The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-11-29
XIV.
OF to the Dungeon.

The tableau lasted but a moment Gabriel
advanced a few steps, his eyes cleaning
with jealousy and triumph. Before him
stood the petrifed lovers, caught red
handed. Through her dazed brain struggled
the conviction that he could never escape;
through his ran the miserable realization
that he had ruined her forever. Gabriel, of
all men!
81 arrive inopportunely." he said, harsh
ly, the veins standing out on his neck and
temples. do I intrude? 1 was not aware
that you expected two, your highness!'
There was no mistaking his meaning. He
viciously sought to convey the impression
tina he was there by appointment, a clan
destine visitor in her apartments at mid
night.
What do you mean by coming to my
apartment at this hour?" she stammered,
trying TO rescue dignity from the chaos of
emotions. Lorry was standing slightly to
the right and several feet ehind her. He
understood the prince, and quickly sought
to interpose WITH the hope that he might
shield her from the sting.
she did not expect me, sir" he said,
and a menacing gleam came to his eyes.
His pistol was in his hand. Gabriel saw it,
Jul liz Up pAAACC0o 0A0 " oAO COGAA
not take her eyes from the face of the in
truder. NOW, may 1 ask why you are
here?"
Gabriel's wit saved him from death. He
saw tina he could not pursue the course he
had begun, for there was murder in the
Americans eye. Like a fox he swerved
and, with a servile promise of submission
in his glance, said:
st thought you were here, my fine fellow,
and I came to satisfy myself. Now, sir,
may 1 ask why you are here?' His fingers
twitched and his eyes were CLASSY with
the malevolence he was subduing.
'I am here as a prisoner" said Lorry,
boldly. Gabriel laughed derisively.
"And how often have you come herei In this
manner as a prisoner? Midnight and alone
in the apartments Of the princess! The
guard dismissed! A prisoner, Ell? Ha, what
a prison!"
Stop cried Lorry, white to the lips.
The princess was beginning to under
stand. Her eyes grew wide with horror, her
figure Strengthened imperiously and the
white in her cheeks gave way to the red of
insulted virtue.
81 see 1t all! You have not been outside
this castle since you left the prison. A
pretty schemei You could not marry him,
could you. Ell? He is not a prince! But you
could bring him here and hide him where
no one would dare to think of looking for
HMM your apartments-'
With a snarl of rage Lorry sprang upon
him, cutting short the sentence that would
have gone through her like the keenest
knifeblade.
SCI fo~f norf TIL hill Gov tbo+fs -
cried. but, before he could clutch the
princes throat, Yetive had frantically
seized his arm.
mot that!" she shrieked. do not kill
him. There must be no murder here!'
He reluctantly hurled Gabriel from him,
the prince tottering TO his knees in the
effort to keep from falling. She had saved
her maligner's life, but courage deserted
her with the act. Helplessly she looked into
the blazing eyes of her lover and faltered:
IL do not know hat to say or do. My
brain is burstingi"
Courage, %courager" he whispered gently.
"You shall pay for this" shrieked Ga
briel. - you are not a prisoner you shall
be. There'l be scandal enough in Graus-
tark tomorrow to start a volcano of wrath
from the royal tombs where lie her fathers.
I'll see that you are a prisoner!" He
started for the door, but Lorry's pistol
was leveled at his head.
'If you move I'll kill youl'
The world will understand how and
why 1 fell by your hand and in this room.
Shootr' he cried triumphantly. Lorry's
hand trembled and his eyes filled with the
tears OF impotent rage. The prince held the
higher card.
A face suddenly appeared at the door.
which had been stealthily opened from
without. Captain Quinnox glided into the
room behind the prince and gently closed
the door. unnoticed by the gloater.
"A prisoner" sneered Gabriel. Where is
your captor. pray"
'Here!' nswered a voice at his back.
The prince wheeled and found himself
looking at the stalwart form Of the CAP
tain of the guard. Il am surely privileged
to speak now, your highness." he went on.
addressing the princess significantly.
How came you here2' gasped Gabriel.
II brought my prisoner here. Where
should l be If not here TO guard him?"
"When-when did you enter this room?"
"An hour ago."
You We're not here when l camel"