The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1911-04-05
Copyright. 1907. by r. r. Fenno q
Co
Continued from page six

Who could know that better than I
did? Were confirmation needed II
came in the many glances directed to-
ward me as l made my way to the
top Of the hall where Princess Daria
was.
"Sir Verrallr'
It was a woman who called me as 1
was making my way through the
crowd and | could not refuse to an
swer her reckoning finger. She was
standing, one of little group of
danes and cavaliers, tricked out most
tastefully. leaders Of fashion In the
court of Princess Daria. ] knew the
~woman, as meddlesome a little vixen
as existed.
sis what we hear true?' she asked
as, bowling low, Joined the party.
"who would dare to speak anything
but the truth to the Lady Aldrida"
'As ready as ever with words. Sir
Verrall," said a young jackanapes, a
Drussenland type Of Piccadilly loun-
ger. / cannot better describe him.
-'And deeds, too, Sir Knight, If deeds
are called for" / answered. touching
the hilt of my sword.
"You are quick to take onense
where none was intended"
al am a soldier first, courtier after
ward" / answered. Pardon my
shortcomings"
as it true, them said Lady Aldri-
da. 81 was afraid we were. to be dis
appointed"
81 should greve to disappoint you.
Will you tell me what is expected OF
ny?'
Sit is whispered that there is to be
grand tournament and that you are
TO hold the field against all Corners
Since we have never seen your PROV
ess, Is it wonderful that we are ex-
cited?" and she laughed.
81 have beard nothing of It," l an
swered "But if word from me can
save you disappointment, Lady Al
drida, be assured it shall be spoken"
81 would offer you my scarf as a
token, Sir VERBAL, had l not knight
to be Jealous"
"Say rather a hundred, Lady Aldri-
da, or you do yourself grave injus-
tice."
"a sword as keen as your wit should
insure success. Yet how few excel in
Y bothr'
made my way as quickly as could
toward the princess. The priest Jasar
was beside her; so was Count Nasca
There was a look of annoyance in her
face. which was banished by a smile as
l approached.
innf
Verrall," she said, giving me her hand
to kiss. "Your name is on every lip
tonight, it seems"
81 rejoice, your highness, If l am
fairly spoken Of"
81 would call to account any man
who spoke otherwise of the Knight or
the Silver Star" said Vasca.
ST have been suggesting brave dis
play. Sir Verrall." he went on airily,
as though we had been the greatest
of friends, "a display to make young
hearts beat with pleasure and bright
ewes sparkle with excitement The
princess has not yet given her consent.
Will you not add your persuasion to
mine?
"You have worked in secret, Count
Vasca. or my persuasion should have
seconded yours before this. Is it true
that you would have me keep the field
against all coMers! Surely you 10 me
too much honor"
''DO. you desire this mimic combat
Sir Verrall?" asked the princess.
Most heartily, your highness. Yet
NIB oh I no co bnnnrad N destroy
the delight of so many? To hold the
field against so many gallant warriors
were impossible. Let me succeed once
twice-a dozen times. Still l am but
human and my arm can feel fatigue
How say you, Count Vasca? Young
hearts beat highest when young low
ers do bravely. Let lovers break o
lance for those they love. and since
few hearts hold me dear enough tC
beat the faster at my coming you and
will break a lance for honor's sake"
"a challenge! A challenged" said
some about us.
1t may have been fancy, but
thought the princess paled little
at is bravely spoken" said Jasar
and his eyes turned from me to the
princess.
"May l venture to persuade your
highness in this matterY | said. bow
ing low before her.
Rather unwillingly she gave her con
sent. should have been better pleas
ed had she withheld il.
81 accept the challenge No love
creeps into our combat, Sir Verrall
You have SO willed II. Let 1t be fol
honor"
The news that the challenge hao
been given and accepted passed like
magic through the hall. At any rate
''FoR HONOR AND FOR THE APPROVAL oil
MY PRINCESS"
/ had only one man to fight. Thal
was better than having a dozen. on'
after the other. remained beside thu
princess.
A..