The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1906-07-17

sword hilt Beverly sat down instant
ly. With his usual easy grace he took
a chair near by. They were alone in
the antechamber
Even though you were OH your last
legs% she murmured, and then wonder
ed how she could have uttered any
thing SO inane. Somehow she was be-
ginning to fear that he was not the or
binary person she had judged him to
be. You are to be discharged from
the hospital tomorrow" she added
hastily.
Tomorrow" he cried. his eyes light
ing with joy. Il may go them
Il have decided to take you to Edel-
weiss with me-" she said. very much as
II that were all there was to it. He
stared at her for a full minute as
though doubling his ears.
mo" he said at last, his jaws set
ting, his eyes glistening. 1t was
terrible setback for Beverly's conf
dence. Your highness forgets that |
have your promise Of absolute free
DOM
But you are to be free" she protest
ed. You have nothing to fear. 1t is
not compulsory. you know. You don't
have to go unless you really want to.
But my heart is set on having you in
in the castle guard" His bitter. mock
ing laugh surprised and wounded her
which he was quick to see, for his
contrition was immediate.
Pardon. your highness. l am a
rude. ungrateful wretch, and deserve
punishment instead Of reward. The
proposal was SO astounding that for
got myself completely" he said
Whereupon. catching him in this con-
trite mood. she began a determined as
sault against his resolution. For an
hour she devoted her whole heart and
soul to the task of overcoming his
prejudices. fears and objections. meet
ing his protestations firmly and logic
ally. unconscious of the fact that her
very enthusiasm was betraying her to
him. The first signs Of weakening in
spired her afresh and at last she was
riding over him roughshOd. a happy
victor. She made promises that Yetive
herself could not have made: she offer
ed inducements that never could be
carried out. although In her zeal she
did not know it to he so; she painted
such pictures of ease. comfort and
pleasure that he wondered why royal
ty did not exchange places with It's
servants. In the end, overcome by the
spirit OF adventure and desire to he
near her. he agreed to enter the service
for six months. at the expiration of
which time he was to he released from
all obligations If he SO desired.
But my friends in the pass. your
highness," he said in surrendering.
what Is to become of them? They are
waiting for me ont there in the wilder
ness. am not base enough to desert
them"
Cant you get word to them:' she
asked eagerly. Let them come into
the city too. We will provide for the
poor fellows, believe me-"
That, at least. is impossible, your
highness." he said, shaking his head
sadly. you will have to slay them
before you can bring them within the
city gates. My only hope Is that Franz
may be here tonight. He has permits
sion to enter, and l am expecting him
today or tomorrow"
You can send word to them that |
you are sound and safe. and You can
tell them that Graustark soldiers shall |!
be instructed to pay no attention to
them whatever. They shall not be dis /
turbed." He laughed outright at her /
enthusiasm. Many times during her |
eager conversation with Baldos she |
had almost betrayed the fact that she
was not the princess Some of her |
expressions were distinctly unregal. |
and some Of her slips were hopeless |
as she viewed them In retrospect.
What am L? Only the humble goat
hunter hunted to death and eager for |
a short respite. Do with me as you
like. your highness. You shall be my |
princess and sovereign for six months
at least" he said, signing Perhaps it |
Is for the best"
you are the strangest man I've ever
seem" she remarked, puzzled beyond
expression.
That night Franz appeared at the
hospital and was left alone with Bal
dos for an hour or more. What passed
between them no outsider knew,
though there We're tears in the eyes Of
both at the parting. But Franz did not
start for the pass that night, as they
had expected. Strange news had come
to the ears of the faithful old follower,
and he hung about Ganlook until
morning came eager to catch the ear
of his leader before II WAS ton late