Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-07-12
Beverly of
! |GrduStdrk
By
GEORGE BARR
M'CUTCHEON.
Author Of "Csaussark"
Z \
CepWieh.. 1904. bS DOM.
Mead snd Compsay
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Author Of "Csaus'ark"



Frederic or the other one, don't you
know" argued Beverly, cllnching her
hands firmly.
"In that event he would be an hon
orable soldier, and we have nothing to
fear in him. Neither of them Is our
enemy. 1t is the possibility that he is
not one of them that makes his pres
ence here look dangerous"
II don't want to talk about him."
said Beverly, but she was disappoint-
ed when the princess obligingly
changed the subject.
Baldos was not surprised, scarcely
more than interested, when, a day or
two later, he was summoned to appear
before the board Of strategy. II any
one had told him, however, that on u
recent night Il pair of dreamy gray
eyes had tried to find his window In
the great black shadow he might have
Jumped in amazcment and delight.
For at that very hour he was looking
off toward the castle, and his thoughts
were Of the girl who drew back Into
the shadow of the pillar.
The Graustark ministry had received
news from the southern frontier. Mes
sengers came In with the alarming and
significant report that Dnwsbergen
was strengthening her Notifications in
the passes and moving war supplies
northward. 1t meant that Gabriel and
his people expected nght and were
preparing for IT. Count Halfont hasti-
ly called the ministers together, and
Lorry and the princess took part In
their deliberations. General Marlanx
represented the army, and 1t was lie
who finally asked to have Baldos
brought before the council.
The Iron Count plainly intimated that
the new guard was in position to
transmit valuable information to the
enemy. Colonel QuinnoX sent for him,
and Baldos was soon standing in the
presence Of Yetive and her advisers.
He looked about him with q singular
smile. The one whom he was supposed
to regard as the princess was not in
the council chamber I.orry opened the
examination at the request of Count
Halfont, the premier. Baldos quietly
answered the questions concerning his
present position, his age, his term OF
enlistment and his interpretations of
the obligations required of him.
ASK him who he really is" suggest.
ed the Iron Count sarcastically.
I'VE can expect but one answer to
that question:" said Lorry land that
Is the one which he chooses to give"
"My name Is Baldos-Paul Baldos,"
said the guard, but he said it in such a
way that no one could mistake his ap-
probation of the fact that he could give
one name as we'll as another and still
serve his own purposes.
THAT Is lie number one" observed
Marlanx loudly. Every eye was turned
upon Bnldos, but his face did not lose
its half mocking expression of seren
ity.
Proceed with the examination, Mr.
Lorry," said Count Halfont, interpret
ing a quick glance from Yetive.
Are you willing to answer any and
all questions we may ask in connection
with your observations since you be
came a member of the castle guard 2
asked Lorry.
Il am"
did you take especial care to study
the interior of the fortress when yor
were there several days ago?"
II did"
"Have you discussed your observa
tons with any one since that time;'
Il have"
with whom"
with her highness the princess,
said Baldos without a culver. There
was moments silence and furtivt
looks were cast in the direction of Ye
tive, whose face was study. Almos
instantaneously the entire body Of lis
teners understood that he referred t
Beverly Calhoun. Baldos felt that hi
had been summoned before the boart
at the instigation of his fair protect
ress.
And your Impressions have gone n,
farther?"
"They have not, sir. 1t was mos
confidential"
Gould you accurately reproduce tn
plans Of the fortress?'
II think SO. 1t would be very sim
ple."
Have you studied engineering"
YES"
"And you could scientifically enumel
ate tho defects In the construction O
the fort?"
1T would not be very difficult, SIR"
1T has come to our ours that 70,
consider the fortress weak In severa
particulars, Have you 40 statod a
any timer"
II told the princess that tho fortress
is deplorably weak. In fact. | thlnl
! mentioned that 1t could be taken wit
ease." He was not looking at Coun
Marlanx, but no knew that the oil,
mans eyes were flaming. Then Ii
proceeded to tell the bonrd how h
could overcome the fortress. alnborat
Ing on his remarks to Beverly. Tn
ministers listened In wonder to tn
words of this calm. Indifferent youn
man.
"Will you obllgc us by making ,
cough draft of the forts interior" ask
cd Lorry after solemn pause. Bal
dos took the paper aud In remarkabl!
quick time drew the exact lay Of tn
fortress, The sketch went the round
and apprshensive locke were exchans
Cd by the ministers.
| WYt Ia sCC,,rntN nv laval Nxcin I'm 4.