Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1906-11-23

well. honey, yo'll be thinkin'
moughty serious bout breakfas' long
toahds lie en- o'clock. Dat lii tum-
my o. yournll be pow'ful mad cause
yo' didn'"-
very well. Aunt Fanny, you can
run along and have the woman put up
a breakfast for us. and Wen eat it on
the road. positively refuse to eat
another mouthful in that awful dining
room. I'll be down in ten minutes"
She was down in less. Sleep, no
matter how hard earned, had revived
her spirits materially. She pronounced
herself ready for anything. There was
a wholesome disdain for the rlgors of
the coming ride through the mountains
In the way she gave orders for the
start. The Russian officer met her
just outside the entrance to the inn.
He was less English than ever. but he
eventually gave her to understand that
ne had secured permission to escort
her as far as Ganlook. a town in
Graustark not more than fifteen miles
from Edelweiss and at least two DAYS
from Balak. Two competent Axphain-
ian guides had been retained, and the
party was quite ready to start. He
had been warned of the presence of
brigands in the wild mountainous
passes north of Ganlook. The Rus
slams could go no farther than Can
look because Of a royal edict from
Edelweiss forbdding the nearer ap-
proach of armed forces. At that town,
however, he was sure she easily could
obtain an escort of Graustarkian sol
diers.
AS the big coach crawled up the
mountain road and farther into the
oppressive solitudes Beverly Calhoun
drew from the difficult lieutenant con
siderable information concerning the
state of affairs in Graustark. She had
been eagerly awaiting the time when
something definite could be learned.
Before leaving ST. Petersburg early In
the week she was assured that state
or war did not exist The Princess
Yetive had been in Edelwelss for six
weeks. A formal demand was framed
room after her return from America re-
qulring Dawsbergen to surrender the
person Of Prince Gabriel to the author
tiles of Graustark. To this demand
there was no definite response, DAVIS
bergen insolently requesting time in
which to consider the proposition.
AXphaln Immediately sent an envoy
TO EdelweiSs to say that all friendly
relations between the two govern
ments would cease unless Graustark
took vigorous steps to recapture the
royal assassin. On one side of the
unhappy principally a strong, over
bearing princess was egging Graustark
on to fight, while on the other side an
equally aggressive people defied Ye-
tive to come and take the fugitive II
she could. The poor princess was be-
tween two ugly alternatives, and a
struggle seemed inevitable. At Balak
1t was learned that Axphaln had re-
Gently sent a final appeal to the gov
ernment of Graustark, and 1t was no
secret that something like threat ac.
tompanied the message.
Prince Gabriel was in complete con-
troll at Serros and was disposed to
laugh at the demands of his late cap
tors. His half brother, the dethroned
Prince Dantan. was still hiding in the
businesses OF the hills, protected by
small company of mobiles, and there
was no hope that he ever could regain
his crown. Gabriel's power over the
army was supreme. The general pub.
lie admired Dantan, but it was helpless
In the face of circumstances
But why should AXphain seek to
harass Graustark ut this timeY de-
manded Beverly Calhoun in perplex-
ity and wrath 81 should think the
brutes would try to help her"
There is an element of opposition
to the course the government is tax
ing" the officer informed her in his
own way, but it is greatly in the mi
nority. The AXphainians have hated
Graustark since the last war, and the
princess despises this American. 1t is
leads the opposition to Princess Nolga
and she is sure to have him beheaded
if the chance affords. He is friendly
to Graustark and has been against the
policy of his princess from the start"
I'D like to hug the Duke of Mizrox," +"
cried Beverly warmly. The officer did
not understand her, but Aunt Fanny
was scandalized
Good Lawd." she muttered to the
boxes and bags.
As the coach rolled deeper and deep
er into the rock shadowed wilderness
Beverly Calhoun felt an undenlable
sensation Of awe creeping over her.
The brave, impetuous girl had plunged
gayly into the project which now led
her into the deadliest of uncertainties
with but little thought of the conse-
quences.