Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-06-16

the grassy ditch or gutter they
spoke not more than half 9
dozen times and in the faintest
of whispers. They could hear the
guard pacing the driveway inside the
ponderous gate, but aside from his
footsteps no sound was distinguishable
A sense Of oppression came over the
two watchers as the minutes grew
longer and more deathlike in their still
ness.
They knew nothing Of the surround
ings. II they failed, there was the dan
ger Of being shot by the guards before
an explanation could be made. If they
succeeded. it must be through sheer
good fortune and not through prowess
of mind or muscle. Both knew the
sensible, judicious act would be te
alarm the guards and thus avoid al
possible chance Of flascO. With mis-
givings and doubts in their hearts the
two self appointed guardians of the
princess lay there upon the grass
afraid to give up the project yet fear
ing the outcome.
"The dickens will be to pay, Lorry
IL they dispose Of this guard on the In
side and lock the gate. Then how are
we to follow?" whispered Anguish.
Lorry was thoughtful for awhile. He
felt the chill of encouragement In his
heart.
"In that case we must lie outside and
wait till they come out with the prin
cess: then make a sudden assault and
rescue her. In the darkness we car
make them think there are dozen res
cuers," he whispered at length. After
awhile Anguish asked another appal
ling question, the outgrowth Of brain
racking study:
Suppose these fellows, who will be
in guards uniform, should turn about
and capture us. What then? We are
strangers, and our story would not be
believed. They could slip away In the
excitement and leave US in q very awk'
, ward position"
Harry, If we are going to hatch up
all sorts of possibilities, let's give up
the thing right now. have thought OF
q thousand contingencies, and realize
how desperate the job Is to be. We
must either cast discretion to the winds
or we must retreat. Which shall we
doY
"Cast aside discretion and hang our
fears" said the other. once more In
spired. "We'll take chances and hope
for the best. If we see we are going to
fail, we can then call for the guards.
i The grounds are doubtless full Of sol.
diers. The only part I'm worried about
Is the cropping through that strange
dark castle"
1--WE must do some calculating, and
| we must stick close together. BY
watching where they station the two
! viennese we can figure about what di.
rection we must take to get to the prin-
cess room. Sh! Isn't that some one
approachingT"
They strained their ears for mo-
ment and then involuntarily, spasmod-
ically shook hands, each heaving the
deep breath of excitement The stealthy
rustic of moving bodies was heard,
faint, but positive. 1t was moment
of suspense that would have strained
the nerve Of a stone image. Where
were the abductors? On which side Of
the road and from what direction did
they come? Oh, for the eyes Of cat!
There was a slight shutting Of feet
near the gate, a suppressed "ShW and
then deathly silence. The gate opened.
faint creaking attesting the fact, fol-
lowed by the heavy breathing Of men,
the noise of subdued activity, the scent
of chloroform. some whispering and
then the creaking Of the gate.
They've gone," whispered Anguish.
Lorry's form arose to a crouching pos
ture, and q moment later he was Cross
ing the road with the tread Of cat,