Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-07-16

"FOT GOuS SAKE, 40 not mUT0cT me.
She gidcd to the desk. stunned. bewil-
dered. 1t seemed as though death were
upon her. Qunnox followed and bent
near her ear. DO not be alarmed he
whispered. NO one knows of Mr.. Lor-
rvs presence here save the prince. and
if he dares to accuse you before Bola-
roz our people will tear him to pieces.
No one will believe him.
"You-you can save him, then?" she
gaspcd ioyously.
"If he will permit me to do so. Write
to him what you will, your highDess.
and he shall have the message. BE
brave. and all will 20 well. Write
quickly. This is supposed to be the
pardon
She wrote fevcrishly. n thousand
thoughts arising for every one that she
was able to transfer TO the paper.
When she had lln.Sl".. j.lr nope in
spred scrawl. she arose and with
gracious smile handed to the waiting
captain the pardon for those who had
sccretcd the fugitive.
Il grant forgiveness to them gladly"
she said.
Il thank you said Lorry, bowling
low.
Mr.. Lorry, I regret the difficulty in
which you lind Yourself 1t was on my
account, too. am told Re you guilty
or Innocent YOU are my friend. my pro-
tertor May God be good to you" She
gave him her hand calmly. steadily. as
if she were bcstowing favor upon
subject. He kissed the hand Gravsy.
"Forgive me for treSpassing on your
good nature tonight. your highness.'
The 5000 -aVVos shall be yours TO-
morrow, Captain QuinnoX,' she sac
graciously. You have done your duty
WELL" The faithful captain bowed
deep and low and Il weight was lifted
from his conscience
"Gcntlemcn. the door" he said, and
without word the trio left the room.
She closed the door and stood like
statue until their footsteps died away
in the distance As one in IaZe she
sat at the desk till the dawn Grenfall
Lorry's rcvolv> lying before her
Through tho halls. down the stairs
and into the clammy dungeon strobe
the silent trio. But before I.orry step
ped inside the cell Gabriel asked a
question that had been troubling him
for many minutes.
Il am afraid / avc-ah-misiudCed
her muttorcd Gabriel. now con-
WINGED that he had committed himself
irretrievably
You will find she has not misiudged
you" said the prisoner grimly Cant
have a candle in here, captain"
You may keep this lantern" said
QuinnoX, stepping inside the narrow
cell. AS he placed the lantern on the
floor he whispered: II will return in an
hour Read dis" Lorry's hand closed
over the bit of perfumed paper.
The prince was now inside the cell,
peerng about curiously, even timorous-
ly. "By the way, your highness, how
would you enjoy living in hole like
this all your lifc?"
"IIorrihc." said Gabriel, shuddering
like Il leaf
Then take my advce-dOn't commit
any murders. Hire some one else
The two men eyed each other stead
lily for Il moment or two. Then the
prince looked out of the cell, Il mad de-
sire to fly from some dreadful. unseen
horror coming over him.
QuinnoX locked the door and. striking
a match, babe his highness precede
him IN tho stone SthpS
In the cell the prisoner read and re-
read the incoherent message from Ye-
tive:
1t IA the only way, Quinnox will assist
you to escape tonight. Go, | implore you,
as YOU love mo, go, Your life is more than
all = me, Gahriels story will not be en-
tertainod and he can have no proof. He
will be torn to pieces, Quinnox says. Do
not think of me, but saVo yourself. l
would lose everything to 1--WE you.
He smiled sadly as Vie burned the
pardon" The concluding sentences
swept away the last thought he might
have had of leaving her to bear the
consequences. do not think of me, but
save yourself. | would lose everything
to save YOU" He leaned against the
stone wall and shook his head slowly.
the smile still - his lips.