The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-16
CHAPTER XIX.
The Soldier.


The Soldier.
: of went the carriage with a dash, the
rumble OF its wheels joining in the grew
some roar of the clements. For some time
the two sat s~peechless. side by side. out
side the thunder rolled. the rain swirled
and Kissed. the wind howled and all the
4 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 II
he should ever see her again. His mind was
busy with a thousand thoughts and queries.
Where are we going?" he asked, after
they had Travelled half a mile or so.
ITO a place Of safety" came the reply
from the darkness beside him.
Thanks he said. dryly. by the way,
don't you lave any lightning in this part
NJ the world? 1 haven't seen a flash to-
tight"
TT is very rare" came the brief reply
'DeviIish uncommunicative," thought
Lsrry. After a moment he asked: How
far do we travel tonight"
"a number of miles"
'Then I'm going TO take off this wet coat.
1t weighs a ton. Won't you remove yours?
He ierked off the big rain coat and threw
II 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 helmets were also tossed
aside. Makes a fellow feel more comfort
able"
This has been too easy TO seem like an
escape" went on Lorry, looking back re-
nectively over the surprises of the night.
maybe I am dreaming. Pinch me-"
A finger and a thumb came together on
the feshy part Of his arm, causing him TO
start, first in amazement, then in pain He
p had not expected his reserved guardian to
obey the command literally.
"I am awake, thanks" he laughed, and
the hand dropped from his arm.
o. After this there was a longer silence
than at any time before. The soldier drew
, himself into the corner of the seat, an ac-
ton which repealed further discussion, 1t
seemed to Lorry, so he leaned back in the
opposite corner and allowed his mind to
wander far from the interior of that black,
fluffy 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 jolt
ing and ~careening. that they were in the
country. racing over a rough. rocky road.
1t reminded him of an overland trip he
had taken in West Virginia some months
before. with the fairest girl in all the world
as his companion. Now he was 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.
II wish to know how soon 1 am to see
your mistress" he exclaimed, impulsively.
sitting up and striking his companions arm
by way of emphasis. To his surprise the
hand was dashed away. and he distinctly
heard the soldier gasp. 81 beg your par
DOM he cried, fe& & that he had given
pain with his eager strength.
You startled mel was half asleep"
Hammered the other, apologetically.
Whom do you mean by my mistress?"
The princess, OF course" said Lorry.
im~patiently.
II cannot say when you are 10 see the
princess said his companion after wait
ing so long that Lorry felt like kicking
| him.
well. see here. my friend. do you know
why L agreed TO leave that place back
there? I said I wouldn't go away from
Graustark until 1 had seen her. If you fell
lows are ~spiritins me away-kidnaping me.
as II were-I want TO tell you l won't have
IL that way 1 must know. right now, where
We are going in this damnable storm
II have orders to tell you nothing" said
the soldier. staunchly.
Orders, ehi From whom
That is my affair. SIR
II guess I'm about as much interested IN
this affair as anybody, and l insist on
knowing our destination. jumped into this
thing blindly. but I'm going to see my way
out OF IL before we go much further. Where
are we going?"
"YoU-you will learn that soon enough. i"
insisted the other.
IAN I to see her soon? That's what I
want to know"
You must not insist" cried the soldier.
"Why are you so anxious 10 see her." he
q asked. suddenly.
Don't be so blamed inquisitive." cried
Grenfall. angrily. impatiently. Tell me
where we ere going or I'll put a bullet into
you" 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 me FOR obeying orders! / am serving
one you love. Are you mad2 shall scream
~ you keep pressing that horrid thing
against my side" LOrry felt him tremble
and was at once nued with conjunction.