The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-03-06

cutthroat Of Marlanx?'
Beverly had been standing Still al
this time, holding the light high above
her head, according to her lovers Or
ders, for she knew now that such he
was and that she loved him with all
her heart. She was weird picture
standing there as she watched Baidos
fighting for their lives, her beautiful
face deathlike in its pallor Not a cry
escaped her lips as the sword olades
swished and clashed. She could hear
the deep breathing Of the combat
in that tomb-like passage.
Suddenly she started and rs .ened
keenly. From behind Ger, back the il
the darkness. hurried footsteps were
unnistakably approaching. What she
had heard ethen, was not the scurrying
Of rat, Some one was following them.
A terrible anguish seized her. Louder
end nearer came the heavy steps. "Oh,
Baidosw she screamed in terror. can
other is comingw
"Have no fear, dear onev' he sung
out gayly. His voice was infinitely
more cheerful than he felt, for he real
lied only too well the desperate situa-
ton. He was penned in and forced to
meet an attack from front and rear.
He fell upon his assailant with redou-
bled fury, aiming to finish him before
the newcomer couil give aid.
From out Of the gloom came fend-
ish laugh. Instantly the dark figure Of
man appeared, his face completely
hidden by broad slouch hat and the
long cloak which enveloped him. A
sardonic voice hissed: Trapped at last!
Ny lady and her lover thought to es-
cape, did theyr' The voice was unfa-
miliar, but the atmosphere seemed
charged with Marlanx. "Kill him,
Zemr' he shouted. Don't let him es-
cape you! I will take care Of the little
witch, never fear!r' He clutcbed at the
girl and tried to draw her to him.
'tMarlanx! By all the godsp' cried
Baldos in despair. he had wounded his
man several times, though not serious
ly. He dared not turn to Beverly's aid.
The scene was thrilling, grewsome.
Within this narrow, dimly lighted un-
derground passage, with its musty
walls sweating with dampness and
thick with the tangled meshes Of the
spiders web, brave girl and her lover
struggled and fought back to back.
To her dismay, Beverly saw the point
Of sword at her throat.
"Out Of the way, girlr' the man in
the cloak snarled, furious at her resist
ance. you die as well as your lover
unless you surrender. He cannot es-
cape me-"
"And If refusem cried the girl try
ing desperately to gain time.
II Will drive my blade through your
heart and tell the world It was the
deed Of your lover"
Baldos groaned. BIS adversary, en-
comaged by the change in the situa-
ton, pressed him sorey.
Don't you dare to touch me, Count
Marlanx. know your she Kissed. II
know what you would do with me. It
Is not for Graustark that you seek his
life"
The sword came nearer The words
died in her throat She grew faint.
Terror paralyzed her. Suddenly her
heart gave a great thump OF JOY. The
resourcefulness Of the trapped was
surging to her relief. The valor Of
the south leaped into life. The ex-
hilaration Of conflict beat down all her
fears. 'Take away that sword, then,
pleasew she cried, her voice trembling,
but not with terror. now. It was ex-
ultadon. 'eWiil you promise to spare
his life? Will you swear tc let him
so, if p
"No, no; never! God forbidr' i'm
plored Baldos.
"Ha, har' chuckled the man in the
cloak. "Spare his life! Oh, yes, after
my master has reveled in your charms.
How dc you like that my handsome
goat hunter?''
"You internal scoundrel! I'll settle
you yetw Baldos fairly fumed with
rage. Gathering himself together for
a final effort, he rushed madly on his
rapidly weakening antagonist.
"Baldos," she cried hopelessly and in
a tone Of resignation, II must do it,!
It is the only way!"
The MAJ in the cloak as well as Bal
dos was deceived by the girls cry. He
Immediately lowered his sword. The
lantern dropped from Beverly's hands
and clattered to the floor. At the same
instant she drew from her pocket her
revolver, which she had placed there
before leaving the castle, and fired
point blank at him. The report sound
ed like a thunderclap In their ears. 1t
was followed quickly by sharp cry
and imprecation from the lips Of her
prosecutor, who fell, striking his head
with @ terrible force On the stones.
simultaneously there was a groan
and the noise Of q limp body slipping
to the ground, and Baldos, victor at
last, turned in fear and trembling to