Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1904-03-28

he was doing al IN his power to ind
the real murderer and that he had the
secret cooperation of the old police
captain. OF course the hidden man
heard of the reward and the frenzied
search prosecuted by both principai-
ties. He laughed hyterically over the
deception that was being practced by
the blue eyed. slender woman who held
the key to the situation in her keeping.
1t was not until the night of the 18th
of November that Quinnox conhrmed
his fears by telling him of the condl-
tons imposed by Prince Bolaroz. For
some reason the young officer had de-
ceived Lorry in regard TO the all I'M
portant matter. The American repeat
eddy had begged for information ABOUT
the fatal Goth. but on all previous ocea-
sions his visitor doggedly maintained
a show of ignorance, vOwing that ne
knew nothing of the circumstances
Finally LOrry, completely out or pa
thence and determined to know the true
state of affairs. soundly upbralded MN
and sent word to the princess that II
she did not acquaint him with the IN
side facts he would leave the monas-
terry and find them out for himself.
This authoritative message DrouSnt
Quinnox back two nights later with the
full story of the exciting conference.
She implored him to remain where lie
was and asked his forgiveness for nav
ing kept the ugly truth from him.
Quinnox added to his anguish by mas
tily informing him that there was a
possibility of succor from another prln-
cipality. Prince Gabriel. he said, not
knowing that he was cutting his lis
tener to the heart. was daily with the
princess. and it was believed that he
was ready to loan Graustark sufficient
money to meet the demand of Bolaroz.
The mere thought that Gabriel was
with her aroused the fiercest resent
ment in Lorry's breast.
AS he paced his narrow room dis
tractedly hOrrid thought struck him
so violently that he cried aloud and
staggered against the wall, his eyes
fixed on the face of the startled soldier.
Perhaps she might submit to Gabriel,
for in submitting she could save not
only Graustark. but the man she loved.
| The sacrifice-but no, he would not be-
| lieve that such aff1iction could come to
| her! Marry Gabriel # the man who
had planned to seize her and make her
bis wanton. He ground his teeth and
| glared at QuinnoX as if he were the
| object of his hatred. his vicious jeal-
| Ousy. The captain stepped backward
in sudden alarm.
Don't be afraidv' Lorry cried saw
| agely. I'm not crazy. It's your news
your news! Does she expect me to
stay up here while that state of affairs
exists down there? Let me see; this Is
the 18th. and day after tomorrow is
the Goth. There is no time to be lost,
| Captain QuinnoX. l shall accompany
you when you leave st. Valentines to-
night"
'Impossiblev' exclaimed Quinnox. 81
cannot allow that, sir. My instruc,
tons are to-
Hang your instructions! All the in
structions on earth CAN'T compel me to
sit up here and see this sacrifice made,
I am determined to see her and put o
stop to the whole affair. 1t is what |
feared would come to pass. She is will
ing to sacrifice herself or half her king
dom, one or the other, in order that
may escape. It's not right, captain;
it's not right, and I'm going to stop it.
| How soon can we leave this place.?
He was pacing the floor, happy in the
decision he had reached, notwithstand'
ing the danger it promised.
You are mad sir, to talk like this,
protested the other despairingly. "Edel
weiss swarms with Axphain soldiers
our own men are on the alert to win
the great reward You cannot go tC
the city. When a safe time comes, you
will be taken from this place, into the
mountains instead of through the city
and given escort to DassaS, 100 miles
east. That step will not be taken unit
the way is perfectly clear. l tell you
sir, you cannot hope to escape if you
| leave the monastery now. The noun
tains are full of soldiers every night.
81 didn't say anything about an es
cape, did /? On the contrary, l wan
to give myself up to her. Then she car
have Gabriel thrown over the castle
wall and say to Bolaroz: Here is YOU
man. I've gained the ten years OF
grace That's the point, Quinnox
Can't you see it? And 1 want to sa!
to you now I'm going whether you con
sent or refuse. I'd just as soon be IL
Jail down there as up here anyhow
The only favor have to ask of you Il
that you do the best you can to &c
me safely to her. l must talk with he
before go back to the tower
God help me, sir. cannot take yo'
to herr groaned QuinnoX, trying Z
control his nervous apprehension. .
have sworn to her that | will keep yo
from all harm. and it would be to brea
: faith with her if l led you into tina
mob down there
T 81 respect your oath, my friend. but
am going, just the same. I'll see hel
[ I>ILIl