Daily Arizona silver belt., 1910-03-09

the city was forced upon them. She told them that Count Marlanx had lately received word that the Grand Duke Paulus was likely to intervene before many days, acting on his own initiative, in the belief that he could force the government of Graustark to grant the railway privileges so much desired by his country. Marlanx re- alized that he would have to forestall the willy grand duke. If he were in absolute control of the Graustark gov ernment when the Russian appeared he, and he alone, would be in a posi- tion to deal with the situation.
 "The grand duke may send q large force of men across the border at any time," said the countess In conclusion. Count MarlanX is sure to make a de- cisive assault as soon as he hears that the movement has begun. He had hopes of starving them out, thus sav- ing the castle from destruction, but as that seems unlikely his shells will dear old pile"
 Truxton King was listening with wide open ears. As she finished this dreary prediction he silently arose to his feet and, without word to any one, stalked off in the darkness. Tul- lis looked after him and shook his head sadly.
 I'll be happy on that fellows ac- count when daybreak comes and we are really at it." he said to Prince Dantan, who knew something of Kings affliction.
 But Truxton King was not there at daybreak When he strode out of the camp that night he left it behind for ever.
 The unfortunate lack of means to communicate with the occupants of the castle had been the source of great distress to Captain Haas. If the de- lenders could be informed as to the exact hour of the assault from the out side they could do much toward it's speedy success by making fierce sor- tie from behind their own walls. A quick dash from the castle grounds would serve to draw Marlanx's atten- ton in that direction, diminishing the force that he would send to check the onslaught at the gates.
 TruXton King had all this in mind as he swung off down the mountain road, having stolen past the sentries with comparative ease. The danger from MarlanX's scouts outside the city was not great; they had been scattered and beaten by Haas recruiting par ties. He stood in more danger from the men he would help, they who were the watchful defenders of the castle.
 It must have been o'clock when he crossed the kings highway, a mile or more above the northern gates, and struck down into the same thick un- dergrowth that had protected him and Hobbs on a memorable night not long before.
 At o'clock dripping figure threw up his hands obligingly and laughed with exultation when confronted by startled guardsman inside the castle walls and not more than fifty yards Iloih thc "utcl Sdtc. Ilt SnOultu u friendly cry as he advanced toward the man, calling out his own name.
 Ten minutes later he was standing in the presence of the haggard, nerve racked Quinnox, pouring into his as- tonished ears the news of the coming attack. The colonel lost no time in routing out the sleeping guardsmen and reserves and in sending con- mands to those already on duty at the gates.
 When the sun peeped over the lofty hills he saw inside the gates a rest less, waiting company of dragons ready for the command to ride forth.
 Meantime King had crossed the grounds with Colonel QuinnoX on the way to the castle. He was amazed, all most stupefied, by the devastation that already had been wrought A dozen or more balls had crashed into the facade. Yawning Assures, gigantic holes, mark ed the path of the ugly messengers from MarlanX. Nearly all of the win dOws had been wrecked by rifiemen who shot from the roofs of palaces in and about the avenue. Two of the smaller minarets were in ruins. A huge pillar in the lower balcony was gone. The terrace had been plowed up by single ricochetting shell.
 Great God"' gasped King. "It is frightful"'
 'They began bombarding yesterday afternoon. We were asked to surren der at 3 o'clock. Our reply brought the shells. Mir King. It was terrible. After the first two or three shells we found places of shelter for the prince and his friends. They are in the stone tower beyond the castle. The most glorious courage is shown. Count VOs Engo guards the prince and the ladies of the household Alas, 1t was hunger that we feared the most. To- day we should have resorted to horses flesh. There was no other way We knew that relief would come some day. John Tullis was there. And now it is today! This shall be our day, thank GOdr'