Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1906-06-21

N''b' N'' "" 't ''' "
get you a doctor; that's all"
Evidently his friends We're OF the
same opinion, for after a long harangue
in which he was obdurate to the last
they left the carriage, and he sank
back with n groan Of detection.
What is it?' she a%nxiously demand
ed.
"rhey also insist that I shall go to n
surgeon" he said hopelessly. His eyes
We're moist, and he could not meet her
gaze. She was full of exultation.
They have advised me to put myself
under your protection, shameless as
that may seem to a man. You and you
alone have the power to protect me If
l pass beyond the walls of Ganlook."
~ she cried, all a-futter.
81 could not thrust my head into the
jaws of death unless the princess Of
Graustark were there to stay their
fury. Your royal hand alone can turn
aside the inevitable. Alas, ! am help
less and know not what to do
Beverly Calhoun sat very straight and
silent beside the misguided Raldos.
After all, it was not within her power
to protect him. She was not the prin-
cess, and she had absolutely no inhu-
ence In GanlOok. The authorities there
could not be deceived as had been these
ignorant men of the hills. If she led
him into the city it was decidedly prob
able that she might he taking him to
his death. She could only petition, not
command. Once at Yctlve'S side she
was confident she could save the man
who had done SO much for her, but
Ganlook was many miles from Edel-
weiss, and there was no assurance that
intervention could be obtained in time.
On the other hand, If he went back to the
hills he was likely to die Of the poison
II fever. Beverly was in IL most un-
happy state Of mind. If she confessed
10 him that she was not the princess
he would refuse TO enter the gates Of
Ganlook, and be perfectly justified in
doing so.
But if l should fail?" she asked at
last, a SILVER rushing ovcr her and
leaving her cold with dread.
You are the only hope, your high.
ness. You had better say farewell to
Baldos and let him again seek the
friendly valley" said he YEARLY. 1--WE
can go no farther. The soldiers must
be near, your highness, 1t mems can.
ture If we go on. | cannot EXPOSE NV
friends to the dangers. Let me be nut
down here and do you drive on TO
safety. ! shall fare much better than
you think, for l am young and strong
and
NO! I'll risk it.' she cried. "You
must go into the city. Tell them so,
and ray that will protect you with my
own life and honor"
Fever made him submissive. Her
eyes gave him confidence. Her voice
so0thed his fears, if he possessed them,
Leaning from the window he called
bis men together. Beverly looked on
IN wonder as these strange men babe
farewell to their leader. Many of them
were weeping. and most of them kissed
his hand. There We're broken sen.
fences. tear choked promises, anxious
Inquiries, and the parting was over.
"Where are they going?" Beverly
whispered as they moved away in the
dusk.
Back into the mountains to starve,
poor fellows. God be kind to them,
God he good to them" he half sobbed,
his chin dropping to his breast. lie
was trembling like a leaf.
"Starve" she whispered. "TIave they
no money!"
1--WE are pennilcs1H came In muAled
tones from the stteken leader