Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1908-08-11

! Iwe,1troae

- IAl&6
ISL Iweat ,@o.,e NH
HE storm had passed. The day
broke calm and radiant over
the castle Of Praslok. Sun
shine played caressingly on the
lake and on the hills.
Markart had breakfasted and paid
visit to his horse He wanted to be on
By 8 O'Clock and waited only for the
princes letter. He was returning from
the stables. shifting the morning air
with most vivid enjoyment Of the
change Of weather. when he saw So.
ply coming along the road. She had
been for walk. Her eyes and cheeks
glowed with exhilaration. She wore
her sheepskin tunic. her sheepskin cap
with Its red cockade and her short
blue skirt over high boots. She walked
a. though on the clouds Of heaven. a
wonderful lightness in her tread. The
red star signaled the exaltation OF her
spirit The glad sound Of the trumpet
rang In her heart
Her cordial greeting to Markart was
spiced with raillery. to which he re-
sponded as well as his ignorance al
lowed. He was uncertain how much
she knew of the real situation. But II
his tongue was embarrassed his eyes
spoke freely. He could not keep them
from her face. To him she seemed
queen of life and Joy that glorious
morning.
you've recovered from your fright7"
she asked -Poor M. Zerkovitch Is still
sleeping his OF. l suppose! Oh. the
story's all over the CASTER
It'll be all over the country soon. !.
said Markart. with rueful smile
.Well. after ali. NJ. Zerkovitch Is a
journalist. and journalists don't spare.
even themselves. you know. And
you're not reticent person, are you?
Don't you remember all the informa :.
ton you gave me once?"
"Ah. on the terrace of the Hotel de
Paris! Much has happened since then.
baroness"
much always happens II you keep
your eyes open." said Sophy.
"If you keep yours open nothing hap.
pens for me but looking at them.'
She laughed merrily. A compliment
never displeased sophy. and she could
bear 1t very downright.
"But II were to shut my eyes. what
would you do thenY
He looked doubtfully at her hooking
face. She meant little more than the
idle words naturally carried.
II don't think you'll give me the
chance OF considering. baroness" He
indicated her costume with gesture
OF his hand you've entered the serv.
ice, see"
"Yes. Captain 1farkart. the kings
service. We are brethren. You serve
him too?''
II have that honor Markart fush,
ed under her laughing scrutiny
1--WE fight shoulder to shoulder, then.
Well. not quite. I'm gunner, you
| see."
4Afinus your guns at PRESENT.
"Not for long!" She turned round
and swept her arms out toward the
lake and the hills. "It's day to think
of nothing-just to 60 riding, riding.
riding" Her laugh rang out In merry
longing.
what prevents your?
my military duties perhaps, cap
tain" she answered. You're lucky.
You have long ride. Don't spoil It by
thinking!'.
81 think7 Oh, no, baroness! I only
obey my orders
"And they never make you think 2"
Her glance was quick at him for an In.
slant.
There's danger In thinking too
much, even for ladies'" he told her.
She looked at him more graveiy, for
his eyes were on her'now. with kind.
~. perhaps remorseful. look.
You mean that for meY' she asked.
"But II I. too. only obey my ordersY'
with all my heart hope they may
lead you into no danger" be said.
There's only one danger in all the
world losing what you love-"
Not sometimes gaining itf'' he ask
ed quickly.
"still. the only danger would be Of
losing It again."
There's life, too he remarked. with
q shrug.
"sir. we're soldiersr' she cried in
merry reproof.
THAT doesn't prevent me from priz-
ling your life. baroness. In the interests
Of world not too rich In what you
contribute to IT.
Sophy looked at him, a subtle mer-
riment in her eyes. II think, Captain
Markart, that II you were my doctor
you'd advise me to try change OF air!
Praslok u too exciting. il that TT But
found slavna-well. far from relax
ing, you know
THE Kravonian climate as a 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
probabiy-I don't know-but probably
against your orders So thank you.
But can face even the rigors of Kra-
yonia,.s
She held out her hand. He bent. and
kissed 1t. I'm fact. 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 a
decidedly kindly glance. To Sophy adj
miratiOn of herself always argued