Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1906-08-02

nm ana would not. without mo-
ment's hesitation he appealed for audi
ence with Che princess, and it was
granted.
He proceeded, with irate coolness, to
ask how far she believed herself bound
to protect the person of Baidos, the
guard. He understood that she was un-
der certain obligations to Miss Cal
houn, and he wanted to be perfectly
sure of his position before taking a
step which now seemed imperative.
Baldos was spy in the employ Of
Dawsbergen. He had sufficient proof
to warrant his arrest and execution;
there were documents and there was
positive knowledge that he had con-
ferred with strangers from time to
time, even within the walls of the cas-
| tie grounds. Marlanx cited instances
in which Baldos had been seen talking
to strange old man inside the grounds,
and professed to have proof that he
had gone so far as to steal away by
night to meet men beyond the city
walls. He was now ready to seize the
guard. but would not do so until he
had conferred with his sovereign.
"Miss Calhoun tells me that you have
made certain proposals to her, Count
Marlanx," said Yetive coldly, her eyes
upon his hawkish face
81 have asked her to be my wife,
your highness."
"You have threatened her. Count
Marlanx."
'She has exposed herseif to you? !
would not have told what saw last
night"
would it interest you TO know that
/ saw everything that passed c.; the
balcony last night? You will allow
me to say. general, that you have be-
hayed IN most outrageous manner in
approaching my guest with such fool
proposals. Stop, sir! She has told me
everything, and / believe her. ] be-
lieve my own eyes. There is no need
to discuss the matter further. You
have lost the right to be called man.
For the present have only to say that
you shall be relieved of the command
of my army The man who makes
war on women is not fit to serve one.
AS for Baldos, you are at liberty to
prefer the charges He shall have
fair trial, rest assured"
Your highness, hear me-" implored
Marlanx, white to the roots of his hair.
81 will hear what you have to say
when my husband is at my side"
81 can but stand condemned, then,
your highness, without hearing. My
yindication will come, however. With
your permission, retire to contrive
the arrest of this spy. You may depose
me, but you cannot ask me to neglect
my duty to Graustark. have tried to
save him for Miss Calhoun's sake
But her hand was pointing to the door.
Ten minutes later Beverly was hear
ing everything from the lips Of the
princess, and Marlanx was cursing his
way toward the barracks, vengeance
in his heart. But swift messenger
from the castle reached the guardroom
ahead Of him. Colonel Quinnox was
reading an official note from the prin-
cess when Marlanx strobe angrily into
the room.
Bring this fellow Baados to me,
Colonel Quinnox," he said, without
greeting.
81 regret to say that have but this
instant received a message from her
highness commanding me to send him
to the CASTLE" said Quinnox, with a
smile.
'erhe dewitt What foolishness is
this?' snarled the Iron Count.
''Have a care, sit" said Quinnox stiff
". ut is of the princess you speak"
"Bah! am here to order the mans
arrest. 1t is more important than
Nevertheless, sir, he goes to the cas-
tie first. This note says ! am to dis
regard any command you may give
until further notice"
Marlanx fell back amazed and stun
ned. At this juncture Baldos entered
the room. Quinnox handed him an en-
velope, telling him that it was from
the princess and that he was to repair
at once to the castle Baldos glanced
at the handwriting, and his face lit up
proudly. - '-.-...'-' -
81 am ready to go, sir" he said, pass
ing the Iron Count with most discon-
certing smile on his face.
CHAPTER XIII