The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1906-10-05


PAGES behind the couple
"Your guard is priceless treasure
said the count grimly.
THAT'S what you said about the can.
dlestick." said she sweetly.
Size was disturbed by his threat tc
reprimand Baldos. For some time hel
mind had been struggling with what
the count had said about '.the lesson.
1t grew upon her that her friend had
been buIlied and Inundated, perhaps
in the presence of spectators. Resent.
ment fred her curiosity into action.
While the general was explaining one
of the new gun carriages to the count.
ess Beverly walked deliberately oyer to
where Baldos was standing. Haddan's
knowledge Of English was exceedingly
limited. and he could understand but
little Of the rapid conversation. Stand
ing squarely in front Of Baldos, she
questioned him IN low tones.
''What did he mean when he said he
had given you lessonT she demand
ed His eyes cleaned merrily.
HE meant to alarm your highness"
"Didn't he give you talking TOT"
HE coached me in ethics"
You are evading the question, sir.
Was he mean and nasty to you? Tell
me; want to know"
well, he said things that soldier
must endure. A civilian or an equal
might have run him through for II. your
highness.' A flush rose to his cheeks
and his lips quivered ever so slightly.
But Beverly saw and understood. Her
heart was In her eyes.
"That settles it, she said rigidly.
"You are not to report to him at .
tomorrow
"But he will have NE shot your
highness," said be. gladly
He will do nothing of the kind. You
are my guard" And her eyes were
cleaning dangerously. Then she re-
Joined the group. the members of
which had been watching her curious
ly. Count Marlanx." she said. with
enhancing dimples, will you report
to me at 0 tomorrow morning?7
have an appointment ne SAID
slowly but with understanding.
but you will break it. l am sure,
she asserted confidently. Il want to
give YOU lesson in-in lawn tennis"
Later on. when the victoria was well
away from the fort, Dagmar took her
companion to task for holding in pub
lie friendly discourse with member
Of the guard, whoever he might be-
ut is altogether contrary to custom
and"- But Beverly put her hand over
the critical lips and smiled like
guilty child
"Now, don't scold." she pleaded, and
the countess could go no further.
The following morning Count Mar
lanx reported at o'clock with much
better grace than he had suspected
himself capable Of exercising What
she taught him of tennis on the royal
courts in the presence Of an amused
audience was as nothing to what be
learned of strategy as it can be prac-
ticed by a whimsical girl. Almost be-
fore he knew it she had won exemp-
ton for Baldos, that being the stake
for the first set of singles. To his
credit, the count was game. He took
the wager, knowing that he In his
ignorance could not win from the
blithe young expert in petticoats. Then
he offered to wager the brass candle
stick against her bracelet. She consid
cred for moment and then In spirit
Of enthusiasm accepted the proposition.
After all, she coveted the candiestick.
Half an hour later an orderly was rid
ing to the fort with instructions to re
turn at once with Miss Calhoun's can
1t is on record that they
were '.love' sets, which goes to prove
that Beverly took no chances.
Count Marlanx. putting and perspir-
ing, his joints dismayed and his brain
confused, rode away at noon with
Baron Dangloss. Beverly, quite happy
In her complete victory. enjoyed a nap
Of profound sweetness and then was
ready for her walk with the princess.
They were strolling leisurely about the
beautiful grounds, safe in the shade OF
the trees from the heat Of the July sun.
when Baron Dangioss approached.
Your royal highness," he began,
with his fierce smile, may beg mo
ment's audienceY'
1T has to do with Baldos, I'll take
oath" said Beverly with conviction.
Yes, with your guard. Yesterday he
visited the fortress. He went in an Off
cial capacity. 1t is true, but he was
privileged to study the secrets Of our
defense with alarming freedom. 1t |
would not surprise me to fnd that this
stranger has learned everything there
Is to know about the fort" His listen
ers were silent. The smiles left their
faces. II am not saying that he would |
Detray u.s.
"No, nor protested Beverly.
but he is in. a position to give the |
most valuable information to an enc
ny. An officer has just Informed me |
hat Baldos missed not detail in re
gard to the armament or the location
# vital spots in the construction Of the
'OrtreSs"