The Logan Republican. [volume] (Logan, Utah) 1902-1924, 1911-05-30

threaded my way through tue crown
TO find Walen or some other friend to
question. Lady Aldrida, however in
tercepted me, and | was obliged to
follow her to an unoccuped corner.
II congratulate you, Sir verral, and
also I thank you"
"Why thank meT'
"Do l not owe II to you that have
been so gracious'v received tonightT'
~ assure you that | have scid no
word on your behalf" answered.
A knight-one of the counts satel-
lltes approached us.
"Your pardon and yours, my lady.
] come from the count, Sir Verrall
He bids me inform you that you will
highness tonight"
"A short notice." said
ut has indeed only been arranged
Just now. The count thought It might
be n pleasant duty, seeing the things
which have happened so lately"
1T is a pleasant duty. VIII 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
mand such a sentinel" said Lady
Aldrlda when he had gone.
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 tight embrace.
1t was a custom In Drussenard-an
ancient one, believe-that knight
should stand sentinel until the dawn
Mt the entrance to the sovereign's
apartments. 1t was 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 a reputation for valor. so 1t was not
strange that the duty had not fallen
to me until now. l had certainly earn
ed the right to be considered eligible,
but that l had been chosen for this
particular night gave me ample food
for reflection as l went back to my
quarters.
i 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
a., nd ha raaHy
to defend myself" l answered.
'You are to be sentinel tonightT'
Eyes. | thank her highness for this
mark of her trust in me-"
81 am charged with a message"
"The senderY l asked.
"For only one do carry a message
Sir Verrall."
"The message, then?" said, my ex
element, l am sure, plainly discern
ible in my voice.
"Be faithful and loyal knight, AM
the God you worship grant you safe
ty.'"
81 pray So" answered "Tell me-
"Sr Verrall l was charged with n
further speech, and l detain you"
He turned from me abruptly an
with rapid strides left me.
The entrance TO the princess apart
ments was in a spacious corridol
which at one end was approached b
wide staircase, the other end leadin
only to rooms occupied by her SUI
Two soldiers stood at the head OF tn
staircase and they saluted me as
pnssed Their faces were unfamilia
TO me- | took up my position at III
entrance and drew my sword. 1t wa
about II O'Clock. as near as | coul
tell and IL WAS evident that the pr,l
cess had not yet retired, for seryan
passed In and out OF her apartment
for some time after | arrived. But
caught no sight nor sound or ne
though | watched each opening or II
door and listened for even a low mu
muir to recognize. Sounds came fro
other parts of the palace for son
time, and It was certainly past mi
night when the last servant left U
apartments and | heard the do
barred behind him.
After a time began TO feel drows
Suddenly slight sound startled II
was on the alert in a moment but
could not locate 1t nor tell what ma
ner Of sound II was. | was faci
down the corridor toward the sta
case 1t was pitch dark. and | cal
to the conclusion that l could he
nothing, and yet instinctively kn'
that the darkness hid something
something which threatened me.
seemed to palpitate in front of
silently, but none the less certain
put out my hand, passed It in fro
Of me and at my side 1t rest
against the wall of the corridor
the sharp corner, one side OF the
trance to the princess apartments
swept my sword round me- at the
eXtent of my arm, but II touched no