Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1913-11-13
NO." answered Paul. Il am need
ed by his majesty"

wayfarer or q belated automobile, ap-
peared to stretch itself out eternally.
Vet the stars were still bright in the
sky when the black bulk sf the castle
suddenly loomed out from among the
foliage of the encompassing trees. Paul
drew rein; he was trying to locate the
position of the stream which he had
formed; he was uncertain, too, wheth-
er he should turn his horse loose or
ride boldly through the besiegers.
Upon his meditation fell the sharp
challenge of sentry.
Halt! Who goes there?"
"The man sprang up almost from
beneath his feet. Paul had presence
of mind to reply:
Captain Won Houzrath!"
But you must give the countersign,
SIR" the man protested. his bayonet
lowered indecisively. Paul mumbled
something and spurred his horse,
leaped past the soldier, saw the gate
open, and galloped madly along the
drive and into the main entrance OF
the castle. He heard shots fired be-
hind him; then followed silence. No
one was in pursuit Of him. Doubtless
the besiegers felt sure enough of
their prey.
But In that hasty fight Paul had
noticed that there was an ominous
hustle snd stir in the camp.
At the gate of the castle two OF
x, u,ho Don1 hod hnnn
introduced, came running forward.
When they saw who their visitor was,
they clasped his hands eagerly.
"They attack at morning." one Of
them exclaimed. "Stepan has be.
come alarmed, and will postpone 1t no
longer. The servants have deserted
us-this piece of news came from a
loyal stable boy. Come with US
quickly"
They entered the fine, spacious mar
BILE hallway Of Hofberg. A single elec-
trio light burned dlmly at the top or
the stairway, and Paul saw, to his as
tonishment, dim figures moving here
and there, pulling great trunks or
trees across the entrance to the main
corridor, while Clothilde directed
them. AS Paul and the officers ap-
preached all ceased their labors for
a moment, and the princess uttered a
little cry of JOY which set Paurs heart
beating wildly. The barrier was al
ready four feet high. The three
climbed over, and took their stations
among the defenders.
What time does the loyal regiment
arrlve?" asked Captain Won Thurn;
and the rest gathered round Paul IN
wistful expectation.
AT eight
1T is now five. But they attack at
dawn
They will be ready to attack in
half an hour" said Paul. I'VE must
hold the stairway for two hours and
half.
No more was said, but they contin.
ued to work feverishly upon the de-
fences.
Outside it was growing light. The
trees showed green against the wide
windows, and birds were singing.
Presently a tramping, mingled with
distant cries, was heard in the court.
yard.
ITO your places" exclaimed Won
Arnim, and they ran back and scram.
bled over the barricades again, where
they stood grimly waiting. The sounds
grew louder, hoarse shouts broke the
silence; suddenly mob of men rush
ed into the courtyard and hammered
upon the gates.
SILENCE, gentlemen!" Won Arnim
said
The hammering grew louder until
the din was tremendous. Evidently
oak beams were being brought into
play. Presently the sounds ceased;
then two minutes later, there was the
roar of dynamite The gates rocked
and fell inward, and through the cloud
of mortar and marble dust figures OF
men emerged. 1t was quite light
now.
They rushed up the stairway. and
suddenly perceiving the barricade and
the defenders and stood still But
one man ran to the barricade, and
hoarse with passion, shouted and
shook his fists. 1t was Stepan.
Surrender" he cried. "Our terms:
your lives are spared, We demand
his majesty and her highness the
princess!"
I'm ten seconds" responded Van Ar.
MIN, 1--WE open fire.
Twelve abreast they bounded up the
marble stairs, in ranks four deep, BRAN
dishing their swords and shouting the
name of Stepan, who, Paul noticed
with grim smile, remained in the
rearmost rank. That was his last con-
scious observation for some time, for,
an instant later, sword was crashing
on sword-point, thrust, thrust, point.
"Now, Paul, fight bravely for-for
me-" he heard voice in his ear. He
turned, to look into the face of the
princess, who, apparently devoid OF
fear stood at his side. His hopes
revived. AS the assailants, reform
ing. charged bravely up the stairs, he
singled out Won Holzrath and shout
ed a challenge at him. He saw the
captains eyes flash their answer, and
sword in hand, waited.
Won Holzrath came toward him
brandishing his sword. 1t clashed
on Paul's. One moment they fought
fiercely; the next the rush of the com
batants separated them. Driven back
with the defenders Paul saw Vor
Holzrath spit Van Arnim through the
body and twist loose his sword, as one
pulls a skewer from a joint. Ther
they were together again Swiftel
and more fierce grew the movements
of his enemys blade, outmatching his
own, till it flashed before Paurs eye'
like a snhere of living light. It point