The Robesonian. [volume] (Lumberton, N.C.) 1870-current, 1910-06-23

TO occupy them.
AT O'Clock the Iron Count cool]y
sent messengers to the homes Of the
leading merchants and bankers Of the
city. They, with the priests. the doc
tors' the municipal officers and the
manufacturers. were commanded to ap-
pear before him at 5 o'clock for the
purpose OF discussing the welfare of
the city and its people.
Marianx stated his position clearly.
he left no room for doubt in their
minds. The strings were in his hands.
Without hesitation he Informed the
leading men of the CITY that he was
10 be the Prince Of Graustark.
1 Will rule Graustark or destroy her.
those of you who do not expect or
desire to live under my rule, which. |
promise you. shall be wise one, NAV
Ieave the city for other lands" he said
calmly, Just as soon as my deputies
nave completed the formal transfer of
all your belongings to the crown treas
ury-au. l say. even to the .minutest
tribe. Permit me to add in that con-
nect1on, gentlemen. the transfer will
not be prolonged affair."
They glared back at him and subsid-
ed into bitter silence.
Il am we'll aware that you love little
Prince Robin. Now, respecting young
master Robin, L have no great desire
to kill him.
He waited to see the effect of this
brutal announcement. His hearers
stiffened, and-yes, they held their
breath.
He has one alternative-he and his
lords. l trust that you. as sensible
gentlemen. will find the means to con-
the opportunity ! shall offer him to es-
cape with bis life. Let me interrupt
myself to call to your attention the
! fact that am Furnishing the anarchists
at sunset. To resume. the boy may
| return to America, where be belongs
| l will give him free and safe escort
to the United States. If he chooses to
accept my kindly terms. all we'll and
! good; if not, gentlemen. l shall starve
him out or blow the castle down. 1t
may interest you to hear that l expect
| to establish a new nobility in GraE.
stark. l trust l may now be address,
ing at least few of the future noble
lords of Graustark. Good day. gentle
men"
AT the castle the deepest gloom pre-
vailed. 1t was like a nightmare tt
the beleaguered household. dream
from which there seemed to be nt
awakening. Colonel Quinnox as com
mander Of the royal guard ruled su
preme. General Braze tore off hi
own epaulets and presented himself
to QuinnoX as soldier Of the file
Prince Robin. quite recovered from
his fright. donned the uniform of
colonel of the royal dragons. buckle,
on his jeweled sword and. with boyisI
zeal. demanded at a council of wa
Colonel Quinnox's reasons for not &c
ing forth to slay the rioters.
Your highness.' said the coIone
bitterly. the real army is outside tn
walls. not inside. We are a pitifu
handful, less than 800 men all told
counting the wounded. Count Mar
lanX heads an army of several thou
sand. He
HE wants to get in here SOS b.
can kill me. Is that so, Colonel Quin
nox?' The prince was very pale, bu
quite calm.
"Oh, wouldn't put it just that way
your
"Oh, / know! You can't fool me
I've always known that he wants t
kill me. But how can he? Nobod
can. He ought to know that. H
must be awful stupid"
I'VE must get word to Tullis"' erie
several jn breath. 4 dozen men vo