The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-02-14

where the knights were assembled.
They welcomed me with salute OF,
drawn swords, and those who had
been chosen beforehand, all men val
liant in arms, buckled on my harness
until I stood clothed in complete steel.
On my breast was a raised device, q
star in silver, and a like star was upon
my helmet. With shout the knights
accepted me as a comrade in arms.
This ceremony over, we left the hail,
and in the courtyard horses were be
ing led by pages. Organ stood beside
mine, and noticed that he had a serv-
iceable sword at his side.
"An goes well,'' he whispered as
mounted, and a look of relief came into
his face when he saw that knew how
10 manage a horse
| Through the gates we went to the
camp. A large body of soldiers was
drawn up in an open space, evidently
awaiting our coming, and as we APP
preached Princess Daria came toward
us. Being instructed by one OF my
! comrades, I dismounted and went to
meet her, and, drawing my sword, I
gave it to her, holding it by the blade
! and presenting to her the hilt. She
| took it from me and as knelt laid it
| lightly across my left shoulder, saying:
'<Rise, Sir Knight, Knight of the Sill
! yer Star. Thrice welcome are you See
| you be a faithful knight
She returned me the sword, and al
though I had not been told to do so I
kissed it before L sheathed it. She
| smiled, and Count Vasca, who stood
beside her, frowned. What did his
frown signify now2 We were both
! knights!
| It was a day Of rejoicing in the town
| and in the camp. Much feasting was
| there, and in great hall the knights
sat down to revelry. The comrade
who had instructed me in the morning
sat beside me- and soon found that
he hated the counter, as he called
him, Vasca, Knight of the Red Cloud
/ Each knight had some such distinctive
/ title, my comrades being Walen,
| Knight of the Black Stone.
'fVasca rules the FEAST he said. 'He
| would like to rule the land
| sYou do not love him?' I asked.
''I know him for a valiant soldier -
was the careful answer.
"And are there many who love him 90
| 1--WE are equally divided, else Vasca
would not rule the feast as he does
tonight"
The count had risen not too steadily
d
any warning, the doors were thrown
| open, and the princess entered. The
knights stood up In surprise. Never
before, so learned, had she honored
such banquet
She advanced to the head of the
table, and, calling for a cup of wine,
held it at arms length.
f'Your princess gives you a toast:
To the Knight of the Silver STAR
Every cup was drained and the prin-
cess left the hall. The count resumed
his seat, a black scowl upon his face,
and the feast was ended. The two
parties were more distinct than ever,
for, while some of the knights left the
hall with me, others gathered round
Vasca, looking as angry as he did.
'HThe princess has made him your
enemy for all time,'' said Walen.
1.-THE silver star shall shine through
the red cloud 1 said.
"And there are swords in plenty to
help" said one, drawing his weapon a
little and sending it home again with
a clash.
Swords in plenty they said In
chorus
Quarters overlooking the square
were assigned to me and my esquire,
Organ. 1 had sought adventure, and
certainly I had found It.
paid assiduous attention to my
military duties in the camp, looked
sharply after the men who were my
especial charge and in my leisure
hours took lessons from Organ in the
manipulation of sword I knew
something Of the art of fencing, but it
assisted me little in sword exercise as
understood by my worthy esquire.
The days passed into weeks slowly.
! yet not monotonously. I worked hard
in the camp and with Organ perfect
ing myself in the use of the weapons
of the Drussenlanders.
1 returned I'm a council one day
? more anxious than usual On enter
; ing my apartments I found Organ
waiting for me impatientIy.
: 'fYou look depressed. You have
heard the news?''
what news % I asked.
'fThat tournament is to be held III
your honor
'.No. I have heard nothing of it,
= Its bad news, Verrall; the first
= conspiracy against you," said Organ
'"They are going to put you to the test
too soon for my liking"
'tTe1l me all about it, 1 said
'They were ftl1l- Of i in the court