Newspapers / The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, … / Feb. 3, 1907, edition 1 / Page 19
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CHAPTER XV. ' The KacQ for Life. The action a man will take In a crisis I exceedingly difficult to guaga before hand. A a rule, such momenta happen , from ft chain of circumstances which the man has not foreseen, and therefore ;hM made no preparation to meet, una hi conduct Is likely to be guided entirely , by -the attitude; of - those about' him, without any question ef right or wrong, without a thought of what baa oocurroa In tha pMt or what may happen In the future. This was Ellsrey'a position. Ita o.l expected to see the bracelet of me Talllons; Instead ha saw a golden cross. J?e knew that In some manner ho ha-i .v: m. - j i , ,.k V .... th ntiun f could have-placed thla unexpected token In his keeping? By hla manner he knew that the golden eross held aome meaning for the brigand, a meaning of which El lerey wae absolutely' Ignorant;' and un- ,. der other conditions ha might have ad mltted hl Ignorance and entarcdMnto explanations. " Aa It was, tha whole . Vaalllnl hla hliai- knrf hla imn oeovmi. uu wnv w mw wuw.. , swagger, had roused Ellerey'a anger. II - had felt that tne man waa a crarty ene my aver at the moment of delivering what ha supposed to be a friendly met age,, and' the keen desire to ahow hla contempt for him had .made his tongue , imart with unspoken words, and his '' hands tlBgla to be clenched and to at r Ike. " Ha had forced himself to decent speech and attitude, but now hla anger asserted Itself. No question of duty or ' expe diency aeemed to bind him; only a boast - ful enemy waa before him to be answered In the same fashion that he questionea, and if that did not suffice, to be punish ,ed aa he' merited. ..v.-.;-. This Is tha token aa I received it," i geld Ellerey. ' - . .',..)!--" Aa the brigand had held up the token . " digests' bad leant forward to see It, tha color mounting Into hla Kbaeka, Now hla enthusiasm appeared to get tho better of his prudence, and ha cried out? "long ' live our country Down -witn all who dishonor her! Tha golden cross Icleama In the light of God's good sum t Is a benediction on -this day, a prom lsa of brighter' days to follow. Summon your legions Vaslllcl, end on to Sturats berg where tho hornets are nesting ready for destruction." ';. Tha brigand glanced at . the boy con-, temptuoualy. "What "bantam- Is this yon hare brought to crow-for you?" 'The boy speaks well enough." said Ellerey. "There Js tha token, where is your answer r'.'-' - "Here, and here," wag the quick ens . war, aa ha hurled tha cross high Into tha air . behind ' hlmj and at the' same time . blew a shrill whistle., 'That s Vuslllcls , answer to liars, and this his swift punishment'.' . .-, The man's movements were so lithe ; and - quicks so utterly unexpected, that , he' had sprung upon Ellerey before the words had fully left his Hps; The lonir blade of his knife caught the sunlight, . 1 even as tha golden cross had caught ft a - moment ago. and Energy's upraised . arm ' alone protected hla breast from the down- wsrd thrust' But the awl ft stroke did not coma. A revolver' shot awoke the echoes of the-hills, and with a howl the . great brigand leapt backward, his knife falling harmlessly to the ground, and his arm useless to his side. "The bantam's answer," erled Grlgosie. To .-me, Captain 1" It was at once evident that vaslllcl - . had, not ventured to tho Interview with out- support The hills In front of them were immediately alive with men scram bling downward to the very ground the . little bond occupied. Men were In ravin behind them rushlna ud to cut off re treat that way. Cries and shoutlnn were on every ride, some calling; for surrender, others shouting that the sold iers had been . deceived by their Captain. In the sudden confusion Ellerey gave aulek commands, aa. with sword iu hand. ha sprang to the rising ground whore urigosie stood; mil nis orders were nettn er heard or came too late for obedience. Before tha-soldiers cauld come to him. the tori rands were between them. "It is madness to stay,"- whispered urtrfosie. 1 ne nut oenina us is clear. The boy fired twice in quick succession at men who had raised their rifles ready to fire at them; and although In answer a doien bullets sang past them, the aim- was faulty In the excitement. I . "Shoot therm both!" was tha ahouC Shoot them both!" thundered Vasclll. I They scrambled uoward together, the fenevenness of the hillside nrotectlna them for a moment from the flying bullets. fl marked our direction," said Orlgo sle. "We can keen to this kind path tor a little way. and with luck cross the open presently toward the horses." " They ran on, crouching lest their heads ahould be seen and mark the direction they had taken. Origoele refilled tho empty chambers of his revolver as hi . went and Ellerey put up his sword and took his revolver Instead. Behind them tba firing ceased, but they could not doubt that they were Vlng swiftly fol lowed; and spread over the opn which ther must needs cross, a hundred men probably barred their way. V "Unless they - were . alreadv therw ' when we passed, they wIN hardly have time to Intercept us," waa Ortgoale'a ans wer to thla fear. ' "Probably they were there, lad." said Kllerey. .'We've about an equal chaneo with tha hare that la being coursed." "H get away sometimes," waa th answer.. v They ran swiftly, mounting higher nnd higher as they went. Once they caught eight of men running In- the path below them, and presently of pthers climbing the hillside to reach 'the aummlt befor them, but no shout told them that they themselves had been seen. . solulely necessary" said Ellary. "It would betray our whereabouta. and we shell want all our cartridges to stop them across the open." The boy nodded and ran on. ' " TM top at lasti ne exciaimen. Tnm height yonder Is our mark. If we can reach "it we shall bo In sight of tho horses. How far behind have we lett thfrnr- c . . , He steal for a moment to look back along the ridge under which they had come. Borne- distance away men were coming Into view. ... "Quick, Qrtgosle: lf speed now." said H'erey. ' Tha way before them "was riesr. ano they ran aide by side, carcfuK of their stepa lest a hole might mean a fall and a sprained ankle. ..Presently a bullet pass ed between then?, and they began to run , In Ala-sag fashion, to pusile th mara manship. lSllcrey constantly turned to r look back. There ware many pursuers. smie- widely straggling, ' but a few of them were gaining rapidly. ' These din a not pause to fire; they ran, judging their s - race and distance to a nlcetv. IjOna be- , fore .he point for which the fugitives upon them. . . . We must atop them, Origosle." . inoi -Toi. - pa saia: xner Jire not cmse ' Bo they ran en. It was evident to El- ;f .lery that tha boy's pace was palpably ' ' alsckenlnr. and there wa yet some, die . . tance to cover- w tna neignt. to say ( rothlng of tha flnat 'dasb for tha horses. ; Jtm. Ellery could hear tha dull, rhjrth- maAda fted nf th Mlnnln? tmmt - . i. "Tweivo paces, wrigosin," na murmur. J ed, ''then turn sharply. Do not kilt. Isms them; their companions may. atop ' "' - Kllery counted the twelve pseea aloud. t . and then they both tamed, Four ahots ring iiui biibjuiv, si iiu iikras ni w nat mm . .. riiost runners atumhled and fell. An an- . werlng bullet cut through KJIerey'a coat lint, tikewer . Im id ffp a ninmuil t hla 1; Jirnn mm no wm vunvpin -inn tin again. i . "EveryfAep lessens the distant, lad." ha said encouragingly. 'That will teaclt ' " them to keep a little farther In the rear." . . PtlH Kllery turned. oonaiantly ti watch tnoir nurtmrera.'ine nr lwn nma atnnn ' V by i Ihelr wounifed eompanlcna, but th rest held on tneir way, undeterred bv the fiite f their commdea. Twice again dl.1 f , ) fjiriTT r''H iwrnR imcri, ann no ST1H t. f'.: GHgoale turned together and flrwd. Tho fere most runner on the last occasfnti waa : -. Orlsroale'a mark, and ha ml.ml him : Tha "man had bounded forward to ansae u Ills rrture when ' Ellerey'a'- revntvt somdd again. It was not the moment '.-i KbmaM a shot, tl mm mt ihm mmtlfl moving lmha.The man leapt Into th ; ' with ana spasrcodii kirk lay still- OrV fru'n nre4 unit ran on sgsin without word. , Tliejr werg close to tha beljhi now., n wss to their left, and the noy pointed to 'a denremilon - which 'f-y bt- tween It and another elevation. The way waa narrow, which was in their favor. and if only the bHianils were not In force on the other side, und Grlcoulo had made no mistake In the direction, thsro waa a chance of escapes - ':,...' v- Ellerev let Orleosla enter the narrow way first, and then paused In the en trance, uniy ' two mon touoweu un., an seeing Ellerey ' stop they fired. El lerey fired twice In answer, and with out' waiting to see if the shots had taken effect dashed after. Grlgoaie, The hov had made no mlatake. - i ney had come out half-way down the rising ground which they had cllmed ttlrectly after - dismounting. Below them , stood Stefan- and Antofl with tho horses and higher up -the slope about- them mora of tha brlgande -were hasUly descending. Borne of the men had gone this way to out off their retreat and the - fugitives had not a moment to wast M their-flnai dash : for ; freedom,;-; -a tai' t;.- Kllerav flrad Into tha air- to put Bterau on the alert and aelslng Ortgosle'g arm-. for the boy was nearly peat en ne aanneu down the steen Incline, .Stefan aaw them and spoke quickly to Anton, wno ior a, moment seemed Inclined - to lose hla head. ; The soldier's . sharp i , command steadied him, And Ihe moment ; Grlgosn was beside hlnT he lifted Mm boHly Into the saddle and then sprang to hla own. , "NO othera?" , Btefan' snouieo, rwneei In Ellerey'a horse round toward hlnv i "NO." -'H "I '': r-fi Without a ; word Stefan eaat loose tne rains of tha -other horses, and the next Instant the four riders were gallopmg for dear life up tho pass, Ellerev and Grlgosie In tha centre,! Anton and Stefan on either side. Knee to knee they gal loped, their bodies low upon tneir norsea neaWs. Several shots followed iherni. but went wide of their mark, and a ben ! In the aaas soon covered them. Still they held on their way. k speaking no word. There wag only , tho sound of tho rapidly heating hoofs and the! rough purring of the leather as the legs rub bed the saddles. Ellerey thought that along tha pass any surprise or ambush was Impossible. He had taken . earefut - notice, of the mountain walls which shut them in, but he was not ao satisfied that they would And the castle open to them. Those who occupied -tt, - if - any-; were-"' there, could hardly -have heard of tha failure of the meeting yet and he therefore hoped that he might gain possession of It by state gem. To ride, out of tho pass would bo madness, with tha armies from Sturats bent guarding the pain. The. castle .was their only hope their pmce of refuge, as Qrtgosle had phophetlcally called it Ellerey drew rein presently. "We have distanced , them," ha said "What do you think, Stefanwill the caetie e empty' . - - The soldier shrugged hla shoulders. "If any brigands stilt occupy the . hills about it. they cannot know- that our mis sion haa failed." . , "These fellows manage to signal very quickly to one another," Stefan ans wered. . '.. ' "Then wo must fight for Its possession. It la our only chance." "Our chance la a poor one If It comes to figntlnr," said Stefan. "We will try strategy first," Ellerey said. "Let ua ride easily." "What happened?" queried Stefan. "The box did not contain' the right to ken, and they' attacked us without a word of warning." - "What of the others T "Heaven knows. They hardly seemed to atrlke a Wow after we were surround ed. It waa Grlgosie who thought of the way across the hills, and we'vo had to run for it like hunted rabbits, eh, ladf Grisgosle smiled faintly, but did not speak. He waa still panting after his tremendous exertion. Anton hmi stretched out a hand to support him in his saddle .as they galloped. "They are dead then, those others T said metan. s "I fear. so.". "And we've been deceived, sent Into a trap like a lot of rats. There's a reckon ing to do paid." "Time enoua-n to think or that. Ste fan. Let ua secure the castle first, said Ellerey. I m fenrlna: the reckoning must be left for others to pay," growled Ihe sold ier. "It's putting our trust In a woman that's been tha curse of us." No one contradlctod him, and they rode on In silence until the castle came In view. It looked gaunt enough, as silent and deserted as whe they had first seen It There was no Tnovement on the plateau, no sign that any living creature except themselves was near It. Look!" exclaimed Stefan suddenly. He pointed to the hillside on which th lights had shown mysteriously last night. Here nind there were moving figures descending the slopes. Whether they naa caugnt aignt or tne riders ami lumn- nd to the conclusion that something was wrong, or whether they had learnt of tho escape rrom signals across the hills. It was Impossible to say. At any rate they were descending rapidly, and there was no time to lose. "Once In the stssaa oath the c-Mn wfll be more evenly balanced," said Ellerey. rorward!- uauop!" "It seems to me they are making for a point beyond the castle," said tSefan. "They are expecting us to ride out of the pass." ... . "So fortune favors us," aald Ellerey. "Rein up altogether at the entrance to to the path, dismount and up to the pla teau nulckly." , " Even as they stopped with exact pre clalon. a loud challenge came from the opposite hill, and. no anawer being given, severnl shots whistled across the pass an atrucK ciose . to tne entrance ot the sig se way. - v. . "Vo with you nulckly!" shouted El. lerey, who brought un the rear. "There Is llt'le harm in such Oring, and they will think tw!cebefore they follow us." "Careful In frtmt lad," Stefan called out to Oriffoale. who led the way. , "Keep sharp eyea, tha plateau may bo occu-ph-d' The boy nodded, but he had been look ing out keenly before tho soldier's warn In, leading hla horse la such a manner sa to cover himself aa much ua possible. The precaution proved unnecessaiy; tha caatle was empty. Stefan waa right The brigands had not expected tho fug tlvea to make for their old resting place, and when they saw them go tip the path they shouted aa though victory wore al ready won, nor did they attempt to fol low I hem. Why should they? Their foes were caught surely as birds netted by the fowler. . . . ."See to the horses. Grlgosie." Mid EI lory. "Put them i as far Wk In the ruins as possible. Nnw, ' Btefan we'll heap stones across this broken gateway stthe head of the path. It shall be our first line of .defence, and If it m taken we will see to It that It Is dearly bought" "It Ik not the fighting that frightens me, It's tho empty condition of the lar der," said Stefan. . i j ,' , Truly we are 'patrlachs of ,Ood's earth," Elleroy answered. "Every man s hand agalnat us, but we'll snarl aad bit awhile In our atronghild. and then ntaks a dash out and die In the open." They tolled with a , all tiirnugh tha afternoon, heaping fragments which ha fallen from . the ruins across tha gate way, and driving - In stakes. rudely fashioned from any rlanka rney could find, behind the stonework to strengthen It. Orlgosta. by EHetvv's orilers, did not assist In this work. Ni stood soatlnol upon the nlateau. The boy had- had as much as no could at vl for on day. - It was growing duskshi tho rasa below when they had fin'rhed. Daylight was still upon the summit ' the mountains, but twilight hsd gairered In tha dep valleys and ravines. The brigands still hung about the pass. , Hatching ihe ess tie, but keeping out tt rnnse. It did not appear that they hag any Intention ot attacking It As they atood tqgethei looking down 'Upon their snein'ea. Elle rev told Stofan what had hs jpeped and the details of their escape, - , "These fellows will so llttlo until Vas rtllc cornea," said Stefan, after a thought ful pause:' "but Orisosle'e bullet has raised all tha aavage In him, I warrant He will not be content to alt down unt!i we are starved out He will want to be at our throata." - ' -; . , , . "And wa are ready for him:"' ' "Four f us?" Stefan asked quietly with a lift of his ehouMors. "It Is strange oilstak about the token, Cap ta'n.'1 - ' - -- " "Wnee tha moment f saw tha golden cross rlangllng In VaeelrUi'a hand I have hsd little tlms to think about tha maa Inf Cf It", , .., m J. "Maybe I can help yott to that" "What dos this mean?" asked Ellerey, A shot In the pass below stoppi-id any answer to the question. In a fW mo ment riders came Into view, followed by a crowd of brigands who, seeing the cas tle was occupied, howled angry threat enings against It -,.,v s, r- "Surely those i are our fellows, Cap tarn." But there was no tone of pleasure at the escape of Ms comrades: no note of welcome in the soldier's voice, ' "This looka Ilka desertion," said EHe-rey.,-v., : One of the soldiers below' called out In a stentorian voice which carried clearly in thequiet alr.'1 'H;itV,i'',-'rA-4 A,AJ "Ho there, St efant" : ' i , ' ' . "Well. comrade?"- Yym;;-'"-."We're betrayed by that devilish Eng lishman. Is ha there with youf "The Captain la here. What of him?" "Throw him down to ua along with the boyi' waa the answer shouted back. "He's tricked us all, end that imp ot Satan haa helped him. The toke he sar rled waa not from her Majesty. He's a .onsplrator ngainsf the1 King and -cae-rled tho golden cross. Tou know. What that, means. Throw him down." "It were easier for you to show your courage and come and fetch him."! "Our good friends here will do that, wa have ether work in hand. We dire back to SturaUberg to tell our story, and heav en - help you If you are alive when w return. : mere u do nttie mercy ior im companions of that devilish Englishman. Will you come with - us? ' .- "I'm , too old to run away." ; shouted Stefan, "and the company ot cowards ts not to. my liking. May th6y cut your throats on the plain yonder and ask for your story afterwards." : r -if The brigands yelled with rag8 and the soldiers shouted back coarse oaths, i "It would do my soul good to have a shot at them," aald Stefan. "Let them go," said Ellerey, "Wo shall want every shot we have. We are not without friends in the capital who may hear of our need. Against their will these fellows may help ua .V.) The soldiers below moved on.- It was evident that here they were to part witn the brigands. - . ': "Hold them fast for punishment" cried the same stentorian volcev"'We shall re turn with the true message. Down with all lovers of the golden cross! Death U them - who serve Marltsat - Down with Harttsar "What Is that they shout?" said Elle rey. , --. . The answer came loudly, borne upward on tha air, as the soldiers put their horses Into a canter and rode down tho pass. "Death to the Princess MarlUa!" "Tou hear, Captain. Some one has foot ed us all." "Princess Maritsa!" Ellerey exclaimed. "What has she to do with us?"-. . "Sufficient to give us a vlolrmt end ing." Stefan answered. "Tho golden cross Is the sign of her house, her to ken: and you, Captain, have been her m.HAnip ...v.. a, u . CHAPTER XVL The Traitor. A smllo wrinkled Stefan's face, not of amusement at the deception which had bom practised upon them, but in expec tation of disappointed rage from Elle rey. With diplomacy and the fine points of stategy Stefan the soldier had llttli to do. His business was fighting. It wns his livelihood, and some day, near or far in the future as rate decreed, it would be his death. His repect for his follows was measured by their power or withstanding him, and the man be had the greatest affection for, perhaps, waa a sollder. now Incapaclated, wna had onoe In a melee succeeded In knocking him from his smMle. At the same time he believed In his own astuteness, not tthout some reason be It said, and in tho hack of his mind there was always a cer tain admiration for the man who could get the hotter of him. It Is more than noMlble that If he ever married he would thoroughly respect his wife on account of her cleverness In having hoodwinked him into marrying ner. But the burst of snger did not come. TJllerey's eyea were fixed on the point In the pass round which the soldiers hail disappeared, and fcr some minutes he did not speak. "What Is done ir.ust remain as It Is." he said at last. "We have only ourselves to . consider now. We must watch two two an-1 two, one on the plateau, ono at tho path. Anton and you, Stefan; Grl gosie and I. It's short rations for us and careful use of cartridges. We must understand how our enemy ts going to conduct this seign before we calculate our chances. What ammunition have we?" It was little enough that the four ot them could display. If every cartridge accounted for a man, small damage would, b9 done to their foes. "I flung a belt of cartridges In a cor ner of the tower before we left," said Grlsgosle. They all turned to look at him. "Did you fling aom food Into a corner, toe?" asked Stefan. "No. tut I. marked that birds used thy plateau In the early morning." Oris Cnslo answered. "They'll be coming In larger numbers presently, and. niayhe, get a good pint !ng oft the four of us," said Stefan. "You haven't haroened utton a fcnntaln of wine, have youf ' 'That, too, is supplied, Stefan; yon can hear It leaping -down the mountain tl. and sea It too," -and the boy point ed to a corner of the plateau which waa within reach of the narrow stream which, from the heights, fell with 'many a cascade Into tho pass beneath. Stefan looked at him for a moment, ami then aald In disgust: "Water ana birds; fairies' fodder." "It might bt worse," said Anton. "Walt a day or two. comrade, and you'll be crying a different tale." said Stefan, "although, for that matter, tho food would doubtless last our time Had we, In our small circle here, half a losen taverns filled from cellar floor to garret celling, those fellows yonder would give us little chance Of visiting them. Keep watch here, Anton; I'll go to the gate." i "We H rest. Orlgosle." aald Ellerey. The boy turned and entered tha tower, hut Ellerey did not follow him at once. He paced In -and out the ruined walla, his hands clasped behind him, deep In thought and troubled. Who had deceived him? It yCould onlv beMhe Queen, or the man who had brought him the token, or. perhnps De Frollette. Indeed, they might all be In a conspiracy to deceive him. Yet why should the queen desire to deliver the token of Princess Maritsa's house to tho brigands? How could it serve henendsT De Frc-llette's position and fthtlcal alms were leas clear. Ellerey hsTnever believed him heart whole In his devotion to her Majesty; yet surely he would have taken the precaution to find -out how fuch a token would be received be fore sendtnr it. He was not tha man to risk the-work of years without som real hope of success. Trans Ellerey's thoughts turned to the woman who had craved his help In thevANtrasse., tha manner In - Which- ha had been aearehixt for tha token, the masked women who had come to look unon htm. and tho warning she had given him. Baron Pe trescue. too. hsd probably : forced the duel upon him because of tha token, be lieving that It had been delivered to him that night by the Queen. -. At his Inter view with her Majesty, the token whicn had been decided upon waa tne Krseeiet of medallions; It was hardly likely that It would be "suddenly changed. Somehow the bracelet had boon filched' from tho sealed box, and the golden cross placed there' Insffld. Ellerey decided that th power to effect this jthanga lay only with Ihe man who had brought him the to en, and on thla man ha fixed tha blame. Whoever was responsible for ' It " the scheme had failed miserably, and It waa difficult to See how success could ever1 have been hoped ,for. On tho other' ban I It ; could hardly be supposed that mil thnss who followed the fortunes of the golden cross were fools, acting upon sudden Impulse, courting disaster, ' They must have has some reason for heliev Ing that tha token would receive soma consideration from the brigands and thoso who had gathered to their standard. Possibly . they had themselves been - de ceived, even as they had attempted to deceive. Ivlterey could pot doubt that Princess Ufarltsa had a considerable fol lower In Ktruatsberar, that the seeds he rebellion were widely satterod. Tha soldiers 'iw riding tewsrd the capita, would spread the news of failure, and t - I ,.- 1 ! ii . - 'i l - .. t M imi, 1 vt :i I n, v. I i ::iii!t'n fullowo! kivo a ti.uii ,(. tin? rt-innnnt ol tt bniul wlio luiil ruirltil tin inetwiHi? It Count.-, lUnvro.iut huil a Vulce In thoir ctnuii -Ha, un Mr'ly nu linmt. Iifivo, limy inlKht. Ilia (lianco of rescuo waa a sl-intar one, but a hope did exist. Hirnn" o t'y, NtiKHr nt lh, trlclc which had liemi plsvfcd upon him dm not assn ltRwir In any great urce. in splto Of tho fact that all hops of honor and advancement wns -now at an end, vahilli'l s attitude had doubtless somu- thin to do with Ellerey'a state of mind, pentonal antagonism rising above ambi tion; but this would not have beon the cuso probably had Ellerey been forced against his will Into any other service titan that or Princess Maritsa. There was a charm for him In her name, ta memory of hw had dwelt wjtb him and lain n - hale of romance to his present position. Hj saw her '.again with hat hair streaming in . the breeze, and felt Main - the subtle etrenstn ami vigor that were In her. Had he not thought then that It would be good to fight in ner cause? Why ahould he rage, at the cir cumstances : which had forced v him lite wnen no urea tne tower urigosie was asleep.' and he lay down to snatch what rest h could before relieving An ton and- Stefan:-.,."' .',-. . - mm. When they went on . duty. Grlgosia watched by the path, Ellerey on the plateau. - ;i-i.-.Vv f"' ' " " ' '" t ney win s wan ror- vaainci.-- Hteran said, when he reported that all had been quiet 'so tar, .',v,;; 'f ,:' , Ellerey paced up ana down, pausing at short Intervals to listen. Not a sound broke tha deep silence. The great world seemed to lie still and motionless under the glow of the- moonlit night nnd the pale glimmer of the stars. It was a time, to dream of Ufa and realise ambi tion, not to ponder on lurking tieath and failure. He warned presently to me nead of tho stg-sag path. v 'your castle naa proved a reruge at- ter all, Grlgosia.- How came yon to be prophetic , "I do not oetive my own propnency," "Tet you hid tha cartridges." "Believing, perhaps, that they would never be wanted,' Grlgosie answered. "I. am full of strange thoughts nnd su perstitions to-night, . Captain, and can not talk. " . ' "It Is" ths moon and the stars, Grlgo sie." - "Madmen's ' time,; when everything is distorted." ansered the, lad. "And lovers', time too, Grlgosie." "Which are you, madman or lover?" "A little of both, I think." Ellerey Answered - "And below us death Is waiting." said Grlgosie. "I don't think death is coming to us this tlmr," replied Ellerey. The boy did not answer. Severn! times during those watching hours Ellerey went to the head of the patl, hut Urigo sie never spoke, never turned to him His thoughts and superstitions occtf plft.1 him; and with the light of day El lerey noticed that there was something In his face which was new. He hao changed durinc the night. Somf tling--was It his courageT-seemed to havu lttt !ilm. but in Its place there lia,l coma an Addition to him, to his expression, almost to his charscter, Ellerev fancied. H watched the lad enter tho tower, saw hlin cart himself, wearily Into his corner, end would have followed him had not Stefan detained him. "I was right Captain. Vaslllcl is com ing. They are gathering In the pasi waiting for him." A little Inter a shout proclaimed the arrival of thu cWef, and Ellerey saw his huge frame In the midst of his follower-!.. His right hand was swaihed In a hand kerchief and rested In a sling, nnd sav age ferocity was in his face as lie look ed up toward the castle. Hin orders, and he appeared to give many, were promptly obeyed, and he struck ono man viciously, perhaps because hu dare.l offer advice unasked. It was evMenoe of his power among them, that no on Inter fered, nor did the victim himself letnl late. Mer began to climb the opposite elopes, while ethers massed thcmhelvea at the foot of the slg-sag pass. "They are going to attack us at once. Captain," said Stefan. "It Is to be hot work for ua to-day." At ihe head of the path the little band of defenders waited. "Every shot must tell," - Ellerey whis pered, "anil keep well behind th's stone work, nil of you." The path waa narrow With deep sides The brigands Came up' M boldty enough until ths last bend In tt showed them the stone-barred gateway. Then they halted, and the foremost leaned back upon those behind who pushed them on and shouted: "Forward!" Two men fired teUndly at the stone wall, and then rushed upon It. never to reaoh their goal. Only two shots rang out, but both rtifi threw up their arms and staggered baca ward upon their companions. Not more thsn two abreast could come up the nar row way, and twice agin a speedy death crowned the temerity of those who rush ed to the attack. Thoso behind shorn ed to be let up to tho front, and those before made every effort to let them come.. The spirit ef the brigands seem ed to'dle out of them as their eyes fell upon their dead companion and that si lent death-dealing Jharricado. Then one fellow auddenly picket up a corps, and holding It befon him aa a shield, dashed forward with a shout. "Let him come." whispered Ellerey. "Shoot at those who follow The man rushed to tha wall until the dead body struck the stonework. Success for a moment seemed to be his. He had ? lugged one narrow slit through which he bullets came, and he cheered lili comrades on. They came, but only to have their lender rail back Into their arms. Through the slit Kllorey had driven his sford with oil his strenth. Piercing the living through thslr dead. It had been an ugly rush, but for tho present It was the last. "They'll try some other plan before at tempting this way again, ' said Stefan. "Is 'there any other way?" Orlgosle asked. "For mountaineers there may be. These fellows csn walk m places where we should never venture and only, expect to And files." From the opposite mountain a desul tory fire was maintained upon the pla teau, which could only do harm If the de fenders were careless. For the rest of tha day the brigands held aloof, stand ing or sitting In parties In the pass nnd watching the caatle Vaslllcl strode from one group to another, but no movement followed. There was no Sleep for ttm defenders that night, and at 'dawn, in splta of 8tefans forecast, another at tack was mado upon the gate. It was u unsuccessful as the first nor was It made wltt such determination. The obe dience to orders was only half-hearted Later In the day it became yMnt that a council of war waa telng hel,l. Tho murmur of the men's yolces reached tho plateau, but rib words could be distin guished. An oath from Vasclllcl sound ed clearly now and again, but that was all, ' Some, persuasion waa 4 apparently pressed upon the chief which he Jeered and laughed at but there was a shaking of heads when he pointed to the. alg-sag way. Hla followera were not Inclined to try that road to victory again, Thev had had thHr aurfelt of It- "Vaslllcl was quick-witted enough to see that he must listen, to counsel, and With lowering vi sage he turned first to one and then to another as they spoke. Presently one speaker seemed to please him, for,hls features relaxed Into a grim smile, A movement ran through the wholu assem bly, men turned to one another und net. dad thoir satisfaction. Soma definite con clusion hsd been arrived at. . "They seemed to have hie Upon anoth er way oi getiing i us, nit Ptefan. "IB there another wayf, asked Orlgo sle, repeating the same Question ho had asked before. .No one answered him. nor did, he seem to expect an answer. He stood watching ' tho now moving maaa below,' Utile Interest In his eyes. Hla alertness had departed, f ; , Vaalllol had disappeared- Into" aome pathway at tho foot of of the opposite slope, sod then, the -crowd fell aside for one man, who, standing- alone, tonic off his neckcloth, and waved It toward tha plateau. - ''-' - -..--.- "A narler. Captain. Shall I bwi.v said Stefan; and then, having permis sion,, ho shouted:. "Haliol'' . " '. "I would speak with your Captain," cams the anawer. - v ' "I'm a mouthpiece, eomrads, same as you are, Speak on." ,-. , , lV,, VI i am commanded to offer you your Uvea and freedom on one condition.", "And the cnndltlonf Stefan shouted, prompted by Ellerey.' t" J v '.'Tou are free to leave tha pass an molested if you will deliver up the youth Who Is of your company." . 'We'll ses you "Stefan began, without wl1.,"'ali1 Ellerey, "the coarser the hettee, perhaps, for such a' dsvtlish suggestion." , "Wal" exclaimed Orignole, "A for time to'considor," - - - . ' "Who wants to sensjdey suoh a thing as thatr growled Stefan. - , . , f .," ,-,i r- iii -v. ' . ,y you wi.l i v .i-.ii and aiiHWei- t Ik-mi to-ii.oi runt. V. e or. if tired rent; what does It mnt ti r liovv w fcnln It?". "Sly jrorge revolts ngslnut their even f.incyltiu; that e should .consider such a tlilnt;," sitld Btefan. "("oiiimanil him, 'Captain," plended Crli-oHio. ."In war and love everything Is fulr." . "' EJli-rey gave way and Stefan shouted the anirwer, "Until to-morrow," came the answer. "The youth once in our hands, you are free to depart If he is not given up to us we will have our revenge, though half the sons of these mountains fall In the gaming It; and' tho longer that revenge is delayed the fiercer It shall be when It does come. Until to-morrow. There , shall be peace btween ua until then."-v. !tw-:'.(,, '-.;', .r, r-yi. "But we'll keep watch by the gate for all that' growled Hrofan, who waa not In the best of tempers at having to ans wer tho brigands In this fashion. - 'There Is another way, you see," said Orlgosle. "I. have got an answer to my question, . v- it-1;..- - ', .-. : w. '- "Well, lad, when you alone ara In their hands, the rest of us will have said his last prayer, or growled his last oath, whichever' pleesee htm beat at Ihe hour of departure." "The question' Is not so easily settled, Stefan," Orlgosle,, said. "Send Anton to the gate, ' Captain, while we discuss It" Ellerey- laughed at the lad's strange mood as he entered the tower with him. Stefan followed them and steed In the doorway. - .--.,:--.--, The question ; la worth consideration, though you may not think so," Grlgosie began. 7 "Tou have been deceived, Cap tain, and, also 1 those who served with yey.' -, ''Enough of that lad. It Is past ana the present Is our concern. If we come out with our lives we may talk of punishing those who deceive! us." ' "Should It not be a bitter punishment?" queried the boy. "As bitter as the death to which they have brought ua face to face," said El lerey fiercely, his whole being roused for a moment at tho thought of the out rage practised upon him. "But that revenge seems out of your power,'' Orlgosle went on. "For you and Stefan these is almost certain death to morrow er a week hence. It msy be.'' "It Is very likely. I have looked death In the face before, and so has Stefan there. When we look Into his eyes for the last time I warrant wo shall not cbsinge color." "Except with the heat of our final struggle," said Stefan from the doorway. "Tour comrades I have gone Ton stand alone." said Grlgosie. "With you and Anton," said Stefan. "And we wish for no better compan ions." added Ellerey. "Vnslllel's knife would have written finis to my history had it not been for you, Grlgosie." The boy colored a little with pleasure. "Still you forget. Captain, that Anton and I were not of your choosing. We forced ourselves' Into your company." "What Ot It?" I nm glnd, I-" and the look in Grlgosle's eyes stopped Ellerey suddenly. Stefan, too, started from his leaning position and stood upright In the entrance, looking straight at tho boy. "By your leave, I would become the hostage for your safety." snld Grlgosie. "I asked you to take me with you; now I ssk you. to, give me up." "Plague upon you, lad. you almost anger me. - Tou are hevonrt my under standing." Vas Ellerey's answer, hut he still looked fixedly st him. "Since I have deceived you it is m tlng that I should nay the penalty." csld the bov quietly. "I would soonr meet death nt their hands than at yours. Grant me this much, nnd make an end of It." "Tou!" exclaimed Ellerey. 'Tou de ceived me! I do not believe It." "It Is the truth. Stay, I would not have you think too 111 of me. It was not done wantonly. Those who made me helJeve that there was a good chance ot success misled me. but If T thought you too would reao the benefit, It Is non. the less true that I deceived you. I came pot from the Queen; I earn to work tliiii very thing that has happened, the deliv ery of the golden cross lnste.nl of th" bracelet. I have played my hnml and lost. Mine should he a bliter punish ment: you ycurself have said It Grant me this only that I receive It from the brltriinds yonder, and not from you." Fllerev bardlv seemM to hear the boy's Intter words. The sudden confession wa nil his brain seemed to have the power tc take In. Stefan remained motionless, stalue-llke. still staring at Grlgosie. For a soAcc there was silence In the tower. Then Ellerey turned sharnly upon the hoy and laid his hard roughly on his shoulder, so roughly that be winced a little, but showed no sign of fear. "Tou He. Grlgosie. confess thnt von He. The box containing the token has Never left me, night or day. As I re ceived It from l-er Mnjesty so It has al wsys been, so I delivered It. Of course you are ivtng." "Tou slept soundly, Oaptnln, the night you drank from my wine flnslt " "Was It then, you scoundrel?" "It was then." Peen down -In every man Is th Instinct of the savage, the acceptance nf the law which demands, an eve for an eve and n tooth for a tooth Given occasion greot enough. It may rise even In the man who has all his life studied to curb his passions, and in his iudgments to he merciful. Ellerev was of the rough nnd reedier sort. He was n disappointed man. one who nursed tho thoucht of reveng" against those who ha 1 Iniured him. He was S soldier anion:,- oldpis who had much of the hnrtmrlan In them He wn an adventurer among adventur ers. If the yputh of this deceiver nnd be trayer apnealed to him for a moment the thought was sternly crushed. Tf the thought of what thev had come through together came Into his mini, there also rcme the knowledge that he hsd com mitted the unpardonable sin. He had betrayed his comrades. "Heaven forgive you for making ma vour Judge," Ellerev cried: "but what Is there except death for the irnltor?" He paused a moment and looked to ws rd Stefan. "It's hateful, but It's lust " muttered the soldier In his heard, and he did not move from the doowray. He onlv lower ed his head so that he might not see. "I admit the Justice." said Ui-lgnsie; "hut will you not grant my renueat ann deliver me to the brigands? So you shall escnpe." "Escape!" cried Ellerey. "For what? Is there any truth and honor In tne world? I have not found them, nnd the end mav come when It will. Tt Is an easier death you shall have from my hsnds thsn you would have from theirs." The sword was ready. and Stefnn turned In tha doorway lust In time to see Anton and to catch nls unllflei arm as he attempted to rush pnst him toward Kllerey. Not a word spoke tha soldier, nut he flereelv twisted Anton's arm, anil the knife he held rattled to the floor. "As mv fathers faced desth. so ran T, unflinchingly." Orlgosle cried. "Htrlke Captain! Ood knows It wns such work as this T thought to find for the strong arm of Desmond Ellerev." As ha eroke, he tore his shirt rnen at he throat to receive the blow. His caii fell. from his hesd. and curls, th hue nf corner, sllpned loosely down unon hts forehesd, while the open shirt Just re vealed the curve of a white bosom. "A woman!" exclaimed Stefan, letting go of Anton In hla blank astonishment Slowly Ellerey's sword was lowered, sr,d for a moment he did ' not speak. Then almost In a whlsner he said: "Maritial Princess Mnrltss." CHAPTER . XVII. V" The True Worth of Baron Peterson. There waa excitement In Sltirattberg. Rumor files fast and the moment It was whlsnered that the city gates Wera watched, that Captain Ellorey, of his Majesty's Horse, was to b arrested, men began to stop nnd gossip st street corn ers, and women to stand . upon thslr threshold ready to give, or to receive. Information; - Strange stories grew cur rent In this mannff, which served to keep the excitement' a!Ue until niore definite news were - forihecmlng. Them wns unwonted stir In the secret societies and cluha,, sympathy beln-; with Elle re-', 'slive he hnd In some manner of fended tha Governn snt 1 Thsy did not star to Iniulro what he had done, or, la drvt, to think whether -his action would tend to further ntiy m Nnta of their own; It was enough that tebn t shown defiance to the powers tint h. - Every hourfresn minors were started : nnd-- eagerly dis cussed and as eagerly denied. Only two things were definite;-there was much coming and golpg at 'the- palace, and Captain Ellerey was not to be found. Those . Who lead .rebellion, or pull ths Wires of conspiracies, are seldom Open with those thy lead, any more than tha policy of King's Mlr.lslvr Is wholly preo-1 before the people' There .wars lesdnra in Sturatsberg ho knew many things. wh shrewdly guessed St more, and thslr km wledga ' waa not " Itassur rlng. -- r . ,. - 1 1 . ; i . ?: v.-i-.it.ej fcc,;!!', s f-f f - 'I !',.' I'-Hi r i i i i . t t", - i' ilo ii rn Kt or i i. ;ii.-r In- i ni to (1m,-ovi I hi ni li.o l i.iii,.- Mo-.vrodin's. ji l,i,l fully l.i-lli'Vi'd li.it! Im whs tlie.-e, nnd Inn! ,mrtniB, ly ki-ot. I the Countess dilvlmf to thu Hht uni l such time as tlie sturcli ahould l no coinpllslwd, The failure wns illmippolnt- ing. put hsls Interview wlih thu Coun tess would bear fruit. Kilerev woul I have to move cautiously, end time was inertrore gained. The gutes wre closed that night, and no Cantaln Ellarey hud passed through them. Countess Marvro dln't house, waa watched, and no ono bad lert it Bo the Ambassandor met tho morning with a smile: so far his prompt action-had saved the situation. A few hours wets destined to bring his surpris es. First came the news of tne return of Captain Ward'a cloak. ' The messenger who brought It was promptly taken be- roro tne Ambassador and snarpiy nuetloned. n- He had received it from Captain Ellerey himself an hour before mldnlgnt he said. , w ; : "why were you chosen as a messen ger?" saked Lord Oovcrton, ' , "I cannot snv , T hraueht It because t was paid to do so." - ,-v;-:-"- -:t';v "Tou seem very certain : of the time Did Captain Ellerey tell you tho hour?" , no,- sir: . tne 1 ciocsa werei sinainn the hour aa ha spoke to tna." "What is captain Ellerey liken The description given seemed satisfac tory until after the man had been dis missed, and then Lord Clovarton recog nised that It would fit many men, Tho cloak was Captain Ward's, 'but there was no certainty that icnerey waa tne man who had given It to tha messenger. To-day the city was being searched; tha return of tha cloak went to prove tluv Ellerey was stilt In Sturatsberg; had that been the intention in returning' It? The smile of satisfaction slowly faded from the - Ambassador s , Taco. ana ne began to grow feverish for further news. Later he waa with the King when the countess Mtuvroair. Dogged ior an au dience. "She may unwittingly enlighten your Maleatv." aald Lord Cloverton. He could not believe that his cleverness would not be sufficient, sooner or later, to make the Cnuntesa betray herself, aitnnugn the past was utterly barren of result mo nrna Mavroain was anmntea. i no presence of the British Ambassador did not disconcert her. She went to the point at 'once. "Is it true, your Majesty, that my house was searched yesterday by your Instructions?" she, asked. "Countess, how con you think that?" said tho King. "It Is true that I com manded tha arrest of Captain Ellorey. and that command may have been used to open your doors, as It would serve to open any door In Sturatxberg." "I have heard of no other house betng entered by force," the Countess answer ed. "Naturally. I seek to know why I am suspected." She pusxled Lord Cloverton more than ever. Thla was a bold atroke to dlaarm suspicion. "My dear Countess." said the King, blandly, "would you hold me responsible for tha actlona of my officers? Believe me, the city Is being searched In every corner for this rebel CBptaln. It Is par donable If In the soarch some annoy ance is given to Innocent persons, Is it not? Their loyalty should overlook the offence." "True; but your Majesty. I would humbly submit ovedlook one fact of tie? gravest Importance to me. That my house Is searched for a rebel Is nothing; hut when It Is searched for a man who. at. Court, has been somewhat In my company, the action affects me curiously. It Is not a question of loyalty, but one which concerns my fair tame." "Surely. Countess, you exaggerate." "Indeed, your Majesty. I do not, n lord Cloverton can prove Only yester day, In the Bols, he made It evident that Court gossip linked my name with Captain Ellerey's, and even suggested that I might render service to my coun try and this Englishmen at the same time by saving all I knew. Is It not so, my lord? Tou were very anxious to save your countryman and get him out of tho citv?" "Is It not so, my lord?" the Countess repeated. "I admit. Countess, that, fancying ther was some tender understanding between vnu and my countrvmnn I was willing If possible, to render yrtu a service, l seem to have heard that love has been accountable for strange, and even fool ish actions. This Is tho beginning and the end of my offence." "Are vou sure of that?" she said. "For give me If I nm mistaken, hot the aearchlnr of my house was strangely timed with otir drive In the Bols." "Oh, Counless " the Ambassador e clalmed. "Surely you forget that I only availed myself of your courteous invi tation." "Which I could do no less than give since vou exnlalned that you had fore gone your afternoon sleep to meet me there, she replied quickly, and smiled, the smile of a very charming woman of tho world, as most people considered her; but Lord Cloverton seemeil to oatce some meaning behind tho smile, and ttv King felt that he ought to come to his rescue "We have both fallen under the Coun tess's displeasure; how can we prove how unjusllv? 1 will reprimand my too senl ous officers, nnd they shall make you an npologv." "Tour Malesly Is good." she answered "For myself It Is no great consequence, hut hod you witnessed the consternation of my servants, you would have under stood how serious a matter It waa In their eves. "Suhlects and servants alike. Conn fees, nre our masters." said the Kln. Frlna Mnvrodln departed full of thanks nnd wreathed In gracious smiles. When sne nHn Knne, ine img ami ine aiuhri sudor looked Innulrtnglv at each other. "I think your susvlclons were un founded, mv lord." the King snld. "I missed the centre of the target. you Majesty, but T believe I nlmed at the right msrk. Shi Is a clever woman; I adm rs her more every day," Lord Cloverton spoke the truth; ho did admire her. like nil great men. he was quick to reeognlso the sterling worth of his adversaries, and It was borne In upon him more and more that tn this crisis he had a clever and Mautlful w man to deal with, nnd wnnt antagonist could be more powerful He began to rearrange hts tnougnta upon mis nials passed In review all tha seeming' trivial Inc'i'erts with which Frlns Mavrodln had been connected, end fourd many new meanlnee In thm. The, possibility th her Influence mliht be- paramount In Stiirsttberg fln.wned unon him. Such, a subtle power nt work would explam mnnv things, and the Ambassador de termined to watch her more closely than ever. All that day sesreh was made for Con tain Ellerev throughout the cltv. Many rlnees. known to be haunts nf the -lis satisfied, were entered, but were lpn- et-nt of even In.- anpenraite of evil There wre too manv resilv to, henr wnmlna for such places to he taken unawares. Hut no other houses or tic;i Importance as the Countess Mavrodln were d slurped. Tnere wns no iwui. No -n I ad seen Cnntain F.H,. In 'oil a few nnptared to know him. or to- have heard or him. TP's uord iinvertnn d'd not believe He thought he recognised Frlha Mavrodln Influence at work in such Ignorance. It wss e Ihe following dsv that Mon slenr He Frhlletts called at the Rmbasar. snd ws shown Into Lord Ctovertno's room. With this new train of thought In his rr.lnd. h Frf ehmsn's lmim- tance In the comics or wailnria appear ed to sin into insismincance. "Ynu are welcome, monsieur. Is this a friendly visit or" "Friendly; - certainly; hut something more," De Fro'lefte answered. Hs hsd come tm tne F.mhsssv without due dellh ration. Ha had hsd an andlenee with tha Oueen that morning, and there wag something- In her tone which decided htm tn make hla own Interests ikmblv secure by giving help to tha British Amltassn dor-such help that might count for much when the time for settling - ao counts cams, but which should not ma terially hasten that tlme.i i f ' '"i had tgun to think that you had forgotten your promise," - said Lotd Cloverton. "Ntws of Captain Ellerey would be very useful to to tho Govern ment of this country. , You had .ser vant watching him. I think." V There wss something rsaembllnrMhs Queen's : tone In the Ambassador's want of appreciation of his .position and Importance. . 'That la so,' replied De Frollette quiet ly.' "I understand you that is, tha Gov ernment have done your utmost to find this Englishman, and have failed." "At present monsieur, at pneeent." "Whkh Is hardly wonderful," contin ued De Frollette "I have so constantly observed that you the , fluvemment. I should eay concentratea Its energise In the wrong direction i la it not ao, my lord?"- -. - - - - t 'An opinion' which tnay-observe, I do not sv which does, but which may bt!b4 from an entirely wrong conception Of hn Oovernmsnt'a alms.'.' "Ha fol, that is se " laughed ths 1 il,-I.-v, r- . v-. i S , ; , , Ii Ii or ni'! it v, a i ,. i . f . , V. to I, , 1 I. I , ,- l j ly looking for rooirt oi, i. , . , my lord, (or t.iHiinr uu your ti.;. ..-' . , De l-'roiltilto rojio to ko. "Tou are too hoity, mor.-ileur: i be tented again. It i Caoum !..;.. i. we want." "Ah! Then I am not dooelved." -iM De Frollette, sitting down again." 'T. ll me, why do you persistently lock for him In tho wrong place V" , .rn you snow us tne, right one, mon. sleur?" ,..-!-, , ., " Send Vour trOOnn nut h Vi flniittiai-n Gate and bid them march toward Bros, len, and let sham eyes watoh the depths of thai forest. , They may be rewarded by seeing men gathering to a ceniter there, v jr-ind that centre and you shall mm upturn e,iierey. ' t. is It, your Umber , ntislneM , whlcn teaches VOU BO much r' InnnlreH i 1m. Cloverton with a smile, some contempt I0U laugn at mv trndu hul II mn prove useful even to you.. Tou watc. the city gates, you search every street and corner of Sturatsberg, uid behoH your bird Is flown and Is many hours up- on his Journey before you even start-tn -pursuit'! ', .--v.- ..." b w '' ' m- ,nteTlrt,n mansdetir, Buf yon to not heileve It" tatermpt. ed De Frollette. " have a message from ? this Captain Ellerey. My servant watch ed his lodgings. Early In the morning a boy brought a msessace to tho r?a.tain'a -' servant .Francois, my man, entered tho nouse ana got. into conversation wltt . this servant a rude soldier-with small understanding, but wtth stancn love for his master. Put upon his guard by Ki- lAfAV: 4Mlhfr1sasll Via AAneelifea .a f v. wHsniwai t.ra-a fysjvai i, billty that Frnncola may be playing tba inv BnH ' faltftncr ttewM kiwi tnkK.UM v' "t'JP esesf M"M UllltWBI tM t .1 he gags and binds him and locks hln In a cellar. Tlie next day Captain El- . lerey, a band of horsemen with him, t meets a woodman in the forest towart " PrAllIt V4 hw him mnnAm ma aI , . & ;, my servant Is gradually starving behlnl nis ceuar ooor ot wnicn tne woodman, gives me the key. I go to the Can- , tain's lodgings, and there Is Francois.' -Pauvre garcon. he was hungry, mv lord. -' " iii iuii iro win uc wtmry ivrnme ine . A . H -. W will 1 . ,L . . - next time ne ana tnat soldier meet" -un tne uresien road, you say." Lord; Cloverton remarked thouchtfullv. H hsd made up his mind quickly. , "Probably in Breslen Itself by thla time. I understand there la much dlssat- -is Miction there." And Cantaln Ellerey's obtest, mon. sleur?" The Frenchman shrugged his should ers as though such a consideration had not occurred to him. "It my opinion worth an v thin r. me lord? I am riot In the councils of the Government. I know little of the Statea -difficulties, the plots which threaten, tha particular points or danger; but as -private person I should Incline to the hfdlef that It has to do with the Princes Maritsa. I have already told you that she Is. or was, In Sturatxberg. Too do -not believe It. That Is a pity." . , "I am beginning to believe It mon sieur," the Ambassador answered, "and I thank you for coming here to-day. Tha gates of Sturatsberg are not so well gusrded as they should be." "That ts not my affair," said De Frio lette with a smile. "I have given my In formation to you because I know the nrestlge of Lord Cloverton and his value to the peace of Wallarla." With these parting compliments tha Frenchman bowed . himself out. feeling that he hsd established his position witn the Ambassador, and put him off the real scent at one and the same time. The plenannt security of the latter feel Ing was destined to be quickly nnd rude 'v dispelled. Borne troops certainly did leave the city and go toward Breslen, h it many more set out In the opposite direction and stretched across the coun try which lay between Sturatxberg and he mountains. Lord Cloverton, In ad vising the King, wns still convinced that 'he most Imminent danger threatened from the brigands In the hills. The d'snatch of the troens H1d not sur prise Frlng Mavrodln. Trrnt thev should vo chiefly toward th hills seemed on tv natural, seeing thal the brigands 'av there. The time since she trsd re turned to find that her home had boon "arched had nnssed In n whirl nf con nictlng emotions. For a few moments nfter dismissing Hannah she hsd stood onrtght. Immovable, with sense of t-etng alone In the world All the tntcc nts and hopes of her life seemed to site mm her and fall Into a hean of deed ishes her feet. The Princess nod rone. Doubtless she had meant to go when Frlne had left her that morning, tnd hnd got her nut of the wav on rctr nose. It was Dumltru who had siieest d her irner Into the Bols; It was rutm. ni, nrohahly. who had pursuaded MH. -i that the time to set hsd come. No "r a moment did Frlna simnose fhit tin, . triltru was cognisant ef the fnct that her niise would he searched; she did not K Mcve thsr they had gone to escaoe !( eovery. If such hsd been the esse she would hnve been tsken Into their conn "Vnoe. No; Ihe densrtiire hnd taken ilnce for the furtherance of nlans In which she hsd no nsrt. and which she nromnllv linked with the dlssppesnwice of Csotnln Ellerev. Tt never occurred to Frlna to set watches to warn the "rlncess sho"ld she return. She would not return For good or 111 sh had he run the Tna! move toward her goal. Whit were her plns? Whet chance had thev of success" Frlna knew who seert societies nursed the cause of Princess Mnrltss In the cltv. She knew to a unit the snnnort could he denended upon, knew th exsct value of It. the strenrh ind weakness of II. The cause had look ed to the Mils for snnnort. not without reason, perbs-ps. Were not the men "ithcred her rebels, resdv t strike blow at the Oovemmnt? This had si wuvs len Marltsa's argument, and there hid -rn some slims that gh was right F'li.-i knew th"t the msterlal foe revnl wni to hand, but a reselv'e i-nier hsd . IpcMng. Now ihls fPt hsd hH-n implied bv Omtnln s'lierey. Tt wse round Ellerev that '" wh'ri of Fvtns'8 emotions centred. Fr reJIef that tha-. Prlrress hsd gone before the house waa .. arched gsve place to tN anrehensn ' that sh hnd gone to Join Cantaln El lorev Phe saw enly s rlvel In her Kte " net. it ws her love for the mart lilrh ruled Krln Mavrodln's actions, -ot her love for the cnttae. It wss In -this snlrlt that he rmulo her complaint " to the King, for the time might come when h"r house would prove the only stf refuge for Fllerey. It wns In thS -snirlt thst. with her maid In sltendance, she presently went to visit Baron Pe- IV-KBA.. I The Baron's wound had not nroved se' rious. but ti had ken him to the houses The Countess fourd him lying on a sofa,' from which be hnlf rose aa she entered, She hurried forward to prevent him. ' "This is good of you. Countess." ha ssld. "Strangely ynu were In mjr . thoughts when vou were announced." She Innulred about hts wound and et . n reused ner ' regrets in a row. prettily turned senteneee. 1 - "It wna nothing." said tha Karon "The greetest hurt wss to my pride." "And. of course, you long for an oppor tunity of wiping out the defeat?" said Frlna. , . ;-; . "Curiously enough, that Me has not rln unpermoet In my thoughts," Pe treen - answered.- "t owe the Rnsllshmsn an apology for tha attack which waa made unon' him. directly ha succeeded. In wounding me. He Is a gentleman snd a ' gallant swnrdsman. ' and) 1 writhe under the fear that No hot level ttntf at 1 tnck waa'of my contriving. There was the genuine ring of truth in tne Haron b wnroa mni Mimm waa not surprised. She believed that she thoroughly understood him, or would oot have visited hlra.- - '.- - . , "Tou would oerrlend - captain Ellerey were It In your power?' she quesiloneL yiUidly, for his own sake and for you re Pardon tne.' Countess. If my own confession sllpa : out with) these woms. Those who love recognise love quickly." "Was that In your mind when ynt forced this duel Upon Captain Kllerey ?" she asked, t- "I have triad to hslleva that love for tha causa stood first,. Countess. , Please question me no further, I take refuss behind the punishment I have receiver, That I have not forfeited all your e teem ts proved by your presence here, Tell ma how I ran serve you." "Like many others, Baron, you Jumw to a conclusion tod quU-klyf but lft it paea ' There la weightier hustne., in hand, iand then'she told htm ell t"t waa known about Kllorey, end t1- t eppeersnee Of Princess Marltss. -"Know-Ing that the Princess slwes had It i t her mind to use Captain f.iterev i; i the time came," sh ent on, "I X ive 1 -tie doubt she has Joined blin In imi -v, ? mission he baa undarlaken. Vvhut i-t she will, or can. Iim to turn li!n to I - service I do not know." "He Is not the ruin to be !c-t,i'y f , sd frsm ths cause be his :,"
The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
Feb. 3, 1907, edition 1
19
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