Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-07-13
GEORGE BARR
M'CUTCHEON.
Author Of "Gesustark"
ceprisht. 1904. ~ poA
hasd nd Gompany

and the noise of a limp body slipping
to the ground. and Baldos, victor at
last, turned in fear and trembling to
find Beverly standing unhurt staring
at the black mass at her feet.
'Thank God, you are safe! Grasping
her hand he led her out of the darkness
into the moonlight
Not word was spoken as they ran
swiftly on until they reached little
clump of trees not far from one Of the
gates. Here Baldos gently released her
hand. She was painting for breath, but
he realized she must not be allowed to
risk a moments delay. She must pass
the sentry at once.
"Have you the watchword?" he
eagerly asked.
"Watchword?" she repeated feebly.
Eyes, the countersign for the night.
Il is Ganlook. Keep your face well
covered with your hood Advance
boldly to the gates and give the word.
There will be no trouble. The guard is
used to pleasure seekers returning at
all hours of night"
els he dead?" she asked timorously.
returning to the scene of horror.
"Only wounded, think. as are the
other men, though they all deserve
DEATH"
He went with her as close to the gate
as he thought safe Taking her hand
he kissed it fervently. "Goodby! II
won't be for longw and disappeared.
She stood still and lifeless staring
after him, for ages. it seemed He was
gone. Gone forever. no doubt Her
eyes grew wilder and wilder With the
pity Of 1t all. Pride fed incontinently.
She longed to call him back. Then it
occurred to her that he was hurrying
OF to that other woman. No, he said
hs would return. She must be brave,
true to herself, whatever happened.
Che marched boldly up to the gate,
gave the countersign and passed
through. not needing the curious
glances cast upon her by the sentry.
turned into the castle, up the grand
staircase and fed to the princess bed.
chamber. Oars
Beverly, trembling and aobblng,
thfew herself in the arms of the prin-
cssa sIncoherently she related all that
had happened, then swooned.
After she had been restored, the
promise Of Yetive to protect her, what.
ever happened, comforted her some,
what,
ut must have been Marlanx." moan
ID Beverly.
"Who else could it have beenY" 10.
piled the princess, who was visibly ex.
cited.
summoning all her courage she went
on: First, we must find out If he Is
badly hurt. Wen trust to luck. Cheer
upV' She touched bell. There came
Q knock at the door, A guard was
told to enter. "Ellos," she exclaimed,
"did you hear shot fred short time
lgo?"
II thought I did. your highness, but
was not sure"
"Baldos, the guard, was escaping by
the secret passage" continued the prin-
cess, wonderful inspiration coming
to her rescue. HE passed through the
chapel. Miss Calhoun was there. Alone
and single handed she tried to prevent
him. 1t was her duty. He refused to
obey her command to stop. and she
followed him into the tunnel and fred
1t him. I'm afraid you are too late
to capture him, but YOU may-eh, Bev=
erly, how plucky you We're to follow
him! Go quickly, Ellos! Search the
tunnel and report at once" AS the
guard ,saluted with wonder. admiration
and unbelief he saw the two eonspir-
ators locked in each others arms.
Presently he returned and reported
that the guards could find no trace of
any one in the tunnel, but that they
found blood on the floor near the exit
and that the door was wide open.
The two girls looked at each other in
amazement. They We're dumfounded,
but great relief was glowing in their
eyes.
"Ellos." inquired the princess, con-
siderably less agitated, ''does any one
else know of this?"
mo, your highness; there was no one
W Sudiu Jul AAuA, DuiuoS anu NY :
self"
"Well, for the present no one else
must know Of his flight. Do you I'M
aerstand2 NOT a word to any one. I
myself will explain when the proper
time comes. You and Max have been
very careless. but ! suppose you should
not be punished. He has trleked us all.
Send Max to me ut once"
Eyes. your Aighness," said Ellos. and
be went away with his head SWIM
ming. Max, the other guard. received
like orders, and then the two young
| women sank Imply upon q divan.
sob, how clayer you are, Yetive,"
came from the American girl. But
1 what next?"
| Eve may expect to hear something
J disagreeable from Count MarlanS, my
I dear" murmured the perplexed but
confident princess, 'but think we
have the game in our own hands, as
you would say in America"
ITO pe continued.