The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1910-05-09
M THE FOX
A Story Of Mediaeval Italy
BY LAWRENCE FOSTER
Copyright. 1910, by American Press
Association


The Ascent family once occupied
this castle There were intervals o.
warfare when the family lived peace
fully on the top Of the bin, feastlnl
and dancing while their adherents TIL
ed the s0il or tended their fiocks In The
country about them. During one oi
these oases in the desert OF war 3
young soldier, Giovanni Caspi, on
whom the head Of the family lavished
many fayors, 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 tower 1t was sure to
fail, 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
Menaggfo, pass through defile 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 IL during Asconti's absence.
One day Asconti was at Strezzia.
directly south of his castle, with
small portion Of his force when Caspi
appeared and rode up to him. Asconti
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 thatg' asked As.
cont.
Because / saw them from an em-
nence."
There could be no reason for Caspi
giving false information, 50 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 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"
II hope 50, too, but it may be well
for you to think Of some plan by
which to hold your enemy in check III
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 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 a plan that may save you,
said Caspi.
"What is itl7
II must have a reward il / succeed"
"My daughters handY
Eyes"
Asconti considered for some time
then with evident reluctance consent |
ed. Csspi 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 go to the
Guelph leader and say that Giovanni
Caspi was in the Ghebeiine strong
lold and in command The message
was delivered Blandova started
"Oh," he exclaimed, III that fox is
n there we must bewarelv
From this point he marched slowly
ind cautiously, expecting at any mo-
nent that an army Of Gbebelines
would pour down out OF some ravine
md oyerpower him. But nothing un
Usual occurred. At last he reached
'oint where he could plainly see the
astle. TO his astonishment. the gates
we're open, no sentries were on the
vail, and from within came sounds OF
evelry.
"A stratagemp he exclaimed, That
yily Caspi has his men concealed with
a the walls. Should we enter the
-ates would be closed behind us. and
We would all be murdered"
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