The Delta independent., 1909-12-03
thrown to tho door, where sh. lay

stunned.
"'Tis the antechamber to the inner
room," said De. Rossel, peering over
my shoulder. go In. 1 will look to
the wench that she make no outcry."
Pushing the heavy draperies guard
Ing the entrance to the inner chamber
aside, 1 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
a couch and confronted me. The half
light touched her with a glow soft as
moonlight, revealing the whiteness Of
her skin. the gentle curve of her
throat and neck and the yelled splen-
dor of the soft, dark eyes.
my lord" said she. what means
this intrusion? 'Fis but poor courtesy
which sends thee hither when I would
be alone"
She look Inc 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. took a step to-
ward her. the CLEAN Of my hilt flash.
ing in the light. She started, her hand
going to n little toy dagger which lay
upon the table at her side. Suddenly
the color which had risen to her
cheeks died away. her lips parted and
her hand went to her heart.
M. de Marc" she cried, IN. de
Marc, it's thou. Thou wilt save me
from this madmanr'
princess" l replied, none shall
harm thee. The king hath sent me to
take thee back to Paris"
She smiled softly. laying her hand
upon my arm. Brave NJ. de Marcw
eried she. Would l might
The voice of De Rossel checked her
words, his face appearing between the
curtains.
Look to thyself, De Marcr' he 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 l saw an evil 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.
LIS tH ntAt hANh AINAA A-@N 49,
more astonishment. nor methinks he
recognized in the intruder of the prin-
cess chamber the kings musketeer.
As l 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 NJ de Mare she whispered,
trust him not. sudden thrust
Sir" cried the duke second time,
what is thy business?'
AT the kings command" replied
shortly.
Aye, the good king" he muttered-
I'VE We're 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 Marc"
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
he gave me in the shoulder appeared
upon the lace of my collar the prin-
cess cried out. and De Rossel pressed
forward.
Angered by the wound, l 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,
wondrous change coming over him.
The mad light in his eyes died out. the
letting forth of blood o'ercoming the
malady. With bewildered gesture
he passed his hand across his eyes.
20 God" he muttered. what thing
be this?''
Suddenly. before l 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
10 be n churchman.'
\ look of great pity came to the
lady's eyes. MY lord" said she. thou
art forgiven. The king
THE kingr" cried he. Il cannot meet
the kingr'
With cry Of terror he gained his
feet and sought blindly for his sword.
thought he would have set upon us
and stood on guard. but twas against
himself he 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 quivtring
body. "Deatht' he muttered. "'Tis
sorry thing. The madness of the
Duke de Biart hath slain him." Then,
turning to the princess. who leaned