Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1911-05-18

NIS
TT SHALL CoNR.r
have the effect of frustrating them |
doubted. he would not have yentured
upon such treachery had he not every
prospect of success. and my hopes
grew weaker as the main body and
the right wing moved forward. IL they
were all traitors what hope was there?
Sir Walen thoroughly trusted the left
wing. and | was more inclined to think
that he did 30 justly when | saw the
pleasure Of the men at the fact that
the princess was to ride among them.
They welcomed me too.
1t was q difficult night march. On
der ordinary circumstances 1t would
have been q foolish one. The woods
were thick and the paths through
them narrow. The men were forced
In places to straggle and push forward
IN twos and threes. We instructed the
men that In case Of attack they were
to fall back and surround the princess.
Her protection was to be their especial
care. This arranged. Sir Walen took
command. keeping AZ close to the main
body - possible. while Jasar aad
rode on either side Of D princess.
Jasar was mounted on a strong ami
NAL. and | saw . sword Lilt peep from
under his cloak.
The stumbling Of .Jasar's horse star
tied me-.
Heard you anything besides the
tramping of u men Sir verrally' he
asked.
mo. Wherey"
ITO our right. Listen!"
l pulled up my horse. So did Daria
hers.
l could hear the steady tramp OF
our own men around us. but there was
another sound away to our right. a
faint echofng tramp.
IAN echo. | think"
And then. as If in contradiction. there
came a clear sound. the jingle OF har-
ness, faint, but clear. as when in a
company Of horsemen several OF the
animals throw their heads up at the
same time and shake their brides.
"That cannot be an echo"
We rode on again and. overtaking .
knight. | told him to hurry forward
and tell Sir Walen that | believed the
enemy were marching with US through
the woods. Presently the knight
had sent forward returned. Sir Wa
len had instructed the men to go SLOW
" and to keep well together. and he
wanted me to make sure that | 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 l spoke gayly to the
men. and was convinced now that
they were to be trusted. Then re-
Joined Daria and Jasar.
"It would be well to send orwar to
the count and call a halt" | said. I'VE
are approaching open country. n we
cannot tell what awaits us there"
"Act as you think best" Daria an
swered.
l sent forward to vasca. The troops
halted Immediately, and q few min
utes afterward vasca himself Joined
us.
"A perilous journey. your highness.
but well accomplished" he said. Aft
er a short halt shall we move for
ward and camp In the open? Our van
guard is now at the edge OF the
woods"
1.-THE open country may bring US In
sight of the enemy. Sir Vasca," she
said.
.Your highness will remember that
It was not my wish to advance to-
night. l, too. think it probable that
the enemy are before u.s."
.They have been marching with US
all night. count" l said. Their move
ments were so well timed with ours
that they must have been watching
the camp
THAT II unlikely. Still. II 1t is SO.
we are prepared to meet them.
trust"
"Ouite prepared" I answered. True
men have no fear eve II numbers are
against Them"
left him with Daria. Jasar keeping
watch o him. and Joined Walen.
.Is the trap set for us. think your
l asked
81 do not know. We may nave gos
out Of II In time"
continued next week.