The daily sentinel., 1910-05-11
THE FOX
A Story Of Mediaeval Italy
BY LAWRENCE FOSTER
Copyright. 1910. by American Press
Association.
By LAWRENCE FOSTER

There is a story of one of these cas-
ties ON the banks of Lake Maggiori
The Asconti family once occupied
this castle There were intervals OF
warfare when the family lived peace
fully on the top of the hill. feastine
and dancing while their adhereuts till.
ed the soil or tended their fiocks in the
country about them. During one OF
these oases in the desert OF war q
young soldier. Giovanni Caspi. on
whom the head of the family layished
many favors, made love to Theresa As
CONT. AS soon as the baron heard OF
this affair he dismissed Caspi. for the
young man was not of noble birth.
In time Giovanni Caspi became
known in warfare as one of the bold.
est and most ingenious leaders. When
he attacked a tower II was sure &c
fall. This was not because his men
were more brave or stronger. but be.
cause their captain was full Of arts by
which he outwitted his enemies. In.
deed. the Italians of those days were
prone to accomplish their objects rath.
er by their wits than by ordinary
methods.
Now. the Asconti family belonged to
the Ghebelines, one of the two promi
nent factions that conteuded for su-
premacy in Italy in those days. the
other being the Guelphs. one of the
Guelph leaders, named Blandora. whose
castle was on Lake Lecco. hearing that
Asconti was away from his castle with
all his adherents, resolved to cross to
Menaggio. pass through a dehle lead
ing to the east bank of Lake Mag
giori, march up and around the north
end of the lake and down on the west
bank to the Asconn stronghold, hoping
to occupy il during Ascontfs absence.
One day Asconu was at Strezzia,
directly south of his castle, with a
small portion OF his force when Caspi
appeared and rode up to him. Asconu
frowned and asked him what he wish
ed
ITO tell you that Guelph force is
marching northward ON the other bank
Of the lake intending to come down
through Locarno and occupy your cas-
tie"
How do you know that?" asked As
cont -..
Because ! saw them from an emi-
nence.'
There could be no reason for Caspi
giving false information. SO Aconti sent
couriers in hot haste to the several
portions of his force, some of whom
We're ut considerable distance, with
orders that they should hasten to the
castle. Then Asconti made a forced
march himself in the same direction
Caspi asked permission to go with
him and help him win n victory over
those who were on the way to attack
him, and Asconu reluctantly consent
ed. So they rode on side by side
you will be within your gates" said
Caspi, before the Guelphs can sur
round the castle, but you have not
fifty men with you. and your enemies
number "A thousand. Before the other
portions Of your army can reach you
your ramparts will be stormed and
taken
My hope is that my re-enforcements
will come in time"
Il hope 50, TOO, but it may be well
for you to think of some plan by
which to hold your enemy In check in
ease you are left without support"
Asconti rode on moodily. occasion
ally turning to hurry his follow
ers. When he came within sight of
his castle he was relieved to see his
banner still floating there. Pushing on.
he entered with his band and closed
the gates The sun was shining on the
arn,or of the Guelphs. just leaving Lo-
carnO. They We're not "A dozen miles
distant. and as yet no word had come
from any other OF the portions of As
conti's army. Asconti gave up hope.
Il have Il plan thar may save you
said Caspi.
what is it?"
Il must have reward II succeed ;"
My daughters handT'
Yes"
Ascent considered for some time.
then with evident reluctance consent
I'd. Caspi told him that he could do
nothing without the command and II
was surrendered to him.
Then Caspi chose one on whom he
could rely and told him to go to the
Guelph leader and say that Giovanni
Caspi was in the Ghebeline strong
hold and In command. The message
was delivered. Blandova started.
''Oh." he exclaimed. IF that fox is
in there we must bewarer'
From this point he marched slowly
and cautiously. expecting at any mo-
ment that an army of Ghebelines
would pour down out of some ravine
and overpower him. But nothing un-
usual occurred. At last he reached II
point where he could plainly see the
castle. To his astonishment. the gates
were open. no septries Were on the
wall. and from within came sounds of
revelry,
"A stratagemr" he exclaimed. THAT
willy tlSpi has his mon concealed u-ith h.