Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1903-07-24
GEORGE BARR MccuTcnEoN
CHAPTER XIV.
THE BETRoTHAI.
Copyright 1901, Dy H~b~t s. stons :

CHAPTER XIV.
THE BETHoTHAL.
II " AIRY Anguish was discreet,
- forbcaring fellow. He did not
H "a demand full explanation Of
his friend. There was enough
natural wit in his merry head to see
that In connection with their departure
there was something that would not
admit of discussion even by confiden-
tial friends. He shrewdly formed his
own conclusions and held his peace.
Nor did he betray surprise when Lor-
ry informed him In answer to a ques-
ton that he intended to remain In
Edelweiss for some time, adding that
he could not expect him to do likewise
II he preferred to return to Paris. But
Mr.. Anguish preferred to remain in
Edelweiss. Had not the Countess Dag
mar told him she would always be
happy to see him at the castle, and had
he any reason to renounce its walls?
And SO it was that they tarried to-
gether.
Lorry loitered aimlessly, modify,
about the town, spending gloomy days
and wretched nights. He reasoned
that it were wisdom to fly, but force
stronger than reason held him In Edel-
weiss. He pentured several times to
the castle wall, but turned back reso-
lutely. There was hope in his breast
that she might send for him. There
was at least the possibility of seeing
her should she ride through the streets.
Anguish. on the other hand, visited the
castle daily. He spent hours with the
pretty countess, rndismayed by the
noble moths that futtered about her
fame, and he was ever persistent,
light hearted and gay. He brought to
Lorry's ears all that he could learn Of
the princess. Several times he had
seen her and had spoken with her. She
inquired casually after the health Of
his friend. but nothing more. From
the countess he ascertained that her
highness was sleeping soundly, eating
heartily and apparently enjoying the
best of spirits, information decidedly
irritating to the one who received It
second hand.
They had been at the hotel for over a
week when one afternoon Anguish
rushed into the room out Of breath and
scarcely able to control his excitement.
whats up?" cried Lorry. HAS tho
countess sacked your
"Not on your coin! But something Is
UP, and am Its discoyerer. You re.
member what you said about suspect.
ing Prince Gabriel of being the chief
rascal in the abduction job? Well, my
boy, am now willing to stake my life
that he Is the man." The news bearer
sat down on the edge of the bed and
drew the first long breath he had had
In a long time.
"Why do you think so?" demanded
the other, all interest.
Heard him talking just now. /
Didn't know who the fellow was at
first, but he was talking to some
strange looking soldiers as I passed.
AS soon as I heard his voice knew he
was Michael. There isn't any question
about 1t, Lorry. am positive. He did
not observe me, but I suppose by this
time he has learned that his little job
was frustrated by two Americans who
heard the plot near the castle gates.
He has nerve to come here, hasn't hep
III he is guilty, yes. Still he may feel
secure because he Is powerful prince
and able to resent any accusation with
show Of force. Where is he now?''
II left him there. Come on. Well 20
down, and you can see for yourself
They hurried to the corridor, which
was swarning with men in strange
uniforms. There were few Grau-
stark officers, but the majority of the
buzzing conyersationalists were dressed
In rich gray uniform.
"Who are these strangers?" asked
Lorry.
"Oh, forgot to tell you. Prince Lo-
REM Is also here, and these gray fell
lows are part Of his retinue. Lorenz
has gone Oh to the castle. What's the
natterY Lorry had turned pale and
was reaching for the wall with un.
steady hand.
HE has come for his answer" he
said slowly, painfully.
That's right. hadn't thought OF
that. hope she turns him down.. But
there's Gabriel over yonder. See those
three fellows in blue? The middle one
10 the prince"
Near the door leading to the piazza
stood several men, gray an6blue The
man designated as Gabriel was in the
center, talking gayly and somewhat
loudly, putting at cigarette between
sentences. He was not tall, but lie
was strongly and compactly built. His
hair and cropped beard were as black
as coal, his eyes wide, black and lined
1t was a pleasure worn face, and Lorry
shuddered as he thought Of the prin'
cess in the power Of this evil looking
wretch. They leisurely made theil
way to spot near the takers. There
was no installing the voice. Prince
Gabriel ard Michael were one and the
same beyond all doubt But how tc
prove it to the satisfaction of others
Skepticism would follow any attempt
to proclaim the prince guilty because
his voice sounded like that of the CHIEF
conspirator. In matter where whole
nations were concerned the gravest
Importance would be attached to the
accusation of a ruler. Satisfying them
selves as to the identity Of that pc
culiar voice. the friends passed through
to the piazza.
whats to be done7" asked Anguish
boiling over with excitement.
1--WE must go to Baron Dangloss, tel
i him of f,alt.. 1analti,,o dicnn..n,,,, ~