Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-02-22
CHAPTER III.

Many Persons In Review.
Truxton King witnessed the review
of the garrison. That in itself was
rather a tame exhibition for a man
who had seen the finest troops in all
the world. A thousand earnest looking
soldiers, proud Of the opportunity to
march before the little prince, and that
was all, so far as the review was con-
cerned.
Mr.. King saw the court in all its
glory scattered along the shady Castle
avenue-in carriages, in traps, in mo-
tors and in the saddle. His brain
whirled and his heart leaped under the
pressure Of new found interest in
life.
II Truxton King had given up in dis
gust and fed to Vienna this tale would
never have come to light. Instead Of
being the lively narrative of young
gentleman's adventures in faraway
Graustark, 1t might have become a
tale Of the smart set in New York,
for, as you know, we are bound by
W lOhOW IiC Ilidl ldiu uO"h
by our hero, no matter which way ne
elects to fare. He confided to his
friend from Cooks that he could new
er have forgiven himself II he had ad-
hered to his resolution to leave on the
following day.
I didn't know you'd changed your
mind, sir" remarked Mr.. Hobbs in
surprise.
"Of course you didn't know it," said
Truxton. How could you? I've just
changed 1t this instant. I didn't know
it myself two minutes ago. No, sir,
Hobbs-or is 1t Dobbs? Thanks. No,
sir, I'm going to stop here for a-well,
a week or two. Where the dickens do
these people keep themselves? I
haven't seen 'em before"
"Oh. they are the nobility-the
swells. They don't hang around the
streets like tourists and rubbernecks,
sir" in plain disgust.
Il say, who is that just passing
the lady in the victorian" King asked
abruptly.
That is the Countess Marlanx."
"Whew! thought she was the
queen"
Hobbs went into details concerning
the beautiful countess.
Il was just going to ask II you know
anything about a young woman who
occasionally tends shop for William
Spantz, he amorer," king finally asked.
Hobbs looked interested. she's
quite a beauty. sir, I give you my
word"
Il know that, Hobbs But who is
she?"
Il really can't say, sir. She's his
niece, I've heard. Been here a little
over a month. / think she's from War
saw"
well, I'll say goodby here. If you've
nothing on for tomorrow we'n visit
the castle grounds and-ahem!-take
a look about the place. Come to the
Motel early. I'm going over to the
gunshop."
He was whistling gayly as he en-
tered the little shop, ready to give a
CHEEKY greeting to old Spantz and to
make him a temporizing offer for the
broadsword. But it was not SpantZ
who stood behind the little counter.
Truxton flushed hotly and jerked off
his hat. The girl smiled.
Il beg pardon" he exclaimed. Z
I'm looking for Mr.. Spantz. r
He is out. Will you wait" She
wistful, preoccupied gaze down the
avenue.
Beg pardon" he said politely. II
wanted to have another look at the
broadsword there"
Very quickly-he noticed that she
went about it clumsily despite her
supple gracefulness-she withdrew the
heavy weapon from the window and
laid it upon the counter.
II am not-not what you would call
an expert" she said frankly.
What's the price?" he asked, mis-
courage faltering under the cool, i'm
personal gaze.
Il do not know. My uncle has told
you. 1 am quite new at the trade.
/ hope you will excuse my ignorance.
My uncle will be here in a moment"
She was turning away with an air
that convinced King of one thing-she
was a person who in no sense had
ever been called upon to serve others.
so I've heard" he observed The
bait took effect She looked up quick
ly. He was confident tnat startled
expression fitted across her face.
You have heard? What have you
heard Of me2" she demanded.
Mr.. King was inspired to fabricate
in the interest Of psychical research.
Il have heard that you are not the
niece of old man Spantz." He watch
ed intently to catch the effect of the
declaration.
You have heard nothing of the
kind" she said coldly.
We'll, I'll confess haven't" he ad-
mitted cheerfully. 1T pleases me to
deduce that you are not related to the
armorer. You don't look the part"
Now she smiled divinely. And why
not, pray? His sister was my mother"
In order to establish line on which
to base my calculations. would you
mind telling me who your father is?"
He asked the question with his most
appealing smile, a smile so frankly i'm
pudent that she could not resent 1t.
MY father Is dead" she said seri-
ously, land my mother is dead. Now
can you understand why l am living
here with my uncle? Even an amateur
may rise to that Now, sir, do you
expect to purchase the sword? If not
1 shall replace it in the window"