The San Francisco call., 1910-10-09

in battle, with the result that Elrick
slew and captured every man. When
news of Elrick's feat reached the ears
Of King Fanda himself, he hastily
gathered together 1000 of his picked
men, and set out in pursuit.
Sir Elrick heard of the second army
approaching and made ready for the
coming contest. At an appointed time.
with 100 of his warriors, he set forth
to fight the arrogant king himself.
But what could 100 men do against
1000? Elrick's men. cheered on by
him. fought hard; but in short time,
in. spite of their courage, every one
was slain with the exception of the
young knight himself With an exult-
ing cry Fanda's men rushed at him,
thinking to capture an easy prey, but
not so. Left and right did Elrick WELD
his sword, his war cry echoing every
where Soon the enemy drew off little
way and held council of war. Some
of the soldiers rushed at the knight
from the rear. but Sir Elrick thrust
his lance and quickly killed them be-
fore they could utter a sound.
Suddenly Elrick beheld his enemy.
King Fanda. With mighty cry he
rushed at him and threw him off his
horse. Together the two men fought
desperately and furiously. But Elrick
was the stronger and soon had the
king at his mercy. When the enemy
saw their leader slain, they fed for
their lives, but Sir Elrick pursued them
and slew every man. So that Of all
Fanda's vast army not soul remained ,
When the victorious knight returned
to Mertin's palace every one cheered
him, and a great feast was given to
celebrate his victories The king, in
his gratitude. offered to make Elrick
his son in law, but as much as the
ynryv, IOrro
accept the magnanimous offer until the
mystery of his birth and parentage had
been cleared away So, in order to
hasten the happy event; he set out
almost Immediately in search of his
people.
Long he wandered, until at last he
reached the kingdom of Brittle. little
guessing that this great monarch was
his grandfather. News of his coming
had been brought to the king, and
when Elrick presented himself he was
urged to enter the service and become
one OF Brittle's warriors. This Elrick
promised to do, with the result that
he took up his abode at the royal
residence.
For a long while Elrick fought
Brittle's battles and won many vic
tories for him. AT length. during a
roaming over the palace grounds,
when, without warning, he came upon
beautiful woman weeping in the
arms of a stalwart gray haired man.
who was doing his best to comfort her.
Murmuring an apology. the knight
would have quickly withdrawn, but the
man bade him remain. II am q fairy
prince" he said. and my home is in
the sky lands of the fairies. Twenty
five years ago welded this lady. who
Is the youngest daughter of King Brit
tie We had a son,> who was fair and
beautiful to look upon. One sad day.
while on visit to this court nv
wife's two sisters stole our child
from his cradle and, as we have been
told, put him adrift on the sea. We
have hunted high and low for him. but
without success. The princess weeps
because today Is the anniversary OF his
birth. Had he lived he would have
been "a years of age"
Erich listened to the story with No
little interest and could scarce con-
ceal his JOY. When the prince had
finished he In turn related his story
The bereaved couple were overjoyed at
his revelations, for they felt that here
indeed was their long lost SON. How
ever. they needed one more proof.
What is your name?" asked the
mother. "Elrick." was the answer
Then with heartfelt CRIES OF loye and
greeting the wanderer was welcomed
home.
A magnificent feast was held. and
among the guests were King Mertin
and the Princess Una. Elrick told or
his good fortune and with the last
barrier removed he and Una were mar
ried amid great pomp and ceremony.
The two wicked sisters were forgiven,
When Brittle died King Elrick reigned
in his stead. and never being defeated
on the battlefield lived ont tha pro