Grand Forks herald. [volume] (Grand Forks, N.D.) 1916-1955, 1920-04-26

soldiers III dlenesS who have not yet
found occupation; and the trickling
poison of socialism is being poured
among them. oh. they are loyal to
the king. yet! They would shoot
down the man who proposed treason.
But they listen to socialism, over
glasses of brandy-and it gnaws and
weakens the fabric like acid. King
Nikolas cannot live forever. Austria
covets what she cannon conquer
"Michael-?"
Desires power and place. Our
people are poor; your wealth would
be an assassin's dagger in his hand.
N"So You take it,"
She repented the taunt, before it
was finished. But the barb fell
+, short.
IF I We're at starvation, your
money could buy me nothing" he
answered. never more calmly. ut is
to me only a danger guarded against.
Nor are you tome a beautiful wom-
an. but a hostage for my country's
lpeaca."
Deeply stung, yet checked BY the
stately bearing and glance Of the
man who wrested respect from her
against her will, Delight rose and
crossed to the window. She felt as
If her heart rushed out across the
wide, strange landscape, seeking Mi
chael with pity and defiant protec-
ton. Samson-like, Stefan Balsic had
stepped into the temple she had
reared, and was shaking it's columns.
But a woman's faith is a stronger
pillar thar those of GAIA; Nshe dread
ed mo downfall, proudly unafraid.
You said last night that you were
not sure of what you accuse" she re-
called. presently. You said that 1
would be free, after hi was, either
cleared Or
Il beg your>pardon;sI did not say
that ! was not sure" he corrected. II
would be more happy than you. if I
could say it. But;I did give you my
promise that you! should be free
when j held proof of his guilt or
innocence, if that were possible
why did you-not warn me, If you
believed this, in Tours?"
She stir kept her back to him. yet
felt thai he smiled with the compass
sion that So chafed her in his glance.
would you have listened 10 a
stranger met Oh the street, madame,
when you, would not heed your uncle
and aunt, your guardians? And IL l
had told o my name would have
have believed Stefan Balsic's cyl
dence against Michael?. 1t was my
intention that your fance should
never leave this country to join you
until this matter was settled"
1t was true, and Delight knew it..
But h fact did o lessen her anger,
noE her growing fear for Michael.
What justice would be meet, il
brought to trial? What II he were
entangled in some net Of circum-
stances weaving, perhaps chance,
aided by his Gown gay imprudence,
could lay hands on no proof that
you'd satisfy these stern men who
held life at so low a value
You have accused hiw to the
King?" she asked, holdingSher voice
to steadiness.
"HArdly! Do you imagine L desire
disgrace, or choose to be my broth
ers executioner? Yes" as she
shrank. IF the King had my knowl1
edge, Michael Balsic would not live
twenty-four hours.
You hate him.
What do you think me?" he ask
ed curiously. And when she made
no l1swer There lis no one who
Of this .excepts Danilo Leses-
dra myself; and now. you. Re-
member that If you repeat what you
have heard, you win hurt me, but you
will kill Michael"
WHAT you should hold the
proof, what would you do !? With
the ,question, she turned to face him.
When I hold In my hands tangi-
BILE evidence that will make 1t death
for Michael to enter the country he.
has wronged, / will send him OUT
safe and free to live Al he viii. so
that he never again crosses Monte
negrin borders. Then you may mar
ry him II YOU choose, madame. In
America yO,tr 1fvos.co <rnra v,a ,r{iIs