Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1903-07-01
CHAPTER XXI-CoNTINUED.


CHAPTER XXI-CoNr1NUED.
It was an eloquent appeal. and II
struck home. Lorry wavered. but his
resolution would not weaken. He ar
gued first with Quinnox, then with
himself, finally returning to the reck,
less determination to brave all and
save her from herself. The soldier
begged; him to listen to reason, I'M
plored him to reconsider, at last turn
ing in anger upon the stubborn Amer
lean with a torrent Of maledictions.
Lorry heard him through and quietly
unswervingly, announced that he was
ready to leave the monastery at any
time his guide cared to depart. Quin.
nox gave up in despair at this, gazing
hopelessly at the man he had sworn to
protect, who insisted on placing his
head in the lions jaw. He sat down
at the window and murmured defect
edly:
"What will she say to me-what will
she say to me"
Il shall exonerate you, captain. She
can have no fault to find with your ac-
ton after I have told her how loyal
you are and how-how-well, how un-
reasonable am" said Lorry kindly.
"You may never live to tell her this,
sir. Then what is to become Of me? /
could not look her in the face again. l
could only die"
Don't be so faint hearted, Quinnox!
cried Lorry, stimulated by the desire
to be with her, recognizing no obstacle
that might thwart him in the effort.
"We'll get through safe and sound,
and wen untangle few complications
before we reach the end Of the book.
Brace up, for heavens sake, for mine,
for hers, for your own. I must get
to her before everything Is lost. The
fear that she may marry Gabriel will
drive me mad If I am left here an
other night. Come! Let US prepare to
start. We must notify the abbot that
I am to 60. can be ready In five
minutes. Ye gods, think Of what she
may be sacrificing for me!"
Lorry soon was attired in the guards
Uniform he had worn from the tower
a month before. His pistol was in his
pocket, and the bunch Of violets she
had sent to him that very night was
pinned defiantly above his heart. Quin-
nox smiled when he observed this bit
Of sentiment, and grimly informed him
that he was committing an act pro-
hibited in Dangloss' disciplinary rules.
Officers on duty were not to wear
nosegays.
"Dangloss will not see my violets.
By the way. the moon shines brightly,
doesn't it?'
1T Is almost as light as day. Our
trip is made extremely hazardous for
that reason. l am sorely afraid, rash
sir, that we cannot reach the castle
unseen"
1--WE must go about it boldly: that's
ALL"
HAS it occurred to you, sir, that you
are placing me in a terrible position?
What excuse can have, captain Of
the guard, for Sinking about at night
with q man whom l am supposed to be
tracking to earth? Discovery will
brand me as a traitor. cannot deny
the charge without exposing her royal
highness."
Lorry turned cold. He had not
thought Of this alarming possibility.
But his ready wit came again to his
relief, and with bright, confident eyes
he swept away the obstacle.
IF discovered. you are at once to
proclaim me prisoner, take the credit
for having caught me and claim the
reward"
I'm that case you will not 60 to the
castle. but to the tower"
"Not If you obey orders. The offer of
reward says that | must be delivered
TO the undersigned. You will take me
to her and not to the tower"
OuinnoX smiled and threw up his
hands as if unable to combat the quick
logic Of his companion. Together they
made their way to the priors cell. aft
erward to the abbot's apartment. 1t
was barely II o'clock. and he had not
retired. He questioned Quinnox closely
bade Lorry farewell and blessed him,
sent his benediction to the princess
and ordered them conducted to the
gates.
Ten minutes later they stood outside
the wall. the great gates having been
closed sharply behind them. Above
them hung the silvery moon. full and
bright. throwing it's refulgent splendor
over the mountain top with all the
brilliancy of day. Never before had
Lorry seen the moon so accursedly
bright.
"'Gad. it is like day." he exclaimed.
"As told you. SIR" agreed the other,
reproof in his voice.
I'VE must wait until the moon goes
down. 1t won't do to risk it now. Can
we not 60 somewhere to keep warm
for all hour or sO?"
"There is q cave farther down the
mountain. Shall we take the chance OF
reaching it?'
"By all means. l can't endure the
cold after being cooped up for &c
long"
They followed the winding road for
some distance down the mountain, com
ing at last to a point where a small
path branched off. 1t was the path
leading down the side Of the steep
overlooking the city, and upon that
side no wagon road could be built
Seven thousand feet below stretched
the sleeping, moonlit city. Standing
out on the brow Of the mountain, they
seemed to be the only living objects IL
the world There WIS no sign of lite