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HI THE BURLINGTON FREE PRESS: THURSDAY MAY 18, Under By FREDERIC S. ISHAM, Author of "The Strollers" Copyright, IMS. by the BOWEN-MEflRlLL COMPANY CHAPTER XXIV. OMB part of the interview with tho commandant which bad reunited in their release the jester told Ills companion as they aped down the sloping pluln in the early silvery light which transformed the dewdrop and grassy moisture into rella of mlat. Behind them the chatenu was slowly fading from view; the town bad already disappeared. "Upon the strength of the letter from the emperor tho vicomte took the re aponalbillty of allowing us to depart," explained the fool, "in It Ills majesty referred to liU message to the Icing, to the part played by him who took tho place of the duke, and what he was pleased to term my services to Francis and himself." So much the plalsant related, but he did not add that the commandant, with Triboulet's words In mind, had at first demurred about permitting thn Jcstress to go. "Vrnl Dieu!" that person had exclaimed. "If what the dwarf said be true? To cross the king! And yet," he had added cynically, "it sounds most unlike. Did Aladdin flee from the genii of the lamp? Such a magician Is Fran cis. Chateau, gardens 'tia clearly an Invention of Triboulet's!" And the fal lacy of this conclusion the dukn's plnl ant had not sought to demonstrate. Without question the young girl lis tened, but when he had finished her feature hardened. Intuitively she di vined n gap in the narrative herself! IFrom the dwarf's slur to Cnlllette's gentle look of surprise constituted a 'natural span for reflection. And the iduke's fool, seeing her face turn cold, attributed it perhaps to another ren on. Her story recurred to him; she was no longer a nameless jcstress; nn .Immeasurable distance separated a mere plalsant from the survivor of one 'of the noblest, If most unfortunate, .'families of France. She linn not an swered the night before when he had addressed bar as the daughter of the constable; motionless as a statue bad Jshe gated after biro, and, remember ing ine manner or meir parting, ue now looked at her curiously. I "All's well that ends well," he said, I "but I must crave indulgence, Lady I Jacqueline, for having brought you ln 'to such peril." She flushed. "Do you persist In that 'foolishness?" she returned quickly. "Do you deny the right to be ro called?" "Did I not tell you the constable's daughter la dead?" "To the world! But to the fool may lie not serve her?" "Poor service!" she retorted. "A dis credited mistress!" "One I am minded for," he replied, ft sudden flash in bis eyes. She looked away. Her lips curved. "For how long?" she said, half mock ingly, and touched her horse before he could reply. What words had her action checked en his Hps? To serve her seemed a happiness that drowned all other ills; n selfish bond of subordination. Her misfortunes dignified her. Her worn gown was dearer in his eyes than courtly splen dor, the disorder of her hair more be coming than nets of gold and coifs of Jewels. He forgot their danger. The brosd plain lay like a pleasure garden before them. At thi- fight of a bush, white with flowers, she uttered an exclamation of pleasure snd broke off a branch cov ered with fragrant blossoms as they rode by. Out of the depths of this storehouse of sweets a plundering humming bird flashed and vanished, a jewel from nature's crown! She held the branch to her face, and he glanced ot her covertly. She was all jestress again, The csdeuce of that measured motion shaped itself to an ancient lyric in keeping with the song of birds, the blue sky and the wild roses. "H:k, hark! Pretty lark' Little headest tliou my pain." He bent his head, listening. He could scarcely hear the words. Was It a sense of new security that moved her, the reaction of their narrow es rape, the knowledge they were leaving the cbateuu and all danger behind them? "Hark, hark! Pretty lark!" Boom! Far In the distauce sounded the discharge of a cannon, its Iron voice the antithesis to the poet's dainty pastoral. As the report reverberated over the valley, from the grass in numerable Insects arose; the din died away, the disturbed oarth dwellers Bank back to earth again. The song sensed from the young girl's lips, and, Caving quickly back, she could just dis tinguish above one of the parapets of the chateau a wreath, already nearly dissolved In the blue of the sky. The Jester, who had also turned in his sad dle, met her look of inquiry. "!t sounds like a signal of some kind, salute, perhaps," he said. "Or a call to arms?" she suggested. (And bo made no answer. "It means pursuit!" Silent they rodo on, but more rapid ly. With pale face and composed rolcu she kept hy his aide; her resolute ex pression reassured him, while her glance said, "Do not fear for me." Gradually had they been descending from the higher slopes of the country of whieh the chateau mount was the loftiest point and now were passing through the lower stretches of land. Here the highway ran above fields laindstei .by receat rains and marshes converted into aulning lakes. Out of the water uprose a grove of trees, spectral-like; screaming wild (owl skimmed the surface or circled above. The pastoral peace of the meadows, garden of the wild flower and homo of the sosg bird, was replac ed by a waste of desolation and wilder )uws. Jt they tasked. on through the Rose the loneliness of that land a depress ing flight, nut more depressing than the abandoned and forlorn aspect of the scene was the consciousness that their steeds hnd become road worn and were unable to respond. Long, long, they continued this pace, u strnlned period of suspense, and then the fool drew rein. "Look, Jncqncllne," ho said. "The river!" Before them, fed by the rivulets from the distant hills, the foaming current threatened to overflow its banks. Al ready the rising waters touched the flimsy wooden structure that spanned the torrent. Contemplatively he re garded it and then, placing his hand for a moment on hers, said encourag ingly: "Perhaps, after nil, we are borrowing trouble?" i She shook her head. "If I rould but think it," she answered. Something seemed to rise In her throat. "A mo ment I forgot and was not unhappy! Rut now I feel ns though the end was closing about us." He tightened his grasp. "You are worn with fatigue fanciful," he re plied. "The end!" she repeated passionate ly. "Yes, the end!" and threw off his hand. "Look!" He followed her eyes. "Waving plumes!" lie cried. "And drawing nearer! Come, Jacqueline, lot us ride on!" "How?" she answered In n lifeless tone. "The bridge will not hold." For answer he turned bis horse to it; proceeded slowly across. It wavered and bent. Uer wide opened eyes fol lowed him. Once she lifted her hand to her breast and then became con scious he stood on the opposite bank, calling her to follow. She started. A strange smile was on her Hps. and, touching her horse sharply, she obeyed. "Is it to death he has called me?" sli asked herself. In her ears sounded the swash and eddying of the current. She closed her eyes to keep from falling, when she felt n hand on the bridle, and in n mo ment had reached the opposite shore. The jester made no motion to remount, but remained at her horse's bead, close ly surveying the road they had travel ed. "Must we go on?" she said mechan ically. "Only one of them can cross nt a time," he answered, without stirring. "It is better to meet them here." "Oh," she spoke up, "if the waters would only rise a little more and carry away the bridge!" He glanced quickly around him, weighing the slender chance for suc cess if he made that last desperate Stand, and then, grasping a loose plank, begau using It as a lever against one of the weakened supports of the bridge. Soon the beam gave way and the structure, now held but at the mid dle nnd one Me, had already begun to sag when from around the curve of the highway appeared Louis of Iloch fels and a dozen of his followers. The free baron rode to the brim of the torrent, regarded the flood nnd the bridge nnd stopped.' He was mounted on a black Spanish barb whose glistening sides were flecked with foam. A cloak of cloth of gold fell from bis brawny shoulders; his heavy, red face looked out from be neath a sombrero fringed with the same metal. A gleam of grim recollec tion shone from his bloodshot eyes as they rested on the fool. "Oh, there you arc!" he shouted, with savage satls'nctlon. "Out of the fry ing pan Into tfie fire, or, rather for you escaped the fagots nt Notre Dame out of the Are Into the frying pan!" Above the tumult of the torrent his stentorian tones were plainly heard. Without response the jester Inserted the plank between the structure and the middle support. The other, per ceiving his purpose, uttered an execra tion that was drowned by tho current nnd Irresolutely regarded the means of communication between the two shores, obviously undetermined about trusting his great bulk to that fragile Intermedium. Here was a temporary check on which he had not calculated. Hut if he demurred about crossing himself the free baron did not lonj: display the same infirmity of purpose regarding ills followers. "Over with you!" he cried nngrlly to them. "The lightest first! Fifty pis toles to tho first across!" And then calling out to tho fool: "In half nn hour you, my fine wit cracker, shall lie hanging from a branch. As for tin maid she Is a witch, I am told we will test her with drowning." Tempted by their lender's offer, on of the troopers, n lank, muscular look lng fellow, nt oace drove the spurs Into his horse. Back and forth moved the lever In the hands of the jester. Tin soldier wus midway on the bridge when it sank suddenly to one side. A moment it acted us a dam; then bridge horse and rider were swept nwny wltl a crash and carried downward wltl tho driving flood. Vainly the troopei sought to turn his steed toward tin shore; the debris from the structure soon swept him from his saddle. Htrlk lng out strongly, he succeeded In catch lng n trailing brunch from n tree on the bank, but tho torrent gripped his body fiercely nnd, after a desperate struggle, torn hira away. As his helpfess follower disappeared the free baron gave n brief command and be and his troops posted rapidly down the bank. The young girl breath ed a sigh of relief, Her eyes were yet full of awe from the death struggh she had witnessed. Fascinated, hoi gaze bad rested on the drownlnf wretch the pale face, the look of ter ror but now she was called to a reali sation of their own situation by the abrupt departure of the squad on the opposito shore. "They have gone!" she cried In sur prise aa the party vanished among tho trees. "But not far." The Jst6r's glance was bent down the stream. "See whore tho torrent broadens. They ex pect to find n fording plnce." Once more they set forth; he know ing full well that the free baron and bin men, nccustomed to tho mountain torrent, unbridled by the melting nows, would In all likelihood soon And a way to cross the freshet. His mind misgave him that he had loosened the bridge nt all. Would It not have been better to force the conflict there, when lie had the advantage of position? Hut, right or wrong, he had made his choice and must abide by It. To add to his discomfiture, his horse, which nt first had lagged, now began to limp, and ns they proceeded this lameness became more apparent. With n twinge of heart he plied the spin more strongly, nnd tho willing but broken creature responded ns best It could. Again It hnstened Its pace, seeming In n measure to recovet strength and endurance, then, without warning, lurched, fell to its knees nnd quickly rolled over on Its side. Jac queline gtnnced bnck; the nnlmnl lay motionless; the rider was vainly en deavoring to rise. Pale with appre hension, she returned nnd, dismount- Bridge, horse nnd rider were $wej)t away. Ing, stood nt the bend of the prostrate animal. Determinedly the Jester strug gled, the perspiration standing on his brow in beads. At length, breathing hard, he rested his head on his elbow. "Here nin I caught to stay, Jacque line," lie said. "The horse Is dend. Bui you you must still go on." With clasped hands she stood looking down nt lilm. She scarcely knew what he was saying; her mind seemed In n stupor; with apathetic eyes she gazed down the road. But the accident had happened in n little hollow, so that the outlook in either direction along the highway was restricted. "My emperor is both chivalrous and noble." continued the plalsant quickly. "Go to him. You must not wait here longer. I did not tell you, but I think the free baron will have no difficulty in crossing. You have no time to lose. Go, nnd goodby!" "But he had a long way to ride even if he could cross," she said, and she dropped on her knees and took his bead In her arms. The sound of horses' hoofs beat up on the air. ".Incquellno, go! There Is yet time!" Abruptly she arose. He held out his hand for n hist quick pressure, a god speed to this stanch maid comrade of the motley. "God keep you, mistress!" Standing in the rond gazing up the hollow, she neither saw his band nor caught his words of farewell. An ex pression of bewilderment had over spread her features. Quickly she glanc ed in the opposite direction. "See, see!" she exclaimed excitedly. But he was past response. Over come by pain In a last desperate at tempt to regain his feet, he had lost consciousness. As he fell bnck, above the hill In the direction she was look ing appeared the black plumes of a band of horsemen. "No; they nre not" Her glauce rested on the Jester ly ing there motionless, and, hastening to his side, she lifted his head and placed It in her lap. So the troopers of the Emperor Charles a smnll squad of outriders found her sitting in the rond, her hair disordered about her, her face the whiter against that black Shroud. CHAPTER XXV. N an eminence commanding the surrounding country nn un wonted spectacle that same day hsd presented itself to the astonished gaze of the workers in n neighboring vlneynrd. Gleaming with crimson nnd gold, a number of tents had appeared as by innglc on the mount, the temporary encampment of n rich and numerous cnvalcado. But it was not tho splendent aspect of this unexpected bivouac itself so much as the colors and designs of the flags and banners floating above which aroused the wonderment of the tillers of tbo soil. Here gleamed no salamander with its legend, "In fire am I nourish ed; In Ore I die," but the less magnilo quent and more dreaded coat of arms of the emperor, the royal rival and one time Jailer of the proud French monaroh. Above, on tbo mount, as the sun climbed toward the meridian was seat ed in one of the largest of tbo tents a man of resoluto and stern mien, who gased reflectively toward the fertile plain outstretching In the distance. His grizzled hnlr told of the after prime of life. Ho was simply, even plainly, dressed, although bis garments were of fine material, and from bis neck hung n heavy chain of gold. His doub let lacked the prolonged and gro tesque peak and was less put ed, slash ed and banded than the coat worn by those gallants of the day who looked to Italy for the latest extravagances of fashion. His bat, lying carelessly on the table at bla elbow, was devoid of algret, Jewels or plum, a bead cov ering for the campaign rather than the court. Within reach of bla band stood a heavy golden goblet of massive Oar man workmanship, tbe solid character of which contrasted with tbo drlaklag vessels after Cellini's pattera'MrTeeted by Francis. This he raised to h"hVUps. drank deeply, reflated the goblet Hj the table and said as much to himself aa to those around him: "A fair Innd, this of our brothcrl Bmnll wonder he likes to play tho host, even to his enemies. We may conquer him on the ensanguined field, but he conquers us, or Henry of England, on a field of cloth of goWl" "But for your majesty to put your aelf In the king's power?" ventured a courtier who wore a begemmed tor sade nnd a cloak of Genoa velvet. The monarch leaned back in bla great chnlr, and his face grew hnrsh. Aa he sat there musing his virility nnd Iron figure gave him rather the appear ance of the soldier thnn the emperor. This Impression his surroundings fur ther emphasized, for tho walls of tho tent wore covered, not with tho gor geous colored gobelins of tho pleasure loving French, but with severe and stately tapestries from his native Flan ders, depleting In somber shades vari ous scenes of martini triumph. When ha raised his head be cast a look of om inous displeasure upon the last speaker. "Hnd he not once tho English king beneath bis roof J" answered the mon arch. "At Ambblse, where we visited Frnncis some years ago, was there any restraint put upon us?" A grim smile crossed his features nt the recollection of tbe gorgeous fetes in his honor on tlint other occasion. Perhaps, too, ho thought of tho excite ments held out by those servitors of the king, tbe frail and fair ladles of tho court, for he added; "Saints et salntes! 'Twos n palace of pleasure, not a dungeon, ho prepared for us. But enough of this! It Is time we rode on. Let tho cavalcade, with the tents, follow behind." "Think you, your majesty, If the princess be not yet married to the pre tender, she Is liko to espouse the truo duke?" nsked the courtier as a sol dier left the tent to carry out the or ders of the emperor. Chnrles arose abruptly. "Of a surety! He must have loved her greatly, else" The clattering of hoofs drawing near er Interrupted the emperor's rumina tions, and, wheeling sharply, he gazed without. A band of horsemen appear ed on the mount. "The outriders!" he said In surprise. "Why hnve they returned?" "They are bearing some one on n lit ter," answered the attendant noble, "and cap do Dieu there is a woman with them!" As the troops approached, the em peror strode forward. Out in the sun light bis face appeared older, mora careworn; but, nlthough It cost him an effort to walk, his step was unfaltering. A moment be surveyed the men with peremptory glance nnd then, casting one look at their burden, uttered an ex clamation. His surprise, however, was of short duration. At once his fen tures resumed their customary rigor. "What does this mean?" lie asked shortly, nddrosslng the leader of the soldiers. "Is he badly hurt?" "That I cannot say. your majesty,' replied the man. "A horse fell upon his leg, which is badly bruised, and there may be other injuries." "Where did you find hlra?" continued the emperor, still regarding the pale face of the plalsant. "Not far from here, your majesty. The woman was sitting in the road, holding his head." Charles' glance swiftly sought the Jestress and then returned. "Thoy were being pursued, for short ly after we came a squad of men ap peared from the opposite direction. When they saw us they fled. The wo man Insisted upon being brought here when she learned of your majesty's presence." "Take the injured man Into the next tent and see lie has every care. As for the woman, 1 will speak with her alone." "Your majesty's orders to break camp" begnn the courtier. "We have changed our mind nnd will remain here for the present." And the emperor without further words turned and re-entered his pavilion. A shndow fell across the tapestry, and he saw before him, kneeling on the rug, the figure of a woman. For her it was nn Inauspicious Interruption. With almost a frown Charles surveyed the young girl. The reflection of dark col ors from tbe hangings nnd tapestries softened tbe pallor of her face. Het balr hung about her In disorder. Hei figure, though meanly garbed, was re plete with youth and grace. Silent she continued in tbe posture of a suppliant. "Well?" said the monarch finally in a harsh voice. Slowly she lifted her head. Her dark eyes rested on tho ruler steadfastly, fearlessly. "Your majesty commanded my presence," she nuswered. "Who are you?" ho asked coldly. "I am called Jacqueline. My father was the constablo of Dubrols." Incredulity replaced every other cmo tlon on the emperor's features, and, np proacbing her, bo gazed attentively In to the countenance she so frankly up lifted. With calmness she bore that piercing scrutiny. His dark, troubled soul, looking out of his keen gray eyes, met an equally lofty spirit. "Tbe constable of Dubrols! You hla daughter!" ho repeated. "The consta ble was a proud, haughty man; yea, overprotid, lu fact. You know why he fled to me?" "Yes, sire," she answered, flushing resentfully. "To persuade me to espouse bla caus against the king. MBDy times bavi my good brother Francis and myselt gone to war," he added reflectively and not without a certain complacency "but then wero we engaged in troublei In tho east, to keep tbe Mohammedan from overrunning our Christian land How could I oblige tbe constable by fighting the heathen and the belteveri in tbe gospel In one breath? Your fa ther-for I am ready to bellevo hire such by tbe evidence of your face and especially your eyea accused roe of lit tie faith. But I bad either to deserl him or Europe. Hla cause was lost 'Twas the fortune of war. The fate ol great families becomes subservient to that of nations." He spoke as If rather presenting tbt case to himself than to her, as though he sought to analyse his own action through tbe medium of time and tbt trend of larger events, Attentively be watched him with deep, serloui ayes, and, catcbng ber almost accus lng look and knowing bow perhaps hi shuffled with hlstorr. bis brow grew darker. Ho waa visibly annoyed at ner, hla own conscience, be kuew not What "I did not complain, your majesty,' she sold proudly. Her answer surprised him. Again ht observed her attire, the pallor of hoi face, the dark circles beneath her eyes Grimly ho marked these signs of pov erty, those marks of tho weariness a no privations she had undergone. "Was it not your intention to seeli me, to beg nn asylum, perhaps?" he went on, less sternly. "Not to beg, your majesty; to ask, yes. But now not that!" "Vral Dieu!" muttered Charles "There Is the father over ngalnl II is strange this maiden, clothed almost In rags, should claim such lllustrloui parentage," he continued to himself at io walked restlessly to nnd ,fro. "II is more strnngo I nsk no other proofi thsn herself the evidence of my eyes Where did you come from," he added aloud, pausing before ber "tho court of Frnncis?" "Yes, sire." "Why did you leave the king?" "Why because" Her hands clinch ed. The gray eyes continued to proln her. "Because I hate him!" Tho emperor's face relaxed. A gleam of humor shone In his glance. "Hate lilm whom so many of your sex love?' ho replied. Through her tresses he saw her fsct turn red. Passionately she arose "With your majesty's permission 1 will go." "Go!" he said abruptly. "Where car you go? You are somewhat quick ot temper, like Hnve I refused yot, nught? I could not servo your fn ther," ho continued, taking her hnno and not ungently detaining her, "but 1 may welcome his daughter, though ne cessity, the ruler of kings, made m helpless In his behalf." As In a flash her resentment faded. Half paternally, half severely, ho sur veyed her. "Sit down here." he went on, indi cating n low stool. "You nro weary and need refreshment." Sllontly she obeyed, and the emperor, touching a bell, gave n low command to the servitor who nppcared. In a few moments meat, frnlts nnd wine were set before hor, and Charles, with itn pnsslvu face, listened to her story, or ns much "he cared to relste. When she hnd finished, for some time he of fered no comment. "A strange tnle," he said finally. "Bnt what will our nobles do when la dles take mere fools for knight er rant ?" "He is no mere fool," she spoke up Impulsively. The emperor shot a quick look at her from beneath his lowering brows. "I mean he is brave and bas pro tected me many times," she explained In some confusion. "And so you, knowing what you were, remslned with a poor jester, n "He l no mere Jooll" clown, rather than leave him to his fate?" continued Charles Inexorably, recalling the words of tbe outsiders. Her face became paler, but she held her head more proudly. , The spirit of tbe Jestress sprang to ber lips. "It is only kings, sire, who fear to cling to a forlorn cause." "God alone knows the hearts of mon archal" he said aomberly. Moved by his unexpected leniency and the aspect of his cheerlessness, she Immediately repented of ber response. "You need rest," be said, "and shall have a tent to yourself. Now go!" he continued, placing his band for a mo ment, not unkindly, on ber head. "I shall give orders for your entertain ment. It will be rough hospitality, but you are used to that. I am not sorry, child, you hate our brother Francis if It bas driven you to our court." CHAPTER XXVI. LOTICR the daughter of the constable received every at DM tentlon commensurate with BE) the cheer of the camp, the day passed but slowly. With more or less Interest she viewed tbe diversified group of soldiers drawn by Charles from the various countries over which be ruled tbe brawny troops from Flanders, tbe alert looking guards re cruited from tbe mountains of Spain, tho men of Friedwnld, with muscles tough aa the fibers of the fir In their native forests. Even the orient sug gestive of many campaigns bad been drawn upon, and tbe bright garbed olive skinned attendanta, moving among tbe teats of purple or crimson, blended picturesquely with tbe more solid masses ot color. For tbe Flemish soldiery who had brought the fool and herself Into the camp the young girl had a nod and a word, but It waa tbe men of Friedwald wbo especially attracted her attentlou, and unconsciously she found herself picturing tbe land tbat bad fostered tbla stalwart and rough soldiery. A rocky, rugged region sorely, with vast forests, unbroken brush! Yonder ar morer polishing a Joint of steel seemed like a survivor of that primeval epoch when tbe trees were roofs and the ground the universal bed. Once or twice she passed him, curiously not ing blB great beard and giant-like limbs. But be minded ber not, and this, perhaps, gave bar courage to pause. "What sort of country Is Friedwald r abo said abruptly. "Wild," bo answered. "Is the duke liked?" she went oa, "Yes." Via you know bla-Jei -l'r For nil the Information he would vol unteer the ninti might have been Dr. Rnbelnls model for laconlctsm, nnd n moment she stood there with n slight frown. Then she gazed nt him medi tatively. Tnp, tap. went the tiny hnin nier In the mighty hand, nnd, toughing softly, she turned. Theso nun f Friedwnld were not unpleaslng In her eyes. Twice had she nppronched the tent wherein lay tho fool, only to lenm that the emperor was with the duke's plal sant. "A slight rolnpse of fever," hnd Bald the Italian leech ns he blocked tho entrance and stared nt her with wick ed, twinkling eyes. She need be under no apprehension, he hnd added, but to her quick fancy his glance said, "A maid wandering with a fool!" Apprehension? No. It could not be that she felt hut a new sense of loneli ness, of that Isolation which contact with strange faces emphasized. What had come over her? she naked herself, sho who had been so self sufficient, whoso nature now seemed filled with sudden yearning nnd restlessness, Im patience sho know not what. She who thought she hnd pnrtaken so abundant ly of life's cup abruptly discovered re newed sources for disquietude, with welling heart sho watched tbo sun go down, the glory of the widely radiat ing hues give way to the poll of night. Upon her young shoulders the mantlo of darkness seemed to rest so heavily she bowed her bead In her hands. "A maid nnd n fooll Ah, foolish maid!" whispered the wanton breeze. The pale light of the stars played upon her, and the dews fell until, In voluntarily shivering with the cold, sho arose. As she walked by the emperor's quarters she noticed a figure silhouet ted on the canvas walls. To end fro the shadow moved, shapeless, gro tesque, yet eloquent of life's vexation of spirit. Turning into her own tent, the Jcstruss lighted the wick of a silver lamp. A faint aroma of perfume swept through the air. It seemed to soothe her or was it but weariness? and shortly she threw herself on the silken (ouch and sank to dreamless slumber. When she awoko tho bright hued dome of the tent was aglow In t lie morning sun. Tbe reflected radiance bathed her face and form. Her heavi ness of heart had taken wings. The little lamp was Ftlll burning, but the fresh fragrance of dawn had replaced the subtle odor of tbe oriental essence. Upon the rug a single streak of sun shine was creeping toward her. In the brazier which hnd warmed her tent the glowing bnrk and cinnamon had turned to cold, white ash. Through the girl's veins the blood coursed rapidly. A few moments she lay In the rosy effulgence, reatfully conscious thnt danger had fled and that she was bulwarked by tho em peror's favor, when a sudden thought broke upon this half wakeful mood and caused her to spring, all alert, from her couch. To dress with her bad never been a mntter of great duration. The hair of tho Joculatrls naturally rippled into such waves ns were tho envy of tbo court ladles. Her supple fingers adjusted garment after gar ment with swift precision, while her figure needed no device to lend grace to the investment. Soon, therefore, hnd she left ber tent, making her way through tbe awaken ing camp. In the royal kitchen tbo cook was bending over his Arcs, while an assistant mixed a beverage of bar ley wuter, yolks of eggs and senna wine for Charles when be should be como nroused. Those courtiers al ready astir cast many glunces In the girl's direction as she moved toward the tent of the fool. But it these gallants were sedulous she was correspondingly Indifferent. Anxiety or loyalty that stanchness of heart which braved even the Ironical eyes of the black robed master of med icinedrove her again to tbo nillug jester's tout, and, remembering how she had ridden Into camp and Into the august emperor's favor, these fondlings of fortuno looked significantly from one to tho other. "A jot less fever, solicitous maid," said tbo leech in answer to the in quiries of tbe Jestress, and she endur ed the glance for the news, although the former sent her away with her face aflame "An the leech let her In, he'd soon have to let the patient out," spoke up a gallant. "Her eyes are n sovereign remedy, where bolus, pills and all vile potions might fail." "If this be a sample of Francis' dam sels, I caro not how long w are In reaching the Low Countries," answered a second. To this the first replied in kind, but soon hnd these gallants matters of more serious moment to divert them, for It began to be whispered about that Louis of Hochfels had determined to push forward, Tbe unwonted activ ity In the camp ere long gave credence to tbe rumor. Tho troopers commenced looking to their weapons. Squires hur ried here and there, while near the tents stood the horses, saddled and bridled, undergoing the scrutiny of tbo grooms. Some time, however, elapsed lefore tho emperor himself nppenred. Noth ing in the bead roll or devotional offer ing of tho morning had ho overlooked. Tho divers dishes thnt followed bad been scrupulously partaken of, and then only ns a man not to bo hurried from the altar or ths table had ho emerged from hla tent. His glance mechanically swept the camp, noting the bustle and stir, tbo absence of dis order, and finally rested on tbe girl. For a moment from his look it seemed he might have forgotten her, and she, who hnd Involuntarily turned to him so solicitously, on a sudden felt chilled, as confronted by a mnsk. His voice, when nt length be spoke, was hard, dry, mntter of fact, and it was Jacque line whom he addressed. "You slept well?" "Yea, sire," she answered, "And have already beou to the fool's tent, I doubt not." The mask became half quizzical, half friendly, aa ber checks mantled be neath bis regard. Waa it but quiet avengement against a Jestress whoso tongue had been unsparing enough, even to bint, the day before? Certes, here stood now only a rosy maid, rob bed of her spirit, or a folic, struck wit less, and Charles' face softened, but Immediately grew stern aa bla mind abruptly passed from wandering Jes tress and fleeing fool to matters of more moment. Under vow to the Virgin the emperor bad auuounced bo would not draw a word himself thnt day, but seated beneath a canopy of velvet overlooking the va. ley he so far compromised with con science as personally to direct the prep, motions for the conflict. On his sabls throne, surrounded by funereal hang ings, how white nnd furrowed, how harassed with many cares, he nppeared In tho glare of the morn to the young girl! Was this ho who held nearly all Europe In his palm? Who between martial commands talked of holy or ders, the apostolic see and tho seven sacraments to bis priestly confessor? And from nloof sho studied him, witli now doubts and misgivings, her thoughts running fast, nnd anon bent her eyes to tho hill on the other side of Hio valley, in her condition of mind, confused as before a crisis, it was a distinct relief when toward noon word Was brought that tho free bnron waa approaching. Soon, not far distant, tho rortege of Louis of Rochfels wbb seen; nt the front, flashing helmets and breastplates; hehlnd, n cavalcade of la dles on horseback nnd litters, sbova which floated many flags and bnnuers. Would he como on? Would he turn back? Many opinions were rife. "Ob," cried n page with golden hair, "there will be no battle after all." And truly, confronted by the aspect of the emporor's camp, the marauder had at first hesitated. But If the dan gers before hltn were great those be hind were greater. Accordingly, leav ing the cavalcade of tho princess, her maids and attendants, the free bnron of Hochfels, surrounded by hla own trusted, troops, dashed forward arro gantly Into the valley, beat upon sweeping aside even tbe opposition of Charles himself. "Yonder's a daring knnVc, your mnj. est," with some perturbation observed the prelate who stood near the emper or's chnlr, "Certes, bo tilts nt fame or deatb with a bold lance," replied Charles, "Would that ltobert of Friedwald were there to cry him quits." While thus ho spoko, ns calm as though secluded in one of bis monas tery retreats, weighing tho affairs of state, nearer and nearer drew the sol diers of Louis of Pfalz-Urfeld roughly calculating, a force numerically as strong as the emperor's own guard. The young girl, her face now whlU and drawn, watched tho approaching band. Would Charles never give tin signal? Imperturbable sat tbe mount ed troopers of tbe emperor, nwnltlna. tho word of command. At length, when her breath begau to come fast and sharp, Charles raised his arm. In a solid, steady body bis men swept on ward. The girl strove to look nway, but could not. Both bands, gaining in momenturrv mot with a crash. That nice symmetry of form and orderliness of movement were succeeded by a tangle of men and horses, the bristling array of lances had vauished, and swords and weapons for hand to hand warfare threw a play of light amid the Jumble of troops and steeds, flogs aud banuers. With sword red from carnage Louis of Hochfels drew bis men around him, hurling them against the firm front of r'harles' veterans. It was the crucial moment, tbe turning point in a struggle that could not be prolonged, Ant would be rather sharp, short and decislre. If bis men failed nt tbe onset all was lost. If they gained but a little nscond ency now their mastery of tho field became fairly assured. Great would be the reword for success; the fruits of victory the emperor himself. And savagely the freo baron cut down a stalwart trooper. His blade pierced tbe throat of another. "Clear the way to Charles!" he cried exultantly, "He Is our guerdon!" So terrible tbat rush tho guard of Spain on the right and the troops of Flanders on the left began to give way. Only the men of Friedwald stood, but with tho breaklns of the forces on each side it was Inevitable they, too, must soon be overwhelmed. Involuntarily, as the quick eye of the emperor detect ed this sign of Impending disaster, ha half started from his chair. His hand sought his side. In his eyes shone a steely light. The prelate quickly cross ed himself and raised bis head as if in prayer. "The penance, sire," ho murmured hut his voice trembled. Mechanically Charles replaced hla blade. "Yea, better a kingdom lost," he muttered, "than a broken vow." Yet after so many battles won in the, field nnd diet, after titanic contests with kings In Christendom and Soly man in the east, to fall by the mockery of fnto Into tho grasp of a thleviug mountain rifler Ambition, power, we sow but tbe sand!" whispered satiety. ' "Vainglory Is a sleeveless errand," I murmured tho spirit of tho flagellant Yet he gazed half fiercely at hit priestly adviser, when suddenly hla gloomy eye brightened ; tho inutility ol ambition was forgotten; unconsciously ho clasped the arm of the Joculatrtx, who had drawn near. His grip was like a gauntlet. Even lu her tense, strained mood sho winced. "The fight Is not yet lost!" ho ex claimed. As ho spoko the flguro of a knight fully armed, who had made his way through tho avenue of tents, was seen swiftly descending the hill. Upon his strong Arabian steed tbe rider's ap pearance and bearing signaled him ns s soldier apart from the rank and file of the guard. His coat of arms, thnt of the house of Friedwald, was richly emblazoned upon the housings of bit courser. Whence had he come? Ths attendants nnd equerries had not seen him in the camp. Only the taciturn ar morer of Friexiwnld looked complacent ly after hlra, stroking his great beard us ouo well satisfied. As this late com er approached tho scene of strife ths flanks of the guard wero wavering yet moro perilously. "A miracle, sire!" cried tho prelate. "But one thnt partakes more of earth than henvon," retorted Charles, with ready Irony. "Wbo Is he, sire?" breathlessly asked tbe young girl. At her feet whimpered tbe blue eyed page, holding to ber skirt, all bis courago gone. But ere be could answer if be bad seen fit to do so from below, out of tbo vortex, came the clamorous shouts: "The duke! Tbe duke!" Tbe roaster of tbe mountain pasa beard also and felt at that moment a sudden thrill of premonition. Tbe guerdon, tbe quittnnco could It be pos sible after all tbo end waa not fart lie could not believe It, yet a paroxysm