The Ocala evening star., 1911-04-18
49,

Sure it's not the honor or diSkOnor
I'm thinking Of: it's the result
| knight sent from Khrym has got nt
right TO bite the dust at his first en-
| counter, and as sure as you do you
won't have d friend among the lot of
them
"A cheerful outlook" | said. with a
forced laugh. What shall We fight
with-swords
'Lances-a fierce charge across the
arena, and them
Dust biting" / suggested
It's no jesting matter. This Vasca
hear, has never been worsted, and
| it's no light game he'll play at this tour
nament, | warrant. If he can put an
! end to your adventure. my boy, hs
/ will. Have you ever used n lance"
| ~ have learned how to handle one
since I came here"
But have you ever charged al any
thing with it,"
! "No"
| Then you don't know what a devils
/ toy it is to play with. There's only
i one thing to be donez-we must get out
/ of it somehow"
When is this tournament to be-"
| "At once. tomorrow or the next day.
| 1t is only for the princess to decide"
/ There is court tonight"
/ Organ nodded.
/ Come man. tighten your heart a
little. We're not tied TO the posts in
the square yet"
/ It's a question OF time. I'm think
/ ing. I'd feel deal safer in Yada-
sara"
/ To say that / had no plan in my
mind when attended court that night
would be untrue.
+ | was a late arrival upon more
than usually brilliant scene. Here in
DrusSenland it was much the same as
/ at home more color and freedom than
/ there would be at such a function in
/ the old country. perhaps. but the same
foundation to both-pOlftical intrigue
! and personal interest.
The first man l encountered was
/ Walen
/ Il have been waiting for YOU" he
said. There Is mischief brewing 1t
hangs in the air tonight Vasca and
some of his party have been pressing
round the princess ever since she came
in"
and she IS pleased with such at
tentton?" l asked.
! II could read neither pleasure nor
displeasure in her face. Few can read
her, Verrall, If she chooses that they
shall not
THAT is true. Even a princess can
not help being a woman"
"Vasca has q persuasive tongue. and
he is her kinsman. That counts for
something"
For much, my dear Walen. 1t IS
difficult to refuse a kinsman, and kins-
men. knowing this. take advantage
and ask hard things. l will learn
more of this intrigue"
And speak carefully" he cautioned.
''Much depends upon your caution"
Who could know that better than /
did: Were confirmation needed II
came in the many glances directed to-
ward me as / made my way TO the
top of the hall where Princess Daria
was.
"Sir Verrall"'
)! 1t was woman who called me as /
was making my way through the
crowd, and | could not refuse to an
swer her beckoning finger. She was
standing. one of q little group of
DANES and cavaliers, tricked out most
tastefully. leaders of fashion in the
court Of Princess Daria. / knew the
woman, as meddlesome q little vixen
as existed.
-'Is what we hear true?" she asked
as, bowling low, joined the party.
who would dare TO speak anything
but the truth TO the Lady Aldrida:"
,"As ready as ever with words, Sir
Verrall," said a young jackanapes. a
Drussenland type of Piccadilly lOun-
ger. l cannot better describe him.
And deeds. too. Sir Knight, if deeds
are called for" l answered. ching
the hilt of my sword.
You are quick To take offense
where none was Intended
Il am a soldier first. a courtier after
ward" l answered. Pardon my
shortcomings.
us it true, them" said Lady Aldri
da. Il was afraid we We're TO be dis
appointed"
Il should grieve 70 disappoint you
Will you tell me what is expected Of
n.y., ~, :, u.,,-n.u.s 49,, ,,.u. :. :. ;.
grand tournament and that you are
to hold the field against all comers
Since we have never seen your prov
ess, is it wonderful that we are TX
cited:'' and she laughed
Il have heard nothing of it." I an
swered. But If word from me cal
save YOU disappointment. Lady Al
drida. be assured il shall be spoken
Il would offer you my scarf as .
token. Sir Nerral had not knigh
to lie jea Iou>.
Say rather hundred. Lady Aldri
da or You d. Yourself d grave injuS
tice."
A sword as keen a. Your wit should
insure success Yet how few excel II
both"
made my way "a quickly as l coulC
toward the princess. The priest Jasa
was beside her: 80 was Count Nasca
There was Il look of annoyance in he
face which was baniShed by smile a
1 approached.
You come at convenient time, 81
Verran." she said. giving me her hanC
to kiss. Your name iS "n every III
tonight. it seems,
Il rejoice. your hichne>~. IL | an
fairly spoken Of"
II would call 10 account any MAI