The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-01-16
By
GEORGE BARR
M'QTCHEON,
Ausher of ~G....s.ars-


close Of the u.aer trying luncheon she
was almost unable to control the I'M
pulse to rush out and compel MIN TO
relax that imposing, machine-l1ke
stride. She hungered for few min
utes Of the old time freedom with him.
The Iron Count was showing her
some rare antique bronzes he had col
lected in the south. The luncheon was
over. and the countess had stroiled OF
toward the bastions with the young
officers, leaving Beverly alone with the
host. Servants came in TO clear the
tables. but the. count harshly ordered
them to wait until the guests had de-
parted.
"It is the dearest thing have seer" !"
said Beverly. holding rare old candle
stick at arms length and looking at it
in as many ways as the wrist could
turn. Her loose sleeves ended just be-
low the elbows. The counts eyes fol-
lowed the graceful curves Of her white
forearm with an eagerness that was
annoying.
81 prize it more dearly than any
other piece in. my collection he said.
.It came from Rome. It has history
which shall try to tell you some day
and which makes it almost Invaluable.
A German nobleman offered me a
small fortune If would part with it."
'sAnd you wouldn't sell it,"
81 was saving il for an occasion.
your highness,'' he said, his steely eyes
glittering. .sThe glad hour has come
when I can part with it for a recon-
pense far greater than the baron's
gold"
"Oh, isn't it lucky you kept it." she
cried. Then she turned her eyes away
quickly, for his gaze seemed greedily
endearoring to pierce through the lace
insertion covering her neck and shoul-
ders. Outside the window the steady
tramp Of the tall guard went on mo-
notonously.
'The recompense Of a sweet smile, q
tender blush and the unguarded
thanks Of a pretty woman. The can
dlestick is yours, Miss Calhoun-if you
Will repay me for my sacrifice by ac-
cepting itfwithout reservation"
Slowly Beverly Calhoun set the can
dlesdck down upon the table, her eyes
meeting his with steady. disda.n-
.What rare old jester you are,
Count Marlanx," she said without
smile. .If l thought you were in ear
rest I. should scream with laughter.
May suggest that we join the count
ess? We must hurry along, you know.
She and have promised to play tennis
with the princess at 3 o'clock" The
coant's glare Of disappointment lasted
but moment. The. diplomacy Of ego
tism came to his relief, and he held
beck the gift for another day. but not
for another woman.
sTt grieves me to- have you hurry
away. Ny afternoon is to be dull
one. unless you permit me to watch the
tennis game.'' he said,
II thought you were interested only
in the game of war;" she said point.
edly.
81 stand in greater awe OF tennis
ball than do Of cannon ball, II 1t Is
Sent by such an arm as yours, and
he not only laid his eyes, but his hand,
upon her bare arm. She started rs il
something had stung her, and a cold
shiver raced over her warm flesh His
ewes for the moment held her spell
bound. He was drawing the hand to
his lips when a shadow darkened the
French window, and a saber ratified
warningly.
Count Marlanx looked up instantly,
a scowl on his face. Baldos stood st
the window in an attitude Of alert at
tention. Beverly drew her arm away
spas1nodically and took step toward
the window. The guard saw by her
ewes that she was frightened; but, II
his heart beat violently, his face was
the picture Of military stoniness.
':What are you doing there" snaried
the count
did your highness call:' asked Bal
dos coolly.
"She did not call, fellow" said the
count, with deadly menace in his voice.
Report to me in half an hour. You
still have something to learn, I see."
Beverly was alarmed by the threat In
his tones. She saw what was in store
for Baldos, for she knew quite as well
as Marlanx that the guard had delib-
erately intervened in her behalf.
"He cannot come in half an hour"
she cried quickly. II have something
for him to do, Count Marlanx. Besides,
I think / did CALL" Both men stared
at her.
.My ears are excellent" said Mar
| lanx stifHy.
81 fancy Ealdos' must be even better,
for he heard me-" said Beverly. herself
once more. Tie shadow Of smile
! crossed the face Of the guard.
! "He is ir!pertinent, insolent. your
tighness. You will report to me tomor-
! .orr cir OF @ O'clock in Colonel OlIin-