The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-12-12
By
GEORGE BARR
M'CUTCtIE0N,
G6SW
s9
copmsht. 1904. hy DoM.
Maad md canoszs

, .gnorant men Of the hills. II She led
him into the city it was decidedly prob
able that she might be taking him to
his death. She could only petition, not
command. Once at Yetive'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
Gus fever. Beverly was in most un-
happy state of mind If she confessed
70 him that she was not the. princess
he would refuse to enter the gates Of
aanlook, and be perfectly justified in
doing so.
"But if I should fail?" she asked at
last, shiver rushing over her and
leaving her cold with dread.
ssYou are the only hope, your high
ness. You had better say farewell to
i Baldos and let him again seek the
friendly valley said he wearily. 1--WE
can go no farther. The soldiers must
be near, your highness. It means cap
ture if we go on. cannot expose my
friends to the dangers. Let me be put
down here and do you drive on to
safety. I shall fare much better than
you think, for I am young and strong
and.
"No. I'll risk it!' she cried. ''You
must go into the city. Tell them so,
and say thst I will protect you with my
own life and honor"
Fever made him submissive. Her
eyes gave him confidence. Her voice
aoothed his fears, If he possessed them.
Leaning from the window he called
his men together. Beverly looked on
In wonder as these strange men bade
farewell to their leader; Many Of them
were weeping, and most Of them kissed
a,s hand. There were broken SEN
tences, tear choked promises, anxious
inquiries. and the parting was over.
Where are they going? Beverly
whispered as they moved away in the
dusk.
'eBack into the mountains to starve,
poor fellows. God Be kind to them,
God be good to them" he half sobbed,
his chin dropping TO his breast. BE
was trembling like a leaf.
'Starvew she whispered. 'sHave they
no money!"
I'VE are penniless," came in mufded
tones from the stricken leader.
Beverly leaned from the window and
called to the departing ones. Ravone
and one other reluctantly approached.
Without word she opened a small
travelling bag and drew forth heavy
purse. This she pressed into the hand
of the student. It was flied with
Graastar.l gavyos, for which she had
exchanged American gold in Russia.
God be with your she fervently
cried He kissed her hand, and the
two stood aside to let the coach roll
on into the dasky shadows that sep
arated them from the gates Of Can
look, cd Franz still driving, the only
one of the company left to serve his
leader to the very end
'sI,ell. we have left them," muttered
Ba!Gos as though to himself. Il may
never see them again-never see them
again. And how true they have been"
'sI shall send for them the moment
I get to Ganlook, and III promise par
dons for them all. she cried rashly in
her compassion.
'eNo,'' he exclaimed fercelys you are
not to disturb them. Better that they
should starve."
Beverly was sufficiently subdued. AS
they drew nearer the city gates her
heart began to fail her. This mans
life was in her weak, incapable hands,
and the time was nearing when she
must stand between him and disaster.
'sWhere are these vaunted soldiers Of
yours?" he suddenly asked, infinite
irony in his voice.
''My soldiers" she said family.
"Isn't it rather unusual that in time
oe trouble and uncertainty we should
be able to approach within mile Of
one of your most important cities with
out even so much as seeing soldier
Of Graustark?
She felt that he was scomng, but it
mattered little to her.
'eIt is bit odd. isn't it" she agreed.
Worse than that, your highness.'
'sI shall speak to Dangloss about it. !"
she said serenely, and he looked UP III
new surprise Truly she was an ex-
traordinary princess.
Fully three-quarters Of an hour pass
ed before the coach was checked. Bev-
erly, looking from the windows, had
seen the lighted windows Of cottages
growing closer and closer together.
The barking Of roadside dogs was the
only sound that could be heard above
the rattle Of the wheels. 1t was too
dark inside the coach to see the face
Of :he man beside her. but something
told her t.. h was staring intently
into the ni>r..lt. ;,3!c-,t and anxious The
responsibility Of her position swooped
L.