Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1904-03-24

4, s.s.si.i.S-.''s
stared at him piteously, unable to
move. to speak. Then the blue eyes
filed with tears, a sob came to her
lips, and her tortured heart made
last brave effort at defense.
T-I-Mr Anguish, you wrong mel
- She tried to whisper through
the closed throat and stiffened lips.
Words failed her but she pleaded with
those wet, lmploring eyes. His heart
melted, his anger was swept away In
a twinkling. He saw that he had
wounded her most unJustly.
"You bruteT hissed the countess,
with flashing, indignant eyes, throwing
her arms about the princess and draw
ing her head TO her breast
"Forgive me-" he cried, sinking 10
his knee before the princess, shame
and contrltion in his face. 81 have
been half mad this whole day, and
have thought iarshly Of you. now
see that you are suffering more IN
tensely than I. ] love Lorry, and that
Is my only excuse. He is being foully
wronged your highness, foully wrong
cd"
II deserve your contempt after all
Whether he be guilty or innocent, |
should have refused 10 sign the decree.
n Is too late now. ! have signed away
something that Is very dear to me his
life. You are his friend and mine. Can
you tell me what he thinks OF me
what he says-how he feelsT She
asked the triple question breathlessly
"lIe believes you were forced into
the act, and said as much to me. As
10 how he feels, can only ask how
you would feel If you were In his
place, innocent and yet almost sure Of
conviction. These friends Of Axphain
will resort TO any subterfuge now that
one OF their number has staked his
life Mark my word, some one will de-
lberntcly swear that he saw Grenfall
Lorry strike the blow, and that will be
ns vlllalnous lie as man ever told.
What | am here for, your hlghness, IL
TO ask II that decree cannot be with
drawn"
"Alas, II cannot would gladly or
der his release IL could, but you can
see what that would mean to us - a
war; Mr.. Anguish" she sighed mlsera-
bly,.
"But you will not see an innocent
man condemnedT cried lie, again In
dignant.
81 have only your statement for that
sir, II you will pardon me. l hope from
the bottom OF my heart that he did
not murder the prince after being hon
orably challenged"
Gle Is no cowardw thundered An
gulsh, startling both women with his
yehemcncc. 81 say he did not Kill tho
prince, but I'll stake my life he would
have done 80 had they met this morn
Ing"
"IIe may be able to clear himself,
suggested the countess neryously.
"And he may not; so there you have
II. What chance have two Americans
over here with everybody against usF'
"Stopl You shall not say that! llC
shall have full justice at amy cost, and
there Is one here who Is not against
himw cried the princess, with flashing
eyes,
II am aware that everybody ndmirei
! him because he has done Grnustark {
service In Kidding II Of something oh
noxious n prospective husband Bu
that does not get him out Of Jail"
"Nou are unklnd ngaln." said th,
princess slowly. 81 chose my husband
aud you assume much when you init
mate that am glad because he wa
murdered"
"Do not be angry" cried the count
css lmpaticntly I'VE all regret wha
has happened, ana I, for one, hope tina
MIR Lorry may escape from the towc
and laugh forcvcrmorc at his pursuers
II he could only dig his way out"
The princess shot startled look TO
ward the speaker az new thought ON
tered her WenrlCd brain. A short, in
voluntary gasp told thnt It had lodge,
aud would grow. She laughed at tn
idea Of an escape from the tower, bu
us she laughed a tiny spot OF red begal
20 spread upon her check aud her eye
glstcncd strangely,
Anguish remained with them for hal
an hour when he left the castle,
was With u more hopeful feeling In hi
! breast In the princess bcdchombe
late that night two girls In loose sllkcl
gowns sat before low lire and talhc,
OF something that caused the counties
To Ucmhlc with excitement when frs
her pink checked sovereign mentone,
Il In confidence.