The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1911-05-17
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behind her the priests moved away in
procession. their chief looking at me
for a moment almost as If | had
increased his wisdom. but he left
me without speaking. Then several
knights. my friends. gathered round
me. | had their good will, hut | noted
that | had not converted a single one
who was avowedly opposed to me.
They crossed to Count Vasca, and he
smiled SO we stood i'm two parties
upon the platform.
"The rabble is easily moved, Sir Yer
rail-" he said contemptuously.
He passed down the steps and across
the hall, followed by more than half
the knights who had stood round the
princess.
1.-THE people shouted Sir Verrall,' but
not ALL" said knight beside me. I'VE
will go with you to your quarters"
81 thank you. gentlemen. would
willingly keep my life little, since !
have so much to do in it,"
From Il shadow a lady stepped sud-
denly-the Lady Aldrida.
by your leave would speak with
Sir Verrall."
She came close to me, and there was
that in her face that made me look
at her hands. They were empty, hang
ing at her side.
That she was agitated need hardly
be stated. Our conversation was hur-
ried. but every word she uttered show
-, T.It 1,n1 t,1n Cd Inr
wrongfully In conclusion she said:
"You shall regret the friendship. Sir
Verrall. You may escape the swords
of your enemies, but | will so con
trive that you shall not escape my
vengeance 1t is a dangerous thing to
play with such woman as | am"
She moved away from me, and the
knights came To my side again.
She laughed bitterly.
Guard him well. gentlemen. If you
would keep him. do not envy you
so false n friend"
We We're leaving the hall when Jasar
met us. Two of the princess guards
were with him.
"Her hiEhness commands your pres
ence Sir Verrall." he said.
Her highneSs thinks | need pro
lection" said to my comrades. ut
will save you the trouble of seeing me
to my quarters We are of one mind
Is 1t not So? Each one of us holds his
life as naught beside the safety of the
princess"
turned and went with Jasar
through the hall and along the maze
Of corridors which led to the secret
entrance to the princess apartment.
The priest and | entered.
The princess was alone and rose to
meet me. | would have knelt to kiss
her hand. but she would not let me.
| raised her hand to my lips as | stood
instead.
at was bravely done. but why put
Iff your going for three days." she
Isked
"Are you so anxious for me to be
gomez
NAY. but three days is a long time.
Much may happen in it,"
IL had almost hoped that much
might happen" | answered softly.
She looked at me. and then her eyes
fell. | have ever understood that it is
a good sign with women.
You led me to hope so when we
parted last night" | said. IL made a
confession which | shall never make
to any other woman. | grant it might
have angered you, yet it seemed not to
do So"
"lndeed, was not angry"
"And now?'
"Now | think only of your safety,
though | doubt whether you are not
going to greater danger in Yadasara.
But three days give opportunity to
your enemies They could watch for
you. You must not wait. You must
go tonight Within your prison"-and
she pointed to the room where had
been nursed so tenderly-"you will
find a peasants dress. Your man
Organ says that so it will be safest
Tor you TO go, and | trust his wit.
Jasar, send one of the guards to at.
tend the knight. Return quickly, Sir
Verrall, for midnight will not be long
in coming"
l was not long in returning to her
dressed in my PEASANTS garb, but
retained my sword. Jasar did not
come back to the princess with me.
The priest had quick understanding.
for which was duly thankful.
"Sit by me-" she said. II would not
let you go If there were any other
way. But there is none. for the door
which leads to the world beyond is
a secret one"
But II | find the keyT
"If 1t Is the only way open. ~
"Yes"
"You may ask me again If / will
come"
BE sure | shall not return to that
other world alone"
She let her hand rest lightly on my
arm, but l fancied there was a soft
caress In II.