The San Francisco call., 1901-12-15
XTx-THE SOLDIER.

XIX-THE SOLDIER.
Off went the carriage with a dash. tho
rumble Of its wheels joining in the grew
some roar of the elements. For some time
the two sat speechless, side by side. Out
side the thunder rolled, the rain swirled
and hissed, the wind howled and all the
horrors of nature seemed crowded into
the blackness Of that thrilling night.
Lorry wondered vaguely whittier they
were going, why he had seen no flashes
of lightning If he should ever see her
again. His mind was busy with a thou
sand thoughts and queries.
Where are we going?" he asked after
they had Travelled half a mile or so
To place Of safety" came the reply
from the darkness beside him.
Thanks" he said, drily. by the way,
don't you have any lightning in this part
Of the world? l haven't seen flash to-
night"
1T is very rare" came the brief reply,
"Devilish uncommunicative," thought
Lorry. After moment he asked: How
tar DO We travel to-night?'
"A number of miles"
''Then I'm going to take off this wet
coat 1t weighs a ton. Won't you remove
yOurs?" He jerked off the big rain coat
ana threw it across to the opposite seat,
with the keys and the lantern. There
was a moments hesitation on the part of
his companion, and then a second wet
coat followed the first. Their rain he'll
NETS were also tossed aside. Makes e
fellow feel more comfortable"
This has been too easy to seem like
an escape" went on Lorry. looking back
refectively over the surprises Of the
night. Maybe I am dreaming. Pinch
me-"
A finger and thumb came together on
the heshy part of his arm, causing him
TO start. nrst in amazement, then in pain.
he had not expected his reserved guard-
ian to obey the command literally.
Il am awake, thanks he laughed, and
the hand dropped from his arm.
After this there was longer silence
than at any time before. The soldier
drew himself into the corner of the seat,
an action which repelled further discus
sion. it seemed to Lorry. so he leaned
back in the opposite corner and
allowed his mind to wander far from the
interior of that black, stuffy carriage.
Where was he going? When was he to
leave Graustark? Was he to see her soon?
Soon the carriage left the smooth streets
Of Edelweiss and he could tell, by the
jolting and careening, that they were in
the country, racing over a rough, rocky
road. 1t reminded him of overland trip
he had taken in West Virginia some
months before, with the fairest girl in all
riding in her carriage. but with a surly,
untalkative soldier Of the guard. The
more he allowed his thoughts to revel in
the American ride and its delights, the
more uncomfortable became his desire to
see the one who had whirled with him in
''Light-horse Jerry's" coach.
81 wish to know how soon 1 am to see
your mistress" he exclaimed, impulsively,
sitting UP and striking his companions
- oSfs To n tea
the hand was dashed away and he dis
tinctly heard the soldier gasp. II beg
your pardonw he cried, fearing that he
had given pain with his eager strength.
You startled mel was half asleep
stammered the other, apologetically
Whom do you mean by my mistress?"
'The Princess, Of course" said Lorry,
impatiently.
''I cannot say when you are to see the
Princess" said his companion after walt
ing so long that Lorry felt like kicking
him.
well, see here, my friend. do you know
why I agreed to leave that place back
there? I said I wouldn't go away from
Graustark until had seen her. If you
fellows are spiriting me away-kidnaping
me, as it were-I want to tell you I won't
have it that way. 1 must know, right
now, where We are going in this damnable
storm"
81 have orders to tell you nothing"
said the soldier, stanchly.
"Orders, ehI From whom?'
THAT is my affair. sir!''
ct guess I'm about as much interested
in this affair as anybody, and insist on
knowing our destination. 1 jumped into
this thing blindly but I'm going to see
my way out Of it before we go much
farther. Where are we golng?"
iii 70 .oo,, .-1,-1.
insisted the other.
Am I to see her soon? That's what I
want to know"
You must not insist" cried the SOL
der "Why are you so anxious to see
her?" he asked, suddenly.
Don't be so blamed inQuisitive," cried
Grenfall, angrily, impatiently Tell me
where we are going or I'll put a bullet
into your Drawing his revolver he
leaned over, grasped the guard by the
shoulder and placed the muzzle against
his breast.
For Gods sake, be calm. You would
not kill be for obeying ordersl 1 am
serving one you love. Are you mad?
shall scream If you keep pressing that
horrid thing against my side" Lorry felt
him tremble, and was at once filled with
compunction. How could he expect a
loyal fellow to disobey orders.
Il beg your pardon a thousand times
he cried, jamming the pistol into his
pocket. You are brave gentleman and
] am a fool. Take me where you will;
I'll go like a lamb. You'll admit, how
ever, that it is exasperating to be going
in the dark like this"
"It is very good thing that It is dark"
said the soldier, quickly. "The darkness
IS very kind to us. No one can see us and
We can see no one.''
Il should say not I haven't the faint
est idea what you look like. Have seen
you at the castle?"