The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-02-13


into her hair and struck an attitude
that would have set Baldos wild with
joy if he could have seen it. The next
day, when she appeared in the park, tee
feather stood up defantly from the
band Of her sailor hat, though woman
" perverseness impelled her to ignore
Baldos when he passed her on his way
to mess.
The Duke Of N1izrox came into the
city hours after the time set for his ar
rival. It was quite dark When the es-
cort sent by Colonel Quinnox drew up
at the castle gates with the visitor.
The duke and his party had been rob
bed by brigands in the broad daylight
and at a point not more than five miles
from Edeiweiss! And thus the mystery
Of the signal fires was explained. Count
Marlanx did not soon forget the trlum-
phant look he received from Beverly
Calhoun when the dukes misfortunes
were announced. Shameless as it may
seem, she rejoiced exceedingly over the
acts Of the robbers.
Mizrox announced to the princess
and her friends that he was not an
emissary from the Axphainian govern
ment. Instead he was but little less
than a fugitive from the wrath OF
Yolga and the crown adherents. Ear
lier in the week he had been summon
ed before Volga and informed that his
absence, for few months at least.
frocl iile principahty was desirable.
The privilege was allowed him Of Sc
l4ctinc the country which he desired 10
visit daring that period, and ae coohy
chose Grars1arE Ge was kpowD to
have friendly feelines Ioc that state
but no objections were raised. This
friendship also gave him a welcome IN
Edelweiss. Aizrox plainly stated his
position to Yetive and tie prime min
lister. He asked for protection, bit de-
clined to reveal any Of the plans then
maturing in his home country. This
reluctance to become a traitor, ever
though he was not in sympathy with
his sovereign, was respected by the
princess. He announced his willing
ness to take up arms against DAVIS
bergen, but would in no way antago-
nize Axphain from an enemy's camp.
The duke admitted that the feeling
in Axphain's upper circles was ex-
tremely bitter toward Graustark. The
old time war spirit had not died down,
Axphain despised her progressive
neighbor.
II may as well inform your highnesS
that the regent holds another and a
deeper grudge against Graustark,' he
said in the audience chamber, where
were assembled many Of the mobiles Of
the state, late on the night Of his ar.
rival. "She insists that you are har-
boring and even shielding the pretend
er to our throne, Prince Frederic. It
is known that he is in Graustark, and,
moreover, it is asserted that he is IN
direct touch with your government"
Yetive and her companions looked ct
one another with glances Of compre-
hensien. He spoke in English now fo1
the benefit Of Beverly Calhoun, an ic-
terested spectator, who felt her heart
leap suddenly and swiftly into violens
insurrection.
Nothing could be more ridiculous, :"
said Yetive after a pause. eve do nat
know Frederic and we are not has
boring him."
81 am only saying what is belieTed
to be true by Axphain, your highness-
1t is reported that he joined you in the
mountains in June and since has held
u position of trust In your army"
''Would you know Prince Frederic II
Won were to see him?" quietly asked
Lorry.
.T have not seen him since be was e.
very small boy and then but for mo-
mcnt-on the day when be and his
mother were driven through the streets
on their way to exile"
eve have new man in the castle
guard. and there IS a mystery attscaed
to him. Would you mind looking at
him and telling US if he is what ire'i-
eric might be in his maahool::' Lorry
put the question, and every one pres
est drew a deep breath OF interest.
Mizrox readily consented, and Bal
dos, intercepted on his rounds. was LED
unsuspecting into an outer chamber.
The duke, accompanied by Lorry and
Baron Dangloss, entered the room.
They were gone from the assemblage
but a few minutes. returning WIN
smiles of uncertainty on their faces.
ut is impossible, your hignness, lor
me to say whether or not it is Fred
eric" said the duke frankly. tie IS
what I imagine the pretender mlsht
be at his age, but it would be sheer
folly for me to speculate. 90 not
know the man.