The daily silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1903-1907, 1903-06-20

eyes toward GanTlel. nat worthy =
legs trembled and his jaw dropped.
"I have the prisoner, your highness, -
said QuinnOx in hoarse, d~iscordant
tones. He stood before the throne with
his captive, but dared not look his mis-
tress in the face. As they stood there
the story of the night just passed was
told by the condition of the two men.
There had been a struggle for suprem-
acy in the dungeon, and the prisoner
had won. The one had tried TO hold
the other to the dungeons safety after
his refusal to leave the castle. and the
other had fought his way to the halls
above. 1t was then that QuinnOx
had wit enough TO change front and
drag his prisoner to the place which.
most of all. he had wished TO avoid.
'"The prisoner shouted the northern
mobiles. I'D In an instant the solemn
nIroneroom vas wild with excitement.
DO not sign that decreey' cried some
one from a far corner.
Here is your man, Prince BOlaroz."
cried a baron.
"Quinnox has saved usr' shouted an
other.
The princess, white as death and as
~mOtionless, sat bolt upright in her roya,
seat.
OH she moaned piteously, and.
clinching her hands, she carried them
to her eyes as if to shut out the sight
The Countess Halfont and Dagmar
ban TO her side, the latter frantic with
alarm. She knew more han the 9th
ers.
Are you the fugitive?' cried Bo-
laroz.
Il am Grenfall Lorry. Are you Bo-
laroz?"
The father of the man you murder
ed. All. this is rapture!'
Il have only to say to your highness
| did not kill your son. l swear it, so
help me God!'
Your highnesS.' cried Bolaroz. step
ping to the throne, destroy that de-
cree. This brave soldier has saved
Graustark. In an hour your ministers
and mine will have drawn up a ten
years extension of time, in proper
form. to which my signature shall be
gladly attached. | have not forgotten
my promise"
Yetive Strengthened suddenly, seized
the pen and tiercely began to sign the
decree in spite of all and before those
about her fairly realized her intention.
Lorry understood and was the first to
snatch the document from her hands.
A half written Yetive. a blot and a
long. spluttering scratch of the pen
told how near she had come to signing
away the lands of Graustark, forgetful
of the fact that it could be of no bene-
at to the prisoner she loved.
"'Yetive.'' gasped her uncle in horror.
"She would have signed" cried Gas
pom in wonder and alarm.
Yes. | would have signed!' she ex-
claimed, starting to her feet, strong
and defiant. Il could not have saved
his life, perhaps, but | might have
saved him from the cruel injustice that
that mans vengeance would have in
vented. He is innocent, and l would
give my kingdom to stay the wrong
that will be done"
What! You defend the dog!'' cried
Bolaroz. Seize him. men! | will see
that justice is done. 1t is no girl he
has TO deal with now"
stop cried the princess, the COM
mand checking the men. Quinnox
leaped in front of his charge. HE is
my prisoner, and he shall have justice.
Keep back your soldiery. Prince BOla-
roz. 1t is a girl you have to deal with.
/ will say to you all, my people and
yours, that | believe him to be innocent
and that | sincerely regret his capture,
fortunate as II may be for us. He shall
have a fair and a just trial. and | shall
do all in my power, Prince BOlaroz. to
secure his acquittal."
why do you take this stand, Ie-
tive: why have you tried 10 shield
him?" cried the heart broken Halfont.
She drew herself to her full height.
and. sweeping the threatening crowd
with a challenge in her eyes, cried. the
torres ringing strong and clear above
the growing tumult:
Because | love him.
AS if by magic the became sud
denly still.
Behold an honest man. | would
have saved him at the cost of my hon
or. Scorn me if you will. but listen TO
this: The man who stands here ac-
cused came voluntarily to this castle.
s~urrendering himself to Captain Quin-
nox hat he might, though innocent.
stand between US and disaster. He
was safe from our pursuit, yet return
ed, perhaps TO his death. For me, for
you and for Graustark he has done
this. Is there a man among you who
would have done as much for his own
country? Yet he does this for a coun-
try TO which he is stranger. | must
commit him to prison once more. But"
she cried in sudden ierceness, Il prom
Use him now. before the trial, a royal
pardon. Do | make my meaning clear
to YOU. prince BolaroZT'
The white lips of the old prince could
frame no reply to this daring speech,
.Be careful what you say, your high
ness!' cried the prisoner hastily. Il
- -u<.aa 70 ooaant a no rdop nj the