The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1911-09-29

other knight looked for support. and
If he had not actually failed me he
had clearly shown that he was not
ready to follow me blindfold.
We went silently through the camp.
We passed Vasca's tent and heard the
sound of feasting within. 1t struck me
that there was a lack of discipline
throughout. and my anxiety for the
future would have been greater had
not the thought that was to see Daria
again thrown all other thoughts into
the corners of my brain.
The tent was we'll guarded The
priest went in and in few moments
returned. | entered alone.
/ Daria had risen to greet me. As
| the curtain of the tent fell behind me
she seemed undecided whether to come
to the arms ready to be held out to
| her-whether to be all the woman or
still something of the princess.
"Daria"
doubt not there was supplication
| in nv tone, In my attitude. as | open
ed my arms to her. She crept into
them with a little sigh which was suf-
fcient answer to all my desires. and
in a long silence, while her lips met
mine | felt rewarded for all ! had
come through.
"You are safe and with me again"
she said presently.
with you to defend you" answer
ed. But happiness must not make
me forgetful My darling peril is at
our door"
81 fear nothing-now." she answered
And kissed her for the pause she
made before the last word.
DO you remember why you are
here?" | asked
Il had almost forgotten
You are on your way to Yadasara
to rescue me-"
And now you have come. Yet ii
does not appear wonderful 1t seems
natural that you should come to me.
In my deepest anxiety have felt that
your life and mine were one. All,
Clinton. in your country women may
not speak their hearts so Forgive me
if my confession sounds strange to you.
but love has come to me once and for
all time; there seems no sin in telling
it."
With her hand In mine | told her
all. not exaggerating. yet not making
too light of my perils. for love glowed
brighter in her eyes as ! told the
story She loved me more for what
had endured and grasped my hand
tightly as recounted Lady Aldrida's
attempt upon my life. the fight on the
stairs, the fall from the city walls and
the struggle with the dead man in the
river. | finished and waited for her to
speak
"You would have me believe my
kinsman, Count Vasca. the greatest
of yillainsT' she said.
81 have told you what is said OF
him in Yadasara. common talk over
every flagon of wine. | believe ii was
he who sent Lady Aldrida to the
king"
HE cannot be so great traitor"
Think you he would have devised
this expedition to save me? Have
greater enemy in Drusseniand than
Count vasca? He loves you AS the
WOldn Ut fUNcc. gOu oiC AAA 1919
than as the princess he pays homage
to. Once be has betrayed you. you
are princess no longer. he believes
he could make terms with the WON
an"
at is unlike you. Clinton. to make
a man out so vile as this"
LET me learn that | have wronged
him and on my knees will ask his
pardon" | returned. Why. Daria.
look at the place where you are en-
camped tonight! Would any leader
choose such positionF'
Indeed. he gave me many reasons
for doing So"
speaking lies. Daria."
Hush. Clinton. he is my kinsman."
HE is your worst enemy-a treach-
erous friend Why should he so urge
your coming? Is the thick of battle
safe place for your
81 command. Clinton. That should
put double courage into the men,"
Unto loyal men. Your camp is full
of men who are not loyal"
'T will not believe that"
you must believe it. Daria. Would
that our safety allowed me to ding
challenge TO the count TO prove his
honesty. | cannot: the treachery Is
too widespread. and. with insidious
words. be has lulled your suspicious
even as he has those of some of your
most loyal knights. That messenger
who came to you came with lie upon
his lips. Sir Walen almost quarreled
with me when | accused the count.
and you, my dear one, doubt me-"