The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-05-19
CHAPTER XLVIlI.
In the Torture Chamber.

In the Torture Chamber.
Count Frederick heard them ap-
proach the door, and darted around
the nearest corner. He knew which
way Sachio would go, and gave him
time to establish lead.
Sachio went straight enough for a
time, guided only by his sense of di
rection, but at length he halted, con.
fused in the passageways which ram.
fled and spread this way and that. It
was at that moment that Frederick
himself surprised, came upon him sud
denly. The two stood for half an in:
slant. facing each other
"My dear Frederick" excla med
Sachio, looking his man fair in the
face with that courage which had
more than once stood him in such
good stead How fortunate! l was
just on my way on an errand OF the
king
81 know something of the ways be.
low here said Frederick Il have
been here often. Perhaps between us
we may discover what you seek. In
view of what so recently has passed
it would be easier for you to be our
ou01Uy IIidI OuI Ii IL uOI II
dear Sachio?"
Sachio made no reply. They walked
forward descending, advancing into
the darker portions of the subter
ranean passages.
by the way, my dear Sachho." sale
Frederick, at length-he had Sachit
just slightly by the arm, and walked
abreast OF him, so there might be no
sudden treachery-"there is a room
yonder where we have long bidder
our rnecieva' armor of this palace
Would you like to see it? 1t is just be
yond.'
1T is dark said Sachio, Laughing
lightly, and hesitating. What i.
there in there?"
1T might be the very torture cham
Der of old Gretzhoffen, my dear Sa
chic! 1t might be the treasure cham
| Der of the king himseIf-the old king
i 1t might be here that were concealed
j the treasures of Gretzhoffen-is it no
i true? You know of them?"
i Il have never heard Of them, m,
dear Frederick" replied Sachio
II mot so, my friend. You have hal
the coin. 1t is but counterfeit. TIL
true half-that half which you sough
in my quarters so feloniously-is i
possession of another"
Il "You mean that wench-that Amer
" Jean"
II 1t was that instant that the heav
hand Of Count Frederick smote ht1
y full in the face. you shall not me1
% ton herr" he growled; and the mex
20 instant he had Sachio by the shou
- ders and was thrusting him with a
his power toward the open door.
- - had all along been his intention to in
- prison Sachio here in the tortur
% chamber.
8. The next moment Count Frederic
felt at his back the impact of anothe
:, man. The three struggled furiously.
II Quick! Shoot him. painted Sachi,
xiii him! l cannot last"
: Il am not armed" cried Ladislav
lie Let me search
I'd Frederick felt the hands of his ne,
h. enemy feeling at his pockets, searcl
e, ing for some weapon, and rejoiced ths
ed he also at the moment was unarme,
in At least the conflict would be MOI
even now.
ct But they were more than a mate
e. for him. Count Frederick felt an ar,
70 throttle him, felt his eyes almo.
start from his head, felt his breat
e. leaving him. Slowly slipping, inch b
en- inch. he felt himself impelled towar
W, the open door. Strive as best h
I'd could, he found himself unable to r
% s1st the joint attack of these two de
ad perate Elen
A moment later he heard the heay
as