"Did you hear me say that the soldiers wore crosses?"
"Oh! that tells the tale," replied Annie.
Edward next began as follows:—"The scene of my picture is in the precincts of a castle: a bold, intrepid looking figure on horseback is seeking for the easiest place of attack, whilst at a small window in the turret, depicted on the dark side of the picture, we descry an archer aiming his bow and arrow at the figure below."
After some little deliberation, the supposed subject was confidentially whispered to mama, who thought it was a right guess, after which the name was more boldly mentioned.
"I am now going to tell a very shocking story," commenced Mary. "The scene is a prison; cold stone walls, narrow windows, iron bars, and rough seats, give no idea of comfort. A kind-looking man is seated in the centre of the group, covering his face with one hand, whilst the other rests on the head of a pretty boy, who looks beseechingly in his face. The other figures are busily engaged heating some curiously-shaped iron instruments."
"That is the poor, dear little prince who had his eyes put out by his naughty uncle," cried Alfred, delighted at being able to guess one of the many scenes described.
"I have heard the truth of that story doubted," remarked Mrs. Arabin.
"So have I," rejoined her sister; "but it is a legend which has become so mixed up with history, that it is difficult to ascertain its truth, and it is as well to know the tale. Now, my dear children, picture to yourselves a battle. It appears to be an engagement during a civil war, for the dress and appearance of the opponents are exactly alike. There is a gloom spread over the whole picture; the redness of sunset has scarcely faded away, and the moon is appearing in the horizon. On one side we see an infirm monarch in the grasp of a soldier, who, with his hand raised to strike the fatal blow, seems to hesitate with astonishment. On the other side, one of princely deportment is attracted by a voice from the spot where the scene I have just described is taking place. By his side a noble figure has just had his horse killed under him."
Louisa guessed this picture, and asked, "Was it not this prince whose life was saved in the Holy Land by his wife's sucking the poison from a wound in his arm?"
"So it is said," answered Mrs. Macdonald, "but the truth of the statement is very much doubted. Now we will stop for this evening, as I hear papa's knock; perhaps he may be able to come home early to-morrow, and help us to puzzle each other."