of her throat and neck and the yelled splea- dor of the soft, dark eyes.
 My lord" said she. ''what means this intrusion? Iris but poor courtesy which sends thee hither when I would be alone"
 She look me for the Duke de Biart The shadow of the draperies con cealed my features, and, being some what the size of the nobleman, the mistake was easy. I took a step to- ward her. the gleam of my hit fash ing in the light She started, her hand going to little toy dagger which lay upon the table at her side. Suddenly the color which had risen to her checks died away, her lips parted and her hand went to her heart
 M. de Marc" she cried. "M- de Marc, 'tis thou. Thou wilt save me from this madmanp'
 Princess" replied. none shah harm thee. The king hath sent me to take thee back to Paris She smiled softly, laying her hand upon my arm. Brave M de Nascr cried she. Would I night
 The voice of De Rossel checked Der words, his face appearing between ihc curtains.
 Look to myself, De Marcr' be cried
 A cry from the princess made me turn sharply. Beyond the circle of light where the dark canopy of the bed met the wall saw an evn figure, cloaked and booted. plumed hat upon head and naked blade in hand. Twas the Duke de Biart, who had entered noiselessly through a secret passage in the wall.
 His eyes were fixed upon me in more astonishment, nor methinks he recognized in the intruder of the prin- cess chamber the kings musketeer.
 As I wavered, my hand upon the hilt, he advanced slowly. his eyes still fixed upon my face.
 'Sir," said he very softly, what would you with this lady?"
 The princess crept to my side. Brave M. de Marc" she whispered, trust him not. A sudden thrust
 Sir" cried the duke second time, ''what is thy businessT At the kings command" replied shortly.
 Aye, the good king" he muttered- "we were to dine together. What of the king?"
 De Rossel stepped across the thresh- old. "The man is mad" he whispered, mad as hare. Beware. De Mare"
 The sight of him changed the dukes mood
 "Begone!" he cried; then of a sud den he lunged at me with his sword. As the blood drawn from the prick be gave me in the shoulder appeared upon the lace of my collar the prin- cess cried out, and De Rossel pressed forward.
 fingered by the wound, 1 made to thrust my opponent through the body, but de Rossel thrust my point aside.
 "Wouldst slay a madmanT he cried. There is another way" Even as he spoke my point, being turned from its true aim, pierced the dukes shoulder. He started back, a wondrous change coming over him The mad light in his eyes died out, the letting forth of blood o'ercoming the malady. With a bewildered gesture he passed his hand across his eyes.
 70 God" he muttered, what thing be this?"
 Suddenly, before I could intervene. he threw himself upon his knees be- fore the princess. Madame" cried he, "'tis the curse upon my race. Twas for that sought to be churchman" A look of great pity came to the lady's eyes. My lord" said she, ''thou art forgiven. The king
 'The king!" cried he. "I cannot meet the kingr'
 With a cry of terror he gained his feet and sought blindly for his sword. I thought he would have set upon us and stood on guard, but twas against himself be turned the blade. Quicker than thought he set the hilt against the wall, pressing the point upon his heart so the steel pierced through ere any could raise hand. De Rossel bent over the quivering body. "Deathw he muttered. Iris sorry thing. The madness of the Duke de Biart hath slain him" Then, turning to the princess, who leaned half fainting against my shoulder, spoke he:
 | Madam, the horses await below