The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1911-05-19
The Knight
of the
Silver Star

ais whst We hear trueT' she asked
as. bowling low, Joined the party.
"Who would dare to speak anything
hut the truth TO the Lady AldridaT
"As ready as ever with words OH
Verrall," said a young Jackanapes'
Drussenland type of Piccadilly louh-
ger. I cannot better describe MIN.
! "And deeds. too, Sir Knight, II deeos
are called for" l answered, touchlne
the hilt OF my sword.
"You are quick to take oHehse
where none was intended"
81 am a soldier first, courtier AFTER
van1n answered. Pardon my
shortcomings" -,
as II true. them said Lady Aidrl-
da. 81 was afraid we were to be ois-
appointed"
81 should grieve to disappoint you.
VIII you tell me what is expected Oh
meT
sIt is whispered that there Is to De
grand tournament and that you are
to hold the field against all corners
Since we have never seen your Prov
ess. is II wonderful that we are ex-
citedT" and she laughed.
81 have heard nothing of 1t" l an
swered. But If a word from me can
save you disappointment, Lady Al
drida, be assured 1t shall be spoken.
81 would offer you my SCARF as
token. Sir VERBAL, had I not knight
to be Jealous"
Say rather hundred, Lady Aldri-
da, or you do yourself grave in1us'
tice."
"A sword as keen as your wit should
insure success. Yet how few excel In
bothp'
made my way as quickly as could
toward the princess. The priest Jasar
was beside her; so was Count Vasca'
There was a look of annoyance In her
face, which was banished by smile as
1 approached.
"You come at a convenient time, Sir
Verrall," she said, giving me her hand
to kiss. your name Is on every lip
tonight, 1t seems"
81 rejoice, your highness, If am
fairly spoken Of"
81 would call to account any man
who spoke otherwise of the Knight OF
the Silver STAR" said Vasca.
81 have been suggesting brave dis
play, Sir Verrall," he went on ailily,
as though we had been the greatest
of friends. "a display to make young
hearts beat with pleasure and bright
eyes sparkle with excitement. The
princess has not yet given her consent,
Will you not add your persuasion to
mine?"
"You have worked in secret, Count
Vasca. or my persuasion should have
seconded yours before this. Is 1t 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 l 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 a
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 l
thought the princess paled little.
ut is bravely spoken" said Jasar,
and his eyes turned from me to the
princess.
MAY l venture to persuade your
highness In this matterF' l said, bow.
ing low before her.
Rather unwillingly she gave her con-
sent. l should have been better pleas
ed had she withheld it.
II accept the challenge. No love
creeps into our combat, Sir Verrall.
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
WIN nefrAr IMAM having dozen onA
after the other. I remained beside the
princess.
you have chosen a strong adver-
sary," she said In low tone
II had no alternative, your highness
had to accept or give the challenge.
preferred to give 1t. Have l offend
ed you"
"You have not offended me-"
"You have heard nothing of this
projected tournament until tonightY'
II heard of 1t today from my
esquire"
She exchanged quick glance with
the priest which l could not read.
did not understand her well; the
priest l did not understand at all.
"Sir Verrail, you have my good
wishes. The test is one l would not
willingly have put you to-"
"Your good wishes are sure armor.
your highness," l said, STOPPING to
pick up the handkerchief she dropped.
Our eyes met as our hands touched
over the handkerchief which | held TO
her A look In them gave me courage.
add only this favor" / said Let
me keep this handkerchief IA nv IN.