The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-10

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 and half drew it forth. She, recovered her presence of mind again instantly but not before Ruy Bias had seen it. Let the Count of Garofa be led to an apartment" said the Queen, ris- ing. "It is our will that he remain present." She signed to her attend- ants and retired
 "Jackanapesn muttered a tall, thin man of about 55. whose gray mus tache and fierce face showed the sol dier, though his garb was of such ex- aRgerated elegance that it made him look like a dandy while the ridicu- lous abundance of ribbons that Hut tered around him all the way to his shoes would have proclaimed him even to a stranger as an old flop. This was Don Guritan, Count donate, mo- torious throughout Madrid as squire of danes.
 Just now he imagined himself in love with the Queen, as all the court knew. By virtue of his post as cham berlain he rivaled the Duchess d'Al- buquerque in jealous guard of her maj esty and wherever the Queen migh t be there would be Don Guritan. stand ing in attendance like an old heron. Scarcely had the Queen disappeared before Don Guritan stalked up to Ruy :, Bias and gravely compared swords: What do you mean, sir?" demanded the l young man.
 Forty years ago." said Don Guri- l tan, T killed a nobleman who was prouder than the captain of an ad- | mirars ship. He had looked too near | on a lady I loved And after that Git was in 1s66, some 1e years after the first) the Count of Iscola crossed my path in love. I slew him. And later about the year eighty, I had cause to feel offended at youth who was SO rich that he had mules shod with pure gold. He rivaled me. I killed 1 him. You, sir, are Don Caesar de l Bazan. I am Don Gaspar Guritan Tas- sis Guevarra, Count of Onate. To morrow morning at sunrise we will meet behind the chapel"
 Well, sir" said Ruy Bias, coldly | "I will be there'
 Neither had noticed that the Queens confidante, Casilda, had remained in th' 1 room. listening. Unseen, the girl glidet
 out and hastened to tell the Queen thu
 interesting news.
 Within a few minutes there was thu
 sound of a key in a small door that lef to the Queens apartments. The Queer ] appeared and stepped toward Don Gurital
 with so gracious a smile that the olC
 gentleman quite lost his shaky old sense I with delighted pride. In her hand sh'
 bore a basket, which she set on the table Smiling at Don Guritan she said "Doi l Guritan. I desire service from you tha
 would grant to none except yourself
 I would have this casket carried forth l with to Neubourg to my father, the cleo
 tor. I would have you start at once, tni
 very night The casket contains preclou
 relics. There is no other hand to whicl I would intrust it.
 The chamberlain looked proudly at Ru.
 Bias. He whispered:
 '.When I return we will settle our af
 fair" and withdrew. Ruy Bias steppe
 backward, slowly, lowing low, and the, | left the Queen alone She sank into chair and said: NO! No! I cannot bca that he should be killed!'
 While the old grandee carried his loyal eo,,t-racked bones over the awful 60
 leagues between Madrid and Neuooure
 Ruy Bias, as Don Caesar, became tn
 court favorite. He was promoted fror
 honor to honor. Within few months h
 was made chief secretary to the council
 Then he was invested with the Golde