The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1910-03-14
CHAPTER XVII.

nearly forty-eight hours. In
the first place, he had not had
so much as single glimpse OF the
girl he now worshiped with all his
heart. In the second place, he had
learned, with unpleasant promptness,
that Count Vos Engo was the officer
in command of the house guard, a
position as gravely responsible as it
was honorable
He had, of course, proffered his serv-
ices to Colonel Quinnox. The colonel,
who admired the Americans, gravely
lar duty to which he could be assigned,
but that he would expect him to hold
himself ready for any emergency. In
case Of an assault he was to report to
Count VOs Engo.
But he was not satisfied. Lorraine
had not come forward with a word
of greeting or relief-in fact, she had
not appeared outside the castle doors.
Toward dusk on Monday, long after
the arrival of the refugees, he sat in
gloomy contemplation Of his own un-
happiness, darkly glOwering upon the
unfriendly portals from a distant stone
bench.
A brisk guardsman separated himself
from the knot Of men at the castle
doors and crossed the plaza toward
him.
Judge the dismay and anger when
the soldier, a bit shamefaced himself,
briefly announced that Count Vos
Engo had issued an order against
castle.
TruxtOn's cheek burned. He saw in
an instant that the order was meant
for him and for no one else, he being
the only outsider likely to come under
the head of "loiterer"
Truxton turned to him with frank
smile. Please tell Count Eos Engo
that l am the last person in the world
to disregard discipline at a time like
this
His glance swept the balcony, sud
denly becoming fixed on a couple near
the third column. Count NoS EngO
and Lorraine Tullis were standing there
together, Enthusiastically watching his
humiliating departure.
The next morning he encountered
Vos Engo near the grotto.
Catching sight of Vos Engo, he has
tened across the avenue and caught
up to him.
"Good morning" said Truxton. vos
tall American. Il haven't had a
chance to thank you for coming back
for me last Saturday. Allow me to
say that it was very brave thing to
do"
II do not like your words, Mr.. King,
nor the way in which you glare at
me-"
I'm making it easier to tell you
the agreeable news, Count Vos Engo;
that's all. Take your hand off your
sword, please-some other time per-
haps, but not in these days, when we
need men, not cripples. I'll tell you
what 1 have discovered, and then we'Il
drop the matter until some other time
Frankly, count, l have made the graf
flying discovery that you are a mis-
cradle cur"
Count Eos Engo went very white
''As you say, there is another and
better time. We need dogs as we'll as
men in these days"
Tru1ton strolled OF to the stables,
picking mp Mr.. Hobbs Oh the way.
Hobbs" he said, we've got to fnd
John TuIlis; that's all there is to it,
Il dare say, SIR said Mr. Hobbs,
with sprightly decisiveness. He's very
much needed
I'm going to need him before long
as my second"
Later on much of Truxton's good hu-
NOR was restored and his vanity pleased
by a polite request from Count Hal
font to attend an important council In
the room of wrangles" that evening
at ..
Very boldly he advanced upon the
castle few minutes before the ap-
pointed hour.
lie came upon Lorraine Tullis at the
edge of the terrace She was walking
slowly in the soft shadows beyond the
row Of lights on the lower gallery. He
knew her at glance. this slim girl in
spotless white.
Lorraine" he whispered, reaching
her side in two bounds. She put out
her hands, and he clasped them. Plain
~ she was confused. I've been dying
for a glimpse of you. Do You think
you'ye treated me-
Don't. Truxton"' she pleaded, sud
denly serious. You must not come
here. l saw-well. you know. 1 was
so ashamed; | was SO sorry"
He still held her hands.
Yes; they ordered me to move on, as
if | were common loafer," he said.
with q soft chuckle. But where have
you kept yourself?
81 have been ill, Truxton-truly,
have" she said quickly, uneaSily.