Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1912-03-07

AS result he was IN no pleasant
mood that evening. The Hubbard mil
lions were numbered by tens instead
of units. They would be most well
come to the state Of Percardy.
His evil humor was perfect foil
to Murphy with his Spanish stateli-
ness and his Irish humor. He de-
voted himself to Elna until even Glenn
ford was astonished and the prince
was furious, but when over the bot
ties when the ladies had retired,
Murphy pressed his hand and whis-
rered that all was going well. Glenn
ford was satisfied.
But the prince found less pleasure
in developments, and 1t was not until
they had started for the vast planta-
ton up the river that he recovered
his assurance. With only a plain
American to combat he felt sure Of his
ground, and dozen times day Glenn
ford would have willingly given up his
place for the privilege of kicking him
overheard.
Then came q letter from Murphy
which seemed to pour oil on the
troubled waters, and for day or so
all was we'll. Clemford was positively
genial under the princes insults, and
Mrs. Hubbard smiled. At last, she
concluded, Clemford had learned his
place.
She was gloating over her triumph
in her room one evening when, with
out warning, there came the sharp
crack of musketry. She sprang to her
feet and peered out of the window.
Over by the laborers' barracks she
sould see the fash through the trees,
and presently there came an answer
from the barracks. She rushed into
the hall in her dressing gown. Elna
was already there, and so was the
prince in a pink silk lounging robe be-
meath the edge Of which showed blue
silk pajamas.
at is one of the revolutions" he
cried in alarm. 1--WE shall be killed"
Nonsense" was the sharp re-
sponse. mo one ever Is killed in
these revolutions. Where is Mr..
Clemford?" she added, turning to
Elna.
"He has gone to take charge Of the
men," she answered 'He Is afraid
that the attack Is blind to draw the
men from the house, and he has gone
to get them to come up here"
81 should think you might go, too"
suggested Mrs. Hubbard, turning to
the trembling prince.
II long to-" he gushed. "but cannot
you see the consequences? l, a prince
of Percardy, to fight on foreign soil!
1t would be to draw down upon my
beloved country the invasion of this
rabble"
81 don't think they will invade Eu.
rope because you have done your duty
in protecting two women. III you are
afraid you had better go to your
room"
Afraid" he gasped. 'T. Emil Of
Percardy, afraid! We Of the blood
royal are sadly misjudged by those
who cannot be aware of the responsi.
bilties we have to carry"
81 think you are afraid" she said
bluntly.
He was about to reply when the
shooting broke forth afresh and this
time about the house. With one look
of anguish he bade farewell to his
hopes of an alliance and rushed to his
room.
Half an hour later, Clemford coming
upstairs to reassure the two women,
looked into the room and saw the
prince under the bed.
"You can come out" he said sternly.
I'VE have beaten them off. They will
not attack again before morning"
Whereat the prince suddenly became
brave and emerged from his hiding
place.
Briefly, Clemford explained that
there had been night attack OF
large force. He could not understand
the reason for the appearance OF
body of armed marauders, but he had
telegraphed to the capital and had no
doubt that through the day some help
would arrive.
Murphy took breakfast with them
and over the table made merry at the
expense of the prince.
ut was what you call mobliza-
ton of the forces" he explained. Il
supposed Senor Clemford had received
my letter-which he did not" with a
grave wink at Glen. "My force was
to be the besieged party. We did not
arrive IN time, and the prompt repulse
convinced them that we were here.
The senior prince ran from blank
cartridges"
"Then we killed poor, innocent
menu gasped Elna.
"The last shells I sent" explained
Murphy, "were blank. l forgot to send
others. There were no fatalities upon
either side unless the princes reputa-
tion as hero may be considered"
"I could not embroil Percardy,"
lamely protested the unfortunate.
"At luncheon the prince announced
that he had decided to go down the
river with the gun6oats on the fol.
lowing day.
"That Is unfortunate" lamented
Murphy. Clemford stared. Any re-
treat Of his excellency was to be
hailed with JOY.
"You see," went on Murphy, "you
will not be able to be present at the
nuptials of Mrs. Hubbard and myself"
! "You marry herr" gasped the prince.
IT thought you were after Miss Hub
bard"
/ "The senorita and the Senor Glenn
ford have been betrothed long
time." explained Murphy. "They will
doubtless be married at the same