Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-01
PRINCESS MARTHA
BY PERCY BREBNER.
T. J. &
BY PERCY BREBNER.
Copyright, 1906. T. J. Mcbride & SOM

of 1t there may have been some regret.
From the castle the lads eyes followed the
shape and direction of the ridges which
lay about it, as though to impress the pic
ture on his mind, but he spoke no word,
and studously avoided Antons eyes, which
questioned him. He was in no mood to re-
duce the thoughts which surged through
his brain to any order. They ragged and
beat against the unknown shores of the
future a wind-swept ocean will against
a rocky coast, carrying with them his hopes
and ambitions, which were driven to and
fro like brave craft struggling against
shipwreck. There was some reason why
he should regret the comparatively quiet
haven of that castle in the hills
In silence he mounted with the others at
the foot of the path, and the little band of
horsemen proceeded at walking pace, so
that the ENJOYS from Vasilici who were on
foot, might keep up with them. Ellerey
and Stefan rode side by sde and at a
sign from the former fell few PAGES far
Their in the rear.
1T is evident that we shall presently
have to leave the horses, Stefan; you and
Anton shall stay with them while the rest
of go forward to deliver the token
While you wait keep keen lookout on the
hillsdes and on"
ION Anton" Stefan suggested. 81 need
no bidding captain. I do not trust him. /
should trust him still less had l not taken
a liking to his companion, Grigose."
THE boy is stanch, think, but it is per-
haps as well to have them separated" said
Ellerey; that is why I leave Anton to
you"
Hell be in strict company, captain, have
no fear"
Il see no reason to doubt success" said
El1erey, after a pause, almost as if he had
misgivings and wanted to be laughed out
of them.
There are many who have looked upon
success, and yet have not had arm long
enough to grasp it, said Stefan. IT'S as
we'll not to smack the lips until the liquor
IS running in the throat
Their way lay up the pass toward the
narrow defile which nature had closed long
ago. There was an upward incline, but 1T
was quite easy for the horses. The pass
gradually narrowed as they went. and the
shutting them in like great walls on either
side. Little foothold was there for Turk
ing enemy, and there were no deep gorges
where an ambuscade might hide. &. To de-
fend this part of the pass in the old days
must have meant hand-to-hand struggle
in the narrow way. Ellerey noted this as
he went. His life in Sturatzberg had made
him observant
Presently the leading horseman stopped.
ut is difficult work for horses from
here" said one of the brigands. They
can be fetched afterward to the place the
chief Directs
you. Stefan and Anton will stay with
Them" said Ellerey. Il will send Grigosie
back with orders presently. Take orders
from none but Grigosie''
Stefan saluted and gathered the brides
not pleased at being left behind. He
looked at his youthful comrade. who took
no notice of him, and obeyed with an ill
grace.
why should he leave us?" he asked,
when the others had gone, climbing the
slope in front of them.
why not?" asked Stefan laconically.
1T is the business of servants and lackeys
to mind horses"
But we have neither
AT least we are given no honorable serV-
lee
For my part I do as I am told said
Stefan, land you'll be wise to do the same.
That young comrade of yours is capable of
looking after himself"
Anton looked at the soldier curiously for
a moment but Stefan's thoughts were al
WAYS difficult to read. His face never
showed a sign of any meaning beyond the
words he uttered.
Following the three brigands. the others
climbed up the slope Of the landslip which
had filed up the pass. 1t was uneven
ground and they We're soon hidden from
their companions with the horses: De
scending presently into ravine, the bri-
gands stopped.
LAS a careful captain. you will appreciate
the caution of our chief said the spokes-
man. turning to Ellerey. We were or
dered to bring you no farther than this He
will come to you mere.
1--WE are only eight; let him come with
no larger following" Ellerey answered.
There shall be precaution on both Sides
"Unless he fulflls my terms 1 depart the
way I have come, and make my terms in
the shadow of the castle yonder'
II will tell him so' said the man. and
the brgands went quickly up the ravine
and disappeared.
This is their vantage ground said FL
lerey. Stand apart, all of you. near
enough to help each other but not in each
others way should rush come. Grigosie,
stand there, carelessly as it were, but with
ready fingers. We have no knowledge of
the honor of these men,"
They had not long to wait. From the
bend in the ravine came three men, the
central figure a man of great stature. He
walked proudly. with long, staggering
strides and swinging arms. ms long black
hair bearded chin and beady eyes set
under heavy eyebrows gave a ferocity to
his appearance which Ellerey did not find
attractive. He looked like man in whom
the barbarian was stiil active, whose laws
of right and wrong and honor were likely
to be of his own fashioning-one in whom
it would be dangerous to trust too implicitly.
Yet he was a striking and a handsome
figure and his dress gave him distinction
A scarlet feather was in his hat, and he
wore a scarlet cloak which the weather
had stained. A heavy knife was stuck In
his belt, and it was obvious that his COM
panions treated him with marked respect.
''Is this bravado, or does he know that
hundred pairs of eyes are watching us?
said Ellerey.
Grigosie did not take his eyes from the
tude, one hand resting on his hip, the other
thrust into his breast, and his fingers were
upon~a revolver. No gesture of the men
escaped him. and long before they came
to standstill in front of Ellerey he had
learned their features thoroughly.
The big man gave a short salute rather
as acknowledging an inferior than answer
ing an equal.
you have message for me, captain
IT can answer that question when know
who you are" said Ellerey.
The big man laughed, with a glance at
his companions, who laughed too, pleased
to humor him.
'You are stranger in these hills, or you
would know me. ] am Vasilci.'
He did not call himself great, but his
manner easily filled the omission. He
glanced at Ellerey, and at the soldiers to
see the effect of his words
Then 1 have a message for you from
Queen Elena"
TT has been SO long in coming that
have almost grown tired of waiting Vas
ilici answered. Il presume she would have
done without my help if she could
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