Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1904-04-18

one from a far corner.
Here is your man, Prince Bolaroz!
cried a baron.
..ouinnox has saved us.' shouted an
other.
The princess, white as death and as
m~otionless. sat bolt upright In her royal
seat.
OH she moaned piteously, and,
clinching her hands, she carried them
to her eyes as if to shut out the sight.
The Countess Halfont and Dagmar
ran TO her side, the latter frantic with
alarm. She knew more than the 9TH
ers.
Are you the fugitiveT' cried b.
laroz.
Il am Grenfall Lorry. Are you Bo-
laroz:'
''Thc father Of the man you murder
ed. Ali, this is rapture"
81 have only to say to your highness
I did not kill your son. | swear it, SO
help me God!'
your h~ighness," cried Bolaroz. step
ming to the throne, destroy that de-
crae This brave soldier has saved
Graustark. In an hour your ministers
and mine will have drawn up a ten
wears extension of time, in proper
form. to which my signature shall be
gladly attached. | have not forgotten
my promise
Yptive Strengthened suddenly, seized
the pen and fiercely began to sign the
decree in spite of all and before those
about her fairly realized her intention.
Iorrv understood and was the first to
snatch the document from her hands.
A half written Yetive, a blot and a
long. spluttering scratch of the pen
told how near she had come to signing
away the lands of Graustark, forgetful
of the fact that it could be of no bene-
fit to the prisoner she loved.
"Yetive!' gasped her uncle in horror.
"She would have signed cried Gas
non in wonder and alarm.
Yes. | would have signed" she ex-
claimed. starting to her feet, strong
and defiant. Il could not have saved
his life. perhaps, but l might have
saved him from the cruel injustice that
that mans vengeance would have in
vented. He is innocent, and | would
give my kingdom to stay the wrong
that will be done"
What! You defend the dog" CRIED
BolarOz. "Seize him, men! | will see
that justice is done. 1t is no girl Dc
has to deal with now"
"Stopn' cried the princess, the com
ID mand checking the men. Quinnol
is leaped in front of his charge. HE i
t. nv prisoner and he shall have justice
h. Keep back your soIdiery, Prince Bola
ed roz. 1t is a girl you have to deal with
1 will say to you all, my people an
YOURS. that believe him to be innocen
he and that | sincerely regret his capture
fortunate as it may be for us. He sha
I'd. have a air and a just trial, and l sha
Ell do all in my power, Prince Bolaroz'
ne secure his acquittal."
lie, "Why do you take his stand, "
as tive? Why have you tried to sh1el
he him?' cried the heart broken Halfont.
She drew herself TO her full height
ed and. sweeping the threatening crow
nj with a challenge in her eyes, cried, tn
tones ringing strong and clear aboV
as the growing tumult:
DIS Because | loo him."
st AS if by magic the room became sue
he denly still.
nd Behold an honest man. L Woai
or. have saved him at the cost of my hOl
)re or. Scorn me if you will, but listen
Ssh this: The man who stands here a
tri cused came voluntarily to this castl
i'll surrendering himself to Captain Quiz
nox that he might, though innocen
stand between us and disaster. L
az was safe from our pursuit, yet retur
In ed. perhaps to his death. For me, 4
YOU and for Graustark he has dol
bit. this. Is there a man among you WI
rse. would have done as much for his oN
country? Yet he does this for a cou
ky try TO which he is stranger. | mu
lere commit him to prison once more. But
the she cried in sudden fierceness, Il pro-
Use him now, before the trial, a roy
ling pardon. Do l make my meaning Gle
to you. Prince BOlarOzE"
did The white lips of the old prince cot
per- frame no reply to this daring speech
Drry "Be careful what you say, your hig
nesSr' cried the prisoner hastily.
the must refuse to accept a pardon at
iud cost of your honor. 1t is because l 10
Nbu DtllCl tldh AZ ~
the here. cannot allow you and your p
pie to suffer when it is in my power
Ga prevent if. All hat l can ask is IL
the ness and justice. l am not guilty, q
1 de God will protect me. Prince Bolar
seen 1 call upon you to keep your promi
she l am not the slayer of your son, bu
: of am the man you would send to
~ block, guilty or innocent"
was As he spoke the princess drop
,e of back in the chair, her rash cour:
gone. A stir near the doorway
-oice, lowed his concluding sentence, and
gard. other American stepped forward,
face showing his excitement.
upon Your highness," he said, Il she
have spoken sooner. My lips were p
ed and ready to cry out when Pm
ssem- Gabriel interposed and prevented
Dan signing of the decree. Grenfal Lt
# as did not kill the young prince. l