Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1910-08-25

Of the avenue to the eager throng In
Regengetz circus, swelling and grow.
ing louder as the news came that the
prince had ridden forth from the
gates Glad voices cried out tidings
to those In the background. The prince
was coming.
8onpy, adorable Prince Robin!
On came the splendid phalanx of
guardsmen. followed by rigid infantL
men in measured tread. The great
coach Of gold. With its half score Of
horses. rolled somberly beneath ma
lures canopy Of green, surrounded on
all sides by proud members Of the
royal guard. Two carriages from the
royal stables preceded the princes
coach. In the first We're the Duke of
Perse and three fellow members Of
the cabinet The second contained
Baron Dangloss and General Braze.
The curtains in a house at the cor
ner Of the square parted gently. A
hawk faced old man peered out upon
the Joyous crowd. His black eyes
swept tho scene. A grim smile crept
into his fnce. He dropped the cur
tains and walked away from the win
dow. tossing a cigarette into CRATE
on tire opposite side Of the room. Then
he looked ut his watch.
The man who stood in the middle Of
the freight car looking down in wonder
at the fugitives was tall ragabond Of
the most picturesque type. No raga-
muffin was ever so tattered and torn
as this rakish individual. His clothes
barely hung together on his lank
frame
Long, thin lips curled into smile OF
delicious regard. His sides shook with
the quiet chuckle Of understanding.
He was thinking of other days and
nights and of many maids in faroff
lands and Of countless journeys in
which he. too, had had fair and gentle
company-short journeys, yes, but not
to be forgotten.
He lighted the stub Of tallow can.
die. All, how enyied this great, sleep.
ing wayfarer. How beautiful his mis-
tress! How fortunate the lover! They
slept. How tired they were! Whence
had they come?
Why should he stay here to spoil
their waking hour? No. He would
surrender his apartment to them.
Softly he tiptoed to his own corner
Of the car. He gathered up his be
longngs-an ancient violin case, q
stout walking stick, goodly sized
pack done up in gaudy cloth, q vel
worn pair of sandals with long. frayet
lacings. As gently he stole back tt
the door. He tossed a kiss to the
sleeping girl, his dark gypsy fac'
aglow with admiration and mischief
OF his candle. Then he changed hi
mind.
With a determined shake Of his hea(
and q new fash Of the eye. he calml.
seated himself and began to open hi
ragged pack.
At last his small store Of food Ia!
exposed. Without hesitation lie dlvid
ed the pieces Of smoked venlson, Civ
ing one part to himself. two to tn,
sleepers. then the miller's bread ant
the cheese and the bag OF datca he ha,
bought the day before.
Again he blew n kiss to the pretties
girl no had ever seen. SnufIing hi
candle, he dropped to the ground ant
closed the door against all spying, I'M
civil eyes.
Daybreal, found him at the whar
gates
Coming 10 an empty dat car dircc
from the quarrics, he resolutcly seate
himself upon It's edge and, with amia
BILE resignation, set about devourin
his early meal. all the while castin
longing. almost appealing, glances t.
) ward the next car but one. Busy II
tic switch engines began chuggin
, about the yards. The railrond ut Leaf
was exhibiting some signs Of life.
; Down through tho maze OF nd
tracks whisked the little train, o,
. upon the main limo with thin shrie
OF greeting. past tho freight house
, It was then that Sir Vagabond sat v
t very straight. look Of rnild intero'
: In hss eyes. Interest Gsve way to pc
=: plaxity, perplrxity to concern. What
!, this-leaving tho :ity? He wasted i
| l,i Ia