The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1911-03-25

as, bowling low. Joined the partv
Who would dare 10 speak anv,h,.
out the truth 10 the Lady Aldrl6a -,
AS ready as ever with words S,r
nerraii," said young jackananes
Drussenland type OF Piccadillv lonn
ger. cannot better describe hin,
"And deeds, too, Sir Knight ~ dooo.
are called for" l answered. toncbtn1'
the hilt of my sword. "s
you are quick to take offan..
where none was intended"
Il am soldier first, a courtIar o,,o
ward" / answered. Pardon 49,
shortcomings" my
us 1t true. them said Lady Aldr,
ia. Il was afraid we were 10 ba d,s.
appointed" YIN
should grieve TO disappoint Won
VIII you tell me what Is expected .,
neT Vi
sIt Is whispered that there 70 20 b.
a grand tournament and that Won oro
70 hold the field against all Conner,
Since we have never seen your prov.
ess, Is 1t wonderful that we are ax.
citedT and she laughed.
! Il have heard nothing of II" an
swered "But If word from me con
save you disappointment, Lady Al.
drida, be assured 1t shall be spoken"
Il would offer you my scarf rs n
token, Sir Verrall, had not n knight
TO be jealous"
say rather hundred, Lady Aldri.
da, or you do yourself n grave ipms.
tice'
"A sword as keen as your wit should
insure success. Yet how few excel in
bothr'
made my way as quickly as | could
toward the princess. The priest Jasar
was beside her; so was Count Vasca
There was look of annoyance In her
face, which was banished by smile as
/ approached.
You come at n convenient time. Sir
Verrall," she said, giving me her hand
TO kiss. Your name Is on every lin
tonight, il seems"
II rejoice. your highness, IL am
fairly spoken Of"
IL would call to account any man
who spoke otherwise of the Knight OF
the Silver star said Nasca.
Il have been suggesting a brave dis.
play, Sir Verrall." he went on airily.
as though we had been the greatest
of friends, IN display to make young
hearts beat with pleasure and bright
eyes sparkle with excitement. The
princess has not yet given her consent.
VIII you not add your persuasion to
mine?"
you have worked in secret, Count
Vasca. or my persuasion should have
seconded yours before this. Is It true
that you would have me keep the field
against all corners? Surely you do me
too much honor"
''Do you desire this mimic combat
Sir verrall?" asked the princess.
Most heartily, your highness. Yet
why should be so honOred TO destroy
the delight of so many? To hold the
field against so many gallant warriors
were impossible. Let me succeed once.
twice-a dozen times. Still | am but
human and my arm can feel fatigue.
How say you, Count Vasca? Young
hearts beat highest when young low
ers do bravely. Let lovers break
lance for those they love, and since
few hearts hold me dear enough TO
beat the faster at my coming you and
/ will break lance for honor's sake"
"a challenge! A challenger said
some about us.
1t may have been fancy, but
thought the princess paled a little.
1T is bravely spoken" 1aid Jasar,
and his eyes turned from me to the
princess.
MAY l venture TO persuade your
highness in this matterT | said, bow
ing low before her
Rather unwillingly she gave her con
sent. / should have been better pleas
ed had she withheld it.
81 accept the challenge. No love
creeps into our combat, Sir Verall.
You have so willed 1t. Let 1t be for
honor"
The news that the challenge had
been given and accepted passed like
magic through the hall. At any rate,
| had only one man TO fight. That
was better than having dozen, one
after the other. remained beside the
princess.
You have chosen a strong adver-
sary," she said in low tone
IL had no alternative, your highness.
had To accept or give the challenge.
preferred to give it, Have offend
ed your"
"You have not offended me-"
"You have heard nothing Of this
projected tournament until tonightY
II heard of il today from my
She exchanged quick glance with
he priest which / could not read. l
lid not understand her well; the
PRIEST / did not understand at all.
"Sir Verrall, you have my good
wishes. The test is one / would not
have put you to-"
"Your good wishes are sure armor'
our highness." said, STOPPING to
lick up the handkerchief she dropped.
)ur eyes met as our hands touched
yer the handkerchief which held to
Ter. A look In them gave me courage.
add only this favor" | said. Let
ne keep this handkerchief as my to-