Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-01
CHAPTER XIV.
The Token is Delivered.

ton saw Elferey drink the Wine anu thei
cast himself down mot far from Grigosie;
but 1t was too dim for him to see whether
all his companions were asleep. Some GER
tainly were for they snored, and others
were restless, for they shifted their posi-
lions at intervals and sighed heaviiy.
Where Elerey and Grigosie were there was
deep shadow, growing deeper as the hre
died down. One sleeper there was restless
for a little while. and then his breathing
proclaimed that his sleep was heavy once
Anton thought there was darker SHADOW
within the shadow, which moved quite 81
lently, but he did not speak; he only MS
tened very eagerly and raised hlmSeI on
his elbow little Presently Anton Slept
too. ,,,
F,l1erey awoke with a start. Some shock
in a dream seemed to wake him, ana as ne
raised himself his hand went to ms breast
|, as il constantly did on waking. Inc token
Law there safely. Then he leaned over to-
ward Grgosie and stretched out MS arm
The lads place was empty. he was s'ai
tied for a moment, as men may De Oh
awaking suddenly from a dream, put ne
quickly recovered himself, remembering
that the lad was sentry part OF the nlght.
He lay down again. being heavs-eyea, nu'
couId not Sleep The air was oppressive
and a dull pain was in his head as though
a steel band We're clasped tightly round
his forehead The dream was stu surglng
unpleasanty through his brain, ana al idsl
to the plateau.
The stars were still bright. but the cres--
cent moon had gone. At the edge OF the
plateau, resting upon his gun, stood tne
motionless figure of the sentry. Ellerey dld
not wish to startle him, SO coughed slightly
to let him know of his presence.
The boy did not turn.
"Grigosie."
as that you, captain? I was just coming
to call YOU Watch the mountain oppo-
site and tell me if my eyes are deceiving
me. There is nothing for The moment Out
wait and look steadily
stood out clearly against the sky, but below
was darkness. Grigosie pointed to that part
which lay rather below the level OIL the
plateau on which they were standing
'They must be good eyes to see anything
there. said Ellerey.
Wait" whispered the boy.
Even as he spoke there shone for mo-
ment a wisp of light like a freely in the
dari,ness and then another. moving little
below it. Several times this was repeated
in different places in the darkness, the
point of light cleaning for moment only
and then suddenly going out.
"They have followed us. captain, and by
morning will have climbed high enough to
command this position"
when did you first see the lights, Orig
osie?'
Not ten minutes ago."
Get to the gate at the top of the ZgZag
pass-auickly, 1 will call the Others
pc The sbeyesfaf,~ 70 his post at once. and in
a few moments the whole of the little com
pany was upon the plateau watching the
points of liglltr which came and went on
the mountain opposite. There was no more
sleep that night, only waiting for dawn;
and daylight crept slowly down Them
the mountains looked innocent enough. The
sunlight bursting suddenly over the eastern
ridges glinted upon no points of steel be-
traying hidden men in the hoiloWs OF the
hills Ellerey and Stefan stood together
lie fnr 81 ION a
smoke from campfire.
There's no army from SturatZberg yon-
der captain said the soldier. Whoever
climbed there last night showed lights only
us to see them, not knowing that we
are here"
1.-The brigands. perhaps said Ellerey.
"The same thought was in my mind,
Stefan answered,
Sharp eyeS watched from the plateau
during the early hours of the morning.
Weapons were looked to, and the horses
saddled ready for any emergency; but no
attempt was made to conceal their pres
enee there. Sharp eyes doubtless had also
watched their movements from the noun
tans opposite, for three men presently ap-
peared in the pass below. By what path
they came there the watchers on the pla-
teau could not tell. No sign of them had
they perceived until they suddenly stood in
full view.
ITO travel in such fashion th:se must be
signal to them. captain?'
YES Let them come up the path; we
will meet them at the top. Grigosie, you
stand on the rising ground there, and If
there be any sign of treachery see you re-
peat the craftsmanship you boast of.
The three men came up the ZigZag path
fearlessy. They did not pause when they
saw the soldiers waiting for them at the
ruined gateway, but came on until they
halted some five PAGES in front of them.
I'VE are sent to know your mission in
the hills" said one, stepping slightly in ad-
vance of his companions.
From whom do you Gomez" inquired Ell
lerey.
From a friend, if we make no mistake.
one whom you are sent to seek near the
Drekner pass. Are you from Queen Ell
ena?"
~ am the bearer of message to Va
SILICA"
You are welcome then. We will bring
YOU to him.
us he far from here?
The man turned and pointed up the pass:
An hours journey.
1--WE will come. The message l carry will
need prompt action, for across the plain
are troops watching the road to Sturatz-
berg"
There are more ways than one to the
capital and many men in those troops per-
chance who will welcome the sight of us"
Il do not doubt it, Ellerey answered.
SIS the way passable for horses? We shall
not want to return here
Yes, to the entrance of the chiefs rest
ing-place. How many are you?"
"Ten in all
your numbers guarantee a friendly mes
sage" was the smiling answer. We will
await you at the foot of the path
AS the men departed Grigosie lowered the
rifle which he had held ready for USE his
finger resting lightly on the trigger; but
he did not move from his post until Ellerey
called him.
Ready, lad we march at once"
you are satisfied with the embass y?"
quite In an hours time the first stage
of our mission will be accomplished"
And them"
1.-The result lies on the knees of the gods, ="
said Ellerey.
DO we all go?" asked the boy.
Yes"
And leave none to keep this REFUGEE"
What should we want with a refuge? We
have come too far for that If success does
not lie in the road before US, the only ref
uge we can hope for is in DEATH"
Il have a strange liking for life, captain,
inc