Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1903-08-28

voice, In which there was combined tri-
umph and amazement, broke the still
ness like the changing of bell.
"Have you no honor?"
The pen dropped from her fingers as
the expected condemnation came. In
sheer desperation, her eyes flashing
with the intensity of defiant guilt, bit
ter rage yelling up against her perse-
cutor, she half arose and cried:
"Who uttered those words? Speakw
II, Gabriel Of Dawsbergen! Where
is the prisoner, MADAME" rang out the
voice.
''The man is madw cried she, sinking
back with shudder.
Mad, Ell? Because I do as did
promise? Behold the queen of per-
fidy! Madam, will be heard Lorry
is in this castlev'
"He is mad!' gasped Bolaroz, the
first of the stunned spectators to find
his tongue.
There was commotion near the
door. Voices were heard outside.
you have been duped!' insisted Ga
briel, taking several steps toward the
throne. "Your idol is traitress u de-
ceiver! say he is here! She has seen
him! Let her sign that decree If she
dares! 1 command you, Yetive of
Graustark, to produce this criminaly'
The impulse to crush the defiler was
checked by the sudden appearance of
two men inside the curtains.
"He Is herev' cried a strong voice,
and Lorry, breathless and haggard,
pushed through the astonished crowd,
followed by Captain Quinnox, upon
whose CHASTITY face there were blood
stains.
bled, shout of joy. The faces of Dan
gloss and Abode were pictures of as
tonishment and, it must be said, relief.
Harry Anguish staggered, but recover
ed himself instantly and turned his
eyes toward Gabriel. That worthy's
legs tremblcd and his jaw dropped.
II have the prisoner your highness,"
said QuinnoN in hoarse, discordant
tones. He stood before the throne with
his captive, but dared not look his mis-
tress in the face. AS they stood there
the story of the night just passed was
told by the condition of the two men.
There had been struggle for suprem-
acy in the dungeon, and the prisoner
had won. The one had tried to hold
the other to the dungeons safety after
his refusal to leave the castle, and the
other had fought his way to the halls
above. 1t was then that Quinnox
had wit enough to change front and
drag his prisoner to the place which,
most of all, he had wished to avoid.
"The prisoner.' shouted the northern
mobiles, and in an instant the solemn
throneroom was wild with excitement.
do not sign that decreew cried some
one from u far corner.
Here is your man, Prince Bolarozw
cried baron.
"Quinnox has saved u.s." shouted an
other.
The princess, white as death and as
motionless, sat bolt upright in her royal
seat.
"Oh!" she moaned piteously, and,
clinching her hands, she carried them
to her eyes as if to shut out the sight.
The Countess Halfont and Dagmar
ran to her side, the latter frantic with
alarm. She knew more than the 9th
ers.
care you the fugitive?" cried Bo-
laroz.
II am Grenfall Lorry. Are you Bo-
laroz?"
THE father of the man you murder
ed. All, this is rapturer
Il have only to say to your highness
did not kill your son. I swear it, so
help me Godv'
Your highness," cried Bolaroz, step
ping to the throne, destroy that de-
cree. This brave soldier has saved
Graustark. In an hour your ministers
and mine will have drawn up ten
years extension of time, in proper
form, to which my signature shall be
gladly attached. 1 have not forgotten
my promise"
Yetiye Strengthened suddenly, seized
the pen and tiercely began to sign the
decree in spite of all and before those
about her fairly realized her intention.
Lorry understood and was the first to
snatch the document from her hands.
A half written Yetive, a blot and a
long, splutterlng scratch Of the pen
told how near she had come to signing
away the lands of Graustark, forgetful
Of the fact that it could be of no bene-
fit to the prisoner she loved.
"Yetive" gasped her uncle in horror.
"She would have signed" cried Gas.
pom in wonder and alarm.
eyes, l would have signed!" she ex-
claimed, starting to her feet, strong
and defiant. Il could not have saved
his life, perhaps, but might have
saved him from the cruel injustice that
that mans vengeance would have in,
vented. He is innocent, and would
give my kingdom to stay the wrong
that will be done"
What! You defend the dog! CRIED
Bolaroz. "Seize him, men! 1 will set
that justice is done. 1t is no girl he
has to deal7with now"
! stop" cried the princess, the com
mand checking the men. Quinnoa
leaped in front of his charge. "He 1;
my prisoner. and he shall have justice
Keep back your soldiery, Prince Bola
roz. 1t is q girl you have to deal with
l will say to you all. my people anC
yours, that believe him to be innocent
and that | sincerely regret his capture
| fortunate as it may be for us. He shall
have fair and just trial, and shall
DO all In my power. Prince Bolaroz, tt
/ hi ~