Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1903-07-24
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Is III may De as you say, gentlemen,
but am afraid we can do nothing.
To charge a prince with such a crime
and on such evidence would be mad
ness. am of your belief, however.
Prince Gabriel is the.m man have sus-
pected. Now am convinced. Before
we can do anything in such grave
matter 1t will be necessary to consult
the princess and her ministers. In
case we conclude to accuse the Prince
of Dawsbergen 1t 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 us 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''-
Not 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 10 me with their answer.
It is possible that they will call for
consultation with the ministers, mobiles
and high officers. Still, l fear they will
be unwilling to risk much on the rath-
er fiimsy proof you can give. Gabriel
Is powerful, and we do not seek war
with him. There Is another foe for
whom we are quietly whetting our
swords" The significant remark caused
both listeners to prick up their ears.
But he disappointed their curiosity,
and they were left to speculate as to
whom the other foe might be. Did he
mean that Graustark was secretly, sly.
". making ready to resist, treaty or no
treaty?
1t required prolonged urging on the
part OF Anguish to persuade Lorry to
accompany him to the castle, but, when
once determined to go before the prin.
cess with their tale. he was eager, I'M
patient, to cross the distance that lay
between the hotel and the forbidden
grounds. They walked rapidly down
Castle avenue and were soon at the
gates. The guard knew them, and they
were admitted without a word. As
they hurried through the park they
saw many strange men In gray, gaudy
uniforms. and 1t occurred to Lorry
that their visit, no matter how great
Its Importance, was i'll timed. Prince
Lorenx was holding the center Of the
stage.
Anguish, with his customary impul-
siveness, 0verruled Lorry's objections,
and they proceeded toward the en-
trance. The guards of the princess So
luted profoundly. while the minions Of
Lorenz stared with Ill bred wonder
upon these two tall men from another
world. 1t could be seen that the castle
was astir with excitement, subdued
and pregnant with thriving hopes and
fears The nobility of Graustark was
there. The visitors Of Axphain were be-
Ing entertained.
At the castle doors the two men met
their first obstacle. but they had an.
ticipatcd its presence. Two guards
halted them peremptorily.
''We must see her royal highness,"
said Anguish, but the men could not
understand him. They stoically stood
their ground, shaking their heads.
Let US find some one who can un.
derstand u.s." advised Lorry, and in a
few moments they presented them
selves before the guards, accompanied
by young nobleman. with whom they
had acquaintance. He succeeded in ad-
vancing them to the reception hall In
side the doors and found for them a
servant who would carry message to
the princess II it were possible to gain
her presence. The nobleman doubted
very much, however, II the missive
hastily written by Lorry could find its
way to her, as she had never been SO
occupied as now.
Lorry in his brief note prayed for a
short audience for himself and Mr.. An
glish, requesting that Count Halfont
be present. He Informed her that his
mission was of the most imperative ma
ture and that it related to q discovery
made concerning the prince who had
tried to abduct her. In conclusion he
wrote that Baron Dangloss had re-
CURED him to lay certain facts before
! her and that he had come with no in
tention to annoy her.
While they sat In the waiting room
they saw through the glass doors doz-
ems Of richly attired men and women In
the hall beyond. They were conversing
animatedly, Graustark men and wom-
en- with detected faces, Axphainians
with exultation glowing In every
! glance. Lorry's heart sank within him.
1t seemed hours before the servant re-
turned to bid them follow him. Then
! his blood leaped madly through veins
that had been chilled and lifeless. He
was to see her again.
Their guide conducted them to q
small anteroom, where he left them. A
few moments later the door opened,
and there swept quickly into the room
the Countess Dagmar, not the princess.
| Her face was drawn with the trouble
and sorrow she was trying SO hard to
conceal. Both men were on their feet
in an instant. advancing to meet her.
"The princess? Is she ill?" demand
ed Lorry,
!, Not Ill. but mad, fear" answered
she, giving hand>to each. "Mr. Lor-
| ~, she bids me say to you that she
cannot see you. She appreciates the
Importance of your mission and thanks
you for the interest you have taken.
| Also she authorizes me to assure you
that nothing can be done at present re-
garding the business on which you
i come" b ~
"She refuses to see u.s." said he slow
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