Willmar tribune., 1910-05-11
1. THE II ! F, E.FOX X
A Story Of Medieval Italy
BY LAWRENCE FOSTER
Copyright. 1910, by American Press
Association.


Association.
All over Italy there are towers or
small castles that were in medieval
times the strongholds Of different fac
tions, headed by noble family.
There is u 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 flocks in the
country about them. During one Of
these oases in the desert Of war a
young soldier, Giovanni Caspi, 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 it 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 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 contended for SUI
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 defle 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 Asconti stronghold, hoping
to occupy it during Asconti's absence
One day Asconti was at Strezzia,
directly south of his castle, with a
small portion of his force when Caspi
appeared and rode up to him. Asconti
frowned and asked him what he wish
ed.
''To 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-
tle''
"How do you know that?" asked AS
cont.
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 Asconti made a forced
march himself in the same direction
Caspi asked permission to go with
him and help him win 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 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 it may be we'll
for you to think of some plan by
which to hold your enemy in check in
case 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
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. Asconti gave up hope
II have plan that may save you,"
said Caspi.
"What is it?"
81 must have a reward If l succeed. -
"My daughters hand?"
"Yes.''
Asconti considered for some time,
then with evident reluctance consent
ed. Caspi told him that he could do
nothing without the command, and it
was surrendered to him.
Then Caspi chose one on whom he
could rely and told him to 20 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 beware!"
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 a
point where he could plainly see the
castle. To his astonishment, the gates
were open. no sentries were on the
wall, and from within came sounds Of