Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1910-05-10
ny GEORGE BARR M0CU1yJN0W
copvrisht. lo0o. BY George Barr rfccutcheon

road, having stolen past the sentrtes
with comparative ease. The danger
from Marlanx's scouts outside the city
was not great: they had been scattered
aud beaten by Haas recruiting par
ties. He stood in more danger from
the men he would help, they who were
the watchful defenders Of the castle.
It must have been 2 o'clock when he
crossed the kings highway, mile Or
more above the northern gates, and
struck down into the same thick un-
dergrowth that had protected him and
Hobbs on q memorable night not long
before.
At 8 o'clock dripping figure threw
up his hands ohligngly aud laughed
with exultation when confronted by q
startled guardsman inside the castle
walls and not more than fifty yards
from the water gate. He shouted
friendly cry. as he advanced toward
the man. calling out his own name.
Ten minutes later he was standing
In the presence Of the haggard, nerve
racked Quinnox. pouring into his as
tonished ears the news of the coming
attack. The colonel lost no time in
routing out the sleeping guardsmen
and reserves and In sending COM
mands to those already on duty at the
gates.
When the sun peeped over the lofty
hills he saw inside the gates rest
less, waiting company Of Dragons
ready for the command to ride forth
Meantime King had crossed the
grounds with Colonel Quinnox on the
way to the castle. He was amazed, al
most stupehsd, by the devastation that
already had been wrought. A dozen or
more balls had crashed into the facade.
Yawning assures, gigantic holes, mark
ed the path Of the ugly messengers
from Marlanx Nearly all Of the win
dows had been wrecked by riHemen
who shot from the roofs Of palaces In
and about the avenue. Two OF the
smaller minarets were in ruins. A
huge pillar In the lower balcony was
gone. The terrace had been plowed up
by single ricochettlng shell.
Great Godv' gasped King. 1T Is
frightful!
"They began bommrding yesterday
afternoon We were asked to surren-
der at o'clock. Our reply brought
the shells, Mr.. King It was terrible.
After the first two or three shells
we found places of shelter for the
prince and his friends. They are In
the stone tower beyond the castle. Tie
most glorious courage is shown. Count
vos Engo guards the prince and the
ladies Of the household. Alas, 1t was
hunger that we feared the most. To-
day we should have resorted to horses
flesh. There was no other way We
knew that relief would come some day.
John Tlllis was there. And now 1t is
today! This shall be our day, thank
Godw
Attendants sped to the tower, shout
ing the battle tidmgs.
The prince came tunbling down the
narrow iron stairs from his room
above, shouting joyously to Truxton
King. No man was ever so welcome.
He was besieged with questions, hand
shakings and praises. Even the Duke
ST Perse, hobbling on clutches, had
Kindly greeting for him. Tears stream
ed down the old mans cheeks when
King told him Of his daughters safe
arrival in the friendly camp.
But just now Truxton was staring
at tile narrow staircase Vos Engo
and Lorraine were descending slowly.
The former was white and evidently
very weak. He leaned on the girl for
support.
Count Halfont offered the explana-
ton "Vos Engo was shot last week
through the shoulder. He Is too brave
to give up, as you may see. 1t hap
pened on the terrace. There was an
unexpected fusillade from the house
tops. Eric placed himself between the
marksmen and Miss Tufhs. A bullet
that might have killed her instantly
struck him in the shoulder.
King never forgot the look In Lo-
raine's eyes as she came down the
steps. Joy and anguish seemed to
combine themselves in that long, In
tense look.
She gave him her hands. The look
In her tired eyes went straight to MS
heart. vos Engo drew back, his face
set In frown Of displeasure.
"My brother?" she asked, without
taking her gaze from bis eyes.
"He is well. He will see you today.
"And you. Truxton2" was her next
question, low and quavering.
t'Unharmed and unchanged, Lo-
raine." he said softly. "Tell me, did
vos Engo stand between you ana
n the fire fro m
!; ! ! !: !: !: =:
4s the
.N va Eyes, Truxton,"
81 <yaaH she said, dropping
ASAdZns<ss4 her eyes as If in
M w deep pain.
9 And you have