Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-06-01
CHAPTER XIII.
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4 u~N kAII IAA4I1 6oSlISas AhC SO6AkVoS
lIR stared blankly at the new
HID guard. Yetive flushed deeply
| - bit her lip in hopeless chagrin
and dropped her eyes. A pretty turn
indeed. the play had takeni Not word
was uttered for full half minute; moi
did the guilty witnesses venture forth
from their retreat. Baldos stood tall
and impassive, holding the curtain
aside. At last the shadow Of smile
crept into the face Of the princess, but
her tones were full Of deep humility
when she spoke.
I'VE crave permission to retire, your
highness," she said, and there was viz.
tuous appeal in her eyes. II pray for.
giveness for this indiscretion and i'm.
| plore you to be lenient with two mis-
cradle creatures who love you so well
that they forget their dignity"
II am amazed and shocked" was all
that Beverly could say you may go
but return to me within an hour.
will then hear what you have to say"
Slowly, even humbly, the ruler OF
Graustark and her cousin passed be.
meath the appraised arm of the new
guard. He opened door on the oppo.
site side of the room, and they went
out, to all appearance thoroughly crest.
fallen. The steady features Of the
guard did not relax for the fraction Of
q second, but his heart was humping
disgracefully.
Come here, Baldos," commanded
Beverly, a bit pale. but recovering he1
wits with admirable promptness. .'This
Is matter which l shall dispose OF
privately. It is to 60 no further, you
are to understand"
Eyes, your highness.'
| "You may go now. Colonel Quinnox
will explain everything" she said hur.
r1edly. She was eager to be rid Of him
As he turned away she observed q
faint but peculiar smile at the corner
Of his mouth.
Come here, STRIP she exclaimed hot.
". He paused, his face as somber as
an OWLS. what do you mean BY
laughing like that?" she demanded. He
caught the fierce note in her voice, but
gave it the proper Interpretation.
Laughing, your highness 7" he said
in deep surprise. "You must be mis-.
taken. I am sure that could not have
Laughed In the presence Of princess
ut must have been a-a shadow
then" she retracted, somewhat star.
tied by his rejoinder. VERY well. then
You are dismissed
AS he was about to open the door
through which he had entered the room
1t swung wide and Count Marlans
strobe in. Baldos paused irresolutely
and then proceeded on his way with
out paying the slightest attention to thu
commander Of the army. Marlan1
came to an amazed stop. and his face
flushed with resentment.
"Halt, STRIP he exclaimed harshly
Don't you know nough to salute me
STRIP
Baldos turned instantly, his figure
Strengthening like a flash. His eye
met those of the Iron Count and did moi
waver, although bis face went white
with passion.
And who are you, sir2" he asked II
cold, steely tones. The count almost
feeled.
Your superior onlcerl That should b,
enough for your he half Kissed. Will
deadly levslness.
"Oh, then see no reason why !
should not salute you, sir, said Baldos
with one Of his rare smiles. He salut
ed his superior officer q shade too elab
orately and turned away. Marlanx'l
eyes glistened.
stop! Fave l said you could 60
sir7 I have BIT Of advice to-"
MY command to 80 comes from
your superior, sir" said Baldos, witt
irritating blandness.
"Be patient. general" cried Beverly
In deep distress. @Hs does not know
any better. L Will stand sponsor ful
him." And Baldos went away with ,
light step, his blood singing, his devil
may-care heart satisfied. The look 1,
her eyes was very sustaining. As b,
loft the castle he said aloud to him
self with an easy disregard Of the con
sequences:
well, it seems that I am to be asso
ciated with the devil as well as witt
angels. Heavens! June Is a glorious
month"
Nov, you promised you'd be nice t,
him, General Marlanx," cried Beyerl.
the instant Baldos was out Of th
room. Hes new at this sort Of thing
you know, and, besides, you didn't ad
dress him very politely for an ute
stranger"
"The insolent dog!' snarled Marianx
his self control returning slowly. III
shall be taught well and thoroughly
never fear, Miss Calhoun. There is
way to train such recruits as he, an,
they never forget what they hay
learned"
"Oh, please don't be harsh wit
him." she pleaded. The smile of tn
Iron Count was not at all reassurine
Il know he will be sorry for what h
has done, and YOU
II am quite sure he will be sorry,
said he. with most agreeable bow Il
submission to her appeal
do you want to see Mr.. Lorry ~ sh
asked quickly. II will send for hin
general" She was at the door, lmpa
tient to be with the banished culprlts.
my business with Mr.. Lorry ca
wait" he began, with a smile meant t
be inviting, but which did not impress
her at all pleasantly.
well; anyway. I'll tell him your
here" she said, her hand on the doc