The Calumet news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 1907-1938, 1911-04-07


throughout, and my anxiety for the
future would have been greater had
not the thought that | was TO see Daria
again thrown all other thoughts into
the corners of my brain.
The tent was well guarded. The
priest went in and in a few moments
returned. | entered alone.
Daria had risen TO greet me. As
the curtain of the tent fell behind me
she seemed undecided whether to come
TO the arms ready to be held out TO
her-whether to be all the woman or
still something of the princess.
"Daria."
l doubt not there was supplication
in my tone. in my attitude. as | OPEN
ed my arms to her. She crept into
them with a little sigh which was suf-
ficient answer to all my desires. and
in a long silence, while her lips met
nine | felt rewarded for all / had
come through.
You are safe and with me again."
she said presently.
"With you to defend you" answer
ed. but happiness must not make
me forgetful My darling, peril is at
our door"
81 fear nothing-now." she answered.
And I kissed her for the pause she
made before the last word.
do you remember why you are
here" | asked.
Il had almost forgotten"
"You are on your way to Yadasara
TO rescue me-"
And now you have come. Yet 1t
does not appear wonderful. II seems
natural that you should come to me.
In my deepest anxiety have felt that
your life and mine were one. All,
Clinton, in your country women may
not speak their hearts so. Forgive me
if my confession sounds strange to you.
but love has come to me once and for
all time; there seems no sin in telling
it."
With her hand in mine l told her
all. not exaggerating, yet not making
too light of my perils, for love glowed
brighter in her eyes as l told the
story. She loved me more for what
l had endured and grasped my hand
tightly as / recounted Lady Aldrida's
attempt upon my life. the fight on the
stairs, the fall from the city walls and
the struggle with the dead man in the
river. ! finished and waited for her to
speak.
you would have me believe my
kinsman, Count Vasca, the greatest
of villainsT' she said.
81 have told you what is said of
him in Yadasara, common talk over
every fagon of wine. / believe it was
he who sent Lady Aldrida to the
king"
HE cannot be so great traitor"
Think you he would have devised
this expedition to save me? Have |
n greater enemy in Drussenland than
Count Vasca? He loves you. AS the
woman he loves. you are far more
than as the princess he pays homage
to- Once he has betrayed you, you
are princess no longer. He believes
he could make terms with the wom-
an"
ut is unlike you. Clinton, to make
q man out so vile as this"
"Let me learn that have wronged
him and on my knees l will ask his
pardon" | returned. "Why, Daria,
look at the place where you are en-
camped tonight! Would any leader
choose such a positionT
Indeed, he gave me many reasons
for doing So"
speaking lies, Daria."
flush. Clinton. he Is my kinsman."
He Is your worst enemy-a treach.
erous friend Why should he so urge
your coming? Is the thick Of battle a
safe place for your
Il command. Clinton. That should
put double courage into the men,"
Into loyal men. Your camp is full
OF men who are not loyal"
II will not believe that"
You must believe 1t. Daria. Would
that our safety allowed me to fling n
challenge to the count TO prove his
honesty. cannot; the treachery Is
too widespread, and. with insidious
words. he has lulled your suspicious
even as he has those OF some of your
most loyal knights. That messenger
who came to you came with n lie upon
his lips. Sir Walen almost quarreled
with me when | accused the count.
and you. my dear one. doubt me-"
NO. Clinton. do not say that; bur.
surely you may misjudge the count.
since you are here the reason for this
expedition is gone but your presence
Is reason enough why cannot re-
turn. There is no happiness behind
US Only by conquest can | hope TO
MAKE The Drussenlanders respect you.
Courage my Knight, The blood leaps