Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-13

leader. take the first opportunity to escape
back to Sturatzberg as swiftly as you can,
and tell them what has happened In the
hills. Wherever there is man who loves
me. tell him the story, tell Countess Nav
robin, tell Captain Ellerey If he be In the
city. Give me but a score Of men to shout
my cause. and there are many here who
will gladly add their voices to such an ac-
clamation. Tell them that"
No shout. not a murmur. even. had fol-
lowed Maritza's challenge. Those who
hated her most were astonished into silence.
Vasiicis face grew shade more savage,
but he was quick to note that the princess
had not appealed altogether in vain. He
did not turn to those about him at once
and mock her pretensions. 1t was not the
moment to assert an authority which he
well knew some of those with him in the
hills resented. For a time he made no eff
fort to suppress the whisperings on all
Sides he had to determine on some coun-
ter-stroke. Suddenly he turned toward Ma
rita
Princess" he said, II love a courageous
foe. All here shall be your judges. not L.
II am content she answered.
At a sign from the chief, food and wine
were brought to her. while the brigands
gathered together and listened eagerly to
this counsel and to that. There were many
who. like Vasilici, had taken to the hills
merely to swoop down upon the defenseless
for pilage and for ransom. who cared moth
ing who might sit upon the throne
was certain resentment that latter
ly there had come change into
the councils. that the organiza-
ton was in danger Of growing into a po-
litical one. What rewards in the city could
compensate for the loss Of their freedom In
the hills? This faction was strong. but
hardly strong enough to make 1t possible
for Vasilici to break with his other follow
ers. The chief knew it was the time for
plausible arguments rather than domineer-
ing demands, and these he we'll knew how
to use. He listened to the counsel Of 9th
ers. and he advised. and gradually there
arose a large majority In the camp to
whose decision the minority bowed because
| their opinions were subtly provided for.
There a smile upon Vaslicrs face as
he stood forward to speak from which Ma
rita argued no good.
Princess. / am but the mouthpiece not
the Judge" he said. 1T is true that there
are many political refugees among us to
whom you appeal personally, even IL your
cause does not; but chiefly we are not po-
litical. We against all kings and the
laws which make men either rich or poor,
and we have set up in these hills kingdom
OF our own Of which l am at present the
head. We take our living where we find 1t.
Such leader as you would make should
draw men to your cause; but are they
drawn? Is there any real force in Sturatz-
berg to rise and fight at your bidding? We
doubt 1t. We are not patriotic enough to
throw our lives away upon a dream. Yet
| you may be right. and the time may come
when the golden cross Will send us to fight
| your battles; but that time is not yet. We
| want more certainty before we espouse so
desperate a venture. Those friends you
| have in the city yonder should, however,
be strong enough to insure your safety IL
their loyalty is as you say, and for them
the time has come to prove that loyalty
For u.s. we have to live. 1t has been de-
cided, therefore. to hold you to "a uson We
shall dispatch messengers to the troops
which lie In the plain. and for a price we
shall deliver you to them. I doubt not you
will receive as great courtesy from them as
| from us
Martha did not answer 'si- +
You are content, princess?" said Vas
| ilici. 10 49,
: II am disappointed she returned. Il
perceive that they were only the coward
who fed from Sturatzberg to these hills;
| the brave hearts remain in the city"
I'VE move tonight" said Vasilici, turning
to those about him. Let the messengers
start at once"
Remember. Anton: to Sturatzberg with
all the speed you may. Now leave me
alone" whispered Martha
To the good offices of the man who had
shown kindness to the princess, Anton
owed his ability to slip past the guards as