Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1906-06-22
CHAPTER XIX.

l
old days of the stolen jam and sugar
bits had she known the feelings Of a
culprit caught red handed. The light
from the park lamps revealed merry,
accusing smile on the face Of Yetive.
but the faces of the men were serious.
Marlanx was the picture of suppressed
fury.
ut is the relief expedition. your high
ness" said Yetive warmly I'VE
thought you were lost in the wilds of
the Jungle"
She is much better protected than
we could have imagined" said the Iron
Count, maleyolently mild and polite.
| Cant I venture into the park with
out being sent for?' asked Beverly,
ready to fly into the proper rage. The
pink had left her cheeks white. 81 am
proud to observe, however, that the
relief expedition is composed Of the
most distinguished people in all Grau-
stark. Is there any significance to be
attached to the circumstance"
Cant we also go strolling in the
park, my dearT plaintively asked Ye-
tive.
ut depends upon where we stroll,
fancy" suggested Marlanx derislvely.
Beverly flashed fierce look at the
head of the army. "By the way. Barren
Dangloss, where is the Incompatible
Haddan2"
Baldos shot startled glance at the
two men and In an instant comprehen-
sion came to him. He knew the secret
of Haddan's constant companionship.
An expression of bitter scorn settled
upon his mouth. Dangloss mumbled a
reply, at which the Iron Count laughed
sarcastically.
II am returning to the CASTLE" said
Beverly colby. pray don't let me
interfere with your stroll Or is 1T
possible that you think it necessary to
deliver me safely to my nurse now that
you have found me?'
Don't be angry, dear" whispered
Yetive, coming close to her side. 81
will tell you all about it later on. 1t
was all due to Count MarlanX."
'It was all done to humiliate me-"
replied Beverly indignation surprising
confusion at last II hate all of you"
ooh, Beverly!" whispered the prln-
cess in distress.
"Well, perhaps you were led into
It," retracted Beverly, half Modified.
"Look at that old villain whispering
over there. No wonder his wives up
and died. They Just had to do 1t. l
hate all but you and Count Halfont
and Baron Dangloss," which left but
one condemned.
"And Baldos7" added Yetive, patting
her hand.
II wish you'd be sensible" cried Bev-
erly most ungraciously, and Yetive's
soft laugh irritated her. "How long
had you been listening to us2"
"Not. so much, as the tiniest part of
minute" said .Yetive, recalling an
other disastrous eavesdropping. II am
much wiser than when Baldos first
came to serve you. We were quite a
distance behind Count Marlanx. as
sure you"
'Then he heard something's" asked
Beverly anxiously.
"He has been in a detestable mood
ever since we rejoined him. Gould he
have heard anything disagreeablea"
'fNo; on the contrary, it was quite
agreeable"
All this time Baldos was standing at
attention a few PAGES off, model SOL
dier despite the angry shifting Of his
black eyes. He saw that they had been
caught In most unfortunate position.
No amount Of explaining could remove
the impression that had been forced
upon the witnesses, voluntary or in
voluntary, as the case might be. Bal
dos could do nothing to help her, while
she was compelled to face the suspi-
cions Of her best friends. At best it
could be considered nothing short of q
clandestdne meeting, the consequences
Of which she must suffer, not he. In
his heated brain he was beginning to
picture scandal with all the disgusting
details that grow out Of evil misrepre-
sentation.
Count Halfont separated himself
from the group Of three and advanced
to the sedan chair. Marlanx and Dan
gloss were arguing earnestly In low
tones.
"Shall we return, your highness?"
asked Halfont, addressing both with
one Of his rarest smiles. "If remem-
Der Alright, we were to dine en- famille
tonight, and it is well upon the hour.
Besides, Count Marianx is little dis
tressed by your observation-disclosures,
Miss Beverly, and fancy he is eager
to have 1t out with you"
my observation-disclosures? Wtat is it
that have forgotten7" asked Beverly,
puckering her brow.
'"That's the trouble, dear" said Ye-
tive. you forgot your promise to teach
him how to play that awful game call
ed poker. He has waited for you at the
castle since o'clock. 1t is now 8. Is
1t any wonder that he led the searching
party7 he has been on nettles for an
hour and half"
Goodness, I'll wager he's In tenn
PERI exclaimed Beverly, with no re-
morse, but some apprehension.
ut would be wisdom to apologize to
him." suggested Yetive, and her uncle
nodded earnestly.
Gall right. think I can get him into
good humor without half trying. Oh,
Count Marlanx! Come here, please.
You aren't angry with me, are you!
Wasn't 1t awful for me to run away
and leave you to play solitaire instead
Of poker? But, don't you know, was
SO wretchedly tired after the ride, and