The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1906-10-12

tion. He was penned in and forced to
meet an attack from front and rear
lie foil upon his assailant with re,iou
hled fury. aiming to finish him before
the newcomer could give cid.
From out Of the gloom came fiend-
ish laugh. Instantly the dark figure of
q man appeared. his face completely
hidden by a broad slouch hat and the
long cloak which envclopcd him. A
sardonic voice hissed: Trapped mt last
My lady and her lover thought to cs.
cape. did they" The voice was upfn.
miliar. but the atmosphere seemed
charged with Marlanx. Kill him.
Icm. he shouted Don't let him es-
cape you! l will take care of the little
! wltch, never fear" He clutchcd ut the
girl and tried to draw her to him.
MarlanX! BY all the gods" cried
Baldos In despair. He had wounded his
man several times. though not serious
~. lie dared not turn to Bcverly's aid.
inc scene wls thrilling, grcwsome.
Wlthh this narrow, dimly lighted un-
derGround passage, with its musty
walls sweating with dampness and
thick with the tangled mcshcs of the
Spidcrs web. brave girl and her lover
struggled and fought back to back.
10 her d'smay. Beverly saw the point
of sword at her throat.
"Out of the way. glrl-' the man in
the cloak snarled. furious ut her resist
ance You die as well as your lover
unless you surrender. He cannot es-
cape me-"
Ana II refuse!" cried the girl. try
ing desperately to gain time.
Will drive my blade through vo,r
hcart and tell the world it was the
deed of your lover"
bailoS groancd. His adversary, en-
couraged by the change i'm the situu
ton. pressed him sorcly.
Don't you dare to touch mo. Count
MarlanX. know your" she hsscd ~
KNOW what you would do with me. If
~ not Tor Graustark that you seek his
life"
Inc sword came nearer. The words
uied in her throat She grew faint
Terror paralyzcd her. Suddenly brr
heart gave great thump of joy. The
rcsourcefulncss Of the trapped was
surglhg to her relief. The valor of
inc south leaped into life. The ex
Lilaration Of conflict beat down all her
FEARS Take away that sword then.
please" she cried, her voice trembling
but not with terror now. 1t was OK.
ultation. will you promise to spare
his life? VIII you swear to let him
so. If r.
NO. no: never! God Forbid i'm
plored Baldos.
"Ha. ha" chucklcd the man in the
cloak. Spare his life. Oh. yes. after
my master has reveled in your charms.
How do you like that. my handsome
goat hunter?"
You Internal scoundrel! I'll settle
YOU yet" Baldos fairly fumcd with
rage. Gathering himself together for
final effort, he rushed madly on his
rapidly weakening antagonist.
"Baldos." she cried hopelessly and in
tone Of resignation. II must do It,.
1t is the only way"
The man In the cloak as we'll as Bal
dos was deceivoIi Inv tho GIRLS crv He
Immediately lowered his sword. The
lantern dropped from Beverly's hands
and clattered to the floor. At the same
instant she drew from her pocket her
revolver. which she had placed there
before leaving the castle. and fired
point blank at him. The report sound
cd like thundcrclap In their ears. 1t
was followed quickly by sharp cry
and imprccatiOn from the lips of her
prosecutor, who fell, striking his head
with Il terrible force on the stones.
simultaneously there was groan
and the noise Of a limp body slipping
to the ground, and Baldos. victor at
last. turned in fear and trembling to
md Beverly standing unhurt staring
at the black mass ut her feet.
"Thank God. you are safe!" Grasping
her hand he led her out of the darkness
into the moonlight.
Not Il 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 moments delay. She must pass
the sentry 1T once.
tCoNTINUEp.l
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