Bisbee daily review. [volume] (Bisbee, Ariz.) 1901-1971, 1910-04-24
a Story Of
CrousfGrk
BY
GEORGE BARR
M'CUTCHEON


The unacceptable corpse Of Olga
Platanova had been buried in quick
lime outside the city walls There was
something distinctly grewsome IN the
fact that half a dozen deep graves
were dug alongside hers hours before
death came 10 the wregches who were
TO occupy them.
At 3 O'Clock the Iron Count coolly
sent messengers 10 the homes OF the
leading merchants aud bankers OF the
city. They. with the priests. the doc
tors. the municipal officers and the
manufacturers. were commanded TO APP
pear before him at O'Clock for the
purpose of discussing the welfare of
the city and its people
Marllnx stated his position clearly.
de left no room for doubt 10 their
minds. The strings were in his hands.
Without hesitation he Informed the
leading men Of the city that be was
10 be the Prince Of Graustark
Il will rule Graustark or destroy her.
Those of you who do not expert or
desire TO live under my rule. which.
promise you. shall be wise one. may
leave the city for other lands" be said
calmly. Just as soon as my deputies
have completed the formal transfer OF
all your belongings 10 the crown treas
ury-all. / say. even 10 the mlnutesr
grife. Permit me TO add in that con-
oection. gentlemen. the transfer will
not be 4 prolonged affair."
They glared back at him and subsid-
ell into bitter silence.
Il am well aware that you love little
Prince Robin Now. respecting young
master Robin. l have no great desire
10 Kill him
He waited TO see the effect of this
brutal announcement His bearers
stifrened. and-yes. they held their
breath
He has one alternative-he and his
lords. trust that you. as sensible
gentlemen. will End the means 10 con
vey 10 him your advice that he seize
the opportunity 1 shall offer him 10 es-
cape with his life. let me interrupt
myself TO call TO your attention the
fact that l mn furnishing the anarchists
az sunset To resume. the boy may
return 10 America. where he belongs.
/ viii give him free and safe escort
to the United States. If he choosPs to
accept my kindly terms. all well and
good; II not. gentlemen. / shall starve
him out or blow the castle down. lt
may interest you to hear that l expect
TO establish a new nobility in GraG-
stark. | trust may now be address
ing At least q few of the future noble
lords OF Graustark. Good day. gentle
men"
At the castle the deepest gloom pre-
vailed. 1t was like & nightmare 10
the beleaguered household. a dream
from which there seemed to be no
awakening. Colonel QuinuOx as COM
nIander Of the royal guard ruled SD
preme. General Braze tore or mis-
own epaulets and presented himself
TO Quinnox as a soldier of the file
Prince Robin. quite recovered from
his fright. donned the uniform Of
colonel Of the royal dragons. buckled
on his iewelcd sword and. with boyiSh
zeal demanded At a council of war
Colonel Quinnox's reasons for not go
ing forth 10 STAY the rioters.
Your hichness." said the colonel
bitterly. IKE real army is outside the
walls not inside. We are a pitiful
"EnOughr' commanded william
Spantz. We are not children Turn
ing TO King. he went on, a touch Of
Kindness in his voice: cheer her If
YOU can. She is one Of your class. Do
not Jet the lights go out"
Raising his hands. he fairly drove
the othe1s from the doorway.
For a time King stood in his corner,
watching the figure huddled against
The opT,,siis.a wall. Suddenly be started