The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-02-20


t&E i hazard of die, and, kneeling,
k6T1SAa awaited the result. There
Ns9s9 was absolute si1ence-it seem
ed to me for long time-and I could
feel that the chamber was charged
with an atmosphere of expectancy. At
such moment one takes in many
things at a glance. Count Vasca was
furious. saw a curious smile wrin-
kle the corners of Jasar's mouth, and,
although did not understand it's
meaning, there was in it something
which encouraged me. I was con-
scious that Lady Aldrida stepped back
from me, a movement that indeed sug-
gested fear at my rashness.
saw the princess start, and then
the color dyed her cheeks deeply, but
there was no encouragement in her
face. For one moment it seemed as
If she remembered the giving of the
handkerchief, but the next she was
stern, resolute, and I might have been
some poor devil craving mercy for my
self. Her eyes flashed dangerously,
her mouth frightened hard and unfOr-
givingly, her bosom. rose and fell in
quick movement, telling of a passion
ate anger which she held in check.
She looked superb, but less woman
than I had ever seen her look. Just
then she would have inspired fear, but
hardly love, I think. Ny sudden ac-
ton seemed to have put the key of the
situation into my hand for the mo-
ment, but her dignity and self posses
sion snatched it from me. Then she
spoke clearly, calmly.
ga token must be given to make it
of any worth. This handkerchief, as
we remember, was merely forgotten
when, as a stranger among us, we
gave you a word of sympathy. Had
we known the use you intended to put
it to we should have sent a servant to
reclaim it. Never has any subject re-
ceived a token Of ours. You forget
yourself, Sir Verran, and in future we
shall know how to treat you. It were
well to absent yourself from our pres
ence until we have forgotten the in
suit
Then, turning to one.of her women,
she commanded her to take the hand
kerchief. Those about me bowed low
as the princess passed from the room
followed by her attendants
Not until the curtains had fallen be-
hind her did rise from my knee. 1t
was not homage which kept me there.
I wanted a moment to think. I be-
Heved myself something of a martyr
for the cause of humanity. I had
done the wretched prisoners no good,
but I had made the attempt, and since
it had failed I should have more enc
mics in Drussenland than I had ever
had before.
Jasar had gone. Vasca was leaving
the apartment hurriedly, and those
standing near me drew back as cross
ed the room.
At the entrance Lady Aldrida stop
ped me.
eve attempted the impossible, Sir
Verrau. I warned you that I was in
no great favor with her highness.''
eve have done what we could,'' I
answered. ''Take heed to. yourself,
Lady Aldrida. 1t is i'll policy to SYM
pathize with fallen and disgraced
man.
'HThat man is N.Y.
"Is fool, my lady," I interrupted.
t'I am in no mood for talking of it
now
She dropped me a low courtesy, and
went quickly through the other
rooms, neither being spoken to nor
speaking to any.
AS was leaving the palace, how
ever. a hand was laid upon my Shout
der, and I turned to face a friend,
knight who had ever taken part with
me against my enemies.
''Sir Verran, let me come with you"
ct warn you am poor company to-
night I answered
1.-TWO swords are better than one
when the night is dark and the attack
sudden and from behind
''Why should you fear attack to-
night?''
"The town is full of drunken sol
diers, and fallen man is food for
any assassin's dagger. The murderer
may be thanked for getting rid of so
turbulent subject-or thinks he may
I laughed at his somber foreboding,
but I was not i'll pleased to have his
company. His presence may have pro-
tected me, do not know, but reach
ed my quarters in safety.
Organ was not there. I guessed
that the attractions of the town had
proved too much for him tonight, and
I was not sorry to be alone. I crossed
the room and looked out upon the mar
ket place. The sounds of merrymak-
ing run to riot rose up to me. The
dawn would bring the chanting priests,
the flashing swords and the stakes with
their CHASTITY burdens. What could
do more to prevent the butchery
Nothing nothing. I had
played my trump card and lost.
Not only had I not helped the pris-
oners, but I had put my own life in
Jeopardy. had no mercy to hope for
from the princess, and could not ex-
pect the priests to raise a finger in
my protection now that had attempt
ed to wreck one of their dearest laws.
Should I go to the priests and, playing
upon their superstition, command them
to save their prisoners? Should /
steal out, mount my horse, ride to
Yadasara and proffer my services to
lead the kings troops to victory against
their enemies? Should I go back to
the palace and attempt to speak again
with the princess? And then, regret
to say, woESered if the lives of these
prisoners were worth the sacrifice I
had made for them, whether I should
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