The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1906-11-23
(Continued.)
CHAPTER XIV.


her name and stopped short. He was
fighting fast, but warily, for he real
lied that his present adversary was nc
mean one AS the swords played back
and forth in fierce thrusts and parties
he spoke assuringly to Beverly: 'Don't
be frightened! AS soon as finish with
this fellow we will go on! All! Bravo
Well parted. my mani How the deucs
could such swordsman as you become
q cutthroat OF MarlanxT
Beverly had been standing still all
this time, holding the light high above
her head, according to her lovers Or
ders, for she knew now that such he
was and that she loved him with all
her heart. She was a weird picture
standing there as she watched Baldos
lighting for their lives, her beautiful
face deathlike In it's pallor Not cry
escaped her lips as the sword blades
swished and clashed. She could hear
the deep breathing of the combatants
In that tomb-like passage.
Suddenly she started and listened
keenly. From behind her. back there In
the darkness, hurried footsteps were
Enthusiastically approaching. What she
had heard, then, was not the scurrying
Of rat. Some one was following them.
A terrible anguish seized her. Louder
and nearer cave the heavy steps 'Oh
Baldosy she screamed In terror. "An-
other is coming"
Have no fear, dear onep' he sung
out gayly. His voice was infinitely
more cheerful than he felt, for he real
lied only too well the desperate situa-
ton. He was penned in and forced to
meet an attack from front and rear.
He fell upon his assailant with redou-
bled fury, aiming to finish him before
the newcomer could give aid.
From out Of the gloom came fiend-
1sh laugh. Instantly the dark figure of
q man appeared, his face completely
hidden by a broad SLOUGH hat and the
long cloak which enveloped him. A
sardonic voice Kissed: Trapped at last!
Ny lady and her. lover thought to es-
cape, did theyw The voice was unfa-
miliar, but the atmosphere seemed
charged with Marlanx. xiii him,
Eemw he shouted. Don't let him es-
cape you! I will take care Of the little
witch, never fearr' He clutched at the
girl and tried to draw her to him.
"Marlanxi By all the gods!' cried
Baldos in despair. He had wounded his
man several times, though not serious
ly. He dared not turn to Beverly's aid.
The scene was thrilling, grewsome.
Within this narrow, dimly lighted I'M
derground passage. with it's musty
walls sweating with dampness and
thick with the tangled meshes of the
spiders web, brave girl and her lover
struggled and fought back to back.
To her dismay, Beverly saw the point
Of sword at her throat.
"Out Of the way, girlv' the man in
the cloak snarled, furious at her resist
ance. You die as well as your lover
unless you surrender. He cannot es-
cape me-"
And If / refusew cried the girl, try
Ing desperately to gain time.
Il will drive my blade through your
heart and tell the world it was the
deed of your lover"
Baldos groaned. His adversary, en-
couraged by the change in the situa-
ton, pressed him sorely.
Don't you dare to touch me-. Count
Marlanx. know your she Kissed. IL
know what you would do with me. It
lie not for Graustark that you seek his
life."
The sword came nearer. The words
died In her throat. She grew faint.
Terror paralyzed her. Suddenly her
heart gave a great thump of joy. The
resourcefulness of the trapped was
surging to her relief. The valor of
the south leaped into life. The ex-
hilaration of conflict beat down all her
fears. Take away that sword, then
pleased" she cried, her voice trembling,
but not with terror now. 1t was ex-
"Will you promise to spare
his life? Will you swear to let him
10, II r.
"No, no; never! God forbidr i'm
plored Baldos.
"Ha, hap chuckled the man In the
cloak. "spare his life! Oh, yes, after
ny master has reveled In your charms.
How do you ike that, my handsome |
goat hunter"
you internal scoundreli I'll settle |
you yetr' Baldos fairly fumed with |
Mge. Gathering himself together for |
\ final effort, he rushed madiy on his |
rapidly weakening antagonist.
"Baldos," she cried hopelessly and In
! tone of resignation, II must do 1t!
Il is the only wayl"
The man in the cloak az well as Bal
los was deceived by the girls cry. He
lowered his sword. The
antern dropped from Beverly's hands
md clattered to the door. At the same
instant she drew from her pocket her
revolver, which she had placed there
before leaving the castle, and fred
,oint blank at him. The report sound
ID like a thunderclap In their ears. 1t
vas followed quickly by a sharp cry
- 4lnr N~orx, kho lice 81 ka- |