New Ulm review. (New Ulm, Brown County, Minn.) 1892-1961, 1911-04-19

IL . uO llSuL Saluc uS ~ pay a. IhAc so"A
nament, l warrant. If he can put an
end to your adventure, my boy, he
will. Have you ever used lancer"
II have learned how to handle one
since I came here"
"But have you ever charged at any
thing with it?'
mo"
"Then You don't know what devils
toy it is to play with. There's only
one thing to be done-we must get out
of it somehow"
"When is this tournament to be-"
"At once, tomorrow or the next day.
It is only for the princess to decide"
"There is a court tonight"
Organ nodded.
"Come, man, tighten your heart a
little We're not tied to the posts in
the square yet"
"Its question Of time, I'm think
ing. I'd feel deal safer in Yada-
sara"
To say that I had no plan in my
, mind when attended court that night
would be untrue. ~
was late arrival upon a more
than usually brilliant scene. Here in
Drussenland it was much the same as
at home, more color and freedom than
there would be at such function In
the old country, perhaps, but the same
foundation to both-political intrigue
and personal interest. ...... ..
The first man I encountered was
Walen.
II have been waiting for you,' he
said. t'There is mischief brewing. 1t
hangs in the air tonight. Vasca and
some Of his party have been pressing
round the princess ever since she came
in"
"And she is pleased with such at
tention?' asked.
II could read neither pleasure nor
displeasure in her face. Few can read
her, Verrall, If she chooses that they
shall not"
"That is true. Even princess can
not help being woman"
"vasca has persuasive tongue, and
he is her kinsman. That counts for
something"
"For much, my dear Walen. 1t is
difficult to refuse kinsman, and kins-
men, knowing this, take advantage
and ask hard things. l will learn
more Of this intrigue"
"And speak carefully" he cautioned.
''Much depends upon your caution"
Who could know that better than I
did? Were confirmation needed It
came in the many glances directed to-
ward me as made my way to the
TOP of the hall where Princess Daria
was.
"Sir Verrall!"
It was a woman who called me as
was making my way through the
crowd, and l 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 little vixen
rs 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 young jackanapes, a
Drussenland type Of Piccadilly loun-
ger. cannot better describe him.
"'And deeds, too, Sir Knight, if deeds
are called for" l answered, touching
the hilt of my sword
"YOu are quick to take offens"
where none was intended"
81 am a soldier first, a courtier after
ward" ! answered. Pardon my
shortcomings"
,'Is it true. then?" said Lady Aldri
da. 81 was afraid we We're to be dis
appointed"
81 should grieve to disappoint you.
Will you tell me what is expected Of
np?"
ut 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 heard nothing Of it, an
swered. But if a word from me can
save you disappointment, Lady AL
drida, be assured it shall be spoken
Il would offer you my scarf as a
token, Sir Verrall, had I not knight
to be jealous"
"Say rather 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
bothw
I made my way as quickly as I could
toward the princess. The priest Jasar
was beside her; SO was Count Vasca.
There was a look Of annoyance in her
face, which was banished by smile as
I approached.
"You come at convenient time, Sir
verrall," she said, giving me her hand
to kiss. "YOur name is on every lip
tonight, it seems"
II rejoice, your highness, If am
fairly spoken Of"