The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1906-12-26

times the princess was barred from
these simple pleasures by the exigen-
cies of her position. She was obliged
to grant audiences, observe certain Gus
toms of state, attend to the charities
that came directly under her supervi-
sion and confer with the MOBILES on at
fairs of weight and importance. Bev-
erly delighted in the throne room and
the underground passages. They sig
nified more to her than all the rest.
She was shown the room in which Lor-
~ had foiled the Viennese who once
tried to abduct Yetive. The dungeon
where Gabriel spent his first days OF
confinement, the tower IN which Lorry
had been held a prisoner and the mon
astery in the clouds were all places OF
unusual interest to her.
Some Of the people Of the city began
to recognize the fair American girl VINO
vas a guest in the castle, and certain
amount Of homage was paid to her.
When she rode or drove in the streets,
with her attendant soldiers, the people
bowed as deeply and as respectfully
as they did to the princess herself, and
Beverly was just as grand and gra-
cious as if she had been born with
scepter in her hand.
The soft moonlight nights charmed
her with sense Of rapture never
known before. With the castle bril-
l,antly Illuminated, the halls and draw
ing rooms filed with gay courtiers, the
harpists at their posts, the military
band playing in the parade ground, the
balconies and porches offering their
most inviting allurements, it is no Won
der that Beverly was entranced. war
had no terrors for her. If she thought
of it at all it was with the fear that 1t
might disturb the dream into which she
had fallen. True, there was little or
nothing to distress the most timid in
these first days. The controversy be-
tween the principalities was at stand
still although there was not an hour in
which preparations for the worst were
neglected. To Beverly Calhoun it
meant little when sentiment was laid
aside. To Yetive and her people this
probable war with Dawsbergen meant
everything.
Dangloss, going back and forth be-
tween Edelweiss and the frontier north
Of Ganlook, where the best Of the police
and secret service watched with the
sleepless eyes of the lynx. brought un-
settling news to the ministry. Axphain
troops were engaged in the annual
maneuvers just across the border IN
their own territory. Usually these
were held in the plains near the capl-
tai, and there was a sinister slgnlh-
canoe in the fact that this year they
were being carried on in the rough
southern extremity of the principality,
within days march Of the Graustark
line, fully two months earlier than
usual. The doughty baron reported
that foot, horse and artillery were en-
gagged in the drills, and that fully 5000
men were massed in the south OF AE-
pha;n. The fortifcations Of Gani9oa,
Labbot and other towns n northern
Graustark were strengthened with a.
most the same care as those N The
south, where conflict with Dawsbergen
might first be expected. General Mar
lanx and his staff rested neither day
nor night. The army Of Graustark
was ready. Underneath the castles
gay exterior there smoldered the fire OF
battle, the tremor Of defiance.
Late one afternoon Beverly Calhoun
and Mrs. Anguish drove up in state to
the Tower. wherein sat Dangloss and
his watchdogs. The scowl left his face
as far as nature would permit, and he
welcomed the ladies warmly.
.I came to ask about my friend, the
goat hunter" said Beverly, her cheeks
a trife roster than usual.
1He is far from an amiable person,
your ilighness,' said the officer. When
discussing Baldos he never failed tc
address Beverly as your highness."
"The fever is gone, and he is able to
walk without much pain, but he is as
restless as a witch. Following instruc-
tions, l have not questioned him con-
cerning his plans, but l fancy he is
eager to return to the hills
What did he say when you gave
him my message?" asked Beverly.
(Which one, your highness" asked
he. with tantalizing density.
'.Nhy. the suggestion that he should
come to Edelweiss for better treat
ment," retorted Beverly severely.
"He said he was extremely grateful
for your kind Offices, but he did not
deem it advisable to come to this city.
He requested me to thank you in his
behalf and to tell you that he viii
never fo!gey what you have dcue for
him
'.And ae refuses to come to Ede!!-
weiss?" irritably demanded Beverly.
Eyes, your highness. You see, he still
regards himself with disfavor, being
fugitive. 1t is hardly fair to blame him
for respecting the securit.' Of the
h;llc