Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1906-08-09


escaped from the palace In Serros a
week ago, and no one knows what has
become of her. There's a report that
she was actually killed and that the
story Of her fight is a mere blind on
the part of Gabriel"
eHe would do anythingl" cried Ye-
tive Poor child! They say she is
like her English mother and is charm
ing"
"That would set Gabriel against her,
/ fancy" went on Anguish. And, by
the way, Miss Calhoun, we heard some
thing definite about your friend Prince
Dantan. 1t is pretty well settled that
he isn't Baldos of the guard. Dantan
was seen two days ago by Captain
Dangloss' men. He was in the DAVIS
bergen pass, and they talked with him
and his men. There was no mistake
this time. The poor, half starved chap
confessed to being the prince and beg
ged for food for himself and his fol-
lowers"
II tried to find him and, failing In
that, left word in the pass that il he
would but cast his lot with us In this
trouble we soon would restore him to
his throne" said Lorry. He may ac-
cept, and we shall have him turning
up here some day hungry for revenge.
And now, my dear Beverly, how are
you progressing with the excellent
Baldos, of whom we cannot make a
prince, no matter how hard we try?"
Beverly and the princess exchanged
glances in which CONSERVATION was diff
ficult to conceal. 1t was clear to Bey-
erly that Yetiye had not told her hus-
band of the escape.
81 don't know anything about Bal
dos she answered steadily. Last
night some one shot at him in the
park"
'arhe deuce you say!'
ssIn order to protect him until you re-
turned, Gren, | had him transferred
to guard duty inside the CASTLE" ex-
planned the princess. ct really seem
ed necessary. General Marlanx ex-
poets to present formal charges against
him this morning, SO suppose we
shall have to put him in irons for a
little while. 1t seems too bad, doesn't
it, Gren?"
eyes. He's as straight as string,
I'll swear said Lorry emphatically.
'T'H bet he wishes he were safely
out Of this place." ventured Anguish.
and two young women busted them
selves suddenly with their coffee.
1.-THE chance is he's sorry he ever
came into it,. said Lorry tantalizingly.
While they were waiting for Mar
lanx the young Duke Of Mizrox was
announced. The handsome Axphain-
ian came with relief and dismay strug-
Cling for mastery in his face.
''Your highness," he said after the
greetings, 81 am come to inform you
that Graustark has one prince less to
account for. Axphain has found her
fugitive"
"When?'' cried the princess and Bev-
erly in one voice and with astonishing
eagerness, not unmixed with dismay.
ssThree days ago." was the reply.
"Oh," came in deep relief from Bev-
erly as she sank back into her chair.
The same fear had lodged in the hearts
of the two fair conspirators-that they
had freed Baldos only to have him fall
into the hands Of his deadliest foes.
81 have a message by courier from
my uncle in Axphain,' said Mizrox.
HE says that Frederic was killed near
Talbot by soldiers, after making gall
liant fight, on last Sunday night. The
Princess Volga is rejoicing and has
amply rewarded his slayers. Poor
Frederic! He knew but little happi-
ness in this life"
There was full minute of reflection
before any of his hearers expressed
the thought that had framed itself in
every mind.
sWell, since Dantan and Frederic are
accounted for, Baldos is absolutely
obliged to be Christobal," said Anguish
resignedly.
s'He's just Baldos," observed Beyer-
", shutting out the faint hope that had
fingered so long. Then she said to her
self: .And l don't care, either. ] only
wish he were back here again. I'd be
q good deal nicer to him."
Messengers few back and forth, car
rying orders from the castle to various
quarters. The ministers were called
to meet at IL o'clock. Underneath all
the hustle there was tremendous i'm
pulse of American cunning, energy and
resourcefulness. Every one caught the
fever. Reserved old diplomats were
overwhelmed by t cir own enthusiasm.
Custom bound soldiers forgot the be-
reditary caution and fell into the ways
OF the new leaders without murmur.
The city was wild with excitement, for
all believed that the war was upon
them. There was but one shadow
oyerhanging the glorious optimism Of
Graustark-the ugly, menacing attitude
of Axphain. Even the Duke of Mizrox
could give no assurance that his coun-
try would remain neutral.
Colonel Quinnox came to the castle
in haste and perturbation. 1t was he