The Bronze Statue, or, The Virgin's Kiss — page 381: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

THE BRONZE STATUE. : 379 said Zitzka, his features so far relaxing | talismanic auxiliary to acertain purpose +nto a smile that it became satisfactorily | I had in view.’ evident to the good-hearted captain of the guard that Angela's pardon was safe, ‘tell me, I ask, what motive in- duced thee to run the risk and venture upon the difficulties of such an enter- prise !’ ‘+T am well aware, great chief, that you have every right to question your ‘ And that purpose ?’ continued Zitz- ka, interrogatively. ‘Was to penetrate into Altendorf Castle,’ returned Angela. ‘ You per- ceive, mighty warrior, that 1 answer your questions with frankness.’ ‘+ Candor is stamped upon every linea- ment of your countenance, young dam prisoner, and that if I expect leniency | sel,’ suid the Taborite chieftain; then, at your hands 1 am bound to reply,’ said | Angela, in a tremulous tone, and with looks upraised appealingly ; ° but L may not respond to that query which you | have put to me.’ after a few moments’ consideration, he signalled to the captain of the guard to retire. That officer accordingly withdrew, followed by a look of gratitude from An- cela, who failed not to appreciate the | ‘Theh doubtless wast thou enamored | s under-current of pleading of one of those nobles whom, impri- | generous soned 2’ observed the captain-general, | which he had adopted in her behalf, the smile brightening still more Hoek ee introducing her to the Captain edly upon his features. | General. ‘ No—such was not the inducement,’| ‘ Now we are alone, young woman, said Angela, suddenly drawing herself | and you can speak more freely,’ resum- up and speaking with a dignity. and, ed this mighty chieftain. ‘ Around you firmness which augmented the admira-| there hangs an evident, mystery, which tion Zitzka already experienced with | some irresistible mystery prompts me to penetrate? Who are you, then, that regard to her general tone and bearing. ¢ Well, I will not press thee upon that} you should have risked your very life to point, maiden,’ he observed. ‘ But un- der what circumstances has the damsel heen arrested this evening?’ he de- manded, turning towards the captain of the guard. ‘May it please you, general,’ was the rescue the State Prisoners from the Castle of Prague? how came you to enjoy the friendship of that illustrious Austrian who gave you the ring? and wherefore have you this evening sought to penetrate into the Castle of Alten- dorf ?’ reply, ‘1 found her in that little chapel which stands embowered in the portion of the forest stretching towards the | tions, great chieftain,’ said the forest- right wing of the castle.’ maiden, ‘1 must state first, that l am ‘What wast thou doing within the) the adopted daughter of a certain home- precincts of the encampment, maiden ?? | ly but kind hearted couple dwelling in inquired Zitzka; ‘and how came you| this forest, and that the name by which to pass the sentinels whose posts you) I am known is Angela Wildon.’ must have cleared in order to reach ‘Angela Wildon!’ exclaimed Zitzka ; that point?’ | i surely I have heard that name before? ‘The damsel wears your own ring,| Ah! | remember—it must have been general,’ said the captain of the guard,| you, young woman, whom Sir Ernest interposing the observation with a voice | de Colmar rescued from the waters of | and manner profoundly respectiul. the Moldau, and whom the Lady Gloria ua ‘Yes, and by virtue of that ring do [| made her guest for afew days in the demand a boon at your hands, illustrious | Castle of Prague ? chieftain?’ exclaimed Angela, display- | ‘IT am that same Angela Wildon,’ ing the brilliant gem which had proved | said the forest-maiden; ‘and now the her passport into’the hnes of the Tabo-| second query put to me by your lips, rite army. trad} | great warrior, 1s also auswered ; for, ‘My riug: the jewel which I[ gave to} since you are aware that Sir Ernest de the Austrian !’ exclaimed Zitzka, struck | Colmar saved my life, you may imagine with amazement. ‘ Howis this? what} how that incident led to an acquaintance connexion, dumsel, subsisis between which circumstances have ripened into thee aud that illustrious man!” ltriendship. Your third question re- ‘The understanding of friendship,’ | lated to Aitendorf Castle, and 1 reply— was the reply. ‘And it Is because he | frankly reply—that there is within these esteems me as a brother should cherish! walls.a lady in whom [ ieel profoundly a sister, that he gave me this ring as al interested—a lady to whom | hoped to °* ¥ 4~"* « ‘In serial reply to your three ques- ~- oo . a oy we) a a rr, f - a bs et te at eats nd . = : = ° — —_—- ee ee - “ 7S . om - by -~ et ea ee a T : ‘ + a | : : - - = ae —_ rod ye al + &* . @ — aw a - ot “% ae + = AS le ym, * ~ + « ‘on e» ‘ ' , o ‘_— o-. ee oe — _ ° ~ a: ON < ~ _ © ; ow a etlgeee 2 & aw _ > ae. — * la ~ j ; . ’ - » . +; » ¥ oe . =" —_ Pgh Ow weed « a" i <= o- > rs comicbooks.com