The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1910-01-15

All this time his brain was
working like mad in the new
found desire to perform miracles
for the sake of this lovely, unat-
tainable creature. Was there no
way to foil these triumphant con-
Ispirators? He was forgetting the
prince, the horrors Of the 26th; he
was thinking only of saving this
girl from the fate that Marlanx
had in store for her. Vos Engo
may have had the promise, but
what could it profit him IL Mar
lanx had the girl?
I've got about as much chance
as a SNOWFALL" he reflected, cour-
age and decision growing stronger
Ieach moment. II might Just as
well die one way as another. If
could only catch 'em mapping for
a minute, might turn the trick.
GOO, that would be-" he was
lost in ecstatic contemplation of
the glory that such an event
would bring.
Footsteps in the outer room re-
called him to the bitter reality of
their position. He awoke her
and whispered words of encour-
agement into her bewildered ears.
Ihen he put on his coat and threw
himself on the floor, first wrap
ping the rope about his wrists to
deceive the guard.
A key turned in the paddock and
the bolt was raised. Old man
lSpantz stood in the doorway.
peering in at them. In surly
tones Truxton replied to his sharp
query, saying that the candle had
gone out while ne slept.
1t is noon," said the old man
lrascibly. Then he came in and
lighted candle.
Noon of the 25th," said Trux-
ton bitterly. "In twenty-four hours
1t will be all over, eh, Spantz "
AT noon tomorrow" said
lSpantz grimly.
There were half dozen men in
the outer room, conversing in low.
existed tones; the fervent gesticu-
lations which usually marked their
discussions were missing, proving
the constraint that had descended
upon them. One. of them-it was
julius Spantz-brought in the
food for the prisoners, setting it
on the floor between them.
1T is usually the duty of our
friend julius to feed me-" OBJ
served Truxton to his fellow
prisoner. Il dare say he won't
mind If you relieve him of the
task"
"She can feed you If she likes"
growled julius.
"Julius?" queried the girl from
the Castle, peering at the man.
ory?"
The same" said Truxton. Ju-
Illus laughed awkwardly and with
drew. Son of our distinguished
host here. Permit me to present
Herr William"
Enough" snarled William
Spantz, with a threatening move
ment toward King. His manner
changed completely, however,
when he turned to address the
young lady. 81 beg to inform you,
madam, that your stay in this un-
wholesome place is to be brief.
Pray endure it for the remainder
of this day. Tonight you will be
removed to more pleasant quar-
tiers, that a friend has prepared
for you. / may say to you, how
ever, that 1T will be necessary to
place a gag in your mouth before
you depart. This is to be a criti-
cal night in our affairs" He
lifted an inspired gaze heaven
ward. Let me assure you, mad
am, that the two gentlemen who
are to conduct you to the count S
Ito your new quarters, are con-
|siderate, kindly men; you need
feel no further alarm. l am re-
quested to tell you this, so that
you may rest easy for the balance
of the day. AS for you, my
friend" turning to Truxton and
smiling ironically, II deeply de-
iplore the fact that you are to re-
main. You may be lonesome in
the dead hours, for, as you may
imagine, we, your dearest
friends, will be off about a certain
business that is known to you, if |
mistake not in believing that you
have listened at the door these
many nights. When we next
gather in the room beyond, a new
dispensation will have begun. You
may be interested then to hear
what we have to say-out there"
Truxton was silent for a mo-
ment, a sudden, swift thought
flooding his brain. Controlling
the culver of anticipation in his
voice, he took occasion to say:
| Il only hope you'll not forget
to come back. l should be lone