The San Francisco call., 1901-12-29

Lei me go C1llBCQ the
Il do not mean that you should kill
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 tomorrow 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, 1 must ask you to
write a pardon for the good people in
whose house the prisoner was found,
suggested Quinnox, shrewdly seeing
chance for communication unsupported
by the Prince.
"a moment, your Highness," said the
Prince. who had recovered himself clever
ly. 81 appreciate your position. L have
made a serious charge, and 1 now have
fair proposition to suggest to you. If this
man is not produced tomorrow morning
l take it for granted that [ am at liberty
to tell all that has happened in this room
tonight. If he is produced, 1 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-
lowing GabrieIs unexpected but fair sug-
gestion.
"That is very fair your Highness," said
Lorry. "There is no reason why should
not be a prisoner tomorrow. 1 don't see
how I can hope to escape the inevitable.
Your dungeon is strong and I have given
my word of honor that I shall make no
further effort to evade the law
"I agree murmured the Princess,
ready to faint under the strain.
81 must see him delivered to Prince
Bolaroz," added Gabriel, mercilessly.
"To Bolarozr' she repeated.
Your Highness, the pardon for the
poor old people, reminded QUinnoX. She
glided to the desk, stunned, bewildered.
1t seemed as though death were upon her.
Quinnox followed and bent near her ear.
DO not be alarmed he whispered mo
one knows of Mr.. Lorry's presence here
save the Prince and if he dares to ac
cuse you before Bolaroz our people will
tear him to pieces. No one will believe
him"
gasped, joyously.
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 one 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.
81 grant forgiveness to them gladly"
she said.
Il thank you" said Lorry, bowling low.
"Mr. Lorry, 1 regret the difficulty in
which you find yourself. 1t was my
account, too, 1 am told. Be you guilty
or innocent, you are my friend, my pro-
tector. May God be good to you" She
gave him her hand calmly, steadily, as
if she We're bestowing favor upon sub
ject. He kissed the hand gravely.
Forgive me for trespassing on your
good nature tonight. your Highness.'
1.-The 5000 gravvos shall be yours to-
morrow, Captain Quinnox," she said, gra-
ciously. You have done your duty WELL
The faithful captain bowed deep and low
and a weight was lifted from his con-
science.
Gentlemen, the door" he said. and
without a word the trio left the room.
She closed the door and stood like a
statue until their footsteps died away in
the distance. AS one in a daze she sat
at the desk till the dawn, Grenfall Lorry's
revolver lying before her.
Through the halls, down the stairs and
into the clamry dungeon strode the silent
trio But before Lorry stepped inside the
cell Gabriel asked a question that had
been troubling him for many minutes.
81 am afraid I have-ah-misjudge
her" muttered Gabriel, now convinced
that he had committed himself irretriev-
ably.
you will find she has not misjudged
you," said the prisoner, grimly. Cant
l have a candle in here, captain?"
You may keep this lantern said
Quinnox, stepping inside the narrow cell.
AS he placed the lantern on the floor he
whispered: 81 will return in an hour.
Read this!" Lorry's hand closed 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
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