Newspapers / The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, … / Jan. 20, 1907, edition 1 / Page 18
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CHAPTER X . The Folly of a Soldier. -' It wu not until h had run some distance along the lane that Ellerey stopped to listen, and fully to reaiue that his companion was not beside "nlm. There were no sounds of bur rylng feet In pursuit He could not have out-distanced hi enemies so completely in so short a time, either hey had come no farther than the door In the wall, or had turned in the opposite , direction, perhaps fol ' i lowing his companion, i With his sword still In his 'nand, ' v held ready for deadly work at a mo ment s notice, he retraced his steps, , tils senses sharp set to detect the 5 slightest sound or movement near i . him. Heavy clouds had engulfed - fthe moon now, the darkness was ex . treme, and the silence of the night - unbroken. Ha went forward careful : ly; fne darkness might hold a legion of. foes, and the silence be a trap to catch him. Ellerey found the door with difficulty, Indeed by chance, for r' it was cunningly hidden. Whatever ' the danger, ha must enter the gar den again in search for his comrade. ; The door was shut, and as he felt 1 1 along it from top to bottom, touch j1 t 4ns no laWn nor handle, nor keyhole ; even, he realised that entrance that way was barred. The door only ' , opened from within. He had step ' ped' back to consider how, and at 'v what point, he could best scale the : wall, when a slight movement close beside him caused , him to stand on tha defensive In a moment. "la that you, Ellerey?" i "Ton got out then? Thanks heav- nr "Tes; I didn't speak because I j thought you were one of them, and '".""' Just now I'm no match for a babe In arms." ' ' He was leaning against the wall a few feet from the gate. Ellerey had ' supposed him farther oft by the i falntness of his voice, "Are you hurt?" "Nothing serious, I think, but I've . ' , had a good deal of blood let out of . me. I. should 'nave occupied that '.', grave in the garden for a certaln " ty had rt not been for the baron's second, who stood over me when I ' 1 fall, and, when the blackguards re ' treated from the door, put me out aid. This wasn't the baron's doing." "Perhaps not," Ellerey answered. ' "Can you manage to walk?" "Tes, If you'll let me hang on to you, and we don't have to go far. when I was put outride something .. was said about going to the left." 'Si' "We'll go to me left, then; but I f 'r haven't an Idea where we are." Tha wounded man was weaker than lie Imagined. Before they, had ?v Cone fifty yards he began to reel, . and even as he suggested that El- lerey should go on nit get help, he ' fainted. Ellerey took him In his . arms and carried him. His one Idea ' 'was to get as far away from the scene of tne night's adventure as : possible, but his progress wns slow. Hla comrade revived presently, but, although he tried to walk again, the task 'was beyond him. Bo Ellerey carried him. renting at Intervals, all , through the nlnht. as ong as dark- aess lasted and they were on the out- : Skirts of the city they were unlikely to he stopped and questioned, but ' with dawn It would be different. El lerey was without his coat and cloak; there had been no Itme to seise : them as he rushed from the garden, and he carried a grievously hurt . man In his arms. The first peasant. trudging to his early toll, who caught v sight of them would run and tell the - i newa as he went. Such publicity was to be avoided at all costs, on ' there would be small chance of his being at the Tolson d'Or, In tho Her-! genstrasse, to keep his appointment. J Already a long, thin streak or gray j X ehowed low down rn the east, and , . Ellerey pressed forward as quickly as J possible to find nn asylum. He pass- ; .j.: ed the firm scattered dwelling he - came to, having no desire to knock up some sleepy peasant and have to ' combat his lniulslnvnes, as well as . tils annoyance, t being so unceretno nloUSly disturbed. Presently where: two cross-road met 'ne espied Small habitation, from which a thin wreath of smoke was rising Into Hie Tno ml UK ulr. mill l t I !! t liy Ills fortune here. He had set his bur- , ' dan down bv the g:ite ln n nn "Id j woman came from tin- bouse with h pall going tri n will in the gard n for, water. "Gktod mother," Ellerey culled out. I "I would claim your nospltnllty." j The womsn turned to look nt him, ; tfien set down the pull und cmne to the gate. "What Is It' Defend us there's, blood on him! ' Mie reclaimed, point ing St the prostr;it man "An attak In the nlichi lv some ruffians who would luiv- nmnl. r- .1 US, good mother My iomi.nl. I- Wounded, you see Will yon ru,. him rest here w'nile I so into tin- 1 1 for help?" 'It Is 111 work assisting Mmm;. rs," ; answered the vornnn i "Look at im . I' there not honesty In my face'.'" J i', "Aye, 1 iiuui I not with jour fai , , but there Is tint on your tongue, i Which doe not grea'ly ple.ise tin- . "The accent of foi urner ?" usk-' d Ellerey. "Hlnill I t. II von a , CTStT The time Ik mining lnn oil ' Shalt have titll- enough of -m li ,m accent through ih- ngtti and ' breadth of the in.i 1 j Tor SUCh a I'Tophe. V yoll !,r J 'Welcome," she answered, opening the . gate. "You may runie In " j KUerey carried hi companion m the garden path, and with toe help1 ' . ' ttt the Woman and her grandson, ivho! startu In wonder nt their coming, SOOn had him romr.irtuhly placed i.n a pallet In the Utile room . "Send Dr. Goldberg to me " aid his Companion; "he lives closo to the : pa ; ice, and Is a friend and discreet." j The mention of th ttMine caused Ellarey began actively to i.i.r hi i - face for a moment, lie had been u j true comrade, and Eller- hmi given , " Utile . thought to his identity, now I he Wondered, and a mule w inkle. i the corners of his mouth I His. companion In safe keeping,) Ellerey beagn actively to consider hla I ' own affairs lis knew Dr. do id berg i ff reputation, but he had no desire V Vl MM" i Ml" Ml t . tl to satisfy tho doctor would bn ill moult, and might well b left to tha woundei) matt. He took up ills companion's cloak ho could hardly f o Into the city as he waa and then sit tho room, beckoning the woman . to follow him. I will send the doctor at once, good mother," he said, "and there is something to help my poor thanks. Can you give me a piece of paper and fnd me a pencil?" . The golden cots clinking in her tiand would have purchased a far greater service. " The pencil and pa per were brought, and Ellerey wrote rspldly for.ax few momenta; then tore ' paper In half. We folded each -'Un carefully, placing on In hla st. the other he kept In big band. CHE'PRilKCESS.. HflKIjTZfl PEHCY DREBNEtt. "If the lad would earn something, send him after me quickly', he said, and then too went up tne garden nath and took the road to the city, In a few momenta the boy over took him. ; "Do you know the palace, my lad?" . : .v.t:-i. "Tea." ;" ' i". ;'f'' Je'',-.!: "To the right of it there Is a large square." " :'m-' ' "j, know It," answered the boy; "the foreigners who hate us live there." "I would curb that young tongue of yours, or you'll be, uslng.it squealing for mercy under the Wnlp. Ask there for Dr. Ooldberg'a house, and give him this paper. Do you understand?" The lad nodded. "Run quickly then, and afterward come to me In the Grande Place. You know the statue of King Ferdi nand there? I shall be beside It Away with you. The quicker you do ytiur errand, the greater your re ward." The lad needed no second bidding. He started off at a brisk trot, and El lerey pursued hla way to the city. The gates were open, and t'nere were few abroad In the streets as yet; dui the thought of the many hands which had sought to despatch him In the garden last night made - Ellerey proceed with greater caution than he 'nad even exercised. Only a few In the dim light could have seen hla face sufficiently to recognize htm, but he drew the cloak up to hla chin and concealed his face as much aa pos sible. He avoided the larger thor oughfares, being undeslrous of meet ing any acquaintances; and In the smaller streets which he traversed 'ne might at any moment come face to face with one of that crowd he had so recently escaped from. Ho went warily, therefore, looking for the slightest glance of recognition In the face of every man he met. In the neighborhood of the Grande Place he lingered1 In a side street until he saw the lad approaching the statue , which he went to meet him. "You delivered tha letter?" "Yes. I was asked who gave It to me, and I said a man I did ' not know." "That was true enough," Ellerey returned. "Here's for your trouble. Would you earn more?" The boy's eyes glistened as his fingers closed on tne silver. It was easy to buy faithful service In Btu ratzberg so. long as no one was near to offer a' hlgher price for unfaith fulness. Ellerey Judged that such a messenger as this lad would pass un challenged and unnoticed. "Take this to the western gate and ask for the lodgings of a captain called Ellerey. He 'has a servant named Stefan give him the paper." "He shall have It." "There ts double payment, then. Kun. I shall know if your errand Is quickly done, and woe-betlde you If you loiter." And having watched the lad disappear, Ellerey went quickly down a side street, and by many turnings and doublings on his track, sought to escape any spy who might chance to be watching him. At dawn Stefan stretched out 'nls huge limbs upan the settle and awoke with a heavy grunt. No matter how deep his potations on the previous evening, he always awoke early; not fresh, perhaps, that were too much to expect, but with his wits clear. Hitting up, he glanced round the room for signs of 'nls master's return, and, seeing none, grunted again In wonder. A tankard was on the floor beside him, ami he drank the flat re mains from last night's measure with a wry face. Then he pushed open the door of his master's room and looked in. "Empty!" he said, satisfied that his master had not entered without be ing heard. "Mere's anofner street quarrel, maybe, and more torn clothes to Bell to the ragman." Then Stefan made his morning toi let. It was a simple process. Ills ablutions were taken at Irregular In tervals, sometimes nt long Intervals, and this was not the time for them He r.Nn his fingers through his hair to take some of the tangle out of It, shook his great frame to force his iln'his into comfortable position, tlghti iird his loosened belt, and took off his hoots For a few moments he sit on i)n- sctlln. Ills legs stretch- ii out wide apart, then he drew iini'Yuu needn't be afraid any more his hoots again, and stamping hltn- She was married yesterday to a tlm self firmly Into them, wa ready for bet-cutter from nreslen way, and whatever i he day might bring forth, he'll tame her fast enough like you The stree was still silent and de- might ft hungry sparrow In winter serted as Htefiin went to the door time.' Hood tidings, Monsieur Fran ami looked right and left The "H. believe me, tnough I doubt the neighborhood us one of the Inst In;"""1'1"" a"'l P1(y ,h" woodcutter. Why, the eiy to stir Itself If Stefan felt ""' muscles In her arm wouldn't any anxiety regarding his master. ' blush to b en by the side of mine, there was no expression In hla face 1 " woodcutter would have to cut to mark It M,. was sto, und Itnper- (I,,'P ,hY 'orest before muscles tm I. ,il, . would have remained so Hood out tike these." And with a piohilih hmi Klhrey hern carried up .ureal laugh Stefan bared him brawny tin st,,. i ,i,hi nn ' a Bluitter i-i"rm" f"r tn" Frenchman's Inspection. Kiuiii.il now mi, I then, walked half "Very beuutlful." said Francois, a dozen p,es from the door and' ' believe you. Too good to waste hii. k to circulate his blood, ami t'.ten , ("l'l"a" a woman. i:gh! What b ain d with his shoulder against the , brings you so early to Ihe western wall .-I- though he were n fixture , fate?" there until desperate necessity mov- I "' ,lltvp ft message for the Cap- ed him The boy who , ... , urned quickly Into the street, ami then came along slowly, looking to this side and that, i hardly appeared the kind of visitor necessary to move trie soldier. Ste- 1 fan looked at htm Tieenusi- there was I no one else In the street look nt; Intt he was little Interested. As the lad came neiiret. however, the sol dier became a ware that the sleepy street was beginning to rininn Itself. The blind In a window of the house opposite was ilrawn nald for a mo no nt. n nd a face looked out. The lisped of the morning seemed speedily to satisfy, for the blind quickly fell back Into its place again. Without actually looking up. Klefan had seen those peering eyes, and curiously enougn they had him In terested in th lad, who suddenly stopped in fiont of him. "',, y. ii tell me where a 'aptaln I.llerev lodg.s? w.ie ou told to go Into a street and bawl for Information lUe that until you found him?" asked tha sol - dirr gruffly. "I spoke no louder thah I always ' do," answered the boy ' l neti It's a hale pair nt lungs you've gm concealed In that body of yours I'm nigh desf with your shout ing. I'ome within the doorway, my lad. and whisper, perhaps I'll catch the meaning of your question when It does not drum through m Ilka the cry of a drunken crowd of rioters." Homewhat abashed, the boy did as he waa told and repeated his quos Hon In a lower tone. "By a strange chance be lives In this selfsame house, but's he not abroad yet" said Stefan. "We do sometimes sleep, and our day doesn't begin st cock crow." "I don't want him." said the. lad. "1 want his servant, Stefan." "Bf another strange chance he Uvea here.toe.' , What do, yo want with hlror ' ' - "1 k abre4 etr- ..'..,.-. t -V. I f . - ,, I : , . . ; . , . . , "Aye, he never sleep at all." "I live too nigh the city for fairy tales,", said the boy. , "Will you bring me to this same Stefan ? have a message for him." . "Don't bawl it, lad, whisper.-He's oc a aeucate constitution, .this Ste fan I know, for I am he." The boy looked .doubtful for a moment . V-M . C - - s -' V- :'; -."la that ' truthr 'd -7 ' "I like your caution." Stefan re turned. "You'll succeed, whether- you aai witn men or women though the women wm-brine; out all your met tie, I warrant Tes, . truth, , I am Hteian." , frr:--,:'-'-' "I was to give this paper to you, The soldier opened it and read it, not without some difficulty, it seemed. "Who gave you this?" "A man, I know no more of him." "Good. Whlvh way Ilea your nome?" " - ;,. : "On the road toward Breslen." ' "Good. Which way lies your ly, and look you my lay, should any. ask what errand you have been on this morning, be a fool and forget If your memory's too food, It's like enough some friend of, mine will be spoiling those One lungs of yours. Hast ever heard a man try to shout with a aword thrust through him f" "No, sir," "I have' Stefan answered. "It's a fearsome aound, like a whisper bub bling up through water. I'd be sor ry to hear it from you. Off with you." Stefan watched the boy out of tne street, then he went in, and strik ing a match, burnt the paper, scat tering the charred fragments on the hearth. "Here's iwws that's an excuse for wine," he said, pouring out a liberal draught Into the tankard. "A man gets rusty as an old lock with wait ing. This will grease the action somewhat." "It's early hours for such refresh ment," said a voice at the door. Stefan winked one eye over the rim of the tankard at tha Intruder, but did not pause In his drinking un til tnree parts of tne liquid waa gone. Then he drew the back of his hand across his beard and mustache and sighed with satisfaction. "Never too early to drink thanks for good tidings, Monsieur Francois. The Frenchman, with a quick glance found the room, stepped in, a smile upon his Hps. He 'had told his master more than once that this ser vant of Captain Ellerey's war a drunkard adn a fool, and that little was to be got out of hdm, because nlthlng was ever trusted to him. "And what are the good tidings?" he asked. "You'll be laughing at me, because you don't understand' my disease, Monsieur Francois. I hate women." "Hate them! Ma fol. Then Is your disease very lamentable." "Well, there It Is I hate fnem," said Stefan, "but there was one wo man who would not hate me, do what I would. She was a bonny wench, so far as I am a Judge, of bigger girth than most you meet, and with an arm of muscle to appeal to a sol dier like me. At the street corner she'd wait awhile to see me pass, and she'd remark on tne cut of my features and the stalwart looks of these legs of mine. I took no notice, but her love waa proof against a trifle of that kind. She'd 'make a husband of me some day,' she said, and those that heard her told me the saying. There's a vein of superstition In my composition, and for months past I've been expecting her to keep her word. When a woman's set upon n matter, Where's tho hole a man may find safety In? Tell me that. Monsieur Francois." The Frenchman shrugged hla shoulders, thinking what a fool his companion was. "This morning there comes a lad looking up and down the street to find mo, and he says to me, 'Where lives Stefan, he who Is servant to that Captain Ellerey we hear so much about?' And I answers cun ningly, knowing the value of caution In such times as these. At last I ad mit that I am, and ho snys, 'There's a fat woman, that's what he call ed her, Monsieur Francois There's n fat woman you're afraid of because she's going to marry yon.' I sweated from every hole In my skin, thinking ! the time had come. Then says he: lam. I "Ah. from Monsieur Do Frollette?" ... n ., ,,arrv .,, for mv master." "I'll deliver It. Tell m quickly, and you shall taste a drop of real Hurgundy. to keep the morning a4r out of your return Journey." ' I was to tell It to the Captain, personally "What!" thundered Stefan, "am 1 not to be trusted, men?" "You know the value of caution In these times," said Francois, "you spokn of it lust now. Monsieur De Froiiette Is over-cautious, Stefan; that Is the truth." i "It Is a weakness of all masters," the soldier replied, "and so they ovsr reach themselves. Olvo me a little confidence, and I am content, but dis trust me. and my ears are ever on the stretch to catCn naws which 1 may use to my advantage. Out I j h-v quarrel with you. The cap. ,, , ou, y)U mugt awalt h, . i turn,, and while you wait you shall : taste his Hurgundy.' I "Out! Ho earlyt" "oh, he's In love. I think, for he .walks under the stars often, snd on 1 t-l - lk. tllA A sal's Aiiln his return sighs like a gathering storm. I hear things, Monsieur Fran cois. I know." The wily Frenchman nodled sym pathetically. ; "Perhaps 1 might find a market for what you know." "That's been hi my mind, these many days." Sttfan anawered. fit's the first word that sticks . In my throat. I've never let out secrets be fore, maybe because no man has told me any. Come, tne wine may loos en my tongue." He took two tankards and key from the shelf, and led the way along a passage. The Frenchman followed eagerly, laughing at his companion's simplicity. It would be strange If Stefan could not tell him some news which would be .useful Monsieur De Frollette, .' ' " v' - Tea have yor trine rt safe keep I; T. ' 'i ' , i i ; . . j u m t c s . if l' a , . . Idllig riiiiii e. i to wait in, I ! 'h.nj utruck a 1!;. tit. "Would i i,ave us keep It In in a doorway f. r every thirsty throat In bturatzljcr f? Come down now. , Kit you on tijy t empty, barrel thero. Here's wine should make you. dream to your heart's content The captain Win think that it has leaked some. what. Kcurve y treatment, Monsieur rrgncoM, to have such wine in, ma ing and never ask a soldier comrade to pass 4q opinion, , So-we help our selves." v i v.; :.y""'"- "To his wine and to his secrets, Stefan drowned his lo"1 laughter in a copious draught while , Francois sinpea witn the air of a connoisseur. "Fit for a king's tsalate" he mur- mered. - -.,",;- y. ::- "Say rather for the gods. , Nectar, monsieur, nectar! My secrets bubble ia my tongue as the wine Duboiee.to the eurface''w4';,, OKvty, "Turn them tnt mnnl rrtonev. Ste fan. After all, what W this English captain 'to your' : ' - Hy;,:--i The soldier aet down 'his tankard and lowered his voice Into a confl dentalal whisper. ? w -mere are some who take me for a fool," he said, coming nearer to his companion. "The captain did not return iasf night, and there have been watchers In the street" "WatchersT xQo on. Stefan ' what else?" said the Frenchman eagerly. "Aye. i saw one draw back a buna in the house opposite not an hour ago, ' What do you make - of that, Monsieur Francois?" The answer was a smothered gur gle, -for a cloth had been suddenly tied across the Frenchman's mouth. It was In vain that he tried to free himself. He was no matcn against the muscles Stefan had shown him a little while- ago; and before he had may realised what had happened, ne waa bound, gagged, and lying on his oacK on tne noor. "You'll have ample time to find out how muCa of a fool I am, Mon sieur Francois," said Stefan, "for unless a miracle should happen you'll be sharp set for a meal before you leave here. Never look so solemn, man; you won't die. I'll send and release you as soon as it Is safe to do so; and If it will save your char acter I'll let your master In the Alt- sirasse anow that you did your Dest to carry out - hla instructions and make a fool bf me. Should you be able to drak yourself about presently you nave my run permission to noia your mouth bnder any tap there in the callar, . and we'll never aBk for payment of fne score." And drinking the wine which remained in his own tankard and also in the Frenchman's he left the cellar, locking the door after him. A few minutes later he walked down the street with a 'self -satisfied smile, a strapped-up bundle under his arm and was soon lost to view in the lower purlieus of the city. Tnat night seven horsemen left Sturatzberg, riding singly, and not all by the same gate. But, by which ev er gate they left, they halted when they had ridden out of sight, and turned aside to reacn the Breslen road. The last to go was Stefan. He went by the southern gate, and once free of the city, urged hla horse for ward toward the forest which lies between Breslen and Sturatzberg. CHAPTER XI. In the Bols. The Bols lay without the northern gate. The work of planting gardens and cutting carriage roads through the nearer stretches of the forest which touched the city on this side was due to Ferdinand I, whose statue stood In the Grande Place, the on ly useful action of which he had ev er been guilty, it waa said. Early In the morning men riding n the Bols had inquired of one an other whether the story concerning ttaron retrescu were true. One had heard this, another that. It was whispered that the baron had been killed in a duel by a member of the British embassy, who had also been seriously wounded; and again, that he had wounded his adversary and had then been nearly killed by his adversary's partisans. Then one man inquired the name of the woman and another where the duel had been fought, for there waa a law against duelling, although it was seldom en forced. The true story did not be come public property, but It was presently known that the baron's wound was a slight affair after all, and that the duel had not been fought with a member of the embas sy. Captain Ward had certainly been Injured, but that was the re sult of ah accident; they had Dr. Goldberg's word for It. It was then that the younger wiseacres smiled. Baron Petrescu was sn easy lover, and had been punished for some In discretion. Home townsman, per haps, with the luck on hla side, had got the better of the master of fence. No wonder the baron wished to keep the matter quiet. Lord Cloverton knew the true sto ry. Captain Ward had sent to mlm, directly Dr. Ooldberg had got him home and the ambassador shut him self In his room to consider 'nls course of action. After his failure to en trap Queen K.lenn last night, and the King's anger consequent upon his accusation, hi position was an ex tremely difficult one. The Queen had! outwitted him, but the fact reamlned I that Captain Klierry waa not to bo found at 'nls lodging this morning. He had ascertained this fact. There was no doubt that Kllerey had some understanding with her Majesty, and might have already left the city on his mission. The token might have been changed at the last moment. He had failed to n rouse the King's sus picion through the Queen, but the In terests at stake demanded Instant ac tion, and another method must be used. So Lord Cloverton went to the King again and apologised for the mistake his seal had led him Into. Her Majesty had, of course, proved how innocent her audlehce With Cap tain Ellerey had been, but the fact remained that Kllerey was -the mov ing spirit In a rebellion. The soon er means were taken to obtain pos session of his person the better. In this manner the ambaasador quickly made his peace, and messengers gal loped hastily through the city from the palace. The night had been a sleepless one for Frlna Msvrodln. From the moment she had seen those figures descending the stairs, her thoughts had been fixed In one channel. She knew the baron's reputation as a swordsman, and her heart went with the man who had met his Insult with so swift a demand for retribution. The cause to which she was attached, for which she was preapred to squan der her wealth, to give her life even were that necessary, had compelled her companionship with this adven turous Englishman. She .had met him In a spirit of raillery, measur ing her woman's wit and beauty against his brusqusness, and his re sourcefulness and calm determina tion had won her admiration. Tha cause was altogether forgotten sometimes In the mere pleasure she had In being with him. He was not as other men, quick with a rompll ment, ever ready to please, Not a word of love had he spoken to her, yet his eyes had always, sought , her first 1n the throng, whether It were In the Bols or at Court, and, having found her, ha looked no further, If l..-y vxo ; .-. , enoi, U, ttt, !i, i t-. (n o,..,, . . ; no ,. . ( ..j, , ,.,ii. Tho a, .irtetiliij-r had como when Prince:- Marltzu had nokc,i of htm. Hho hmi nald liltlo, but i'rlna had read too docpor rncatilr;; underneath her words. As a I'rliieesn, Maritza had ' watchod the man's career, be lieving that one day ho might prove useful to her, cause; but aa a wo man she had also remembered the circumstances of tneir meeting, and had treasured , them In her heart. Only with, this discovery had Frlna Mavrodln become fully conscious of all Captain , Ellerey's ' companionship meant 'to - her. The flood-gates were suddenly opened, and the rushing torrent of her emotions threatened to sweep away all thought of the cause she bad worked for, and loved and . believed In." Almost had she toW hlm'lier secret to-night by her eager Questions, and , the blood mounted to her cheeks as ehe re membered. How' would s he have answered her had he not;, been sum moned to audience .with. the. Queenf Leaning at the open window looking at-the heavy clouds which presently obscured the moon, she passed a n!ht of restless anxiety. Somewhere, Derhans very near her. the man She loved had. faced death to-night, calm ly, fearlessly:' even now ne mignt oe frlng with sightless eyes toward the coming day. the new' day which was so long, in coming..-;;;;?. r It came at last, and with her eyes oamea , 10 remove- bu uutcw -ui uiv night's vigil, she?- went - fe usual to breakfast with tho. Princess, who was always an, early riser, ; since the night" they had spoken -. or captain Ellerev there had arisen a suDtie air ference tn their relations toward each other. y- It hardly -amounted r to restraint, .' but tho . countess was more reserved ana the ' prin cess talked lltUa of her hopes and plans. She made more show of taking her companion Into" her con fldence. nut tout ner lees, nor mis difference, perhaps, Ftlna waa chief. ly responsible. Marltsa felt that she nad grown lukewarm, not to her personally, but towarff tne cause which took so few and such trifling steps toward Us end. She did not wonder at it. wo aay pass ed in which she herself had not a period of despair, a passionate long ing to drive things to a speedy con clusion, though the end brought fail ure. To her, her cause was para mount and she would not allow her self to think of Desmond Ellerey apart from It; yet when Frlna had in a manner claimed him, she remem bered that morning on the downs. every hue of land and sky, every sound that had sung in her ears, every perfume the air held, and the centre of all was this man, who seem ed then to be her possession. He had come to her country, not at her bidding, . perhaps, but at her sugges tion surely, and she had a right to us allegiance. It was a woman's ar gument, and a weak one, yet her heart seemed to excuse her. They were still at breakfast when Dumltru was ushered in. "Pardon, Princess, but I have news important newa It could not wait." "You are welcome, good Dumltru. Does the news mean action? 8uch Is the only news I long for now." "Yes," was the answer. "This Eng lish captain to about to move. Wheth er he has the token or not I do not know, but Baron Petrescu believes he has. Last night he picked a quar rel with lhm, and they fought, and " "Fool that he la!" exclaimed the Princess, starting from her seat "Does not the baron know that I had work for this Englishman? and now he- has killed or maimed him in a useless .quarrel." . "But it waa not ' so, Princess; ' it was the baron who fell." Frlna Mavrodln had also risen from the table, her hands clasped firmly together in her excitement, and a little sigh of relief echoed Du mltru's words. "A new experience for Baron Pet rescu," she said calmly. ' "Ah, Countess, this Englishman Is a devil," the man went on rapidly. "I had It from one who watched the fight. There was little moon, and the light was dancing and treacher ous. The baron used all the art which before has brought death when he willed, but this English captain cared hot. He knew all the baron's art, and v besides something which the baron Ihw not The bar on would have killed had not those who were watching saved him." "They interfered?" said the Princess, "Yes, to save the baron." "They did not stop at that?" said the countess eagerly. "Tell me what happened." . "Have I not said he is a devil?" answered Dumltru. "They rushed upon him and he fought them all. A sword thrust here, -a blow with his fist there, a savage breaking through them, and he escaped unhurt." ".Splendid, Frlna. Is not the baron face aglow. "Splendid, Frlna Is not the baron our friend?" Yet there was a glow In Martlsa's eyes, too. "And Is not Captain Ellerey the man you have work for. ahould rejoice." The Princess looked at her for a moment, and then she smiled. 'Yes, It was splendid, as you say. What more, Dumltru?' 1 "The friend of the Englishman was killed, I think. He was of the em bassy. There will be much question ing over the affair." "The baron's folly is likely to ruin us," said the Princess. . "There Is still Captain Ellerey," said Frlna. Dumltru looked at the Princess, the slightest flicker in his eyes at tracting her attention. 1 am not sure the other man 4s dead," he said. "Might I suggest that the countess should drive as usual, and hear what Is aald In the Bols? Then to-night we can plan and arrange. The time has surely come. "Will you, Frlna t "I will and you may rest assured that I will have the whole story by t-nlght" ' When she had left the room Prin ces Marltsa turned hastily. "What more, Dumltru?' "Much more. Princess; but It Is only for your ears." Frlna Mavrodln had sped-along the corridor ao swiftly that she did not hear the door lacked after her. to prevent her sudden return or the In trusion of others. For a while she had thought but a half-barbarto sat isfaction that , Baron Pctresoa had Justly suffered tor nls unprovoked In sult: but this was succeeded by fears for Ellerey's safety. He had escaped mat night, bat ho had other enemies besides those who had attempted as sassinate him in the garden more dangerous enemies, perhapa 8h de termined to know nothing, to school her face to Indifference, while she eagerly learned all ahe ooutd. She lunched with a friend, tha wife ot a member of tha Australan embas sy who had often quite unconscious ly given her ' valuable Information, but she could add nothing- to her knowledge to-dsy. Bhs ' knew Bar on Petrescu had fought a duel and had been wounded, , but she did not know who hla opponent was. Latsr, In . tha Hots, Frlna heard many ver sions of the story but not Inr one of them-1 was Captain ellerey e name . -j of I no 1 1 rt fulfill ci !, w hero k!h! rt Of p.-lJeM- .t of Lord ti Linn, when i ho ci, .. i Cloverton. , It we s in 1 ! that he wuIKed .In tha Uois, bn that be should bo thero In conliuunthil col loquy with . Monsieur De Froiiette was nothing; short of marvelous. Lord Cloverton saw tho countess, and stopped a little distance away, Ho wanted to speak to her, but had no desire that De Frollette should be a third at the interview. , ' "I am exceedingly obliged to you, monsieur," he said to his companion. "Any information, respecting . Captain Ellerey's whereabouts Just now will be of Immense advantage to me that Is, to , the country, He la one of those reckless young - men who, while winning our admiration, do not bllndus to th : fact that- they are dangerous.": 'jp ' Ah, I have admired him and seen tha dangerfor a long time." , De Frollette answered. Th commercial Interests I have in this country force me to keep pace with Its politics. I am not an expert, and it Is sometimes very difficult",-.. .i,;av-' S.'.rVi can quite believe It"- aald ' the ambassador, , looking, however, won-J aerruiiy incredulous, ri ao not. xancy I have ever heard in which direction your commercial Interests HsVT.fAvi "Timber, my lord." ; - f , K;:A:vprofltable buslne-.. , "I hope so in the future. At .pres ent there is too much unrest. With 4ha Princess Marltsa In Sturatzberg ' 'In that I think you are mistaken, monsieur."-;,.- k "' 1 vvv?'-ntf''t'!! J "No my lord. Mine was trusted In flormation. Through the same chan nel I shall learn where Captain El lerey la" ' f"..v-f;r--a. '.-"A spy, monsieur?"' y' "He would be hurt to hear himself called so. He is a servant bf mine, Interested in my business, and a val uable fellow. He has known Captain Ellerea movements , for . months past, and even now, I warrant, is at his heels., You shall hear from me, my lord, the moment he returna"! i:, "Athousand thonks, monsieur; you will place me under an obligation. And tho value of tho 'news will de pend on the state of the ' timber trade," he added to himself aa he turned away. ' "Something has fright ened Monsieur De Frollette; I won der what It a" ' Joining the little crowd round the Countess Mavrodln, he entered Into the conversation with the heartiness of a man who hasn't a care in the world; and one by one the others withdrew, it was so evident that the ambassador Intended to remain. Frl an Mavrodln desired nothing better. Lord Cloverton could doubtless tell hen the truth and although she did not for one moment expect him to do so, she thought she could prob ably draw It from him with the help of the knowledge she already pos sessed. "My horses are getting rather res tive, they have been standing so long. Will you drive with me. Lord Clover ton?" He thanked her and got In be side her. "One seldom sees you In the Bols," she said. "No. I wil be honest I sometimes sleep In the afternoon, Countess." "And to-day?" she queried, with a laugh. "To-day business brought me. I hoped to see you." "'Surely you flatter me. Since jvhen have you considered me cap able of being business-iixe? "I am all seriousness. Countess. Politics in Sturatzberg are as dried wood stacked ready for burning, and a torch Is already Vn the midst, of It Until now the torch has been moved hither and thither, giving, the Wood no time to catch; but now I fear the flame is held steadily. I seem to hear the first sounds of the crackling." "I seem to have heard the begin ning often." sha answered, "but a swift hand has always saved the sit uation." "The danger has never been so im minent as it is now. Countess." "Are you not still in 8turatsberg to cope with the danger?" she asked, turning to him with a radiant smile. "I stand alone, Countess; what can one man do? 1 wonder whether you can credit m with disinterestedness, whether you can believe that I have the welfare of this country at heart while carrying out the policy of my own?" "Is not that the position of every ambassador?" "Nominally, perhaps. I was ask ing you to believe something more definite In my case," he returned. "Do I ask too much? In a measure, you and I are drawn together In this crisis. We should be allies." "Are my poor wits of service eith er way?" "A woman Is always a valuable al ly, and the Countess Mavrodln knows her power. No. I am neyona turning pretty speeches to-day," he went on quickly;, "the -times are too aertous for them. you Know, countess, what occurred last night?" "I left the palace somewhat ear ly," she said, "but there was an air of constraint about What caused it, Lord Cloverton?" I was referring to Baron r-euw cu s affair, no one nas aiaaa oi anything else to-day." "And- you can ten me toe irum of it" she exclaimed. "I am glad. I have heard many, stories since I en tered the Bols." 4 ' '. I waa expecting to near tne real truth from you," said the ambassa dor, fixing his eyes upon her. "From mel Am I the wife. of some bourgeois In the city to Inflame the baron's susceptibilities into Indis cretion? It is some such tale X have heard." But which you know to be un true, Countess." "I have thought more highly ot BaBron Petrescu than that I admit" "Naturally, seeing - that Captain Ellerey Is not a bourgeois of the city,' and has no wlfs as far as I know. , My young countryman is no boaster beyond his worth, It would seem. The baron has found, his match." "Is that the truth of It?" ahe asked innocently..' - ' . "I congratulate you upon 1 your champion," returned the ambassa dor. "You look surprised, Countess; but In the Inner circle, of such a Court as we have here In Bturatsberg such secrets will find a tongue." "You hsve changed your serious mood, my lord. It appears and-1 am at a loss to understand tha pleasan try." - . ' -. .'..'.'. "Believe me, Countess, I was' never more serious. J - Something of the baron's political leanings are known to his Majesty, and the affair has assumed a political significance in his eyes. The law nas lain dormant, u ts true, but duelling is an offence against tha crown, and the King has. seen fit to set the law in motion. Captain Ellerey Is sought for In 8tu ratsbtrg. I would do my country man, and' you-, a service ir i couia. "How am . 1 ; concerned? . . I may thank yon for your courtesy If you will tell me that" -n- :w -"la It not-true tbst yen were the ralme of this quarrel T" f v h v "It Is absolutely false."' -'Stay, Countess, It may ha that you are unaware ot the fact, but I have theb est reason for knowing that suoh is tha ease." s , .. "Captain fcllerey had no cause U - to I."-1 V ' H hoi. ! I i t '"l 1 I V , ft t t 1,0 f.oi ly oi l! i ,, i t i ;,t, liii i ructions v . i I i ie . i. t ot nil. Ko I, ft .- 1 t t j-iiit I'-forme-i It l-"o left m were tibe iimne-l -i t.-iy any harin befell Mm. iciituer mew-ago or remembrance '.ta anyone" , ,' , - v , , -v tUe was not sufficient mltttreas of herseuf to prevent, the ambassador showing that ' the Information was Pleasant to her.'- ,, , j ... ....-.. "It may have- been presumption on hla part," he went on slowly; "still such thought can, , hardly bo without some. Interest for you. No doubt you would render him a service' if you could." i- "...,'-.-!.., J'My friendship -would , prompt me to do so." ... ':;., . , . , M "Then urge him. Countess, to with draw from Sturataberg. The torch now 1 pui-to .tne dried wood Is In his hand.- T Wha is ho to me? Nothing, but .1 " would save him If Z could. What ha : ' is to ' you, I do not know , I am . not skilled . with wow - men: but for "your country's sake !'i. urge his departure. It must be done" promptly for I warn you the lire has ? ; ' already, eaught hold, and not all, ev ' en now, shall escape the burning. ''.1 , , . VYour appeal ,to ' my , : patriotism vr might stir me, Lord Cloverton, d&l t. V, nv Where to And Captain Ellerey.",, ,', ..rin.::thaV.-eountoa,:. 'cannot help yon. I had hoped yon would know.!.-' . Have I your permission to stop ( the V -j:- She inclined'-'; her head4;!v-They had' ) y returned close ;to? 5 the, : spot from " , which they had started, " There were ."' fewer carriages in tne Bols, and hard a ly any pedestrians now." ; Lord . Clo ,' verton had, '; however, seen a man r Btandlng( close to the roadway, and ' he beckoned, him to the carriage! . ' : ? "What, news?"- lie asked sharply. ' v.:"Every gate IS closely watched, my lord., By the King's orders Captain Ellerey is to be stopped if he attempts , " to leave the. city." - - ; ,-. rt"l tear -we are too late to render , any service, said the ambassador,1 turning to the Countesa "It Is a p!ty, The hand that holds the torch can hardly escape." - "It is not thought that the Captain has already ieft, but all efforts to find him have failed, but al efforts to find then at a sign from Lord Cloverton. he withdrew. .- - , VI believe we are allies at heart. Countess; it Is a pity we have no power to act". .v . "Perhaps you exaggerate the dan ' - : . - "I fear not," he answered, as ha stepped from the carriage. "I foresee evil days for Bturatsberg. Oood-day, Countess; If I can save the situation, It must be by the sacrifice ot my countryman, I tear. It is a pity." He- stood bareheaded until the carriage had driven away, and then went quickly toward the embassy. If Frlna Mavrodln knew where Captain Ellerey was, as Lord Cloverton waa convinced ahe did, she would warn him. Whatever Interests Ellerey had at heart, tie would not chance disaster by attempting to leave the city until the watch upon the gates was relaxed to some extent There must, therefore, be delay la whatever plot was in hand, and a few days how were of priceless value. . Politics had little place in Frlna Mavrodln's thoughts as she drove homeward through the -city she had denied that Dresmond Ellerey had drawn sword la, her cause, and yet might he not have done so after alt? What she had seed might only have been the end of a quarrel. Baron Petrescu may hove spoken some light word concerning, her which Ellerey had re sented.'If Lord Clovertqn had spoken the .truth, ' Ellerey'arlast thought, had been of her. She Was 'quite content that her fair fame should rest in his keeping. Now he was in danger. Wnatever Lord Cloverton's aims might be, one thing was certain the city gates were closed against El lerey's departure. Without warning he would almost certainly be taken. How could she help him? There was contusion at her door when the carriage stopped. Servants were in the hall expectantly awaiting her. f- , "What Is it?" she asked. "In your absence, countess, we were powerless," answered her major-domo, pale even how with Indignation. "The order was imperative." "What order?; "The order to searcn the house." The countess started, but was self possessed again in a moment Not al her servants knew of the identity ot the Princess. For whom were they looking?" - "For an English captain named El lerey," was the answer. "I said that no such person visited here at any time, but they would not believe me, and searched the whole house." "And found'' - "No- one, Countess.'' The man was wise: he said no mora before the other servant "I will complain to his Majesty," Frlna answered, and then she Went quickly to tha apartments occupied by the Prlnoess Marltsa, Hannah met her on the threshold. "Has she not returned, my lady?" "Where la she. How did she hay, warning?" asked Frlna. . "She had gone long; before, Sha went' without a word to me. When they came asking for some English man, I, had Just wit enough to answer, that I was your ladyship's servant and knew no Englishman; but it was hard work not to ask them what had become of my Princess." "And Dumltru" . "Gone, gone. I always took him for a cut-throat with that naked knife hidden In his shirt I believe he hat made away with her." "Peace, woman. Say nothing, , A word may ruin her. Ton can fo." "But, my lady s "Too can go, I say." ' -There waa a tone In the command that brook no disobedience. - Tha woman left the room hastily, leaving the 'countess alona. . . , Alone. A wild rush or thoughts ov , erwhelmed her. The hope and Joy that had budded in her heart wer suddenly nngntea. ins wona seem ed to slip away from her, leaving her alone Indeed. V J- ;" ' (to be continued:) ' ; V '. v : Had to Say "Saddy." fhlta4tahle Record.', When a nicely dressed woman, carry . ' : ' Ing tv small child got on an Eleventh . ; , street. car the' other day she handed the ' ; ",' ' ! baby a'nickle ' to pay the conductor. H; When the cingainsj artist reached for the ;, ' ; i tare the baby handed him toe moneys and looked Into his face wlth'an ex- ' pectant smile, . The conductor absently' . - ' ' i runr uo snd oased on to the next rn- eraser. "Baddy?" said the baby Inquire I.:- ingiy ,Tne eonouctor pain no attention, ... - ; and the baby repeated "Baddy" 'esveraj times m a somewhat disappointed tone, ; ' But when the lord of the back platform ... v continued to pay no heed T the child i v , reached out and grabbed his coat "Bad- ' dy, saddy, saty,n . shs gurgled, snd the ,;" fsretaker looked around to see-. What -j! r." waa up. The mother smiled. 'Bay 'Bad- , ,' 6? to her' she exclaimed, "or you'll i - 'i -t i cot no peace the rest ot the trip." Real- r v : ' islng thet it wns up to him to give the " ' baby sulk for ."thanks" he said: "Baddy. ' Utile girl." and the .baby -sank 'buck h : contented. The funny pert about It emmm ' . a few , moments leter when the eonrtue- V -' lor aald "saddy" -o ' an elderly maid ..' snd recelvsd sn ley staee that 0t him - -.'.' lo the rear dlscontolata, . . , ,-,. - - ( . . - 1 1 i. t
The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Jan. 20, 1907, edition 1
18
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