Omaha Daily Bee Newspaper, February 10, 1895, Page 20

THE OMAHA DAILY BER: CHRONICLES —O Bl COUNT ANTONIO BY ANTHONY HOPE. “A Prisoner of Zenda,'" Author of Copyright, 1804, by A nthony Hope, CHAPTER 1L COUNT ANTONIO AND THE PRINCE OF MANTIVOGLIA. 1 know of naught by which a man may better be judged than by his bearing in mat- ters of love. What know 1 of love, say you? —1 whose head is gray, and shaven, to boot! True, it is gray, and it is shaven. But once 1t was brown, and the tonsure came not there till 1 had lived thirty years and borne arms for twelve. Then came death to one 1 loved and the tonsure to me. Therefore, ©, yo proud young men and laughing girls, old Anselm knows of love, though his knowl- edge be only like the memory that a man has of a glorious red-gold sunset which his eyes saw a year ago; cold are the tints; gone the richness, sober and faint the picture. Yet it is something; he sees no more, but he has seen, and sometimes still I seem to see a face that I saw last smiling In death. They tell me such thoughts are not fitting of me, but I doubt their doing a man much harm, for they make him take joy when cth- ers reap the happiness that he, forestalled by fate's sickle, could not garner. But enough. dt is of Count Antonio I would write, and not of my poor self. And the story may bo worth the writing, or would be, had I more skill to pen it. Now, in the second year of Count Antonio's banishment, when the flerce anger of Duke Valentine was yet hot for the presumption shown by the count in the matter of Duke Paul's death, a messenger came privately to whero the band lay hidden in the hills, bringing greeting to Antonio from the prince of Mantivoglia, between whom and the duke there was great enmity. For in days gone by Forniola had paid tribute to Mantivoglia, and this burden had been broken off only somo thirty years, and the prince, learning that Antonio was at varlance with Duke Valentine, perceived an opportunity and sent o Antonio, praying him very courteously to visit Mantivoglia and be his guest. Antonio, who knew the prince well, sent him thank and, having made dispositions for the safety of his company, and set Tommasino in charge of it, himself rode with the man they called Benna, and, having crossed the frontier, came on the second day to Mantivoglla. Here he was received with great state, and all in the city were eager to see him, having heard how ho dealt with Duke Paul, and how he re- nounced the authority of Valentine. And the prince lodged him in his palace and prepared a banquet for him, and set him on the right hand of the princess, who was a very fair lady, learned, and of excellent wit; indeed, I have by me certain stories which she com- posed, and would read on summer evenings in the gardens, and it may be that if I live I will make known certain of them; others there are that only the discreet should read; ltor what to one age is but mirth, turns in the mind of the next to unseemliness and ri- baldry. This princess, then, was very gra- clous to the count, and spared no effort to glve him pleasure, and she asked him very many things concerning the Lady Lucia, say- ing at last: “Is she fairer than I, my lord? And Antonio answered, with a laugh: “The morn Is not fairer than the sun, nor the sun than the morn; yet they are different.” And the princess laughed also, saying merrily: “‘Well parried, my lord!” ‘And she rose and went with the prince and Antonio into the garden. Then the prince opened to Antonio what was in his mind, saying: ‘“Take what command you will in my service, and come with me against Forniola; and when we have brought Valentine to his knees I will take what was my father’s, and sould be mine, and you shall wring from him your pardon | and the hatd of your lady.” And th:p inzcs; also enireated him. But Antonio answered: T cannot do*it. If your highness rides to Forniola, it is likely enough that I also may ride thither; but I shall ride to put my sword at the service of the duke. For although he “1g not my friend, yet his enemles are mine.” And from this they could not turn him. Then the prince praised him, saying: “I love you more for denying me, Antonio, and when I send word of my coming to Valentine I will tell him also of what you have done. And if we meet by the walls of Fornola, we will fight like men; and after that you shall come again to Mantivoglia,” and he drank wine with Antonfo, and so bade him godspead. And the princess, when her husband was gone, looked at the count and said: ‘‘Valentine will not give her to you. Why whl not you take her?” But Antonlo answered: ‘“The price is too high.” “I would not have a man who thought any price too high,” cried the princess. “Then your highness would mate with a rogue?"’ asked Count Antonio, smiling. “If he were one for my sake only,” said she, fixing her eyes on his face and sighing lightly, as ladjes sigh when they would tell something and yet not too much, nor in words that can be repeated. But Antonlo kissed her hand and took leave of her, and, with another sigh, she watched him go, But when the middle of the next month came the prince of Mantivoglia gathered an army of 3,000 men, of whom 1,700 were mounted, and crossed the frontler, directing his march toward Forniola by way of the base of Mt. Agnino and the road to the village of Rilano. And the duke, hearing of his approach, mustered his guards to the number of 860 men, and armed besides hard upon 2,000 of the townsmen and apprentices, taking an oath of them that they would serve him loyally, for he feared and distrusted them, and of the whole force 1,100 had ho And Count Antonio lay still in the mountalns and did not offer to come to the duke's ald. 'Will you not pray his leave to come and fight for him?" asked Tommasino. “He will love to beat the prince without my ald, if he can,” sald Antonio. *Heaven forbid that I shouid seem to snatch at glory and make a chance for myself from his necessity.” So he abode two days where he wa then there came a shepherd, who sald “My lord, the duke has marched out of the city, and lay last night at Rilano, and is today stretched across the road that leads from the spurs of Agnino to Rilano, his right wing resting on the river. There he waits th approach of the prince, and they say that at daybreak tomorrow the prince will at- tack."” Then Antonlo rose, saying: *“What of the night?" Now the night was very dark, and the fog hung like & gray cloak over the plain, And Antonlo collected all his men, to the number of threescore and five, all well armed and well horsed, and bade them march very si- lently and with great caution, and led them down into the plain. And all 'the night they. rode un(lli‘, husbanding their strength and sparing their horses, and an hour before the break of day they passed through the outskirts of Rilano, and halted a mile beyond the village, seeing the fires of the duke's bivouacs stretched across the road in front of them, and beyond there were other fires, where the prince of Mantivoglia lay en: camped. And Bena said “The prince will be too strong for the duke, my lord. “If he be, we, also, shall fight tomorrov,, Bena,” answered Antono. T trust, then, that they prove at least well matched,"” sald Bena; for he loved to fight, nd yet was ashamed to wish that the duke should be defeated. Then Count Antonio took counsel with Tommasino, and they led the band very secretly across the rear of the duke' they came to the rivel Now, there wi & mill on the river, and by the mill u great covered barn, where the sacks of eorn stood, and Antonlo, having roused the miller, told him that he 4 eame to ald the duke, and not to fight against “ Wi, and posted his men in his great barn lh‘t they were behind the right wing of the duko's army, and were hidden from sight. Day was dawniug now; the camp fires paled dn the growing light, and the sounds of pre- ration were heard from the camp. And - from the prince’ anun also came the noise of trumpets calling the men to arms, and Bto, with great valor and impetuosity he flung himself against the townsmen, recking little of how he fared on efther wing. This care- less haste did not pass unnoticed by the duke, who was a cool man and wore a good head, and he said to Lorenzo, one of his lords who was with him, “If we win on right or left it will not hurt us to losa in the middle,” and he would not strengthen the townsmen against the prince, but rather drew off more of them, and chiefly the stoutest and best mounted, whom he divided between the right wing, where ho himself commanded, and the left, which Lorenzo led. Nay, men declare that he was not il pleased to see the brunt of the strife and the heaviest loss fall on the apprentices and townsmen. For a while, in- deed, these stood bravely; but the prince chivalry came at them in fierce pride and gallant scorn, and bore them down with the welght of armour and horses, the prince him- self leading on a white charger, and with his own hand slaying Gluika, who was head of the oity bands and a great champion among them. But Duke Valentine and Lorenzo up- held the battle on the wings and pressed back the enemy there; and the duke would not send aid to the townsmen in the cente saying: “I shall be ready for the prince s00n as the prince is ready for me and I €pare some of these turbulant apprentices. And ho smiled his crafty smile, addin “From enemies also a wise man may suck good,” and he pressed forward on the right, fighting more fiercely than was his custom. But when Antonio beheld the townsmen hard pressed and belng ridden down by the prince of Mantivoglia's knights, and saw that the duko would not aid them, he grew very hot and angry, and sald to Tommasino: *These men have loved my house, Tommasino. It may be that I spoil his highness's play, but we to stand here whilo they perish?” A fig for his highness's plan!” said Tom- masino, and Bena gave a cry of joy and leapt, unbldden, on his horse. “Since you are up, Bena,” said the count, “stay up, and let the others mount. The duke's plan, if I read aright, is craftier than I love, and T do not choose to understand it.” Then, when the townsmen’s line was giving way before the prince, and the apprentices, concelving themselves to be shamefully de- serted, were more of a mind to run away than to fight any more, suddenly Antunio rode forth from the mill. And he and his company came at full gallop; but he himself was ten yards ahead of Bena and Tommasino, for all that they raced after him. And he cried aloud: ““To me, men of Forniola, to me, An- vance in triumph, and having sacked Rilano, would go aguinst Forniola, where there were but a few old men nad boys left to guard the ‘walls ngainst him. And one peasant whom they found hiding in the wood by the rond fald there was panio in the city, and that many were escaping from it before the enemy should appear. “It 1s months since T 'saw Forniola,” sald Antonfo, with a smile. “Let us ride there and reassure these timed folk. For my lord, the duke, has surely by now won the victory, and he will pursue the prince till he yields peace and abandons the tribute."” Now a great excitement arose In the band at these words, for although they had lost ten men In the battle, and five more were disabled, yet were forty stout and ready, and it was not likely that there was any force in Fornlola that would oppose them. And Mar- tolo, who rode with Tommasino, whispered to him: “My lord, my lord, shall we carry off the lady Lucia before his highness can return?” Tommasino glanced at Antonio, “nay, I know not what my cousin purposes,” said he. Then Antonlo bade Bena and Martolo ride on ahead, taking the best horses, and tell the people at Forniola that victory was with the duke, and that his highness' servant Antonio of Monte Velluto, was at hand to protect the city till his highness should re- turn in triumph, And the two, going ahead, while the rest of the band took their mid- day meal, met many ladies and certain rich merchants and old men escaping from the city, and turned them back, saying that all was well; and the ladies would fain have gone on and met Antonio, but the merchants, hearing that he was there, made haste to get within the wall again, fearing that he would levyl a toll on them for the poor, as his cus- tom. was. And at this Bena laughed might- ily, and drew rein, saying: ‘“These rabbits will run quicker back to their burrows than we could ride, Martolo; let us rest a while under a tree; I have a flask of wine in my saddlebag.” So they rested; and while they rested they saw what amazed them, for a lady rode alone toward them on a paifrey; and, though the merchants, met her and spoke with her, yet she rode on. And when she came to the tree where Bena and Martolo were, they sprang up and bared their heads, for she was the Lady Lucjg, and her face was full of fear and eagerness as she said: “No guard is kept today, even on helpless lad'es. Is it true that my lord is near?” “‘Yes, he is near,” said Bena, kissing her band. “See, there is the dust of his com- pany on the road.” “'Go, ‘one of you, and say that I walt for him,” she commanded; so Martolo rode on to carry the news further, and Bena went to Antonio and said: ‘“‘Heaven, my lord, sends fertune. The Lady Lucla has escaped from the city and awaits yau under yonder tree.” And when Tymmasino. heard this he put out his hand suddenly and caught Antonio’s hand and pressed it, saying: “Go alone and bring her valt; the duke will- mot be hours yet."” Then Antonio rode alone to the tree whero Lucia was, and because he had not seen her we will for many here; here THE PRINCESS AND ANTONIO. tonio of Monte Velluto!” And they beheld him with utter astonishment and great joy. And hig-helmet was fallen from his head, and his fair hair gleamed in the sun, and the light*/of battle played on his face. And ihe band followed him, and, though they nad, for the most part, no armor, yet such was the fury of''their rush and such the mettle and strength of their horses that they made light of meeting -the prince's knights in full tilt. And the“tosynsmen cried: “It s the count!| To death’ after the count!” And Antonio raised thg' great eword that he carried and! rode at the marshal of the prince's palace, | who was in the van of the fight, and he split helmet and head with a blow. Then he came to where the prince himself was, and the great sword was raised again, and the prince rode to meet him, sayin f 1 do not dle now I shall mot die today.” But wh:n An- tonio saw. the prince he brought his sword to his side and bowed, and turned aside and en- gaged the most skillful of the Mantivoglian knights, And he fought that day like a ran mad, but he would not strike the prince. of Mantiyoglia, And after a while the prince ceased to seek him, and a flatterer said to the prince: “He Is bold against us, but he fears you, my lord.” But the Prince said: “Peace fool. Go and fight.” For he knew that not fear, but friendship, forbade Antonio to assall him. Yet by now the rout of the townsmen was stayed, and they were holding their own again with good heart and courage, while both on the right and on the left the duke presse® on and held the advantage. Then the Prine of Mantivoglia percelved that he was in a dangerous plight, for he was in peril of being worsted along his whole line, for his knights did no more than hold a doubt- ful balance against the townsmen and An- tonio's company, while the duke and Lorenzo were victorious on elther wing, and he knew that if the duke got in the rear of him and lay between him and Mount Agnino, he would be sore put to find a means of retreat, Therefore, he left the center and rode to the left of his line and faced Duke Valentine himélf, * Yet slowly was he driven back, and he gave way sullenly, obstinately and in good order, himself performing many gallant deeds and seeking ta come to & conflict with the duke, - But the duke, seelng that the day wi likely to' be his, would not meet him, chose to expose his perscn to no more dan- soldier who is killed is a good soldler, but a chief who is killed, save for some great object, is a bad chief. And he bided his time and slowly pressed the prince back, seeking rather to win the battle than the praise for bravery. But when Count Antonlo saw: that all went well and that the enemy were (n retreat, he halted his’ band, and st this they murmured, Bena daring to say: “My lord, we have had dinner; may we not have supper also?’ Antonio smiled at Bena, but would not listen, “No,' said he. *His highness has won the victory ‘by “his skill and cunning, It Is enough: * Sl I seek (o rob him of his glory? For the ighorant folk, counting the arm more honorable than the head, will give me more glory than him if I conttnue in the Hght. And thus, not being wiling to force his ajd on & man who hated to reeeive it, he drew off his band: a while ‘he he awalted, but when he saw that the prince was surely beaten and the duke held victory in his haud, he gave the word that they should retyri by the way they Hd come, “Ind ald Tommasinu, laughlug, “it may be wisdom as well “as good manners, ¥ g_'ynnlfl not trust myself to Val- e 16k be vietorlous, for all the service At 4 in the morning the battie was jolned. * 'Antonlo standing with Tommasino and watch- from the mill. Now, Duke Valemtine céd his own guards on either wing, ~lownswen in the center, but Lfi we have dowe him Iu saving the apprentices he loves so well.” So Antonig's hand turied and rode o from th , Xus beokes. apd tbat | el for many months he leaped down from his horse and came running to her, and, kneel- ing, kissed her hand, but she, who stood now by her palfrey's side, flung her arms about his neck and fell with tears and laughter into his arms, saylng: “Antonio, Antonio! Heaven is with us, Antonio.” aid he. “For his highness has won ““Have not we won’the day also?” sald she, reaching up and laying her bands upon his shoulders, ““Heart of my heart," looked in her eyes.” ' A ““The cage is opened, dnd, Antonio, the bird 18 free,” she whispered, and her eyes danced and her cheek went red. “Lift me to my saddle, Antonfo,” "/ i The count obeyed'Her and himself mounted and she said: ‘We can reach the frontier In three hours, and there—there, Antonio, none fears the duke's wrath.” And Antonio knew what she would say, save that she would not speak it bluntly—that there they could find a priest to marry them. And his face was pale as he smiled at her. Then he laid his hand on her bridle and turned her palfrey's head toward Forniola, Her eyes darted'a swift question at him and she cried low, “Thither, Antonio!” Then he answered her, bending still his look on her. 2 ““Alas, I am no learned man, nor a doctor skilled in matters of caguistry and nice dig- tinctions. T can but do what the hlood that is in mo tells ma & gentleman sh¥ula do. Today, sweetheart—ah, will you not hide your face from me, sweetheart, that my words may not die in my mouth?—today our lord the duke fights against the enemies of our city, holding for us in hard battle the liberty that we have won and bearing the banner of Forniola high to heaven in victory.” She listened with strained, eager face, and the horses moved at a walk toward Forniola. Ane she lald her hand on his arm, saying again: “Antonlo!” And I have fought with my lord today, nd 1 would be at his side now except that I do his pleasure better by leaving him to triumph alone, But.my hand has been with him today, and my beart is with bim today, Tell me, sweetheart, if 1, rode forth to war and left you alone, would you do aught agalost me till I returned? She did not answer, ‘A prince's city,” he sald, “should be like his faithful wife, and when he goes against the enemy none at home should raise a hand against him; above all may not one who has fought by hls side. For to stand side by side in battle is a promise and a compact between man and man, even though man swore to man on a holy rellc. Then she understood what he would say, and she looked away from him across the plaln and a tear rolled down her cheek as she sald “Indeed, thoughts, mine." [t did he softly, as he my lord, the error lies in my for 1 fancied that your love was Antonio leaned from his saddle and itly touched her hair. Was that Indeed your fancy?" said he, ‘and [ prove it untrue?” You carry me badk to my prison," she said. “And you will r.de away.” “And so I'love you not? he asked. “No, you love me mot,” sald she, and her volco caught like a sob. said he, “‘we draw near to Forniola, and. the city gates are open, and look, they ralse.a flag on the duke's palace, and there is Joy for.the victory that Martolo has told them of. - And in all the duchy there are but two black hearts - that burn with treacherous thoughte againat his highness, setting their owa infinite joy above the honor and faith they owe him. “Nay, but are there two?' she asked, turning Ler face from him. Tu truth, L would love ‘to think there was e, NDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1895. :'m”lmnd the walls of my body and I shafl e “And yet we ride to Forniola,” sald she. “Yes, by Christ's grace,” said Count An- tonlo, “we ride to Forniola,"” Then the Lady Lucia suddenly dropped her bridie on the neck of her palfrey and caught Antonio’s right hand in her two hamds and said to him: “When I pray tonight T will pray for the cleansing of the black heart, Anfonio. And I will make a wreath and carry it to the duke and kiss his hand for his vietory. And 1 will set lights in my window and flags on my house, and I will give my people a feast, ana 1 will sing and laugh for the triumph of the city and for the freedom this day has won for us. And. when I have done all this what may 1 do then, Antonio? “I am so creel,” sald he, “that then I would have syou weep a little, yet spoil not the lovliestseyes in the world, for it you dim them itsmay be that they will not shine like stars aeross the plain, and even unto the hut where 1,live among the hills.” “Do they ghine bright, Antonio? "‘As the gems on the gates of heaven,” he | answered, and he reined in his horse and gave her bridle futo her hands. And then for many minutes neither spoke, and Count Antonio kissed her lips,and she his, and they prom- ised with the eyes what they needed ot to promise with the tongue. And the Lady Lucla went alone on her way to Forniola, But the count sat still like a statue of marble on his horse and watched her as she rode. And there he stayed till the gates of the city recaived hernand the walls hid her from his sight; and the old men on the walls saw him and knew him and asked: “Does he come against us? uBut it was the prince of Manti- voglia that he swore to fight.” And they watched him till e turned and rode at a foot’s pace away from the city. And now as he sode his brow was smooth and calm, and there was a smile on his lips. But when he had ridden two or three miles and came where he had left the band he could see none of them. And a peasant came running to him in great fright and said: “My lord, your men are gone again to aid the duke, for the prince has done great deeds and turned the fight, and it is again very doubtful; and my lord Tommasino bade me say that he knew your mind and was gone to fight for Fornioia.” Then Antonfo, wondering greatly at the news, set his horse to a gallop and passed through Rilano at a furious speed and rode on toward Agnino, and it was now afters noon; and presently he saw the armies, but they seemed to be still over agalnst one an- other. And riding on he met Bena, who was coming to see him. And Bena said: “The prince and his knights have fought like devils, my lord, and the townsmen grew fear- ful again when you were gone, and we, coming back, have fought again, but now a truce has bean sounded, and the prince and the duke are meeting in conference between the armies, Yet they say that no peace will be made, for the prince, taking heart from his sudden suc- cess, though he is willing to abandon the tribute, asks something in return which the duke will not grant. Yet perhaps he has granted it by now, for his men are weary.' “He should grant nothing,” cried Antonio, and galloped on again. But Bena said to himself, with an oath: *He has sent back the lady; the saints save us!” and followed Antonio with a laugh on his face. But Antonio, thinking nothing of his own safety, rode full into the ranks of the duke's guard, saying: ‘“Where does my lord talk with ‘the prince?” And they showed him where the place was, for the prince and duke sat alone under a tree between the two ar- rays. And the duke looked harsh and reso- lute, while the prince was very courteously entreating him. % “Indeed,” sald he, “so doubtful has the day been, my lord, that I might well refuse to abandon the tribute and try again tomor- row the issue of the fight. But, since so many brave men have fallen on both sides, T am_willing to abandon it, asking only of you such favor as would be conceded to a simple gentleman asking of his friend, And yet you will not grant it to me, and thus bring Deace between us and our peoples.” Duke Valentine frowned and bit his lip and the prince rose from where he had been seated and lifted his hand to the sky and sald: “So be ft, my lord. On your head lies the blame. For tomorrow I will attack again, and as God lives I will not rest till the neck of the city of Forniola is under my foot or my head rolls'from my shoulders by your sword.” Then Duke Valentine paced up and down, pondering deeply, for he was a man that hated to yield aught, and beyond all else hated what the prince of Mantivoglia asked of him. Yet he feared greatly to refuse, for the townsmen had no stomach for another fight, and had sthreatened to march home it he would not make peace with the prince. Therefore he turned to the prince and, frown- ing heavily, was about to say: “Since it must be so, so let it be,” when suddenly Count Antonio rode up and leaped from his horse, crying:i ‘‘Yield ‘mothing, my lord, yield nothing. <For if you will tell me what to do and suffer me to be your hand we will drive the engmy over our borders with great loss.” Then the prince of Mantivoglia fell to laughing, and be came to Antonio and put his arm about his neck, saying: “‘Peace! peace! thou foollsh man.” And Antonjo saluted him with all deference, but_he answered: “I must give, good counsel to my lord the duke.” And he turned to the duke again, saying: “Yield nothing to the prince, my lord. q Duke Valentine's lips curved in his slow smile as he looked at Antonio. “Is that in- deed your counsel? - And will you swear, An- tonio, to give me your ald against the prince 50 long as the war lasts it I follow it? “Pruly 1 swear it cried Antonfo. ‘Yet what need s there of an oath? Am I not your highness' servant, bound to obey with- out an oath?" “Nay, but you do mot tell him—" began the prince, angrily. Duke Valentine smiled again; he was ever desirous to make a show of falrness where he risked nothing by it, and he gazed a moment on Antonio's face, and he answered to the prince of Mantivoglia: T know the man, my lord, his strength 'r:“! ‘K ::Ialf;:'l’ly. ow one another, Antonio? 5 K ndeea, T know ot «ll your highness pind,” answered Antonio, "Well, T will tell him,” sald Duke Valen- tine. ‘““This prince, Antonio, has consented {0 @ peace and to abandon all claim to tribute from our city on one condition—which is that I, the duke, shall do at his demand what of my own free and sovercign will 1 would not do nd is not fitting nor warranted by e ;:‘;\?‘enr sald Antonio; but in spite of his words the prince of Mantivoglia passed his arm through his and mtgr)gd ruefully, v . “Peace, man, peace. e e T, the duke, having bowed my will to his, shall return’ to Fornolia, not beaten, Indeed, yet half beaten and cowed by Mantivoglia.” lh5|':°:f:|f'not be, my lord,” critd Count Antomo. v lord duke, you do not tell him what the condition is,” said the prince. “'Why, it is nothing else than that I should pardon you and suffer you to wed the Lady Lucia,” said Duke Valentine, Then Count Antonio 1opsed himself from the arm of the lbrllll‘lhnnd Dent and kissed the 's hand; but he said: 3 w'l‘“l?:mh- thing to come twice on a man in one day? For it Is but an hour or more that I parted from the lady of whom you speak, and if her eyes could not move me, what ©clse shall move me?’ And he told them briefly of his meeting with the Lady Lucla. And Duke Valentine was wroth with the Shame that & genervus act arouses in a heart th knows no generosity; and the prince was yet more wroth, and he said to Duke Valentine: “Were there, any honor in you, my lord, you would pot need my prayers to pardon him.” At this the duke's face grew very dark, and he cried angridy: “Get back to your line, my lord, or the truce shall mot save you. And he turned (o Antonio gndigaid: “Three hours do I give you to get before I pursue. Antonjo bowed low to him and to the prince, 4tid they thrge parted, the two princ:s in-bitter wrath and st again on fighting to the end, theione because he was ashamed and yet obstinate, the other for gcorn of a rancor that found mesplace in himself. But Count Antonio went hck to his company and drew it tome little W@y off from both armies; and he said to Tewmasino: “The truge 48 ended and they will fight agaln 50 soona@s the men have had some rest,” and he told Tommasino what ha passed. Then e sat silent again, pres- ently he lald hgld of his cousin's arm, say- in HLook you, Femmasino, princes are some- times focls, hence ccme trouble and de’th 8 is & sore b o8 b I know him in Do we not now for any great matter, but because they are bitter against one another on my ac- connt. Cannot I stop them, Tommasino?" “Aye, If you have 5,000 men and not thirty- five—for that i the sum of us now, counting Martolo, who Is back fram Fornfola." Antonio looked ' thoughtfully through dusk of evening which now fell. ‘“They will not fight tonight,” he said. “1 am weary of this blood letting” And Tom- masino saw that there was something in his mind, Now the night fell dark again and foggy, even as the night before; and none in either army dared to move, and even the sentries could see no more than a fow yards before them. But Antonio’s men, being accustomed to ride in the dark and to find their way through mists, both in plain and hill, could see more clearly; and Antonio divided them Into two parties, himself leading one and glving the other Into Tommasino's charge. And having securely tethered their horees, they set forth, crawling on their belli through the grass. And Antonfo, with his party, made for the prince, while Tommasino and his party directed their way toward the duke’s bivouncs. And they saw the fires very dimly through the mist, and both par ties passed the sentries unobserved and made their way to the center of the camps. Then, on the strake of midnight a strange stir arose in both the camps. Nothing could be seen by reason of the darkness and the mist, but suddenly cries arose, and men ran to and fro, and a cry went up from the duke's camp: “They are behind us! They are be- hind us! We are surrounded!” and in the prince’s camp, also, was great fear; for be- hind them, toward where the spurs of Mount Agnino began, there came shouts of ‘At them, at them, charge!” And the prince’s officers, perceiving the cries to be from men of Forniola (and thus they knew by reason of certain difference in the phrasing of words), conceived that the duke had got bekind them and was lying across their way of retreat. And the duke, hearing the shouts In his own camp, ran out from his tent, and he was met by hundreds of the townsmen, who cried: “My lord, we are surrounded! For Antonio’s men had gone to the towns- men and showed them how they might escape more fighting, and the townsmen were noth- ing loath, and they insisted with the duke that a body of men on horseback had passed behifid them. So the duke sent out scout Who' tould see nothing of the horsemen But then the townsmen cried, some being in the secret, others not: “‘Then they have rid- den ‘past us and are making for Forniola, and they will do heaven knows what there, Léad ue after them, my lord!” And the duke was very angry, but he was also greatly afraid, for he perceived that there was a stir alsoin the prince’s camp, and heard shouts from there, but could not distinguish what was said.. 0 And while ho considered What 'to o the townsmen formed their ranks and sent him word that they were for Forniola, and when he threat- ened them with his guard they rejoined that' one death was as good as another; and the duke gnawed his nafls and went pale with rage. But Count Antonio’s men, see- ing how well the plan had sped, crept again out from the camp and returned to where ey Had-tethered their horses and mounted, €ach taking a spare horse. And before they had been there long they had heard trumpets sound In the duke's camp, and the camp was struck and the duke and all his force began to retreat on Rilano, throwing out many scouts and moving very cautiously in the darkness and mist. Yet when they came on nobody they marched more quickly, even the duke himself now belleving that the prince of Mantivoglia had of a purpose al- lowed the stir in his camp be seen and heard, in order that he might detach a column to Forniola uncbserved and attack the city be- fore the duke came up. Therefore he now pressed on, saying: “I doubt not that the prince himself is with the troop that has gone to Forniola!” And all night long they marched across the plain, covering the space of eighteen miles, and just before the break of day they came to the city. Thus did it fall out with the army of Duke Valentine. But the prince of Mantivoglia had been no less bewildered, for whei he sent out men to see what the cries behind the camp meant he found no man; but he still heard scattering cries among the rising ground, where the hills begin. And he in his turn saw a turn in the camp opposite to him. And, being an im- petuous prince, as he had shown both in evil and in good that day, he snatched up his sword, swearing that he would find the truth of flie matter, and bidding his officers wait his return and not be drawn from their posi- tion before he came again to them, and tak- ing some of his younger knights and a few more, he passed out of his camp and paused for a moment, bidding those with him spread themselves out in a thin line, in order the better to reconnoiter, and that, if some fell into an ambuscade others might survive to carry the news back to the camp. And lie, having given his order, himself stood resting on his sword. And in an Instant, before he 80 much as lift the point of his eword from the ground, silent, blurred shapes came from the mist and were in front and behind and round them, and they looked so strange that he raised his hand to cross himself, but then a scarf was thrown over his mouth and he was seized by elght strong hands and held so that he could not struggle, and neither could he cry out by reason of the scarf across his mouth. And they that held him begun to run rapidly, and he was carried out of the camp without the knowledge of any of those who were with him, and who, missing their leader, fell presently into a great consternatfon and ran to and fro in the gloom, crying: ‘“The princ Have you seen the prince? Is his highness with you? In God's name has the prince been this way But they did not find him and they grew more confounded, stumbling against one another and being much afraid. And when the prince was nowhere to be found they lost heart and began to fall back toward their own borders, striking the base of Agnino, and thelr retreat grew quicker, and at last when morning came they were near the border, but the fog still wrapped all the plain_in obscurity, and, robbed of their teader, they dared attempt nothing, Now 'the prince of. Mantivoglia, whom his army sought thus in fear and bewilderment, was carried very quickly up to the high ground, where the rocks grew steep and close and the way led to the peak of Agnino. And a8 he was borne along some one bound his hapds and his feet, and still he was carried up till at last he found himself lald down gen- tly on the ground. And though he knew no fear—for they of Mantivoglia have ever been most _valiant princes and strangers to all fear—yet he thought that his last hour was com®, and, fearing God, though he feared nothing else, he said a prayer and commended his soul to the Almighty, grieving that he should not receive the last services of the church, “And having done this he lay still, until the dawning day smote on his eyes and he could see, for the fog that lay dense on the plain was not in the hills, but hung between them and the plain. And he looked round, but saw no man. So he abode another hour, and then he heard a step behind him, and a4 man came, but whence he could not see, and the man stooped and loosed the scarf from his mouth and cut his bonds, and he sat up, uttering a cry of wonder. For Count Antonlo stood before him, his sword sheathed by his side. And he sald to the prince of Mavtivoglia: ‘Do’ to me what you will, my lord. If you will strike me as I stand, strike, Or if you will ‘do me the honor to cross swords, my sword is ready. Or, my lord, if you will depart in peace and in my great love and reverence, I will give thanks to heaven and to a noble prince. ““Antonio, what does this mean?” cried the prince, divided between anger and wonder. Then Aftonio told him all that he had dene, how the duke was gone back with his army to Forniola, and how the prince’s army had retreated toward the borders of Manti- voglia, for all this his men had informed him, and he ended with saying: “For since it seemed that I was to be the most unworthy cause of more fighting be- tween two great princes, it came into my head that such a thing should not be. And I rejoice now it will not, for the townsmen will not march out again this year at least, and your highness will scarce sit down be. for: Fornjola with the season now far gon *'8o 4 am balked?" cried the prince, and he rose to his feet. “And this trick is played me by a friend!"’ I am of Fornlola,”” sald Antonio, flushipg red. **And while there was war 1 might in all bonor have played another trick und carried you nok hither, but to Forniola.’ the ‘I care not.'' saldithe prince, angrily. a trick, and no falr fighting.” “Be It a¥ you will, my lord," said An- tonlo, A mun's owh couniscience I bis only Judge. Will you draw your sword, my lord?” But the Prince was very angry, and he an- apy w Oil. needed nutrition, enters directl Handsome |llustrated Pamphlet Free. KUHN & cO s Is what _the consumptive must have, i wgstion of nutrition or death, ithout quantity of food cannot be taken; consequently, there is no nour- ishment, no strength. The forc- y ing down of ordinary food will not answer. What is required is an extraordinary quantity of nourishment in a concentrated form, The disease is simply a appetite a sufficient This is found in Ozomulsion (rnabE-mMARK.) a_scientific compound of Ozone, Guaiacol, and Cod Liver It not only creates an appetite, but also supplies the . It is both a stimulant and a food. into the circulation, enriches the blood strengthens the weakened lungs, builds up the wasted tissues, and makes firm, hard, velvety flesh. It is the Kind Physicians Prescribe for Colds, Coughs, Consumption, Bronchitis, Asthma, the after effects of Pneumonia and La Grippe, and all Pulmo~ nary Complaints; Scrofula, Flesh,band all Wasting Diseases. It General Debility, Loss of L) T. A. SLOCUM CO., 183 Pearl St., New Yorke 15th and Douglas Streets, Om I 10C [ and that means Ripans Tabule: if the price (# | T e ) 1 I!_JD Success in Life depends on little things. A Ripans Tabule is a little thing, but taking one:gccasionally gives good diges- tion, and that means good blood, good brain and brawn, and that means success, Sold by drugglsts, or by mall ts o b pans Chemical Company, N ) is sent to The Ri- . 10 Spruce St., N. Y. 0 I ] e o e e | RYA 1 EXACT SIZE —_——— e ' MERCANTILE PERFECTJ THE MERCANTILE IS THE FAYORITE TEN CENT CIGAR. For sale by all First Class Dealors. F. R. RICE MERCANTILE CICAR CO,, Manufactured by the Factory No. 304, St. T.)uis, Mo down the hill, and they came where a fine horse stood ready saddled. “It 1s not my horse,” sald the prince. “Be not afraid, . my Jord, It is not mine either,” said Antonio,” smiling. A rogue who serves me, and:.ds called Bena, forgot his manners so far as to steal it from the quarters of the duke. I pray you use some opportunity of sending it back to me, or 1 shall be dubbed horse stealer with the rest.” “Iam glad it is not yours,” sald the prince, and he prepared to mount, Antonio holding the stirrup for, him. And when he was mounted Antonio told him how to ride so that he should come safely to his own men and avold certain scouting parties of the duke that he had thrown out behind him as he marched back to Fornlola, And having done this, Antonlo stood back and bared his head and bowed. “And where is your horse?"’ prince, suddenly. “I have no horse, my lord,” sald Antonio. “My men and all my horses have ridden back to our hiding place In the hills. T am alone here, for I thought that your highness would kill me and I should need no horse?” ‘‘How, then, will you escape the scouting parties “I fear 1 shall not escape them, my lord,” sald Antonio, smiling again. ‘And if they take you ““Of a surety I shall be hanged,” sald Count Antonlo. The prince of Mantivoglia gathered his brow Into a heavy frown, but the corners of his lipe twitched, and he did not look at Antonio And thus they rested a few moments, till suddenly the prince, unable to hold himself longer, burst into a great and merry peal of laughter, and he raised his flst and shook it at Antonlo, crying: ‘A scurvy trick, Antonio! By my faith, a scurvier trick by far than that other of yours. Art thou not ashamed, man? Ah, you cast down your eyes! You dare not look at me, Antonio.” “Indeed, 1 have naught to say for this last trick, my lord,” sald Antonlo, laughing also. “Indeed, I must carry this Knave with me,"” cried the prince. “Faugh, the traltor. Get up behind me, traitor. Clasp me by the walst, knave! Closer, knave! Ah, Antonlo, I know not in what mood heaven was when you were made. I would I had the heart to leave you to your hanging! For what a story will. my princees make of this! 1 shall be the best derlded man in all Mantivoglia,” “I think mot, my. dear lord,” faid Count Antonfo, “Unless a love that a man may reckon on as his lady's love, and a chivalry that does not fall, and a valcr that has set two armies all agap® in wonder, be your mat ters for mirth ‘in Mantivoglia. And, indeed, my lord, 1 would that I were riding to the lady that I love best in the world, as your highness rides, for she might laugh till" her sweet eyes ran tears, #0 I were near to dry them.” The prince .pub back bis hapd toward An- tonlo, and clasped Antonio’s hand and sald “What sald she when you left her, An- tonio? KFor with wemen love s often more than honor, and thelr tears rust the bright edge of a man's conselence.” “Her heart s ever as our lady's, and with tears and smiles she left me,” sald Antonio, and he grasped (he prince’s hand. “Come, my lord, we must ride, or it is & prison for you and a balter for me. So they rode together in the morning on the horse that Bena had stolen from among the choicest of Duke Valentine's, and, keep. ing’ cunningly dmong the spurs of the hills, they were sighted opce only from afar off by the’ duke's scouts, and escaped at a canter and came safe (0 'the prince's army, where they were recelved with great wonder und asked the swered roughly : 1 will not fight with you, and T will net speak more with you. I wili go.!" “L will lead your highness (o your Lorse,”" A Lok v A joy. And the prince would not turn again to besiege Forniola, for e had had a fill of fighting and the season grew late for the siege of a walled town. S0 he returned with all his power to Maotivoglia, baving Vo s exp %nmvh pralse for beside, which thing indeed is so commot the wars of princes that even wise "r:"l :I:: well nigh cessed to wonder at it. But the princess of Mantivoglia heard all that had passed with great mirth, and made many Jests upon her husband, and again, lest the prince should take her Jesting In evil part, more upon Duke Valentine, But con- cerning Count Antonio and the Lady Lueia she did not jest. Yet one day, chancing to be alone with Count Antonio—fcr he stayed many days at the court of Mantivoglla and was treated with great honor—she said to hlx]l]l, with a smile and half-raised cyellds Had 1 been o man, my Lord Antonio, T would not have returned alone from the gates of Forniola. In truth your ludy needs plllxel:ca {nr ':IEI' virtue, Count Antonio" “I trust, then, that heaven se lnlllxlna,” sald Antonio. na it o “And to you also,” ghe retorted laugh. “And to her, trust in you Mt 3 pray. For an absent lover s often an abe sent heart, Antonio, and I hear that many ladies would fain soften your ex what I hear the Lady Lucia may hear She would hear it as the idle babling of water over stones,” said Antonio. ‘But, madam, I am glad that I have some honesty In me. For if there were not honest memn and true maids in this world 1 think more than halt of the wit than:bal s would starve for laclk ““Mercy! merey!” she cried. wit hias & keen edge, my Tor “Yet it is not whetted on truth a tity,” sald he. 5 ohas he answered nothing for a moment; the i 3 she drew near to him and #tood before ’ll?‘l‘ regarding his face, and she sighed *Helgaoit And again, “Helgho!” and dropped her syew, and ralsed them again to ) o ARS: EAMC B iis face, and at To some faithfuluess Is casy. great praise to the Lady Lucia," she had sald this she turned uudfl!?fifig and was but little more in his company 86 long as he stryed at Mantivoglia. And she #poke no moro of the Lady Lucia, But wi he was mevating, after bidding fer farewell, le gave him a white rose fro V naylug carclessly: ™ bar bonaie “Your color, my lord, and t God made the' other roses Pl “All that he made he loves, an there 1s good.” said Antonlo, and 1o &w‘og very low, and, having kissed her hang, took the roso, and’ e looked nto her tyes and smiled, saying: *Heaven glve peaca where it has given wit and beauty,” and so he rode away to foln his company fn the il And the princess of Mantivoglla having watched till he was out of sight, went in to dinner and was merrler than ever sho had shown hersclf before, 50 that they said: “She feared Antonio, and s glad that he fs gone.st x‘é;)lfhat night, while her husband slept, she “Indeed youp I glve no (To be Continued.) —_— IMPERIAL HAIR REGENERATOR, Perfectly restares o rich, lrnlllu' hair ‘lu llllhyfuw". aming, ull, oF 2 Baths do not attecr 't 10"l ural ' nuture; does ot iateriare with curling and cr || l‘ -.n COLOI 1. 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