The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1911-05-09
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tEEz0 was a flush upon her face as
she retired could read in it look
of triumph. but | think no one else
there could tell whether she was pleas
ed or not at the turn things had taken.
The moment the curtains had fallen
behind her the priests moved away in
procession their chief looking at me
for a moment almost as If | had
Increased his, wisdom. but be left
me without speaking. Then several
knights, my friends. gathered round
me. | had their good will. but noted
that | had not converted a single one
who was avowedly opposed TO me.
They crossed to Count Yasca, and he
smiled So We stood in two parties
upon the platform.
The rabble is easily moved, Sir Yer
RAIL- he said contemptuOusly.
He passed down the steps and across
the hall, followed by more than half
the knights who had stood round the
princess.
1.-The people shouted Sir Verrall, but
not ALL said knight beside me. I'VE
will go with you to your quarters"
Il thank you, gentlemen. l would
willingly keep my life little. since
have so much to do in It."
From a shadow a lady stepped sud
denIy-the Lady Aldrida.
by your leave would speak with
Sir Verrall."
She came close to me, and there was
that in her face that made me look
at her hands. They were empty, hang
ing at her side.
That she was agitated need hardly
be stated. Our conversation was bur
ried, but every word she uttered show
ed that she felt l had played her
wrongfully. In conclusion she said:
You shall regret the friendship, Sir
Verrall You may escape the swords
Of your enemies, but | will so con-
trive that you shall not escape my
vengeance. 1t Is dangerous thing to
play with such a woman as l am"
She moved away from me, and the
knights came to my side again.
She laughed bitterly.
Guard him well, gentlemen, II you
would keep him. l do not envy you
80 false a friend"
We were leaving the hall when Jasar
met us. Two of the princess guards
were with him.
"Her highness commands your pres
ence, Sir Verrall" he said.
Her highness thinks i need pro-
| lection" I said to my comrades. 1T
| will save you the trouble of seeing me
| to my quarters. We are Of one mind.
! Is it not so? Each one of us holds his
] life as naught beside the safety of the
| princess
/ l turned and went with Jasar
| through the hall and along the maze
Of corridors which led to the secret
entrance to the princess apartment
4 The priest and l entered.
Il The princess was alone and rose to
meet me- would have knelt to kiss
her hand. but she would not let me-
I raised her hand to my lips as l stood
instead.
cit was bravely done. but why put
off your going for thrse daysr' she
asked.
"Are you SO anxious for me to be
gone"
NAY, but three days is long time.
Much may happen in it,
uaU ALMOST uopeu tudt LuuCu
might happen" | answered softly.
She looked at me. aud then her eyes
fell. 1 have ever understood that it is
a good sign with women.
You led me to hope so when we
parted last night" l said. 81 made a
confession which l shall never make
to any other woman. | grant it might
have angered you, yet it seemed not to
do So"
Indeed, l was not angry"
and nOw?"
Now / think only of your safety,
though | doubt whether you are not
going to greater danger in Yadasara
But three days give opportunity to
your enemies. They could watch fol
you. You must not wait. You must
go tonight. Within your prison
she pointed to the room where | had
been nursed so tenderly-"you will
find a peasants dress. Your man
Organ says that so it will be safest
for you TO go. and | trust his wit
Jasar, send one of the guards TO at
tend the knight. Return quickly. Sill
Verrall, for midnight will not be long
In coming"
Continued Tomorrow