The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1910-04-22
CHAPTER XII.
UNDER THE GROUND.

ceratlon began King was gwen
food and drink. It was high
time, for he was almost fam
lshed. Thereafter twice day he was
led into the larger room and given a
surprisingly hearty meal.
Peter Brutus had just voiced the
pleasure Of the majority by urging the
necessity for physical torture to wiring
the governments secrets from the pris-
oner. King, half famished, half crazed
by thirst. had been listening to the
fierce argument through the thin door
that separated the rooms. He heard
the sudden. eager movement toward
the door of his cell and squared him.
self against the opposite wall, ready to
fight to the death. Then there came
voice that he recognized.
woman was addressing the con-
spirators in tones of deadly earnest
ness. His heart gave q bound. lit was
the first time since his incarceration
that he had heard the voice Of Olga
Platanova. she who still must be his
friend.
mo! You shall not torture him.
have said he is no spy. I still say itr'
she was eXclaiming.
"God, girl. we cannot turn him loose
now. He must die This was from
Spantz
I'VE cannot release him, grant
you" she said. and Truxton's heart
sank. mot now. but afterward, yes.
When it is all over he can do no harm.
But hear me now, all OF you. III he is
harmed in any way shall not perform
my part Of the work on the 26th. This
Is fnal.'
You cannot withdraw" exclaimed
Peter Brutus. You are pledged. You
are sworn. 1t Is ordained"
II, Olga PIatanova. say this to you.
It Is not plea. not petition; 1t is an
ultlmatum. Spare him or the glorious
cause must suffer by my detection"
Ssh! Not so loud. girl! He can hear
every word you say"
Let him hear. Let him know that
L, olga Platanova, am to hurl the thing
mat is to destroy the life Of Prince
Robin. am not afraid to have him
know today what the world will know
next week. Then the world will say
that Olga Platanova was not a beast
Dut a deliverer. a creator! Let him
hear!r
The listeners blood was running
cold. The life of Prince Robin. An
assassination! 1.-THE thing that will
Destroy" A bomb!
For half an hour they argued with
ner, seeking to turn her from the stand
she had taken. Then they came to
terms with her. Truxton King owed
ms life to this strange girl, who knew
INN not at all, but who believed In him.
Iruxton was brought into the room
rev minutes later. He was white
Win emotion as he faced the commit
Zee of ten. Before a word could be
addressed to him he blurted out:
You towards! Weak as I am,
would have fought for you. Miss Pla-
tanova, if ! could have got through
tnat door. Thank you for what you
pave done to convince these dogs!
only don't do this awful thing! Think
VI that dear little boy"'
olga Platanova & led out and covered
ner eyes with her hands. She was
leo from the room by William Spantz.
refer Brutug stood over King, whose
arms were held by two stalwart men.
Enough! he commanded. I'VE
spare you not for her sake, but for
tne sake Of the cause we serve Hear
IS: You are to be held here prisoner
untll our plans are consummated. You
VIII be properly fed and cared for.
lou have heard Miss Platanova say
tnat she will cook the food for you
uerself. but you are not to see her.
Alng interrupted him. II haven't
tne least doubt that you will kill me In
.ne end She may not be here to pro-
iect me after-after the assassination"
She IN prepared to die by the same
ooliD that Stays the prince" was all
.nat B:utus would say 10 response to
it, but King observed the sly look
.liat went around among them. He
anew then that they meant to kill him
10 the end.
AtFerward. ID his little room. be
Mrirhed In the agony Or helDlessness.