The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-07
CHAPTER Nv.
The BetrOthaI.

The BetrOthaI.
Harry Anguish was a discreet, fOrDearlhg
fellow. He did not demand a full explana-
ton OF his friend. There was enough nat
uraI wit in his merry head to see that in
connection with their departure there was
something that would not admit of discus
sion. even by confidential friends he
shrewdly formed his own conclusions and
held his peace. Nor did he betray surprise
when Lorry informed him, in answer to a
question, that he intended to remain in
Edelweiss for some time, adding that he
could not expect him to do likewise II he
preferred 10 return to Paris. But Mr.. An
guish preferred TO remain in Edelwelss.
Had not the Countess Dagmar told him she
would always be happy to see him at the
castle. and had he any reason to renounce
its walls? And so it was that they tarried
together.
Lorry Ioitered aimlessly, mOodily about
the town, spending gloomy days and
wretched nights. He reasoned that it were
wisdom TO fly. but force stronger than
reason held him in Edelweiss. He ventured
several times TO the castle wall, but turned
back resolutely. There was hope in his
breast that she might send for him; there
was, at least, the possibility of seeing her
should she ride through the streets. An
guish, on the other hand, visited the castle
daily He spent hours with the pretty
countess undismayed by the noble moths
that fiuttered about her flame, and he was
ever persistent. light-hearted and gay. He
brought TO Lorry's ears all that he could
learn of the princess. Several times he had
seen her and had spoken with her. She in
uuired casually after the health Of his
friend, but nothing more. From the count
Us he ascertained that her Majesty was
sleeping soundly, eating heartily and APP
parently enjoying the best of spirits-in-
formation decidedly irritating TO the one
who received it secondhand.
They had been at the hotel for over a
week when one afternoon Anguish rushed
into the room. out of breath and scarcely
able to control his excitement.
What's up cried Lorry. HAS the
countess sacked your
Not on your coin! But something is up
and / am its discoverer You remember
what you said about suspecting Prince
Gabriel OF being the chief rascal in the alb
duction job? Wei. my boy, / am now will
ing TO stake my life that he is the man.
The news-bearer sat down on the edge OF
the bed and drew the first long breath he
had had in long time.
Why do you think 500" demanded the
other. all interest
Heard him talking just now. l didn't
know who the fellow was at first. but hC
was talking to some strengthening sol
diers as l passed AS soon as / heard his
voice 1 knew he was Michael. There ISM
any question about il. Lorry. / am positive
lie did not observe me. but / suppose by
this time he has learned that his little jot
was frustrated by two Americans whC
heard the plot near the castle gates. He
has nerve to come here. hasn't he?"
If he is guilty. yes. Still, he may feel Sc
cure because he is a powerful prince and
able TO resent any accusation with a show
OF force. Where is he now"
Il left him there. Come on Wen &C
down and you can see for yourself
They hurried 10 the corridor, which was
swarming with men in strange uniforms
There were a few Graustark officers but
the ma iOrity of the buzzing conversational
lists were dressed in rich gray uniform.
who are these strangers2'' asked Lorry
"Oh. 1 forgot to tell you. Prince Lorenz i:
also here. and these gray fellows are a part
of his retinue- Lorenz has gone on to the
castle. What's tho natter Lorry had
turned pale and was reaching for the wal
with unsteady hand
lie has come for his answer" he said
slowly, painfully
That's right. ! hadn't thought of that.
hope she turns him down. But there's
Gabriel over yonder. See those three fellows
IN blue The middle one is the prince"
Near the door leading To tho piazza stood
several men. gray and blue. The man desig.
mated as Gabriel was I'm the center. talkinc
gaily and somewhat loudly putting al a
cigarette between sentences lie was not
tall but ne was strongly and compactly
built Ills hair and cropped beard were a,
black ss coal, his eyes wide black and
lined. 1t was pleasure-worn face. an,
Lorry shuddered as he thought OF the prin.
cess in the power OF this cvil-lookfnr
wretch. They leisurely made their way :,
a spot near the takers. There was no mis-.
taking the voice. Prince Gabriel and
Michael were one and the same. beyond al
doubt. But how 10 prove il 10 the satisfac.
tion OF others? Skepucism would follow an,
attempt 10 proclaim the prince guilty be
cause his voice sounded like that OF In,
chief conspirat0r. lu "A matter where wbol,
nations are concerned the gravest i'm
portance would be attached To the accuse.
tion Of a ruler Satisfying themselves as Il
he identity OF that peculiar voice. tn,
friends passed through To the piazza
What's L. De done asked Anguish
boiling over with excitement
we must 20 % Baron Dangloss tell hin
o. our positive discovery. and then consult
Count Halfont.'
And the princess Yetive or course"
Yes. 1 suppose So" said Lorry. fiickine
the ashes from his cigar with finger thai
Wa now steady. lie was serving the prin-
cess again
They hurried 90 the Tower. and were soor
In the presence of the fierce little CHER 81