The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1903-08-26

and agony. Quinnox had brought to
the little room some candles. food and
bedding, but he utilized only the for
mer. The hours went by and no sum
mons called him to her side. What
was to become of him? What was to
be the end of this drama? What
would the night, the morrow, bring
about?
1t was 9 o'clock In the evening when
QulnnoX returned to the little room.
The waiting one had looked at his
watch a hundred times. had run in
sanely up and down the passage in
quest of the secret exit. had shouted
aloud in the frenzy of desperation.
Have you seen herr" he cried, grasp
ing the newcomers hand.
Il have; but, before God, | could not
tell her what | had done! Your visit
will be a surprise, fear shock"
"Then how am | to see her? Fool!
Am to wait here forever
"Have patience! | will take you to
her tonight-aye. within an hour. To
morrow morning she signs away the
northern provinces, and her instruc-
lions are that she is not to be disturbed
tonight Not even will she see the
Countess Dagmar after o'clock. II
breaks my heart to see the sorrow that
abounds i'm the castle tonight Her
highness insists on being alone, and
Bassot, the new guard, has orders to
admit no one to her apartments. He
is i'll, and have promised that a sub
stitute shall relieve him at IL o'clock.
You are to be the substitute Here is
a part of an old uniform of mine, and
here is a coat that belonged to Dan
nox, who was about your size. Please
exchange the clothes you now have on
for these. | upprehend no trouble in
reaching her door, for the household is
in gloom and the halls seem barren of
life"
He threw the bundle on a chair, and
LoTy at once proceeded to don the
contents. In very short time he wore
instead of the cellkeeper's garments
neat fitting uniform of the royal guard.
He was trembling violently, chilled TO
the bone with nervousness. as they be-
the chapel The crisis i'm his life, he
felt, was near at hand.
Under the stealthy hand of QunnoX
the panel opened, and they listened in
tently for some moments. There was
no one in the dimly lighted chapel, so
they made their way to the door at the
opposite end. Before unlocking the
a., 70 a 1ar
which stood against the wall near by.
You are to carry that lance he
said briefly. Then he cautiously peer
ed forth. A moment later they were
in the broad hall, boldly striding to-
ward the distant stairway. LOrry had
been instructed TO proceed without the
least sign of timidity They passed
several attendants in the hall and
heard Count Halfont's voice in CONVEX
sation with some one in an anteroom.
AS they neared the broad steps who
should come tripping down but Harry
Anguish. He saluted Quinnox and
walked rapidly down the corridor, evil
IDENTIFY taking his departure after a call
on the countess.
There goes your hostage" said the
captain grimly. 1t had required all o
Lorry's self possession TO restrain the
cry Of joyful recognition. Up the stair
case they went, meeting several ladies
and gentlemen coming down, and were
soon before the apartments of the prin-
cess. A tall guard stood i'm front of
the boudor door.
This is your relief. Bassot. You
may CO." said QuinnOX, and with
careless glance at the strange soldier
the sick man trudged off down the hall,
glad to seek his bed.
as she there?" whispered Lorry, dir
~ and faint with expectancy.
Eyes. This may mean your death
and mine, sir but you would do it.
VIII you explain to her how l came TO
play her falseT
"She shall know the truth, good
friend"
after have gone twenty PAGES
down the hall do you rap on the door.
She may not admit you at first, but do
not give up. If she bid you enter or
asks your mission. enter quickly and
close the door 1t is unlocked. She
may swoon or scream, and you must
prevent either If possible. In an hour
shall return and you must go back to
the passage"
Never! have come TO save her and
her country. and intend to do so by
surrendering myself this very night"
81 had hoped to dissuade you. But,
sir, you cannot do so tonight. You for
get that this visit compromises her"
"True. | had forgotten. Well, I'll
go back with you, but tomorrow | am
your prisoner. not your friend"
"Be careful" cautioned the captain
as he moved away. Lorry feverishly
tapped his knuckles on the panel of the
door and waited with motionless heart
for the response. II came not, and he
raped harder, a strange fear 6drting
into his mind.
"Well?" came from within, the voice
he adOred.
10