Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-07-20
CHAPTER XVII.


IID lief. They did not stop to COLI
~ slider why or how he had re-
turned to the castle grounds. 1t was
sufficient that he was actually there,
sound, well and apparently satisfied.
II dare say Count AIarlanx will with
draw his Infamous charge against our
guest" said Lorry, with deadly direct
ness. Marlanx was hopping his damp
forehead. His eyes were fastened up
on the figure of the guard, and there
was something like awe in their steely
depths 1t seemed to him that the su-
pernatural had been enlisted against
him.
He left the castle last night" he
muttered, half to himself.
"There seems to be no doubt Of
that" agreed Gaspon. the grand treas
urer. Colonel Quinnox reports his
strange disappearance" Clearly the
case was a puzzling one. Men looked at
one another in wonder and uneasiness.
II think understand the situation"
exclaimed Marlanx, suddenly trium-
plant. ut bears out all that have
said. Baldos left the castle last night,
as have sworn. but not for the pur-
pose Of escaping. He went forth to
carry information to our enemies. Cnn
any one doubt that he is spy? Has
he not returned to carry out his work ?
And now, gentlemen, ask you-would
he return unless he felt secure Of pro-
lection here?"
1t was facer. Yetive and Beverly
felt as though steel trap suddenly
had been closed down upon them. Lor-
~ and Anguish were undeniably dis
concerted. There was restless, unde-
cided movement among the ministers.
Colonel Quinnox, will you fetch Bal
dos to the veranda at once?' asked
Lorry, his quick American perception
telling him that immediate action was
necessary. at is cooler out there"
he gave Beverly look of inquiry.
She flushed painfully, guiltily, and he
was troubled in consequence.
"As a mere subject, 1 demand the
ARREST Of this man." Marlanx was say
ing excltedly. 1--WE must go to the
bottom Of this hellish plot to injure
Hraustark.
sMy dear COUNT said Anguish,
standing over him. "up to this time we
have been unable to discern any rea-
sons for or signs of the treachery you
preach about. don't believe we have
been betrayed at all"
"But have absolute proof, SIR"
grated the count.
I'D advise you to produce it. We
must have something to work on. you
know"
What right have you to give advice,
sir? You are not one of US. You are
a meddler-an impertinent alien. Your
heart is not with Graustark, as mine
10. How long must we endure the In
science Of these Americans?"
| The count was fuming with anger.
As might have been expected, the easy
going Yankees laughed unreservedly
at his taunt. The princess was pale
with Indignation.
| "Count Marlanx, you will confine
your remarks to the man whom you
4 have charged with treachery," she said
"You have asked for his arrest, and
you are to be his accuser. At the prop
er time you will produce the proof.
1 warn you now that If you do not sus.
tain these charges the displeasure of
| the crown will fall heavily upon you"
i II only ask your highness to order
his arrest" he said, controlling HIM
self. "He is of the castle guard and
can be seized only on your command
"Baldos is at the castle steps. your
highness," said Colonel Quinnox from
the doorway. The entire party left
the council chamber and passed out to
the great stone porch. 1t must be con
| fessed that the princess leaned rather
heavily upon Lorry's arm. She and
Beverly trembled with anxiety US they
stood face to face with the tall guard
who had come back to them so mys
teriously.
Baldos stood at the foot of the stone
steps, guard on each side of him
One Of these was the shamefaced
Haddan, Dangloss' Waterman, whose
vigil had been q failure. The gaze Of
the suspected guard purposely avoid
ed that Of Beverly Calhoun. He knew
that the slightest communication be
tween them would be misunderstood
and magnif1ed by the witnesses.
"Baldos," said Lorry from the tor
step, ut has come to our ears thai
you left the castle surreptltiously las
night. Is 1t true that you were aided
by Miss Calhoun?" Baldos looked
thankful for this eminently leading
question. In fash it gave him thu
key to the situation. Secretly he wal
wondering what emotions possessed
the slender accomplice who had sale
goodby to him not SO many hours be
fore at the castle gate. He knew tina
she was amazed, puzzled by his sud
den return. He wondered If she were
glad. His quick wits saw that ,
crisis had arrived. The air was full
Of 1t. The dread of this very momen
was the thing which had drawn hin
into the castle grounds at early dawn
He had watched for his chance to Gid,
In unobserved and had snatched few
hours sleep In the shelter of the shrub
berry near the park wall.
ut is not true" he said clearly II
answer to Lorry's question. Both Bev
erly and Marlanx started rs the sharl
falsehood fell from his lips. "Wh,
made such an accusationP" he demand
ed.
"Count Marlanx Is our informant"
"Then Count Marlanx les" cam,
coolly from the guard. a snarl of fur.
burst from the throat Of the depose,