The Ocala evening star., 1911-04-25
The Knight
Of the
Silver Star
A Romance OF
DrWssenland
By PERCY DREBN[ER
Copyright, 1907. by r r. Fenno &
By PERCY DRGBNIR
Copyright, 1907. by R r. Fenno &
CHAPTER TX.

would one night have cut the
U004N prisoners bonds and let them
0EO go free, but this / could not
do. They were guarded too carefully.
and [ knew we'll with what sinister In
tentions l spoke about the prisoners
to Walen, and be did not sympathize
with me at all. He was a good fellow
but, after all, a barbarian.
Even in the palace there was high
revel, much feasting and drinking.
some unfit jesting too. Still, these
tests were not spoken in the hearing
of the princess. nor did knight un-
steadily approach her. Doubtless she
| knew that such things happened, but
| she did not countenance them, al
| though she could not altogether pre-
! vent them.
/ She welcomed me as she welcomed
/ others, although l was now a popular
hero Somewhat piqued. determined
that she should understand that cared |
no more for her than for any other |
|, woman.
A dozen lovers were ready to my |
hand, and for sport I chose one part
| ly, partly for revenge. The Lady AL
drida did not beckon me now. Or my
own accord 1 went to her. and she
drew her gown aside that | might SIT
by her.
You honor me, Sir Verrall."
NAY, mistress; it is ever the lady
who honoreth the knight when she &C
cepts his company"
And once you swore that you were
rough of speech. not given to paying
compliments
she said
1t. She looked beautiful, and l was
in the mood to like her beauty.
Said 1 500" I asked. leaning toward
her until the scent Of her hair was In
my nostrils.
Indeed you did"
"You must have frowned then, sweet
mistress, or 1 could not have been so
ungalant When you smile the Ter1-
est churl could not help but say pret-
ty things"
"Once it was said that could you use
your sword as you used your tongue
you would be q great warrior. Now
And nowT' 1 asked, touching the
lace upon her sleeve in a sort OF mute
caress.
"Ah, Sir verrall, you have proved
yourself with your sword, yet l doubt
if 1t can work greater damage than
your tongue"
Each to it's business" ] answered
gayly-"the sword for the heart Of
man, the tongue for the heart Of u
woman"
ANY man Or any woman?'
"Nay, you wrong me; / VOW It, The
! man must be foe as surely as the
woman one I love-"
Had you said so when you paid nc
compliments l might have believed
YOU" she whispered.
And l whispered Just as low:
4 "Mistress,~I will quarrel with you II
you believe me not now"
"Ouarrelr' she said, with an anxious
look. a little hand laid upon my ann
"Then believe"
A hundred had bowed before her, We
she stood heart whole. 1t was m!
own yictory-success where others hat
failed
And deeper yet 1 dived. blindfold, a
1t were.
Mistress. if you would, prove m,
faith
She looked up suddenly, interruptin
me.
MAY Ip'
How and when you WILL" I ar
swered.
"Not now" she laughed. II hav
no quest to set you to, no enemy VIII
has slandered me tc point out
We'll for him." boasted. "for al
dangerous when you smile upon mt
Still mistress. there Is one question
would ask
And I will answer it If 1 can"
.Your other lovers. have you forgo
| ten them?''
"Sir Verrally'
Pardon, mistress. but a lover
a Jealous fellow. He must walk alon
In his lady's garden or walk not ther
at all And beauty cannot hide itsel
have seen many gallant waitin
for one smile from you. Therefore
| ask the question
"My lovers they may be. but T
heart chord of mine have they touc
L ed. Perchance / smiled, my lor
Would you always have me frow
ing?'
IL NAY, mistress. but there are smil
which only should have. l pray yc
smile not so upon them"
Not on one. my lord, promi
you"
IL Not even on
ION whomT'
"On Count Vasca. He surely lov
you. and he is a valiant knight"
Loves me! Perhaps once be d
but now il is the princess he wOu
win a gracious word from Nallal
YOU say, yet | know one more valia
than he. My heart leaped toward
as Count Vasca rolled TO earth tn
day
II have had greater affairs TO set
than that. mistress" and. fool that
was, ! almost bluShed TO think n
far truth had retreated from me
When i seek TO prove you II sh
-. be a hard task then" she whisper
-oA And then she stood up sudden
- There is music In the lower roc
Ny feet long TO dance. since my he
Is light Will you take meF'
z I believe l would have married
- there and then had she asked, so gr
ii q fool was I.
Continued Tomorrow