The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1911-05-06
CHAPTER XIII.


her. But there was something in her
(. hopes which had grown up in my
/ heart so quickly that day were luxu-
RANT weeds, fit only TO be cut down.
She would not let me talk much about
what had happened in the city.
I'VE are in perilous times" she said.
But you must be my prisoner still.
You are not yet able TO brave dan
gers. Here you are safe. Get strong
again quickly, Sir Verrall, for / have
need Of you
And so she dismissed me-
Princess Daria had a garden. The
only entrance to 1t was from her suit
Of apartments. High walls surround
ed it, and there was no fear of pry-
ing eyes. Here I was privileged to
walk or lie at full length in the shade
Of some tree, filling my lungs with
new health at every breath. Here
Jasar and l talked, and the princess
Joined US, staying only a little while
at first, but afterward longer. She
| talked of plans for the future. My
friends were SO few that il was i'm
possible for me TO stand unless some
thing could be devised against my
enemies. Truth to tell, my friends
and enemies troubled me little just
| then. | was too happy TO fear the
future, for the princess became each
day less a princess and more a wom-
an. l lived in the present. / told
them something of my country, Of
London, of railroads and telegraphs
= I,;, L.,
senland had never been heard of.
You tell of strange things, Sir Yer
RAIL-" Jasar said. But because the
people in DrusSenland are supersti-
tious and legend loving you must not
think that we are all ready to believe
tales SO far beyond all possibility
81 speak the truth. There are even
more marvellous things that have not
told you Of
Her highness loves not supersti-
ton and has no fear of disasters which
the priests prophesy. We know that
no miracle brought you into our land
| and that to account for your coming
you used a legend to save yourself.
Why seek to deceive US who are your
friends"
Yes, friends" said the princess
softly.
l was inclined to be angry, but a
moments reflection told me how i'm
possible my tales must seem to them.
Indeed. there is no deceit" l an
swered. Things are as | have told
you in my country. Besides, my com
ing was somewhat of miracle, and
1t was not | who claimed to be the
expected knight, remember 1t was
Organ who suggested it, and the
priests believed it,
Then | told them how l came into
Drussenland, beginning with the tale
that poor Mustapha told that night.
Tell me the history of DrusSenland."
said.
Jasar told it to me, hurrying through
| the legendary part, dilating fully on
that which was known to be true. The
Drussenlanders were the descendants
Of a great army gathered from all the
nations of the world-so Jasar said
| which was led into country beyond
| the hills to fight for the true religion.
Year after year this army, constantly
recruited, fought with varying success,
and at last came peace. Some return
ed home again; some remained in the
| land Of their warfare, took wives Of
the daughters of the land, and wan
dered forth to find a city to dwell in.
SO they had come to Drussenland, and.
as the years passed. became great
people. This was the legendary part
which Jasar said might have some
| truth in It,
To me it seemed clear. These PEG
| pie were descended from the survivors
of the last crusade.
Ever and again the princess would
lead me to consider my present posi-
ton. No ancient history could help
me IN that.
1.-THE days pass swiftly" she said
"You are almost strong now. The
priests clamor for action, and the PEG
pie cry with them. What are we to
do?'
"Jasar suggested a way out Of the
| difficulty" l answered. My death
/ would relieve your highness Of much
/ trouble"
1T is no time to talk folly. 1t S
llllc ~ act, was dIi sue sdlu ~ llC.
The princess told me that she needed
knights with strong arms and strong
courage. She said the priests were
loyal to her apart from my cause. Aft,
er a long conversation l suggested to
her that would attend the next coun-
Gil and tell the members that her en-.
emies should be defeated. ! vOlun.
teered TO go TO Yadasara as a spy. The
princess was apprehensive OF such a
scheme, but | soon relieved her fears
/ told her | hoped TO place her on the
throne, and when she asked me what |
expected as Z reward | answered her
In language that love dictated. She
understood. Then she asked my name
When l told her it was Clinton VERBAL
it pleased her.
1T IS the name Of the man who wor-
ships you" | whispered, and l took her
hand and, bending low. kissed 1t pas
siOnately. | dared not touch her lips.
Just then Jasar came In and told
the princess that the count was asking
for her. She gave me her hand and
said: BE brave for my sake tomor.
row. For my sake return from Yada
sara" Then she left me.
c. J. PHILLIPS
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