Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1911-05-17

"Tne favor is not for Lady Aldrida.
She would doubtless have been receiy-
ed kindly had she brought any request
of her own to you. Your highness
knows that we have returned from
victory"
II have given my thanks to all who
helped to win it" she answered sharp
ly.
Most graciously," returned "a vic
tory brings suffering with it speak
not of those who fall fighting. be they
friends or foes, but of the prisoners
we bring with US. Is it well that be-
cause they have been brave they
should die like dogs in the market
placer
I saw that Jasar was looking at me
ixedly. I saw a deeper cloud than
ever settle over vasca's face.
This lady would plead with me for
their pardon. Is it not right that wom-
en-, with their gentler nature. should
teach us men. brought up in ruder
manners, something of their gentle
ness?''
81 do plead with Sir verrall," said
Lady Aldrida.
This mood is a strange one to catch
you in, my lady," said Vasca.
THAT Lady A1drida pleads has no
weight with me-" said the princess
sternly., Think you. Sir Verrall, it
was 1 who made the laws of Drussen-
land? Is my word to alter laws burn
ed into the very hearts of the people
because. forsooth, knight makes re-
quest?"
Then, your highness, pardon me; to
the princess 1 will not appeal, but to
the woman"
LAS you have already appealed to
Lady Aldrida 1 am not so easily urg-
ed"
Still Jasar looked fixedly at me,
yet 1 could read no meaning in his
eyes.
Would you starve those who fight
for US to feed the traitors who fight
against us?" asked Vasca, with a
sneer, as he saw that the princess was
unlikely to grant my request.
Il would prevent butchery in cold
blood, count, though my own life
should pay the forfeit"
But my courage did not appeal to
her highness.
Your words SAVIOR somewhat Of
treachery, Sir verran,'' she said. you
are so gently inclined toward my enc
mics it is hard to believe that you can
be equally gentle to my friends"
She could hardly have spoken words
to sting me more Many eyes were
fixed upon me now, and I knew that
1 was likely to be disgraced. Her
words made my blood Jingle; Vasca's
cold smile maddened me.
swered haughtily. eff further proof
is wanting let him who questions my
loyalty speak"
1 paused. There was no answer to
my hot challenge.
'Then only your highness doubts
me-"
She rose hastily from her chair.
'T have not called in question your
deeds in the field, Sir Verrall. Let me
not have to question your deeds in my
presence. The law must take its
course. 1 have no power to grant
your request" And she turned to re-
tire.
1 was desperate. Her curt refusal
was my disgrace. 1 saw 1t in the faces
of those about me- ] would not let
her go thus. I told myself 1 was
fighting for the prisoners, but 1 was
fighting for myself too.
zone deed done in your presence
has gone unrewarded, your highness,"
I said, taking a step toward her.
She stopped and turned to me.
''The call to arms robbed me of the |
victor's crown. 1t is ever held that he |
who conquers in the lists should claim |
favor of the lady whose token he |
wears"
THE lady will no doubt grant 1t, I'M
less your rashness has made her |
afraid" she said scornfully, looking at |
Lady Aldrida.
From my bosom plucked the hand
kerchief the princess had given me
and fell upon my knee.
Then. gracious lady, claim my IA
vor, the lives of these prisoners of |
war"
ITO ma Continual