The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1903-07-22

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StiAt NOu-N OS w S4Jos SNA " oS-HS @AN
villain and to serve him rs we did his
tools, but my hands are tied, you see.
I would suggest that you SO at once
to the princess and Count Halfont, tell
them of your suspicions"-
Not suspicious, my lord-facts," in
terrupted Anguish.
''Well, then, facts, and ascertain how
they feel about taking up proposition
that may mean war. May ask you to
come at once to me with their answer.
It IS possible that they will call for q
consultation with the ministers, mobiles
and high officers. Still, I fear they will
be unwilling to risk much on the rath-
er fimsy proof you can give. Gabriel
is powerful, and we do not seek war
with him. There is another foe for
whom we are quietly whetting our
swords" The significant remark caused
both listeners to prick up their ears.
But Lc disappointed their curiosity,
and they were left to speculate as to
whom the other foe might be. Did be
mean that Graustark was secretly, sly
", making ready to resist, treaty or no
treaty?
1t required prolonged urging On the
part of Anguish to persuade Lorry to
accompany him to the castle, but, when
once determined to go before the prln-
cess with their tale, he was eager, i'm
patient, to cross the distance that lay
between the hotel and the forbidden
grounds. They walked rapidly down
Castle avenue and were soon at the
gates. The guard knew them, and they
were admitted without word. AS
they hurried through the park they
saw many strange men in gray, gaudy
uniforms, and it occurred to Lorry
that their visit, no matter how great
its Importance, was i'll timed. Prince
Lorenz was holding the center Of the
stage.
Anguish, with his customary impul-
siveness, ovacculed Lorry's objections,
and they proceeded toward the en-
trance. The guards Of the princess sa-
luted profoundly, while the minions Of
LoreIz stared with i'll bred wonder
upon these two tall men from another
world. It could be seen that the castle
was astir with excitement, subdued
and pregnant with thriving hopes and
fears. The nobility Of Graustark was
there. The visitors Of ANphain We're be-
ing entertained.
At the castle doors the two men met
their first obstacle, but they had an
ticipated its presence. Two guards
halted them pcremptorily.
1--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 find some one who can IN
derstand u.s. advised Lorry, and in a
few moments they presented them
selves before the guards, accompanied
by Q young nobleman with whom they
had acouaintance He succeeded in ad-
vancing them to the reception hall III
side the doors and found for them q
servant who would carry 4 message to
the princess if it W~re possible to gain
her presence. The nobleman doubted
very much, however, if the missiye
hastily written by Lorry could find its
way to her, as she had never been so
occupied as now.
Lorry in his brief note prayed for a
short audience for himself and Mr.. An
suish, requesting that Count Halfont
be present. He Informed her that his
mission was Of the most imperative ma
ture and that it related to discovery
made concerning the prince who had
tried to abduct her. In conclusion he
wrote that Baron Dangloss had re-
ouired him to lay certain facts before
her and that he 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 converslng
animatedly, Graustark men and wom-
en- with detected faces, Axphainians
with exultation glowing in every
glance. Loriy's heart sank within him.
It seemed hours before the servant re-
turned to bid them follow him. Then
his blood leapcd madly through veins
that had been chilled and lifeless. He
was to see her again.
Their guide conducted them to q
small antcroom, where he left them. A
few moments later the door opened,
and there swept quickly into the room
the Countess Dagmar, not the princess.
Her face was drawn with the trouble
and sorrow she was trying so hard to
conceal. Both 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, l fear answered
she, giving a hand to each. "Mr. Lor-
~, she bids me 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 the business on which you
come
'She refuses to see u.s." said he slow
IL, his face winter than ever.
Nay; she begs that you will excuse
her. Her highness is sorely worn ard
distressed today, and, fear, cannot en-
dure all that is happening. She is ap-
parently calm and composed, but /,
who know her so we'll, can see the
strain beneath.
Surely she must see the urgency CT
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 right to be treated fairly
I'VE cannot censure the princess,
Harry" said Lorry calmly. I'VE have
come because we would befriend her,
and she sees fit to reject our good Of
fees. There is but cne thing left for Us
to do-dcpart IS we came"
But I don't like it little bit,
srowled the other.