Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1910-05-21
THE FOX
A Story Of Medieval Italy
BY LAWRENCE FOSTER
Copyright. 1910. by American Press
Association.

small castles that were In mediaeval
times the strongholds OF different fac
tions. headed by a noble family.
There IL 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. feasting
and dancing while their adherents till
ed the soil or tended their tiocks In the
country about them. During one OF
these cases In the desert OF war
Young soldier. Giovanni Caspl. on
whom the head of the family lavished
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 to
fall. This was not because his men
were more brave or stronger. but be-
cause their captain was full Of arts by
which be outwitted his enemies. In
deed, the Italians OF those days we're
prone to accomplish their objects rath-
er by their wits than by ordinary
methods.
Now, the Asconti family belonged to
the Ghebeiines. one OF the two pro'ni-
neut factions that contended for SUI
premacy in Italy In those days. the
other being the Guelphs. One or the
Guelph leaders. named Biandora. whose
castle was OF Lake Lecco. hearing that
AscontI was away from his castle with
all his adherents. resolved to cross to
Menaggio. pass through denIe lead
ing to the east bank OF Lake Mag
giorl, march up and around the north
end Of the lake and down on the west
bank 10 the Ascent stronghold. hoping
to occupy II during Ascontfs absence.
One day Ascouti was at StrezZia.
directly south of his castle. with
small portion OF his force when Caspi
appeared and rode up to him. Asconti
frowned ana asked him what he wish
ed.
ITO tell you that a Guelph force Is
marching ncrthward on the other bank
OF the lake Intending TO come down
through Locarno and occupy your cas-
tle."
How do you know that?" asked AS
CONT.
Because l saw them from an emf
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
were at a considerable distance. with
orders that they should hasten TO the
castle. Then Ascent made forced
march himself in the same direction.
Caspi asked permission to go with
him and help him win Il victory over
those who were on the way TO attack
him, and Asconti 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 so. too. but 1t may be well
for you to think of some plan b.
which to hold your enemy In check in
case you are left without support"
Asconti rode on moodiIy. occasion
ally turning to hurry his follow
ers. When be came within sight OF
bis castle he was relieved TO see his
banner still floating there. Pushing on.
he entered with bis band and closed
the gates. The sun was shining on the
armor OF the Guelphs. just leaving Lo-
carno. They were not dozen miles
distant. and as yet no word had come
from any other of the portions of As
conti's army. Ascouti gave up hope
Il have a plan that may save you"
said Caspi>
"What Is its-
II must have a reward IL succeed
"My daughters hand:-
YES"
Asccuti considered for some time.
then with evident reluctance consent
ed. Csspi told him thar he could do
nothing without the command. and II
was surrendered TO him.
Then Caspi chose one on whom he
could rely and tod him to 80 TO the
Guelph leader and say lhat Giovanni
Casui 0ss en- the Ghkipli0e strong
bold and in command The message
was delivered. Blsndova started.
oh he exclaimed. II that fox Is
IN there we must hcwarcr'
Prom this point he marched slowly
and cautiously. expecting ~ auy mo
uBent that an army 81 Ghebeiines
would pour down out % sorrc raviue