The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-03-06
OF THE
S i A r
BY Percy
Dre[bmenr
inferred Yadasara the ffrst dme.-

entered Yadasara the first time
Pardon. your highness. It was
Captain Organ who gave certain ac-
counts OF me, which satisfied you. In
truth, my coming to the city was in
the nature Of a flight from my enc
miles,
was not disposed to spare Organ.
Why should I be?
ga valiant knight does not fee from
his enemies,'' said the king
''I fed from a would be assassin
Count vasca."
TRULY count, you have grievous
charges laid against you.''
ssWho would believe the word of &
spy p said the count savage1y.
sThat is well spoken, Sir Knight
A spy! What say you to that?''
Given what your majesty said. just
now. 1t is wise to handle similar
weapons to those used by an enemy
In the princess camp there was not
one spy, but a hundred. Ever since I
came to Drussen1and Count Vasca and
his friends have been working to be-
tray the princess. She had not been
here now to hear your Judgment had
not that scoundrel turned against her
In the day Of battle, sealing long
season OF treachery by a crime that
any man must revolt at, that your
majesty must hate"
You are here to defend yourself,
Sir Knight, not to accuse our friends
'T have no defense I answered.
81 have fought for the princess I
serve. I have done what a man can
do, and my conscience acQuits me.
But have word for your majesty,
If you win give me leave"
GATsca
your majesty's attention. said vasca.
when this man came to Drussenland
he made great promises He spoke
boastfuIly that he would place the
princess ON the throne In Yadasara,
that he would fnd the treasure which,
it is said, Is hidden In this land. This
man has accused me OF treachery, but
my deepest sin has been in throwing
In my lot with wiser men rather than
be carried away by the boastfu1 prom
ises OF deceiver.''
'sThat is not all your sin, Count Vas
CA I said. your majesty has ac-
cepted the friendship of a man who,
while he fawns upon you, is plotting
your ruin
The count laughed contemptuously.
'AThe proof" said the king, rising
from his chair.
Captain Organ can give it YOU
''The count spoke wisely when he
said that your words were not worth
cur attention. We have heArd that
story from Captain Organs lips. The
captain has confessed that he was in
error. His zeal for our safety and
some personal dislike to the connt, fos-
tered by yourself, Sir Knight, made
him ,hasty in his judgment. Their
hands have met in confession and for
giveness Is this all you have to say 7''
Zone mans word against anothers
is poor security for TRUTH answered.
81 would that I could prove the truth
of my words at the swords point with
the count, with Organ or any other
man who doubts me-"
Enough, enoughr' cried the king.
''Take him back to the fortress At
our pleasure he shall take back his Hes
and perchance tell some secret of this
treasure. There are hard questioners
in the fortress, as you will find
+'They must be hard indeed to wiring
from me one good word for the villain
beside your majesty
'@They have drawn out a confession
OF love for a mans worst enemy be-
fore now,'' said the king.
death puts an end to all questions
d1A6 w SES0- Ii LILY COuALEy m0u lear
not death If met in an honest cause.
claim no pity, I cry for no, mercy.
yet would ask one favor Of your
majesty"
what favor2''
Let me pay the penalty for myself
and for this LADY, ~
Daria made one step toward the
king.
81 pray you not to listen to the
knight
''Truly, madame, his own sins are
heavy enough to answer for. It seems,
count. that your rival as well as your
Rccuser stands before u.s.
mot my rival, your majesty and
Vasca laid his hand on A1drida's arm. ?
I'VE have no favors to grant" said
the king. take them to the fortress
We will appoint a day for the question
ing. They shall both die. So valiant q
knight and SO fair lady are too dan
gerous to live in Drussenland."
Darfa made an effort to come to me-
but the soldiers stopped her, and she
was led from the hall heard Lady
A1drida laugh a merry, musical peal
as was taken away. 1 almost wished
that I had killed her that night In the
city.
Go Be Continued1