Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-06-26

Guy hours after the time set for his ar
rival. 1t was quite dark when the es-
cort sent by Colonel Quinnox 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
MaTianx 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 reJoiced exceedingly over the
acfss6 the robbers.
Mzrc1 announced to the princess
and her friends that he was not an
em1ssary from the Axphainian govern
ment Instead he was but little less
than fugitive from the wrath of
Volga and the crown adherents. Ear
lier in the week he had been summon
ed before Volga and informed that his
absence, for few months at least,
from the principality was desirable.
The privilege was allowed him of Sc
iecting 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,
but no objections were raised. This
friendship also gave him welcome in
Edelweiss. Mizrox plainly stated his
position to Yettve and the prime min
lister. He asked for protection, but de-
caned to reveal any Of the plans then
maturing in his home country. This
reluctance to become a traitor, even
though he was not in sympathy with
his 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-
temely bitter toward Graustark The
old time war spirit had not died down.
Axphain despised her progressive
neighbor.
Il may as well inform your highness
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. '4She insists that you are har-
boring and. even shielding the presend-
er to our thrs2e, sPriS Frederic 1t
is known that he is in Gfaustark, and,
moreover, it is asserted that he is in
direct touch with your government"
Yetive and her companions looked at
one another with glances of compre-
hension. He spoke in English now for
the benefit of Beverly Calhoun, an in
terested spectator, who felt her heart
leap suddenly and swiftly into violent
tnsurrection.
Nothing could be more ridiculous y
said Yetive after pause. eve do not
know Frederic, and we are not har.
boring him.
Il am only saying what is believed
to be true by Axphain, your highness
It is reported that he Joined you in the
mountains In June and since has held
position Of trust in your army"
would you know Prince Frederic If
you were to see him." quietly asked
Lorry.
II nave not seen him since he was q
very small boy and then but for mo
nent-on the day when he and his
mother were driven through the streets
IN their way to exile"
eve have a new man in the castle
guard, and there is q mystery attached
to him. Would you mind looking at
him and telling us If he is what Fred
eric might be in his manhood?" Lorry
put the question, and every one pres
est drew deep breath of interest.
Mizrox readily consented, and Bal
dos, intercepted on his rounds, was led
unsuspecting into an outer chamber.
The duke, accompanied by Lorry and
Baron Dangloss, entered the room
They were gone from the assemblage
but few minutes, returning with
smiles of uncertainty on their faces.
ut is impossible, your highness, fol
me to say whether or not it is Fred
eric" said the duke frankly. "He is
what I imagine the pretender might
be at his age, but it would be sheer
folly for me to speculate. I do moi
know the man."
Beverly squeezed the Countess Dag
mars arm convulsively.
"Hurrahv' she whispered in great re
lief. Dagmar looked at her in aston
ishment. She could not fathom the
whimsical American.
They have been keeping an inces
SAINT watch over the home of Frederic:
cousin. He is to marry her when the
time is propitlous," volunteered thu
young duke. "She is the most beau
tiful girl In Axphain, and the family
In one of the wealthiest. Her parent!
bitterly oppose the match. They were
to have been secretly married some
months ago, and there is rumor t.
the effect that they did succeed II
evading the vigilance Of her people"
"You mean that they may be mar
ried?" asked Yetive, casting quicl
glance at Beverly.
"It is not improbable, your highness
He is known to be daring young fel
low, and he has never failed in sieg'
4 against the heart of woman, Repor
has it that he is the most invincibl
Lothario that ever donned loves ar
NOR" Beverly was conscious Of fur
tive glances in her direction, and