The Delta independent., 1909-12-03
iction
For the Honor of a Princess
BY F. X. scRIeNER.

the Princess Alice. 1t was known to
the king that the duke had sought tc
be churchman, being Of gloomy mind
and much given to moodiness. But
Henry, having small desire to see SO
great nobleman turn monk, had
played right skillfully the dark eyes
of his royal kinswoman against the
church.
Strange it was that the duke had
not bided his time until the king was
ready for a roya' wedding. AS for me.
humble lieutenant of the musketeers
that I am, knew that the princess
loved him not, for I had been chosen
by his majesty II guard her person
and saw her daily. Right well !
knew-but that belongs not in this
story.
The most important thing was that
my king had bidden me in great Be-
crecy to choose but one follower and
with him to ride to the dukes chateau
at NJ.
The honor of the princess rested In
my hand, Of which fact Paris must not
know.
1t was an hour past midnight when
I, with the Chevalier de Rossel at my
side, rode forth from Paris. De Ros-
Sci was In cheerful mood.
''Zoundsw said he, swapping his fin
gers briskly. Meetings. this Duke de
Biart hath o'ershot the mark. Plotting
was bad enough, yet he must need,
having ridden with his princess beyond
the walls. lay violent hands upon her
person. Had he but waited. the kings
desire had given her 10 him"
To my mind also came the thought
the man must be truly mad; but. de
spite the weight Of the occasion. some
thing within me rejoiced that It lay
within my power to undo the duke and
return the princess to the king. her un-
Gle.
The dukes dwelling lay some leagues
from Paris, so the first dawn overlook
US as we rode from the forest which
surrounded the chateau on three sides
The place was of some strength, bull
In the days of the kings grandfather
so perchance some obstacle might lie
between us and an entrance.
But upon our reaching the entrance
to the dwelling we found 1t indeed
most poorly guarded in that the guard
had unbarred the door. the day being
full upon us. Moreover. l perceived he
was no other than one who had served
the king. an ex-musketeer of mine own
company
Seeing me. he stood open mouthed.
saluting with much ceremony. nor
showed he any disposition to bar our
progress.
Faith" replied he to my greeting.
thou art come from Paris at a most
early hour. The duke is yet abed,
having come hither but yesterday In
company with his cousin, who suf-
fers from n malady."
What now.' cried De Rossel. rs
the lady stricken?"
THAT she is" replied the witless
fellow. for the duke bore her before
him on the saddle and hath given her
In charge of the women, bidding them
look to IL she commit no injury upon
her person"
Game they alone?" asked l.
"Only the two" replied he. Art
from the king?"
De Rossel plucked my sleeve. Twas
told In Paris" said he. the dukes
kInswoman had lost her wits. and It's
the royal pleasure we learn concerning
her condition. Ii is the purpose of his
majesty to send his leech to cure her
II occasion warrants it."
The fellow nodded. The duke is
much in favor with the king" said he
would see the woman who guards
the maidT'
n
triumph. "'Twere most fitting" re-
piled he, "for. the hour being early,
'twere an i'll thing to arouse the duke
thy master"
"'Tis most strange thing" muttered
De Rossel as we followed the servant
through the long and dimly lighted
corridor. beyond comprehension. and
methinks there comes a queer twist to
our errand. Either this duke be drunk
or truly mad; therefore look to it, NJ
de Marc, that no trap be set for u.s.
Presently we came unto the door OF
a chamber. and the servant drew back,
signifying twas the room wherein was
confined the princess.
$50 thou" said De Rossel grufiiy.
Thou hast done thine errand." And
he put in the fellows palm silver
piece.
II VIII remain here" said he. the
man being gone. 'and II any come to
know our business l will deal with
him." So saying, he unsheathed his
sword and took his stand before the
door, upon which knocked softly.
A voice from within demanded who
sought admittancc at so early an hour.
when twas small courtesy to disturb
n lady's uuirt