The Robesonian. [volume] (Lumberton, N.C.) 1870-current, 1910-07-04

big guns except those stationed in the
fortress was most consoling to Tullis
and his friends. He could not DESTROY
the castle gates with shells. except by
purest chance. He could drop shells
into the castle, but to hit gate twenty
feet wide? Never!
TruXtOD King was growing haggard
from worry and loss Of sleep. He
could not understand the abominable.
criminal procrastinatiOn. He was Of
a race that did things with dash and
sickened day by day. John Tullis
equally unhappy, but more philosoph-
zeal, often found him seated upon a
rock at the top of the ravine, an IN
lighted pipe in his fingers, his eyes in
tent upon the haZy castle.
"Cheer up. King. Our time will
Gomez he was wont to say.
Then came the night before the pro-
posed assault Oh the gates. The guns
were in position, and the cannonading
was to begin at daybreak. Truxton
was full of the bitterness Of doubt
and misgiving. Was she in love
with Vos Engo? Was the counts suit
progressing favorably under the fire
of the enemy? Was his undoubted
bravery having it's effect upon the
wavering susceptibilities of the dis
tressed Lorraine? .t....s .-tG.
The sound Of voice in sharp COM
mand attracted his attention. There
was bright moon, and Truxton
could see other pickets hurrying to
join the first A few moments later
several trespassers were escorted
through the lines and taken directly
to headQuarters-a man and two wo-
men. King observed.
John Tullis was staring hard at the
group approaching from the roadway.
One woman walked ahead of her COM
panions. Suddenly he sprang forward
with cry Of amazement.
1t was the Countess Ingomede.
Her arrival created a sensation. In
moment she was in the center of an
amazed circle Of men. Tulis, after
his first low, eager greeting at the
edge of the fire circle. drew her near
to the warmth giving flames. Prince
Dantan and Captain Haas threw rugs
and blankets in a great heap for her
to sit upon. Every one was talking
at once. The countess was smiling
through her tears Make room for
my maid and her father. They are
colder and more fatigued than H. she
said. lifting her tired. glorious eyes to
John Tullis. who stood beside her.
1--WE have come from Balak. They
suffered much that l might enjoy the
slender comforts l was SO ready to
share with Them
Thank God. you are here" he said
J in low, intense tones. She could not
mistake the fervor in his voice nor
the glow in his eyes.
II knew you were here, John. am
not going back to Count Marlanx. II
! Is ended
4 knew it would come. IIgomede
You will let me tell you how glad
, am some day" ....... ...s.
Some day. when l am truly. wholly
free from him, John. know what
you will say, and l think you know
what shall say in reply" Both I'M
derstood and were exalted. No ,the'
word passed between them touching
upon the thing that was uppermost II
their minds. ......., -.a....,.....
Food was provided for the wayfRy
ers. and Tullis' tent was made read
for the countess and her maid.
y The countess story was soen tod
Sitting before the great fire, surround
ed by eager listeners, she re.ated he
experiences. ~
She had been seized on the nigh
of the ball as she started ross he
fathers garden, and escape had b,
come possible only through the aid {
Josepha and the girls father. Farm
ers' wives told them of the newl
formed army and of it's leaders. Sh
determined to make her way to til
camp of those who would destroy be
husband, eager to give them any a
sistance that her own knowledge (
Marlanx's plans might provide.
One bit Of information she CAV
created ne. end Of CONSERVATION anon
the would be deliverers of the city.
had the effect of making them all tt
! more resolute; the absolute necessit
for Immediately regaining control
the city was forced upon them. 81
J. told them that Count Marlanx he
lately received word that the Graz
Duke Paulus was likely to intervel
i before many days, acting on his ov
Initiative, in the belief that he cou
= force the government of Graustark
grant the railway privileges SO mu'
* desired by his country. Marlanx I
IS allied that he would have to forest:
!! the willy grand duke. If he were
'e absolute control of the Graustark &c
eminent when the Russian appear
10 he, and he alone, would be in a pc
'e ton to deal with the situation. @e:s
s. 1.-The grand duke may send a lar
d, force of men across the border at a.
u time," said the countess in conclusit
ie Count <Marianx is sure to make, a (
* cisive assault as soon as be hears tt
ho~ 10 h