Motion Picture Story Magazine (Feb-Jul 1911)

76 TEE MOTION PICTURE STORY MAGAZINE ing the kneeling girl, and striking off her fetters with strong hands. ' ' Eemove his chains, ' ' he commanded, pointing to the father. But as the order was obeyed, the unconquered chief, with a sudden spring, snatched a battle-axe from one of the king 's guards, in a wild attempt to bury it in Theodoric's heart. The vigilant guards instantly subdued the untamed captive, and awaited their king's expected order for his instant execution. But Theodoric, looking from the chief's defiant eyes to the daughter's beseeching ones, showed unprecedented mercy. "Take him away," he said calmly, "to the mills with the other slaves, but let the maiden remain in the palace, with the respect due a royal guest. ' ' Nearly a year had passed, and in the great mills on Theodoric's estate the captive Visigoths were toiling, some sullenly, some patiently, some even cheerfully. It was late afternoon, and the day's task was nearly completed, when a woman, young, lovely, and richly clothed, entered one of the workrooms and stood looking anxiously around at the groups of men who were grinding corn into meal with round stones. Presently her eyes fell upon the one whom she sought, and she crossed to where he sat, apart from his mates, working with a sort of ferocity, as if an inner rage found its vent in crushing the tender yellow grains. 1 ' Father, ' ' she said gently, and the worker looked up quickly. It was the chief of the Visigoths, defiance and rage still burning in the deep eyes, which did not soften even at sight of his daughter's sweet, anxious face. "I have come again, dear father," she began, laying her slim white fingers over his work-hardened hand, "to ask you to be friends with us. "Why do you refuse? Has not the king been most generous ? Did he not spare both our lives, and yours again, when you would have assassinated him, even in his act of mercy ? When he wished to marry me, did he not come to you graciously, offering to give you all honor as his queen's father, if you would only give your word to be loyal to him ? If you would accept the king's favor, think of what you could do for your people. With your example and guidance they might become free and loyal and happy subjects, instead of miserable slaves. ' ' The old man sprang to his feet in wrath, sending a shower of golden grain thru the air. "I will not have my people become his loyal subjects!" he shrieked. "They are my subjects — mine only! You deserted me — you married the king, tho I forbade it. Now go to him while you may. The time is short! The end is near! Does he fancy I cannot avenge my wrongs?" "Hush!" cried a warning voice, and a workman sprang to the frenzied chief's side, placing a warning hand upon his lips. The daughter recognized in him one of her father's old guardsmen. "It is nothing," he assured the trembling woman. "He often raves like this. He broods until he is half mad." But the woman's face was white. "There is some plot," she murmured fearfully, "a plot against the king's life. Oh, my father ! surely you. would not bring such sorrow upon me!" Receiving no reply, she sank upon her knees by the old man's side. "Promise me that you will not kill my husband, ' ' she pleaded. ' ' Promise her that, ' ' whispered the guardsman in his ear, "or she will betray us. You only promise not to do the deed yourself." "I promise not to kill the king, since his life is dearer to you than mine," declared the chief. "Now go!" Trying to be satisfied with this promise, the daughter went, but her days, from that time, were full of terror and nervous fancies. She was racked with doubts and conflicting emotions. One day, passing thru a corridor which led to the king's chamber, she