Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-21
CHAPTER XXVI-Continu
ATLANTA
(on5TITUTon:

They had spoken In a low tone, but had
their voices been louder II is doubtful
whether Martha would have heard them.
She absorbed in watching the deadly
struggle which ragged around her She was
unconscious OF the bells above her. which
told quarter after quarter. sounding music
ally over the city. Perhaps the thought
came to her that these men were dying in
her cause. at her bidding but how could
she blame herself? Had not thousands be-
fore them died for her fathers? Were her
rights less than those Of her fathers? And
she not among her subjects to cry
victory with them. or to die In their midst!
She asked from them no sacrifice which she
herself not prepared TO make.
VIII those others who are coming never
fight their way to u.s." she said. turning
To- Ellerey suddenly.
If they can. princess.
II WAS a vain hope. In every street which
led to the Grande Place there had been des-
perate struggles. In the roadways lay the
dead ard dying. while others fed to find
safety n they could. There was no help TO
come. and E!lerey did not expect it.
charge"
The Command rang out simultaneously
from all sides and there was the Jingle OF
harness and the thud of horses hoofs.
Here the attack was hurled back. horses
rderiesS here horse and man pitched for
ward 20 be shot and stabbed; and here the
same. and here: but yonder the defenders
Lad been driven in. and there. too. A
dozen horsemcn were in the square. and
although they fell, confusion had begun.
The defense was weakened at several
points more hoTsemen fought their way in.
and with them foot soldiers gained an en-
trance step by step the rebels were driven
backward toward the statue where Martha
Stood.
VIII those others never fight their way
to So she cried In almost piteous tones.
You cannot stay here" said Elierey.
Come
Men were already rushing past them.
Once beaten back. hopelessness came
quickly, and many of those who had been
foremost IN the fight now shouted to their
comrades 10 escape II they could. The SOL
diers- resistlessly pressing forward. were
closing Ia them when Ellerey spoke
Martha did not answer.
Come" he said again, his hand on her
arm.
Tie touch reused hers
" have brought you to this: forgive me.
Desmond. she said Her whole ambition
was forgotten for a moment in the thought
of the man beside her.
Eierey did not answer. There was no
time. The soldiers were upon them. With
PetrrSCu on one side and Dumitru on the
other Eilerey threw himself before the
princess The final struggle had COM
rncnced and so fierce was the resistance OF
these three men that the soldiers hesitated
and fell back pace.
Fly. princess. while there is time Ell
Victory or death. stay" (and her voice
rang clear above the uproaD with you.
Desmond"
The last words were spoken almost in a
whisper and they maddened him. Here
was death. butchery. and she was In the
midst of IL.
Martha. Go. dear, TO- he cried. Let
me hold them back for moment. l VIII
follow Petrescu, Dumitru,
So determined was the struggle round the
steps OF the statue that the tide of battle
seemed to have turned again, and some OF
the rebels dashed fercely back into the
fray.
Take her. Dumitru,' Ellerey whispered.
We'll hold them while We can"
Suddenly from corner OF the Grande
Place, rushing swiftly through the ranks
OF the flying rebels, came a woman.
Are you towards or mem? she cried
aloud as she came. and some turned at
that cry and met death with a shout of de-
fance while others stood irresolute untii
fear overcame them.
Elierey saw her al she reached Martha
side. and then he was conscious that