Omaha daily bee., 1899-08-06

I There Is no hindrance in our path that
cannot be cut Through with a sword, and,
by my soul, II we find one I will cut it,"
Then, looking around, he gave the word to
advance, and entered the darkness Of the
corridor.
A turn brought them in sight of I'm
ziar's tall figure, standing sword in hand
on the lowest step Of the flight that led
up to the embrasure covering the door lead
ing to the royal apartments.
Count Simon pushed Elmur ahead Of him
while he fell back to whisper a few words to
the man Immediately behind; then he took
precedence once more.
II request an audience of his highness,
Lieutenant Unfair" he said.
Certainly, my lord, If you will give me
the password of the night" replied Unfair
courteously.
had given to his own following in the castle.
Unfair shook his head.
You cannot pass, my lord"
"What-not see my guest and cousin in
my own house?"
His highness gave orders that none
should be allowed to enter without giving
the countersign chosen by himself"
Sagan considered a moment or two.
True, I had forgotten. Come here,
unfair; your trooper there has long ears; I
must speak with you. Stand back, men!"
he said roughly. Baron Won Elmur, pray
remain, and you, Hern," addressing the man
behind. Unfair still stood upon the step.
Come here! I tell you, man, 1 must see
the duke tonight-at once continued Sagan,
approaching Unfair. "What the devil are
you afraid Off" Unfair stepped down as
the count pulled him confidentially nearer
to himself and toward the narrow entry.
But while the count whispered a hand sud-
denly darted over his shoulder and seized
Unfair by the throat, at the same moment
when a well directed kick from Sagan, de-
livered cunningly behind the knees, brought
the young man to the ground. He lunged
at Sagan as he fell with his sword, then it
was knocked from his hand as his assail-
ants swarmed over him. but not before he
had fired his revolver into Hern's body. The
man fell across him, but Unfair, again
swinging clear, rose on his elbow and sent
a second shot into the face nearest him.
Meantime the trooper at the door was max
ing a gallant fight, but the odds were
too great. The struggle was soon over,
the troopers dead body flung aside, and
Unfair, frantic and helpless, was tied hand
and foot and reft upon the bloody flooring
of the outer passage while the counts peo-
pie forced the door.
This was a matter OF some difficulty, but
it was presently accomplished. The besieg-
ing party pushed through into the guard
room, which seemed brilliantly lit in COM
parison with the gloom outside.
Most of the furniture and the screen had
been utilized by Rallywood to make a barri-
cade in front of the dukes ante-room. A
single trooper with his musket leveled knelt
behind 1t.
Sagan, who held a handkerchief to his
cheek, spoke loudly.
"Do you see who | am? Clear the way"
At this Hollywood stepped into view from
behind the screen.
The man acts under orders from his high
ness, my lord" he said.
Sagan stared at Hollywood with naughty
scorn.
1T is OF the utmost Importance that I
should see his highness at once. Inform his
highness that l urgently beg to be granted
an interview"
with pleasure, my lord returned Rally
wood formally, "if you will be good enough
to give me the password, without which 1t
is quite impossible for any one to have an
audience tonight. Our orders were very dis
tinct on that point"
His highness could not foresee that r.
the count dweit upon the pronoun imperi-
ously-"should desire one. Stand back, Cap
tain ~Rarlywoodl / must pass and am will
ing to take the responsibility