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

communicate with the uccupan,s ..
the castle had been the source of great
distress to Captain Haas. If the de-
tenders could be informed as to the
exact hour of the assault from the out
side they could do much toward it's
speedy success by making a fierce sor-
tie from behind their own walls. A
quick dash from the castle grounds
would serve to draw Marlanx's atlen-
ton in that direction. diminishing the
force that he would send to check the
onslaught at the gates. .--.
Truxton King had all this in mind
as he swung off down the mountain
road, having stolen past the sentries
with comparative ease. The danger
from Marlanx's scouts outside the city
was not great; they had been scattered
and 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.
1t must have been O'Clock when be
crossed the kings highway. a mile or
more above the northern gates. and
struck down into the same thick IN
dergrowth that had protected him and
Hobbs on a memorable night not long
before.
At o'clock a dripping figure threw
up his hands obligingly and laughed
with exultation when confronted by a
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 hts 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 a 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 stupefed, by the devastation that
| already had been wrought. A dozen OF
| 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 rif3emen
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 waf
| gone. The terrace had been plowed ul
by a single ricochetting shell.
.Great God!" gasped King. 1T il
frightfu4v'
''Fhey. began bombarding yesterday
afternoon. We were asked to surren
der at 8 O'clock. Our reply brough
the shells. Mr.. King. 1t was terrible
After the first two or three shells
we found places of shelter for tn
prince and his friends. They are il
the stone tower beyond the castle. Th
most glorious courage is shown. Coun
Vos Engo guards the prince and tn
ladies Of the household. Alas. it wa
hunger that we feared the most. TG
day we should have resorted to horse
flesh. There was no other way. W
knew that relief would come some day
John Tullis was there And now it
today! This shall be our day. than
2 Godr'
Attendants sped to the tower, shou
ing the battle tidings.
: The prince came tumbling down th
narrow iron stairs from his rool
above, shouting joyously to Truxto
t King. No man was ever SO welcome
He was besieged with questions. han,
shakings and praises. Even the Duh
of Perse, hobbling on clutches, had
kindly greeting for him. Tears STREAM
ed down the old mans cheeks whe
e King told him of his daughters sal
e arrival in the friendly camp.
+ But just now Truxton was stariI
J. at the narrow staircase. Vos Ems
4 and Lorraine were descending slowl
The former was white and evident
e very weak He leaned ON the girl f
support.
t Count Halfont offered the explain
e ton. 'Vos Engo was shot last we'
y | through the shoulder. He is too bra
q to give up, as you may see. 1t ha
e pened on the terrace. There was {
d unexpected fusillade from the hou:
d tops. Eric placed himself between t
e marksmen and Miss Tullis. A bull
n that might have killed her instant
q struck him in the shoulder.
% King never forgot the look in I
b raine's eyes as she came down t
E. steps. Joy and anguish seemed
II combine themselves IN that long.
ID tense look : =:
v She gave him her hands. The 10
ID in her tired eyes went straight to
u heart. Vos Engo drew back. his Il
7 set in a frown Of displeasure.
gel my brother?" she asked, witht
" taking her gaze from his eyes.
n. "Heis we'll He will see you toda
e. And you, Truxton:" was her NJ
at - question, low and quavering.
aa nd M