The Leavenworth echo. [volume] (Leavenworth, Wash.) 1904-current, 1911-10-27

day | sat in a gloomy twi-
- light. | was well treated. |
E4nR&D was well fed and was allow
ed to walk for a certain time each
day upon the ramparts-well guarded.
of course.
l had hoped to catch a glimpse Of
Daria during my daily constitutional,
but the hope was not fulfilled l think
it is possible that Costa might have so
arranged matters as to grant me this
request had asked him, but I dared
not do so. Her beauty might save her.
My love might condemn her. So led
Costa to believe that she was no more
to me than any other woman.
In my lonely hours l was not idle.
I examined my cell, its floors and its
walls and the locked trap in the cor
ner. The walls and the floor were
hopeless. Such solid masonry would
yield but slowly to company of men
with all appliances at hand. But the
trap attracted me. 1t was way out
| knew, even If 1t were only dead men
who took it. | wonder how often and
how long l have stood gazing at the
trap, fascinated by the thoughts 1t
gave rise to.
| lost count of time. Days and nights
passed. and I knew that had been
prisoner for long while. An imagi-
native man might have hoped that he
had been forgotten. ! knew my enc
mics too well to think so. and Costa
was constantly advising me regarding
the future He seemed to enjoy sitting
in my cell, and If his conversation was
not of the most consoling kind 1t help
ed to pass some weary hours. / have
never been able to make up my mind
what the Spaniard's true feelings to-
ward me were, whether he had some
sort of respect for me or whether 1t
delighted him to speak of the grew
some tortures which were in store for
me.
He came one evening late-later
than was his wont-and with him
came Organ. My quondam friend
had evidently recovered, for he walked
vigorously, and his arm looked capable
of welding a good sword again.
1
the torch in the ring in the wall.
What is tomorrow
Your trial We are just in iada-
sara. We give man II trial-general-
ly. 1t seems to me useless waste
of time. 1t comes to the same thing in
the end
thought this quite probable.
"Shall be allowed to speakT'
asked.
"Oh, yes, but it would be well to
have care what you say, eh. cap
tain?''
Thus directly appealed to, Organ,
who had stood silently with folded
arms, burst out laughing.
81 might say too much to please
that rascally companion of yours, is
that it?' | asked Costa. nodding con-
temptuously toward Organ.
"Rascalw exclaimed the Irishman ex-
citedly.
STEADY" Costa interposed. You
will doubtless have the pleasure of
witnessing your enemy's discontinue.
but it is not for you to administer the
punishment"
The city turned out to see me on
the morrow when | was taken from
.as surrounded by MS court anu was
talking and laughing with those about
him. A callous assembly it was to
try a man for his life! At a little
distance from me stood Daria, very
pale and very beautiful. Had my
courage faltered for moment the
sight of her. firm, resolute and fear
less, would have filed me with new
strength. To her bowed; to the king
l made no obeisance. Near the king
sat Count Vasca and next to the count
Lady Aldrida. The count was pale
perhaps by reason of his recent
wounds. Lady Aldrida looked as IL the
proceedings thoroughly amused her.
How difficult some Christian laws are
to obeyl How could l help hating
this woman and this man?
Then the smiles went from the kings
face, and those around him were 81
lent.
Madame" he said, turning to Daria,
''there is little need for us to tell you
of what you are accused. In Drussen-
land there cannot be two rulers. 1t
has pleased you to set yourself up
against your rightful king and with
the help of traitors TO their king and
their country to defy us for this long
season, bringing war where peace
should be. At your door lie in heaps
the men who have fallen in defense of
their country, and their blood cries to
us to be avenged. Are there any words
that can say aught in your defense?
If so. speak them. This court shall
Judge you, not we, and truly your fair
face should find many a one TO deal
out lenient judgment"
CONTINUED next week.