Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1903-06-25

"Who are these siranscrs?" asked
Lorry.
ooh. forgot to tell you. Prince Lo-
REM is also here and these gray fell
lows are a part of his rotinue.s Lorcnz
has gone on to the castle. What's the
mattcr?' Lorry had turned pale and
was reaching for the wall with un-
steady hand.
"Ile 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 yGndcr. See those
three fellows in blue? The middle one
! is the prince
Near the door leading TO the piazza
stood several mon. gray and blue. The
man designated as Gabriel was in the
center, talking gayly and somewhat
loudly, putting at Il 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
1t was a pleasure worn face and Lorry
shuddcrcd as b. thought of the prin-
cess in the power of this evil looking
wretch. They lciSurcly made their
way to n spot near the takers. There
was no installing the voice. Prince
Gabriel and Michael were one and the
same beyond all doubt. But how to
prove it to the satisfaction of others :?
Skcptcism would follow any attempt
to proclaim the prince guilty because
his voice sounded like that OF the chief
conspirator. In q matter where whole
nations were concerned the gravest
Importance would he attached to the
accusation of Il ruler. Satisfying them
selves as to the identity of that Pc
culiar voice, the friends passed through
to the piazza.
"What's to be dono:" asked Anguish,
boiling over with excitement.
I'VE must 80 to Baron Dangloss, tell
him of our positive discovery, and
then consult Count Halfont."
And her royal hiGhness, of course"
"Ics, suppose So said I.orry, flick
ing the ashes from his cigar with a
finger that was now steady. He was
serving the princess again.
They hurried to the tower and were
soon in the presence of the fierce little
chief of police. Lorry had spent many
hours with Dangloss of late, and they
had become friends. His grim old face
blanchcd pcrccptibly as he heard the
assertions of tho young men. He shook
his head deSparingly.
at may be rs You say, gentlemen,
but | am afraid we can do nothing.
To charge Il prince with such a crime
and on such evidence would be mad
ness. | am of your belief, however.
Prince Gabriel is the man | have sus-
pccted. Now | am convinced. Before
we can do anything in such a grave
matter it will be necessary to consult
the princess and her ministers. In
case we conclude to accuse the Prince
of Dawsbergon it must be after careful
and judicious thought. There are many
things TO consider, gentlemen. For my
part | would be overioycd to seize the
villain and to serve him AS we did his
tools. hut my hands are tied. you see.
| would suggest that you 20 at once
to the prime and Count Halfont, tell
them of your suspicons"-
Not suspicious. my lord-facts,' in
terruptcd Anguish.
well, then. facts, and ascertain how
they feel about taking up n proposition
that may mean war. May ask you to
come ut once to me with their answer
1t is possible that they will call for n
consultation with the ministers. mobiles
M ifrl n
be unwilling 10 risk much on the rath-
er flimSy proof you can give. Gabriel
Is powerful, and we do not seek war
with him. There is another foe for
whom we are quietly whctting our
swords" The significant remark caused
both listeners to prick up their ears
But he disappointed their curiosity,
and they were left to speculate as to
whom the other foe might be- Did he
mean that Graustark was secretly. sly
ly, 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 prin-
cess with their tale, he was eager, i'm
patient to cross the distance that Law
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, ovcrrulcd Lorry's objections,
and they proceeded toward the en-
trance. The guards Of the princess sa-
luted profoundly, while the minons of
Lorenz stared with i'll bred wonder
upon these two tall men from another
world. 1t could be seen that the castle
was astr with excitement, subdued
and pregnant with thriving hopes and
fears. The 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
ticlpated its presence. Two guards
halted them peremptoriy.
I'VE must see her royal highuesS"