Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1911-05-25

II cannot understand such villainy,"
he answered. yet
yet you believe 1t exists?"
"Why yes, verralL Unwillingly l
am bound to admit that ! believe it"
"Pick M a dozen men," l said. II
am going to ride forward and see what
b In store for us"
With my little company I went
through the woods. keeping well away
from the main body. but being careful
not to 60 far enough to fall in with
the enemy. who had kept pace with US
through the night. In the gray dawn
the enemy were taking up their posi-
tion. ready to attack us as soon as we
were in the open.
We went slowly and silently back.
Life has an added charm when death
stands near. The day had dawned.
and. like myself. l doubt not that many
Of my companions wondered II they
would see the close Of 1t. Was there
any way Of insuring safety even for
some Of us? There was n way which
held . prospect of success. l had
thought of It before, but had put 1t
aside ~ unpracticable and dangerous.
yet now 1t seemed worthy of consider
alton. Why not make Count Vasca a
prisoner? It could be done quickly
and quietly II be were still with the
princess. Should he cry out there were
many ways of silencing him. 1t seem
Cd to me that 1t would be a small crime
to silence so great a scoundrel for
ever. 1t was dangerous and would
bring matters to a head suddenly.
Daria might not agree to this SEEM
Ing piece OF t~reachery. so | determined
to make him a prisoner first and ex-
plain to her afterward.
put spurs into my horse. but I was
TOO late. vasca had left.
A messenger was dispatched at once.
Safety seemed to lie In vasca's cap
ture. and here was my opportunity. 1
drew Walen aside for a moment.
HE u not return" ! said.
"Ts that the princess orderr
mo. Make him a prisoner first, ask
her permission afterward. 1t is no
time to be courteous"
vt may be a false move." he said
doubtfully.
Possibly. but 1t may be salvation"
] answered. players for high stakes.
Sir Walen. have to risk much"
But again my plan failed. The count
excused himself from coming. The
enemy was moving in the open. he
mid. and he could not leave his COM
mand.
Are our troops movingy" asked
Daria.
'.They were about to do SO. your
highness," the messenger answered.
go to the count and command him
not to move until he has our instruc-
lions. A guard for us. gentlemen.
Sir Walen. move the left wing slowly
forward. but not out Of the wood.
Keep In touch with the main body"
She mounted her horse lightly, Jasal
holding her stirrup. "Sir verrall. gen
tlemen. follow us. We will fight this
battle our way, not In Count Vasca's.'
She would have inspired any mar
with courage. She put a better spirit
into me.
Have a ARE. dear one." l whisper
ed as l rode beside her.
"Have a ready sword to defend me
II necessary" she answered.
We rode up to the count even as the
messenger was delivering his message
I'VE sent for you. COUNT she said
severely.
Pardon, your highness, but I could
not come"
I'VE sent for you,' she repeated.
"Have you yet to learn the virtue OF
~obedienceT"
"Your highness, r.
"Disobedience is the mark of a rebel
Count Vasca. Look to 1t or we shall
be in danger Of misjudging you. Dc
you only now discover that the en-.
envy are before US? You have a poor
knowledge of this campaign. it seems.
The main body will advance at once
into the open. The woods sweep round
to right and left in a semicircle. The
enemy r hidden there awaiting us.
Your mission Is to draw them from
their hiding place." Then. turning to
AAAA8uS Win uSt Sit WE'LL Ou. 1O
to the right wing and command them
to advance through the woods and at
tack the enemy in the real on that
side. There are half hearted warriors
among us. We shall know how to
deal with rebels. For Drussenland and
for your princess, forward"
! half expected the count to refuse,
but he did not do SO. Either he was
uncertain Of himself or the plans for
success were SO complete that the
manner of attack was of little impor.
lance.
He gave a quick word of command.
and as the troops moved we rode back
and with the left wing set out to at
. c the enemy on that side.
There was a distant shout, and a
Night OF arrows fell among them.
III a stray shaft should find a weak
spot In Vasca's harness. all might be
well vet" said fo walon