The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1910-01-29


Barr McCutcheon.)
Copyright. 1900, by Doud,
Mead & Company. Published
Sept, 19O9.)
His perfect, unwavering faith
in the Guard was the same that
had grown up with every prince
of Graustark and would not be
gainsaid. A score of hearts swell
ed with righteous pride and as
many scabbards ratified as heels
clicked and hands went up in sa-
lutte.
Your Highness," said Quinnox,
with a glance at his fellow-officers,
you may rely upon it, Count Mar
lanx will never reach you until
he has slain every man in the
Royal Guard"
And in the army-our poor
little army" added General Braze.
THANK you," said the Prince.
"You needn't have told me.
knew it." He leaned back in the
big chair, almost slipping from
the record books on which he sat,
a brave scowl on his face. Gee,
| wish he'd attack us right now, 3"
he said, with ingenious bravado.
The council of war was not a
lengthy one. The storm that had
arisen out of perfectly clear sky
was briefly discussed in all it's
phases. No man there but real
lied the seriousness of the situa-
ton. Count Halfont, who seemed
ten years older than when we last
saw him, addressed the cabinet.
John Tullis is still outside the
city walls. If he does not fall into
a trap through ignorance of the
city's plight, firmly believe he
will be able TO organize an army
of relief among the peasants and
villagers. They are loyal. The
mountaineers and shepherds, wild
fellows all, are the ones who have
fallen into the SPIDERS net. Count
Marlanx has an army of aliens;
they are not even revolutionists.
John Tullis, If given the oppor-
tunity, can sweep the city clear
of them. My only fear is that
he may be tricked into ambush
,efore we can reach him. No
loubt Marlanx. in devising a way
o get him out of the city, also
thought of the means to keep him
out"
1--WE must get word to Tullis, -
cried several in breath. A dozen
men volunteered to risk their
lives in the attempt to find the
American in the hills. Two men
were chosen-by lot. They were
to venture forth that very night
my lords" said the Prince, as
the council was on the point of dis.
solving, lis it all right for me tc
ask a question now?"
Certainly, Robin" said the
prime minister.
"Well, I'd like to know where
Mr.. King is"
Hes safe, your Highnes," said
Quinnox.
Aunt Lorraine is worried, that's
all. She's sick, you see-awfuI
sick. Do you think Mr.. King
would be good enough to walk by
her window, SOS she can see fol
herself? She's in the royal bed.
chamber."
"The royal bedchamber?" gasp.
ed the high chamberlain.
II gave up my bed right off
but she won't stay in it. She sits
in the window most of the time
It's all right about the bed.
spoke to nurse about it. Besides
/ don't want to go to bed while
there's any fighting going on. So
you see, it's all right. Say, Uncle
Casper, may l take a crack at OLD
Marlanx with my new rifle If I gel
a chance? I've been practicing or
the target range, and Uncle JACK
says I'm regular Buffalo Bill"
Count Ha1font unceremoniously
Rugged his wriggling grand.
nephew. A cheer went up from
the others.
Long live Prince Robin!
shouted Count Vos Engo.
Prince Robin looked abashed
'I don't think l could hit him,
he said with becoming modesty
They laughed aloud. But, say
don't forget about Mr.. King. Tel
him 1 want him to parade mos
of the time in front of my win
dows."
"He has a weak ankle" begar
Colonel Puinnox lamely.
Very difficult for him to walk,
said Vos Engo, biting his lips.
The prince looked from face tt
face, suspicion in his eyes. Il
dawned on him that they wer,
evading the point. A stubborn
line appeared between his brows
Then I command you, Colone
: IQuinnox, to give him the bes
horse in the stables. I want hin