The Wenatchee daily world. [volume] (Wenatchee, Wash.) 1905-1971, 1906-07-03


CHAPTER THE relations be-
tween Graustark. a small and isolated
principality, and Axphain, 10 the north
and Dawsbeegen, to the south OF 1t,
have become strained. Prince Gabriel,
a half brother of the reigning prince
of Dawsbergen, imprisoned in Grau-
stark for the assassination of Prince
Lorenz, of AXphain. has escaped ana
seized the throne of Dawsbergen. Az
phain demands the immediate recap
ture of the escaped prince. Princess
Yetive, of kiraustark (the wife of an
American, one Grenfall I.orrv) who
has been sojourning in Washington,
upon the receipt of this news, leaves
for home. II-Beverlg Calhoun.
daughter of "A United States senator, is
an intimate friend of the princess.
She obtains the consent of her father
TO visit St Petersburg. III Attended
by guard of Cossacks, Beverly leaves
st. Petersburg for GrausIaEk. while
passing through Axphain the Cossacks
hear that the AXphainians believe
their charge TO be the Princess Ietive
and have laid plans to intercept the
coach. The terror inspired by this in
formation and the sound Of shooting
cause the Cossacks and even the coach
man to abandon her. IVA troop of
ragged. half starved men emerge from
the mountain shadows. The leader,
who speaks English well, tells Beverly
that they are goat hunters. These
men belieSe that she is the Princess
Yetive and offer to escort her to the
borders of Graustark. This leads Bev-
,erly TO pose as the princess and accept
the offer.
The coach rolled along fer half an
hour and then. stopped with Il sudden
jolt. An instant later the tall driver
appeared NJ abe window. his head I'M
covered 4 man hard by held a lam
tern.
Qua yandas ar deltanet, yos serent.
said the leader. showing his white
teeth in "A triumphant smile. His eX-
posed eye seemed to be glowing with
pleasure and excitement.
What" murmured Beverly hopeless
ly. A puzzled expression came into
his face; then I1s smile deepened and
his eye took on a knowing gleam.
.'Ah, | See" he said gayly. ~wOur
highness prefers not to speak the lam
guage of Graustark Is it necessary
for me TO repeat il English:'
Il really wish You would" said Bes-
.erly, catching her breath. Just 10 see
how it sounds. you know
your every wish shall he gr&tified.
beg TO inform yoaI that we have
reached the Inn of the Hawk and RAJ
ven This is where we dwelt last night.
Tomorrow we. TOO. abandon the place.
so our fortunes may run together for
some hours at least. There is but lit
tie t@ offer you in the Way of nourisli-
ment, and there is none of the com
forts Of a palace. Yet processes can
no more be choosers than beggars
when The fares in one pot. Come.
your highness, let NE conduct you TO
the guest chamber of the Ina of the
Hawk and Raven
Beverly took his hand and stepped to
the ground. looking about In wonder
and perpiezity.
II see no inn,' she murm,Ired appre
hensiveiy.
Look aloff. your highncss. That
great black canopy is the roof: we are
standing upon the floor. and the dark
shadows just beyond the circle OF light
are the walls OF the Hawk and Raven.
This is the largest tavern in all Grail
stark. Its dimensions are as wide az
the world itself"
You mean that there is no inn at
all!' the girl cried in dismay.
Alas. | must confess it. Aud yet
here Is shelter here. Come with me-
Let your servant follow" He took her
by the hand and led her away from
the coach. ragged lantern bearer
preceding Beverly's little right hand
was rigidiy clutchins the revolver in
her pocket 1t was a capaciOus pocket,
and the muzZie Of the weapon bored
deiantly into tlmid powder rag that
lay on the bottom. The little leather
purse from which it escaped had its
silver lips opened as if in d broad grin
of derision, reveling In the plight OF
the channels. The guides hand was at
once firm and gentle, his stride bold,
vet easy. His rakish hat, with its ag
gressive red feather, lowered full
head above Beveriy's Partisan violets.
"Have you no home at ali-no house
in which TO Sleep" Beverly asked.
81 live in a castle of air. said he.
waving his hand gracefully. Il sleep
in the house of my fathers"
you poor fellow" cried Beverly
pityincly. He laughed and absently
patted the hllt of his sword.
She heard the men behind them turn
ing the coach into the glen through
which they walked carefully. Her feet