The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-11-14
By
GEORGE BARR
M'CUTCEE0N,
Author of "Graustark' -
Copyright. 1904. BY Dodd
Mead and COMPANY

! lust outside the entrance to the inn.
He was less English than ever, but he
eventually gave her to understand that
he had secured permission to escort
her as far as Ganlook, town IN
Graustark not more than fifteen miles
from Edelweiss and at least two days
from Balak. Two competent Axphaln-
ian guides had been retained, and the
party was quite ready to start. He
had been warned Of the presence Of
brigands In the wild mountainous
passes north Of Ganlook. The Rus
slams could go no farther than Gan
look because Of a royal edict from
Edelweiss forbidding the nearer, ap-
proach Of armed forces. At that town,
however, he was sure she easily could
obtain an escort of Graustarkian SOL
diers.
AS the big coach crawled up the
mountain road and farther into the
oppressive solitudes Beverly Calhoun
!; drew from the difficult lieutenant con-
siderable information concerning the
state Of affairs in Graustark. She had
been eagerly awaiting the time when
something definite could be learned.
Before leaving st. Petersburg early in
the week she was assured that state
of war did not exist. The Princess
Yetive had been in Edelweiss for six
! weeks. A formal demand was framed
soon after her return from America re-
curing Dawsbergen to surrender the
person Of Prince Gabriel to the author
tiles Of Graustark. To this demand
there was no definite response, DAVIS
bergen insolently requesting time in
, which to consider the proposition.
Axphain Immediately sent an envoy
to Edelweiss to-say that all friendly
relations between the two govern
ments would cease unless Graustark
took vigorous steps to recapture the
royal assassin. On one side Of the
unhappy principality a strong, over
bearing princess was egging Graustark
on to fight, while on the other side an
equally aggressive people defed Ye-
tive to come and take the fugitive If
she could. The poor princess was be-
tween two ugly alternatives, and a
struggle seemed inevitable. At Balak
It was learned that Axphain had re-
Gently sent final appeal tc the gov
ernment Of Graustark, and it was 10
secret that something like threat ac
companied the message.
Prince Gabriel was in complete con-
trol at Serros and was disposed to
laugh at the demands of his late cap
tors. His half brother, the dethroned
Prince Dantan was still hiding in the
Businesses OF the hills protected by a
small company OF mobiles, and there
was no hope that he ever could regain
his crown. Gabriel's power over the
army was supreme. The general pub
lie admired Dantan, but it was helpless
III the face Of circumstances.
"But why should Axphain seek TO
harass Graustark at this time?" de-
manded Beverly Calhoun in perpley-
ity and wrath. II should think the
brutes would try to help her,
There is an element Of opposition
10 the course the government is tax
ing" the officer informed her in his
own way, "but it is greatly in the mi
nority. The Axphainians have hated
t9raustark since the last war, and the
princess despises this American. II is
an open fact that the Duke OF Mizfox
leads the opposition to Princess Volga,
and she is sure to have him beheaded
if the chance affords. He is friendly
to Graustark and has been against the
policy of his princess from the start"
"I'd like to hug the Duke Of Mizrox,"
cried Beverly warmly. The officer did
not understand her, but Aunt Fanny
was scandalized.
Good Lawd!" she muttered to the
boxes and bags.
AS the coach rolled deeper ard deep
er into the rock shadowed wilderness
Beverly Calhoun felt an undeniable
sensation of awe creeping over her.
The brave, impetuous girl had plunged
gayly into the project which now led
her into the daadlest Of uncertainties
with but little thought Of the conse-
quences.
The first stage Of the journey by
coach had been good fun. They had
passed along pleasant roads, through
quaint villages and among interesting
people, and progress had been rapid.
The second stage had presented rather
terrifying prospects, and the third day
promised even greater vicissitudes.
Looking from the coach windows out
upon the quiet, desolate grandeur OF
her surroundings, roor beverly began
to appreciate how abjectly helpless and
alone she was. Her companions We're
ugly. vicious looking men, any one OF
whom could inspire terror by a look.
She had iDtrusted herself to the care
Of these str.Dge creatures in the mo-
ment Of INSPIRED courage. and now she
was construed to regret Ler action.
frr1,p the L2i proved worthy pro-