The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1902-01-10


we may hope to see Bosso in a short
time. The news has come that the
prince has been stopping in Berlin for
a few days and will reach Deneslia by
way of Ontro."
"Oh, l must see Bosso at the village.
Will the royal coaches pass this way,
do you think, mether|"
81 do not know. There are but two
roads from Ontro to Trolle, and the
road by the Green forest is the short
est and best. 1t is likely the coaches
will pass this way"
Then | will see Bosso," said Adria.
"Dear Bosso! l wonder if that wicked
Paris has changed him any"
mo, Bosso cannot change" said
Nine. Volner. "He is made of oak. 1t
stands the changing winds of the evil
world"
Adria smiled. She loved to hear her
lover praised, and she knew how well
he deserved it. Had he not saved the
life of the prince more than once by
his courage and shrewdness?
And still Buckford fingered. The
puAASI w oo plOOGo lOl lOuuu. bul,
though the wound seemed inclined to
heal, the stunned brain refused to re-
sumo it's functions.
And while the good people in Vol
ner's house nursed him so tenderly
four rascals were holding secret con-
ference in the castle of Casparin at
the edge of the Green forest. not far
away.
"This is most unfortunate, what you
tell me-" Casparin was saying. "You
should not have taken up the pursuit.
We could have found the fool with
less trouble. Now undoubtedly he has
told his story to Volner And Volner
is a strong adherent of my brother,
though a tenant Of myself. Ha! 1
have an idea! Volner owes me consid-
cradle land tax. He is so far behind
that l threatened him but a day or two
since. Now l will issue orders not to
allow single member Of his house
hold to leave the farm. 1 will have
the place surrounded, and any one at
tempting to get away l will cause to
be arrested and brought here. 1t can
appear that suspect them of an at
tempt to rob me of my dues, for he has
no goods, this Volner upon which l
can seize.
"In this way, even If the American
does tell the story, we can keep it
from getting out till we know what is
to be done. If this report is true and
my brother intends entering Deneslia
by way of Ontro. then all is easy as
play. The road they will take leads
past the Green forest, where almost
anything could happen. 1, of course,
must not be suspected. l shall meet
them with my men handsomely mount
ed. A feast shall be prepared, for the
prince will undoubtedly stop at my
castle. You, disguised and with the
best horses awaiting you in the Green
forest, will do your part and at once
mount and get across the border.
will give you money, and when 1 have
been seated securely upon the throne
you shall return and claim the other
rewards promised"
at was strange, though, that it
should be the father of the girl you
suggest for my bride who met us at
the ravine," said Vandal.
eyes, was it not" said Casparin,
with laugh. "How do you like Papa
Volner? He is a host in himself. Have
you seen the daughter yet?"
"No; have not been near the place."
at would be rash. But you shall see
her soon enough. This Duvally, who
stands like tiger between my brother
and his foes, shall be among the first
to meet his fate"
1t was on the following day that the
cure, while riding his sleepy and we'll
fed horse toward Volner's farm, was
stopped on the road by two of the bail
ifs from Casparin's official household.
''Whither goest thou, father?" asked
they
"Whither indeed, my son, but to
nurse the wounded. Hast thou not
heard of the poor young gentleman
who lies wounded at Volner's farm?'
"We know naught of that, father,
but we have received orders from
Prince Casparin, our master, to allow
no one to enter Volner's or one of Vol
ner's people to come out"
SIS that so?" queried the priest in
surprise. Il knew that Volner was be-
hind in his rents, but what has he done
to merit this?'
ut has become known that he Is
planning to step out and leave the
place and the prince in the lurch.''
Nonsense! Volner was talking with
me but yesterday about his plans for
the coming year"
"And has been writing to land agents
In England to obtain farm for this
very month";" said the bailiff, with a
ready lie.
us it possible? Is it possible?' said
the gentle cure. 81 did not suspect
thai of Volner. Then l am even for
Didden to attend the wounded at Vol
ner's house?"
You are not to enter, or any one,
father"
The priest, shaking his head sadly,
turned his horse and rode homeward.
Here's a pretty pass" cried one of
the farm hands, who had started for the
village to make purchases, to Volner
when he had been sent back. 81 was
stopped at the gate by the bailiffs of
Prince Casparin, who informed me
that not one of us was to be allowed to
leave the place nor another enter"
"My God! Has Casparin resolved
thus to crowd me to death? What plan
has he by which he can squeeze mon
av from tha stones nm this farm