The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1907-03-13
By
GEORGE BARR
M'CUTCHE0N,
Arthor of "Gaustark~
e1
Copyright 1894 b. Do&
Med Gnd G&cpsW

and his men. There was no mistake
this time. The poor, half starved chap
confessed to being the prince and beg
ced for food for himself and his fol-
lowers"
"I tried to find him and, failing in
that, left word in the pass that if he
would but cast his lot with US in this
trouble we soon would restore him to
his throne said Lorry. "He may ac-
cept, and we shall have him turning
up here some day hungry for revenge.
And now, my dear Beverly, how are
you progressing with the excellent
Baldos, of whom we cannot make
prince, no matter how hard we try?'
Beverly and the princess exchanged
g,ances in which CONSERVATION was diff
fcult to conceal It was clear to Bev-
ery that Yetive had not told her hus-
band Of the escape.
E .I don't know anything about Bal
dos" she answered steadily. "Last
night some one shot at him in the
park"
'The deuce you sayv'
.eIn order to protect him until you re-
turned, Gren, I had him transferred
to guard duty inside the castle" ex-
planned the princess. ''It really seem
ed necessary. General Marlanx ex-
poets to present formal charges against
him this morning, so I suppose we
shall have to put him in irons for
little while. It seems too bad, doesn't
1t, Gren?
Eyes. iHe's as straight as string,
I'll swear" SAID Lorry emphatically.
.I'I bet he wishes he were safely
out Of this place." ventured Anguish,
and two young women busted them
selves suddenly with their coffee.
@The chance is he's sorry he ever
ne into it." said Lorry tantalNingly.
While they were waiting Cor Mar
tanx the young Duke Of Mizrox was
announced. The handsome Axphain-
ian came with relief and dismay strug-
Cling for mastery in his face.
.Your highness," he said after the
greetings, .I am come to inform you
that Graustark has one prince less to
account for. Axphain has found her
fugitive"
"WhenT' cried the princess and Bev-
erly in one voice and with astonishing
eagerness, not unmixed with dismay.
.sThree days ago. was the reply.
"Oh,7 came in deep relief from Bev-
erly as she sank back into her chair.
The same fear had lodged in the hearts
Of the two fair conspirators-that they
had freed Baldos only to have him fall
into the hands Of his deadliest foes.
'I have message by courier from
my uncle in Axphain," said Mizrox.
"He says that Frederic was killed near
Labbot by soldiers, after making gal
,ant fight, on last Sunday night. The
Princess volga is rejoicing and has
amply rewarded his slayers. Poor
Frederic! He knew but little happi-
ness In this life.'
There was q full minute Of reflection
before any Of his hearers expressed
the thought that had framed itself In
every mind.
well, since Dantan and Frederic are
accounted for, Baldos is absolutely
obliged to be Christobal," said Anguish
resignedly.
Hes just Baidos," observed Bever-
~. snufhng out the faint hope that had
fingered so long. Then she said to her
self: "And I don't care, either. I only
wish be were back here again. I'd be
a good deal nicer to him."
Messengers few back and forth, car
rying orders from the castle to various
quarters. The ministers were called
to meet at 12 O'clock. Underneath all
the bust.e there was tremendous i'm
pulse OF American cunning, energy and
resourcefulness. Every one caught the
fever. Reserved old diplomats were
overwhelmed by their own enthusiasm.
Custom bound soldiers forgot the be-
reditary caution and fell into the ways
Of the new leaders without murmur.
The city was wild with excitement, for
all believed that the war was upon
them. There was but one shadow
overhanging the glorious optimism OF
Graustark-the ugly, menacing attitude
of Axphain. Even the Duke of Mizrox
could give no assurance that his coun-
try would remain neutral.
Colonel Quinnox came to the castle
in haste and perturbation. 1t was he
who propelnded the question that
Yetive and Beverly were expecting,
where is Baldos? Of course the
fight Of the suspected guard was soon
q matter Of certainty. a single i'm
Dlortng glance from the princess, meant
for the faithful Quinnox alone, told
linn as plainly as words could have
said that she had given the man his
freedom. And Quinnox would have
died a thousand times to protect the
secret Of his sovereign, for had not
twenty generations of QuinnoXes serv-
ed the rulers Of Graustark with uIi-
finching loyalty? Baron Dangloss may
tx;n.l IL hyY4 no