The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1913-03-05

Copyright. 1907, by r. F. Fenno & Co.
and dragged her from her horse. See
ing that all was lost, the priest might
have considered that his life was still
valuable to his mistress, that he might
help her in her captivity. But the
hands were laid roughly upon her, and
that hurt him. His sword came down
upon the nearest OF her enemies, and
for minute he was dealing out death
around him They would not have
killed a priest, possibly, but Jasar,
save in raiment, was priest no long
er. AS warrior there was no quarter
for him, and 1 saw him fall dead at
the feet of the woman he had loved
and served so well.
It was the last thing I saw-the last
episode of that day-for a blaekness
came between my eyes and the blue
sky, and for me the day ended.
When recovered consciousness we
were within sight of Yadasara. was
lying upon. rough litter. which four
men carried carefully, and the swing
ing motion was not unpleasant. My
arms were no longer bound, and the
wound in my shoulder, which throbbed
considerably, had been carefully band
aged up.
I raised my head to look about me.
you're better, then?' said a man,
coming to the side of the litter.
Eyes. It's hot, and I'm thirsty May
a prisoner drink?"
sWhy, yes. We've been doing our
best to keep you alive since yester-
day"
"since yesterday. A day and a night
passed?'
He nodded.
'sYou know meT'
ssYou were in my company when you
were in the kings guard
ST remember. 1t is almost like being
! among friends
you'll hardly find it SO yonder,' and
he waved his hand toward the city
the princess?"
''In 'front.'
''well-safe?'
-.Shes is well cared for; have no fear
of that You are both too precious to
die for the want Of little attention. !"
"Could L speak to her?"
"'No," he answered sharply.
'Not for the sake of old comrade-
shipT"
mo; I cannot do it. I have no Ill
| will toward you. I admire a worthy
| foeman, and If can do anything for
| you yourself I will, but 1 cannot do
what you ask with regard to the prin-
cess
.sAnd Count vasca?'' I asked after a
pause.
much as you are. getting better"
s'That is bad. news. 1 had hoped that
the debt was paid"
| 'You did your best he returned.
Though we be jailer and prisoner,
we have something in common, at any
rate;;'' I laughed.
what is that?''
1--WE both regret that did not sue
ceed.,'
We crossed the river by the bridge
of boats, and it was evident that many
of the citizens had come out to meet
us, for there was much shouting.
Ny former comrade came to my side
again.
"a conqueror could not command
more interest than you,'' he said.
'Erhat is poor consolation"
''I think would be a great traitor
rather than nothing he answered.
st am not even a great traitor
said.
s'I would not say so If were you I
| Is easier to confess and have done will
it. Better to die quickly than sloWl.
in the fortress yonder. If dared d.
it I would plunge my dagger into yo'
now. and should be doing you kind
ness"
"You think so, friend, but hat
rather live. I have been in wors
straits than this. I may live to be II
worse again.
"You will, and then you may f1n'
death too long in coming
death and seem to be old friends
we have walked so long together
answered.
<'You are brave man, but a fool.
he said.
With help I walked across the pal
ace yard between ranks of warrior
and then was face to face with tn
king.
$50 you come again to Yadasara,'' h
said, smile upon his lips.
did not answer. My eyes were fixe
on Daria, who stood q few yards fror
me, guarded by soldiers.
'And you bring welcome compar
ion this time. We thank you. Yo
made many enemies by your escape
but it has served us better than If 20
had failed. There's little strength i
you now. We must see that that !