Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-05-30


 command was behind The three on the causeway could not see him yet. They were hussars of the kings guard, the best regiment in the army. The Prince of Slayna had made them good soldiers. They hated him for it. But Stafnitz was their colonel On they came. In their blue tunics and silver braid they made brave show in the sunshine.
 The three watched now without word or motion. The sudden sight held them
 spellbound. Not one of
 !. = = = ' ]: ]. . ]. ]. ] ]. ] .. ]. ]: 5. ]
 them thought of sending &N 'ES to warn the prince. If AM 1 \ they had the thought
 U 4 NS would have been useless
 Ml unless it had chimed in A lNN with Mistitch's will. falS .J( \ Twenty men could have H1 aLll | been on them before
 k~U ! there was time to saddle a horse If the expedi-
 | tion was hostile one the
 :: castle was caught nap Peter VGSstp ping in very truthi
 sprong for Sophy stood forward a
 eoord ana pace in front of her con-
 Dolioo tue panions. Her hand rest
 ed on the little revolver which monseigneur had given her.
 On came the company. The foremost file reached within twenty yards of the causeway. There they halted. Half of them dismounted, each man as he did so intrusting his horse to his next fellow. Half of the fifty thus left mounted repeated this operation, leav- ing the remaining twenty-five in charge of all the horses. The seventy-five took position, four deep. on the road. They separated, lining either side.
 The figure of their commander now appeared. He rode to the foot of the causeway, then dismounted and gave his horse to the sergeant who attended him. His men followed aud drew up in the road, blocking the approach to the castle. Big Mistitch began to ascend the causeway. broad smile on his face. It was a great moment for Captain Hercules-the day of revenge for which he had waited in forced pa. tience and discreet unobtrusiveness. Ii was a critical day also in view of the instructions he had. To do him jus tice, he was not afraid.
 Sophy saw and knew. This must have been the news that Zerkovitch carried. that he had galloped on to tell the prince at Volseni Some event some unknown and uptoward turn of fortune-had loosed Mistitch on them. That was ali she had time to realize be- fore Mistitch saluted her and spoke.
 T have the honor of addressing the Baroness Dobrava?"
 You know me we'll, think, Captain Mistitch, and know you."
 "Our journey together will be all the pleasanter for that"
 Your business with me, please?"
 T have it in command from his maj esty to escort you to Slavna-to the palace and into his presence. The king himself will then acquaint you with his wishes"
 You're a strange messenger to send"
 ''That's point to put to my superior officer. Colonel Stafnitz, who sent me, baroness"
 Sophy pointed at his men. You ride strongly supported"
 Again the colonel's orders, baron. ess. | confess the precautions seemed to me excessive. had no doubt you would willingly obey his majesty's Here, by the way, is the written order" He produced the order the king had signed before his death.
 Sophy had been thinking. Neither her courage nor her cunning forsook her. She waved the document away. q can take your word. captain? You're no mistake today? I really am Baroness Dobrava-not somebody else with whom you have a fsud?' She at him gayly and went on: "WelI, I'm ready. I'm dressed for a ride, and I'll ride with you immediate ly. In two minutes we'll be off" She saw a groom in the road staring at the troopers and called to him to bring her a horse.
 This prompt obedience by no means suited Mistitch's book. It forced him either to show his hand or to ride of with Sophy. leaving the prince to his devices, and. in a little whHe. to his re- venge.
 T mustn't hurry you. You have some 
 None" said Sophy. Her horse was led out into the road. You'll at least desire to acduaint his royal highness''- Not al all necessary Baron von can do that later on"
 Mistiteh looked puzzled. Sophy smil- ed. Her intuition had been right The attack on her was a feint. her arrest a . blind The prince was the real object ! of the move. She stepped down toward . Nistitch. T see my horse is ready. We can start at once. captain she said ! Tin instructed to express to the prince regret that it should be neces- any The regret will be conveyed to him Come. captaIE..'
 But Mistitch barTed her way. ''IIis royal htzhness Is in the castleT- 1e asked His voice grew angry now. Be feared the great stroke hal failed Ie saw that Sopby played with him How woulI he and his escort look rid nr back te SlavHa with nothing to how for their journey save rhe cap ure Of ore UnreSiStfrz woman-a wo-