The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1904-02-10

lt Is possible that they Will call for n
consultation with the ministers, mobiles
and high officers. Still, 1 fear they will
be unwilling TO risk much on the rath,
er himsy proof you car give. Gabriel
is powerful, and we do not seek a wal
with him. There is another foe 70,
whom we are quietly whetting ouI
swords" The significant remark caused
both listeners to prick up their ears
But lie 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.
~, making ready to resist, treaty or nc
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 prjn.
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 q word. AS
they hurried through the park they
saw many strange men in gray, gaudy
uniforms. and it occurred to Lorry
mat their visit, 10 matter how great
its Importance, was i'll timed. Prince
Lorenz was holding the center of the
stage.
Anguish, with his customary impul.
siveness, overrulcd Lorry's objections,
ana they proceeded toward the en-
trance. Tho guards of the princess sa-
luted profoundly, while the minions OF
Loreia stared with ill bred wonder
upon these Two tall men from another
world. 1t 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 AXplain were be-
ing entertained.
AT the castle doors the two men met
their first obstacle, but they had an
ticipatcd its presence. Two guards
halted them peremptorily.
"Wc 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 un-
derstand u.s." advised Lorry, and In a
few moments they presented them
selves before the guards, accompanied
by a young noblcman with whom they
had acquaintance. lie succeeded in ad-
vanclng them TO the reception hall in.
side the doors and found for them q
servant who would carry a message to
the princess if 1T were possible to gain
her presence. The noblemnn doubted
very much, however, if the missiye
hastily written by Lorry could find it's
way to her, rs she had never been SO
occupied as now.
Lorry in his brief note PRAYED for n
short audience for himself and Mr.. An
guish, requesting that Count Halfont
be present. He Informed her that his
mission was of the most imperative ma
turc II that it related to n discovery
made concerning the prince who had
tried to abduct her. In conclusion he
wrote that Baron Dangloss had re-
quircd him to lay certain facts before
her and that he had come with no in
tcntioa % II her.
While they sat in the waiting room
they saw through the glass doors doz-
ems of richly attircd mon and women in
the hall beyond. They were conversing
Graustark men and wom- |
en- with detected faces, AXphainians
with cxultation glowing in every
glance. L.orry's heart sank within him.
1t seemed hours before the servant re-
turned to bid them follow him. Then
TIicir guide Conducted them to a
small nntcroom, 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 OH their feet
in an instant, advancing to meet her.
"Thc princess? Is she ill?' demand
ed Lorry.
Not ill, but mad, l fear" answered
she, giving a hand to each. "Mr. o
ry, she bids me say to you that she
cannot see YOU. She appreciates the
Importance CT your mission and thanks
you for the interest you have taken.
Also she authorizes me to assure you
that nothing can be done Mt present re-
garding the business on which you
Gomez
"Shc refuses to sec u.s." said he slow
ly, his face whiter than ever.
NAY; she bcgs that you will excuse
her. Her higllncss is sorcly Worn and
distressed today, and, fear, cannot en-
durc all that is happening. She is APP
parcntly calm and composed, but ],
who know her SO we'll, can see the
strain beneath"
"Surc!y she must sec the urgency of