The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-01-02


barracks. Haddan coached him in the
way he was to approach the princess,
Baldos listening with exaggerated in
tentnsss and with deep regard for de
tail.
Beverly was in the small audience
room off the main reception hall when
he was ushered into her presence. The
servants and ladies' in waiting disap-
peared at signal from her. She arose
to greet him, and he knelt to kiss her
hand. For 3 moment her tongue was
bound. The keen eyes Of the new
guard had looked into hers with di-
rectness that seemed to penetrate her
brain. That this scene was to be one
of the most interesting in the little
comedy was proved by the fact that
two eager young women were hidden
behind a heavy curtain in corner OF
the room. The Princess Yetive and
the Countess Dagmar were there to en-
10Y Beverlys first hour of authority,
and she was aware of their presence.
aHave they told you that you are to
act as my especial guard and escort"
she asked, with a queer futter in her
voice. Somehow this tall fellow with
the broad shoulders was not the same
as the ragged goat hunter she had
known at first.
'sNo, your highness," he said easily.
.I have come for instructions. 1t
pleases me to know that am to have
a place Of honor, and trust such as
this
General Marlanx has told me that
a vacancy exists, and I have selected
YOU to fill it. The compensation will
be attended to by the proper persons,
and your duties will be explained to
YOU by one Of the officers. This after
noon, I believe, you are to accompany
me on nv visit to the fortress, which
am to inspect"
every we'll your highness," he re-
spectfully said. He was thinking OF
Miss Calhoun, an American girl, al
though he called her your highness." "
"May be permitted to ask for IN
structions that can come only from
your highnessg'
Certainly she replied. His man
ner was more deferential than she had
ever known 1t to be, but he threw
bomb into her fine composure with his
next remark. He addressed her in the
Graustark language:
.Is it your desire that shall contln-
ue to address you in English"
Beverly's face turned bit red, and
her eyes wayered. By wonderful ef-
fort she retained her self control, SIAM
mering ever so family when she said
in English:
sI wish you would speak English"
unwittingly giving answer to his ques-
ton. "I shall insist upon that. Your
English is too good to be spoiled"
Their he made q told test, his first
having failed. He spoke ofce more ii
the native tongne, this tiule sofay and
earnestly.
.As you wish. your hisaness. but
think it is d most ridiculous practice, :
he said, and his heart lost none OF It's
courage. Beverly looked at him almost
pathetically. She knew that behind
the curtain two young women were en-
loving her discontinue Something
told her that they were sitting their
mirth with dainty lace bordered hand
kerchiefs.
'That will do, SIR" she managed to
say firmly. "It's very nice Of you, but
after this pay your homage in English" I"
she went on, taking long chance on
his remark. It must have been COM
plimentary, she reasoned. AS for Bal
dos, the faintest sign Of a smile touched
| his lips, and his eyes we're tw1nkling as
he bent his head quickly. Franz was
right; she did not know word OF the
Graustark language.
'I have entered the service for six
months your highness." he said in Eng
lish. 'eYou have honored me, and l
give my heart as well as my arm to
your cause"
Beverly, breathing easier, was prop
erly impressed by this promise of feal-
/ ty. She was looking with pride upon
the figure Of her stalwart protege.
81 hope you have destroyed that hor-
rid black patch,'' she said.
J ''It has gone to keep company with
other devoted but deserted friends" he
said, tinge Of bitterness in his voice.
'eThe uniform is vastly becoming, y
she went on, realizing helplessly that
she was providing intense amusement
for the unseen auditors.
eft shames the rags In which you
found me-"
.sI shall never forget ther:, Baldos,
she said, with strange earnestness il
her voice.
MAY presume to inquire after ti,e
health Of your good Aunt Faaay ard,
although I did not see him. YER t2c;e
SAM be asked. with a face as straight
and sincere as that Of Judge. 8eF-
erly swallowed suddenly anG o',ee'-ed
a laugh with some d;ffcult7.
'A,,Tt f7aaT.v j. never Sane da}