Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-07-07

Anguish, on the other hand, visited the
castle daily. He spent hours with the
pretty countess. undismayed BY the
noble moths that futtered about her
fame, and he was ever persistent,
light hearted and gay. He brought to
Lorry's ears all that he could learn Of
the princess. Several times he had
seen her and had spoken with her. She
inquired casually after the health Of
his friend, but nothing more. From
the countess be ascertained that her
highness was sleeping soundly, eating
heartily and apparently enjoying the
best of spirits, information decidedly
irritating to the one who received II
second hand.
They had been at the hotel for over q
week when one afternoon Anguish
rushed into the room out of breath and
scarcely able to control his excitement
"Whats upT cried Lorry. HAS ths
countess sacked your
mot on your coinl But something r
up, and l am its discoverer. You 10
member what you said about suspect.
ing Prince Gabriel Of being the chief
rascal In the abduction job? Well, my
boy, 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 soT demanded
the other, all interest.
Heard him talking just now. I
didn't know who the fellow was at
first, but he was talking to some
strange looking soldiers as passed.
AS soon as l heard his voice knew he
was Michael. There isn't any question
about it, Lorry. am positive. He 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 powerful prince
and able to resent any accusation with
a show of force Where is he nowT
II left him there. Come on. Well 60
down, and you can see for yourself"
They hurried to the corridor, which
was swarming with men in strange
uniforms. There were a few Grau-
stark officers, but the majority Of the
buzzing conversationalists were dressed
In rich gray uniform.
"Who are these strangers" asked
Lorry.
"Oh, forgot to tell you. Prince Lo-
REM is also here, and these gray fel-
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. l 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 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 Lorry
shuddered as he thought Of the prin-
cess in the power Of this evil looking
wretch. They leisurely made their
way to spot near the takers. There
was no mistaking the voice. Prince
Gabriel and Michael were one and the
same beyond all doubt. But how to
prove it to the satisfaction of others
Skeptlcism 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 gravest
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.
"What's to be done?" asked Anguish,
boiling over with excitement.
1--WE must go to Baron Dangloss, tell
him Of our positive discovery. and
then consult Count Halfont."
"And her royal highness, Of course"
Eyes, I suppose so," said Lorry, flick. |
ing the ashes from his cigar with a
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 perceptbly as he heard the
assertions of the young men. He shook |
his head despairingly.
ut may be as you say, gentlemen,
but I am afraid we can do nothing. |
To charge prince with such crime |
and on such evidence would be mad
ness. I am of your belief, however.
Prince Gabriel Is the man l have sus-
pected. Now I 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 as we did his
tools, but my hands are tied, you see.
l would suggest that you 90 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 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-
er flimsy 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