Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-07-26

"EV1OLD the lantern higher. Bev"-
IHI In the fury Of the fight he
iii! remembered the risk and i'm
@ portance Of not mentioning
her name and stopped short. He wa.
fighting fast, but warily. for he real
lied that his present adversary wns nc
mean one. AS the swords played back
ard forth in fierce thrusts and parties
he spoke assuringly to Beverly: Don,
be frightened! AS soon as finish will
this fellow we will 20 on. All, Bravo
We'll parted, my man! How the deuce
could such n swordsman as you become
q cutthroat of Marlanx!"
Beverly had been standing still al
this time, holding the light high above
her head, according to her lovers or
0ers. for she knew now that such he
was and that she loved him with al
her heart She was weird picture
standing there rs she watched Baldos
fighting for their lives. her beautiful
face deathlika in its pallor Not Il cry
escaped her lips as the sword blades
swshcd and clnshed. She could hear
the deep breathing Of the combatants
in that torblike passage.
Suddenly she started and listened
keenly From behind her. back there in
the darkness, hurried footsteps were
Enthusiastically approac ching What she
had heard, then, wps not the scurrying
of rat. Some one was following them
A terrible anguish seized her Louder
and nearer came the heavy sters. ooh
Baldos." she screamed in terror. can
other is coming
Have no fear, dear one" he sung
out gayiy. His voice was infinitely
more cheerful thar lie felt. for lie real
lied only too well the desperate situa-
ton. He was penned IN ana forced to
meet an attack from 'front.' and rear.
He fell upon his assailant with redou-
bled fury, aiming to finish him before
the newcomer could give aid.
From out Of the gloom came a ficnd-
ish laugh. Instantly the dark figure Of
a man appeared, his face completely
hidden by Il broad SLOUGH hat and the
long cloak which enveloped him. A
sardonic voice Missed: trapped at last!
My lady and her lover thought to es-
cape, did they" The voice was unfa.
miliar. but the atmosphere seemed
| charged with MGrlanX. Kill him,
Fem" he shouted. Don't let hin. es-
cape you. l will take care of the little
witch, never fenr!' He ciutched at the
girl and tried to draw her to him.
"Marlanx! BY all the gods"' cried
baldoS In despair He had wounded lis
man several times, though not serious
~. He dared not turn to Beverly's aid
The scene was thrilling, grewsoine.
| Within this narrow, dimly lighted IN
foreground passage, with its musty
walls sweating with dampness and
thick with the tangled meshes of the
SPIDERS web, Il brave girl and her lover
struggled and fought back to back.
To her dismay, Beverly saw the point
of sword at her throat.
"Out of the way, girl" the man in
the cloak snarled, furious at her resist
ance. You die as wen as your lover
unless You surrender. He cannot es
cape me-"
And if l refuse" cried the girl, try
Ing desperately TO gain time.
y Will drive my blade through yorr
heart and tell the world it was the
deed Of your lover
Baldos groaneG His adversary, en-
couraged by tine change in the situa
ton, pressed him sorely.
Don't you dare TO touch me Count
Marlanx. know you" she Kissed. II
KNOW what yOu would do with me. 1t
Is not for Graustark that you seek his
| life"
The sword came nearer. The words
died in her throat. She grew faint
Terror paralyzed her Suddenly her
heart gave great thump of Joy. The
resourcefulness of the trapped was
surging to her relief. The valor of
the south leaped into life. The ex-
Lilaration of conflict beat down all her
fears. Take away that sword. then.
please" she cried her voice trembling.
but not with terror now. 1t was OK.
ultation. Twill you promise to spare
his life? VIII you swear to let him
so. If r.
mo, no; never! God forbidv' I'm
plored Baldos.
"IIa, ha" chuciled the man in the
cloak. "Spare his life. Oh, yes, after
my master has reveled in your charms
How do you like that, my handsome
goat hunter?"
You Internal scoundrel! I'll settle
you yet" Baldos fairly fumed with
rage. Gathering himself together for
final effort, he rushed madly on his
rapidly weakening antagonist.
"Baldos," she cried nopelessly and In
n tone Of resignation, Il must DO IT,.
1t IT, the only way!"
The man in the cloak As well as Bal
dos was deceived by ihe girls cry. he
Immediately lowered his sword. The
lantern dropped FROM Beverly's hands
and clattered 10 the 1oor. At the same
instant she drew from 1er pocket her
revolver, which she had placed here
before leaving the castle, md dred
point blank At him. The .aport round
ed like a thunderclap IN their ears. It
was followed quickly by sharp cry
and imprecation from the lips Of her
prosecutor, who fell. striking his head
with terrible force on the 3tones.