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

police. Lorry had spent many hours with
Dangloss of late, and they had become
friends. His grim old face blanched per-
ceptibly he heard the assertions of the
young men. He shook his head despair
ingly.
ut may be as you say. gentlemen, but
am afraid we can do nothing. To charge a
prince with such a crime and on such evil
dence would be madness. | am of your be-
lief, however. Prince Gabriel is the man
have suspected. Now l am convinced. Be
fore we can do anything in such a grave
matter it will be necessary TO consult the
princess and her ministers. In case we con-
clude to accuse the Prince of Dawsbergen,
ii must be after careful and judicious
thought. There are many things to consid-
er, gentlemen. For my part, l would be
overjoyed to seize the villain and to serve
him as we did his tools. but my hands are
tied. you see. l would suggest that you go
at to the princess and Count Halfont,
tell them of your suspicions---"
Not suspicious, my lord-facts." inter
rupted Anguish.
"Well. then. facts, and ascertain how
they feel about taking up proposition that
may mean war. May l ask you to come at
once to me with their answer 1t is possible
that they will call for a consultation with
the ministers. mobiles and high officers. Still,
1 fear they will be unwilling to risk much
on the rather flimsy proof you can give.
Gabriel is powerful and we do not seek a
war with him. There is another foe for
whom we are quietly whetting our swords. -
The significant remark caused both listen
70 ioI- hafr D,,t h.
pointed their curiosity and they were left
10 speculate as TO who the other foe might
be. Did he mean that Graustark was Sc
cretly. slyly making ready TO resist treaty
or no treaty?
1t required prolonged urging on the part
of Anguish to persuade Lorry to accom-
pany him to the castle. but, when once de-
termined 10 go before the princess with
their tale, he was eager, impatient to cross
the distance that lay between the hotel and
the forbidden grounds. They walked rapid
~ down Castle avenue and were soon at the
gates The guard knew them. and they
were admitted without a word As they
| hurried through the park they saw many
strange men in gray. gaudy uniforms. and
it occurred 10 Lorry that their visit no
matter how great its Importance, was ill
timed. Prince LOrenz was holding the CEN
ter of the stage
Anguish. with his customary impulsive-
ness, overruled Lorrys objections, and they
proceeded toward the entrance. The guards
of the princess saluted profoundly. while
the minions of Lorenz stared with ill-bred
wonder upon these two tall men from an
other world. 1t could be seen that the castle
was astir with excitement, subdued and
pregnant with thriving hopes and fears
/ The nobility of Graustark' was there the
visitors of Axphain were being entertained
AT the castle doors the two met their first
obstacle, but they had anticipated it's pres
ence. Two guards halted them peremptorily
I'VE must see her Majesty" said An
guish, but the men could not understand
him. They stoically stood their ground
shaking their heads.
Let us find some one who can under
stand us" advised Lorry, and I'm a few
moments they presented themselves before
the guards accompanied by young noble
man with whom they had acquaintance. He
succeeded in advancing them TO the recep-
tion hall inside the doors and found for
them a servant who would carry a mes
sage to the princess if it were possible 10
gain her presence. The nobleman doubted
very much. however, If the missive hastily
written by Lorry could find its way to her
as she had never been so occupied as now
Lorry. in his brief note, prayed for a
short audience for himself and Mr.. An
guish, requesting that Count Halfont bc
present He informed her that his mission
was of the most imperative nature and that
it related TO discovery made concerning
conclusion, he wrote that Baron Dancloss
had required him to lay certain facts be-
fore her and that he had come with no in
tcntion to annoy her.
While they sat in the waiting room they
saw. through the glass doors. dozens OF
richly attired men and women in the hal
beyond. They were convcrsing animatedly
Graustark men and women with detected
faces. Axphainians with exultation glowing
in every glance. Lorry's heart sank within
him. 1t seemed hours before the servant re.
turned TO bid them follow him. Then hi.
blood leaped madly through veins that had
been chilled and hfeless. He was TO see her
again,
Their guide conducted them 10 d small
ante-room, where ne left them. y few mo-
ments later the door opened and there
swept quickly into the room-the Counties:
Dagmar. not the princess. Her face wa.
drawn with the trouble and sorrow she
was trying so hard To conceal Both mer
were on their feet in an instant, advancing
10 meet her.
The princess? Is she in?" demanded
Lorry
Not i'll. but mad, L fear" answered she
giving a hand 10 each. Mr.. Lorry, she bids
me say 10 YOU that she cannot see YOU. She
appreciates the Importance of your mis-
sion and thanks YOU for the interest yor
have taken. Also, she authorizes me TO as
sure YOU that nothing can be done at pres
ent regarding the business on which you
come"
she refuses to sec us" said he. slowly
his face whittier than ever.
Nay. she bess thar you will excuse her