The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

“Never mind," returned the duke. “I shall not miss them. To tell the truth, I do not fancy these Saxons. 'l‘hoy are churl- ish fellows, and meddlesome." Alfonso made no reply to this. The feast commenced, and, as might be expected, Orlando Vendor-me was the chief object of remark. To him many praises were given, and in his honor the minstrel sang. hit the youth was not at ease. He had been carried through the scenes of the list without much trial to his nerves, but at the duke‘s table he did not feel at home. He knew that he had many friends pre- sent; and he also knew that he had some enemies. Manifred addressed him with smooth speech, but beneath this complaisant exterior there was lurking a fire of most deadly hatred. Orlando could see it and feel it; and he knew, too, that he was the object of other deadly hatred beside. After candles had beenlirought in, and the was- sail ran high, he made an exuuse to leave the table, and when he had gained the court he took his way towards the dwelling he had formerly owupied. He fancied that some one left the palace directly behind him, but there were so many people moving in the streets that he could not tell whether he was followed or not. When he reached the house he sought, he stopped and knock- ed upon the door. The summons was an- swered by Michael Totilla. “Thev could not remain,” said Alfonso. “They are on their way to the north, and have but little time on their hzmds.” â€" There was a. blast from the heralds, and another shout; and soon afterward the awalcade of knights, led by Hugh de Castro, started for the ducal .palace. The great banqueting hall was thrown open, and hlanford took his place at the head of the table, upon an elevated dais, and by his side sat Orlando Vendorme. The youth would not have been there if he could have avoided it; but, as victor of the day, by the laws of chivalry, he was obliged to sit at the commemorative feast. There were knights and gentlemen present from all sec- tions of Lombardy; but there were no ladies. The princess who should have occupied the seat upon the right of the duke, was absent from indisposition, so that place was given to the Count of )Iodena. ‘ “God lmd the holy saints be praised!” cried the honest; urtizan, stretching forth his hands. “0, my dear master, this is worth a year Of life. Comeâ€"all is safe within. I am alone. with only my little Cinthia. You remember her. Come.” But where were the knirrnts of Saxonv? The duke looked for them In vain. Orlando Imlmved Michael into the houseâ€" into the I'Oh n where he had spent his child- hoodâ€"where he met a smiling, happy face. It was a youthful face, and upon a. Spry little body. Our hero knew that face very well, for it belonged to the daughter of one of his father’s ohl workmen. “Gentlemen,” he said, swallowing his passion, and assuming ayielding expression, “The heat of my disappointment has some- what ruffled me, but I am not blind to our solemn obligations. Place yourselves in my position, and you may judge something of the feelings I must have experienced when I first knew that he who had over- come my son was an outcast from the city. But it is past. Forgive me if I have been inte‘mperate. Sir knight,” he added, ex- tending his hand to Vendorme, “I greet thee as the true victor of the day. \Vear thy prize, and see to it that you walk worthy of the high honor that has been con~ ferred upon you. As a knight of the silver cross I bid thee welcome to our city. Now let the trumpet sound, and then we’ll away to the banquet; and after that the minor sports shall succeedfi “This is my Cixxthiaâ€"my wifeâ€"my com- panion,” said the armorer with pride. “I remember her,” returned Orlando, tak- ing her fair hand and raising it to his lips; “and I give her this salute in token of a. brother’s love. ” “A brother in love,” cried Michael; “but afather in deeds of care and counsel. Ah, my master, many is the time that Cinthia has told me that she loved you next to me. You didn’t expect to find us married.” ‘C 117‘ um" "AAA ‘1: 1, 1 'r a ‘1 Meantime the duke had had time for re- flection. W'hen he saw the knights espous- ing the cause of the outcast, he knew that they were in earnest; and he furthermore knew that he had no ground for opposition. The laws of knighthood had been truly laid down by the Lord of Modena, and he knew that he was bound to their obeyance by a sacred oath. ’1' vv- uu --uu «u Annu;LL\aun “Ah, my good Michael, I hardly expected to find you at all; but now that I have found you, I must say that the finding of you married gives me additional joy. You must have been su rised when you saw the face that bowed be ore the princess Rosabel this afternoon.” The boy count quivered from head to foot, and once his hand dropped upon his sword-hilt; but he quickly recovered him- self, and with a. smile creeping over his hapdsome feafiures, turned away. “Howv now, insolent boy!” cried Ludo- vico, firing with passion. “Put in thy tongue again with its meddling, and I’ll smite thee where thou sittest!” “Be not too sure, sir prince.” “By the gods, I know what I say; and thou had’st best beware, or thy countship will not save thee. They tell me thou art a. count, and if it so be, 1 would advise thee to attend to thine own business.” “ ’Fore God!” cried Frederic Von Brunt, ushing his way nearer to the dais, “this shall not be. I espouse the cause of the gallant victor. For What he hath this day done let him harm him who dare!” And as he thus spoke he drew off his iron gauntlet and cast it upon the ground. “Aye! aye!” echoed many other knights; and in a moment more a. score of gauntlets were lying at the duke’s feet. “S’deat-h!” iasped Ludovico, who stood leaning upon t earm of an attendant; “are we to be insulted thus?” “It is right, sir; and the duke is wrong,” pronounced a qmet voice. 1 ‘ 1 I ‘ The prince timed to see who had spoken, and encountered the gaze of Theodore of Harflmrg. - ,.. . c v c “I do' deny it!” exclaimed the duke, now fairly beside himself with passion. “He shall not escape me thus! He 13 a. criminal, and assuch, Within my mm dominions, I claim him for punishment. Aw any with him! I will hear no more!” “Ah, my lord duke, you forget yourself. There are laws which you and I dare not break. A true knioht of the Cross hath pass- age to any cityinahristendom, and the gates cannot be closed against him. You cast out a. poor armorerâ€"be returns with the passPoi-t of the silver crossâ€"and he claims passage by a right which you can~ not deny.” OBTGAST 0F MILAN “Aye,” feplied the duke, with a. bitter curl of the heavy lips, “my name} has been upon the air; and men have praised me, and sworn by me; but what of it? Who are they that shbut? I have been among them so thoroughl disguised that I seemed a stranger in ilan, and I have heard and seen; and I have learned how much such demonstrations are worth. The drunken rabble. have used m1, .name During three days sports of various kinds were kept up in the enclosure which had been pxepured for the tournament; and as I. v Josh tr scene the duke gav e :1. «'1 and feast of me at and wine to the populace. Of (:Uluse there were loud cheers for Man- fred of Milan, and many an oath was taken in his name. It Was past midnight of the last day of the carnival, and the sounds of revelry were nearly hushed. Manfred had not yet Ic- tired. He had just come in from thcstreets, where he had been walkixw in disguise. The prince Ludovico was with 31in}. The prince had'not been in the street, however; for he had not yet recovered from the shock of his joust, and his leg was lame, and his back stifl‘. ()rlzmdo Yendorme knew very well what his companion would have said: and in the season of silencothat followed he bowed his head, and thought of the pale, yet beauti- ful fame that hemmed upon him when he re- ceived the eonquerox":s scarf. "1 think,” said Ludovico, taking a seat. by the table where wine was placed, “that you have won somewhat upon the people by this festival..” “Then I must remain beneath this roof for the munth to come, and we will work tngethcr. At the end of that time the boy-count may came for his armor; and then, perhaps, we shall learn something more con- cerning him. I think our little Cinthia. will cook for me, and find me in clean linen.” “Aye,” zulded Michael, with a. sh eke of the head, “there may he need of it. \Ve'll have to watch, and We'll have to be careful. Of course, Orlando, you will not; think of seeking?r further interview withâ€"” "\Vith whom, Michael?” “Never mind. It “as a. foolish thmwht. I know vou will not run your own neck Ube- neath the axe. duke, stopping, and sitting at the opposife side of the table. “What reason have I for thinking other- wise?" returned Ludovico, regarding his father with a. look of surprise. “Have I not heard the people, even from here, where I have passed the evening, shouting praises to Manfred of Milan? Has not the whole city rung with your name?’ “And more than that, sir,” replied the true-h ‘zu-tml woman. “I will not onlv cook mid wash far you, but I will w 'Ltch for you. I will kgcp my eves ope_n fm enemies. “No,” said Michael: and after a little hesitation. he added: “But there is another reason. There is danger in the way.” ‘ ‘Haâ€"where?” “Do you imagine that the duke will let you rest in peace?” “Ah, my brother, you suspect him, do y'ouf” "Don t 3011, my 1: laster?” “\Vell, Michael, to tell you the truth, I do suspect that he hates me, and that he would not fail to crush me if I gave him opportunity: and I am not sure that I should stop here in Milan at present, were it not that I haw: promised this \xoik. Not for mv life would I fail to keep 1m word with Theodore of Harthurg; and you know that the armor he seeks cannot be made at any other forge. I do not beliexe that I could temper the fine steel in any other place. What think you?” "I fear it is even so.” “You know it is so.” “At any rate, my master, I cannot dis pute you. ” “There is something in that boy’s char- acter, Michael, which I cannot fathom; but he has been a friend to me, and I shall go at work at once upon the shirt of mail, that is, if I can have room in your shop.” “Hush, my master. The shop is yours.” ‘_‘Not so, Mi» hael. If you have paid your money for it, it is yours.” “He asked me if I supposed you could have it done within a. month; and I told him that, with my assistance, I thought you could. Then he said that at the expira- tion of that time he might be here again.” “But do you mean to go at workâ€"to work at the forge?” “Certainly. Why not?” “You are a. knight. ’ “Tlmt does not, make Iabox dishonorable to me.” “And Where did I get my money? W here did I learn my trade?D How did I become a. cunning work at 0111 craft?” “N ever mind, my dear friend and bro- ther,” said Orlando, deeply moved by this proof of Michael’s goodness; “for the pre- sent we will call the shop ours. And now, will you help me make the armor?” “Yes,” returned Orlando. “I promised to make him one; and he paid me in ad- vance. 1 wish I could have seen him. Did he say when he should want it?” “It, is wonderful!” Exclaimed Cinthia gaz- ing up into Uriandos Iace with an expres- sion curiously struggling between love and awe. “Aye, most wonderful.” echoed Michael. “But my master, there is something curious about this young Theodore of Hartburg. He has been here since the joust was over; he was here just at sunsetâ€"he and a. knight named Von Bruntâ€"and he left the measure for a. shirt of mail, [which he said you would make for him.” “The moment I found myself a knight,” he continued, “or, I should say, when 1 was able to realize that I was a knight, I resolv- ed to be present at this tournament. I had learned that my knighthood 1e11de1 ed null the edict of the duke against me, and I meant to make my mark if I could” How it has all turned out you have seen.’ “And now, I suppose,” said our hero, with a. smile, “you would like to have me talk about it.” - “Certainly,” replied Michael, frankly. Cinthia. expressed her desire to hear the wonderful story by quickly bringing a. stool and taking e. seat close by her husband. Orlandog had nothing" to conceal from these true friends, so he commenced at the beginning, and gave a. full account of all his adventures, from the date of his banish- ment up to the present time. He told how he had sufferedâ€"how he had gone hungry â€"a.nd how he had even begged for bread; and then he told of meeting with the Saxon knights, of his adventure with the robbers, and of the reward which he had received from the youthful Count of Hartburg. ‘_‘What makes y_ouA think so?” asked the rhla: and CHAPTER VI. PLOT’FI NO. THE WATCHMAN. LINDSAY, THURSDAY “Because I would know if we are to be ridden upon by a dog.” “Ayeâ€"â€"tlxere’s the rubi I have heard to-night that he has gone at work in his old shop.” ' “Whamâ€"Not at his old callin P” «yes_ He 13 at work at his gage; and that rascal of a. Michael Totilla. is heiping him.” _ “Then where 13 his knigthood? I do not hens"? hf? ‘3’” W? truly knightaed.” “\Vaifiâ€"wzfit, xuyEon. Do you get over your lameness, and get read ' for your mar- riage with Rosabel, and i Orlando Ven- dorme is here to trouble you after that, you may set it down that the Duke of Milan has been again thwarted. Do you understand “Don’t misunderstand me, de gastro. I mean not to issue my edict. The work, if done at all, must be done so secretly that the story shall never be told. There must hemp meatâ€"novnoise. He must besfinned “‘ LAID LLFD- “I know, .I kgow?” he said;r “but there may be retrlbutmn m that quarter, Do you know what the.outcast Vendorme has done with himself?” , “Never mind,” cried the prince, with an oath. “Let them go as they came. What care we for the burly braggrats of the North? If Orlando Vendorme hath set himself down again in our city, we must take care of him. Did you not see how the sight of his face affected our fairprincess?” “Ayeâ€"I marked it well.” “And do you not believe that even now she would flee to this outcast if she had the opportunity?” “Yesâ€"â€"I am sure she would.” “Then how long shall we suffer him to re- main in_0ur city?” Vlco'.’ “Albâ€"thaws it, my captain. How like you the id 'a, of the champion of our city working ubthc forge?" “It is humiliating.” “Of course it is." “But I can’t see why he does it,” said de Castro. There is something mysterious about the whole afi'air.” “Would it, hurt you, my dear Hugh, to know that; this upstart champion wasâ€"once more banished from Milan?” “Ahâ€"now I comprehend. Ohoâ€"I see it now. And, my lord duke, you touch me in pk}? right place.”r “G005, m5! captain. I have thou ht of this thing and I have concluded t at it must be done, and, furthermore, I have wonQercd who would help me i_n the work.” “I don’t knOW,” said "the :1qu with a. dubious shake of the head. There’s some- thing in connection with that affair which I cannot fathom. He must have been knight- ed, for Alfonso of Modem. conferred the order himself, and there is the J mystery. \Vhy should the count have done. it? But that is not all. Who are these knights of Saxon y that made themselves so conspicuous at the tournament? They have had some- thing to do with this.” The duke lodkcd into his son’s face, and a half-waking smi.e flitted across his dark countenance. _ “Why do you ask me that question, Ludo- “Hold, my lord. You. need wondei' no more. Here is my hand. Let me but; haygyour ducal qrder, and the thing iadone.‘ “ V “ V1] UL “LI defeat and a. bitter curse escaped his lips (11' 1___Auvy T Irixnvv ” L- _A- “I think I do,” replied the prince, watch- ing the shadows of evil as they played over his father‘s face. “I caught a. glimpse of him through the shop window this evening, my lord, as he was at work at the bench.” mosv new, Dub‘ me_ saber; 't’hfnk'ing citizens I have pot seen {In the revel. N0, if this saturnaha hath pomted any influence, it will be against me. My chOiCest plans have been thwarted.” “How thwarted?” askedlthe prince. “How thwarted? D011," 5’011 know? Who was it that. won the prize at 1'ahe tournament? Who overcame my stout captain? Who overcame my $011?” ' Ludovico started with the memmvv of his: “Then get. thee to bed, and nurse thyself carefully, so that P osubel of Bewamo may haxe a. husband as soon as may {be, for the sooner you secure her the better may it be.” “My captain," said the duke. after the knight had drunk a. cup of wine, “what. think you of the youngster that uvcrczunc you at the t(,ulgrlxznlzlcxlt':” Dc Castro hit his lip and clenched his fist. “He is a stout- mscal, my lord.” “Ayeâ€"I know tlmt, but I would dis- cover what your opinion is touching another matter. Have you seen him since you left the list?" Hugh dc Castro had been Mnnfrcd’s com- panion almost from boyhood, and he was just the mam for u. Lyrauit's tool, hold, daring and unsm'upulous, with just mnhi- tion enough to till the place he held, he was willing,r to do anything to please the man who kept him in a. station of authority and power. Had he hcen more intelligent, he might haVe proved a. dangerous friend for his muster, but he knew his own weak points, so he did not aspire to rule. Ludovico arose from his chair, amd moved towards the door, but- lwforc he reached it, he turned and gazed again upon his parent. “\Ivfather,” he saiil, m a low earnest tone, “I Wish to ask vou aquestion, and your :lnb“t,1‘llld\i)cZLS you please. I do not f1om curiosity , but from a. desire to fortify my self and to help you at, the same time. We have spoken of Orlando Vondormc. Do you fear him?” -l)o not understand me. I meanâ€"would \on fear him if you could not sweep him from 3' our path? “\\ h\ do you ask that question?” “Because 1 lune 101151111 for it. I have seen some things, and they have led me to think: and they have led me to ask myself questions which I cannot answer. \Vhy has Alfonso of Modem; taken such a. strange in- terest in the outcast? “'11th does it 111011.11? And who is that boyish count thntculls him- self Lord of (zlflrthnrg? \th was he here “i111 his twin of knifrhts‘.‘ \\ hy did he too take such an inte1est in Vendmme? These u are the things that puule me.“ “As quibt as I can desire, my lord,” rc- pliml do Castro. “The streets are in order, and the wincshops are closed.” “Unml. Bu seated, sit, and listen tn “N0!" cried the 11an the 11001:. “A1111 LhLV puzzle me as Well, son. But 11111 do not 11121110111110 I “ill $0119 thcpi)hluii.is.\lc.\.1110c1severedthehordiun knot. \o\\ «40 to \our bed, and obey the instrc‘u ions of Your p11} sicians. Ludovico left the zilizutmcnt “ithout ask- ing an) mow questions, and in a little while after he was gone Sir Hugh dc Castro cntercd. “Hood, my captain," cried the duke. “I havcbccn waiting fox-you. Have you left everything?" .9” duke, stamping his foot ‘ Orlando Vendorme went at work in the old shop on the very next day after the 1tournament. He had promised the young lord of Hartbur that the armor should be made; and, un er all the circumstances of the case, he could not hesitate. He felt that he was runnin some risk, but he would not allow the ear of his enemies to 1 deter him from fulfilling his obligation. He went at his work in the forenoon, and be- fore night he had succeeded in forming a} pattern of chain to suit him. He produced "some fine wire so subtile that it yielded al- ymost like threads of gold when bent or . twisted, and yet of a temper so keen that a ; sword could not cut it. Thus successful in ithe outset, he flattered himself that he i should produce for Theodore of Hartburg a l suit of mail utterly impenetrable to mortal : weapon. __-.,- ww rvuu-r-fvlv Huglli de bastro poureé. out. a cup of wine, and when he had drank it, he said, as he put the cup down by waya‘OAf emphasis: 7 “T ....J u" .. .J‘ v. um uwom “I unde;sté;fidâ€"yodu, and. it; shall he‘done; and in one week from this time those Who seqk for Orlando Vendorme shall seek in vain l” “And now,” cried Manfred, rising from his seat, “I can seek my couch in some man- ner of comfort. A fitting reward awaits thee, my captain, when the deed is done.” ofi‘as (111E511 as possrmer “ But you shall do it, Michael, before this armor is finished; so that, when I again leave you to yourself, you can furnish mail equal to any ever made by Roderic Ven- llorme or his son. How will that please V011 If “ So well,” replied Michael clapping his hands with joy, “ that I shall be the happi- est man alive When I can make a. net- work like that which you now possess, I shall be able to do that which no other summer in Milan, save yourself, can ac- complish.” Michael Totilla bent himself with careful attention to the instruction of his young master, and before the expiration of another day he was able to compound the ingredients necessary to the tempering of the steel, and practice would soon perfect him in the work. “That. is even so,” returned Orlando. “And you shall have the first secret this very night.” Orlando had been at work nearly a week at his forge without having once left the house. He had worked thus steady for two' reasons. First, he wished to get the suit of mail done as soon as possible ; and, second, he had no desire to he gazed upon by a. curi- ous multitude, and troubled with impudent questions, from which latter cause he had kept the house. But finally, when the steel was all fashioned, and ready for weavinvor into the intricate network, our hero con- cluded to take a stroll through the city. It was in the evening, and Michael had gone out to do some purchasing for the larder. “Are you going out‘!”'askc(1 (Jinthia, as she saw Orlando buckling on his sword. “ Yes, my sister. I think I have been shut up here about lon'r cnmwh - and it is time that I had some f1 Obi] air You is on t be Innely , will you '3” As our hero left the house he cast his eyes carefully about him, but saw nothing to at- tract particular attention. rJ.‘here were several persons in the street, but 1hey seem- ed bent upon business of their own. The night was clear andcahn, and the stars Were out in all their glory. There had been a northerly breeze during the latter part. of the day, so that some of the coolness of the far off Alps was mingled with the atmos- phere. Slowly and thoughtfully the youth pursued his way, and he reaeh- ed the neighbordood of the eastern river he turned to the left. and walked towards the old tilting- ground. As he was walking thus, with his head bowed, he heard footsteeps behind him, and on turnin *he saw a man approach- ing. He had no desire to meet any one who might reeo rnize him, so he turned away from the direct path, and walked more slowly. The man behind came up and passed on, turning when close by our hero and regarding him with evident interest; but he did not stop : he only slackened his pace a little, and then moved on, and was soon out of sight beyond a clump of oleand- ers. “0, no,-â€"it isn’t that, sir. I was think- ing that you might wait until Michael came hack; and then he could hear you com- puny.” “ Ah," returned Vendorme, with a. smile, “you don't understand my turn of mind. I want to study and reflect ; and so I prefer to walk alone.” “But, sir," pursued Cinthia, with evident concern, “you don’t understand any better than I do. There may be danger if you venture out alone." “Danger!" cred Orlando. “Danger in the streets of Milan! Pooh !_ impossible.” “Ah, my brother, you do not reflect. You have enemies in Milan; and they are high in power, too. And I think I have seen strange men lurking about our house of late. I know I saw one last night.” “Never mind, Cinthia. I thank you for your kindness of thought; but; I cannot hive myself up here like a frightened criminal. You see I have my good sword for a com- pzmion, and while this is by me I shall not; fear any lurking enemies. If Michael comes back before I do, you may tell him that I have rone to walk by the Saveso. Keep up a goml heart, sweet sister, and don't let the ghosts and goblins come in to disturb you." “'ith no further thought of the passer, Vendorme },mrsued his way until he finally reached the scene of the tournament. The gates of the list were open, and he entered, and moved towards the platform where the duke had sat. When he reached the spot where he had knelt to receive the eonqueror’s scarf, he stopped, and bowed his head upon his bosom. v Uinthia tried to smile, but- the etl'ort; was fruitless: yet she spoke cheerfully and urged Orlando to keep his eyes open for danger. ' “ Alas !” he murmured, “ and thus the strife must end ! 0, Rosabel, thou hast crossed my pathlike a brightly flashing star, blinding me for the while to all else of earth ; but thou canst no more bless meâ€"no more beam upon me. Into my solitude' of life I will carry the remembrance of thy sweet face ; and my soul shall be cheered by the belief that thou did’st feel for me some ten- der emotion. In a. few short weeks my na- tive city will know me no more. And so, sweet Rosabel, farewell !” A little while after thus speaking the outh stood with his arms folded upon his reast, and then he turned from the spot. He had come near to the gate, and was about to ass throu h, when a. man, coming from wit out, ran ull against him. “How now, dog!” cried the stranger, startinlback a. ace._ He was sihgge pow- c,” . APRIL 28, 1892. enune‘nowrnoppmg our Herb by "almost a. head, and swelling out about the shoulders to §h_e ptoporthn of a} gimlt7 . 1‘ Orlando could not b; mistaken in the per- son. It was a, noted bravo named Matteo â€"a. fellow stained with a. thousand crimes, but who had for the past few years served Hugh de Castro in the capacity of guards- man. “How is this, villain?” the fellow con- tinued, witha. fierce oath. “Why do I find you lurking about this out-of-the-way place? Get thee hence, or I’ll spit thee upon my sword, and serve thy body up to the fishes of the Saveso!” Without stopping to consider, Orlando resented this right promptly. “If you have business to_ intercept peace- ful citizens, then know that I am exempt from your oversight; but if you seek a. quar- rel, you had better consider upon it. before you begin.” “Ho: ho, my boy, you will oppose an officer of the guard, will you! Take that for your trouble.” And as the bravo thus spoke, .he struck the youth in the face. ' Quick as thought 'Orlando sprang back, and drew his sword. “Villain!” he shouted, “if you push me further, you shall me it !” “Ho, ho,â€"â€"you draw 3ou sword upon the gnard, do you! Now, 3 on shall find how fine a. thin g it is! Mindâ€"you have attacked meâ€"you drew your sword firstâ€"you invite the conflict.” In a moment it flashed upon our hero that this fellow had been set or to work by his superiors, and that a deadly conflict had been meant from the first. He now saw through the warning of Cinthia; and he understood the business of the stranger who had passed him on the road. This was a. plot of his enemies, and its meaning was, that he should die. “I attack no man,” he said; “but I shall defend myself to the utmost. I know you; and I know ygur businqsgi” Orlando had prepared himself for the bat- tle, and was all ready to meet his huge op- ponent, when he was startled by beholding two or three armed men emerge from the shadow of the paling; and as near as he could judge from the glimmering of their armor, they were companions of the bravo. NEED OF MORE PLDTTINC. “What is this?” cried Orlando Vendorme, starting back, and gazing sharply out upon the strangers who had arisen from behind the paling. “They are nothing to me,” returned Mat- teo. “Look out for yourself.” Our hero had but a moment for thought, but during that moment his thoughts com- prehended considerable â€"- comprehended enough to convince him that the men be- hind the fence were companions of the vil- lain before him. Matteo had not turned his head; he had not looked behind him ; and yet he showed by his speech that he knew just what the youth had seen. How could he have known this if he had not known who were at hand ‘3 But the question was no sooner answered in his 0“ n mind than he was called upon to defend himself; for While he vet gazed to see if the strangers W cm inclined to advance, the brmo attacked him. “ Insolent cur. "’ the guardsman shouted, raising his sword and preparing for the blow, “\ou have sealed \‘oux mm doom. This is the fate of those who interfere u ith ofiiceis on duty” . Matteo was probably astonished when he I found that his sword spent its force upon empty air ; but he was not long in recover- ing himself, and his next blow was given with more care and precision. He did not hit. his mark, however; and a fierce oath escaped him. Our hero very quickly dis- covered that his antagonist was 9. mere lout at handling the sword; though his immense physwal power gave him fatal ad- vantages over ordinary swordsnien. “ Forhcar !” cried Orlando, after the third passage. “ I want no more of it.” “ Ha, haâ€"you don’t, eh ! But I do. I must have your lifeâ€"Ha ! Take careâ€"here it is E” If the rascal had kept his tongue to him- self his furious onset mi Tht have accomplish- ed something; but his oastful words had caused his companions to fall back so that he might have room; and thus, for the moment, he was the youth’s only antagon- ist. His sword came down with a. power- ful sweep, but was caught and turned away, and before he could recover himself he was pricked through the neck. At this time the other two lunged forward, and they might have borne the young armorer down had not the play been suddenly interrupted. “ Orlando ! Orlando !” cried a. voice from the gate-way, accompanied by the sound of rushing feet. “He. !â€"â€"â€"here !-â€"here ! Quick, my gogd Michael E” - _.-. . On 10“ 1 “'ith tierce oaths the three stout soldiers set upon our hero, and the appearance was, that they would soon overcome him. They evidently looked to see him fall at once; but in this they were disappointed. Still they were very good swordsmen, and so keenly did they ply their blades that the youth had as much as he could do to defend him- self. Had he hut. taken the precaution to wear his shirt of mail, he might have laugh- ed at their blows while he swept them from his path; butas it was, he was forced to defend every part of his body with his own sword. V 7 “Saint; Peter!” cried one of the villains, “can we not hit this fellow? Let; me take a. fgirgweep qt_hir_n_. There!” , . o It was Michael Totilla, and just in sea.- son. As he came near he saw how the ease stood; and, without hesitation, he drew his sword and cleaved one of the villains heads clean from its shoulders; and in a. moment more the remaining; rufl‘ian wag And so it; is was; but. not as Matteo meant. He fancied that he was about to cleave the head of his opponent: but. instead thereof the point of the youth's sword entered his body directlv below the arm, passing through his hen. rt - and, in a. van few mo- ment: 11101 9. his (rifrantic body tumbled over upon the ground; but not, 110“ ex er. until he had criedc out in sharp agonizin" tones that he was killed. “\Vc'll hot you linovaho we. are," re- turned the foremost of the gnardsxncn, stopping?r for an instant when he reached the body of his fallen companion. "I thinl: fox once we'll take a. dead prisoner into our handslâ€"Look. my brothers." he continued, addressing his followers, "this wretch has slain our lieutenant, and he acts as though he meant to serve us the same. There’s no mercy now!” _ _. “Hold '" he shouted, starting back against- the edge of the platform. “\Vhat means this \ igience? \\ 110 are \ 011'3 Before Vendorme could fairly recover him- self from his shock. the men whom he had seen behind the paling, three in nmnher, rushed in upon him with their swords dmwu ; and as they came near he saw that- they were what he had supposed them to heâ€" memhers of the ducal guard. CHAPTER VII. saw no earm mm ms $5111? in twam. ,__-._~ “’A “ Indeed it 1s, my master” artizan, gazing aro'md him. “By the mass, my good M‘- Orlando, as. s9on as he had figm, breath, “ 1311.115 .13 a curious work." .e ['0 (11' J , not, yonaer lies the huge body: ‘6, Van 3’ “A“‘IAA ““1 V “ Yes,” replied 0:1: 1201110 me first; and as I 51-.- 1' three follow ed his 0: upon the youth xelaLr:I,,1m1 had taken place. “ 1 came just in time " said :- he had heard the story. ‘ I might be some (1:11:11? who- 11 ( me that vou had gm :1 cut- , {a} 3 had been people 1u1‘122: w :1.» 11m: so I came away 11ft -r 5111.111411; sible, ' and 1:1) insane: meant to 211.191: ' 1:, :,1‘.Z'(:‘i‘.'." I ‘ Aye. And- who. 11131- Zhis thing. "’ queried 011mm “ It must hwc been :30 .. control of the guarfd' rc {in “Carminly; and I Lm-Z . - pri: .e mover. But what s}: This was a nuevfzr) 1 whj not feel conmcmnt to k 1qu “You haw but; to cm: n “and I will 0 my; but I ea in this case.’ Orlando reflected awhile, said . “I thinkl will go hm: 9. it, am. in the 111023212; i d; to decide. “'e 5311 kt 11. w as thev are, and those max will. Can you recmnmcna bet?” “No, my master." “Then IeL us return.” The armorers reached th eir 12'; further molestation, and as 11 Wish that Cinthia. should know transpired, they said nothing 0} fray, but conversed as thong}: : usual had happened; and so ‘2»: their rest without awax ‘n'x: .‘z: in the mind of the anxinu: vs; On the follcvs mg morning made up his mind to 2010 the a plain statement of_ vshat h “It 1s better so,’ he sui- A skull and partial remains of a man have been found in an outhouse of th Hudson’s bay reserve in Manitoba, an they are suppcsed to be those of Joh Knox, a cattle dealer, who disappeare six years ago from Wmnipeg. and WE is supposed to have been murdered fl kis money. HU I nu my 3, mm- and half-watered . of anv abt ‘98 master or ‘ mcharacter‘, h .1835 noble tha: 7mg, and deserve “m. is human, tt a mininal. â€"â€"31AXLI".'.Cl\..xx :.> - Trusses, Artificial Limos 8: Ap- pliances for all deformities of thh Human Body. Spinal Disease, Hip 0051‘: Disease Diseases of the Knee and Ankle, Knock Knee, Bow Legs, Club Feet etc. N5" \â€" FARM AND “Fungus-:1 dressing of m “I!“ I1 in: Crutches. «£1 Private and Compan} at above rates, on good ’ security. Debentures, Mortgages and ?x \tesnego ated to best advantage. BARRON 8:. MCLA‘CGHLIN, Solicitors. Linds V This little ‘ 1 would doubtless her leg, only owing what to do to do u; we curedher. MQNEY TU WAN. AT LOWEST CURRENT RATES, INTEREST mum}; YEARL: MCINTY RE STEV‘JART, re. \Vha‘. Barristers and etc. Lindsay “102;??ch 5 5%, 6 8c 6% PER GENT; l2l CHURCH STREET TEERONTU. GURES WHERE ALL ELSE FAILS. Bast Cough Syrup. Tastes Good. Use in time. Sold by dm22i5t< Terms to suit borrower. ( T 0 be Continued.) GENTLEMEX,-â€"“ c a re grew! pleased with the result of the use of the instrummlt 1113(1qu your firm for our little 111 Who was sufi‘erin; "mm :1 W111“ swelling of the klmc. previous to using it Silt, \ms unable“ Walkabout, but now runs abou" like other children. and the“e agpears encouragi 1 l ; pr05p€€t5 0 her recovering I he use of the limb. You arcat Hherty t0use this letter if yuu wish to do 50- Messrs. Authors S mm, to answer. n; to comm-am Zompanv funds to loan goodl arm and Town mi: )1‘ res and TC ~tes negoti' shall We hick Mi W s' .- n “lll receive '9 u‘ asa «A no ORGAN, VIOLII Hm'wooD 11 112d YEARLY. , while they at of water that preparation and ‘C' 1R7 ART. Denture. \Vha‘. rr'ower'. «v what 01 Use b} hing redml cam new ng horsem 713$ amo nld nev‘“r be water ae times a day = 0': 11‘s. This is not msfactvory f°r th nave anxSYmPa‘“ as otten as the 'yo animals, but YO to yourself, as t they W111 luckj be "(flat Home is a great 0‘ :him get 0v erworké Mparticu‘zarl idem drink m w; uences will 1 u Sensible hosth awakening to the I m watering. Stre hated every hour, n ago a perton ha d or pneumonia 1e water to drink. tepid. Toâ€"day prac theiced water th< ly drink, and in at 38 are applied to n etemperature of t Ipplicable to man 13" Use common 3mg. Don’ t thin] he of enduring: (hi er who sits ‘ his wornâ€"out, W1 for a mc flier the anim Jul-chilled his 1 an allowed 1 Watering manure. It“ yo= PM Pay f0 Stites. eXtent i "â€"5 awldent. )7 D. My: { APB- results; they now u hia. tb era]