Jasper County Democrat, Volume 14, Number 34, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 August 1911 — Page 6

The Knight of the Silver Star

A ©if

By PERCY BREBNER

CHAPTER XXIIL f * t | OT until the dungeon door was I J shut did Costa and his men release me. «q almost wish we had come a moment too late,” Costa said. “I should have killed herl” I hissed. "I believe you would.” “1 was a fool not to do It the night she attempted to plunge a dagger into me.” “You were.” he answered. He evidently had no doubt what he himself would have done under similar circumstances. , Fortunately the blows had missed my eyes, on one side by less than a quarter of an inch. Had she struck a little higher I had not lived to write this history. I should have perished miserably on the rack. For before me I had work which required keen sight, although I did not know It just then. As It was, the blows had struck deep, laying one cheek open to the bone. I carry the mark to this day. an angry flame across my face. lam never likely to forget the woman who put it there. Ender Costa’s care, however, the wounds healed rapidly. He bad an herbal ointment which did wonders, but it seemed a mockery that 1, who was so soon to be tortured to death, should be so carefully tended for what was, after all, a minor evil. “When is my day coming, Costa?” I asked. "It is weary work waiting." He shook his head. “It has been longer than I expected," he answered. “Can that woman do me any harm—with the executioners, I mean? She threatened that she would pay them well if they turned the levers slowly enough.” “You may trust them. They are not made of sentimental stuff and think more of one man than they do of a hundred women.” I satisfied myself every morning that Daria was still safe, putting Costa on his oath to be truthful to me. One evening my dungeon door opened and Costa entered with O’Ryan and a guard of half a dozen men. “By his majesty’s command you will tomorrow be questioned as to your knowledge of various matters his majesty wishes information upon. You will be questioned In such a manner as •ball Insure the truth, and since there la no limit to the mercy bls majesty may extend toward you you are advised to answer quickly. But since certain knowledge has come to his majesty’s ears concerning you—that by nature or by artifice your limbs are coarser than is usual with men and that by reason of this and other causes you may not be Induced to speak truly, the pain able to be inflicted not being sufficient—and since it is considered necessary to strike where there is most likelihood of success it is his majesty’s pleasure that you shall first be taken from this dungeon to that of the woman sometimes called the Princess Darla and shall there be a witness of her questioning.” Costa recited the sentence in a monotone without feeling, as though the matter were of no real interest to him. Then he gave a’word of command to the guard, who tramped out df the cell and left me alone with Costa and O’Ryan.

“That she devil is responsible for ♦his” He nodded. “Can I trust the executioners?” “Yes. She will die quickly, but”— He paused. “Well?” “If this woman or Count Vasca or some other special enemy is there they may say that the executioners bungled at their work and demand that others shall deal with you. There would be no time to make friends with them.” “So long as she dies quickly I care not” “You are a brave man. I trust all may go well with you.” He held out his hand. I shook it and thanked him for all he had done. _ He had indeed been a gentle Jailer. Then'O’Ryan held out his hand. I took it for the sake of the past “There is a long night before you," said Costa. “Shall I stay with you for awhile, or would you sooner be alone?” At that moment O’Ryan grasped my hand sharply. There was no doubt about it this time. What did be mean? “I would be alone,” I said. Costa bowed ceremoniously as he left the dungeon, and O’Ryan as tu; followed him turned for an instant* and smiled. I was expected to understand something by the pressure, and by his smile I imagined I had made the right answer to Costa’s question. But, after all. what could the Irishman do for me. even if he really wished to help me at this late hour? A sudden fear took possession of me, which made my limbs shake as though the palsy were In them. For an hour— It may have been more—fear shook me lly enemies would have rejoiced could they have spied upon me during that time Then my win power returned to steady me. and I paced my dungeon until I was sensible of no quiver in the firmness of my steps. Certain that the

attack was over. Ilay down on my couch, hoping to sleep. I did sleep, how long 1 cannot tell, but a touch suddenly awoke me. “Hush!” said a voice in my ear.' . The dungeon was pitch dark. I could see no one. | “Who is it?’ “Dennis O’Ryan. I haven’t time to answer many questions. Listen to me. It’s your only chance, and it’s a poor one, but it may just serve.” “Can I trust you?” “Trust me, begorra! Haven’t I been working night and day to help you? Hadn’t I got to impress everybody with my hatred of you to make certain that I should be allowed to remain in the fortress? One look of pity, one false move on my part, and I should not have been able to be here tonight” “You deceived me," I said. “You should have known me better." “I may be a fool, but you must forgive me if I am a little skeptical now." “My dear fellow, you are a foot You’ve splendid but you’re deficient In cunning. Listen to me. The night you escaped from Yadasara I helped you. though you didn’t know It I led a bowling mob after you, it’s true, but I led them around every wrong corner I could. When you were hard pressed upon the stairs I rushed straight at you. It would not have been good for me if you bad escaped while I was in whole body, so I told you to wound. A less wound than you inflicted would have served, but I let it pass." “I am sorry.” “It turns out for the best I was left in the city, and since you have been a prisoner I have been set to help guard you, but not allowed to come near you much, lest I should do you an injury.” “You could have given me some sign.’’ “With that fat Spaniard looking? Only In the last few days has he ceased to distrust me. Here’s a rope.

“CAN I TRUST YOU?”

Feel it? Good. I’ll put it on the couch. And here’s the key of that flagstone in the comer; take it The rope is a good fifty feet long.” “Only fifty I” I exclaimed. “When you have opened the slab,” he went on, “you will feel a ring In the side of the chute. Fasten the rope securely to It and let the rope hang down.” “But fifty feet—what is the good of fifty feet of rope?” “Below this dungeon is that of the princess. With fifty feet of rope you can reach it” “O’Ryan!” I exclaimed. “It is not easy, but you’re athletic enough,” he went on. “The slip from this dungeon is only a few feet long. It then joins the main shaft that falls into the river—not quite perpendicularly, but nearly. You must let yourself down by the rope until you come to another slip resembling this, but much longer, for the princess’ dungeon, though below this, is not Immediately under it You will find it a difficult climb up. but on your hands and knees you can do it Are you clear so far?* “Yes. but will the slab in her cell be unlocked?” “It will be wide open.” “She knows that I am coming?” “No. There is the weak spot in my plan. I have tried to communicate with her, but I have failed. In her excitement she may betray you before you are prepared.” “Prepared for what?”

“She will not be alone when you arrive.” he answered. court It Is believed that Cdwty Vasca is to marry the Lady Aldfrraa. They pose as lovers. and, so far as the lady is concerned. she believes that the future is settled. Count Vasca has no intention of marrying her. Not only does he mean to be king In Yadasara, but he means to marry the princess if he can. He has the king’s permission to interview the princess. If he succeeds In obtaining her consent she is to go free with him this very night He may use what persuasion he will.” “Then the king wishes to save her?” “On the contrary, it is only because he feels sure that the count will fail that he has given his consent The count is too powerful to be refused a favor. If he fails, then the, princess suffers tomorrow in the manner you know of. The king has promised <ady Aldrida that Vasca has an elaborate scheme which is arranged in every detal. He will use persuasion. He will play upon her fears. For that purpose he will unlock the slab to show her the death road she is to take tomorrow. He will probably attempt to take her even without her consent, or he might kill her if she refuses him

too contemptuously. Whether be succeeds or not, he has no intention of going to the king. He will leave the fortress with her and go straight to the city gate. He will go the way you must have gone the night you escaped. A boat is lying hard by the great rock. He will cross the river and before dawn will be in the woods which lie to the south. There is a woodcutter’s cottage there, and horses will be waiting for him.” “He means to leave Drussenland?" I asked. O’Ryan smiled. “No. Tomorrow the revolution will commence. Half the city is Vasca’s already.”-

“The princess will not consent.” I said after a pause. "Yet Vasca must succeed tonight,” said O’Ryan slowly, “the Vasca I am thinking of. The count will be alone with the princess and will have the keys of the dungeon. You will enter, and you will kill him. Take his cloak and hat and sword. Then drag his body to the slip and let it go. Dse expedition. Open the door and walk out of the fortress. Do not speak if you can help It Your voice might betray you. As you go through the city you will be watched, but have no fear. They will be watching to see that you come to no barm. They are your friends. The city gate will open for you at a sign, and you are free to make the best of your way to the woodcutter’s cottage. I shall be waiting there with horses.” “And afterward?”

“Unless you are delayed, by dawn we should be well on our way toward the place where you entered this Infernal country. We must trust to luck to find the way out. Now do you thoroughly understand?”“Yes. When do I go?” “You will presently hear the jjuard changed in the corridor without Then tie your rope securely and descend. Here is a sword. See that you do not drop it as you go down. Do not go before your time or you will ruin everything. Don’t be too courteous with Vasca. Once he hired an assassin-to stab you in the dark; just remember that and slay him as you would a mad dog. Now I must go.” We grasped each other's hand, and he left me. Suddenly I heard the guard changed. The time had come, and my heart beat faster. I waited until the sound of the men’s measured tread had died away down the corridor, and then I went to the slab. A dozen fears took hold of me at that moment Indeed, my hand trembled as I put the key into its hole. It turned easily, and the next moment I had raised the slab.

The dungeon was pitch dark. I had to be careful not to slip into the hole. I could hear the swish of the river far below me—a noisy sound It was, coming up through the shaft I found the ring, and to it I tied the rope. I tested the security of the knots at least half a dozen times before I let the rope go. It swung out to its length with a jerk. I fastened the sword tightly round me. and then I stood for a moment It was a short prayer I muttered—too short, perhaps, for the great matter I was entering upon, but it was an earnest one. Then I sat upon the edge of the slip and, grasping the rope with both hands, let myself go, dropping to my full length. It was the way that only dead men took, .vet I. a living one. was about to take IL It had seemed pitch dark In the dungeon. yet I hung to a greater blackness and could discern the opening above my head. I wasted no time now I had begun my journey. It was simply a matter of sliding down the slip and steadying myself by the rope. This was easy enough.

I must have traversed nearly the fifty feet of rope, yet my feet had always met the walL I had come to no other bole, no other slip joining the main shaft. Hand over band I went down, first feeling the rope with my feet to make certain that I was not at the end of it, then feeling the wall, not to miss the opening I sought for. Hand over hand, then my feet dangling below me—there was no more rope. For an instant I felt Inclined to let go and fall to death, so ending my troubles. Then I went up hand over hand tn desperate haste, and, having got the rope between my knees again, I hung, swinging, and steadied myself to think. Either I had missed the hole or O’Ryan was mistaken; the rope was not long enough. Perhaps it was because the first solution was the most acceptable that I believed it to be the correct one. I took courage and climbed upward, stretching my legs to right and left searching for the hole. I might have missed it even then had I not heard a sound that made me listen intently. Yes; it was distinct from the hissing of the water below me, the murmur of a man’s voice. Was it above me in the dungeon I had escaped from? if so, I bad only to wait a few moments. I should feel the rope jerked, or else it would be cut and so an end to me. I hung, waiting, and still in a dull monotone the voice went on. Suddenly a little below me and to my left the rocky wall seemed to grow luminous, a flickering light that shone for a moment then died, then shone again. “Is that a good way out of life?” The voice sounded low, yet the words were distinct. The light flickered and then slowly went out I lowered myself to the level where it had been and then, boldkig the rope with one hand, worked my way along the face of the wall with the other. I made slow progress, but presently I grasped the side of the slip. Cautiously I felt for the door of it with my foot After some minutes I succeeded in finding it, but it was, if anything, at a sharper angle than the slip from my dungeon. How to get a footing upon

It was a matter tor consideration. As it was, I had to bold on to the aide of the slip to prevent the rope swinging back with me, for Instead of being directly under my dungeon, as O’Ryan had led me to suppose, this opening was a good ten feet to one side of It Fortunately the walls of It were rough hewn, and, clinging to the rope with my knees and feet, I managed to drag myself InWard with my hands, my nails and fingers suffering in the operation. By letting the rope slide between my knees gradually as I advanced I brought myself to the floor some feet from the edge of the slip. I chose the spot and then dropped forward on my handstand knees. The released rope swung back and .was gone. There was no return now. 1 had dropped very cautiously, and all my energy had been centered on what I was doing. Now 1 was aware that above me, at the top of the steep ascent, there was a light O’Ryan had not deceived me. The trap to the dungeon was open.

There was a pillar in the middle of the dungeon, supporting the low vaulted roof, and in a ring in the pillar a torch was fixed. A breeze from the open trap caught the flame, making it flicker weirdly and cast strange shadows. On a couch at the foot of the pillar sat Daria, her hands clasped in her lap. She hardly seemed to listen to Vasca, who was standing close to her. talking rapidly. “I have been ambitious. I have deceived you. I crave your pardon. I have not done it for myself alone. 1 have done It for you. My love has spurred me on. They would make me king. It has been your ambition to reign in Yadasara. Now your ambition may be realized.” “You are not a king.” “Tonight: no, tomorrow”— He broke off excitedly. “Say that you will be queen of Yadasara. my queen, and now, this Instant, this dungeon door Is open to you. In a few hours you shall have the nation at your feet craving your favors. Your word shall bring death or grant life. Your will shall be law to Drussenland and he who speaks the humblest yet the happiest of your slaves.” “A pleasing prospect most easily spoken of.” “It is true. Tomorrow at this time I shall be king. The last obstacle is overthrown.” (To be continued.)

The Democrat and the ChicaV go Weekly Inter-Ocean and Farmer, both a full year for only $2. “A Welcome Chance to Those Who Suffer” Coming to Rensselaer, Indiana Thursday, August 24 To stay at MakeeverJfHouse DR. ALBERT MILTON FINCH of Jamestown, Ind. Consultation and Examination Cofldjritial, 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 Years 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 or 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 seen b’s 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 and 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, Thursday,. August 24th, and come early.

Edward P. Honan, ATTORNEY AT LAW. Law, Abstracts. Real Estate, Loans WUI practice in all the courts. Offic» over Fepdix’e Fair. RENSSELAER, INDIANA. J. F. Irwin. 8. C. i Irwin Irwin & Irwin, * Law, Real Estate and Insurance 5 Per Cent Farm Loana. Office in Odd Fellows’ Block. RENSSELAER. IND. Over State Bank Phone 16 John A. Dunlap, LAWYER. (Successor to Frank Foltz) Practice In all courts. Estates settled. Farm Loans. Collection department. Notary in the office. Rensselaer, Indiana

Arthur H. Hopkins, Law, Loans and Real Estate Loans on farm and City property personal security and chattel mortgage Buy, sell and rent farms and city prop erty. Farm and city fire insurance Attorneys for AMERICAN BUILDING LOAN AND SAVINGS ASSOCIATION Office over Chicago Department Store RENSSEuAER. IND. F. H. Hemphill, M. D. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON. Special attention given to diseases of Women and low grades of fever. Office in Williams block, opposite Court House. Formerly occupied by Dr. Hartsell. Phone, Office and Residence, S. Herbert Moore, fl. D. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON. All calls will receive prompt attention night or day from my office over the Model Clothing store. Telephone No. 261. Rensselaer - - Indiana.

E. C. English, Physician & Surgeon. Opposite the Jasper Savings A Trust Company Bank. Office Phone 177. Residence Phone, 110. W. W. Merrill, M. D. Eclectic Physician and Surgeon, RENSSELAER, - - INDIANA Chronic Diseases a Poecialty. H. L. Brown, DENTIST. Office over Larsh’s drug store. Dr. F. A. Tuifler OSTEOPATHIC PHYSICIAN. Graduate American School of Osteopathy, Poet Graduate American School of Osteopathy under the founder, Dr. A T. StiU. Office Hours —9-12 a. m., 1-8 p. m Tuesdays and Fridays at Monticello. Ind. 1-2 Murray Building - Rensselaer, Ind. Dr. J. H. Hansson VETERNARY SURGEON—Now at Rensselaer. Calls promptly answered. Office in Harr’s Bank Building. Phone 443.

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Chicago to Northwest, Cincinnati and the South, Louisville <f and French Lick Springs. RENSSELAER TIME TABLE. In Effect December, 1910. SOUTH BOUND. N 0.31 —Fast Mail (daily).... 4:45 a. m. No. s—Louisville Mail (daily). 11:06 a. m. N 0.37 —Chicago to Cincinnati. 11:30 a. m. N 0.3 Mail (daily;. 1:58 p. m. No.39 —Milk Accom (daily).. 5:58 p. m. No. 3 —Chicago to Louisville. .11:05 p. m. 4 NORTH BOUND. . No. 4—Mail (daily) 4:59 a. m. N 0.40 —Mi.k Accom (dally).. 7:35 a. m. No.32—Fast Mail (daily).... fl0:05 a. m. No.3B—Cincinnati to Chicago. 2:53 p. m. No. 6—Mail and Ex. (daily).. 3:15 p. m. No.3o—Cin. to Chi. Ves. Mail. 5:58 p. m. No. 4 will stop at Rensselaer to let off passengers from points south of Monon, and take passengers for Lowell, Hammond and Chicago. Nos. 31 and 33 make direct connections at Monon for Lafayette. W. H. BEAM. Agent, Rensselaer.

OFFICIAL DIRECTORY. CITY OFFICERS. Mayor ...G. F. Meyera Marshal George Mustard Clerk... Chas. Morion Treasurer R. D. Thompson Attorney Mom Leopold Civil EngineerL. C. Klooterman Fire ChiefJ. J. Monqromery Fire WardenC. B. Stewart Councilmen. Ist Ward George Hopkina ?nd Ward Elsie Grow 3rd Ward ....Frank Kresler At LargeC. J. Dean, A. G. Cat* JUDICIAL Circuit Judge Charles W. Hanley Prosecuting Attorney Fred LongweU Terms of Court—Second Monday in February, April, September and November. Four week terms. COUNTY OFFICERS. Clerk Charles C. Warner Sheriff ...W. L Hoover Auditor... James N. Leatherman TreasurerJ. D. Allman RecorderJ. W. Tilton SurveyorW. F. Osborne Coroner.....W. J. Wright BupL Public 5ch0015..... Ernest Lannon County Assessor. John Q. Lewis Health OfficerE. N. Loy COMMISSIONERS. Ist District John Petto* 2nd District Charles F. Stackhouse 3rd District Charles T. Denham Commissioners’ Court—First Monday of each month. COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION. Trustees Township Wm. Folgar.....Barkley Charles May..... Carpenter J. W. SelmerGillam George Parker„Hanging Grove W. H. Wortley....Jordan Tunis Snip Keener John Shlrer.. Kankakee Edward ParkisonMarion George L. Parks......Milroy E. J. Lane Newton Isaac KightUnion 8. D. Clark...Wheatfield Fred KarchWalker Ernest Lamson, Co. Suptßensselaer E. C. English,Rensseleir James H. Greenßemington Seo. O. StembelWheatfield Truant Officer..C. B. Stewart. Rensselaer TRUSTEES’ CARDS. JORDAN TOWNSHIP. The undersigned trustee of Jordan Township attends to official business at his residence on the First and Third Wednesday of each month. Persons having business with me will please govern themselves accordingly. Postoffice address, Rensselaer, Ind., R-R-4. W. H. WORTLEY, Trustee. NEWTON TOWNSHIP. The undersigned trustee of Newton township attends to official business at his residence on the First and Third Thursdays of each month. Persons having business with me will please govern themselves accordingly. Pos toffies address, Rensselaer, Ind., R-R-8. E. P. LANE, Trustee. UNION TOWNBHIP. The undersigned trustee of Union township attends to official business at his store in Fair Oaks on Fridays of each week. Persons having business with me will please govern themselves accordingly. Postofflce address. Fair Oaks. Indiana. ISAAC KIGHT.

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RAY D. THOFIPSON Rensselaer, Ind. 1