Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-07-28
CHAPTER XXI.
FROM A WINDOW ABOVE.

life was that which followed
his romantic flight from the
tower. To his impatient mind
the days were irksome weeks. The cold
monastery was worse than q prison.
He looked from its windows as 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 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
euise. He bore verbal messages, q
wise precaution against mishap. Not
once did he bring n word Of love from
the princess, an omission which caused
| the fugitive deep misery until q 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 principali-
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-
tions 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
edly had begged for information about
the fatal Goth, but on all previous occa-
sions his visitor doggedly maintained
a show of ignorance, vowing that he
knew nothing of the circumstances.
Finally Lorry, completely out OF pa
tience and determined to know the true
state of affairs, soundly upbraided him
and sent word to the princess that II
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
Quinnox back two nights later with the
full story Of the exciting conference.
She implored 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
tily informing him that there was a
possibility of succor from another prin-
cipality. Prince Gabriel, he said, not
knowing that he was cutting his lis
tener to the heart, was daily with the
princess, and II 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
tractedly horrid thought struck him
SO violently that he cried aloud and
staggered against the wall, his eyes
fixed 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 wou.t not be-
lieve that such afiliction could come to
her! Marry Gabriel - the man who
had planned to seize her and make her
his wanton! He ground his teeth and
glared at Quinnoy as IL he were the
object Of his hatred, his vicious jeal-
ousy. The captain stepped backward
in sudden alarm.
Don't be afraidw Lorry cried 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
the 2Oth. There is no time to be lost.
CAPTAIN QuinnoX. | shall accompany
you when you leave st. Valentines to-
night"
"Impossiblew exclaimed Quinnox. Il
cannot allow that, sir. My instruc-
tions are to-
Hang your instructions. All the In
structions on earth can't compel me to
sit up here and see this sacrifice made.
I am determined to see her and put a
stop to the whole affair. 1t is what l
feared would come to pass. She Is will
ing to sacrifice herself or half her king
dom. one or the other, in order that l
may escape. IL Hol ii6hS SoPe-'
it's not right, and I'm going to stop 1t.
How soon can we leave this placer
lie was pacing the floor, happy In the
decision he-had reached, notwithstand-
ing the danger 1t promised.
You are mad, sir, to talk like this"
protested the other despairingly. "Edel-
weiss swarms with AXphain soldiers;
our own men are on the alert to win
the great reward. You cannot so to
the city. When a safe time comes, you
will be taken from this place, into the
mountains instead Of through the city,
and given escort to Dassas, 100 miles
east. That step will not be taken until
the way is perfectly clear. tell you,
sir, you cannot hope to escape II you
leave the monastery now. The noun
tains are full of soldiers every night"
81 didn't say anything about an es-
cape, did 1? On the contrary, want
to give myself up to her. Then she can
have Gabriel thrown over the castle
wall and say to Bolaroz: Here is your
man. I've gained the ten years OF
grace That's the point, Quinnox.
Can't you see It? And want to say
to you now I'm going whether you co l.
sent or refuse. I'd just as soon be In
jail down there as up here anyhow.
The only favor have to ask OF you Is