Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-08-05
CHAPTER XVIII.
The Sword of Unxiar.

massive old keep dominates all, standing
high and black against the skyline; then
the varied cluster of buildings Immediately
around its foot contain the principal recep-
ton and living rooms, and lowest of all the
courtyards, kitchens, stables and offices.
To the right of the keep wing curved
like the fiuke of an anchor, slopes down 10
lower level. This portion is fairly mod
ern and arranged for the housing of
guests. The countess own apartments
were situated at the junction of this wing
with the main building, while the quarters
assigned by ancient custom to the use of
the reigning duke during his visits to Sa-
gan occupies the whole upper flour % an
old and bulky annex that juts out from the
base of the keep.
The passage leading to this annex
branched from the head of the grand stair
case. Upon the landing rows of heavily
armed men We're gathering noiSelessly.
As Eimur and Sagan stood together
waiting at the mouth of the dukes CORR
dor, the count turned to his companion.
Have you proposals ready to lay before
his highness?" he demanded.
In FORM returned Elmur, touching his
pocket
THAT is well, for YOU are about to IRE
sent them. The duke lies practically in my
power at this moment Count Simon con-
tinued, grimly ''Gustave is a coward.
The way to his presence lies 'pen, ard I
think you will agree with me that his high
ness of Nassau will consent to most things
rather than look the fear of death in the
eyesi'
There must be no violence" Elmur be-
gan.
That shall be exactly as 1 choose Sa-
gan swore with an oath. by the good
God we can't afford to scruples tonight.
After a short interval he went on:
Once We have Gustave's word, We are
safe. He is too proud to own that he gave
1t unwillingly- Besides, so long as we win,
what matter the means we use? Is your
co ink Hoh hn
Politics have their exigencies and are
inevitably rigorous, my lord" answered Ell
muir slowly. ITO be successful means alb
solution. In the political courts where our
actions will be judged they make no pro-
vision for failure. Success is recognized
and mercifully considered, while failure, my
lord, not being in any sense polite, falls to
the level of ordinary crime and is judged
by the standard applied to ordinary crime.
Thus you will see that l risk much in my
place as You risk in yours" Perhaps this
was as near an approach to a threat as had
ever been uttered in the ears of the fierce
old count. With a violent movement he
stepped forward.
There is no hindrance in our path that
cannot be cut through with sword, and.
by my soul, if we find one / will cut it,
Then. looking round, he gave the word to
advance, and entered the darkness of the
corridor.
A turn brought them in sight of Unfair
tall figure, standing sword in hand the
lowest step of the fight that led up to the
embrasure covering the door leading to the
royal apartments.
while he fell back to whisper a few words
to the man Immediately behind; then he
took precedence once more.
81 request an audience of his highneSs,
Lieut.. Unfair he said.
Certainly, my lord. if you will give me
the password of the night replied Unfair
courteously.
Sagan's answer was the counterssn he
had given to his own following in 10 ct Ia
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"
Sasan considered a second or two.
True. 1 had forgotten. Come here. I'm
ziar; your trooper there has long ears; ]
must speak with you. Stand back, menu
he said roughly. Baron Won Elmur pray
remain, and you, Hern," addressing the
man behind. Unfair still, stood upon the
step.
Come herei I tell you, man, I must see
the duke tonight-at once" continued
Sagan. approaching Unfair. What the
| devil are you afraid Off" UnZi IT stepped
down the count pulled him confidentiaIly
nearer TO himself and toward the narrow
entry. But while the count whispered a
| hand suddenly darted over his shoulder
and seized Unfair by the throat. at the
same moment when a well-directed kick
from Sagap, delivered 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 assailants swarmed over
him, but not before he had fired his re-
volver into Hern's body. The man fell
clear rose on his elbow and sent second
shot into the face nearest him. Mean
time the trooper at the door was making
gallant fight, but the odds We're too
| struggle ha
troopers dead body flung aside, and In
ziar, frantic and helpless, was tied hand
and foot and left upon the bloody flooring
of the outer passage while the counts peo-
pie forced the door.
This was matter of some difficulty, but
] 1t was presently accomplished. The be-
| sieging party pushed through into the
| guard room, which seemed brilliantly lit in
comparison with the gloom outside.
Most of the furniture and the screen
| had been utilized by Hollywood to make a
i barricade in front of the dukes ante-room.
| A single trooper with his musket leveieo
| knelt behind it. Sagan, who held a hand
| kerchief to his cheek. spoke loudly, do
| you see who L am? Clear the wayr'
/ behind the screen.
| THE man acts under orders from his
| highness. my lord he said.
| Sagan started at Hollywood with Laugh
| ty scorn.
| 1T is of the utmost Importance that
! should see his highness 1T once. Inform
his highness that L urgently bes 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 il
is quite impossible for any one to have ar
| audience tonight. Our orders were very
| distinct on that point
| His highness could not foresee that r.
| the count dweit upon the pronoun impe
riouSly-"should desire one. Stand back
Capt Rallywood, ] must pass, and an
! willing to take the responsibility.
1T Is quite impossible, my lord" repeated
| Hollywood. without moving.
You force me to extreme measures.
| cried Sagan. Remove this man." he or
| dered, as quietly as may be. We must no
| alarm his highness."
There was clatter of arms as Sagan'.
followers advanced. The foremost of then