THE NOVELIST.

Daily Telegraph (Napier), Issue 3982, 26 April 1884, Page 1 (Supplement)

THE NOVELIST.

ASO2>T TEE TBBBIBLB; 08, The Spectre of the Krocken. A TALE OF T.UE BLACK FOREST. By John Fredekick Smith. CHAPTER XI. It must have been a gallant sight To view the tented lists of old ; Bright armor flushing in the light. And created banners wrought in gold, When beauty's b.ind bestowed the prize Of chivalry by "valor won — Less precious in the lover's eyes Th.m those ho fondly j?azed upon. Such sr-enes are past ; I'll not rpgret ; Tho poet's and tho painter's skill Can bring them back to memory yet, Pictured in fancy's visions still. The Autjiok. It must be remembered that chivalry, which once played so important a part in the progress of civilisation, was, in tho eleventh century, as yet in its infancy. Tho church encouraged it as a means of softening the manners of its barbarian conquerors, who, strange to say, brought the most important element of the institution with them—respect for woman. Amongst the various tribes whioh invaded Italy and finally destroyed the Roman Empire, there existed this one common trait—the equality of the sexes. In religion, women, in some respects, had the advantage ; thoy were not only priestesses, but looked upon as inspired-—no expedition of importance being taken without first consulting them. In the affairs of the family their influence in certain cases was supreme. No wonder th.it an astute church, eager to convert its pagan conquerors, availed itself of an instrument already fashioned to its hand. The spell of music, imposing ritual, gorgeous vestments —in fact, all that could excite the imagination of the barbarians —were called into action. Finally, the church succeeded in its attempt; the iavaders adopted the religion of the country it had subdued, Mid gradually became Christians. The lists for the tournament had been erected at a distance of seven or eight furlongs from the grand tower, which formed the principal entrance to the Castle of Ragenstein, and enclosed a space of several acres. Compared with the structures of a similar character, which, in after ages, succeeded, it must have presented a very primitive appearance. True, there was the gallery for tho nobles and their ladies, situated to "the east, and adorned with some faint attempts at splendor ; tapestry—a very different thing from the products of the looms of Arras, Beauvais and the Gobelins ; a more first attempt at decorative art in needlework, composed of coarse linen ; the figures, arranged without the slightest regard to perspective or the natural colors of tho things represented, being cut out of cloth of various hues —green bouses, pink trees, and blue-faced men. Form, however, especially in costume, was pretty accurately observed. The most precious specimen of this kind of fabric, wrought by tho hands of Matilda, wife of William tho Conqueror, and named tho Bayeux Tapestry, is still preserved in the ancient city of that name. The sides of the lists were built up with wooden stakes, set two or three feet apart ; between them branches of firs, the hardy pino, and other overgrecn trees. The space beyond these barriers—for they were little else —was reserved for the vassals—men-at-arms, foresters, and inhabitants of tho adjacont country ; the interior of the enclosure, where the courses were to be run, for the knights, their esquires, tho two marshals of the lists—tho Lord of Emms and Count Linseigncn—also for the officers of their households. For the people— the patient, suffering people—there wero very few amusements in thoso days. Books there were none. The nearest approach to a theatre were tho religious mysteries, in which sacred and profane personages wore curiously mixed together. One of tho most remarkable of those dramas which time has handed down to us is the celebrated passion play which lately provoked a controversy in New York. The space for the plobs was densely occupied by the men-at-arms and retainers of the nobles and knights ; those of the Count of Ragenstein and his friends occupied the most important places. They were well armed. A smile curled tho thin lips of Alf as his quick eye noticed that the followers of Azon and the Duke of Baden were, only partially armed. They wore both sword and dagger, but the cross-bow, the most efficient weapon of a rude ago, had been ostentatiously laid aside. ' Tho wolf and vulture,' he muttered to himself, 'think to lull us into security. We are prepared,' he added. And ho glanced proudily at the vast crowd of foresters, serfs and peasants, armed with their sharp axes, which came in troops from the lands of the count and the adjacent districts. On the occasion of a tournament they had a music superior to the simple horns of the wild bull. Ministrels from neighboring cities and burgher towns, even from tho churches, came flocking to the festival, eager to share not only tho abundant cheer, but the largest sure to be distributed by tho younger knights. Here and there a jester might havo been eeon, with his coxcomb and bolls, but they were not numerous. The people of Suabia were their own jesters, and their miseries were their jests. A. few ecclesiastics might have been found mingling with tho commonalty — monks chiefly, The procession from tho castle entered tho lists to the sounds of a wild but not unpleasing music. Shouts rent the air as the Count and Countess of Ragenstein took their seats in tho tapestried gallery, where the throne intended for tho queen of beauty was still vacant. Sho had to be elected. The acclamations which greeted their allies and guests were moro or less fervent, according to the opinions of the crowd. When Azon and tho Duke of Baden, who rode side by sido in complete armor, mndo their appearance, not a shout was raised, excopt by their own dependents, who attempted, by an exuberance of zeal, to mako up for the coolness of their reception. ' The boors hate us,' whispered the duke. ' Yes, the slaves know their masters. Tho instinct of the brute,' he added. ' I reck not of them. Our host seems puzzled by the partial arming of our men, and yet he fears not force. His precautions are too well taken for that.' 'Yes, we are outwitted.' ' Not outwitted, but outnumbered. The contest of wits has not yet been tried.' An enthusiastic shout welcomed the heir of Ragenstein, ns, accompanied by the young nobles and knights who intended to tako part in the jousts, he cantered into tho lists, the raven crest of his house surmounting his steel helmet, and the scarf embroidered by Louiso and Elgitha worn upon his manly form. j Tho countenance of tho fair maiden, who was seated next her protectross, appeared radiant with smiles as her oyes rested upon the martial figure of her affianced husband. Her heart experienced that feeling of deep, calm content which perfect love alone bestows. There was, however, ono little drawback. Louise, tho friond of her youth, the sister of her affection, had to stand behind her chair of state till the countess commanded her to be seatod. Such was tho severo etiquette of the ago. Demoiselles, bewever nobly born, unless in possession, or heiresses, of sovereigns fiefe, were not privileged to be seated on state occasions till the lady in whose household they had been trained permitted them. Carlina occupied a similar position bohind the chair of the countess—hor heart swelling with envy and ill-suppressed rage.

'Sho has the advantage now,' sho murmured to herself, ' but my hour of triumph is not far distant.' As these and similar thoughts flitted through her seething brain she encountered the glance of the dwarf. A chill ran through her veins, and yet he had smiled upon her. The smiles of Alf, it must be remembered, were not always frieadly ones. There wasa blast of trumpets, and the vast crowd became instantly hushed. Tho time had arrived for the knights who intended to take part in the jousts to make their challenges, which they did by striking their opponent's shield suspended in front of the gallery. Boland and Otto, followed by their esquires, who were on foot, wero tho first to issue from their tents —tho former mounted on a noble steed of Mecklenburg blood —which, though prized at the present day only for heavy cavalry and carriage horses, were well suited to sustain the weight of man and armor. They are a magnificent race, generally rising from sixteen to eighteen hands, and rather heavy in shape, but clean-limbed, broad-chested, and with remarkable leverage in their muscles. When crossed with the thoroughbred, or tho Arab, it becomes vastly improved in Shapo, high couraged, and answers readily to the rein. Otto of Zellc, who was equally wellmounted, accompanied his friend. Almost simultaneously the two prince?, Rodolph and Hubert, entered the enclosure from the opposite side. After cantering several times around the lists, pausing each time to salute the ladies, they touched each other's shields with the point of their lances. These shields, each with its respective blazon, were suspended from posts extending between tho tonts of tho marshals of the day, and indicated that their owners intended to take part in the contest. Altogether there might have been twenty. When her lover touched tho shield of bis rival Elgitha felt a sudden chill at her young heart and turned pale. She knew that the approaching contest was to be ono of courtesy only, and yet sho could not restrain the feeling. Louise, who saw the change, whispered in her ear: ' Becollcct, the lances are not pointed. It is a manly exercise—not a battle. Why not enjoy the sport as I do ? Roland must vanquish him.' Rather a mundane speech for a maiden who fancied herself devoted to the cloister. Hubert, of Baden had touched the shield of Otto of Zelle, and amid the cheers of the spectators the four champions took up a position on opposite sides of the arena. ' Kive pfennigs to one on our young lord !' exclaimed a burly forester, whose sharp axe hung peacefully by his side. Being surrounded by tho dependents of Ragenstein, all equally enthusiastic as himself for the success of Roland in the tourney, the offer was not at first taken up ; thero was a pauso, followed by a laugh. ' Do not boast too soon,' observed a friar, who was standing near; ' were it fitting for a son of the church to wager, I would place five pfennigs on the lance of the Wabrwolf.' This was in allusion to Rodolph's crest. ' If you win,' said a bystander, inclined to indulge in a little medicoval chaffing, ' you can ease your conscionco by bestowing tho pfennigs on tho poor.' ' Unreasonable !' added a third ; ' tho father's charity begins at home.' ' And ends there !' cried several, ' or at the drink-house.' " Stung by these rough witticisms, and incited somewhat, perchance, by the hope of gain, the friar replied at last: ' I lift the gage,' the usual term of accepting a wager. ' Show the coin!' exclaimed the forester, at the same time opening his huge hand and displaying the stake he had proposed. The friar hesitated and looked confused. * What, my son,' he said, 'do you doubt the church ?' * Not the church,' replied the former,' and for the sake of one who is better than either of us I will take your word.' The speaker was no other than the sturdy woodsman introduced in the Grst chapter to our readers. ' Don't trust to him !' shouted several of his friends ; ' he will cheat you.' 'Cheat me or not,' answered Hans Berthold, ' my word is given and I will not take it back.' Thus thb wager stood. During this rustic episode the marshals of the field, the Lord of Emms and Count Linseigncn, had ridden into the centre of the lists to ask the usual questions of the knights about to engage. ' Noble champions,' demanded the former, ' have either of you by spells, or sorcery, or any forbidden means sought to insure success ?' ' No!' exclaimed the four champions, simultaneously. ' In the name of God and our lady, you renounce all such aid ?' added the count. 1 Wo do,' was the reply. Wheeling their horses round, tho marshals turned to their station directly fronting the gallery, and waving their batons, exclaimed in a loud voico : ' Tho lists are open, valiant knights. To your duty.' No sooner had tho marshals pronounced Wie word duty than the four champions, putting spurs to their steeds, advanced to the enoounter. Three courses wero to be run. In tho first Roland and his friend succeeded in touching the breastplates of their opponents, but the advantage did not tell, each having recnived a light blow upon the shoulder-piece, which, in their impetuosity, had been left unguarded. At the first success of their young lord the shouts of the followers of Bagenstein rang loudly and merrily upon tho air, and the heart of Elgitha began to feel somewhat reassured. Meanwhile the knights retirod to their tents to refresh themselves for the second course. When tho signal sounded they issued forth with fierce impetuosity. Their blood was stirred by feelings of personal resentment and the anticipation of triumph. Tho second shock proved far more violent than the first. The saddle girths of Otto's steed gave way, and ho rolled unwounded, but partially stunned, upon the sward. It was now tho turn of tho partizans of Prince Hubort to rcjoico, and their cries of triumph rent tho air. ' Der teuful!' (the devil) muttered Hans, in atone of disappointment. ' o«e.'' said the friar who had wagered with him. The word was not loudly uttered, but it caught the quick ear of the forester, and he began to watch the speaker still more closely. Otto'of Zelle, although terribly annoyed by tho mishap, accepted his defeat gracefully, and bowing to his antagonist, quitted the lists. On taking his seat in the gallery behind Louise, the kind-hearted maiden would hare consoled him for hia misadventure. ( Speak not of it,' ho said. ' I am rightly punished for yielding to such worldly follies. What right had I to enter the lists ? Ami not devoted to the cloister?' Louiso regarded him with surprjso. ? Do not repeat my words,' he added. ' The timo has not yet arrived to declaro my intentions publicly. My people need a protector.' ' And is it roally possible that you intend to—' ' Hush !' interrupted Otto. ' Curious ears arc near us.' From that hour Louiso began to regard lnm with a sisterly interest. His vocation seemed like her own. ' Pity he is not a girl,' she thought,' since Elgitha has disappointed me. We might have taken the veil together.' Could the Lord of Zelle have read what was passing in her mind ho would have smilod at her simplicity. But, then, she had never been in love"; Otto had ; and the young god is exceedingly artful. Although somewhat discomfited by the del feat, of his friend, Roland held his own; i nay, more, had touched the crest of Rodolph,

which advantage did not givo him the right to select the queen of beauty, whose crown of flowers and gems was placed conspicuously upon a cushion in front of the still vacant throne. A third jousfc was necessary to decide that, and all eyes wero intently watching tho event. Both combatants advanced warily, causing their horses to curvet, recede, and wheel round at the lightest touch of the rein. Excited by his hatred and jealousy of our hero, Rodolph had manifested unusual courage, and his father smiled approval. It was a moment of breathless interest when the two knights, after making this display of horsemanship, took up their position, each I one at the extreme end of the lists. All saw that the shock would prove final. Tho steeds seemed animated by the same spirit as their riders when, with flashing eyes and nostrils snorting foam, they met in the centre of the lists. Hans Berthokl, who still kept watching the friar, saw the cynical smilo and heard the low, hissing laugh that broke from his lips. In an instant ho comprehended it all, and shouted with the voice of a stentov : ' Look to your girths, Lord Roland !' Tho next instant the left bund of the speaker was twisted in the gown of the friar, whom ho forced upon his knees, whilst with his right ono he brandished his formidable axe over his head. A crowd of vassals instantly gathered round them. The warning so opportunely given in all probability saved our here from being unhorsed like his friend Otto. The old sonsechal and thoso who had trained him to arms wore masters of their craft. Tt had been a labor of love to them. Few points, either of danger or vantage, had been neglected ; every emergency foreseen. Tho saddle of our hero already began to givo way, but by powerful pressure of his knees he contrived to keep it long enough in its placo till he had struck the wolf crest of his rival fairly in tho centro and saw it roll upon the ground. A word sufficed to check his well-trained steed, and the victor continued to sit firm and. immovable as a sculptured statue, gazing at his antagonist extended upon the sward. Once more enthusiastic shouts broke from the assembled multitude, acclaiming him the victor of the field. Thrice did he ride round the enclosure, bowing to the applause which greeted him on every side as ho passed the rustic barriers. So intonse was tho enthusiasm that it spread even to Lhe vassals and followers of his opponent, touched by the gallantry ho had displayed. All joined in it. At tho termination of the last course he drew his rein directly in front_ of the gallery, and raising tho wreath destined for the queen of beauty on the point of his lanco, deposited it at tho feet of Elgitha, whoso countenance became suffused with blushes at the unexpected and scarcely wished-for homage. ' Not for mo !' sho exclaimed, turning to the countess—' not for me! I am not worthy of the honor!' Her protectress smiled encouragingly as she placed the emblem of her ephemeral sovereignty upon the fair brow of the speaker. Several of the noblest ladies, struck by tho modesty and diffidence of the maiden, joined in conducting her to the hitherto vacant throne. The scarfs of tho knights, tho kerchiefs of tho dames, fluttered in the air as the marshal proclaimed Elgitha, Lady of Wineheim, sovereign Queen of Beauty ; but far more grateful to the heart of the fair girl was the fond glance of pride and devotion which beamed from the eyes of Roland. CHAPTER XII. How often thus in sunny hours Dark shadows dim tho brightest day, Till like the dew upon tho flowers The mists disperse, and pass away, 'Tis so in life, when trials bind Tho soul in peril or in pain ; The noble heart, the constant mind, Can chase the spell, and break the chain. The An-moB. The attention of the marshals of tho lists was suddenly attracted by a loud clamor which aroso from the western barrier, whore Hans Betthold still kept an iron grasp upon the neck of his prisoner. Twice had the friar attempted to escape. Tho first time the quick eye and the threatening gesture of his captor cheeked his purpose. On the second ocsasion ho nearly succeeded. In his enthusiasm at his young lord's triumph the attention of the faithful forester became momentarily diverted, when the wretch, drawing a long knife from beneatli his girdle, struck in the arm which wielded the terrible axe, inflicting a severe wound. Had be yielded to the natural impulse of his temper, Hans would have brained him on the spot; but reflection stayed the blow, and he merely tightened his hold, convinced more strongly than ever that his suspicions of foul play wero correct. Several minutes elapsed before tho two nobles could make themselves heard. Cries of ' Slay him !' Hang tho caitiff! ' Trample him to death !' arose on every side. When silence had been at last obtained, tho Lord of Emms demanded the cause of tumult. A hundred voices replied to him. ' Ono at a time, my masters,' said tho Count of Linseignen. 'Justice! justice, noble lords! justice!' 'How can •we deal out justice till wo know tho cause of quarrol?' demanded the marshals. This fact became so apparent to the bucolio mind that tho cries at last were stilled, and Hans was pushed to tho side of the barrier to tell his own tale. The poor fellow, being unused to speak in such a presence, naturally felt confused. ' I can explain myself more freely to my own sovereign lord,' ho faltered. 'Tho Count of Ragenstein,' observed the marshals, 'is powerless here. Wo are tho only judgos of the field.' ' You can desire no nobler ones,' observed Alf, who had joined the group. ' Speak boldly, Hans, for truth and manhood's sake. It is known you are no brawler, nor contemner of authority.' Encouraged by tho voico of one so well respected throughout tho forest lands, the forester commenced his tale, gathering courage as he proceeded. First, hedescribed own proffered wagor on tho succoss of Roland in tho lists, and its acceptance by the friar. 'My suspicions,' ho added, ' wore not greatly excited till tho discomfiture of my Lord Otto of Zelle, when he muttered, half aloud, the word, ' One.'' The two marshals could sco nothing to excite suspicion in this. ' Hear him patiently to the end, my lords,' observod tho dwarf, ' his wits aro more ready than his tongue,' 5 1 thought the girths of the young knight had been tampered with, and when in the course between tho prince and our young lord I saw his saddle sliding from beneath him, I shouted : '' Look to your girths, Sir Roland !" All recollected to have heard the warning cry. ' And what did you infor from this ? ' That they had been cut, or partially out,' replied Hans,' ' and that tho friar know it. Mind, I don't say that ho had any hand in it j for I would wrong no man willingly, although he has drawn his knifo upon me,' he added, at tho samo timo holding up his wounded arm, from which the blood was still streaming. On hearing the word cut, the esquires of our hero and Otto of Zelle ran hastily to tho tents|of their respective knights, and as speedily returned, each ono holding aloft the saddle his lord had used in the course. The girths of both were partially cut through. At this convincing proof of treachery thero was a groan of execration. The courage of Prince Rodolph was accounted for ; he had reckoned upon an easy victory. Still thero was nothing to connect him with the unknightly deed. 'Strip off his gown,' oxclaimed the Count of Linseignen. The order was instantly obeyed ; willing tore the garment from the trembling wretch, and ho appearod in tho tanned leather skirt of a Lanskeneter.

'Mercy! noble lords! mercy!' he shrieked, at the same time falling upon bis knees, ' and I will tell you everything.' ' Do you confess your crime ?' 'No ! yes ! not that it is so bad as it appears. I had no hand in tho deed ; but I guessed what had been done by- some words I chanced to overhear in a hut where tho kirschwasser is sold.' Kirschwasser is the name of a fiery spirit made from the black cherry—vast quantities are distilled in the Black Forest. 'And would you know the speakors ?' ' I could swear to thorn,' was the reply. The words proved fatal to tho speaker. Scarcely had he uttered them then a boltfrom a crossbow struck him in the centro of the forehead, scattering his brains around. Thorc was a cry of horror, but no otic could tell from whence the shot had parted. All further investigation became impossible, but tho incidents made a deep impression on the vassals and followers of the Count of Ragenstein and his allies. It required all tho influence of the old seneschal to keep them from attacking the men of the Palsgrave and Baden. Some even went so far as to pronounce the names of the two princes. Tho tumult was becoming serious, when the Count of Ragenstein, followed by his son, Otto of Zelle, Azon, and a number of nobles, arrived upon the spot. Whoever tho instigator of tho deed might havo been, which destroyed all evidence of tho foul treachery practised, ho must havo felt satisfied, and secretly congratulated himself as he gazed upon the lifeless corpse of the .'pretended friar—tho proof being now impossible. Not a muscle of tho Palsgrave's countenance moved, lie did not even smile. 'What means this unseemly interruption of our festival ?' demanded the father of our hero. The question was addressed to tho senseschal, but the marshals answered it. A few words explained all that had taken place. The cut saddle girths were produced, and tho body of the man, so summarily sent to his account, confirmed them. ' From which side of tho lists was the bolt sped ?' demanded Azon. The Lord of Emms pointed to the wostcrn barrier, behind which tho followers of the speaker were assembled. 'My vassals and men-at-arms,' observed tho tyrant, ' came upon the ground unarmed by my direction. I now rejoice, ho added, ' that the desire of proving my perfect confidence in the loyalty and honor of our noble host must strike tho tonguo of slander silent. Tho death-messenger came not from them ; and if it had, it would prove nothing.' ' It might have passod over their head,' observed his ally of Baden. The duke pointed to the tower of the castle which was directly behind them. Tho men of Ragenstein once more began to murmur. Otto of Zelle impetuously demanded that the course between himself and Prince Hubort should be run again, and his friend, Roland, warmly seconded the proposal. Their youthful blood was fired with indignation at the treacherous attempt to deprive them of the honors of the day. True, it had succeeded but with ono ; but their hearts were one—boundintho bonds of knightly brotherhood. Azon and the Duko of Baden remained silent. ' It cannot be,' replied thomarshals, simultaneously. 'Tho judgment has already been pronounced ; the prizo awarded, and unless it can be proved that the victor employed unlawful means to insure succoss, it may not be reversed.' Otto pointed to the body of the friar. 'It proves nothing,' added the Lord of Emms. ' Were he living, neither his word nor oath could be received against the assertion of a noble. Tho prince made tho usual declarations at the commencement of the tilt, and as judges of the lists we are bound to believe him.' This, according to the ancient laws of Germany, could not be disputed ; and our readers may judge what chance of justico existed for the lowly. Centuries elapsed before this odious privilege was abolished and the word of every man taken for what it was worth ; the abuse extended down to comparatively modern times. The tournament did not terminato with this untoward incident. Other courses had to bo run ; but, unfortunately, lack of space will not permit the author to describe them. It closed at last with the melee, in whioh all the knights who had already taken their place in the lists wore permitted to join, a privilege which Rodolph and Hubert declined to avail themselves of. ' Tho cowards ?' said Otto, half aloud. ' I should like to have tried my fortune in the lists again.' Tho words were addressed to Roland; both wore standing closo to the soat of tho Quoon of Beauty. Louise, however, heard it, and glanced at the speaker reproachfully. Possibly sho thought that her sympathies had been played upon by a pretended vocation for a religious life. We cannot vouch, wo fear, that it was very real. The last prizo had boen distributed, and Elgitha handed by hor chosen knight, descended from her mimic throno with far moro pleasure than she had mounted it, and whilst tho return procession ; was being formed, remarked to him : ' Thanks to the saints, it is over ; it would havo beon intolerable but as a proof of your devotion ; not that my heart required ifc. May I not lay aside this crown ?' ' Not till after the banquet,' answered Roland, gazing upon her fondly j < besides, you wear it gracefully. It heoomes you.' ' I should prefer a simple wreath of flowers,' observed the maiden, modestly,' but your wishes shall bo mine.' ' And what, lady,' asked Azon, who had drawn near the lovers, ' would bo your feeling should a real crown, tho cmblom of sovereign power, such as wo poor princes arc condemned to wear, be proffered your acceptance ?' Thero waa something not only gentle, but almost deferential in his tono and manner a3 he put tho question—bo unlike his usually brusque, imperious air that it did not oven startle the gentle girl, who smiled as sho replied i . ' I should reject it,' she exclaimed, ' Might not that depend upon the hand that offered it ?' added Azon. Elgitha mado no roply, but gazed upon Roland. : Probably she thought tho weight of a crown might become endurable if shared with him. 'She is indeed most lovely,' muttered tho Palsgrave, as ho strode away ; her innocence and simplicity remind me of ono who— Pshaw! will that dream never cease to haunt mo ? For the moment I almost forgot my purpose. The weakness is past,' ho added, drawing his tall form oreot. ' Azon is once moro iron—iron in heart as well as will.' lln his path he encountered the dwarf, with whom, for many reasons, he would fain havo been upon friendly terms j the principal one was that ho did nob understand him. To thp suspicious mind tho unknown always seems dangerous. ' llorr Alf,' he Baid, in a patronising, half friendly tone, ' thoy toll mo that you aro exceedingly wise' ' Thoy have libelled mo to your highness,' was tho reply. ' I think not. Aro you willing I should test it ?'. ■ ' Most willing, your highness.' ' What were my thoughts now r" ' Of the past, the present, and the futuro, 1 answered the old man, unhesitatingly, for ho had studied the features of the speaker closely during his brief conversation with Elgitha, 'It needs no seor to tell mo that,' remarked Azon, forcing a smilo. * Right,' observed Alf. ,' Your highness is generally so. The human countenance is but a mask. Tho province of tho soer is to divine the secrets hid beneath it. Tho past, was of remorse, which most men feel at (For continuation sco next page.

times. Not that the impression lasts long. It fade 3 like breath upon the polished surface of a mirror. The present —' 'Aye, what of tho present?' demanded Azon. ' A dream so monstrous it left no time to analyze it. The brain dismissed it.' ' And the future ?' ' A dream, too,' continued tho dwarf, ' or, rather, dreams — confused, uncertain, terJible. A rovat crown—perchance an imperial —floated like motes in sunbeams, so dazzling, eranescent, it was impossible to fix them. Is your highness answered ?' Without waitinga reply, the speaker walked I leisurely away, leaving the inquirer, who had ' put his queries more in mockery than seriousness, rooted to the spot in motionless surprise. 1 Have I evoked the fiend,' he muttered at last, 'that he should read my very thoughts —the secret aspirations of my soul —tho cherished project of years ? And yet—lt's a dangerous power Herr Alf possesses. He must be mine, or nothing.' In an age of superstition, when all kinds of beliefs in the supernatural were rife, it was not to be wondered at if the Palsgrave felt bewildered. Even in this enlightened age many of our readers will probably ask how Alf obtained his knowledge. Naturally, of course. Have they forgotten his wondrous strength of arm ? The agility with which, from his lone tower, by the assistance of a knitted rope, he could swing himself from pinnacle to window —listen to the self-com-munings of the inmates of each chamber at his will? That which the world calls supernatural should be named the unsuspected. Nothing assists us to a just conclusion like defining terms. When Azon and the Duke of Baden saw that Rugenstein was too well guarded to be taken either by surprise or open force, other means had to bo resorted to to accomplish their evil designs. These gradually presented themselves to the subtlo brain of Azon. His was the master spirit of tho enterprise ; his ducal ally a mere instrument in his more skillful hands. Both hour and place were well chosen ; tho blow was to be struck where it would be most keenly felt— at the honor of their host, the happiness of his son, and the life of Elgitha, It was a custom at the banquets which followed the tournament, for the Queen of Beauty to fill the cups, which tho esquires and pages handed round to tho nobles and knights. Elgitha performed the task gracefully. As she did so the eyes of Carlina (lashed with maglignant satisfaction; jealousy having so far unaexed her as to make her the accomplice of any scheme no matter how criminal, that promised to avongo her upon her rival. As tho cups wero being passed around, and as she thought no eye was upon her, sho stepped two or three paces back and raised the ni'ras confined to tho bottom of tho floor by heavy leaden weights which kept it in its place. A small but beautiful hound of Italian breed, sprang barking joyously at his recovered froedom. It had been kept unfed in its place of concealment for hours, with what intention will soon bo made apparent. It was the favorite hound of Prince Rodolph. The affectionate animal, with the instinct of its race, ran along tho backs of the chairs till it came to the one on which its master was seated. With marks of evident delight it sprang upon his lap. ' What, Fidelio !' exclaimed the hypocrite, in a well affected tone of surprise, for ho fully expected the presence of his favorite ' Whore have you been hiding ?' The dog gave a low whine. By this time the esquires and pages were approaching with the cups. 'And are you very hungry?' added the speaker. The hound whined a second time. Breaking a piece of manchet bread, ho dipped it into the cup which one of the attendants had just placed beforo him. 'Beg for it,' he said. The hungry animal reared itself upon its hind logs and Btood watching the tempting morsel with eager eyes. ' One—two—three. At the lost word the princo let fall tho bread, which Fidelio snapped at and swallowed instantly. His master had dipped a second piece of the manchet in the cup, whon the gucßts nearost to him were startled by tho animal falling in terrible convulsions on the floor. An expression of doubt and terror appeared upon every countenance. Mail-clad men started to their feet, and gazed in each other's eyes inquiringly, ' With a piercing yell the hound expired. ' Rodolph, do not touch the wine,' exclaimed his father, rising hastily. ' It is poisoned.' At this there was a general cry of indignation, mingled with shouts of : ' Bar the doors! Treachery ! Let no one quit tho hall!' ' I demand justice of my brother nobles,' said Azon, as soon as he could make himself heard. ' A foul murder has beon attempted on tho person of my Bon.' ' Name ! name!' cried a hundred voices. Azon slowly pointed to Elgitha. 'Liar!' exclaimed Roland, drawing his sword. ' Incarnate liar!' (to de continued.)