Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-12
CHAPTER XXI.
In Vasilici's Stronghold.

L..
In vasilici's Stronghold.
Although Anton had declared to Ellerey
that there was certainty that the prin-
cess had failed, he did not believe in his
own optimism. True, death seemed certain
in the tower, but 1t had been kept at bay
until now almost miraculously, it seemed to
him. and faith in Captain Ellerey had
grown up in him. The princess resolution
to deliver herself to the brigands appeared
little short of madness to Anton; he even
considered whether he would not be acting
in her best interests by disclosing the plan
to Ellerey; and he felt traitor even when
he carried out her commands.
During his long hours Of watching on the
roof 1t had been comparatively easy to COM
muncate with the brigands on the plateau.
Having attracted their attention, he drop
ped a paper, wrapped round a piece of
stone, telling them who the youth really
was, that she was ready to go with them to
Vaslici, on condition that her companions
were allowed to leave the hills unmolested /;
that she had in her possession the token
which Vasiiici expected and was, moreover,
the bearer of a message which those who
were with her would not allow her to de-
liver. The brigands accepted the terms,
and although they broke faith and came
back to secure the two men in the tower II
possible, they made no attempt to injure the
princess when she climbed down the rope
after Anton and stood in the midst of them.
She was not wrong in thinking that she was
far too valuable a prisoner not to be taken
with all speed to NaSlici. AS the brigandS
surrounded her. Anton caught the rope,
and, with a quick, deXterous turn of his
arm, sent the end of it flying upward to the
roof.
You may trust u.s." said one man. trying
IN fha n1t nf
Il do; Martha answered.; ''but nothing
was said about the rope, and a small mat
ter may make a difference in such treaty
as ours.
AS they descended the zigzag path. Ma
rita fired three times into the air, causing
the men near her to start back.
They are sleeping" she said. nodding to-
ward the tower. That is to wake them,
and let them know of the treaty"
Il must ask you for that weapon" said
the leader. but in spite of himself he spoke
with a certain difference. 1T is danger
Gus plaything in your hands
1T is empty and of no further use to
me- she answered. with a smile. handing
him the revolver. Keep 1t, my friend. 1t
has my initials engraved on it. and may
serve you as boast some day when you
entertain your fellows with tales of Your
adventures
Having arranged which men should grad
ually fall out in twos and tlrees and pres
emily return to the pass, the brigands made
when Martha waved her handkerchief to
the two solitary figures standing on the
plateau. 1t would show that the princess
safe and alay any suspicious they
might have; they would probably not hurry
their departure, and Were likely to fall into
blle hands of the men returning to the pass.
Nor did they make any objection to Anton
walking beside the princess: there was so
evidently no idea of attempting to escape
How long march have We before reach
ing Vaslici?' Martha asked, turning to a
man who walked near her.
1--WE shall reach him tonight" was the
answer unless We make a long halt on
the way"
The man did not look at her he spoke
He had been specially told off to keep near
her and to listen should she talk secretly
with her fellow-prisoner; His companions
Immediately near struggled a little as they
marched, and presently he drew nearer to
Martha. and she noticed 1t.
Take no heed of me and do not look at
me- he said. Have you a hope of win
ing over Easilici?'
~ have a message for him."
"A doubtful protection" was the answer.
perhaps SO, but l have friends IN his
company
You we're ill-advised to make this jour-
ney; have warned you" And still keeping
his even pace, the man moved farther from
her side.
This whispered conversation set many
Thoughts surging through MaritZa's brain
not new thoughts exactly. for there were
contingencies she had not provided for
when she determined to place herself in
the hands of the brigands, but thoughts
which began to cut deeper. as it We're. into
a channel already made. This mans action
proved that he was not altogether indiffer-
ent to her. and it was hardly likely that he
was the only one among Easilicis follow
who might be ready TO speak a word
for her, perhaps even strike a blow for her.
could she stir them sufficiently. Brgand-
age was not the natural calling of many
who had hocked to Vaslici's standard, nor
Vasilici's leadership for long. Were they
not even now waiting for a message from
the queen. to whom in the future they
would look for favor?
At noon, when halt was called. this
same man saw that Martha had sufficient
her by another, saying that 1t was better
and that she would want all her strength.
He took notice of Anton, who, by the
princess instructions, spoke to no one I'M
less he were spoken to- She wanted to
draw as little attention to him as possible,
and sought by various means to show that
he was a servant only, and not very
highly valued She felt that his in
significance might render him trebly val
liable under certain conditions. So utterly
absorbed was she by her thoughts that the
length of the march did not greatly fatigue
her. She failed to recognize that the way
was often rough and difficult. and that the
pace of the whole band had slackened some
what as the day advanced.
1t was late in the afternoon when they
entered narrow defile between two precip-
itous mountain walls. which looked as
slice from the top to the bottom of the
mountain. Perhaps through many ages a
rapid narrow torrent had rushed here cut
ting slowly but surely deeper. There was