The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1911-07-28

question. Lazy Aluflud, however, III
tercepted me, and l was obliged TO
follow her to an unoccupied corner
81 congratulate you, Sir Verrall, and
also l thank you"
"Why thank mef'
"Do l not owe it to you that l have
been so graciously received tonightT'
81 assure you that | have said no
word on your behalf" | answered
A knight-one of the counts satel-
lites-approached US.
your pardon and yours, my lady.
come from the count, Sir Verran-
He bids me inform you that you will
be intrusted with the safety of her
highness tonight"
"a short notice." said.
at has indeed only been arranged
/ Just now. The count thought 1t might
be a pleasant duty, seeing the things
which have happened so lately"
at is a pleasant duty. Will you
| thank Count Vasca and tell him that
shall be at my post an hour before
midnight?'
at is good to be a princess to COM
Aldrida when he had gone.
l made my adieus hastily.
Good night" she said, land If the
night seems long remember my
thoughts surround you"
Still, the knowledge that | was
to have the companionship of her
thoughts through the night hours gave
me little comfort Folly had indeed
got me in a tight embrace.
1t was a custom in Drussenland-an
ancient one. I believe-that a knight
should stand sentinel until the dawn
at the entrance to the sovereign's
apartments. 1t was a custom which
was rather sentimental than useful.
for the palace was always well guard
ed The honor was given only to an
accredited knight, one who had earn
ed reputation for yalor, SO it was not
strange that the duty had not fallen
to me until now. had certainly earn.
ed the right to be considered eligible,
but that | had been chosen for this
particular night gave me ample food
for reflection as | went back to my
quarters.
| had nearly reached them when at
corner Of the street hand was laid
upon my shoulder. In an instant my
hand was upon my sword hilt-
"The second time you have received
me as an enemy, Sir Verrall," said
Jasar,
ut was your own advice that |
should fear shadows and ever be ready
to defend myself" | answered.
''You are to be sentinel tonight?'
Eyes. thank her highness for this
mark of her trust in me-"
81 am charged with a message"
1.-THE sender?' | asked.
For only one do | carry message,
Sir Verrall."
1.-THE message them" l said, my ex-
element, l am sure, plainly discern
ible in my voice
"'Be a faithful and loyal knight. and
the God you worship grant you safe
ty.'"
81 pray So" | answered Tell me-
"Sir Verrall, was charSsS with no
further speech. and detain you"
He turned from me abruptly and
with rapid strides left me.
The entrance to the princess apart
ments was in a spacious corridor,
which at one end was approached by
a wide staircase, the other end leading
only to rooms occupied by her suit
Two soldiers stood at the head of the
staircase. and they saluted me as
passed Their faces were unfamiliar
to me. ! took up my position at the
entrance and drew my sword. 1t was
about II o'clock, as near as | could
tell, and 1t was evident that the prin
cess had not yet retired, for servants
passed in and out of her apartments
for some time after | arrived But
caught no sight nor sound of her,
though | watched each opening of the
door and listened for even a low muir
muir to recognize. Sounds came from
other parts of the palace for some
time, and it was certainly past mid
night when the last servant left the
apartments and | heard the door
barred behind him.
After a time | began TO feel drowsy
Suddenly a slight sound startled me.
| was on the alert in a moment, but
could not locate 1t nor tell what man
ner of sound 1t was. | was facing
down the corridor toward the stair
case. 1t was pitch dark, and came
to the conclusion that | could hear
nothing, and yet instinctively ! knew
that the darkness hid something
something which threatened me. 1t
seemed to palpitate in front of me
silently, but none the less certainly
put out my hand, passed it in front
of me and at my side II rested
against the wall of the corridor al
the sharp corner, one side of the en-
trance TO the princess apartments.
swept my sword round me at the full
extent of my arm, but 1t touched moth
| ing. Yet something was there, and
knew It
Suddenly something touched me so
gently that it might have been the
brush of a bats wing. 1t touched my
arm extended to the wall. The next
moment a swift blow fell upon my
shoulder. and l felt spasm Of pain
run through me. for sharp steel had
penetrated the joint of the armor. A
second blow fell so quickly after the