The San Francisco Call. Newspaper, December 29, 1901, Page 14

14 THE SUNDAY CALL. CHAPTER XXIII—Continued. THE VISITOR AT MIDNIGHT. E passed people, but no one knew W me. I will go if you are distressed over my being here.” It 1s not that—not that. Some o r that they atched. ¥ have seen you. I have a strange spect mé and that T Where is Captain Qui ilc said he would return for me in an ¥ The time almost gone. How has flow Yet, Yetive, I will not give you u cried, sinking to his knecs before “You must—3 back 10 the mor must Oon. & how You it shall! & down at the h the battie citude. St. Valen- vou to start scape Valeu ged for You can t through think ul' it. You ail T done to are jesting; 1 should ha drew her to his sida. d before he could will not permit you to r me. The prop- s known to me. If al you are to have My duty is plain and 1 am not At the wo! once. she repeated, as if in 2 tell you of my decision. o 3 »ur lands, protect : d to remember that I ousand {imes to serve you e done—after all T have rmured, piteously. i not! You are more to me I zdom, than all the people wor You have made me love v caused me to detest the have made heart. at there ma rs in hope 1t day when vou will ut for my sake— from this place. e a1l T have to live bout his neck and went 1o his heart 1S Were W love be who erve to how T have suffered betrayed them, i made them t 1 would not, ve an innocent man my people ask You cannot dissuade me. It God por could cowardly ce when a door. Leap- X s come for me. Now out room without being and, cried Yetive ran to him, on his shoulders, eness of despair: go back to the monastery? ustark? For my sake— the door. rapturous Lorry took face and re- DUNGEON. G eyes y and triumph. Be- , caught dazed brain that he could is ran the miser- d but a moment. never escap: able realizz forever. oy harshly, v eck and temple not aware tk ighness y,” he said, anding out on his o 1 intrude? I was ed two, your mistaking his ught to convey was there by ap- isitor in her ¥ coming to my she stammered, v from the chaos was standing slightly d several feet behind her. He u od the Prince, and quickly sought to interpose with the hope that he might shicld her from ‘h»’ sting. Gabricl's wit saved from death. He saw that he could not pursue the course had begun. for there was murder in the s eye Like e he swerved promise of submission ment at ving of emo on he fine fel- eif. Now, here?” His ¢ glass ibduing. aid Lorry, Jg),rd a 13 “And how often have you come here in = ner as @ prisoner? Midnight and in the apartments of the Princess! aurd dism mer, eh? Ha, a prison’” * eried Lorr ncess wa ¥ you are . White to the lips. beginning to under- stau Her eyes grew wide with horror, her fig- ure cned imperiously and the white in her cheeks gave way to the red of insulted virtue. “I see it all! You have not been outslde this castle since you left the prison. A pretty neme! You could not marry him, could you, eh? He is not a Prince! But you could bring him here and hide him where no one would dare to think of look- ing for him—in your apartments—" With & snar) of rage Lorry sprang upon him, cutting short the sentence that would bave gonc through her like the keenest knife-blade. “Liar! Dog! I'll kill you for that!” he cried, but before he could clutch the Prince’s throat Yetive bad frantically seized his arm “Not that!” she shricked. “Do not kill him! There must be no murder here!” He reluctantly hurled Gabriel from him, the Prince tottering to his knces in ths effort to kecp from falling. She had saved her maligner's life, but courage deserted her with the act. Helplessly she looked into the blazing eyes of her lover and faltered: “I-1 do not know what to say or do. My brain is bursting!” “Courage, courage!” he whispered gen- iy “You shall pay for this!” shrieked Ga- briel. “If you are not a prisoner you shall be. There'll be scandal enough in Grau- stark to-morrow to start a volcano of wrath from the royal tombs where lie her fathe: T'll see that you are a prisoner!” He started for the door, but Lorry’s pis- tol was leveled at his head. “If you move I'll kill you!” “The world will understand how and why T fell by your hand and in this room. Shoot!” he cried, triumphantly. Lorry’s hand trembled and his eyes filled with the tears of impotent rage. The Prince held the higher card. A face suddenly appeared at the door, which had been stealthily opened from without. .Captain Quinnox glided into the room behind the Pringe and gently closed the door, unnoticed by the gloater. “A prisoner?” sneered Gabriel. “Where is your captor, pray?” “Her answered a voice at his back. The Prince wheeled and found himself looking at the stalwart form of the cap- tain of the guard. I am surely privileged to speak now, your Highness.” he went ing the Princess significantl ame vou here?” gasped Gabriel. “I brought my prisoner here. Where should T be if not here to guard him?” “When—when did you enter this room?” “An hour ago.” “You were not here when T came!” “I have been standing on this spot for Bour. You have been very much ex- cited, I'll agree, but it is strange you did not see me.” lied Quinnox. Gabriel looked about helplessly, non- plused. “You were here when I came in he =ked. wonderingly. ‘Ask her Majest commanded the captain, smiling. Captain Quinnox brought the prisoner io me an hour ago,” she said, mechanic- ally. “it is a lie!” cried Gabriel. ot here when I entered! The captain of the guard laid a heavy “He was 1and on the shoulder of the Prince and said, threateningly: “I was here and T am here. Have a how yvou speak. Were I to do right 1 should shoot you like a dog. You came like a thief, vou insult the ruler of my nd. » borne it all because you are . but have a care—have a care. forget myself and tear out your black heart with these hands. One word a from her Highness will be your death warrant! He looked inquiringly at- the Prince: as if anxlous to put the dangerous wit- ness where he could tell no ta She shook her head, but did not speak. Lorry realized that the time had come for him to assert himself. Assuming a distressed air he bowed his head and said, deject- ed “My pleading has been in vain, then, my Highness. 1 have sworn to vou that I am innocent of this murder, and you Fiave sald I shall have a fair trial. That is all you can offer?” “That is all,” she sald, shrilly, graduall ping his meaning. You will not punish the poor people who secreted me in their house for weeks, for they are convinced of my innocence. Your captain here, who found me in their house to-night, can also speak well of them. I have only this request to make in return for what little service I may have given you: Forgive the old people who befriended me. I am ready to go to the tower at once, captain.” Gabriel heard this speech with a skep- tical smile on his face. “I am no fool,” he said, simply. *“Cap- tain,” shrewdly turning to Quinnox, “If he is your prisoner, why do you permit him to retain his revolver?” The conspirator her mind were taken by sur- prise, but Lorry had found his wits. “It is folly, your Highness, to allow gentleman and conquering Prince to -examine you. I am a prisoner, and that is the end of it. What odds is it to the Prince of Dawsbergen how and where I was caught or why your officer brought me You were ordered from my house once to-day, vet you come again likeja con- queror. I should not spare you. /eru de- serve to lose your life for the actions of to-night. Captain Quinnox, will you kill him if T ask you to end his wretched life.”” Yetive's eyes were blazing with wrath, beneath which gleamed a hope that he could be frightened into silence. ““Willingly—willingly!” cried Quinnox. “Now, your Highness? ’Twere better in the hall? “For God's sake, do not murder me! Let me.go!” cringed the Prince. “1 do not méan that you should kil him now, Quinnox, but I instruct you to do so if he puts foot ‘inside these walls again. -Do you understand?”’ “Yes, your Highness.” ““Then you will place this prisoner in the castle dungeon until to-morrow morning, when he is to be taken to the tower. Prince Gabriel may accompany you to the dungeon cell, if he likes, after which you will escort him to the gates. If he enters them again you are to kill him. Take them both away!” “Your Highness, I must ask you to write a pardon for the good people in whose house the prisoner was found,” suggested Quinnox, shrewdly seeing a chance for communication unsuspected by the Prince. “A moment, vour Highness,” said the Prince, who had recovered himself clever- Iy. “I appreciate vour position. I have made a serious charge, and I now have a fair proposition to suggest to you. If this man is not produced to-morrow morning 1 take it for granted that I am at liberty to tell all that has hapvened in this room (to-night. If he is produced, I shall kneel and beg your pardon.’ The Princess turned paler than ever and knew not how she kept from falling to the floor. There was a long silence fol- 2g Gabriel's unexpected but fair sug- yur Highness,” said ason why I should not be a prisoner to-morrow. I don’t see how I can hope to escape the inevitable. Your dungeon is strong and T have given my word of honor that I shall make no further effort to evade the law.” #T murmured the ready to faint under the strain. “I must see him delivered to Prince Bolaroz,” added Gabriel, mercilessly. “To Bolaroz!" she repeated. “Your Highn the pardon for the poor old people,” reminded Quinnox. She glided to the de stunned, bewildered. It seemed as though death were upon her. Quinnox followed and bent near her ear. “Do not be alarmed,” he whispered. “No one knows of Mr. Lorry’s presence here save the Prince, and if he dares to ac- e vou hefore Bolaroz our people will r him to piec No one will believe very fai There is no Princess, i—you can save him, then?” she gasped, jovously. “If he will permit me to do so. Write to him what you will, your Highness, and he shall have the message. Be brave and all will go well. Write quickly! This is supposed to be the pardon. She wrote feverishly, a thousand thoughts arising for every ome that she was able to transfer to the paper. When she had finished the hope inspired scrawl she arose and, with a gracious smile, handed to the waiting captain the par- don for those who had secreted the fugl- tive. “I grant forgiveness to them gladly,” he said. thank you, Mr. Lorry, sald Lorry, bowing low. 1 regret the difficulty in which you find yourself. It was on my account, too, 1 am told. Be you guilty or innocent, vou are my friend, my pro- tector. May God be good to you.” She gave him her hand calmly, steadily, as if she were bestowing favor upon a sub- ject. He Kkissed the hand graveiy. “Forgive me for trespassing on your good nature to-night, your Highness."” “The 5000 gravvos shall be yours to- morrow, Captain Quinnox,” she said, gra. clously You have done your duty well.” The faithful captain bowed deep and low and a weight w lifted from his con- ence. ‘Gentlemen, the door,” without a word the trio left the room. She closed the door and stood like a statue until their footsteps died away in the di As one in a daze she sat at the desk till the dawn, Grenfall Lorry’s revoiver lying before her. Through the halls, down the stairs and into the clammy dungeon strode the silent trio. But before Lorry stepped instde the cell Gabriel asked a question that had been troubling him for many minutes. “I am afraid I have—ah—misjudged her—" muttered Gabriel, now convinced that he had committed himself irretriev- ably. “You will find she has not misjudged you,” said the prisoner, grimly. “Can't a candle in here, captain?” “You may keep this lantern,” said Quinnox, stepping inside the narrow ceil. As he placed the lantern on the floor he whispered: “I will return in an hour. Read this! Lorry’s hand closcd over the bit of perfumed paper. The Prince was now inside the cell, peering about curiously, even timorously, “By the way, your Highness, how would he said, and you enjoy living in a hole like this all your life? “Horrible!” said Gabriel, shuddering like a leaf. “Then take my advice; don't commit ‘any murders. Hire some one else.” The two men eyed each other steadily for a moment or two. Then the Prince looked</olit of the cell, a mad desire to fly from some dreadful unseen horror coming over him. Quinnox locked'the door, and, striking a match, bade his Highness precede him up the stone steps. In the cell the prisoner read and reread the incoherent message from Yetive: “It is the only way. Quinnox will as- sist you to escape to-night. Go, I implore you; as you love me, .go. Your life is more than all to me. Gabriel's story will not be entertained and he can have no proof. He will be torn to pleces, Quinnox says. I do not know how I can live until 1 am certain you are safe. This will be the longest night a woman ever spent. If I cculd only be sure that you will do as T ask, as I beg and implore! Do not. think of me, but save yourself. I would lose cverything to save you.” He smiled sadly as he burned the “par- dor The concluding sentences swept away the last thought he might have had of leaving her to bear the consequences. “Do not think of me, but save yourself. I would lose everything to save you." He leaned against the stone wall and shook his head slowly, the smile still on his lips. XXV—“BECAUSE I LOVE HIM."” The next morning Edelweiss was astir . Great throngs of people flocked the treats long before the hour set for the signing of the decree that was to divide the north from the south. There were men and women from the mountains. from the southern = valleys, from the plains to the north and east. Sullen were the mutterings, threatening the faces, re- sentful the hearts of those who crowded the shops, the public places and the streets. Before 9 oclock the great con- course of people began to push toward the castle. Castle Avenue was packed with the moving masses. Thousands upon thousands of this humbled race gathered outside the walls, waiting for the news from the castle with the spark of hope that does not die until the very end, nurs- ing the possibility that something might intervene at the last moment to save the country from disgrace and ruin, A strong guard was required to keep the mob back from the gates, and the force of men on the wall had been quad- rupled. Business in the city was suspend- ed. The whole nation, it scemed, stood before the walls, awalting, with bated breath and dismal faces, the announce- ment that Yetive had deeded to Bolaroz the lands and lives of half of her sub- Jjects. The northern plainsmen, who were So soon to acknowledge Axphain sover- eignty, wept and wailed over their un- happy lot. Brothers and sisters from the south cursed and moaned in sympathy. Shortly before 9 o'clock, Harry Anguish, with his guard of six, rode up to the c tle. Captain Dangloss was beside him on his' gray charger. They had scarcely passed inside the gates when a cavalcade of mounted men came riding up the ave- nue from the Hotel Regengetz. Then the howling, the hissing, the hooting began. Maledictions were hurled at the heads of Axphain noblemen as they rode between the maddened lines of people. They smiled sardonfcally in reply to the im- potent signs of hatred, but they were glad when the castle gates closed be- tween them and the vasty despairing crowd. In which the tempest of revolt was brewing with unmistakable energy. Prince Bolaroz, the Duke of Mz- rox and the ministers were already in the castle and had been there since the previous afternoon. In the roval palace the excitement was intense, but it was of the subdued Kkind that strains the nerves to the point where con- trol is martyrdom. ‘When the attendants went to the bed- chamber of the Princess at 7 o'clock, as was their wont, they found, to their sur- prise, no one standing guard. The Princess was not in her chamber, nor had she been there during the night. The bed was undisturbed. In some alarm the two women ran to her parlor, then to the boudoir. Here they found her asleep on the divan, attired in the gown she had worn since the evening before, now crum- pled and creased, the proof positive of a restless, miserable night. Her first act after awakening and un- tangling the meshes in her throbbing, un- comprehending brain, was to send for Quinnox. She could scarcely wait for his appearance and the assurance that Lorry was safely out of danger. The footman who had been sent to fetch the captain was a long time In returning. She was dressed In her breakfast gown long before he came in with the report that the cap- tain was nowhere to be found. Her heart gave a great throb of joy. She alone could explain his absence. To her it meant but one thing: Lorry’s flight from the castle. Where else could Quinnox be except with the fugitive, perhaps once miore inside St. V‘ulenungfs» With the great load of suspeénse off her mind she cared not for the trial that still confront- ed her on that dreaded morning. She had saved him and she was willing to pay the price. . Preparations began at once for. the eventful transaction in the throne room. The splendor of two courts was to shine in rivalry. Ten o'clock was the hour set for the meeting of the two rulers, the victor and the victim. Her nobles and her ladies, her ministers, her guards and her lackeys moved about in the halls, dreading the hour, brushing against the hated Axphain guests. In one of the small' walting-rooms sat the Count and Countess Halfont, the latter in tears. The young Countess Dagmar stood at a window with Harry Anguish. The latter was flushed and nervous and acted like a man who expects that which is unex- pected by others. With a strange con- fidence in his voice he sought to cheer Iris depressed friends, but the cheerful- ness was not contagious. The somberness of a burial hung over the castle. Half an hour before the time set for the meeting in the throne room Yetive gent for her uncle, her aunt and Dagmar. As Anguish and the latter followed the sirl turned her sad, puzzled eyes up to the face of the tall A 1 and asked: ‘Are you rejoicing over our misfortune? You do net show a particle of regret. Do vou forget that we are sacrificing a great deal to save the life of your friend? I do not understand how you can be so heart- less. If you knew what I know so high you could crack those pretty heels of yours together ten times before you touched the floor again,” said he, warmly. “Please tell me,” she cried. “I knew there was something.” “But I am afraid so high a jump would you'd jump upset vou for the d: You must wait awhile, Dagmar.” It was the first time he had called her Dagmar, and she looked startled. “I am not used to waiting,”'she said, confusedly. “I think T can explain satisfactorily when T have more time,” he said, softly, in her ear, and although she tried she could find no words to continue. He left her at the head of the stairs and did not see her again until she passed him in the throne room. Then she was pale and brave and trembling. Prince Bolaroz and his nobles stood to the right of the throne, the Graustark men and women of degree to the left, while near the door on both sides were to be seen the leading military men of both principalities. Near the Duke of Mizrox was stationed the figure of Gabrlel, Prince of Dawsbergen. He had come with a half-dozen followers among a crowd of unsuspecting Axphainians. and had taken his position near the throne. Anguish en- tered with Baron Dangloss and they stood together nmear the doorway, the lat- ter whiter than he had ever been In his life. Then came the hush of expectancy. The doors swung open, the curtains parted and the Princess entered. She was supported by the arm of her tall uncle, Caspar of Halfont. Pages car~ ried the train of her dress, a jeweled gown of black. As she advanced to the throne, calm and stately, those assembled bent knee to the fairest woman the eye ever had looked upon. The calm, proud exterior hid the most unhappy of hearts. The resolute courage with which her spirit had been braced for the occasion was remarkable in more ways than one. Among other inspira- tions behind the valiant show was the bravery of a guilty conscience. Her composure sustained a shock when she passed Allode at the door. That faithful, heart-broken servitor looked at her face with pleading, horror-struck eyes as much as to say: “Good God, are you going to destroy Graustark for the sake of that murderer? Have pity on us—have pity!” Before taking her seat on the throne, she swept the thrilled assemblage with her wide blue eyes. There were shadows bencath them and there were wells of tears behind them. As e looked upon the little knot of white-faced northern barons, her knees trembled and her heart gave a great throb of pity. Still the face was resolute. Then she saw Anguish and the suffering Dangloss; then the accus- ing, merciless eyes of Gabriel. At sight of nim she started violently and an icy fear crept into her soul. Instinctively she searched the gorgeous company for the captain of the guard. Her staunchest ally was not there. Was she to hear the condemning words alone? Would the peo- ple do as Quinnox had prophesied, or would they believe Gabriel and curse her? She sank into the great chair and sat with staring, helpless eyes, deserted and feeble. At last the whirling brain ended its flight and settled down to the issue at coPYRIcET =v HEXBERTS STONE & GO. hand—the transaction with Bolaroz. Sum- moning all her self-control, she said: “You are come, most noble Bolaroz, to draw from us the price of our defeat. We are loyal to our compact, as you are to yours, sire. Yet, in the presence of my people and in the name of mercy and justice, I ask you to grant us respite. You are rich and powerful, we despoiled and struggling beneath a weight we can lift and displace if given a few ort vears in which to grow and gather strength. At this last hour in the fiftcen years of our indebtedness, 1 sue in sup- plication for the leniency that you can so well accord. It is on the advice of my counselors that<I put away personal pride and national dignity to make this request. trusting to your goodness of heart. If you will mot hearken to our petition for a renewal of negotiations, there is but one course open to Graustark. We can and will pay our:debt of honor. Bolaroz stood before her, dark and un- compromising. ~She saw the futility of her plea. “I have not forgotten. most noble peti- tioner, that you are ruler here, not I Therefore I am in no way responsible for the conditions which confront yod, except that I am an honest creditor, come for his honest dues. This is the twentieth of November. You have had fifteen years to accumulate enough to meet the requirements of this day. Should I suffer for your faults? There is in the ticaty a provision which applies to an emergency of this kind. Your inability to liguidate in gold does not prevent the pay- ment of this honest debt in land, as pro- vided for in the sixth clause of the agree- ment. ‘All that part of Graustark north of a line drawn directly from east to west between the provinces of Ganlook and Doswan, a tract comprising Doswan, Shellotz, Varagan, Oeswald, Sesmai and iattabatton. You have two alternatives, your Majesty. Produce the gold or sign the decree ceding to Axphain the lands ipulated in the treaty. I can grant no knew when that treaty was framed that we could raise no such funds in fifteen years,” said Halfont, forgetting himself in his indignation. Gaspon and other men present approved his hasty declaration. “Am 1 dealing with the Princess of Graustark or with you, sir?” asked Bo- .daroz, roughly. “You are dealing with Graustark, the people of and among the poorest. I. I will sign the decree. There is nothing to be gained by appealing to you. The pa- pers, Gaspon, quick! I would have this transaction hed spee cried the Princes her cheeks fln<hl1" and her eves glowing from the flames of a burn- ing consclence. The groan that went up from the northern nobles cut her like the slash of a knife. “There s one other condition,” said Bolaroz. hastily, unable to gloat as he had expected. “The recapture of the as- sassin who slew my son would have meant much to Graustark. It is unfortunate that your police department is so ineffi- ss writhed beneath this thrust. eyes went to him, for an instant, sorrowfully. Then they dropped to the fatal document which Gaspon has placed on the table before her. The lines ran together and were the color of blood. Unconsc y she took up the pen in her nerveless fingers. A deep sob came from the breast of her gray old uncle, and Gaspon’s hand shook life a leaf as he placed the seal of Graustark on the table, ready for use. “The a; in's life could have saved you,” went on Bolaroz, a vengeful glare coming to his eyes. She looked up and her lips moved as if she would have spoken. No words came, no breath, it seemed to her. Casting a piteous, hunted glance over 1 faces before her, she bent ward and blindly touched the pen the paper. The silence was that of deat Before she could make the first stro a harsh voice, in which there was com- bined triumph and amazement, broke the stillness like the clanging of a bell. “Have you no honor?” The pen dropped from her fingers as the expected condemnation came. Every eye in the house was turned toward the white, twitching face of Gabriel of Daws- bergen. He stood a little apart from his friends, his finger pointed throneward. The Princess stared at the nemesislike figure for an instant, as if petrified. Then the pent-up fear crowded everything out of its path. In sheer desperation, her eyes flashing with the intensity of defiar: guilt, bitter rage welling up against h persecutor, she half arose and cried: “Who uttered those words? Speak “I Gabriel of Dawsbergen! Where is the prisoner, madam?’ rang out the voice. “The man is mad! back with a shudder. “Mad eh? Because I do as I did prom- ise? Behold the queen of perfidy! cried she, sinking T BRET HARTE, greatest Sunday Call during 190 “BROCKMAN’S MAVERICK, Southwest, by Joseph N. serial for the new year. WILL LEVINGTON COMFO Madge Morris, Kathryn Ja coming year. of Western short-story writers, wid have some of his best work in The 2 " a rattling tale of the Quail, will be the first RT, whose soldier stories made such a hit, has written a series of short sketches equally entertaining. rboe and Joaquin Miller, California writers of note, will appear with their best in The Sunday Call Magazine during the o Sun Call for 1902 W||I ¢ the Besl Lllerary Pu ||calmn in e West, | e e e e e e O Features that will equal those of the Highest Priced Magazines in the United States Sketches of Life, Action and Human Interest that are the Best Money can Buy —_— e e S —— —————— e e ¢ Sunday Call for 1902 wil be the Best Literary Pubicaion in the Wes —_— MAXIM GORKY, who is now considered the most forceful writer the world over of short stories, will contribute. WOLFVILLE STORIES, by Alfred Henry Lewis; best Western character sketches ever written. _(l, complete story Inevery Issue. . One Wcslern Stories by by Writers of World-wide Repvtalion Those in search of Beauty can get the clearest and most practical hints in a department of especially selected matter “and Those who would find { illustrations. ir fate in the stars must not fail to read the series of interesting articles by an eminent astrologer. For those who would be in style there will be a de- partment amply illustrated and clearly stating the vogue among the leaders of fashion the \‘MN\wMMMMMWV\WMMWWg world over. Madam, I will be heard. Lorry is in thig castle!” “He is mad!” gasped Bolaroz, the first of the stununed spectators to firid his tongue. There was a commotion near the door. Volces were heard outside. “Youw have been duped!” insisted Ga= taking several steps toward ‘the “Your idol is a traitress, a de- vei I say he is here! She has seen him. Let her sign that decree if she 1 command you, Yetive of Grau- k, to produce this erimin The impulse to crush the defller was checked by the sudden appearance of two men irside the curtains “He is here!” cried a strong voice, and breathless and haggard, pushed the a shed crowd, followed in Quinnox. upon whose ghastly face there were bloodstains A shcut went up from tho: a shout of joy. through assembled, The faces of Dangloss and Allode were pictures of astonish- ment and—it must be said—rellef. Harry ulsh staggered, but recovered him- self iustantly, and turned his eyes to= ward Gabriel. That worthy's legs trem- bled and jaw dropped. oy ve the prisoner, your Majest said Quinnox, in hoarse, ordant tones. He stood before the throne with his cap~ tive, but dared not look his mis- tr in the face. As they stood there the story of the night Jjust passed was told by the condition of the two men. There had been a struggle for supremacy in the dungeon and the pris- oner had won. The one had tried to hold the other to the dungeon's safety, after his refusal to leave the castle, and the other had fought his way to the halls above. It was then that Quinnox had wit enough to change front and drag his prisoner to the place which, most of all, he had wished to avoid. “The prisoner!” shouted the northern nobles, and in an instant the solemn throne room was wild with excitement. “Do not sign that decree!” cried some one from a far corner. “Here is your man, Prince Bolaroz!™ cried a Baron. “Quinnox has saved us!’ shouted ane other. The Princess. white as death and as motionles: at bolt upright in her royal seat. “Oh!" she moaned piteously, and, clenching her hands, she carrled them to her eye: as if to shut out the sight. The Cour Halfont and Dagmar ran to her side, latter frantic with alarm, Sm’ knew than the others. ‘Are you the fugitive?" cried Bolaros. “I am Grenfall L Are you Bo- laroz?” ‘“The Ah, m ather of the man you murdered, this is rapture!"” I have only to say did not kill your son. me God “Your Highn 1”15‘ to the throne, brave you, Prince, T r it, so help cried Bolaroz, step- “destroy that deerce. oidier has saved Graustark. d mine will extension of to_which my sig- In hav time, drawn up a ten year: 1 proper form, ature shall be glad ittached. I have not forgotten my promise.” Yetive straightened suddenly, seized the pen and fiercely began to sign the decree, spite of all and before those about her fairly realized her intention. Lorry un- derstood, and was the first to snatch the document from her hands. A half-writ- ten Yetive, a blot and a long, spluttering cratch of the pen told how near she had igni ¥ the lands of Gr tful of the fact that it cou f no benefit to the prisoner she loved. “Yetive!" gasped her uncle, in horror. “She would have signed!” eried Gaspon, in wonder and alarn Yes, I would have signed!” she ex- claimed, starting to her feet, strong and defiant. could not have saved his life, perhaps, but I might have saved him from e cruel injustice that that m. vente ance would have in- innocent, and I would give my kingdom to stay the wrong that will be done.’ . “What! You defend the dog!” ecrfed Bolaroz. “Seize him, men! I will see that justice is done. It is no girl he has to deal with now."” “Stop!"” cried the Princess, the command checking the men. Quinnox leaped in front of his charge. “He is my prisoner, and he shall have justice. Keep back your sol diery, Prince Bolaroz. It is a girl you hava to deal with. I will say to you all, my people and yours, that I belleve him to be innocent and that I sincerely regret his capture, fortunate as it may be for us. He shall have a fair and a just trial, and T shall do all in my power. Prince Bolzros, to secure his acquittal.” “Why do you take this stand, Yetive? ‘Why have ygu tried to shield him?” cried the heart-broken Halfont. She drew herself to her full height, and, Sweeping the threatening crowd with a challenge in her ey: cried, the tones nging strong and clear above the grow= ing tumult: “Because T love him!"” As if by magic the room became sud- denly still. “Behold an honest man. I would have saved him at the cost of my honor. Scorn me if you will, but listen to this. The man who stands here accused came voluntarily to this castle, surrendering himself to Captain Quinnox, that he might, though innocent, stand between us and disaster. He was safe from our pursuit, yet re- turned, perhaps to his death. For me, for you and for Graustark he has done this. Is there a man among you who would bave done as much for his own country? Yet he does this for a country to which he is a stranger. I must commit him to prison once more. But,” she cried in sud- den fierceness, “I promise him now, befors the trial, a royal pardon. Do I make my meaning clear to you, Prince Bolaroz?" The white lips of the old Prince could frame no reply to this daring speech. “Be careful what you say, your Highe ness,” cried the prisoner, hastily. “I mus refuse to accept a pardon at the cost of your honor. It is because I love you bet- I can- our people to suffer power to prevent it. All s fairness and justice. [ and God wiil protect me. Prinee Bolaroz, 1 call upon you to keep your promise. I am-not the Slayer of your son, but [ am the man you would nd to the block, guilty or innocent.’ As he spoke the Princess dropped back in the chair, her rash courage gone. A stir near the doorway followed this con- cluding sentence, and the other American stepped forward, his face showing his ex-~ citement. “Your Highness,” he said, “T should have spoken sooner. My lips were parted and ready to ery out when Prince Gabriel interposed and prevented the signing of the decree. Grenfall Lorry did not kill the young Prince. I can produce the guilty ma ter than my life that I stand here. not allow you and wih n it is in m I can a am not guilty, XXVI-THE GUESSING OF ANGUISH. The startling assertion created a fresh sensation. Sensations had come so thick and so fast. however, that they seemed component parts of one grand bewildering climax. The new actor in the drama held the center of the stage undisputed. “Harry!” cried Lorry. “Prince Gabriel, who do you shake like a leaf? Is it because you know what T am going to say exclaimed Anguish, pointing his finger accusingly at the as- tonished Prince of Dawshergen (Concluded Nex: Week.)