The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1904-02-24
CHAPTER XVII.
IN THE TnyyEu

Ell unexpected events OIL the mOrll-
ing that they did not realize the
vast seriousness of the situation for
hours. Then it dawncd upon them that
appearances were really against them
II that they were alone IN n land far
beyond the reach of help from home.
One circumstance puzzled them With
It's damning mystery: How came the
blood stains upon the doorknob? Dan
gloss ~cCIrtcously discussed this strange
ard unfortunate feature with them, but
with i'll concealed skcpticism. 1t was
evident that his mind was clear in re-
gard to the whole affair.
Anguish was of the opinion that the
real murderer had stained the knob in
tcnt;onally, aiming to cast suspicion on
the man who had been challenged. The
ASSASSIN had an object in leaving those
ConVicting finger marks where they
would do the most damage. He either
desired the arrest and death OF the
American or hoped that his own guilt
might escape attention through tho
misleading evidence. Lorry held, from
his deductions, that the crime had been
committed by Il fanatic who loved his
sovereign too Gcvotcdly to see her we'd
uNN w isOi|S IN. lhN why ciouiu nc
wuntonly cast guilt upon the man who
had been her protector, objected Dan
gloss.
The police guards came In from the
hotel about 10 o'clock, bearing marks
of an ugly conflict with the AXphaini-
ans. They reported that the avengers
had been quelled for the time being,
but that a deputation had already
started for the castle to lay the matter
before the princess. Officers had
searched the rooms of tl)G Americans
for blood stains but %hodffound no sign
of them.
"Did you find bloody water in which
hands had been washed?" asked An
guish.
NO" responded one Of the guards.
"There was nothing to be found in the
bowls and Jars except soapy water.
There is not a blood stain I'm the room,
captain"
"That shakes your theory a little,
ch?" cried Anguish triumphantly. "Ex-
anime Mr.. Lorry's hands and see If
there is blood upon them" Lorry's
hands were white and uncontaminated.
Dangloss wore a quicker on his brow.
Shortly afterward a crowd of AK
phain men came to the prison gates
and demanded the person Of Grenfall
J.orry, departing after an ugly show of
rage. Curious Edclweiss citizens stood
afar off, watching the walls and win,
lows eagerly.
This may cost Eielweiss n great
deal of trouble, gentlemen, but there is
more happiness here his morning than
the city has known in months. Every
body believes you killed him, Mr.. Lor-
~, but they all love o for the deed"
said Dangloss, returning at 400 from
a visit to the hotel II n ride through
the streets. "Tilc princes friends have
been ut the castle since D o'clock, and 1
am of the opinion that they are having
a hard time with the high priestess."
"God bless her!" cried Lorry.
"The town is crazy with excitement.
Messengers have been sent to old
Prince Bolaroz to inform him of the
murder and to urge him to hasten
hither, where he may fully enjoy the
vengeance that is TO be worked upon
his sons slayer. 1 have not seen II
wilder time in Edclwciss since the
close of the siege, fifteen years
BY my soul, you are in IL bad box, sir.
They are lurking in every part of town
to kill you if you attempt to leave the
tower before the princess signs an or
der to restrain you legally. Your life
outside these walls would not be worth
a snap of the fingers"
Captain QuinnoN of the princess
bodyguard, accompanied by a half doZ-
en- of his mon, rode UP to the prison
gates about 2 o'clock and was prompt
ly admitted. The young captain was
in sore distress.
"Thc Duke Of MiZroX has sworn that
you IRE the murderer, Mr.. LorIy, and
stakes his life" said he after greetings.
Her highncss has just placed in my
hands an order for your arrest as the
assassin of Prince Lorenz."
Lorry turned as pale as death. "You
you don't mean to say that she has
signed a warrant-that she believes
me guilty!' he cried, aghast.
"She has signed the warrant, but
very much against her inclination.
Count Halfont Informed me that she
pleaded and argued with the duke for
hours, seeking to avert the act which
Is bound to give pain to all of us. He
was obdurate and threatened to carry
complaint to Bolaroz, who would in
stantly demand satisfaction. AS the
duke is willing to die If you are proved
innocent, there was no other course left
for her than to dictate and sign this
royal decree. Captain Dangloss, l am
instructed TO give you these papers.
One is the warrant for Mr.. Lorry's mr.
rest, the other orders you to assume
charge of him ana to place him in con-
fnement until the day of trial"
While QuinnoX was making this state
ment the accused stood with bowed
head and throbless heart. He did not
see the captains hand tremble as he
passed the documents to Dangloss, nor
did he hear tho unhappy sigh hat
came from the latter's lips. Anguish,
fiery and impulslve, was not to be sub
dued.
as there no warrant for my arrcstf"
he demanded.
"There is not. You are at liberty to
go, SIR" responded Quinnox.
I'D like to know why there isn'tl I
am just as guilty as Iorry."
"The duke charges the crime to but
n of you. Baron Dangloss, will you
read the w%arrant?"
The old chief read the decree of the
princess slowly and impressively. 1t