Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1907-01-18
Beverly of
GrduStdrk

While the general was explaining 0nt
OF the new gun carriages TO the count
ess Beverly walked deliberately over tc
where Baldos was standing Hadden''
knowledge Of English was exceedingly
limited, and he could understand but
little OF the rapid conversation. Stand
ing squarely in front Of Baldos, she
questioned him in low tones.
what did he mean when he said he
had given you a lessonr she demand
ed. His eyes CLEANED merrily.
"He meant TO alarm your hlghness."
Didn't he give you talking tor
"He coached me in ethics"
"You are evadlng the question. sir.
Was he mean and nasty TO your Tell
me; want to know"
"Well he said things that a soldier
must endure. A civilian or an equal
might have run him through for it, your
hlghness" A flush rose TO his cheeks.
and his lips qulyered ever so slightly.
But Beverly saw and understood. Her
heart was in her eyes.
THAT settles IT," she said rlgidly
"You are not to report 10 him at o
tomorrow"
"But he will have me shot. your
hlghness," said he gladly
"He will do nothing OF the kind. You
are my guard" And her eyes were
cleaning dangerously. Then she re
Joined the group. the members OF
which had been watching her curious
iy Count Marlanx," she said. with
enhancing dimples, will you report
60 me at tomorrow mornIngT
IL have an appointment" he said
slowly. but with understanding.
But you will break 1t. am sure"
she asserted confidently. II want to
give you lesson ln-ln lawn tennis"
Later on, when the victoria was well
away from the fort. Dagmar took her
companion to task for holding in pub
lie friendly discourse with member
OF the guard, whoever he might be.
ut is altogether contrary to custom
and But Beverly put her hand over
the critical lips and smiled like
guilty child.
Now. don't scold." she pleaded. and
the countess could go no further.
The following morning Count Mar.
ianx reported at o o'clock with much
better grace than he had suspected
himself capable OF exercising What
she taught him OF tennis on the royal
courts In the presence OF an amused
audience was as nothing TO what he
learned OF strategy as II can be prac-
ticed by whimsical girl Almost be-
fore he knew II she had won e1emp.
tion for Baldos. that being the stake
for the first set OF singles. To his
credit. the count was game. He took
the wager. knowing that he In his
ignorance could not win from the
bllthe young expert In petticoats. Then
he offered TO wager the brass candle
stick against her bracelet She consid-
cred for n moment and then In spirit
of enthusiasm accepted the proposition
After all. she coveted the cnndlestick.
Half an hour later an orderly was rid
ing 80 the fort with instructions to re-
turn Ht once with Miss Calhous can
dlcstick, II Is on record that they
were love sets. which goes to prove
that Beverly took mo- chances.
Count MarInuN. putting and porspir.
ing, his joints dismuycd and his brain
rode away at noon with
Baron nangloss Beverly, quite happy
In her complete victory. enjoyed nap
OF profound sweetness aud then was
ready for her walk with the princess
They were strolng lelsurely about the
beautiful grounds. safe In the shade OF
the trees from the heat OF the July sun.
when Baron paugloss approached.
Your royal highness," he began. |
with his fierce smile. may | beg mo
ment's audience"
1T has TO do with Ealdos ru take /
oath.' said Beverly with conviction.
Yes, with your guard Yesterday he .
visited the fortress He went 100 uu OH. p.
cial capacity. il is true but hc was
privileged 10 study the secrets OF oul
defense with alarming freedom It'
would mot surprise me To Hud tnlt this /
stranger has learned everything tlrrp
Is to know about the fort" His listen
pr> were silent Tho .U,U,. I.ft ,I...r .