Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1903-09-15

week when one afternoon Anguish
rushed into the room out of breath and
scarcely able to control his excitement
whats up?" cried Lorry. HAS the
countess sacked you?"
"Not on your coin! But something is
up, and am its discoverer. You re.
member what you said about suspect
ing Prince Gabriel of being the chief
rascal in the abduction job? Well, my
boy, l 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 long time.
"Why do you think so?" demanded
the other all interest
Heard him talking just now. 1
didn't know who the fellow was at
first, but he was talking to some
strange looking soldiers as l passed.
AS soon as heard his voice knew he
was Michael. There isn't any question
about it, Lorly. am positive. lie 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"
IF he is guilty, yes. Still he may feel
secure because he is a powerful prince
and able to resent any accusation with
show of force. Where is he now?"
II left him there. Come on. Wen go
down, and you can see for yourself"
They hurried to the corridor, which
was swarming with men in strange
uniforms. There We're a few Grau-
stark officers, but the majority of the
buzzing conyersationalists were dressed
in rich gray uniform.
"Who are these strangers? asked
Lorry.
ooh, forgot to tell you. Prince Lo-
REM is also here, and these gray fell
lows are a part Of his retinue Lorenz
has gone on to the castle. What's the
matter?" 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. 1 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
is the prince"
Near the door leading to the piazza
stood several men. gray and blue. The
man designated as Gabriel was in the
center talking gayly and somewhat
loudly, putting at a cigarette between
sentences. He was not tall, but he
was strongly and compactly built. His
hair and cropped beard were as black
as coal, his eyes wide, black and lined.
1t was pleasure worn face, and LOFTY
shuddered as be thought of the prin-
cess in the power of this evil looking
wretch. They leisurcly made their
way to spot near the takers. There
was no installing the voice. Prince
Gabriel and Michael were one and the
same beyond all doubt. But how to
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 grayest
Importance would be attached to the
accusation of ruler. Satisfying them
selves as to the identity Of that pc
culiar voice, the friends passed through
to the piazza.
whats to be done?" asked Anguish.
boiling over with excitement.
I'VE must go to Baron Dangloss, tell
him of our positive discovery, and
then consult Count Halfont."
"And her royal highness, Of course"
Eyes, l suppose so," said Lorry, flick
ing the ashes from his cigar with
finger that was now steady. He was
serving the princess again.
They hurried to the tower and were
soon in the presence of the fierce little
chief of police. Lorry had spent many
hours with Dangloss of late, and they
had become friends. His grim old face
blanched perceptibly as he heard the
assertions of the young men. He shook
his head despairingly.
ut may be as you say, gentlemen,
but am afraid we can do nothing.
To charge prince with such crime
and on such evidepce would he mad
ness. am of your belief, however.
Prince Gabriel is the man have sus-
pected. Now am convinced. Before
we can do anything in such grave
matter it will be necessary to consult
the princess and her ministers. In
case we conclude to accuse the Prince
of Dawsbergen it must be after careful
and judicious thought. There are many
things to consider, gentlemen. For my
part, would be overjoyed to seize the
villain and to serve him as we did his
tools, but my hands are tied, you see.
would suggest that you go at once
to the princess and Count Halfont, tell
them of your suspicions''-
mot suspicious. my lord-facts," in
terrupted Anguish.
well, then, facts, and ascertain how
they feel about taking up proposition
that may mean war. May ask you to
come at once to me with their answer.
1t is possible that they will call for a
consultation with the ministers, mobiles
and high officers. Still, fear they will
be unwilling to risk much on the rath-