Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1903-11-03
CHAPTER XXI.
ROM A WINDOW ABOVE

rs life was that which followed
N his romantic fight from the
tower. To his impatient mind
the days were irksome weeks. The cold
monastery was worse than prison.
He looked from it's windows as a con
Wet looks through his bars, always
hoping, always disappointed. With
each of the infrequent visits of Cap
tain QuinnoX his heart leaped at the
prospect of liberty, only to sink deeper
In despair upon the receipt of emphatic
though kindly assurances that the time
had not yet come for him to leave the
haven of safety into which he had been
thrust by loving hands.
The prior was kind to him. Every
thing that could be done to provide
comfort where comfort was a stranger
was employed in his behalf He lived
well until his appetite deserted him.
He had no questions to answer, for no
one asked why he was there: he had
no danger to fear, for no foe knew
where he lived From the city came
the promise of ultimate escape, verbal
messages from those who loved him,
news of the world-all at long inter-
walls, however. Quinnox's visits were
like sunbeams to him. The dashing
captain came only at night and in dis
guise. He bore verbal messages. a
wise precaution against mishap Not
once did lie bring a word of love from
the princess, an omission which caused
the fugitive deep misery until a ray of
intelligence showed him that she could
not give to QuinnoX the speeches from
her heart, proud woman that she was.
Anguish sent words of cheer, with
commands to be patient He never
failed to tell him through Quinnox that
he was doing all in his power to find
the real murderer and that he had the
secret cooperation of the old police
captain. OF course the hidden man
heard of the reward and the frenZied
search prosecuted by both principal
ties. He laughed hyterically over the
deception that was being practiced by
the blue eyed, slender woman who held
the key to the situation in her keeping.
1t was not until the night of the 18th
of November that Quinnox confirmed
his fears by telling him of the condi-
tons imposed by Prince Bolaroz For
some reason the young officer had de-
ceived Lorry in regard to the all i'm
portant matter. The American repeat
eddy had begged for information about
the fatal 10th, but on all previous occa-
sions his visitor doggedly maintained
q show of ignorance, vowing that he
knew nothing of the circumstances.
Finally Lorry, completely out of pa
tence and determined to know the true
state of affairs, soundly upbraided him
and sent word to the princess that if
she did not acquaint him with the in
side facts he would leave the monas-
terry and find them out for himself.
This authoritative message brought
QulnnoX back two nights later with the
full story of the exciting conference
She lmplored him to remain where he
was and asked his forgiveness for hav-
ing kept the ugly truth from him.
Quinnox added to his anguish by has
lily informing him that there was
possibility of succor from another prin-
clpality. Prince Gabriel, he said, not
knowing that he was cutting his lis
tener to the heart, was daily with the
princess, and it was believed that he
was ready to loan Graustark sufficient
money to meet the demand of Bolaroz.
The mere thought that Gabriel was
with her aroused the fiercest resent
ment in Lorry's breast.
AS he paced his narrow room dis
a horlid thought struck him
so violently that he cried aloud and
staggered against the wall, his eyes
liked on the face Of the startled soldier.
Perhaps she might submit to Gabriel.
for in submitting she could save not
only Graustark, but the man she loved.
The sacrifice-but no, he would not be-
iaye that such afiiiction could come to
her! Marry Gabriel = the man who
had planned to seize her and make her
his wanton! He ground his teeth and
giared at QuinnoN as if he were the
object Of his hatred, his vicious jeal-
busy. The captain stepped backward
N sudden alarm.
Don't be afraidr' Lorry c4ied saw
agely. Pm not crazy. It's your news
your news! Does she expect me to
stay up here While that state of affairs
exists down there? Let me see; this is
the 18th, and day after tomorrow is
= ..r--S ...r-T-- %
he G,th. There is no time to be lost,
Captain Quinnox. | shall accompany 4
rou when you leave ST. Valentines to-
hight"
Impossible" exclaimed Quinnox. 81
cannot allow that, sir. My instruc-
ions are to-
Hang your instructions! All the in
'tructi0ns on earth can't compel me to
ut up here and see this sacrifice made
am determined to see her and put Il
stop to the Whole affair. 1t is what |
'eared would come to pass. She is viii
ng to sacrifice herself or half her king |
ION, one or the other, in order that / 1
nay escape. It's not right, captain;
IS not right and I'm going to stop it.