The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, December 8, 1901, Page 12

. THE SUNDAY CALL. CHAPTER XV—Continued. THE BETROTHAL. crong in sceking to Geceive ispered, as Anguish the door i why you know she told you?" ve gyessed. W 4 that it could the other.” a man and a Pr I v, he said, princess and a jon in the " Edelweiss 1o himself than to ais crossed the purade. t and did not inctively glanced at her window,’ s arm and pointing er refused to wurn, ou ought no)t to have d Angu refuse to you should Lorry did not respond, no word be- tween them the castle gates. “You may leave t0-moOrrow. you like, but I'm going to & le confusedly. iad enough of the place?” vhoop for the place. I'm just as hard not a Princess that You see, it's this w hit as you, and it i I have to contend wit “You mean that you are in love with the Countess?” Smph “Think sk “Unless you buy a title miserable counts or dukes.” “Oh, I'm not so sure about that. These counts and dukes come over and marry our American I don't see why I can't step in and pick out a nice litth Countess if 1 want t “She is not as avaricious as the counts and dul wager. She cares nothing for your money ““Well, she’s as poor as a church mouse” the other, doggedly. Countess poor? H}c\' do you and she told e n. ‘I asked her one day about it,” said Ang XIV-THE CLASH AND ITS RESU. “I feel like spending the rest of my davs that monastery up ther id Lorey, ner that evening. They were pout the town. One was deter- ave the city, the other firm in to stay. The latter won the day when he shrewdly, if explosively, re- mi: that it was their duty s men tc stay and protect the Princess in after a str =z mined to his resolve from the hinations of Gabriel, that knave of pur y t lasc recog- nizing the I is suit, was ready to th don the field to superior odds. His pre sumption in aspiring for the hand of a Princess began to touch his sense of hu- mo :d be laughed, not very merrily, is true, but long and loudly, at his folly. At first he cursed the world and every one in it, giving up in despair, but later he cursed only himself. Yet, as he despaired nd scoffed, he felt within himself an ever-present hope that luck might turn the tide of batt puny grew perceptibly when 1ish brought him to feel that she needed his protectior from the man wko v be expected to persevere. He linger in elweiss, knowingt day would d pain to the tor- ture he was already suffering, his sole ob- ject being, he convinced himself, to frus- trate Gabriel’s evil plans. Returning late in the evening from their stroll, they entered a cafe celebrated in Edelweiss. In all his life Lorry had never known the loneliness that makes death welcome. To-night he felt that he could not live, so maddening was the certainty that he could never regain joy. His heart bled with the-longing to be near her who dwelt inside those castle walls. He scoffed and grieved, but grieved the more. The cafe was crowded with men and wo- men. In a far corner sat a party of Ax- phain nobles, their Prince, 2 most demo- cratic fellow, at the head of a long table. There were songs, jests and boisterous laughter. The c ration grew wilder, and Lorry and Anguish crossed the room, and, taking seats at a table, ordered wine and cigars, both eager for a closer view of the Prin How Lorry loathed him! Lerenz was a good-looking young fel- Jow, little more than a boy. His smooth face was flush>d, and there was about him an of dissipation that suggested Gepravity in its advanced stage. The face that might have been handsome was the refiection of a roue, dashing, devilish. He wes fair-haired and tall, taller than his companions by half a head. With reck- less abandon he drank and sang and jesr- ed, arrogant in his flighty merriment. His cohorts were not far behind him in rictous wit. At length in German, to the Pri bride. 8 one of the revelers, speaking led on Lorenz for a toast Yetive, his promised ut 2 moment’s hesitation ¢ sprang to his feet, held his and cried: the fairest of the fair, sweet rd to win, too good to lose. God bless her heart! And God bless my heart, too. ¥ cach kiss from her wondrous lips I shai; ¥ slf with one thousand gavvos. That is the price of a kiss.” “I'll give two thousand!’ roared one of the nobles, and there was a laugh in wi the Prince joined. ¥ ! ')l not sell them now. In after _ ¢ has grown cid and her ed and dry from the sip- ye lips are pings I ve had I'fi sell them all 2t a bargain. Alas, she bas not yet rt bounded with joy, though ed in rage. me to-morrow. To-mor- te an i, what no other man has, men have coveted. And zeneruus, gentlemen. She 15 so %1 that your foul mouths would blight with but one caress upon her tender lips and vet you shall not be deprived of blies, I sball ki her thrice for each of you. me cou thrice eleven is thirty- thirty-three of my kisses, ree of my Kisses shall be for the sake of my 1 ds, lucky X to pes 7 Princes: A d. The form of a ded suddenly at the side of 1% a voice He whirled 1z face beside his own, s that flashed fire, he gemanded, zespent. The other ¥ stood as if spe!l- «k of the Princess f “vou to interfere—" of Gravstark. Do you understand that. you miserable cur?” “Oh!"” ‘screames the Prince, convulsed with rage, starting back and instinetiv 1y reaching for the sword he did not car- “‘You shali pay for this! T wil: teach “I'll insult you mors decidediy just avoid misapprehension,” snaried I swinging his Lig fisi squarely on mouth of the Prince~ His Royal Hizhness landed under a table ter feet away. Instantly the cafe was b an uproar. The stupefied Axpha‘niuns regained their senses and a general assault was made on tne hot-headed American, He knocked another down. Harry Anguish coming -« his assistance with several savage blow: after which the Graustark spectators and the walters interfered. It was ail over in an instant; yet a sensation that would live in the gossip of generations had been creuted. A Prince of tne realm: had been bruzaily assaulted! Helging Lis jaw, Lo- renz picked himself up trem the floor, se eral of bis friends running to his aid. There was biood on his lips and chin; it trickled to his shirt zicnt. For some mo- ments he stood panting, giaring at Lor- mocking face. 4 “I am Lorenz of Axphain, sir,”" he said at last, hls vo:ce quivering with sup- vressed anger., . t shall be a pleasure to kill ‘you. Lo- observed his adversary, displaying Ris ignorance of lese-rijesty Anguish, pale and very much concerned, drazged Lim away, the Prince leaving ta cafe shead of them, “cliswed by hi= cha tering. cursing comyenions. Prince Gu briel was standing near the door as they e look=d’ at the Americans ¥, and Anguish dctected somothing like triumphart joy in his eyes.: “Good lord. Lorry; 1his means a duel! Don't you know that?” cried he, as they started upstairs. “Of course, I do. AnJ I'm geing to kill that vil'ain, t03,” exzlaimed Lorry, loud enough to, be heard from one end of the room to the other. This is horri horrible! square it up some way if—" 1 alarmed Anguish. “Square it up! Look here, Harry An- guish, I am the one who will do the squar- If he wants a duel he can have it old time and in any style he de- may kill you!” Not while a _just God rules over our destinies. 1'll take my chances with pi tols, and now let me tell you one thing, my boy; he'll never live to touch his lip nor will there be'a royal wedding. Let me an the She cannot marry a dead man.” He was beside himself with excitement and it was ¢ half an hour before Anguish couid sible discussion of tlie Gradually he became cool, & the fever once gone, he did not lose L head again. “hoose pistols at ten paces and at 8 to- morrow,” he said, nonchalantly, as a rap at the door of their apartment announced the arrival of the Prince’s friend. Anguish admitted two well dressed, Dblack-bearded men, both of whom had sat at the Prince’s table in the cafe. They introduced themselves as the Duke of Miz rox and Colonel Attobawn. Their visit was brief, formal and coaclusive. “We understand that you are pers of rank in your own America?" said h Grace of Mizrox, after a few moments “We are sons of busin men, sponded-Mr. Anguish. 7 “On, well, I hardly know. But his high- ness is very willing to waive his rark and to grant you a meeting.” “I'm delighted by his Highness' conde- scension, which I pcrfectly understand,” observed Mr. Anguish. **Now, what have we to settle, gentlemen?” “The detail of weapons.” When Anguish annofinced that his prin- cipal chose pistols a strange gleam into the eves of the Axphainfans, they seemed satisfied.. Colonel Attobawn acted as interpreter during this.short but very important interview which was car- ried on in the Axphain language. Lorry sat on the window-sill, steadfastly gaz- ing into the night. The visitors departied soon, and it was understood that Prince Lorenz would condescend to meet Mr. Lorry at 8 o'clock on the next morning in the valley beyond the castle, two miles from town. There is no law prohibiting duels in Graustark. “Well, you're in for it, old man,” said Anguish, gloomlly, his chin in his hands as he fastened melancholy eyes upon his friend. “Don’t worry about me, Harry. There's only one way for this thing to end. His Royal Highness is doomed.” Lorry spoke with the earnestness and conviction of one who is permitted to see into the fu- ture. Calmly he prepared to write some let- ters, not to say farewell, but to explain to certain persons the cause of the duel and to say that he gloried in the good ortune which had presented itself. One of these letters was addressed to his mother, another to the father of Prince Lorenz, and the last to the Princess of Graustark. To the latter he wrote much that did not appear in the epistles di- rected to the others. Anguish had been in his room more than an hour, and had frequently called to his friend and begged him to secure what rest he could in order that their nerves might be steady in the morning. But it was mnot until after midnight that the duelist sealed the envelopes, directed them and knocked at his second’s door to say: “I shall entrust these letters to you, Harry. You must see that they start cn their way to-morrow.” Then he went to bed and to sleep. At 6 his second, who had slept but lit- tle, called him. They dressed hurriedly and prepared for the ride to the valley. Thetr own new English bulldog revol- vers were to serve us weapons in the coming combat, and a carriage was to be in walting for them fn a side street at 7 o'clock. Before leaving their room they heard evidences of commotiop in the hotel, and were apprehensive lest the inmates had learned of the duel und were making ready to follow the fighters to the ap- pointed spot. There was a confusion of voices, the sound of rushing feet, the banging of doors, the noise increasing as the two men stepped Into the open hall. They were amazed to see half-dressed men end women standing or rumnning about the halls, Intense excitement in their faces and in their actions. White uniformed policemen were flocking into the ‘corridors; soldiers, coatless and bat- iess. 'r;;h froem their beds, came dashing upon the scene. There were excited cries angry shouts and, more mystifving tha: all, horrified looks and whispers. ‘“What has happened?’ asked Lorry, stopping near the door. “it’cigg't be a fire. Look! The door to that m down there seems to be the center of attraction. Hold on! Don't 8o over there, Lorry. There may be something to unnerve you, and that must not happen now. Let us go down this stairway—it leads td a side ce, T think.” They were #alf way} down the stairs when the thunder ol rughing feet in the hall above tame to ibeir ears, cavsing them to hesitate be- tween curiosity and good judgment. “They are coeming this way!" “Hear them howl! What the devil can be the cause of all this rumpu;?" eried the othe 1] At that instunt a half dozen police guards appeared ut the head of the stairs, Upon seeing the Americans, they stopped and turped as-if to oppose a foe, ap- proaching from the opposite direction. Baron Dangloss separvated himself from the white coats above and called to the men below. In alarm they started for the street door. He was with,them In an in- stant, his usually red face changing from white to purple, his anxious eyes darting first toward Yhe group above and then toward the bewildered Americans. ‘What's the matter?” demanded Lory. “There! See!” cried Dangloss, and even as he epoke a conflict began at the head of the stairs, the police, augmented by a few soldiers, struggling against a howl- ing. enraged mass of Axphainians. Dan- gloss dragged 'bis reiuctant charges through a small door, and they found themselves in the baggage-room of the hotel. Despite thefr queries. he offered no explanation but rushcd them along, pass- ing out of the opposite door, down a shert stairway and into a side street. A half dozen police guards were awaiting them, and before they could catch the faintest idea of what it all meant they were run- ning with the ofiicers through an alley as if pursued by demons. “Now, what in thunder does this mean?’ panted Lorry, attempting to slacken the pace. He and Anguish were Jjust beginning to regain their senses. “Do not stop! Do not stop!” wheezed Dangloss. “You must get to a piace of safety. We cannot prevent someching dreadful happening it you are caught.’ *“If we are caught!” d Anguisi. “Why, what have we don “Unband me, Baron Dangloss! an outrage!” shouted Lorry. “For God's sake, be calm! We are be- friending you. When we reach the Tower, where you will be safe, I shall explain,” gasped the panting Chief of Police. A few moments later they were inside the prison gates, angry, impatient, fatigued. ““Is this a plan to prevent the duel?”’ de- manded Lorry, turiing upon the Chief, who had dropped Hmply iuto a chair and was mopping his brow. When he could find his breath enough to answer, Dangloss did so, and he might as weil have thrown a bombshell at their feet. This is “There’ll be no duel. Prince Lorentz is dead!” = “Dead!” gasped the others. “Found dead in his bed, stabbed to the heart!” exclaimed the Chief. ‘““We have saved you from his friends, gentlemen, but I mwst say that you are still in a tight place.” r He then related to them the whole story. Just before 6 o'clock Mizrox had gone to the Prince’s room to prepare him for the duel. The door was closed but unlocked, as he found after repeated knockings. Lurenz was lying on the bed. undressed and covered with blood. The horrified duke made a hasty examination and found that he was dead. A dagger had been driven to his heart as he slept. The hotel was aroused, the police called, and the excitement was at its highest pitch when the two friends came from their room a few minutes after 6. “But what have we to do with this dreadful affair? Why are we rushed off here like criminals?” asked Lorry, a feel- ing of cruel gladness growing out of the knowledge that Lorenz was dead and that the Princess s freed from her compact. My friend,” said Dangloss, slowly “you are accused of the murder. Lorry was too mucn stunned 4o be an- &ry, too wealido protest. For some mo- ment after the blow fell he and Angui: were speechless. Then came the protesta- tions, ¥he rage and che threats, through all of which Daugloss gat calmly, Finally he sought to quiet them, partially suc- ceeding. “Mr. Lorry, the eviiance Is very strong against you. but you siall not be unjust Iy treated. You are 2ot a prisoner as yet. In Graustark & man who is accused of murder and who was r.ot-séen by any one to commit the crime cannot be legally ar- rested until an accuse- shall go before the Princess, who is also high priestess, and swear on his life that he knows the guilty man. The man who su accuses agrees to forfeit his own life 'n case the other is proved innocent. ‘If you are to be charged with the murder of the Prince some onc must go before the Princess and take oalh —his life against yours. T am holding you here, sir, because it is the only place in which youaresafe. Lorenz's triends would have torn you to pieces had we not found you first. You are nct prisoners, and you may depart if you think it wise.” “But, my God, how van they accuse me? I knew nothing of thz murder until T reached this place, ried Lorry, stopping short in his restless waik before the little Baron, “So you say, but—-"" “If you accuse me, camn you, I'll kill you!” whispered Lorry holding himseli tense. Anguish caught and held him. “Be calm, sir,” cautivned Dangloss: ““1 may have my views, bui I am not willing to take oath hefore her Majasty. Listen: You were heard to say you would kil him; you began the fight; you were tha aggressor, and there ic no one else: on earth, it is said, who could have wished to murder him. The man who did the stabbing entered the room through tié hall door and left by. the ‘same. There are drops of blood fn the carpet leading Wi+ rect to your ‘door. Ou your knob are the prints of bloody firgers where you—or some one else—placed his hand in open- ing the door. It was this discovery, mads Dby me and my men, that fully convinced the: enraged friends of the dead Prince that you were guilty. When we opencd the door vou.were gone. Then came the search. the fight at the head of the stairs and the race to the pxison. The reason I saved you from thut mob should be plain to you. I love my Princess, and I do not forget that yon risked your life- cach of you—to protect her. I have done that 1 can, gentlemen, to protect yon It means death to you if you znds of ris followers just now. A few ncurs will cool them off, no doubt, but now--now it would be madness to fage them. ‘I know not what they have dome to my men at the hotel—per- o7 in return. fall o the * haps butchered them There was anxiety in Dangloss' voice and there was honesty in his keen old eyes. His charges nov saw the situation clearly and apologized warmly for the words they had uttered under the pres- sure of somewhat exlenuating circum- stances. They expresscd a willingness to remain in the prison uatil the excitemeit abated or untii some tne swore his life Against the supposed murderer. They were virtually prisoners, and they knew it well. Furthermore, they could see that Baron Dangloss bellevea Lorry guilty of the murder; urotestations of Innocence had been politely re.eived and politely disregarded. ‘ “Do you expect one of his friends to take the oath?” asked Lorry. ¢ “Yes; it is sure to come, “But you will not do so yourself?" “NO” + % o “I thank you, captaid, for I see that you believe me guilty.” “I do not say you arc guilty, remem- ber, but I will say that if you did mur- der Prince Lorenz you have made the peopie of Graustark rejoice from the bot- tem of their hearts, and you will be eulo- gized from one end of the land to the other.” . “Hanged and eulogized,” grimly. saild Lorry, XVII-IN THE TOWHR.. The two captives who were not prisén- ers were so dazed by the unexpected events of the morning that they did not realize the vast serlousness of the situ- ation for hours. Then it dawned upon them that appearances were really against them, and that they were alone in a land far beyond the reach of help from home. One circumstance puzzled them with its damning mystery—how came the blood stains upon the ' door- knob? Dangloss courteously discussed this strange and unfortunate feature Wwith them, but with ill-concealed skep- ticism. It was evident that his mind was clear in regard to the whole affair. Angulsh was of the opinion that the real murderer had stained the knob in- tentionally, aiming to cast suspicion on the man ‘who had been challenged. The assassin had an object in leaving those comvicting - finger-marks where they would do the most damn- age. He either desired the arrest and death of the American or hoped that ‘his own guilt might escape atten-. tlon through the misleading evidence. Lorry keld, from his deductions, that the crime had been committed by a fanatic who loved his sovereign ‘too devotedly to see her wedded to Lorenz. Then why should he wantonly cast guilt upon the man who had been her protector, object- ed Dangloss. The police guards came in from the hotel about 10 o’clock, bearing marks of an ugly conflict with the Axphainians. They reported that the avengérs had been Guelled for the time being, but that a deputation had already started for the castle to lay the matter before the Prin- cess. Officers had searched the rooms cf the Americans for blood stains, but had found no sign of them. “Did you find bloody water in which ds had been washed?” asked Anguish. *No,” responded one of the guards. There was noihing to be found in the bowls and jars except soapy water. There is not & blood stain in the room, captai ““That shakes your theory a little, eh? d_Anguish, triumphantly. “Examire Mr. Lorry’s hands and see if there is blood upon them.” Lorry’'s hands were white and uncontaminated. Dangloss wore a pucker on his brow. Shortly afterward a crowd of Axphain men came to the prison gates and de- manded the person of Grenfall Lorry, de- parting after an ugly show of rage. Cu- rious / Edelweiss citizens stood afar off, watching the walls and windows eagerly. “This may cost Edelweiss a great deal of trouble, gentlemen, but there is more happiness here this morning than the city has known in months. Evervbody be- lieves you killed him, Mr. Lorry, but they all love you for the deed,” said Dangloss, returning at noon from a visit to the ho- tel and a ride through the streets, “The Priree’s friends have been at the castle since 9 o'clock, and I am of the opinion that they are having a hard time with the cripd Lorry. “The town-{s crazy with excitement. Messengers have been sent to old Prince Bolaroz to inform him of the murder and to urge him to hasten hither, where he may fully enjoy the vengeance that is to Dbe wreaked upon his son’s slayer. 1 have not en a wilder time in Edel- weiss since the close of the siege, fifteen years ago. By my soul, you are in a bad box, sir. ing in every part of town to kill you If you attempt to leave the Tower before the Princess signs an order to restrain you legally. Your life, outside these walls, would not be worth a snap of the fingers.” Captain Quinnox of the Princess’ body- guard, accompanied by a half dozen of his men, rode up to the prison gates about 2 o'clock and was promptly admit- ted. The young captain was in sore dis- tress. “The Duke of Mizrox has sworn that you are the murderer, Mr. Lorry, and akes his life,” sald he after greetings. “Her Highness has just placed in my hands an order for your arrest as the as- sassin of Prince Lorenz.” Lorry turned as pale as death. *You— you don’t mean to say that she has signed a warrant—that she belleves me guilty,” he cried, aghast. “She has signed the warrant, but very much against her inclination. Count Halfont informed me that she pleaded and argued with the Duke for hours, seeking to avert the act which is bound to give pain to all of us. He was obdurate, and threatened to carry complaint to Bolaroz, who would instantly demand satisfaction. As the Duke is willing to dle If you are proved innocent there was no other course They are lurk- left for her than to dictate and sign this ° royal de¢ree. Captain Dangloss, I am in- structed to give you these papers. - One is the warrant for Mr. Lorry’s arrest, the other orders you to assume charge of him and to place him in confinement un- til the day of trial.” While Quinnox was making this state- ment the accused gtood with bowed head and throbless heart. He did not see the captain’s hand_tremble as he passed the documents to Dangloss, nor did he hear the unhappy sigh that came from the lat- ter's lips. Anguish, fiery and impulsive, was not to be subdued. “Is there no warrant for my arrest?” he demanded. “There is not. You are at liberty to go, sir,” responded Quinnox. “I'd ke to know why there isn't. I am just as guilty as Lorry.” “The Duke charges the crime to but one of you. Baron Dangloss, will you read the warrant?”’ The old Chief read the decree of the Princess slowly and impressively. It was as follows: / *Jacot, Duke of Mizrox, hefore his God and on his life swears that Grenfall ‘Lorry did foully, maliciously and ‘de- slgnedly slay Lorenz, Prince of Ax- phain, on the 20th day of October, in the vear of our Lord, 18—, and in the city of Edelweiss, Graustark. It is therefore my decree that Grenfall Lorry be declared murderer of Lorenz, Priuce of Axphain until he be proved innocent, in whichin- stance his accuser, Jacot, Duke of Mizrox, shall forfeit his life, according to the law of this land providing penalty for falsc witness, and by which he himself has bide faithfully. Yetive." There was silence for some moments, broken by the dreary toncs of the ac- cused. “What chance have I to prove my in- nocence?”” he asked, hopelessly. “The same opportunity that he has to prove your guilt. The Duke must. ac- cording. to our law, prove you guilty be- yond all _doubt,” spoke the young cap- tain. "%fl\ln am I to be tried?” “Here is my order from the Princess,” id Dangloss, glancing over the other paper, “It says that I am to confine you securely and to produce you before the tribunal on the 26th day of October.” That is a long tlme,” said Lorry. “May I have permission to see the signature aflixed to those papers?” Dangloss handed them to him. He glanced at the name he loved, written by the hand he had kissed, now signing away his life, perhaps. A mist came over his eyes and a strange joy filled his soul. The hand that signed the name had trembled in doing so, had trembled pitifully. - The heart had not guided the fingers. “I am your prisoner, Captain Dangloss. Do with me as you will,” he said, simply. “I regret that I am obliged to place you in a cell, sir, and under guard. Be- lieve me, I am sorry this happened. I am your friend,” said the old man, gloom- ily. “‘And 1,” cried Quinnox. “But what is to become of me?” cried poor Anguish, half in tears. “I won't leave you, Gren. It's an infernal out- Tage!” % “Be cool, Harry, and it will come out right. He has no proof, you know,” said the other, wringing his friend's hand. “But I'll have to stay here, too. If I 20 outside these walls I'll be killed like a dos.” protested Harry. “You are to have a guard of six men while vou are in Edelweiss, Mr. Anguish. Those are the Instructions of the Princess. 1 do not believe the scoundrels—I mean the Axphain nobles—will molest you if you do not cross them. When you are ready to go to your hotel, I will accom- pany you.” Half an hour later Lorry was in a cell from which there could be no escape. while Anguish was riding toward the hotel, surrounded by Graustark soldiers. He had sworn to his friend that he would unearth the murderer if it lay within the power of man. Captain Dangloss heard the oath and smiled sadly. At the castle there was depression and relief, grief and joy. The royal family, the nobilily, even the servants, soldiers and attendants, rejoiced in the stroke that had saved the Princess from a fate worse than death. 'Her preserver’s mis- fortune was deplored deeplyj-expressions o1 sympathy were whispered among them all, high and low. The Axphainians were detested—the Prince most of all—and the crime had come as a joy instead of a shock. There were, of course, serious complications for the future, involving ugly conditions that were bound to force themselves upon the land. The dead man’s father would demand the life of his murderer. If not Lorry, who? Grau- stark would certainly be asked to pro- duce the man who killed the heir to the throne of Axphain, or to make reparation —bloody reparation, no doubt. In the privacy of her room the stricken Princess collapsed frem the effects of the ordeal. Her poor brain had striven in vain to invent means by which she might save the man she loved. She had surrendered to the inevitable because there was justice in the claims of the in exorable Duke and his vindictive frien Against her will she had issued the de- cree, but not, however, until she had learned that he was in prison and unable to fly the country. The hope that delay might aid him in escaping was rudely crushed when her uncle informed her of Lorry's whereabouts. She signed the de- cree as if in a dream, a nightmare, wita trembling hand "and broken heart. His death warrant! And yét like all others she believed him guilty. Guilty for her sake! And this was how she rewarded him. \ Mizrox and his friends departed in tri- . umph, revenge written on every face. She ‘walked blindly, numbly to her room, as- sisted by her uncie, the Count. Without observing her aunt or the Countess Dag- mar, she staggered to the window and looked below. The Axphainians were crossing the parade ground jubilantly. Then came the clatter of a horse’s hoof and Captain Quinnox, with the fatal pa- pers in his possession, galloped down the avenue. She clutched the curtains dis- tractedly, and, leaning far forward, cried from the open window: “Quinnox! ' Quinnox! Come back! I forbid—I forbid! Destroy those papers! Quinnox!” But Quinnox heard not the pititul wail. He rode on, his dark face stamped with pity for the man whose arrest he was to make. Had he heard that cry from his sovereign the papers would have heen in her destroying grasp with the speed that comes only to the winged birds. Seeing him disappear down the avenue, she thréw her hands to her head and sank back with a moan, fainting. Count Hal- font caught her in his arms. It was nightfall before she was fully revived. The faithful young Countess clung to her caressingly, lovingly, uttering words of consolation until long after the shades of night had dropped. They were alone in the Princess’ boudoir, seated together upon the divan, the tired head of the one resting wearily against the shoulder of the other, Gentle fingers toyed with the- tawny tresses, and a soft voice lulled with its’consoling promises of hope. Wide and dark and troubled were the eyes of the ruler of Graustark. An attendant appeared and announced the arrival of one of the American gen- tlemen, who insisted on seeing her maj- esty at once. The card on the tray bore the name of Harry Anguish. At once.the Princess was aflutter with eagerness and excitement. “‘Anguish! Show him to this roem quick- 1y! Oh, Dagmar, he brings word from him! He comes from him! Why is he so slow! Ach, I cannot wait!” Far from being slow, Anguish was ex- ceedingly swift in approaching the room to which he feared admittance might be denied. He strode boldly, impetuously into the apartment, his feet muddy, his clothing splashed with rain, his appear- ance far from that of a gentleman. “Tell me! What is it?" she cried, as he stopped in the center of the room and glared at her. “I don't care whether you like it, and it doesn’t matter if you are a Princess,” he exploded, “‘there are a few things I'm gdoing to say to you. First, I want to know what kind of a woman you are to ‘throw into prison a man like—like— Oh, it drives me ¢razy to think of it! I don’t care if you are insulted. He's a friend of mine and he is no more guilty than you are, and I want to know what you mean by ordering his arrest?" Her lips parted as if to speak, her face grew deathly pale, her fingers clutched the edge of the divan. She stared at him piteously, unable to move, to speak. Then the blue eyes filled with tears, a sob came to her lips and her tortured heart made a last, brave effort at defense. Mr. Anguish, you wrong me--I— She tried to whisper through the closed throat and stiffened lips. Words failed her, but she pleaded with those wet, imploring eyes. His heart melted, his an- ger was swept away m a twinkling. - He saw that he had wounded her most un- Justly. “You brute!” hissed the Countess, with flashing, indignant eyes, throwing her arms about the Princess and drawing her head to her breast. “Forgive me,” he cried, sinking to his knee before the Princess, shame and con- trition in his face. “I have been half mad this whole day, and I have thought harsh- ly-of you. I now see that you are suffer- ing more intensely than I. I love Lorry, and that 18 my only excuse. He is being foully wronged, your Highness, foully wronged.” “I deserve your contempt, after all. Whether he be guilty or innocent, 1 should have refused to sign the decree. It is too late now. I have signed away something that is very dear to me—his life. You are his friend and mine. Can you tell me what he thinks of me—what he says—how he feels?” She asked the triple question breathlessly. ‘‘He believes you were forced into the act and said as much to me. As to how he feels, I can only ask how you would feel if you were in his place, innocent and yet almost sure of convictign. These friends of Axphain will resort to any sub- terfuge, now that one of their number has staked his life. Mark my word, some one will deliberately swear that he saw Grenfall Lorry strike the blow and that will be as villainous a lie as man ever told. ‘What I am here for, your Highness, is to ask if that decree cannot be withdrawn.” “Alas, it cannot! I would gladly order his release if I 'could, but you can see what that would mean to us. A war, Mr. _Anguish,” she sighed miserably. isive Mizrox to fetch him forthwith “ “But you will not see an innocent man condemned?” cried he, again indignant. “I have only your statement for that, sir, if you will pardon me. I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that he did not murder the Prince after béing honorably challenged.” “He is no coward!” thundered Anguish, startling both women with his vehe- mence. “I say he did not kill the Prince. byt I'll stake my life he would have done € had they met this morning. There's no use trying to have the decree rescin ed, I see, so I'll take my “departure. I don’t blame you, your Highness; it is your duty, of course. But it's pretty hard on Lorry, that's all.” ““He may be able to clear himself,” sug- gested the Countess, nervously. ““And he may nat, so there you have it. What chance have two Americans over here with everybody against us?”’ “Stop! - You shall not say that! He shall have full justice, at any cost, and there is one here 0 is not against him,” cried the Princess, with flashing eyes. 3 “I am aware that everybody admires him because he has done Graustark a service in ridding it of something obnox- ious—a prospective husband. But that does not get him out of jail.” “You are unkind again,” said the Prin- cess, slowly. “I chose my husband, and you assume much when you intimate that T am glad because he was mur- dered.” “‘Do not: be angry,” cried the Countess, Impatiently. - “We all regret what has happened, and I for one hope that Mr. Lorry may escape from the tower and laugh forevermore at his pursuers. 1f he could only dig his way out!” The Princess shot a startled look ta- ward the speaker as a.new thought en- tered her wearied brain; a short, involun- tary gasp told that it had lodged and would grow. She laughed at the idea of an escape from _the tower, but as she laughed a tiny spot of red began to spread upon her cheek, and her eyes glistened strangely. Anguish remained with them for half an hour. When he left the castle it was with & more hebeful feeling in his breast. In the Princess’ bed-chamber late that night two girls in loose silken gowns sat before a low fire and talked of something that caused the Countess to tremble with excitement when first her pink-cheeked soyereign mentioned it in confidence. XVuI—FLIGHT‘ AT MIDNIGHT. Lorry’s cell was as comfortable as a cell could be made through the efforts of a kindly jailer and a sympathetic chief of police. It was not located in the dungeon, but high ‘n the tower, a little rock-bound rocm, with a single barred window far above the floor. There was a ked of iron upon which had been placed a clean mattress, and theré was a little chair. The next day after his arrcst a comfortable armchair replaced the latter; a table, a lamp, some books, flowers, a bottle of wine and some fruit found their way to his lonely apartment—whoever may have sent them. Harry Anguish was admitted to the cell during the afterncon. He promptly and truthfully denied all in- terest in the donations, but smiled wisely. He reported that most of the Axphain contingent was still in town; a portion had hurried home, carrying the news to the old Prince, instructed by the agsres- to Edelweiss, where his august presence was necessary before the twenty-sixth. Those who remained in the Graustark capital were quiet, but still in & threat- ening mood. The Princess, so Harry in- formed the prisoner, sent sincere exp: sions of sympathy. and the hope that all would end well ‘with him. Count Hal- font, the Countess, Gaspon and many others had asked to be remembered. The prisoner smiled wearily and promised that they should mot be forgotten in a week— which was as far as he expected his memory to extend. Late in the evening, as he was lying on his bed, staring at the shadowy ceil- ing and puzgling his brain with most op- pressive uncertainties, the rattle of keys in the lock announced the approach of visitors, The door swung open and through the grate he saw Dangloss and Quinnex. The latter wore a long mili- tary rain coat and had just come in from a drenching downpour. Lorry’s reverle had been so deep that he had not heard the thunder. nor the howling winds. Springing to his feet, he advanced quick- ly to the grated door. “Captain Quinnox brings a private mes- sage from the Princess,” said the chief, the words scarcely more than whispered. It was plain that the message was impor- tant and of a secret nmature. Quinnox looked up and down the corridor and stairway before thrusting the tiny note through the bars. It was grasped eagerly and trembling fingers broke the seal. Bending near the light he read the lines, his vision blurred, his heart throbbing so fiercely that the blova seemed to be drowning out other sounds for all time to come. In the dim corridor stood the two men, watching him with bated breath and guilty, quaking nerves. “Qh!” gasped Lorry, kissing the mis- ‘sive fnsanely as his greedy eyes careened through the last line. There was no sig- nature, but in every word he saw her face, felt the touch of her dear hand, heard her timid heart beating for him— for him alone. Rapture thrilled him from head to foot, the delirious rapture of love. He could not speak, so overpowering was the joy, the surprise, the awakening. “Obey!” whispered Quinnox, his face aglow with pleasure, his finger quivering as he pointed commandingly toward the letter. “Obey what?"’ asked Lorry, dully. “The last line!” He hastily reread the last line and then deliberately held the precious missive over the lamp until it ignited. He would have gliven all he possessed to have pre- served it. But the last line commanded, “Burn this at once and in the presence of the bearer.” ““There!” he said, regretfully, as he rumpled the charred remnants between his fingers and turned to the silent watchers. “Her crime goes up in smoke,” mut- tered Dangloss, sententicusiy. “The Princess commits no crime,” re- torted Quinnox, angrily, “when she trusts four honest men.” “Where is she?” whispered the pris- oner, with thrumming ears, “Where all good women should be at g o’'clock—in bed,” replied Dangloss, short- ly. “But will you obey her command? “So she commands me to escape!” said Lorry, smiling. “I dare mot disobey my sovereign, I suppose.” “We obey her because we love her,” said the captain of the guard. “And for that reason I also obey. Bnt can this thing be accomplished without necessitating explanations and possible complications? I will not obey if jt is likely to place her in an embarrassing position.” S She understands perfectly ‘what she js doing, sir. In the first place, she has haa my advice,” sald Dangloss, the good aid betrayer of an official trust. “You advised her to command you t allow me to escape?” 4 “‘She commanded first and then I ad- vised her how to command you. Axphain may declare war a thousand times over, but you will be safe. That's ajf vc—i mean, all she wants.” “But I cannot desert my frie 15 he to know where I've gones Wil o vengeance fall on him instead?’ “He shall know everything when the proper time comes. And now, will you be ready at the hour mentioned? You have but to foliow the imstructions—I should say, the commands of the writer.” “And be free! Tell her that I worship her for this. Tell her that every drop of blood it my body belongs to her. She offers me freedom, but makes me. QJer slave for life. Yes, I shall be ready. If I do not see you again, good friends, remember that I love yow because you love her and because she |- ves you enough to entrust a most dangerous. secret to your keeping, the commission of an act that may mean the downfall of your na- tion."”” He shook hands with them fer- lives of three of her subjects. but no man save yourself can invelve the Princes: the crown. They may kill us, but ti cannot force us to betray her. I trust you will be as loyal to the good girl who wears a crown, not upon her heart,” said Dangioss, earnestly. “I have said my life is. hers, gentle- men,” said Lorry, simply. “God, If I could but throw myself at her feet! I must see her before I go. I will not go without tell- ing her what is in my heart!” he added, passionately. “You must obey the commands implicit- 1y, on your word of honor, or the trans- action ends now,” said Quinnox, firmly. “This escape means, then, that I am not to see her again,” he said, his voice choking with emotion. “Her instructions are that you are to 8o to-night, at once,” said Dangloss, and the black-eyed soldier nodded confirma- tion. The prisoner paced the floor of his cell, his mind a jumble of conflicting emotions. His clenched hands, twitching .lips and half-closed eyes betrayed the battle that was inflicting him with its carnage. Sud- denly he darted to the door, crying: “Then I refuse to obey! Tell her that If she permlts me to leave this hoie I shall be at her feet before another night has passed. Say to her that I refuse to go from Graustark until T have seen her and talked with her. You, Quinnox, go to her now and tell her this, and say her also that there is something she mu:’ hear from my own lips. Then I will leave, Graustark, and not till then, even though death be the alternative.” The two men stared at him in amazement and con- sternation. “You will not escape?” gasped Quinnox. “I will not be dragged away without seeing her,” he answered resolutely, throwing himself on the bed. “Damned young ass!” growled Dan- gloss. The soldier's teeth grated. A mo- ment later the slab door closed softly, a key rattle, and his visitors were gone— messengers bearing to him the most posi- tive proof of devotion that man could exact, What had she offered to do for his sake? She had planned his escape. had sanctioned the commission of an un- paraileled outrage against the laws of her land—she, of all women, a Princess' But she also had sought to banish him from the shrine at which his very soul worshiped, a fate more cruel and un- endurable than the one she would have saved him from. He looked at his hands and saw the black stains from the charred letter, last evidence of the crime against the stace. A tender light came to his eves, a great lump struggled to his throat and he kissed the sooty spots, murmuring her name again and again. How Jonely he was! How cold and cheerless his cage! For the first time he began to appreciate the real seriousness of his position. Up to this time he had regarded it optimis- tically, confident of vindication and acquittal. His only objection to imprisou- ment grew out of annoyancé and mere deprivation of liberty. It had entered his head that he was actuaily facing death at ciose range. Of course, it had been plain to him that the charges were serious, and that he was awkwardly situated, but the true enormity of his peril did not dawn upon him until free- dom was offered in such a remarkable manner. He grew cold and shuddered in- stinctively as he realized that his position was so critical that the Princess had deemed it necessary to resort to strategic measures in order to save him from im- pending doom. Starting to his feet he paced the floor, nervousness turning to dread, dread to terror. He pounded on the door and cried aloud. Oh, if he could but bring back those kindly messengers! Exhausted, torn by conflicting emotions, he at last dropped to the bed and buried his face in his arms, nearly mad with the sudden solitude of despair. He recalled her dear letter—the tender, helping hand that had been stretched out to lift him from the depths into which he was ing. She had written—he could see words plainly—that his danger was great. she could not endure life until she knew, him to be safely outside the bounds Graustark. His life was dear to her, she would preserve it by dishonoring trust. Then she had unfolded her gian of escape, disjointedly, guiltily, hopeless- ly. In one place near the end she wrot “You have done much more for me than you know, so I pray that God may be good enough to let me repay you so far as it lies within my power to do so.” In another place she sald: “You may trust my accomplices, for they love me, too.” An admission unconsciously made, that word “too.” But she was offering him freedom only to send him away without granting one moment of joy in her presence. After all, with death staring him in the face, the practically convicted murderer of a prince, he knew he could not have gone without seeing her. He had been ungrateful, per- haps, but the message he had sent to her was from his heart, and something told him that it would give her pleasure. A key turned suddenly in the lock, and his heart bounded with the hope that it might be some one with her surrender in response to his ultimatum. He sat up- right and rubbed his swollen eyes. The door swung open, and a tall prison guard peered in upon him, a sharp-eved, low= browed fellow in rain coat and helmet. His lantern’s single unkind eye Wwas turned toward the bed. “What do you want?’ prisoner, irritably. Instead of answering, the guard prox ed to unlock the second or grated oor, stepping inside the cell a moment later. Smothering an exclamation, Lorry jerked out his watch and then sprang to his feet, intensely excited. It was just 1: o'clock, and he remembered now that she had said a guard would come to him at that hour. Was this the man? Was the d out? pl’:':e‘:wb:l::;r::ood staring at each other for a moment or two, one in the agony of doubt and suspense, the other quizzically. A smile flitted over the face of the guard; he calmly advanced to the table, put- ting - down his lantern. Them he drew offt his rain coat and hel- | met and placed in the other’s hand a | gray envelope. Lorry reeled am}.::flz : llen but . :a,,‘:h ‘:e staggered. A note from her was in his hand. He tore open the en- i | [l § demanded they _ for the wall veiope and drew forth the letter. As he read he grew strangely calm and eon- tented; a blissful repose rushed in to sup- plant the racking unrest of a moment be- fore; the shadows fled and life’s light was burning brightly once more. She had ‘written: 1 “I entreat you to follow In-lrnet!o*’ and go to-night. You say you will n Jeave Graustark until you have seen me. 4Continued next week)