The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-12-12

she started to say. but thought better
Of it.
A couple of lanterns flashed at the
window, almost binding her Aunt
Fanny groaned audibly, but the figure
of Baldos seemed to stiffen with de-
fance. Uniformed men peered into the
interior with more rudeness and Curl
osity than seemed respectful to a prin-
cess, to say the least. They saw a pref
ty. pleading face, with wide gray eyes
and parted lips. but they did not bow
! in humble submission, as Baldos had
expected. One of the men, evidently in
command, addressed Beverly in rough
, but polite tones. 1t was a question
that he asked, she knew, but she could
not answer him, for she could not un-
derstand him.
.What do you want?" she put in
English, with a creditable display Of
dignity.
"He does not speak English, your
highness," volunteered Baldos, in a
voice so we'll disguised that it startled
her. The officer was staring blankly at
her.
every officer in my army should
ana must learn to speak English" she
said, at her wits end. 81 decline to
/ be questioned by the fellow. Will you
talk to him in my stead?"
.T, your highness?" he cried in dis
may.
eyes. Tell him who we are and ask
where the hospital is,'' she murmured,
sinking back with the air Of queen,
| but with the inward feeling that all
was lost.
4But I don't speak your language
WELL" he protested.
'.You speak it beautifully" she said.
Baldos leaned forward painfully and
spoke to the officer in the Graustark
! tongue.
sDon't you know your princess" he
! demanded a trife harshly. The mans
eyes few wide open in an instant and
his jaw dropped.
/ "The-the princess?" be gasped.
.'Don't stare like that, sir. Direct us
to the main gate at once, or you will
have cause to regret your slowness." :"
! "But the princess was-is coming by
| the northern pass" mumbled the man.
'eThe guard has gone out to meet her
and''- Baidos cut him off shortly with
the information that the princess, as
! he could see, had come by the lower
pass and that she was eager to reach
resting place at once. The convinc-
Ing tone Of the speaker and the regal
Indifference Of the lady had full effect
upon the officer, who had never seen
| her highness. He fell back with a
deep obeisance and gave few beW1l-
dered commands to his men. The
coach moved off, attended by party
! Of foot soldiers, and Beverly breathed
hec first sigh Of relief.
seYou did 1t beautifully" she whis-
pered to Baldos, and he was consid-
erably puzzled by the ardor Of her
praise. "Where are we going now?"
! she asked.
Unto the city, your highness," he an
! swered. It was beginning to dawn
upon him that she was amazingly ig-
norant and inconsequential for one
who enjoyed the right to command
! these common soldiers. Her old rep-
| idation returned with this brief an
/, swer. Something told her that he was
beginning to mistrust her at last. Aft
er all, it meant everything to him and
so little to her.
When the coach halted before the
city gates she was In dire state Of
unhappiness. In the darkness she
/; could feel the reproachful eyes Of old
Aunt Fanny searching for her aban-
doned conscience.
"Ask If Baron Dangloss is In Can
!, look, and, If he is, command them to
take me to him Immediately" she
whispered to Baldos, sudden inspira-
ton seizing her. She would lay the
whole matter before the great chief Of
police and trust to fortune. Her hand
fell impulsively upon his and, to her
amazement, 1t was as cold as ice.
| .sWhat is the matter| che cried IN
alarm.
"You trusted me in the wilds. your
highness," he said tensely; u an trust
ing you now" Before she could reply
the officer in charge Of the Ganlook
gates appeared at the coach window.
There were lights on all sides. Her
heart sank like lead. 1t would be
miracle if she passed the gates IN
recognized.
81 must see Baron Dang!2s. ct once"
she cried in English, utterly disaaining
her instructions to Bal3os.
"The baron is engaged at present
and can see 10 one responded the
good looking young officer in broken
English.
where is he:" she demanded nerv-
ously.
"He is at the house Of Colonel Goaz
the commandant. What is your busi-
ness with him?'
"It is with him, and not with you,
sir" she said. imperiouS once more