Bismarck daily tribune. [volume] (Bismarck, Dakota [N.D.]) 1881-1916, 1911-12-07

ancient one, I believe-that a knight
should stand sentinel until the dawn
at the entrance to the sovereign's
was rather sentimental than useful
for the palace was always we'll guard.
ed. The honor was given only to an
accredited knight, one who had earn,
ed a reputation for valor, 80 it was not
strange that the duty had not fallen
tn me until now. 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.
had nearly reached them when al
u corner of the street q hand was laid
upon my shoulder. In an instant my
hand was upon my sword hilt.
1.-THE second time you have received
me as an enemy, Sir Verrall," said
5asar.
1T was your own advice that l
should fear shadows and ever be ready
to defend myself" answered.
"You are to be sentinel tonight?'
Eyes. thank her highness for this
mark Of her trust in me-"
II am charged with message"
"The sender" l asked.
"For only one do carry message.
Sir Verrall."
"The message, then?" said, my ex-
citement, l am sure. plainly discern
ible in my voice.
"'Be faithful and loyal knight, and
the God you worship grant you safe
ty.'"
II pray so," answered. "Tell me-
"Sir Verrall, l 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 spacious corridor,
which at one end was approached by
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 I
passed. Their faces were unfamiliar
to me. l took up my position at the
entrance and drew my sword. It was
about II O'Clock, as near as 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 I
caught no sight nor sound Of her,
though 1 watched each opening Of the
door and listened for even low muir
muir to recognize Sounds came from
other parts Of the palace for some
time, and It was certainly past mid
night when the last servant left the
apartments and I heard the door
barred behind him.
After time began to feel drowsy.
Suddenly slight sound startled me.
I was on the alert in a moment, but I
could not locate it nor tell what man.
ner Of sound it was. I was facing
down the corridor toward the stair
case. It was pitch dark. and. l came
to the conclusion that I could hear
nothing, and yet inst1nctively I knew
that the darkness hid something
something which threatened me. It
seemed to palpitate In front Of me
silently, but none the less certainly.
I put out my hand, passed it in front |
Of me and at my side. 1t rested
against the wall of the corridor at |
the sharp corner, one side Of the en-
trance to the princess apartments. I
swept my sword round me at the full
extent Of my arm, but it touched moth !
Ing. Yet something was there, and I |
knew It.
Suddenly something touched me so
gently that 1t might have been the |
brush Of bats wing. 1t touched my
arm extended to the wall. The next !
moment a swift blow fell upon my
and felt a spasm Of pain
run through me, for sharp steel had /
penetrated the joint Of the armor. A
second blow fell so quickly after the
drst that for a moment I thought I |
had more than one assailant. The |
blow failed in its purpose, glanclng
from my armor, and then I was grap-
ping with a desperate man. He was
not clad In steel, as I was-I could feel |
that-but he had the advantage Of me,
for he closed with me and could use
his dagger, while for time my sword
was useless. He was conscious Of his
advantage and struck at me again and
again in quick succession, striking
where he knew my armor would serve |
me least, yet, fortunately for me, strik-
Ing beside the mark.
I gathered all my strength together
and, striking ont with my left arm,
myself from his grasp.
With low growl like an animal at i
bay he sprang at me, but at last my |;
sword arm was free. A mass. Of dark. |