The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-11-24
A STORY OF GRAUSrARK
GEORGE BARR MCCUTCHEON
Copyright, 1909. by George Barr
McCutchcon.
Copyright, 1909. by Dodd. Mead & Co.

dow, through which she had disap-
peared. his heart full Of song.
Then, all at once, he remembered the
meeting Great Scott!' in dlsmay.
I'm late for the pOwwow." A twisted
smile stole over his face. 81 wonder
now they've managed to get along
without me Then he presented him
self, somewhat out OF breath, to the at
PENDANTS at the south doors, where he
had been direSted TO report. A moment
later he was in the castle of GrauStark,
following a stih-backed sc ldier through
medieval halls OF marble, past the his
tOTiC staircase, down TO the door of the
council chamber. He was filed with
the most delicious sensation of awe
anu reverence only i'm his dearest
dreams had he fanCied himself in these
cherished halls. And now he was there
actually reading the same mosaic
floors that had known the footsteps Of
countless princes and Processes, his
nOStrilS ungllng with the rare incense
OF five centuries. his blood leaping to the
call Of a thousand rOmanCes. The all
but mythical halls of Graustark-the
sOmbert Vaulted. time-defying corridors
Of his fancy. Somewhere in this vast
pile of stone was the girl he loved.
Edch ShadOWy nook, each velvety re-
cess seemed to glow with the wizardry
OF love lamps that had been lighted
with the building Of the castle. How
many hearts had learned the wistful
lesson in these aged halls2 How many
loves had been sheltered heTe2
He walked on air. He piuChed him
self-and even then was not certain
that he was awake. 1t was too good
10 be true.
He was ushered into a large. sedateIv
furnished room. A score Of men were
there before him-sitting or standing I'm
attitudes Of attention, listening TO the
words Of General BraZe. Kings en-
trance was the signal fGt an immediate
transfer of interest. The general bowed
most politely and az once turned to
Count Halfont with the remark that he
had quite finished his suggestions. The
prime minister came forward to greet
the mOmentarily shy American. King
had time to note that the only man
who denied him a smile Of welcome was
Count Nos Engc. He promptly included
his rival in his own sweeping, self
conscious smile.
The council has been extolling you,
Mr.. King" said the prime minister,
leading him to a seat near his own.
TruXtOn sat down, beWildered. I'VE
may some day grow large enough 20
adequately appreciate the invaluable
service you have performed in behalf
Of Graustark -
TTuxton blushed. He could think OF
nothing 10 say, except Tn sorry to
have been so late. I was detained"
InvOluntarily he glanced at VOs EngO.
That gentleman started, a curious light
lcaping INFO his eyes
"Mr. Kinr, we have asked you here
for the purpose Of hearing the fun story
Of your experiences during the past
two weeks, If YOU viii be so good as TO
relate them. We have had them piece
meal. I need not tell you that Grau-
stark is IN the deepest peril If there
is a single suggestion that you can
make that viii help her tonight, I as
sure YOU that Il will be riven the most
grateful consideration. Graustark has
come 10 know and respect the resource
fulness and courage Of the American
gentleman. We have seen him at his
best"
Il have really done no more than to-
er-saYe my own neck" said TruXtOn
simply. ANY one might be excused for
doing the same. Graustark owes a great
deal more to Miss Tullis than ST does to
me, believe me, my lords. She had the
courage. I the strength"
BE assured of our attitude toward
Miss Tuuis." said HaIfont IN reply.
"GraHstark loves her. IL can do no
more than that IT is from Miss Tul-