Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-05-25

service We are brethren. You serve him tool"
 T have that honor" Markart flush ed under her laughing scrutiny.
 we fight shoulder to shoulder. then. Well, not quite. I'm gunner, you see.' Minus your guns at present.
 Not for long" She turned round and swept her. arms out toward the lake and the hills. Its day to think of nothing Just to go riding, riding. riding" Her laugh rang out in merry longing.
 What prevents you?"
 My military duties perhaps, cap- tain," she answered. You're lucky. You have long ride. Don't spoil it by thinkingr' T think? Oh. no. baroness! only obey my orders"
 And they never make you think? P Her glance was quick at him for an in- stant.
 "There's danger in thinking too much, even for ladies'" he told her.
 She looked at him more gravely. for his eyes were on her now, with kind ly. perhaps a remorseful, look.
 You mean that for me?" she asked. But if l. too. only obey my orders?"
 with all my heart hope they may lead you into no danger" he said.
 There's only one danger in all the world losing what you love-"
 Not sometimes gaining it?" he ask ed quickly.
 Still, the only danger would be of losing it again.
 There's life, too," he remarked, with shrug.
 "Sir, we're soldiers.' she cried in merry reproof.
 That doesn't prevent me from priz- ing your life. baroness. in the interests of a world not too rich in what you contribute to it."
 Sophy looked at him, subtle mer- riment in her eyes. T think. Captain Markart. that if you were my doctor you'd advise me to try change of afr! Praslok is too exciting, is that it! But found Slavna-well, far from relax ing you know"
 "The Kravonian climate as whole, baroness''-
 "Oh, no, no; that's too much" she interrupted. Then she said: Its very kind of you-yes, mean that-and it's rNr ht7t ,al " against your orders. So l thank you. But can face even the rigors of Kra- vonia."
 She held out her hand. He bent and kissed it. Tn fact. l hadn't the least right to say it." he confessed. Not the least from any point of view. It's your fault, though. baroness"
 "Since I'm party to the crime I'll keep the secret" she promised. with decidedly kindly glance. To Sophy ad- miration of herself always argued something good in a man. She had none of that ungracious scorn which often disfigures the smile of beauty. She gave little sigh. followed quickly by smile.
 We've said all we possibly can to one another. you and l. More than we should perhaps! And now to duty" She pointed to the door of the castle.
 The prince was coming down the wooden causeway. He. too. wore the Volseni sheepskins In his hand he carried a sealed letter Almost at the same moment groom led Markart's horse from the stables. The prince joined them and. after bow to Sophy. handed the letter to Markart.
 For his majesty. And you remem- Der my message to General Stenovics?"
 Accurately, sir"
 Good" He gave Markart his hand. "Goodby, A pleasant ride to you, cap tain-pleasanter than last nights" His grave face broke into smile.
 I'm not to have Nj. Zerkovitch's company this time. sir?''
 "Why. no. captain. You see, Zerko- witch left the castle soon after G o'clock Rather a short night. yes. but he was in a hurry"
 Sophy burst into a laugh at the dis may on Markart's face. We neither of us knew that. Captain Markart. did we?" she cried We thought he was sleeping of the fright you'd given him.
 Your royal highness gives me Ieave"- stammered Markart. his eye: on his horse.
 Certainly. captain. But don't be vexed. There will be no invidious cnmnnrisnns. Zerknvifch lnesn't nrn.