Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1903-08-07
GEORGE BARR MccuTcHEoN
CHAPTER XIX.
TILE SoIDIEp

CHAPTER XIX.
THE SOLDIER.
~ IF went the carriage with a
W. joining in the grewsome roar
of the elements. For some
time the two sat speeches. side by
side. Outside the thunder rolled, the
rain swirled and Missed, the wind
howled and all the horrors Of nature
seemed crowded into the blackness of
that thrilling night. Lorry wondered
vaguely whittier they were going, why
he had seen no flashes of lightning, If
he should ever see her again. His
mind was busy with a thousand
thoughts and queries.
"Where are we going?" he asked aft
er they had Travelled half mile or so.
ITO place of safety" came the re-
ply from the darkness beside him.
Thanks" lie said dryly. by the
way, don't you have any lightning in
this part Of the world? l haven't seen
a flash tonight"
1T is very rare" came the brief re-
ply.
"Devilish communicative, thought
Lorry. After moment he asked,
Glow far do we travel tonight?"
"a number of miles,"
"Then Pm going to take off this wet
coat. 1t weighs ton. Won't you re-
move yours?" He jerked off the big
rain coat and threw it across to the
opposite seat, with the keys and the
lantern. There was moments hest
tation on the part of his companion,
and then n second wet coat followed
the first. Their rain helmets were also
tossed aside. makes a fellow feel
more comfortable"
After this there was longer silence
than at any time before. The soldier
drew himself into the corner of the
seat, an action which repealed further
discussion, it seemed to Lorry, SO he
leaned back in the opposite corner and
allowed his mind to wander far from
the interior of that black, stuffy car
rage. Where was he going? When
was he to leave Graustark? Was he
to see her soon?
Soon the carriage left the smooth
streets of Edelweiss, and he could tell
by the jolting and careening that they
We're in the country, racing over a
rough, rocky road. 1t reminded him
of an overland trip he had taken in
West Virginia some months before,
with the fairest girl in all the world as
his companion. Now he was riding in
her carriage, but with surly, untalka-
tive soldier of the guard. The more he
allowed his thoughts to revel in the
American ride and its delights the
more uncomfortable became his desire
to see tho one who had whirled with
him in Light Horse" Jerry's coach.
81 wish to know how soon am to
see your Mistress" he exclaimed i'm
pulsiyely, sitting up and striking his
companions arm by way of emphasis.
To his surprise, the hand was dashed
away, and he distinctly heard the SOL
der gasp. II beg your pardony he
cried, fearing that he had given pain
with his eager strength.
"You startled me. 1 was half asleep"
stammered the other apologetically.
"Whom do you mean by my mistress r.
"Her royal highness, OF course" said
Lorry impatiently.
Il cannot say when you are to see
the princess" said his companion after
waiting so long that Lorry felt like
kicking him.
"Well, see here, my friend, do you
know why agreed to leave that place
back there? said wouldn't go away
| from Graustark until 1 had seen her
If you fellows are spiriting me away
kidnapping me, as it were-I want to
tell you won't have it that way.
must know right now where we are go
In this awful storm!''
II have orders to tell you nothing
| said the soldier stanchly.
Orders, eli! From whom?"
"rhat is my affair, STRIP
II guess I'm about as much interest
cd in this affair as anybody. and in
sist on knowing our destination.
jumped into this thing blindly, but I'm
going to see my way out Of it before We
so much farther. Where are we go
ing?"
"You you will learn that soor
enough" insisted the other
"Am l to see her soon? That's wha1
l want to know"
"You must not insistv' cried the sol
der. "Why are you so anxious to SEE
herr" he asked suddenly.
Don't be SO blamed inquisitive,'
cried Grenfall an;,rily, impatiently
"Tell me where we are going or I'll pu
q bullet into you!" Drawing his re
volver, he leaned over, grasped the
guard by the shoulder and placed the
muzzle against his breast.
"For Gods sake, be calm! You would
not kill me for obeying orders! l an
serving one you love. Are you mad
l shall scream if you keep pressing tina
horrid thing against my side" Lorry
felt him tremble and was at once fillet
with conjunction. How could he ex
| pect loyal fellow to disobey orders?
81 beg your pardon thousand times
he cried, jamming the pistol into hi
pocket. "You are brave gentleman
and am fool. Take me where 70,
will. I'll go like a lamb. You'll admit
however, that it is exasperating to b.
going in the dark like this"
1T is very good thirg that it 1
dark" said the soldier quickly. 9Th
darkness is very kind to us. No on
can see us, and we can see no one.'
Il should say not haven't th
faintest idea what you look like. Hav
seen you at the castle?"
"Yes, frequently"