The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1910-02-28

TONI T~RuxroStss
acknowledgement words that would
hare filed Truxtoa King with an end
less JOY could he haye heard them
above the rattle OF the rifles.
The corner OF the building had shut
cut the picture: II WAS impossible for
his
burden had reached the balcony in
safety. Even they might be iy-
ing on the terrace. riddled by bullets.
The old man reused her from the
gtupnrn of dread-HeLcalIe He'd her IA Haes
Duly she responded. Standing bolt
upright In the window. she sought QUE
the figure OF Marlanx and pointed
riaidlv.
All" grsaited the old man. they
will not be driven back this timel
They win not be denied. II Is tie
last charge. God. how they come,
Our men will be annihilaied In
Where is be: Now. All. ! see. Yes,
that is he. He is near enough now. I
cannot miss him
Marlanx was leading bis men up to
the terrace.
At the tep Of the terrace the Iron
Count suddenly stopped His-ieas
body stifened and then crumpled like
a reed. A score of heavy feet tram
pied on the fallen leader. but be did
not feel the impact.
A bullet from the north wing had
crashed into his brain.
AT LAST. shrleked the old man at
the window. Come. Miss Tullis: my
work Is done.'
"He is dead. your graceT" In low.
awed tones.
ayes, my DEAR" said the Duke OF
Perse. a smile of relief on bis face.
Come. let me escort you to the prince.
You have been most courageous"
A group of terrified women wera
huddIed In the far corner OF a near
by room. The Duke Of Perse heid
open the door for Lorraine Tnllls. but
she did not enter. When he turned
to cali she was halfway down the
top flight OF stairs. racing through the
powder smoke toward the landing be-
low.
At every step she was screa ming In
the very agony OF gladness:
'Staud firm, Hold them. Help II
coming. Help is coming!"
A last look through the window at
the end Of the hall had revealed to
her the most glorious Of visions.
Red and green troops were pouring
horses surEing over the ugly ground
riffs I'M debris as il possessed Of the
tabled wings.
Her brother was out there. and all
was well. She was crying the joyous
news from the head OF the grand
stairway when Trnxton King caught !
sight of her.
He was powder stained and srimy. J
There was blood on his face and shirt
front
You are shot,' she cried. ciutching
the post nt the bend In the stairs.
'.Truxton! Truxton...
Not even scratched" he shouted
as he reached her side. Its not
my He stopped short even as be
held ont his arms to clasp her to his
breast. Its some n else's blood
he finished resolutely. She swayed
toward him. and be caught her In
his arms.
Il love you-oh. I love you. Trux.
toni" she cried over and over again.
He was faint with JOY. His kisses
spoke the alteration be would have
cried out Z her IL emotion had not
clogged his throat.
Eric she whispered at last. draw.
ing back In his arms and hooking up
into his yes with a great pity in her
is he-is he dead, Truxtonf.
NO." be said gently: BADLY hurt
..He will not diet Thank God.
Truxton, He IL a Oh. a veTr.
brave manrt
Lcaderlesx between the deadly nres,
the m~ercenaries gaze M 1.-The fight aftse
1 brief stand at the terrace.
The prince reigned again.
STo b continusd.l