Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-07-19

which struck speaker or listener as log
Zealand there were giggles which
completely simplifed the situation.
Beverly thrust the slim red feather
into her hair and struck an attitude
that would have set Baldos wild weth
JOY If he could have seen it. The next
day, when she appeared in the park, the
feather stood up detantly from the
band Of her sailor hat, though woman
ly perverseness impelled her to ignore
Baldos when he passed her on his way
to mess.
The Duke of Mizrox came into the
city hours after the time set for his ar
rival. 1t was quite dark when the es
cort sent by Colonel Qunnox drew up
at the castle gates with the visitor
The duke and his party had been rob-
bed by brigands in the broad daylight
and at point not more than five miles
from Edelweiss! And thus the mystery
Of the signal fires was explained. Count
Marlanx did not soon forget the trium-
plant look he received from Beverly
Calhoun when the dukes misfortunes
were announced. Shameless as it may
seem, she rejQced exceedingly over the
acts Of the robbers
Mizrox announced to the princess
and her friends that he was not an
emissary from the AXphainian govern
ment. Instead he was but little less
than q fugitive from the wrath OF
Volga and the crown adherents. Ear
lier in the week he had been summon
ed before Nolga and informed that his
absence, for a few months at least,
from the princpality was desirable.
The privilege was allowed him Of Sc
lecting the country which he desired to
visit during that period, and he coolly
chose Graustark. He was known to
have friendly feelings for that state,
bat no objections We're raised. This
friendship also gave him welcome in
Edelwess. MizroX plainly stated his
position to Yetive and the prime min
lister He asked for protection. but de-
clined to reveal any of the plans then
maturing in bis home country. This
reluctance TO become traitor, even
though he was not in sympathy with
MS sovereign, was respected by the
princess. He announced his willing
ness to take up arms against DAVIS
bergen, but would in no way antago-
nize AXphain from an enemy's camp.
The duke admitted that the feeling
IN Axphain's upper circles was ex-
tremely bitter toward Graustark. The
old time war spirit had not died down
AXphain despiscd her progressive
neighbor.
Il may as we'll inform your hghness
that the regent holds another and a
deeper grudge against Graustark," he
said in the audience chamber, where
were assembled many of the mobiles OF
the state. late on the night of his ar
rival. she insists that you are har
boring and even shielding the pretend
err to our throne, Prince Frederic. Il
Is known that he Is in Graustark, and
moreover. it Is asserted that he Is II
direct touch with your government"
Yetive and her companions looked a
one another with glances of comprc
hension. He spoke in English now fol
the benefit Of Beverly Calhoun. an in
terested spectator, who felt her hear
leap suddenly and swiftly into violen
insurrection.
said ietive after pause. I'VE do no
know Frederic, and we are not har
boring him"
~ am only saying what Is believed
to be true by Axphain, your highness
1t Is reported that he Joined you in tn
mountains in June and since has hel,
a position of trust in your army
"Would you know Prince Frederic 1
you wWe to see him?' quietly aske,
Lorry.
II have not seen him since he was
very small boy and then but for a me
mention the day when he and hi
mother were driven through the street
on their way to exile"
1--WE nave q new man IN the casrl
guard. and there Is a mystery attached
to him. Would you mind looking q
him and telling us II he is what Fred
eric might be In his manhood?" LORI.
put the question, and every one pres
est drew a deep breath of interest.
Mizrox readily consented, and Bal
dos, intercepted on his rounds. was LEI
unsuspecting into ~ outer chambe'
: The duke. accompanied by Lorry ant
Baron Dangloss, entered the room
They were gone from the assembling
but a few minutes, returning Wit
; smiles of uncertainty on thor faces.
1T 10 impossible. yoxe kkShness, 70