Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-02

leading his horse in such n manner to
cover himself much as possible. The
precaution proved unnecessary: the castle
was empty. Stefan was right. The bri-
gands had not expected the fug!tives to
make for their old resting place. and when
they saw them go up the path they shouted
as though victory were already won. nor did
they attempt to follow them. Why should
they? Their foes were caught surely as
birds Melted by the fowler
See TO the horses, Grigosie." said Ellerey
Put them as far back in the ruins pos
sible. Now. Stefan. Anton. We'll heap
stones across this broken gateway at the
head of the path 1t shall be our first line
of defense. and If it is taken we will see to
II that ii Is dearly bought"
1T Is not the fighting that frightens me.
It's the empty condition of the larder.' said
Stefan.
Truly We are pariahs on Gods earth"
Ellerey answered. Every mans hand
against us. but Well snarl and bite awhile
In our stronghold and then make dash
out and die in the open"
They toiled with a will all through the af-
ternoon. heaping fragments which had
faiien from the ruins across the gateway.
and driving in stakes. rudeiy fashioned from
any planks they could find. behind the
stonework to strengthen 1t. Grigosie. by Ell
iereys orders did not assist in this work.
but stood sentinel upon the plateau. The
boy had had as much he could stand for
one day.
1t was growing dusk in the pass below
when they had finished Daylight was still
upon the summit of the mountains. but twi-
light had gathered in the deep valleys and
ravines. The brigands still hung about the
pass. watching the castle. but keeping out
of range. 1t did not appear that they had
any intention of attacking IT. As they
stood together looking down upon their en-
emies. Ellerey told Stefan what had hap
pened and the details of their escape.
These fellows will do little until Vasilici
nj
pause; but Grgosie's bullet has raised all
the savage in him. I warrant. He will not
be content to sit down until we are starved
out. He Will want to be at our throatS
And we are ready for him.
-Four Of u.s." Stefan asked quietly with
lift of his shoulders. 1T is a strange mis-
take about the token. captain"
Since the moment | saw the golden cross
dangling in Vasilcis hand have had lttls
time to think about the meaning OF it."
Maybe can help you to that"
w hat does II mean?' asked Ellerey.
A shot in the pass below stopped any an
swer to the question. In few moments
riders came into view. followed by crowd
of brigands. who seeing that the castle was
occupied. howled angry threatenings
against it.
Surely those are our fellows. captain"
But there was no tone Of pleasure at the es-
cape Of his comrades; no note OF welcome In
the soldiers voice.
This looks like desertion." said Ellerey.
One of the soldiers below called out in a
stentorian voice which carried clearly in the
quiet air
"Ho there, Stefanr'
We'll comrade?
We're betrayed by that devilis1l Engllsh-
man. Is he there with you?"
The captain is here. What Of him."
Throw him down to along with the
boy" was the answer shouted back Hes
tricked us all. and that imp of Satan has
helped him. The token he carried was not
from her majesty. He's conspirator
against the king. and carried the golden
cross. You know what that means Throw
him down"
1T Were easier for you to show your cour-
age and come and fetch him."
Our good friends here Will do that. We
have other work in hand. We ride back to
SturatZberg to tell our story, and heaven
help you II you are alive when we return.
There ii be little mercy for the companions
of that devilislh Englishman. VIII you come
with us?
I'm too old to run away" shouted Ste
fan. "and the company OF towards Is not to
my liking. May they cut your throats on
the plain yonder and ask for your story af-
terward."
The brigands yelled with rage and the
soldiers shouted back coarse oaths.
1T would do my soul good to have a shot
at Them" said Stefan
Let them 60 said Ellerey. I'VE shall
want every shot we have. We are not
without friends in the capital who may hear
of our need. Against their will these fell
lows may help us"
The soldiers below moved on II was evil
dent that here they were to part with the
brigands
Hold them fast for punishment" cried
the same stentorian voice I'VE shall re-
turn with the true message. Down with all
lovers or the golden cross! Death to them
who serve Martha! Down with Maritzar'
What is that they Shout" said Elerey.
The answer came loudly. borne upward on
the air, as the soldiers put their horses into
a canter and rode down the pass
Death to the Princess Martial
You hear, captain. Some one has fooled
us ALL"
Princess Martha" Ellerey exclaimed,
What has she to do with us?"
Sufficient to give us violent ending -
stefan answered THE golden cross Is the
Sign OF her house. her token; and YOU can
tain, have been her messenger"
tTo be Continued Tomorrow