The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1911-04-25

counts of me, which satisfied you. IN
truth, my coming to the city was in
the nature of a flight from my enc.
mics"
l was not disposed to snareio'Ryan
Why should be?
"a valiant knight does not dee from
his enemies" said the king
II fed from would be assassin-
Count vasca." =
Truly, count. you have grievons
charges laid against you.''
who would believe the word of q
spy?D said the count savagely.
"That Is well spoken. Sir Knight.
Aspy! What say you to that?n
Even what your majesty said Just
now. 1t Is wise TO handle similar
weapons to those used by an enemy.
In the princess camp there was not
one spy, but a hundred. Ever since /
came to Drusseniand Count vasca and
his friends have been working to be-
tray the princess. She had not been
here now to hear your Judgment had
not that scoundrel turned against her
In the day Of battle. sealing q long
season of treachery by a crime that
any man must revolt at that your
majesty must hatee
.tYpu are here to defend yourself,
Sir Knight. not to accuse our friends. +"
II have no defense" I answered.
n have fought for the princess
serve. Ithaye done what man can
do, and my conscience acquits me.
But have a word for your majesty,
II you viii give me leave"
Are words from such a man worth
your majesty's attentiOn?'' said yasca.
When this man came to Drussenland
he made great promises. He spoke
boastfully that he would place the
princess on the throne in Yadasara,
that he would find the treasure which.
1t is said. is hidden in this land. This
man has accused me Of treachery, but
my deepest sin has been in throwing
in my lot with wiser men rather than
be carried away by the boastful prom.
ises Of deceiver."
'That is not all your sin. Count Vas.
ca" said your majesty has ac.
cepted the friendship of man who.
while he fawns upon you. is plotting
your ruin"
The count laughed contemptuously.
"The proof" said the king, rising
from his chair.
Captain Organ can give 1t you"
1.-THE count spoke wisely when he
said that your words were not worth
our attention. We have heard that
story from Captain Organs lips. The
captain has confessed that he was In
error. His zeal for our safety and
some personal dislike to the count, fos-
tered by yourself. Sir knight. made
him hasty in his Judgment. Their
hands have met in confession and for.
Eiveness. Is this all you have to sayY'
One mans word against another's
IS poor security for truth" answered.
Il would that could prove the truth
II my words at the swords point with
The count, with Organ or my other
nan who doubts me-"
Enough, enoughr' cried the king.
Take him back to the fortress. At
'ur pleasure he shall take back his lies
md perchance tell some secret Of this
reasure. There are hard questiouers
n the fortress. as you will find"
'"They must he hard indeed to wiring
from me one good word for the villain
Neside your majesty"
They have drawn out confession
# love for mans worst enemy be.
ore now" said the king.
death puts an end TO nil questions"
answered. "In my country men feat
not death II met In an honest cause
{ claim no pity, ! cry for no mercy,
ct would ask one favor of yous
majesty"
What fayorT
Let me pay the penalty for myself
,nd for this lady"
Daria made one step toward the
king
4 pray you not to listen to the
knight"
Truly. madame. his own sins are
heavy enough to answer for. II seems.
count, that your rival us well rs your
accuser stnnds before us
"Not my rival. your majesty" and
Vasca laid his hand Oh Aldrlda's arm
I'VE have no favors TO grant" said
the king. Take them 10 the fortress
We will appoint day for the question
ing. They shall both die. So valiant a
knight and so fair u lady are too dan
gerous to live in Drussenland."
Darin made an effort to come to me,
but the soldiers stopped her. and she
was led from the hall I heard Lady
AIdrida laugh merry. musical peal
as was taken away. l almost wished
That had killed her that night In the