The Breckenridge news. (Cloverport, Ky.) 1876-1955, 1903-08-05

NiN hoe
demand a full explanation OF
his friend. There was enough
natural wit in his merry head TO see
that in connection with their departure
there was something that would not
admit of discussion even by conhden-
tial friends. He shrewdly formed his
own conclusions and held his peace.
Nor did he betray surprise when Lor-
~ informed him in answer to a ques-
ton that he intended to remain In
Edelweiss for some time, adding that
he could not expect him TO do likewise
II he preferred 10 return TO Paris. But
Mr.. Anguish preferred TO rCna'n in
Edelweiss Had not the Countess Dag
mar told him she would always be
happy TO see him at the castle, and had
he any reason to renOunce its walls!
And so it was that they tarried TO-
gether.
Iorry loitered aimlessly. modify.
about the town, spending gloomy days
and wretched nights. He reasoned
that IL were wisdom to fly. but force
stronger than reason held him in Edel-
weiss. He ventured several times to
the castle wall. but turned back reso-
lutely. There was hope in his breast
that she might send for him. There
was at least the possibility of seeing
her should she ride through the streets.
Anguish. on the other hand visited the
castle daily. He spent hours with the
pretty countess. undismayed by the
noble moths that fluttered about her
flame. and he was ever persistent,
light hearted and gay. He brought to
Lorry's ears all that he could learn of
the princess. Several times he had
seen her and had spoken with her. She
inquired casually after the health of
his friend. but nothing more. From
the countess he ascertained that her
highness was sleeping soundly. eating
heartily and apparently enjoying the
best OF spirits information decidedly
Irritating TO the one who received II
second hand.
They had been at the hotel for over
week when one afternoon Anguish
rushed into the room out of breath and
scarcely able to control his excitement.
What's upT" cried LOrry. Has the
countess sacked yOu|
mot on your coin! But something is
up, aud l am its discoverer. You re.
member what you said about suspect
ing Prince Gabriel of being the chief
rascal in the abduction job? Well, my
boy. | am now willing to stake my life
that he is the man" The news bearer
sat down on the edge of the bed and
drew the first long breath he had had
in a long time.
why do you think soT' demanded
the other. all interest
Heard him talking just now.
didn't know who the fellow was nj
first. but he was talking to some
strange looking soldiers as | passed.
As soon as | heard his voice | knew he
was Michael. There isn't any question
about IL. Lorry. | am positive. He did
not observe me. but ! suppose by this
time be has learned that his little job
was frustrated by two Americans who
heard the plot near the castle gates.
He has nerve TO come here, hasn't beI"
IF he is guilty, yes. Still he may feel
secure because he is a powerful prince
and able to resent any accusation with
a show of force. Where is he nowT'
Il left him there. Come on. Wen 90
down, and you can see for yourself"
They hurried TO the corridor, which
was swarming with men in strange
uniforms. There were a few Grau-
stark officers. but the majority OF the
buZzing cOnversationalists were dressed
in a rich gray uniform.
"Who are these strangersT' asked
Lorry.
"Oh, forgot TO tell you. Prince 10
REM is also here. and these gray fell
lows are a part of his retinue. Lorenz
has gone OH to the castle. What's the
matterI" Lorry had turned pale and
was reaching for the wall with I'M
steady hand.
"IIe has come for his answer" he
said slowly, painfully.
That's right. hadn't thought OF
that hope she turns him down. But
there's Gabriel over yOnder. See those
three fellows in blue? The middle one
is the prince"
Near the door leading TO the piazza
stood several men, gray and blue. The
man designated as Gabriel was In the
center, talking gayly and somewhat
loudly, putting at cigarette between
sentences. He was not tall, but he
was strongly and compactly built. His
hair and cropped beard were as black
as coal, his eyes wide, black and lined
II was a pleasure worn face, and Lorry
shuddered rs he thought of the prin-
cess In the power OF this evil looking
wretch. They leisurely made their
way to a spot near the takers. There
was no installing the voice. Prince
Gabriel and Michael were one and the