Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-06-23
roNTINUED.l

When Lorry regained consciousness
he blinked in abject amazement. There
was u dull. whirring sound in his ears
and his eyes had glaze over them
that was slow In wearing off. There
were persons in the room. He could
see them moving about and could hear
them talking. AS his eyes tried to take
in the strange surroundings hand
was lifted from his forehead. and
soft, dreamlike voice said:
"He is recovering. Mr.. Anguish. See,
his eyes are open! Do you know me,
Mr.. Lorry"
The unsteady eyes wandered until
they fell upon the face near his pillow.
A brighter CLEAN came into them. and
there was a ray of returning intelli-
gence. He tried to speak, but could
only move his lips. AS he remembered
her she was in Whit. and he was puz-
zled now to see her in a garment of
some dark material suggestive Of the
night or the green Of shady hillside.
There was the odor Of roses and violets
and carnations. Then he looked for
the fatal. fearful, glaring chandelier.
1t was gone. The room was becoming
lighter and lighter as his eyes grew
stronger. but it was through window
near where he lay. So it was daylight!
Where was he?
How do you feel, old man" asked
a familiar voice. A man sat down be-
side him on the couch or bed. and big
hand grasped his own. Still be could
not answer.
Doctor" cried the voice near his
head, you really think 1t is not seri-
ous?"
81 am quite sure" answered mans
voice from somewhere out in the light.
at is q bad cut. and he is just recover
ing from the effect of the ether. Had
the blow not been q glancing one his
skull would have been crushed. He
will be perfectly conscious in q short
time. There is no concussion, your
highness."
81 am so happy to hear you say that"
said the soft voice. Lorry's eyes sought
hers and thanked her. A lump came
into his throat as he looked up into the
tender, anxious blue eyes. \ thrill
came over him. Princess or no., be
loved her-he loved her! "You were
very brave-oh, SO brave" Sue wis.
pered in his ear, her hand touching his
hair caressingly. "My Americaa:
He tried to reach tic hand before It
faded, but he was too weak. She Gid
ed away. ard he closed Lis eyes again
as if in pain.
Look up. old man. You're al right"
said Anguish. "Smeii this hand!:er.
chief. 1t will make you feel better"
A moist cloth was held beneath ais
nose. and strong, pungent odor dared
his nostrils. III Il moment he
tried to raise himself to his elbow. The
world was clearing up.
Lie still bit, Lorry. Don't be too
hasty. The doctor says you must not"
Where am l, Harry" asked the
wounded man weakly.
In the castle. I'll tell you all about
it presently"
"Am in her room?"
mo. but she is in yours. You are
across the hall in'-here he whispered
-"Cncle Caspar's room. Caspar Ii a
count"
And she Is the princess-truly%
What luckw
"What misery-what miseryw half
moaned the other.
"Bosh! Be q man! Don't talk 80
loud either! There are half dozen In
the room." Z
Lorry remained perfdv lily quiet for
ten minutes. his staring eyes fixed on
the ceiling. He was thinking Of the
abyss he had reached and could not
cross.
what time is it?" he asked at last,
turning his eyes toward his friend.
Tts Just 7 o'clock. You have been
or under the influence Of
ether for over four hours. That guard
hit you fearful crack"
"I heard a shot-a lot of them. Was
any one killed? Did those fellows es-
cape?"
KILLED! There have been eight exc
cutions besides the one attended to.
Lord, they don't wait long here before
handing out justice"
Tell me all that happened. Was she
hurt?"
Il should say not! Say. Gren. have
killed a man. Dannox got my bullet
right in the head, and he never knew
what hit him. CHASTITY, isn't 1t :? l feel
beastly queer. 1t was he who turned
on the lights and went at you with a
club. l heard you call and was in the
door just as he hit you. His finish
came inside of a second. You and he
spoiled the handsomest rug I ever
saw"
Ruined it?'
Not In her estimation. I'll wager
she has 1t framed, blood and all. The
stains will always be there as a re-
minder Of your bravery. and that's
what she says she's bound to keep.
She was very much excited and alarm
ed about you until the room filled with
men, and then she remembered how
she was attired. / never saw any
thing so pretty as her embarrassment
when the countess and her aunt led
her into the next room. These people
are going out so I'll tell you what hap
pened after you left me with the cook.
He was long time falling under the
influence, and had barely reached the
top of the stairs when I saw Dannox
rush down the hall. Then you called,
and knew the Jig was on in full blast.
The door was open. and saw him
strike you. l shot him. but she was at
your side before could get to you.
The other fellows who We're In the
room succeeded in escaping while
~ 49, s-s~~A