Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 9, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 May 1911 — Page 2

The Knight of the Silver Star

A R©Ea£U£D© ©lf

By PERCY BREBNER

CHAPTER VIII. FEW moments later I passed I from the camp with my troop. [gES Again I saluted the princess and again received scant recognition, or I thought so. “What new plot was Vasca hatching this morning?” asked O’Ryan when we were alone that night “Becoming my friend,” I answered. “A fiendish plot indeed. I would sooner have him as an enemy ” “We must wait and see, O’Ryan.” “Yes, and ride as far apart from him as possible when we charge the enemy. It is so easy to make a mistake when you ride as a friend beside your bitterest foe,” he went on. “We have changed sham fighting for the real thing, but”— “But still you are not satisfied,” I laughed. “No. We haven’t left any of our dangers behind us. We’ve brought them all with us, excepting one.”

“And that one?’ “The princess.” “How could you expect we were going to leave our dangers behind?” “I didn't expect that you were going to become such an important piece in the game, Verrall," he answered promptly. “A kind of white elephant to you, eh?” “Well, I confess to a partiality for less exalted personages to deal with in games of this kind. The greater you are the more numerous are your enemies.” “And my friends.” “Sometimes, Verrall, only sometimes. The friends who can be truly happy at a companion’s pre-eminence are few, even in the civilized world. In a country like this, devil of a rule is there to go by ” “I do not quite see how the princess Is a danger," I said. It gave me considerable pleasure to bring the conversation back to her. “For the reason that she is a woman,” he answered, “and, if you want an additional reason, because she Is a princess. At present I believe she is your friend, but tomorrow—who knows? Why, even Bridget”— “Bridget! Who is she?” “My wife in Yadasara. I told you about her.” “You never said her name was Bridget” . “Well, it isn’t” O’Ryan answered. “It’s Xenia or some heathen name of that sort, but you couldn’t expect me to go about calling her that, so I christened her Bridget which smacks of the old country.” “And she did not object?” “Object is it! When I left Yadasara there wasn’t a created man Bridget thought so much of as she did of me, but St. Patrick alone knows what she’ll think of me now. Yon can’t rely on women. Faith, it’s possible she won’t believe my story when I get back.” “Even a man might be forgiven for expressing some doubt, O’Ryan.” “Of course, but you can knock the truth into a man, of try to. There’s a prejudice against attempting to knock anything into a woman. It’s a silly prejudice when you come to think of it.”

“Have you noticed any change in the princess’ manner to me?’ I asked. “I have been too busy watching others. One of us has got to do the watching, you know.” “And I don’t, you would say.” “No offense. Yerrall We must stick together, and a man in love Is seldom the man to act most cautiously. I quite sympathize, but for both our sakes I wish you did not think so much of Princess Daria.” It had never occurred to me to doubt Count Yasca’s ability as a leader. I had become used to hearing him spoken highly of, but during the next few days it did seem to my unpracticed mind that he lost good opportunities. He knew the country and the enemy; I knew neither, and I therefore concluded that he knew best. We advanced slowly until we were under the walls of Yadasara, and yet it seemed to me that we had accomplished nothing. “Are we going to attempt to take it by assault?” asked O’Ryan. I shook my head. Although with other knights I was constantly in council with Count Vasca, I had no idea what his intention was. He looked sagacious, talked valiantly, but did nothing. Still, it was absurd to think that he was afraid, as O’Ryan suggested. “You can never tell,” O'Ryan said when I laughed at the idea. “Such a stronghold might frighten the bravest man.” •Between our encampment and the city ran a broad river, full of strange and unexpected currents and of immense depth, so O'Ryan told me. The city lay obliquely to the river in the form of a rough triangle, the city gates, as I afterward found, being situated at the angles at the base of this triangle, and the city rose from this base ■gradually toward the huge rock which iformed the apex of the triangle. This rock, which was the only part of the jCity which actually touched the river, rose sheer oqt of the water for at

least 600 feet, with hardly a bird’s foothold upon it. It was the dominant feature, towering above the highest part of the city, presenting • problem as to how access was obtained to the fortress crowning the summit It was a problem I was destined to solve later. The fortress seemed to be cut out of the solid rock. For several days we encamped idly before Yadasara. The enemy had recrossed the river by means of a bridge of boats nearly two miles higher up the stream, but we made no attempt to follow them. I was doubtful if they had ever crossed it in great force. As far as one could judge, there was no excitement in the city. I spoke to Walen about it“lf we are not to attack the city why are we here?” I asked. “The enemy have retreated. Probably the count thinks that victory enough.” "I do not wonder that the war has been such a long one if it has been carried out in this way.” “No wonder you are impatient, my dear Verrall. So am I. But, then, Vasca commands. It is not without a certain pleasure that I see his comparative failure. Her highness may next time intrust her forces to abler hands.” I could not mistake his meaning. I could not afford to underplay my part “It shall be no laggard’s campaign, then, I promise you, Sir Walen,” I answered. That night, being sleepless, I stole out of camp to the river. Suddenly ! there was a sound near me. I stepped back quietly into the darker shadow i of a tent and listened. There was no j mistaking the sound now—stealthy j feet—and the next moment two figures hurried past me toward the river and disappeared over the bank. I opened my mouth to give the alarm as I j heard the first dip of an oar, but before I could cry out a third figure was at my side. It was Count Vasca.

“Is it treachery?” he whispered. I pointed to the river, where the dim outline of a boat was just discernible as it crept into the shadow of the great rock. “I heard the sound of footsteps and followed,” he said. “How came you here?” “I could not sleep.” He was silent for a moment. “Better let them think they have got away undiscovered. .1 will at once have a sentry placed here. We will not give the alarm tonight. Let’s to bed. Sir Verrall. This means action at last,” “When?” I asked. “Soon surely since they take to spy ing upon us. You grow impatient I would that I could trust all as I trust you. There are white livered knights among us. Sir Verrall, or we had made more progress.” He left me at my tent and with a good night went on toward his own. I told O’Ryan what had happened and repeated the count’s words. “There has always been a sentry by the river,” he said thoughtfully. “Perhaps he knew who the fugitives were and had made arrangements for their easy escape ” “Aye, and was so anxious about them that he followed to make certain that they got away safely.” “We must keep close together, Verrall, fighting or not. Lie down and sleep. I’ll watch. We’ll not both sleep at the same time again.” In ope respect at least Vasca had prophesied truly last night. Quite early in the morning it was evident that the day was not to be an idle one. Troops of men moved along the opposite bank of the river toward the bridge of boats two miles up the stream, a bridge which had been constantly defended and which we had never attempted to force. It appeared as if neither side wanted an engagement. They made no attempt to drive us off, yet had they attacked us in full force I doubt if we should have been able to successfully resist them.

Some thought of this kind was evidently in Vasca’s mind when he saw the enemy in motion. “They have made up their minds at ’last,” he said to us who were with him. “We must prevent their crossing the river. We are rather the defending than the attacking party now.” We rode toward the bridge, a goodly company, the morning sunlight flashing back from polished helmet and armor. At intervals a jest gave birth to laughter or a deep oath was growled out from the hoarse throat of a warrior who thought no more of coming battle than he did of taking his dinner. ’ The enemy reached the bridge before us, and, although our archers poured black flights of swift arrows upon them, we could not prevent them crossing, and they dashed upon us on our side of the river. “Sit tight and remember that you wear armor,” was O’Ryan’s last piece of advice to me. It was an equal fight, bravely waged. Many of my comrades I saw smitten from their saddles, even as many a foeman fell, some to rise and stagger to refuge or another ■ horse, some to lie motionless while the victors trampled over them. Yet I still was safe, my sword swinging heavily to right and left, now stayed by a strong arm, now crashing downward, a foeman falling under its bite. Who fell beside me I did not know, but Walen and O'Ryan were close to me dealing out punishment to all within the sweep of their weapons. They were gallant fighters both. I was glad to be in their company. My sword swung down again upon an enemy, and a cry of exultation burst from my lips as I felt his armor split beneath the stroke and for la moment -saw the crimson stain the steel’s brightness. The lust of battle was upon me.

“A sword!” I cried as I flung mine down and reached toward one held up to me Although my horse swerved at that moment, I caught the new weapon, but not Securely In my grip, and even as I heard a warning cry behind me a new foe attacked me fiercely. I had seen him afar off in the battle towering above. his comrades, a vet itable giant. His sword flashed the sunlight a good foot higher in the air than those about him and like a sickle Into wheat reaped a space around him. Sow it flashed above me, and I was unprepared. Only a feeble grip had I of my own weapon, and scarce could I stay his first tremendous stroke. I could see that Walen was straining his utmost to reach me, seeing my difficulty doubtless, but he was hemmed in, pressed on either side. Much had he to do to keep* his own saddle without helping me keep mine. I felt that the decisive moment of the fight had come. One side or the other must quickly yield, and I struggled mightily to get firm hold of my sword. It seemed to turn and slip in my mailed hand. A second stroke from my enemy fell upon me, breaking down my guard, and yet I stayed Its fury. It glanced from my armor, and I clutched at my sword desperately. The man was a giant, but his movements were quick. Perhaps he saw how I was placed and was savage that his victory had not been more easily accomplished. It maddened me to think that I could not meet him fairly. I cursed the weapon in my hand; it must have been loose at the hilt. I cursed the man who, failing, had snapped my own. My teeth were clinched in impotent rage. The fury of our combat, or I should say, rather, his, had cleared a space about us. My sword twisted in my grasp as he came upon me again. I could have flung It down in my mad fury and given up the fight. But he saved me from that folly. He struck, and my sword was wrenched from me altogether. For one moment I saw it flying through the air, and I thought that the end had come. We were side

“I STRUCK 1118 HEAD WITH MY CLINCHED MAILED FIST.”

by side; our horses seemed to be locked together. I heard him grunt in savage satisfaction as he raised himself in his stirrups to strike again and give me my quietus. But as he rose so did I, and, swinging my arm, I almost flung myself from the saddle as with all the strength I had I struck his head with my clinched mailed fist. It was a good blow. I felt his head jerk as a bone clicks in its socket, and. giant that he was, he reeled in his saddle, his sword falling lightly and harmlessly across me. At least we were on equal terms now. But, no; the blow had done its work, striking in his helmet it may be, for as the horse plunged the rider rolled to the ground and lay there. “Well struck. Sir Yerrall!”

Walen was beside me. A new sword ; was in my band, this time held in a I grip of iron, but there was little work | for it to do. Almost before we realized the fact the enemy were making for the bridge. “Are we never to cross the river?” I asked. “Of what use is a victory | unless we follow it up?” “I have given up trying to read that riddle,” Walen answered. “Probably we shall return and be feted as though we had done great deeds.” “And we have done nothing. If her highness"— “She, after all, is a woman. Sir Yerrall,” he said. “What should she know of war?”

“A woman, maybe,” I answered rather hotly, “but at heart a warrior, I warrant you.” The next day the camp was struck, and we were returning, almost like retreating, as O'Ryan put it. “It’s hard after such a fight that we should gain nothing by it.” he said, “although,, for my own part, it pleases me well enough.” - “You are more easily satisfied than I am.” ■- • ■ “Doesn t it occur to you that i have been fighting against my former friends and comrades?” “Well, what of it? You are in the service of the princess now, with sure promotion before you. What more would you have?” “A little better knowledge of the future, Sir Yerrall. There is too much jealousy surrounding the princess. We had not been going back now were it not so. I say again we might be in retreat were it not for those poor devils of prisoners. They bespeak us con-

querors, but where is the honor in a few prisoners?” “Will they be”— And then I paused. “Spitted In the market place? Of a certainty they wilL” I was thoughtful. These prisoners troubled me. (To be continued.;)

MORE EGG MONEY

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Good as Her Word.

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Bad as a Man.

“The wicked flee when no man pursuetb." “Why do they do it?” “Maybe the flea pursueth.”

Pleasure and Duty.

A man should rise to heights sublime And view the wonders new and strange. A man should algo rise in time To build the fire in the kitchen range.

“A Welcome Chance to Those Who Suffer” Coming to Rensselaer, Indiana Saturday, May 13 To stay at Makeever House DR. ALBERT MILTON FINCH of Indianapolis, Ind. Consultation and Examination Cofidential, Invited and FREE.

From a late snapshot. To see all his regular Patients and such new Cases, as may wish to consult him. Dr. Finch enjoys a state wide reputation, among the profession and the Public of Indiana, where for more than Forty Y'ears he has devoted his entire time to the Study, Treatment and Cure of Chronic Diseases. The Doctor has had wonderful success in his chosen work, that of curing chronic sufferers, Men, Women and Children. The Patients he has restored to Health after they had given up all hope ox being cured are numbered by the Thousands. He is a kind, generous, democratic gentleman to meet, of high scholarly attainments, and dignified personality. Coupled with a Fatherly interest, in all who sees his advice. He does not take a Patient for Treatment unless he can foresee a Cure of the Case. The most commendable feature of his work, and one that appeals to the ordinary sick person, is the fact of his charges being so reasonable and moderate as to make it within the reach of even very poor. At no time do the charges amount to more than $7.00 a month or about $1.50 a week. He gives his own medicines, and there are no extra Charges. It takes him never more than from four to six months to Cure a Case under Treatment. All cases, even those who have been given up as Incurable or Hopeless, have been Cured and restored to perfect health by this Brilliant Physician and the wonderful methods he employs. If you want to meet him apd have him examine you, go to.see him, and talk the matter over with him. It It will cost you nothing if he does not put you under treatment. If he takes your case, it will cost you a very small sum to get well. Remember the Date, Saturday, May 13th, and come early.

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KING, No. 6433 SHIRE STALLION KING is a dark, dapple bay stallion, 16 hands, and weighs 1,500 at present time. He was foaled May M. Moots, Normal, M 9:. ■s! 111. Sire, Allerton X". 3008 imK. Dam. i.ula 5808. SHfiiraXvHvtWUTTff * by Conqueror IX, 2.83 <7051). Stand, Terms and Conditions —KING will make the season of 1911 at my farm, 1-2 mile west and 1-2 mile north of Gifford, at SIO.OO to insure colt to stand and ,suck. Service money becomes due and payable at once on owner parting with mare; product of mare held good for service. Not responsible for accidents. SCHOLL & TOOMBS, Owners.

Attention, Farmers & Breeders! The well known Shire stallion JIM, weighing pounds when in good flesh, is a mahog*K r UiTjFM--'“ *- any bay with p ]ent y Of bone and fine finish, is kind and good disposition. All parties interested in raising good horses should see this horse at Lee station and at my farm before breeding elsewhere. Stand, Terms and Conditions—JlM make the season of 1911 at Lee, Monday and Tuesday of each week and at my farm 5*4 miles southeast of Rensselaer on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of each week, at $lO to insure colt to stand and suck. Sesvice money becomes due and payable at once on owner parting with mare; product of horse jheld good for service. Not responsible for accidenfs.W. E. JACKS, Owner.

NOTICE TO BREEDERS. The standard bred and registered stallions, Acrobat A, No. 47503, and X-Ray No. 29169, will make the season of 1911 at the Rensselaer Stock Farm, Rensselaer, Ind. Description—Acrobat A is a handsome dark brown stallion, weighing 1150, sired by the great Allerton, record 2:09%, one time Champion trotting stallion. Ist Dam is Nellie A. Butler by Anglaise No. 23251, by Wilkes Boy, one of the greatest sons of George Wilkes. X-Ray is a beautiful bay stallion, weighing 1150, sired by the great Axtell, three-year-old record 2:12. He was also champion three-year-old trotter at that time, selling for $105,000 that year. X-Ray is the sire of Earl Ray, 2:16%; Golden Glow, 2:18%; Red Ray, 2:26%, and several others with fast trials. At a farm sale March 3, this year, five colts sired by X-Ray brought an average of S2OB. In 1908 Mr. Van Natta, former owner of X-Ray, sold five mares for a total of $1,350. Terms—Either horse stands for sl2 to insure colt to stand and suck. Service money becomes due and payable at once on owner parting with mare; product of mare held good for service. Not responsible for accidents, JUNE HENKLE, Manager.

7 columns of live stock ani market reports. No live stock paper contains a better live stock market report than the Weekly Inter Ocean and Farmer. 40 questions and answers by readers on anything pertain-! n ing to the business of farming, gardening, raising of live stock and poultry, etc. 10 to 20 questions on veterinary subjects. 7 columns of infornsiation on recipes, patterns, formulas, etc., furnished by readers. 14 to 21 columns of stories of! public men; historical, geographical and other miscellany. 5 columns of specially reported sermons by leading AmerSunday School lesson.

TOM,NormanStallion TOM, is a chestnut sorrel with silver mane and tail, stands 16 hands high and now weighs 1600 pounds. Sire Vasistas 27799, out of 15-16 Norman mare, wt. 1600. He has good style and action, is well and compactly built and is an ideal type of farm horse; ns coming seven years old. STAND AND TERMS: Tom will stand the season of 1911 at my farm 10% miles north*, of Rensselaer and 3% south and % west of Kniman, at $lO to insure colt to stand and suck. Product held good for service. Parting with mare or leaving county or state, service fee becomes due and payable at once. Care taken to prevent accidents but not responsible should any occur. HERMAN SCHULTZ, Owner.

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