Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1906-12-28
By
GEORGE BARR
M'CUTCHfON.
Author Of "Csasstark"
9e
Coswteht. 1894. " DoA.
Mest ~ Csupsny

beverly CdlnOuu sat very Btrdl8nt mo
silent beside the misguided BsIdos.
After all, 1t was not within her power
to protect him. She was not the prin.
cess, and she had absolutely no infiu-
ence In GanloOk. The authorities there
could not be deceived as had been these
ignorant men Of the hills. II she led
him into the city 1t was decidedly prob
able that she might be taking him to
bis death. She could only petition, moi
command. Once at Yetive's side she
was confident she could save the man
who had done so much for her, but
Ganlook was many miles from Edel-
weiss, and there was no assurance that
Intervention could be obtained In time.
On the other hand, II he went back to the
hills be was likely to die of the poison
GUS fever. Beverly was In a most un-
happy state Of mind. II she confessed
to him that she was not the princess
be would refuse to enter the gates Of
Ganlook, and be perfectly justified in
doing so.
But II l should faiiY' she asked at
last, a shiver rushing over her and
leaving her cold with dread.
you are the only hope, your high
ness. You had better say farewell to
Baldos and let him again seek the
friendly valley" said he weariIy. I'VE
can 60 no farther. The soldiers must
be near, your highness. 1t means cap
ture II we 60 on. cannot expose my
friends to the dangers. Let me be put
down here and do you drive on to
safety. shall fare much better than
you think, for ! am young and strong
and"-
mo! III risk itv she cried. you
must 60 into the city. Tell them So
and say that / will protect you with my
own life and honor" :.
Fever made him submissive. Her
eyes gave him confidence. Her voice
soothed his fears, II he possessed them.
Leaning frem the window he called
bis men together. Beverly locked on
in wonder as these strange men bade
farewell TO heir header. Many Of them
were weeping. and most Of them kissed
his hand. There were broken SEN
tences. tear ohoked promises, anxious
inquiries, and the parting was oNey.
Where are they soingr' Beverly
whispered as they moved away In the
dusk.
Back into the mountains to starve,
poor fellows. God be kind to them,
God be good to them" he half sobbed,
his chin dropping to his breast. He
was trembling like a leaf.
"Starve2" she whispered. Have they
no money!"
I'VE are penniless," came In mufiied
tones from the stricken leader.
Beverly leaned from the window and
called to the departing ones. Ravone
and one other reluctantly approached.
Without word she opened a small
travelling bag and drew forth heavy
purse. This she pressed into the hand
of the student 1t was filled with
Graustark gavvos. for which she had
exchanged American gold In Russia.
God he with your she fervently
cried. He kissed her hand, and the
two stood aside TO let the coach roll
on into the dusky shadows that sep
arated them from the gates of Gan
look. old Franz still driving, the only
one Of the company left to serve his
leader 10 the very end.
well, we have left them" muttered
Baldos as though TO himself 81 may
never see them agaln-never see them
again. And how true they have been"
81 shall send for them the moment
get TO Ganlook, and III promise par
dons for them nllw she cried rashly in
her compassion
NO" he exclaimed fiercely; you are
not to disturb them. Better that they
should starye."
Beverly was sufficiently subdued. As
they drew nearer the city gates her
heart began 10 fail her. This mans
life was In her weak. incapable hands.
and the time was nearing when she
must stand between him and disaster.
"Where are these vaunted soldiers OF
yours?" he suddenly asked. infinite
irony In his voice
"My soldlers2" she said family.
isn't II rather unusual that In time
OF trouble aud uncertainty we should
be able TO approach within mile Of
one OF your most important cities with
out even so much as seeing a soldier
OF Graustark
She felt that he was scotfing. but II
mattered little TO ltr.
ut is a bit odd. isn't it?" she agreed.
''Worse than that. your highness."
II shall speak TO Dangloss about It,"
she said serenely, and he looked up In
new surprise. Truly she was an ex-
traordlnary princess.
Fully three-quarters OF an hour pass
ed before the coach was checked. Bev-
erly, looking from the windows, had
seen the lighted windows of cottages
growing closer and closer together,
The barking of roadside dogs was the
only sound that could be heard above
the rattle of the wheels, II was too
dark inside the coach to see the fnce
OF the man beside her but something
told her that he was staring intently
into the night. alert and anxious, The