The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1904-03-09

Of the elements. For some
time the two sat speechless side by
side. Outside the thunder rolled, the
rain swirled and Missed, the wind
howled and all the horrors of nature
seemed crowded into the blackness of
that thrilling night. Lorry wondered
vaguely whittier they were going, why
he had seen no flashes OF lightning, tf
he should ever see her again. His
mind was busy with a thousand
thoughts and queries.
where are we goingf he asked aft
er they had travelled half a mile or so.
ITO a place OF safety" came the re-
ply from the darkness beside him.
Thanks" he said dryiy. by the
way. don't you have any lightning in
this part Of the world2 1 haven't seen
a fash tonight"
ut is very rare" came the brief re-
ply.
"Deyiiish uncommunicattve," thought
Lorry. After a moment he asked,
How far do we travel tonightf"
IA number of miles"
"Then Pm going to take Off this wet
coat. 1t weighs a ton. Won't you re-
move yoursT" He Jerked of the big
rain coat and threw 1t across to the
opposite seat, with the keys and the
lantern. There was a moments hest
tation on the part Of his companion,
and then a second wet coat followed
the first. Their rain helmets were also
tossed aside. Makes a fellow feel
more comfortable"
After this there was a longer silence
than at any time before. The soldier
drew himself into the corner Of the
seat, an action which repealed further
discussion, It seemed to Lorry, SO he
leaned back in the opposite corner and
allowed his mind to wander far from
the interior Of that black, stuffy car
riage. Where was he going? When
to see her soon?
Soon the carriage left the smooth
streets Of Edelweiss, and he could tell
by the jolting and %careening that they
were In the country, racing over n
rough, rocky road. 1t reminded him
OF an overland trip he had taken in
West Virginia some months before,
with the fairest girl In all the world as
his companion. Now he was riding in
her carriage, but with a surly, untalka-
tive soldier OF the guard. The more he
allowed his thoughts to revel in the
American ride and its delights tho
more uncomfortable became his desire
to see the one who had whirled with
him in Light Horse" Jerry's coach.
~ wish to know how soon / am to
see your mistress" he exclaimed i'm
pulsively, sitting up and striking his
companions arm by way Of emphasis.
To his surprise, the hand was dashed
away, and he distinctly heard the SOL
der gasp. ~ beg your pardonv' he
cried, fearing that he had given pain
with his eager strength.
"You startled me. I was half asleep"
stammered the other apologetically.
"Whom do YOU meal by my mistress7"
"Her royal highness, Of course" said
Lorry impatiently.
II cannot say when you are to see
the princess" said his companion after
waiting so long that Lorry felt like
kicking him.
well, see here, my friend, do you
know why l agreed to leave that place
back there? said I wouldn't go away
from Graustark until I had seen her.
IL you fellows are spiriting me away
kidnapping me, as it were--I want to
tell you I won't have 1t that way. /
must know right now where we are 60
In this awful storm!"
IL have orders to tell you nothing
said the soldier stanchly.
"Orders, ell! From whomf"
"That Is my affair, STRIP
az guess Pm about as much interest
ed in this affair MS anybody, and I In
sist on knowing our destination. ]
Jumped into this thing bllndly, but I'm
going to see my way out OF 1t before we
go much farther. Where are we go.
ing?"
You you will learn that soon
enough" insisted the other.
cam I to see her soon2 That's what
I want to know"
"You must not insistl' cried the sol
der. "Why are you so anxious to sec
her?' he asked suddenly.
Don't be 80 blamed inqulsitive,'
cried. Grenfall angrily, impaticntly.
"Tell me where we are going or Ill put
q bullet into your Drawing his re-
volver, he leaned over, grasped the
guard by the shoulder and placed the
muzzle against his breast.
For Gods sake, be calm! You would
not kill me for Obeying orders! I am
serving one you love. Are you mad7
1 shall scream IL you keep pressing that
horrid thing against my side" Lorry
felt him tremble and was at once filled
with cOmpunction. How could he ex-
pect n loyal fellow to disobey orders?
III beg your pardon n thousand tines
he cried, jamming the pistol into his
pocket. you are n brave gentleman
and / am a fool. Take me where you
will. I'll go like a lamb. You'll admit,
however, that 1t is ex%asperating to be
going In the dark like this"
ut is a very good thing that 1t Is
dark" said the soldier quickly. 1.-THE
darkness Is very kind to us. No one
can see us, and we can see no one"
II ghould say not. / haven't the
faintest idea what you look like. Have
/ seen you Mt the CASTER
Eyes, frequently"
"Will you tell me your namef"
"You would not know me by name."
"Are you an of1cerT
mo. I am new to the service"
'Then I'll see that you are promoted
1 like your stanchness. How old arr
your
II am-er-twenty-two."
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