Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1907-02-01

erly. looking from the windows, had
seen the lighted windows of cottages
growing closer and closer together
The barking of roadside dogs was the
only sound that could be heard above
the rattle of the wheels. 1t was toe
dark inside the coach to see the face
OF the man beside her, but something
told her that he was staring intently
into the night, alert and anxious. The
responsibility of her position swooped
down upon her like an avalanche, as
she thought of what the next few min
utes were to bring forth. 1t was the
sudden stopping Of the coach and the
sharp commands from the outside that
told her probation was at an end. She
could no longer speculate; was hlgh
time to act.
"The outpost" came from Baldos, in
strained tones.
"Perhaps they won't know us-yeu, ]
mean," she whispered.
'Baron Dangloss knows everybody" "
be replied bitterly.
"What horrid old busybody he"-
she started to say, but thought better
of 1t.
A couple Of lanterns flashed at the
window, almost binding her. Aunt
Fanny groaned audibly, but the figure
of Baldos seemed to stiffen with de-
fiance. Uniformed men peered into the
INTERIOR with more rudeness and curl
osity than seemed respectful to pr.n-
cess, to say the least. They saw pret
ty, pleading face, with wide gray eyes
and parted lips, but they did not bow
in humble submission, as Baldos had
expected. One of the men. evidently in
command, addressed Beverly in rough
but polite tones. 1t was question
that he asked she knew, but she could
not answer him, for she could not un-
derstand him.
"What do you want?" she put In
English, with creditable display OF
dignity.
HE does not speak English, your
higEness." volunteered Baldos, in a
voice so well disguised that it startled
her. The o-licer was staring blankly at
her.
Every officer in my army should
and must learn to speak English" she
said, at her wits end. 81 decline to
be questioned by the fellow. VIII you
talk to him in my steadr
II, your highness? he cried in dis
may.
"Yes. Tell him who we are and ask
where the hospital is," she murmured,
sinking back with the air of queen,
but with the inward feeling that all
was lost.
"But l don't speak your language
WELL" he nrntasted.
"You speak it beautifully, "she said
Baldos leaned forword painfully anc
spoke to the officer in the Graustark
tongue.
Don't you know your princess?"ht
demanded a trihe harshly. The mans
eyes flew wide open in an instant ant
his jaw dropped
"The-the prncess" he gasped.
Don't stare like that, sir. Direct us
to the main gate at once, or you will
have cause to regret your slowness."
But the princess was-is coming by
the northern pass" mumbled the man
1.-THE guard has gone out to meet heI
and BaldOs cut him off shortly with
the information that the princess, a'
he could see, had come by the lowe
pass and that she was eager to reaci
a resting place at once. The conYlnc
ing tone Of the speaker and the rega
Indifference Of the lady had full effec
upon the officer, who had never seel
her highness. He fell back with {
deep obeisance and gave a few beWll
dered commands to his men. Th'
coach moved off, attended by a party
of foot soldiers, and Beverly breatheC
her first sigh Of relief.
"You did it beautifully" she whis
pered to Baldos, and he was consld
erably puzzled by the ardor OF he
praise. "Where are we going nowY
she asked.
Into the city, your highness, "he an
swered. 1t was beginning to dawl
upon him that she was amazingly ig
norant and inconsequential for on'
who enjoyed the right to command
THESE SOllltLSs 1AUI OiNi IAtB
idation returned with this brief an
swer. Something told her that he was
beginning to mistrust her at last Aft
er all it meant everything to him anC
so little to her.
When the coach halted before the
city gates she was in dire state OF
unhappiness. In the darkness she
could feel the reproachful eyes Of old
Aunt Fanny searching for her aban
dOned conscience.
ASK II Baron Dangloss Is in Gan
look, and, II he is, command them to
take me to him Immediately" she
whispered to Baldos, sudden inspira-
ton seizlng her She would lay the
whole matter before the great chief of
police and trust to fortune. Her hand
fell lmpulslvely upon his and, to her
amazement, 1t was as cold as ice.
"What is the matter2" she cried In
alarm.
"You trusted me in the wllds, your
hlghness," he said tensely; 81 am trust
ing you now" Before she could reply
the officer In charge Of the Ganlook
pafaa anOpq rod at fha anaCh xvfndOyv