The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1913-02-25
OF THE
S i A r
BY Percy
lDrel5m@U

LII COhCluSlOh ShC
"You shall regret the friendship, Sir
Verran. You may escape the swords
of your enemies, but I will so con-
trive that, you shall not escape my
vengeance. It is a dangerous thing to
play with such a woman as 1 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. I do not envy you
so false a friend
We were leaving the hall when Jasar
met us. Two of the princess guards
were with him.
tfHer highness commands your pres
ence, Sir VerraI1,'' he said.
'fHer highness thinks I need pro-
lection" said to my comrades. cit
will save you the trouble of seeing me
to my quarters. We are of one mind.
Is it not so? Each one of us holds his
life as naught beside the safety of the
princess"
I 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 I entered.
The princess was alone and rose to
meet me. I would have kne1t to kiss
her hand, but she would not let me.
raised her hand to my lips as stood
instead
cit was bravely done, but, why put
of your going fer three daysT' she
asked
care you so anxious for me to be
gone?'
NAY, but three days is a long time.
Much may happen in it,
bod oil r.I-
might happen" I answered softly.
She looked at me, and then her eyes
fell. I have ever understood that it is
a good sign with women.
you led me to hope so when we
parted last Eight" said. at made
confession which shall never make
to any other woman. I grant it might
have angered you, yet it seemed not to
do so.''
Indeed, was not angry"
"And nowY'
"Now I think only of your safety,
though I 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
for you to go, and 1 trust his wit.
Jasar, send one of the guards to at
tend the knight. Return quickly, Sir
VerralI, for midnight will not be long
in coming"
was not long in returning to her
dressed in my PEASANTS garb, but I
retained my sword. Jasar did not
come back to the princess with me.
The priest had quick understanding,
for which I was duly thankful.
"Sit by me- she said 'I 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
secret one"
'But if 1 find the key?"
eff it is the only way open, r.
"Yes?"
"You may ask me again if I will
come
"Be sure I shall not return to that
other world aIone.''
She let her hand rest lightly ,on my
arm, but I fancied there was a soft
| caress in it.
+And be sure shall think well be-
fore answer. All, no, do not speak;
words will not convince me. have
had leisure to note how much value
there is in Words
you are thinking of the Lady AL
drdaT'
She smiled.
perhaps. Is it strange, since you
loved her frst?''
tI never loved her. 1t was your
| treatment of me that made me seem
to. Your cold reception stung me, al
! though I had no right to expect any
| other, and when a man loves he grows
| desperate. You cared nothing for me,