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Page 57
The sweet little High Ki maids at once attracted Seseley, and she
loved them almost at first sight. But it was Nerle who became the
little lady's staunchest friend; for there was something rather
mystical and unnatural to him about the High Ki, who seemed almost
like fairies, while in Seseley he recognized a hearty, substantial
girl of his own rank in life.
While they stood talking and congratulating one another outside of the
castle, the Red Rogue of Dawna appeared among them. He had heard the
noise of the smashing of his great mirror, and had come running
downstairs from his hiding-place to find his cunning had all been for
naught and his captives were free.
A furious anger then took possession of the Rogue, and forgetting his
personal weakness he caught up a huge battle-ax and rushed out to hurl
himself upon Prince Marvel, intending to do him serious injury.
But the prince was not taken unawares. He saw the Red Rogue coming
and met him with drawn sword, striking quickly at the arm that wielded
the big ax. The stroke was as sure as it was quick, and piercing the
arm of the giant caused him to drop the ax with a howl of pain.
Then Prince Marvel seized the Red Rogue by the ear--which he was just
tall enough to reach--and dragged him up the steps and into the
castle, the big fellow crying for mercy at every step and trembling
like a leaf through cowardice.
But down the hall Marvel marched him, seeking some room where the
Rogue might be safely locked in. The great curtain that covered the
second enchanted mirror now caught Prince Marvel's eye, and, still
holding his prisoner by the ear, he reached out his left hand and
pulled aside the drapery.
The Red Rogue looked to see what his captor was doing, and beheld his
own reflection in the magic mirror. Instantly he gave a wild cry and
disappeared, his body becoming absolutely invisible, while his coarse
red countenance stared back from the mirror.
And then Prince Marvel gave a sigh of relief and dropped the curtain
over the surface of the mirror. For he realized that the Red Rogue of
Dawna had at last met with just punishment and was safely imprisoned
for all time.
25. The Adventurers Separate
When Prince Marvel and his friends had ridden away from the castle the
savage followers of the Red One came creeping up to listen for their
master's voice. But silence reigned in every part of the castle, and
after stealing fearfully through the rooms without seeing any one the
fellows became filled with terror and fled from the place, never to return.
And afterward the neighbors whispered that the castle was haunted by
the spirit of the terrible Red Rogue, and travelers dared not stop in
the neighborhood, but passed by quickly and with averted faces.
The prince and his party rode gaily along toward the Kingdom of Heg,
for Nerle had invited them all to visit his father's castle. They
were very happy over their escape, and only the little Lady Seseley
became sad at times, when she thought of her father's sad fate.
The Baron Neggar, who was Nerle's father, was not only a wealthy
nobleman, but exceedingly kind and courteous; so that every member of
Prince Marvel's party was welcomed to the big castle in a very
hospitable manner.
Nerle was eagerly embraced by both his father and mother,
who were overjoyed to see him return safe and sound after
his wanderings and adventures.
"And have you been cured of your longing for something that you can
not have?" asked the baron, anxiously.
"Not quite," said Nerle, laughing; "but I am more reconciled to my
lot. For I find wherever I go people are longing for just the things
they can not get, and probably would not want if they had them. So,
as it seems to be the fate of most mortals to live unsatisfied, I
shall try hereafter to be more contented."
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