The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-03-13
CHAPTER XVII.


CHAPTER XVII.
- 1OTH Yetive and Beverly expert
tR enced an amazing sense Of re-
lib lief. They did not stop to cor-
~ slider why or how be had re-
turned to the castle grounds. 1t was
sufficient that he was actually there,
sound, well and apparently satisfied.
'I dare say Count Marlanx will with
draw his infamous charge against our
guest" said Lorry, with deadly direct
ness. Marlanx was mopping his damp
forehead: His eyes were fastened up
on the figure Of the guard, and there
was something Ike awe in their steely
depths. It seemed to him that the su-
pernatural had been enlisted against
him.
che left the castle last night" he
muttered, half to himself.
"There seems to be no doubt Of
that" agreed Gaspon, the grand treas
urer. Colonel Quinnox reports bis
strange disappearance" Clearly the
case was puzzling one. Men looked at
one another In wonder and uneasiness.
'sI think I understand the situation" i"
exclaimed Marlanx, suddenly tium-
phant. "It bears out all that have
said. Baldos left the castle last night,
as have sworn, but not for the pur-
pose Of escaping. BE went forth to
carry information to our enemies. Can
any one doubt that he is a spy? Has
he not returned to carry out his work?
And now, gentlemen, I ask yv-would
he return unless he felt secure of pro-
lection here%'
It was facer. Yetive and Beverly
felt as though steel trap suddenly
had been closed down upon them. Lor-
~ and Anguish were undeniably dis
concerted. There was restless, unde-
c1ded movement among the ministers.
Colonel Quinno1, will you fetch Bal
dos to the veranda at once? asked
Lorry, his quick American perception
telling him that immediate action was
necessary. "It is cooler out there"
He gave Beverly look of inquiry.
She flushed painfully, guiltily, and he
was troubled in consequence.
"As a mere subject, demand the
arrest Of this man." Marlanx was say
ing excitedly. eve must go to the
bottom Of this hellish plot to injure
Graustark."
my dear count" said Anguish,
standing ove- him, ''up to this time we
have been unable to discern any rea-
sons for or signs Of the treachery you
preach about. don't believe we have
been betrayed at all"
"But I have absolute proof, Sir"
grated the count.
'Td advise you to produce it We
must have something to work on, you
know"
"What right have you to give advice,
sir? You are not one Of US. You are
a meddler-an impertinent alien. Your
heart is not with Graustark, as mine
is. How long must we endure the IN
science of these Amer 'cans?
The count was fuming with anger.
AS might have been expected, the easy
going Yankees laughed unreservedly
at his taunt. The princess was pale
with indignation.
Count Marlanx, you will contne
your remarks to the man whom you
have charged with treachery,' she SAID.
.You have asked for his arrest, and
you are to be his accuser. At the prop
er time you will produce the proof.
warn you now that if you do not sus-
tain these charges the displeasure OF
the crown will fall heavily upon you"
81 only ask your highness to order
his arrest" he said, controlling nm
self. .'He is Of the castle guard and
can be seized only on your command
"Baldos is at the castle steps, your
highness." said Colonel Quinnox from
the doorway. The entire party left
the council chamber and passed out to
the great stone porch 1t must be con-
fessed that the princess leaned rather
heavily upon Lorry's arm. She and
Beverly trembled with anxiety as they
stood face to face with the tall guard
who had come back to them SO mys-
teriously.
Baldos stood at the foot cf the stone
steps, a guard Oh each side OF him.
One Of these was the shamefaced
ua,,ao- nanrloss' wa+chman whose
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