Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1904-02-22

forbearing fellow. He did not
B demand Il full explanation or
his friend. There was enough
natural wit in his merry head to see
hat i'm connection with their departure
there was something that would not
admit Of discussion even by con1den-
tial friends. He shrewdly formed his
own conclusions and held his peace.
Nor did he betray surprise when Lor-
nv informed him in answer TO ques-
ton that he intended TO remain in
Edelweiss for some time, adding that
he could not expect him to do likewise
if he preferred to return to Paris. But
Mr.. Anguish preferred to remain III
Edelweiss. Had not the Countess Dag
mar told him she would always be
happy to see him at the castle, and had
he any reason to renounce its walls!
And so it was that they tarried to-
gether.
I.orry loitered aimlessly. mOOdily.
about the town. spending gloomy days
and wretched nights. He reasoned
that it were wisdom to fly. but force
stronger than reason held him in Edei-
weiss. He venturcd several times to
the castle wall. but turned back reso-
lutely. There was hope in his breast
that she might send for him. There
was at least the possibility OF seeing
her should she ride through the streets.
Anguish. on the other hand. visited the
castle daily. He spent hours with the
pretty countess. undismayed by the
noble moths that futtered about her
flame, and he was ever persistent
light hearted and gay. He brought 10
Iorry's ears all that he could learn or
the princess. Several times be had
seen her and had spoken with her. She
incurred casually after the health Of
his friend. but nothing more. From
the countess he ascertained that her
highness was sleeping soundly. eating
heartily and apparently enjoying the
best of spirits, information decidedly
Irritating to the one who received 1t
second hand.
Thee had been at the hotel for over a
week when one afternoon Anguish
rushed into the room out of breath and
scarcely able to control his excitement
What's upf" cried Lorry. Has the
countess sacked you"
Not on your coin. But something Is
m. and | am its discoveror. You re
member what Won said about suspect
ing Prince Gabriel Of being the chief
rascal in the abduction job? Well, my
bov. l am now willing to stake my life
that he is the man" The news bearer
sat down on tie edge Of the bed anC
drew the first long breath he had ha(
in a long time.
why do you think soT demanded
the other, all interest.
Heard him talking just now.
didn't know who the fellow was a
first. but he was talking to SOM
strange looking soldiers as l passed
As soon as l heard his voice | knew h
was Michael. There isn't any duesuo
about it, Lorry l am positive He di
not observe me. but | suppose by I'LL
time he has learned that his little 10
was frustrated by two Americans WI
heard the plot near the castle gate
lie has nerve to come here, hash he
If he is guilty, yes. Still he may fe
secure because he is a powerful prln
and able to resent any accusation WI
a show of force. Where is he nowF
Il left him there. Come on. Wen
down. and you can see for yourself.
They hurried to the corridor, viii
was swarming with men in stran
uniforms. There were a few Ora
stark officers. but the majority OF I
buzzing conversationalists were dress
i'll a rich gray uniform.
who are these strangers" ASK
Lorry.
ooh. l forgot to tell you. Prince
REM is also here. and these gray
lows are part of his retinue. Lore
has gone on to the castle. What's
matter:" Lorry had turned pale
was reaching for the wall with
steady hand.
He has come for his answer"
said slowly. painfully.
That's right | hadn't thought
that. hope she turns him down.
there's Gabriel over yonder. See tn
three fellows in blue? The middle
is the prince"
Near the door leading TO the pia
stood several men, gray and blue.
man designated as Gabriel was IN
center, talking gayly and someW
loudly. putting at cigarette betw
sentences. He was not tall. but
was strongly and compactly built
hair and cropped beard were as bl
as coal. his eyes wide. black and lii
Ii was pleasure worn face and L.
shuddered as lie thought OF the
cess in the power Of this evil lool
wretch. They leisurely made I