Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1904-02-05
Graustark
BY GEORGE BARR M'cuTcHEoN
Copyrighted. 1901, by Herbert s. Stone.

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 brought
Quinnox back two nights later with the
full story of the exciting conferences.
She implored him to remain where he
was and asked his forgiveness for hav-
ing kept the ugly truth from him.
Quinnox added to his anguish by has
tily informing him that there was
possibility of stccor from another prin-
cipnlity. Prince Gabriel. lie said. not
knowing that he was cutting his lis
tener to the heart. was daily with the
princess, and 1t 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 flercest resent
ment IN Lorry's breast.
AS he paced his narrow room dis
tractedly horrid thought struck him
so violently that lie 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 sacridce-but no, he would not be-
lieve that such nfiliction could come to
herl Marry Gabriel = tho man who
had planned to seize her and make her
his wanton! He ground his teeth and
glared ut Quinnox as il he were the
object Of his hatred. his vicious jenl-
ousy The captain stepped backward
in sudden alarm.
Don't be afraid!' 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. aud day after tomorrow is
the goth. There Is no time to be lost.
Captain Ouinnox. shall accompany
you when you leave ST Valentines to-
night"
Impossible" exclaimed Quinnox. II
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 a
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. "Edcl-
weiss swnrns with ASphain soldiers:
our own men are on the alert to win
the great reward You cannot go to
the city. When 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 until
the way is perfectly clear. tell you,
sir, you cannot hope to escape II you
leave the monastery now The noun
taifis are full of soldiers every night.
Il didn't say ANYTHING about an es-
cape, did i? On the contrary, want
to give myself up to her. Then she Gun
have Gabriel thrown over the castle
wall and say to Bolaroz: Here is your
man. I've gained the ten years OF
grace That's the point, Quinnox.
Can't you see It? And want to say
to you now I'm going whether you con-
sent or refuse. I'd just as soon be in
Jail down there as up here anyhow.
The only favor have to ask OF you Is
that you do the best you can to get
me safely to her. must talk with her
before I go back to the tower"
God help me- sir cannot take you
to herr groaned Quinnox, trying to
control his nervous apprehension. II
have sworn to her that will keep you
from all harm, and 1t would be to break
faith with, her II led you into that
mob down there"
81 respect your oath, my friend. but !
am going, Just the same. I'll see her,