The daily silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1903-1907, 1903-06-01

trance. The guards of the princess sa
luted profoundly, while the minions Of
Lorenz stared with i'll bred wonder
upon these two tall men from another
world. 1t could be seen that the castle
was astir with excitement, subdued
and pregnant with thriving hopes and
fears. Tie nobility of Graustark was
there. The visitors Of Axphain were be
ing entertained
At the castle doors the two men met
their first obstacle. but they had an
ticiPated its presence. Two guard.
halted them peremptorily.
We must see her royal ~highness
said Anguish, but the men could not
understand him. They stoically stood
their ground. shaking their heads.
Let us End some one who car IN
derStand rs, advised Lorry, and In a
few moments they presented them
selves before the guards. accompanied
Uy Il young nobleman with whom they
had acquaintance. He succeeded in ad
vancing them TO the reception hall In
side the doors and found for them q
servant who would carry a message to
the princess if ii were possible to gain
her presence. The nobleman doubted
very much, however. If the missive
hastily written by Lorry could find its
way TO her. as she had never been SO
occupied rs now.
Lorry in his brief note prayed for a
short audience for himself and MIR. An
euish. requesting that Count Halfout
be present. lie informed her that his
mission was Of the most imperative ma
ture and that it related TO a discovery
made concerning the prince who had
tried to abduct her. In conclusion he
wrote that Baron Dangloss had re
quircd him to lay certain facts before
her and hat be had come with no in
tention to annoy her.
While they sat in the waiting room
they saw through the glass doors doz.
ems of richly attired men and women In
the hall beyond. They were eonversing
a%nimatedly. Graustark men and WON
e. with detected faces, Axphainians
with ~exultation glowing in every
glance. Lorry's heart sank within him.
Ii seemed hours before the servant re-
turned to bid them follow him. Then
his blood leaped madly through veins
that had been chilled and lifeless. He
was TO see her again.
Their guide conducted them to a
small anteroum, where he left them. A
few moments later the door opened.
and there swept quickly into the
the Cour,ass Dagmar, not the princess.
Her face wa drawn with the trouble
and sorrow she was trying so hard to
conceal. Roth men were on their feet
IN an instant, advancing to meet her.
THE princess? Is she ill?" demand
ed Lorry.
Not i'll. but mad. | fear" answered
size. giving Il hand to each. MIR. Lor-
ry, she bids ne say to you that she
cannot see you. She appreciates the
Importance of your mission and thanks
you for the interest you have taken.
Also she authorizes me to assure you
that nothing can be done at present re
garding tie business ON which yop
come"
She refuses to see u.s. said he slow
ly, his face whittier than ever.
NAY; she begs that you will excus
her. Her highness is sorely worn and
distressed today, and, | fear, cannot en-
dure all that is happening. She is ap-
parently calm ami composed, but l..
who know her so well, can see the
strain beneath"
Surely she must see the urgency Of
quick action in this matter of ours!'
cried Anguish half angrily. I'VE are
not dogs TO be kicked out of the castle.
We have a right to be treated fairly
1--WE cannot censure the princess,
Harry" said Lorry calmly. 1--WE have
come because we would befriend her.
and she ees fit to reject our good of
Gees. There is but one thing left for us
to do-depart as we came"
But / don't like it a little bit"
growled the other.
IF you only knew, Mr.. Anguish. you
would not be so harsh and unjust" re
monstrated the lady warmly. Turning
10 Lorry, she said. "She asked me to
hand you this, and TO bid you retain 1t
as a token Of her undying esteem"
She handed hin a small, exquisite
miniature OF the princess framed In
gold inlaid with rubies. He took II
dumbly in his fingers. but dared not
look at the portrait 1t contained. With
what might have seemed disrespect he
dropped the treasure into his coat
pocket
Tell her | shall always retain 1t as a
token of her esteem" he said. "And
now may ask whether she handed my
note to her uncle, the count?"
The countess blushed In a most un-
accountable manner.
Not while | was with her." she said.
recovering the presence Of mind she
apparently had lost.
"She destroyed it, l presume" said
he, laughing harshly.
Il saw her place II in her bosom. sir,
and with the right hand" cried the
countess as If b%etraying a state secret.
"In her You are telling me the
TRUTH cried he. his face lighting up.
Now. see here, Lorry, don't begin to
question the countess word. | won't