SUPPLEMENT OF THE FRIEND OF CHINA No, 6.
but make the most of your time, you who are asion of joy and confiding love that lent a fresh stranger in the land, and gaze your fill at the plea charm to her enchanting countenance. Nature sant scenes around you. Trust me, for many a seemed to have taxed her utmost skill to produce long day you will remember with pleasure the in the Countess that most admirable of her works
-a perfectly lovely weinan. smiling valley of the Gran.
The German looked out upon the beautiful and varied landscape by which he was surrounded, and his two companions, whose eyes at first me- chanically followed the direction of his, soon gave themselves up to the never-diminishing fascination which fine scenery possesses, Silent and pensive they suffered their glances to roam along the wind. ings of the stream, and so great is the charm of that valley, that even the old warrior, who had been born and passed' half his life in it felt his heart soften and his eyes grow moist with pleasure as be gazed at the well-know but ever charraing scenery. I have wandered through most parts of Hun- grry, cried the yound officer at last, but no no where have I coon so delicious a spot. I would wish to die here, surely it must be pleasant lying amid such heavenly scenes and under so flowery
sward."
Or on it you had better have said, replied Stephan A soldier can scarce reckon upon burial. He should be well content if it be granted him to die with his feet on his native soil, and fighting for a fair cause. And truly'tis for a fair use we fight, whether it be for our country or for our noble lady,'
Who and whence is your lady I asked Oswald;
can
hence.
I have already,' said Revistyei, after reading the letter, written to the Burgrave with the infor- mation for which he asks me. It is therefore need less for you to hurry back, Sir Envoy, and it would look neither hospitable of me, nor friendly of yon, if you were to leave the castle at this late hour. Tonight, you must abide within my walls. By day
journey break, if you wish it, you
And after speaking a few words to Stephan, the Count withdrew with his lady to her apartments
For to-night, at least, boys, cried old Stephan, when his lord had disappeared, we will be jovial and happy, come what may to-morrow. And you, added he to the German, shall give us proof whe ther you countrymen be such valiant flagon-emp ties as report describes them,?
CHAPTER 11.—THE CHALLENGE.
Presently, the tables were spread in front of the castle, casks rolled out of cellar, and fires lighted, at which a copious supper was prepared; mirth and merriment, feasting and carousing, were the order of the night, Dancing and music succeeded in their turn, and the wild inclody of the national airs rang through the soft moonlight, atmosphere, while here and there a group might be seen listen ing attentively to the bold tales of the Turkish Warsome scarred and gray-haired veteran. The wars and of feats of Magyar valour, related to them and how comes she to be the cause of strife?
Have you not heard the tale ?' cried the young stars were growing dim, and the eastern sky was. officer. It is easy to see that you have not been lighting up, before the last of the revellers, whose noise and numbers had been, however, for some Jong in Hungary. Our lady, you must know, is
time diminishing, finally departed; and, as is the the sister of Hassan, the Turkish Pacha who com- mands the frontier fortress of Leweuz. When first case after most human pleasures, nought remained but the ashes of the extinguished festival fires, to, she accompanied him thither, and although no man had ever seen her unveiled, the report of her won-announce to the passer-by that men had there been derful beauty spread through the whole country, gathered together in rejoicing. even as a rose concealed amidst brambles perfumes the surrounding air with its surpassing fragrance. Amongst others, Count Revistyei heard of its fame, At thought little of it; for our Hungarian maidens are fair to look upon, and we need not to seek for beauty amongst the daughters of the accused infidel. It so changed, however, that an old retainer of the Revisteis was taken prisorer by Hassan, and al- though a large ransom was offered for him. the Turk, in order to rex the Count, who he saw was desirous of his follower's release, obtinately refused to give him up. This came to the ears of Zelmira, Hassan's lovely sister, und she besought her bro ther to make her a gift of the prisoner. - He did so; for the affection he bore gis sister was so great, that he could refuse her nothing. She had the captive brought before her, and questioned bimed concerning the Lord of Revistyei, but, strange to say, the Count's deeds of chivalry and arms were already known to her. She related them, and the prisoner had only to confirm their truth. She then Bet him at liberty; he returned to the castle, and told the Count all that had occurred to him.'
Greatly surprised and touched on learning the interest the beautiful Turk had shown in his ac- tions, the Count pondered on the means of getting At last ho hit upon a to sight and speech of her. plan. Hassan had got together from the adjacene country several hundred labourers to work at the fortification of Lewonez. The Count disguised himself as one of them, and by this means was en able to enter the town. How he managed to see Zelmira and speak with her, I know not; but see her he did, wooed her, and won her, and she agre. ed to dy with him from her brother's power. A peasant woman who was amongst the labourers at Lewenz brought orders for two men, with led hor ses, to conceal themselves on a given evening in the neighbourhood of that town," and at er idoight the Count joined them, bringing with him Zelmira, disguised in the coarse garb of a peasant girl. They sprang upon their horses, and reached the castle in safety.
Two months have elapsed since then, and the infidel sister of Hassan has become the Christian wife of Revistyei's lord. She was baptised by the name of Rose, but her hasband loves best to call her by her former one of Zelmita,'
And is she really so beauteous a came as report declared her to be? inquired Osward, when the young officer concluded his narrative.
Truly is she,' was the reply Do you see yonder moon lifting its bright disc above the dark pine wood ? Its rays silver the mountain tops and fill the whole valley; the river seems to flow more Jorously in its light, and even the grey walls of our old castle appear to grow younger under its mild influence Even so do all things ook brighter and gladder when Zelira apprats.
And Hassan las not attacked the castle?' asked Oswald, interrupting the young officer's rhapsody, Not yet," said Stephan; but doubt not that ere long he will seek to revenge himself and to recover his sister.'
Let him come!' cried the impetuous young gol. Jier let him conie, One never fights better than in defence of beauty,”
There is little to fear,' said his comrado, “Wah the sword of Zuniga in his good right hand the Count is certain of victory"
The sword of Zuniga,' repcated the German; what may that be?
There is a long story concerning it,' repla-d Stephan, which at some oiner moment I may per- haps have leisure to tell, and you to listen to. But now, time is wanting; for I bear the Count ap proaching.
As he uttered these words, the clatter of horses' feet upon the road leading up to the castle breaue audible, and presently the Count of Revistyei, fol- lowed by a small party of manat-ains, galloped up to the gate, at the same moment that Zelmira issued from her apartment and advanced in joyful haste to meet bir hustand. Revistei sprang from his horse and clasped her to his breast; his three days absence had seened three years to his impatient love; but bis friends and retainers now crowded round to welcome him, and his blushing brale ex- iricated herself from his embrace. The Count had a kind word for every one, and presently, when the first greetings were over, Stephan prosetited to him the Burgrave's envoy. While Revistyei mas ading the letter which the young Gerniza pre-
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It was mid-day when Revistyei, standing on the balcony of this castic, received Oswald's adicus.
What sword is that, in which you thus confide? | There will they remain till Hassan's victorious asked the Countess. Show it to me, and explain hand plants the glittering crescent upon the pin
nacles of his enemy's fortress. your reasons for such teliance on its power.
Revistyei passed an arm round the slender waist of his tearful wife, and led her away in the direc tion of the castle armoury.
Meanwhile Mokar had returned to Lewenz, and, after reporting to Hassan the acceptance of his challenge, had again left his presence. The Pacha remained alone with Ibrahim the Renegade.
My lord,' said the latter, you are lost, if you fight with this Revistyei; it is a vain to strive against his sword Zuniga. I have often heard speak of that famous weapon, when I dwelt among the Christians, before the light of the Koran bad shone upon me."
What virtue then resides in this sword, cried Hassan, proudly, that my practised arm and keen scimitar may not withstand?
This discoursing, and in full persuasion of the success of their enterprise, they arrived opposite to the castle of Revistyei, which was on the farther side of the river. On the bridge of the latter, a small party of Hungarian horsemen were balted,
*Can yonder fools be thinking to oppose our progress ?' said the Pacha, contemptuously.
They come doubtless to treat for the surrender of the fort,' answered the smooth-tongued renegade.
Ask them what they want,' said Hassan to one a of his officers. If they choose to deliver up my sister, and burn down their robbers' nest, they may depart without opposition and take with them the body of their chief and whatever else belongs to them.'
The Turk pushed his horse in the direction of Let my lord listen, replied Ibrahim, to the the enemy, and as ho did so, two of the latter ad- At the same time the little history of that marvellous blade. When the great vanced to meet him. Soliman, after the fight of Mohacs, threatened Ger troop opened its ranks, and the Burgrave of many with his invincible legions, all the warriors Schemnitz. splendidly armed and mounted, appear- The Turk re- of Christendom collected together to resist his fa- ed in the midst of the horsemen, ther progress, and amongst them was a certain turned to Hassan, accompanied by the Hungarians, Spaniard, by name Alonzo de Zuniga. This Span-.one of whom immediately addressed the Pacha.
The Burgrave," said he, out of friendship for iard contracted a close friendship with a Hurga- rian noble, Andox Revistyei, the ancestor of thyour lord the Count of Revistyei, will make the ne- foo. When the campaige was brought to an end. cessary arrangements for the combat, in convert and the Spanish tops were summoned away by with such ene of your officers as you may please to out Revistyei, and spoke to him thus.' the Emperor Charles the Fifth, Zuniga sought appoint. When all is in readiness, the Count will come forth to the fight. Your countenance is hates ful to him; and he has no wish to see it till he can strike at it'
We shall probably,' said he, never meet again in this life, and when we die, no one will remeno ber our friendship, which is nevertheless as firm and as true a thing as any in the world. Give me then a token which may pass from father to su, and be useful to each who possesses it; and I will give you a like pledge. In that manner the memory of our friendship with be carried down to the re motest generations, and be held sacred by our des cendants,'
There upon Revistyei drew from his breast a ring, which he always carried suspended round his neck by a triple chain of gold, and gave it to Zu
Tell the rgrave,' said he, that he may do the Countess and myself an exceeding great plea.niga. sure, if he be so minded, by honouring this pour For yourself, my young house with his presence. friend, you will not reftise the trifling git which I now offer yon. In these unsettled times a man's life may depend each day on the quality of his wea- pons, and these you will find excellent'
So saying the Count presented his departing guest with a pair of Turkish pistols, of rare work- manship, and richly inlaid with silver,
They were the arms of a brave mas,' continu. Revistye; the much-dreaded Achmat Aga wore them at-is girdle till the day that he felt beneath my sword. The last shot which he fired with them was aimed at me, but it scarce grazed the skin, and at the saine moment my blade pierced his heart." After expressing in fiting terms his thanks and his farewell, the gratified envoy was about to de- part, when an other approached the Count, and in formed him hit a Turk from the fortress of Lewenz demanded an audience. Revistyci gave orders for his immediate admittance, and requested Osual to delay tits departure a brief space, un case tue Turk should say aught worthy of being communicated to the Burgrave. The next instant the folding. doots of the apartment were thrown opes, and a tall figure entered.
The broad souliers, short neck, hushy black beard, and deeply-marked features of the new co- mer, caused him to be immediately recogised, by the majority of those present, as Moktar, one of the Turkish coinminders at Lewenz. With an air of bod defiance he approached Revistyei,
'Sir Count,' sait he, ‘Husaau, Pachu of Lewenz sends me to thee, the unbelieving lord of Revistyei. By fraud and cunning hast thou stolen away his sister, and he has resolved to punish thea for the deed with his own hand, Although thou art no better than a common tujef, he will condescend to meet theem fair and open field, and in eight days will repair hither to fight thee. Zelmira is to be As the horse in the the prize of te conqueror. desert thirst for the cool fountain, and his rider for the shude of the palm trees, so don ilasan crave after the day of battle. His blade which has so often drunk the blood of unbelievers, shall be dyed a yet deeper red in thine."
The brow of Revisiyei grew dark, and his eyes flashed lightning, at this insolent speech, but he restrained his wrath, and his reply was calm though. Stern.
Tell thy chief, said he, that in eight days I shall expect him. Though his blade be red with Christian blood, my sword Zuniga shall not flinch It was true to my ancestors, frum crossing t and will not fail me. Thou hast my answer Begone!*
"And you,' continued the valiant Count, turning to Uswald, tell the Burgrave that I now beseech him earnestly to come this same week to my castle and act as umpire in the approaching combat.”
Mostar cast a glance of score and defance at Revistrer; Oswald bowed low, and respectfully pressed the hand which the Count offered to him, and then the two envoys descended the stairs, Bide by side, but stera un í silent. As they were getting to horse in the castle yard, Zelmira came out of the chapel.
• Moktar" cried she, how fares my brother?"
• lu eight day's he is to fight with your husband, sud on your account, replied the Turk, sullenly, as he threw himself into the saddle, and without warasating another word, dashed through the galeway.
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This,' said he, 'is the ring of Fidelity; whoever possesses it is certain that his lady love will never break her faith, but be true to him to her dying hour. Take it, dear friend, and nay it evermore rest upon the heart of a Zuniga.
Then the Spaniard produce a Moorish sabre, and buckled it round his friend's waist.
This weapon,' he said, 'was wrested from as Arab einir by one of my forefathers. On the blade is an inscription signifying that whoever wields it to defend or avenge what he loves best in the world is certain to slay his opponent. Let it go down as an heirloom in the family of Revistyei, aud to be used by its possessor to guard what hus heart hoid dearest."
As you have said, so shall it be,' replied Andox Revisty:e, and from this day forward shail the sword be known by the name of Zuniga,'
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The Pacha cast a keen stera glance at the re. negado, who, although evidently startled and agitat ed, speedily recovered himself,
Is the Count well ? said he to the Hungarian. My Lord Pacha will willingly grant him time should he be in any way indisposed."'.
He geds it not,' replied the other. well, and enger for the fight.
. He is
Whilst the two Christians, with Moktar and a small party of Turks, returned to the Burgrave, who began to mark out the ground and make the neulful preparations for the combat, Hassan turned to Ibrahim, mistrust, doubt, anxiety, and ill-sup- pressed fury depict d on his dark countenance.
*If thou hast deceived me,' said he, from between his set teeth, and if he lives to ride out to the com- bat, rest assured that the first flash of Zuniga's sword shall be the signal of thy death. I know thy ambitious dreams, and that, in the hope of suc- ceeding me, thou wouldst gladly behold my fall Therefore has thou brought me into this strait. But beware! for the pit thou hast dag för mu shall receive us both.”
And he clutched Ibrahim's arm with an iron gripe, as though fearful of his escaps
He cannot live, my lord,' replied the terrified renegade; it is not posible. I myself administer- ed to him a deadly drug.'
12t
It was
Meanwhile the place for the duel was marked There were no lists or barriets erected, the The friods embraced each other, and then rode breadth and logth of the ground being uwrxly m- The Redicated by four ile groups of Turks and cluu. forth, the one east and the other west. vistyeis have kept their sword, and many a fue hasgarians, stationed at the four corners. bt the dist before the goal blade of Zanga. Avu farther agreed that the two comitants should neither sec bar speak to each other before etigaging, such, alas I my lord, will inevitably be your fate."
but that Revistyei should ride over the bridge and at once alinck Hassan. Sword and dagger were the only weapons to be used.
Hassan paced uneasily up and down the apart ment; pride and the love of life waging a dierce contest his breast. Repressing a malicious smile, Ibrahim resumed:
When all was ready, the Burgrave took up the Three.shots, *One consulation remains,' said he, ' to the man' station appointed to him as umpire who exposes himself to the blows of this unerring fired by bra order, served us à signal that all was sword. Although his own death is unavoidable, in readiness, and at the sound, the castle gates; there is a chance of his mortally wounding his unopened, and a gallam train of horsemen issued Hassan and the reneg de strained their tagonist. The sword slays those opposed to it, but | fürth- does not ensure the satery of its bearer.'
eyes to distinguish with it was that rode at their Wretched scoffer! Gercely interrupted Elissan head. By the coal black charger that paced proud. since you know no safeguard against this infernally along, champing the bit and spotting his jetty weapon, why cripple my courage by such tales,' coat with flakes of foam, by the snow white plume Ibrahim shrank back, abashed at the anger of that nodded on his steel cap, and the colours of his his chief, and remained for a while plunged in re- ancient house displayed upon his breast, they re- cognised Revistye. The sword of Zuniga glittered flection.
in his grasp as lus horse's boofs thundered across. the bridge.
There is one way,' he said at last, and only one, of extricating your hfe and honour from this peril. I will venture in disguise to the castle of Revistyei, and watch my opportunity to potsón your fue. In eight days, when you present your- self to do him battle, he will be dead."
So be it, then,' said Itassan: 'but hasten." * I risk much in this undertaking,' said Ibrahim; and my reward should be proportionately great.
• Name it yourself, replied the Pacha.
The hall of your treasure, and your sister's hand,' said Ibralin, after a moment's hesitation.
Both shall be yours,' answered Hassau.. hasten.'
But
Turuhim folded his hands on his breast in token of obedience, and left the room. The Pacha gazed scornfully after him.
• Presumptuous fool!' said he, half loud, thinkest thou to mingle the filthy puddle that flows in ily renegade seins with the blood of a Hassan ? My gold might give thee, but Zelmira, never! Let thy, work, be dûne, and thou diest the death'
CHAPTER HIL-THE COMBAT.
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The "be, exclaimed Hassan, rage choking his viece. "Die, dog!' he added, as he drove his keen dagger into the heart of the pale traitor who rode trembling beside him, and then, with the courage of despair, he aet spurs to his steed, and | galloped forward to encounter Revistyeï
Scarcely had their swords clashed together when Wah that of the Turk was shivered to the hit. certain death before his eyes Hassan still thought- of revenge, and plucking from its cheath the dagger that yet reeked with the blood of his betrayer, he hurled it with almost superhuman force at his op The blow took'e feet, the Count dropped ponent. his sword and fell from his horse, which galloped risiertess across the plain.
With a shout of exultation. Hassan sprang from his steed, and satching up the much-dreaded sword, hastened to the fallen man, to feed his hatred with the expiring, agonies of his fun.
But as he bent
over the prostrate form, what features met their view! Far different were they to the detested Re vistyei, and alas! far better known. The head- And did you yourself see him swallow the poi-piece had fallen off, the false beard had become son ? ' said the Facha to Ibrahim, as the latter was ass sting him to arm, on the morning of the day up pointed for the combat,
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I dil, my lord? replied the renegade,' with my own eyes did I see it; and rest assured when you arrive beneath the battlements of Revistyei, h will be to witness your enemy's funeral, and hsten to the wailings of his retainers. Amifat the general grief and confusion, it will be easy to stores the fort and carry of your sister.”
• Victory will be for the noble Count!” cried Os
Fully convinced and rendered confident by these wall, spurring his steed, and following the Mee lem out of the court. But the word of consolation smarances, Hassa mounted his steed, as, bulbs was unheard by Z imira, who was already hinged by a simng squadron of picked mien, ascended ing round her husband's week"!
**You are to fight with Hamsa? criod shes with my braher M
Either that or resiga pen,' replied Reviayer, tenderly. You see that the combat is caurud-bla
10 God" escalded Zetara, and if you petish! My brother is a skilled and hardy warrior
* Have na fary replied the test. Hey & worse danger have 1 passed ia safety."
the banks of the Gaas. The never came rushing and murmuring to meet him, but the snow on tar higher peaks of the Carpathiasy was fast melting, and its waters were savolind and dacoloured.
*Boon,' thought Firazon, as be coxte along, 'whall this gurong current tear down with it the frag- mests of that proul catle of which the lofty tat- slmetta qre now reflected in its wares.*.
sented to him the latter had abundant leisure 40 mj; 14 you fall i will nat sarvise you,' erist. Za į they wato' said the #segade, muzeeng at the
admire the wonderful beauty of Zelmira, #baer
in accents of resulvte derisioCE*
The Lass of Revistyer's retainers hara troubled Ahryagtas of his esset, and chising in with them ac-
· I shall out fall,” said Bendje The good suced (quedingly. Yonder mina that brood upon the go. ustala top beuken the sedesus of the Christians
yes were fixed upon her husband with an expres- Zongs
is a sure safeguard.
displaced; the lovely though pallid countenance, the beauteous eyes, now fast glazing in death, were
those of Zelmira.
For one moment Hassau stood gazing vacantly on her face, seeming scarce to understand what had occurred; then the whole extent of his esime and misfortune appeared to flash upon and over- power him. He turned the sword of Zuniga te gainst himself, and fell lifeless beside the body of his beloved nistot.
Almost at the same instant e funeral train was seen being slowly from the open gates of the cas- tle. It was bearing the Count of Hevisyet ta the tomb of ha ancestors. As though awed by the solemity of the scene and the mournful teaguty they had withereed, Turks and Christaing look op their coad and separated in peace
To this day there is no more popnlae tradition among the peasants of the timomal, than that of the beautiful Zelmira and the last Conus of Revise tysi
Bethard, Printed and Published by Jaws Candy At The Friend of China und llongkong Gazelle, Printing Office, Casam Sunset, VICTOLLS, Hosonoso, 1910,
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