The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-03-27

charge him before MS term expires,
said he meaningly.
That night Raldos returned to Edel-
weiss, ahead of the Graustark delega-
ton which was coming the next day
witt representatives from Dawsber-
gen. He brought the most glorious
news from the frontier. The Duke Of
Matz and the leading dignitaries had
heard Of Gabriel's capture, both through
the Bappo boys and through a few Of
his henchmen who had staggered into
camp after the disaster. The news
threw the Dawsbergen diplomats into
deplorable state Of uncertainty. Even
the men high in authority, while not
especially depressed over the fall Of
their sovereign, were in doubt as to
what would be the next move in their
series of tragedies. Almost to man
they regretted the folly which had
drawn them into the net with Gabriel.
Baldos reported that the Duke Of Matz
and a dozen Of the most distinguished
men in Dawsbergen were on their way
to Edelweiss to complete arrangements
for peace and TO lay their renunciation
of Gabriel before Dantan in neutral
court
The people Of Dawsbergen had been
clamoring long for Dantans restora-
ton, and Baldos was commissioned to
say that his return would be the signal
for great rejoicing. he was closeted
until after midnight with Dantan and
his sister, Lorry and Princess Yetive
being called IN at the end to hear and
approve Of the manifesto prepared by
the Prince Of Dawsbergen. The next
morning the word went forth that
great banquet was to be given in the
castle that night for Prince Dantan
and the approaching noblemen. The
prince expected to depart almost i'm
mediately thereafter 20 resume the
throne in Serros.
Baldos was wandering through the
park early in the morning. His duties
rested lightly upon his shoulders, but
he was restless and dissatisfied. The
longing in his heart urged him to turn
his eyes ever and anon toward the bal
cony and then to the obstinate looking
castle doors. The uniform Of Grau-
stark guard still graced his splendid
figure. At last graceful form was
seen coming from the castle toward
the cedars. She walked bravely, but
aimlessly. That was plain to be seen.
It was evident that she was and was
not looking for some one. Baldos OBJ
served with a thrill Of delight that
certain red feather stood up defantly
from the band Of her sailor hat He
liked the way her dark blue walking
skirt swished In harmony with her
1.-THE, firm strides.
She was quite near before he advanc
ed from his place among the trees. He
did not expect her to exhibit surprise
or confusion, and he was not disap-
| pointed. She was as cool as brisk
spring morning. He did not offer his
hand, but, with a fine smile of con-
tentment, bowed low and with mock
seryility.
81 report FOR duty, your hisilness," :"
he said She caught the ring Of glad
ness in bis voice
Then command you to shake hands
with me-" she said brightly. "You have
been away, believer with a delicious
| infection.
eyes, for a century or more, Pm
sure" Consraint fell upon them sud-
denly. The hour had come for def
mite understanding, and both were con-
quered by its importance. For the first
time in his life he knew the meaning
of difidence. It came over him as he
looked helplessly into the clear, gray,
earnest eyes. Il love you for wearing
that red feather" he said simply.
and I loved you for wearing it."
she answered, her voice soft and thrill
ing. He caught his breath joyously.
Beverly" as he bent over her, you
are my very life, N.Y.
Don't Paulp' she whispered, draw
ing away, with an embarrassed glance
about the park. There were people to
be seen on all sides, but he had forgot
ten them. He thought only Of the girl
who ruled his heart Seeing the pain
in his face, she hastily, even blushing-
ly, said, "It is so public, dear"
He Strengthened himself with soldier.
" precision, but his voice trembled as
! he tried to speak calmly in defiance to
his eyes. There is the grotto-see! It
is seclusion itself Will you come with
me? must tell you all that is In my
heart. It will burst if I do not"
Slowly they made their way to the
fairy grotto deep In the thicket Of
trees. 1t was Yetive's favorite dream
ing place Dark and cool and musical
with the ripping Of waters, it was an
ideal retreat. She dropped upon the
rustic bench that stood against the
moss covered wall of powders. With
the gentle reserve Of a man who re-
veres as well as loves, Baldos stood
above her. BE waited, and she under
stood How mike most fmnatient