Cañon City record., 1901-09-26


The more Rosalind pondered up
on this n, resolve the more hope
did she derive from it. Ere long she
conyersed more freely with her at
tendant, and at times that old smile
would struggle for a moment upon
her face. Yet she had gloomy mo-
ments too. Her fear was too deeply
fixed to be swept away so easily.
The afternoon passed away, and
as the shades of night gathered over
the great city the two girls were
astir. Zenobie gathered together
such articles Of clothing as would be
needed and then proceeded to pre-
pare her mistress for the adventure.
'Fear not" she said a. she drew
on Rosalird's robe Of fur, ''for there
can be no danger worse than that We
flee from. Try only to remember
that YOU ice from the dukes foul
embrace"
This served to nerve the fair
young countess up to the task, and
her frame ceased its trembling.
81 shall not falter now" she said.
"But shalt We find the emperor at
this hate hour?"
"Bless me, tits not latel But even
If we do not see him tonight We can
do it in the morning. We shall find
plenty in the imperial palace who
viii shelter Us till then"
The girls we're now ready, and all
that remained was to start on their
strange mission. With noiseless
steps they left the apartment where
they had dressed and proceeded
along the corridor to the great stair
case. Zenobie knew there would be
less danger there than to 20 down
the other way among the servants.
Having descended these stairs. they
came to the great hall which opened
one way into the saloons. They
took the former course and were
soon in the court. The only trouble
now WIS in passing the porters
lodge at the gate, for they knew the
great gate was not open, and 10 gain
the street they must pass through
the room where the porter always
staid. Zenobie went ahead and look
ed in. The porter sat by the fire
playing with his dog. =-ess~,--
''My mistress" whispered the girl
as she came back, "old John is in the
lodge. and we need have no fear. He
is simple. good patured fellow, and
am sure can get by him Do you
60 IN advance; cover up your face;
don't look al him, and be sure YOU
don't tremble. Leave it all 10 me.
Remember, now, YOU have
"Fear not. Zenobie Go on.
So on they went. and when they
reached the lodge Rosalind went in
first and stood by the wicket, while
zenobie followed and opened the
door that looked into the porter's
room
Good John" she uttered in an1-
ious tones, come ard open the wick
ct for me, quick Nv good mistress
is very i'll, and Tilda and are going
for the doctor. Come; be quick"
But why don't some of the men
60 - asked John as he started up
and forced his dog back.
Because 'twould take them lon
ger to do the errand than twill us.
But don't detain us. We shan't be
long"
The honest porter had orders not
to allow the countess to pass out,
but he thought not of that now.
lie had known the gentle girl from
4 child, and so well did he love her
that he might not have stopped her
even had he known she was then
waiting to pass out. At all events.
be- could not refuse the present re
gacst, SO he came out and opened
t'r wicket without further ques-
ton, and the girls passed through,
Now, now," uttered Zenobie in
nervous haste, 1--WE are clear of the
pa.ace Here is the street, Our
walk is not long"
Rnsalind answered not but. draw
ing her robe more closely about her
to keep out the cold. biting wind.
,h, hastcned along by the side of
L,r companion. Hope was now alive
within her She turned one glance
lrbind her. and she could see the
lyht which she had left burning in
! chamber. 1t seemed AT that mo-
mont TO be the fiery eye of a demon
razing after her, and instinctiyely
she qu,ckened her pace.
Twice during the day did the
luke Of Tula call at the imperial
Ialace without being able te find the