Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-06-02
CHAPTER vi.
GRACSTARK.

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CHAPTER vi.
GRAUsTARK.
"WO weeks later Grenfall Lorry
was landed and enjoying the
sensations, the delights, Of that
wonderful world called by the
name Of Paris. The second day after
his arrival he met Harvard man Of
his time on the street. Harry Anguish
had been a pseudo art student for two
years. When at college, he was hail
fellow we'll met, leader in athletics
and in matters upon which faculties
frOwn. He and Lorry were warm
friends, although utterly unlike in tenn
perament. To know either Of these
men was to like him. Between the two
one found all that was admirable and
interesting In man. The faults and vir-
tues Of each were along such different
lines that they balanced perfectly when
Jumped upon the scale Of personal esd-
nation. Their unexpected meeting in
Paris was an eXhilarating pleasure to
both, and for the next week or 80 they
were inseparable. Tog or they sip
ped absinth at the cafes and strolled
into the theaters. the opera. the dance
halls and the homes of some Of An
guish's friends, French and American.
Lorry did not speak to his friend Of
Graustark until nearly two weeks aft
er his arrival in the city. He had dis
cussed with himself the advisability Of
revealing his plans to Anguish, fearing
the latter's ridicule with all the cow
ardice of man who knows that scoff-
ing is in large measure justifiable.
Growing Impatient to begin the search
for the unheard Of country, its capital
and at least one Of its inhabitants, he
was at last compelled to inform An
guish to certain extent Of his plans
for the future. He began by telling
him of his intention to take run over
toward Vienna, Budapesth and some
Of the eastern cities. expecting to be
gone a couple Of months. To his sur
prise and CONSERVATION, Anguish en-
Enthusiastically volunteered to take the
trip with him, having had the same
project in view for nearly year.
There was nothing left for LOrry but
to make clean breast Of it, which he
did shamefacedly. expecting the laugh
ter and raillery Of his light hearted
friend as payment for his confidence.
Instead, however, Anguish, who pos.
sessed lively and romantic nature.
was charmed by the story and pro-
claimed it to be the most delightful ad-
venture that had ever happened out
side of u story book.
"Tell me all about her." he urged.
his eyes sparkling with boyish enthu-
siasm. And Lorry proceeded to give
him a personal description Of the mys-
terious beauty. introducing him in the
same manner to the distinguished un-
Gle and aunt. adding all those details
which had cOnfounded and upset him
during his own investigations.
"This is rich" exclaimed Anguish.
Beats any novel written. declare.
Begad. old man. don't blame you for
hunting down this wonderful bit Of
femininity. With curiosity and an
admiration that had been sharpened
so keenly as yours, I'd go to the end Of
the world myself to have them salts
fed"
81 may be able to satisfy but one
curiosity. And maybe not that. But
who knows Of Graustark"
Don't give up before you've tried.
II these people live In such a place,
why. it Is to be found. Of course. Any
railroad guidebook can locate this land
Of mystery. There are so many infer
nal little kingdoms and principalities
over here that it would take lifetime
to get 'em all Strengthened out in ones
head. Tomorrow morning we will 90
to one of the big railway stations and
make inquiries. Well locate Grau-
stark. and then We'll go over and pluck
the flower that grows there. All you
need. my boy. is manager. I'll do
the arranging. and your little act will
be the plucking."
Easier said than DONE"
"She threw kiss to you, didn't she"
Certainly, but. confound 1t, that was
because she never expected to see me
again"
"Same reason why you threw a kiss
to her. suppose"
81 know why; wasn't accountable"
"Well. If she did 1t any more wit
tingly than you did she is accountable.
and I'd hunt her up and demand an ex-
PLANTATION"
Lorry laughed at his apparent fervor,
but was glad that he had conflded in
his energetic countryman. Two heads
were better than one. and he was fore
ed to admit to himself that he rather
liked the idea Of company In the under
taking; not that he expected to encoun.
ter any particular ........,!. but that
he saw strange io..ceivss ahead;
therefore he welcomed his friends
avOwed intention to accompany him to
Edelweiss as II relief instcad Of an an
noyance. Until late in tie night they
discussed the coming trip. Anguish
finally startling him with question
Just as he WAS stretching himself pre-
paratory to the walk to his hotel.
"What are you going to do with her
after you find her, G.cn. old man"
Grenfalrs brow puckered, and ne
brought himself UP wltE jerk, puz-
zled uncertainty expressing itself In his
posture as well as in his face.
"I'll think about that after l have
found her." he replied.
"Think you'll marry her?" persisted
the other.
"How do known exclaimed the wo-
man hunter savagely.
"Oh. of course you don't know. How
could your apologiEed Anguish. May
be she won't have you; maybe she is
marrled-all sorts of contingencies, you
know. But, if you'll pardon my inQuis-
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