The Lamar register. [volume] (Lamar, Colo.) 1889-1952, 1911-07-26

enemy were uIaTfHluS WIFI us tHrouku
the woods. Presently the knight
had sent forward returned. Sir Wa
len had instructed the men TO 20 slow
ly and to keep well together. and he
wanted me to make sure that l had
plenty of men behind me to repulse
any attack which might be made III
the rear. Leaving the princess In
Jasar's charge. | rode back and got the
rear portion Of the left wing close up.
With an effort | spoke gayly to the
men. and l was convinced now that
they We're TO be trusted Then | re-
Joined Daria and Jasar.
1T would be well to send forward to
the count and call a halt" ! said. I'VE
are approaching open country. and we
cannot tell what awaits us there
"Act as you think best" Daria an
swered.
/ sent forward TO Vasca. The troops
halted Immediately and few min
utes afterward vasca himself Joined
us.
"A perilous journey. your highness.
but well accomplished" he said. Aft
err short halt shall we move for
ward and camp In the openi Our van.
guard Is now at the edge OF the
woods
THE open country may bring us In
sight OF the enemy. Sir vasca." she
said.
"Your highness will remember that
1t was not my wish to advance to-
night. /. too. think 1t probable that
the enemy are before us
''rhey have been marching with us
all niphf \
ments We're so well timed with ours
that they must have been watching
the camp"
THAT Is unlikely. Still. II II Is 80.
we are prepared to meet them.
trust"
quite prepared" answered. True
men have no fear even II numbers are
against them
l left him with Daria. Jasar keeping
watch upon him. and Joined walen.
rs the trap set for us. think your
I asked.
81 do not know. We may have got
out of II In time"
AT last you believe In the trap.
them"
81 cannot understand such villainy,"
he answered. Yet
"Yet you believe II exists"
"Why. yes. VERBAL. Unwillingly !
am bound to admit that believe It,"
''Pick me a dozen men," l said. II
am going to ride forward aud see what
Is In store for us
With my little company went
through the woods. keeping well away
from the main body. but being careful
not TO 20 far enough to fall In with
the enemy. who had kept pace with US
through the night In the gray dawn
the enemy We're taking up their posi-
ton. ready to attack ~ 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. I doubt not that many
Of my companions wondered II they
would see the close Of II. Was there
any way OF insuriDg safety even for
some OF us; There was one way which
held prospect OF success. I had
thought Of II before. but had put IL
aside as unpracticable and dangerous,
yet now II seemed worthy OF consider
alton. Why not make Count vasca u
prisoner: II could be done quickly
and quietly II he were still with the
princess. Should he cry out there were
many ways OF silencing him. II seem
ed to me that II would be n small crime
to silence 80 great n scoundrel for
ever. II was dangerous and would
bring matters to head suddenly.
Daria might not agree to this SEEM
ing piece of treachery. so ! determined
to make him u prisoner first and ex-
plain to her afterward
put spurs into my horse. but | was
too late. Vasca had left.
A messenger WIS dispatched at once.
Safety seemed to lie In vasca's cap
ture. and here was my opportunity. l
drew Walen aside for moment.
He must not return" ] said.
is that the princess orderI''
mo. Make him n prisoner first. ask
her permission afterward. 1t Is no
time to he courteous
at may he false move" he said
doubtfully.
POSSIBLY. but II may be salvation
l answered. Players for high stakes.
Sir Walen. have to risk much"
But again my plan failed The count