Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-07-09

a month before. His pistol was in his
pocket, and the bunch Of yiolets she
mad sent 10 him that very night was
pinned dcfantly above his heart. Quin-
nox smiled when he observed this bit
of sentiment, and grimly informed him
that he was committing an act pro-
hbited in Dangloss' disciplinary rules.
Officers on duty were not to wear
noscgays.
"Dangloss will not see my violcts.
BY the way, the moon shines brightly,
doesn't it:'
at is almost az light as day. Our
trip is made extremely hazardous for
that reason. l am sorcly afraid. rash
sir, that we cannot reach the castle
unseen"
1--WE must 20 about it boldly; that's
ALL
"IIas 1t occurred to you. sir, that you
are pla ling me in a terrible position?
What excuse can have, a captain Of
the guard, for sinking about at night
with man whom I am supposed to be
tracking to earth? Discovery will
brand me as a traitor. l cannot deny
the charge without exposing her royal
highness."
Lorry turned cold. He had not
thought of this alarming possibility.
But his ready wit came again to his
relief, and with bright. confident eyes
he swept away the obstacle.
"If discovered. you are at once to
proclaim me prisoner, take the credit
for having caught me and claim the
reward"
an that case you will not go to the
castle, but TO the tower"
mot if you obey orders. The offer Of
reward says that I must he delivered
to the Undersigned. You will take me
TO her and not to the tower"
Ouinnox smiled and threw up his
hands n if unable to combat the quick
logic of his companion. Together they
made their way to the prior's cell. aft
erward to the ahbot's apartment. 1t
WAS barely II o'clock. and he had not
retired. He questioned Quinnox closely
bade Lorry farewell and blessed him.
sent his benedictiOn to the princess
and ordered them conducted to the
gates.
Ten minutes later they stood outside
the VIZ. the great gates having been
closed sharply behind them. Above
them hung the silvery moon. full and
bright throwing its refulgont splcndor
over the mountain top with all the
brllaucy of day. Never before had
Lorry seen the moon SO accursedly
bright.
"'Gud. 1t is like day" he exclaimed.
AS told you, sir" agreed the other
rcproof in his voice.
We must wait until the moon goes
down. II won't do to risk it now. Can
we not 90 somewhere to keep warm
for an hour or sou
There is cave farther down the
mountain. Shall we take the chance Of
reaching IL"
by all means. | can't endure the
cold after being cooped up for St
long"
! They followed the winding road fol
some distance down the mountain, com
]
path branchcd off. 1t was the pu I'll
! leading down the side of the steer
overlooking the city. and upon thai
side no wagon road could be built
Seven thousand feet below stretched
the sleeping, moonlit city. Standing
out on the brow of the mountain, they
seemed to be the only living objects il
80, al 4, ain, o. ~.
above. below or beside them.
How long should we he in making
the DESCENT asked Lorry, a sort o.
terror possessing him as he looked
from the dizzy height into the ghostlik,
dimness below.
Three hours if you are strong
"Anl how are we to get into the cas-
tie? | hadn't thought of that
There is secret entrance" sale
QuinnoX. maliciously enjoying the in
sistcnt ones acknowledgment of weak
ness. "If we reach it safely, | can taxi
you under ground TO the old dungeon
beneath the castle. 1t may be som,
time before you can enter the hall
above for the secret passage is guard
ed jcalously. There are but five people
who know of its existence"
Great confidence is placed in you,
see. and worthily, | am sure. How is i
that you are trusted so implicitlyE'
II inherit the confidence. The cap
tain of the guard is born TO his posi-
ton. My ancestors held the place be
fore me. and not one betrayed III
trust. The firstborn in the last ten gen
crations has been the captain of tn
guard in the royal palace. possessin
all its secrets shall be the first to be
tray the trust, and for a man who i
nothing to me-"
II suppose you consider me selfs
and vile for placing you in this pos
ton" said Lorry, somewhat contritely
NO. l have begun the task. and
will complete it, come what may al
sWered the captain firmly. You ar
the only being in the world for whom
would sacrifice my honor voluntaril
save one"
II have wondered why you wer
never tempted to turn traitor to tn
princess and claim the fortune that
represented in the reward"
Not for 100000 gavvos, sir"'
by George, you are a faithful lot
Dangloss. Abode and Ogbot and you
self, four honest mon to whom sh
trusts her life. her honor! You belon
to rare species. and | am proud
know You"
The stealthy couple found the cav