Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-02-27
Copyright, 1900, by Harold McGrath
CHAPTER XIV.

passing q tableau shall never forget
Gretchen stood at her full height, her
arms held closely to her sides and her
hands clinched. On her face there was
that half smile called consciousness OF
triumph. Hillars was gazing at her
with his soul swimming in his eyes
And IL had a wild desire to throw
myself at her feet then and there
Over the hard set visage Of the Inn
keeper the bar of sunlight Travelled,
over the scowling countenance Of the
prince. over the puzzled brow OF the
count. and. going. left golden purple
in it's wake. which imperceptibly deep
ened. The prince was first to speak.
81 protest" said he.
Against what" asked Gretchen.
"It Is the kings will that you become
my wife. He will not tolerate this at
titude of yours. Your principality is In
Jeopardy. let me tell you"
"Does the fact that I have promised
the king to become your wife detract
from my power? Not jot. Till you
are nv husband am mistress here
and after"
"As to that we shall see," said the
prince. "Then you intend to keep Jour
promiseT
"Is there man or woman who can say
that ] ever broke one?"
"Your highness, what are your COM
mands" 1t was the innkeeper who
spoke. His fingers were twitching
about the hammer Of his carbine. He
nodded approvingly toward me. My
assault upon the prince had brought
me again into his good graces.
Gretchen did not answer him. but
she smiled kindly.
"Ah, yes" said the prince. "This
Is that Breunner fellow"
The innkeeper made a movement.
The prince saw it. and so did l. Prince
Ernst Of Wortumborg was never SO
near death in all his life as At that
moment. He knew it too.
"Your highness has very good
memory" said the innkeeper dryly.
"There are some things 1t were best
to forget" replied the prince.
II am pleased that your highness
shares my opinion" returned the old
fellow. The muzzle of the carbine
was once more pointed at the ceiling.
The rest Of US looked on, but we un-
derstood nothing of these passes. Evep
Gretchen was in the dark.
1--WE met long ago." said the inn
keeper.
"Yes, but l have really forgotten
what the subject Of our discussion
was" said the prince, regarding the
innkeeper through half closed lids.
"Perhaps he can explain"
1T is very kind Of your highness,"
said the innkeeper, laughing mali
ciously. But l am old, and my mem
ory serves Inc ILL.,"
The prince shrugged. But we have
drifted away from the present matter.
Your highness. then, promises to bend
to the will Of the king?"
"Yes," said Gretchen. II gave the
king my promise because l had
wearied Of resistance, having no one
to turn to-then. shall marry you,
though | detest you. But | shall be
your wife only in name and not In the
eyes Of God"
"The latter sacrifice was not asked
Of you" smiled the prince.
Il shall depart this day for the capi-
tal" continued Gretchen. Il warn you
not to infict your presence upon me
during the journey. Now go. The air
while you remain is somewhat difficult
to breathe"
The prince surveyed the menacing
faces which surrounded him. then
gathered up his hat and gloves.
81 see that your highness will be a
dutiful wife" he said. smoothing the
silk of his hat with his elbow. He
blew into his gloves and carefully drew
them over his hands. "A pleasant jour
ney to your highness," he added.
Come. count. And these" waving
his hand toward Hillars and me.
"They have my fullest protection"
He smiled villainously. then walked
to the door with i measured tread. At
the door he turned. There was flash
Of rage In his eyes. but he quickly sub
dued it.
"Auf wiederSehen!" with sweeping
glance which took in all Of us and par
ticularly me.
He passed ont. the count following
him Soberly The two cavalrymen
thrust their sabers into the Scabbards
with a clank and made as though to
follow
Wait" said Gretchen. II shall have
need Of you. You will escort me TO the
station. Now you may 60"
They saluted gravely. They appre,
ciatpd the situation. The princess was
their bread and butter.
"Your hiShness." said Hillars. there
has been mistake
"A mistake" repeated Gretchen won
deringly.
"Yes: they have made you princess,
whereas they should have made you q
queen. Will you forgive me the trou,
BILE have cauSed?"
1T is who must ask forgiveness of
you." she said. with sad smile. You
may kiss my hand. sir"
Eillars remained somewhat long
over it.
"And how comes it that you gentle,
men know each other| she asked.
Damon and Pythias. your highness.'
answered Hillars. I'VE were brought
up together. and we have shared our
tents and kettles. recommend Iyth,
las to you as brave gentleman
Then he came to me. You are brave
fellow, Jack" grasping my hand