The Lamar register., 1911-06-28

8y council that morning, 30
threaded my way through the crowd
to fnd Walen or some other friend to
question. Lady Aldrida, however, In
tercepted me. and l was obliged to
follow her to an unoccupied corner.
81 congratulate you. Sir verrall. and
also thank you"
"why thank mef'
DO ! not owe II to you that l have
been 30 graciously received tonightY'
"I assure you that I have said NO
word on your behalf" I answered
A knight-one Of the counts satel
lites-approached us
"Your pardon and yours. my lady.
I come from the count. Sir verrall
He bids me inform you that you win
b. Intrusted with the safety OF her
highness tonight"
"a short notice." 1 said
ut has indeed only been arranged
Just now. The count thought II might
b. a pleasant duty. seeing the thinss
which have happened so lately"
at II a pleasant duty. VIII you
thank Count vasca and tell him that
shall be at my post an hour before
midnightT'
at Is good to be . princess to com
mand such sentinel" said Lady
Aldrida when he had gone.
I made my adieus hastily.
Good night" she said. and " 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 right embrace.
II was q custom In Drussenland-an
ancient one. I helieve-that 4 knight
should stand sentinel until the dawn
at the entrance TO the sovereign's
apartments. II was q custom which
was rather sentimental than useful
for the palace was always well guard
3D. The honor was given only to an
accredited knight. one who had earn
"a q reputation for valor. 30 II was not
strange thar fhc duty had not fallen
. me until now. had certainly earn.
"a the right to be considered eligible.
but thai ! had been chosen for this
particular night gave me ample food
for reflection a. ! went back to my
quarters.
I had nearly reached them when at
q corner of the street a hand was laid
upon my shoulder. In an Instant nv
hand was upon my sword hilt
The second time you have received
me ~ an enemy. Sir verrail.' said
Jasar.
at was your own advice that
should fear shadows and ever be ready
to defend myself ! answered.
"You are TO be sentinel tonightr'
~Yes. I thask her highness for thts
mark Of hes trust In me-"
81 am charged with \ message"
The sender:- I asked.
FOR only on. do ! carry q message
Dir verrali''
The message. them I said. my e.
element. ! am sure. plainly discern.
ible IN my voice.
"'Be a faithful and loyal knight, and
the God you worship grant you safe
~"
Il pray So" answered. Tell me-
"Sir verrall. ! was charged with no
further speech. and I 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
q 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 I could
tell. and It was evident that the prin.
cess had not yet retired. for servants
passed In and out of her apartments
for some time after I arrived But
caught no sight nor sound Of her.
though ! watched each opening Of the
door and listened for even a low mur-
muir to recognize. Sounds came from
other parts Of the palace for some
time, and II 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 q slight sound startled me.
I WINS on the alert IN q moment, but I
could not locate II nor teii what man
ner Of sound II WIS. | WAS facing