Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1911-12-02

Knew neither. and I therefore con
cluded that he knew best.
We advanced slowly until we wer'
under the walls of Yadasara, and We
it seemed to me that we had accom-
plished nothing.
"Are we going to attempt to take Il
by ASSAULT asked Organ.
l shook my head. Although witt
other knights was constantly in coun
Gil with Count Vasca: had no idea
what his intention was. He looked
sagacious, talked valiantly. but did
nothing. Still, it was absurd to think
that he was afraid. as Organ sug
gested.
"You can never TELL" Organ said
when I laughed at the idea. "Such a
stronghold might brighten the bravest
man."
Between our encampment and the
city ran broad river, full Of strange
and unexpected currents and Of i'm
mense depth, so Organ told me. The
city lay obliquely to the river in the
form Of rough triangle. the city gates.
as I afterward found, being situated
at the angles at the base of this tri-
angle, and the city rose from this base
gradually toward the huge rock which
formed the apex of the triangle. This
rock, which was the only part of the
city which actually touched the river.
rose sheer out of the water for at
least 600 feet, with hardly a birds
foothold upon it. 1t was the dominant
feature, towering above the highest
part Of the city. presenting problem
as to how access was obtained to the
fortress browning the summit 1t was
a problem was destined to solve later
The fortress seemed to be cut out of
the solid rock.
For several days we encamped idly
before Yadasara. The enemy had re-
crossed the river by means of bridge
Of boats nearly two miles higher up the
stream. but we made no attempt to fol-
low them. was doubtful If they had
ever crossed it in great force. As far
as one could Judge, there was no ex-
element in the city.
l spoke to Walen about it.
IF we are not to attack the city
why are we here?' asked.
"The enemy have retreated. Proba-
bly, the count thinks that victory
enough
II do not wonder that the war has
been such long one If it has been
carried out in this way"
mo wonder you are impatient. my
dear Verrall. So am l. But, then.
Vasca commands. It is not without II
certain pleasure that I see his COM
parative failure. Her highness may
next time intrust her forces to abler
hands,"
ould not mistake his meaning.
could not afford to underplay my part.
1T shall be no laggard's campaign.
then, promise you, Sir Walen," l an
swered.
That night, being sleepless, l stole
out Of camp to the river. Suddenly
there was a sound near me. I stepped
back quietly into the darker shadow
Of tent and listened. There was no
installing the sound now-stealthy
Iceland the next moment two figures
hurried past me toward the river and
over the bank. I opened
my mouth to give the alarm as I
heard the first dip of an oar, but be-
fore could cry out a third figure was
ut my side.
It was Count Vasca.
rs it treachery?" he whispered.
I pointed to the river, where the dim
outline of a boat was just discernibie
rs it crept into the shadow of the great
rock.
II heard the sound of footsteps and
followed" he said. "How came you
here?"
II could not Sleep"
he was silent for moment.
"Better let them think they have got
away undiscovered. l will at once
have a sentry placed here. We will
not give the alarm tonight. Let's to
bed, Sir Verrall. This means action
1t last
"When?" I asked.
"Soon surely since they take to spy
Ing upon us. You grow impatient I
would that I could trust all as trust
you. There are white nvered knights
among us, Sir Verrall. or we had made |
more progress
He left me at my tent and with a
good night went on toward his own.
I told Organ what had happened
and repeated the counts words.
There has always been a sentry by
the river" he said thoughtfully. "Per-
haps he knew who the fugitives were
md had made arrangements for their
easy escape"
AYE, and was so anxious about them
that he followed to make certain
that they got away safely"
1--WE must keep close together, Yer.
rail-, fighting or not. Lie down and
sleep. I'll watch. Well not both
sleep at the same time again."
In one respect at least Vasca had
prophesied truly last night. Quite
early in the morning it was evident
that the day was not to be an idle one
Troops Of men moved along the oppo-
lite bank of the river toward the