Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-08-02

tiic TOoHl Wnen baron DanRlOSS ap-
peared with the courier from the pris-
on. Count Marlanx was missing. lie
was on his way to the fortress, n
crushed, furious, impotent old man. In
his quarters he was to sit and wait
for the blow that he knew could not be
averted. In fear and despair, hiding
his pain and his shame, he was rack
Ing his brain for means to lessen the
force of that blow. lie could withdraw
the charges against Baldos, but he
could not soften the words he had said
and written of Beverly Calhoun He
was not troubling himself with fear be.
cause Of the adventures in the chapel
Ietive could punish when her heart
was bitter against an evldoer. Grau-
stark honored and protected its wo.
men.
The warden of the dungeons from
which Gabriel had escaped months be.
fore reported to the princess that the
prisoner was again in custody. Brief
ly he related that party of men led
by Prince Dantan had appeared early
that day. bringing the fugitive prince
uninjured. but crazed by rage and dis
appointment. They had trcked him
into following them through the hills,
intent upon Staying his brother Dan
tan. There could be no mistake as to
Gabriers Identity. In conclusion the
warden implored her highness to send
troops up to guard the prison in the
mountain side. He feared an attack In
force by Gabriel's army.
"Your highness," said Lorry, II have
sent instructions to Colonel Braze. re-
quiring him to take large force of
men into the pass to guard the prison.
Gabriel shall not escape again, though
all Dawsbcrgen comes after him."
you have but little to fear from
Dawsbergen," said Ravone, who was
seated near the princess, Candace at
his side. Messages have been brought
to me from the leading mobiles Of DAVIS
bergen assuring me that the popuace
Is secretly eager for the old reign to
be resumed. Only the desperate fear
of Gabriel and n few of his bloody but
loyal advisers holds them in check.
Believe me. Dawsbergen's efforts to
release Gabriel will be perfunctory
and half hearted in the extreme. He
ruled like a mailman. 1t was his in
tense. implacablc desire to kill his
brother that led to his undoing. Will
it be strange. your highness, If DAVIS
bergen welcomes the return of Dantan
in his stead?'
THE story. The story of his cap
ture. Tell me the story" came eager
ly from those assembled. Ravone lean
drawn once more, as if the mere re-
calling Of the hardshirs past was hard
to bear.
First. your highness, may I advise
you and your cabinet to send another
ultmatum to the people Of Dawsber-
GEM" he asked. This time say to
them that you hold two Dawsbergen
princes in your hand. One cannot and
will not be restored to them. The 9th
err will be released on demand. Let the
embassy be directed to meet the Duke
of Matz, the premier. He is now with
the army not far from your frontier.
May it please your highness. l have
myself taken the liberty Of dispatchlng
three trusted followers with the news
of Gnbriers capture. The two Bappos
and Carl Vandos are speeding to the
frontier. Your embassy will find the
Duke Of Matz In possession Of all the
facts"
1.-THE Duke of Matz. I am reliably in
formed. some day is to be father n-law
to Dawsbergen," smilingly said Yetive.
II shall not wonder IL he responds
most favorably to an ultimatum."
Ravone and Candacc exchanged
glances Of amusement. the latter break,
ing into deplorable little gurgle Of
laughter.
II beg to inform you that the dukes
daughter has disdalned the offer from
the crown" said Ravone. "She has
married Lieutenant Alsanol Of the roy
al artillery and is as happy rs but
terfly. Captain Baldos could have told
you how the Maynard young woman
dcfed her father and laughed at the
beggar prince"