The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1920-08-05


her. the American with pistol in
hand, and on the table the discom-
fitted usurper intently watched by the
giant, who did not so much as glance
Up at her entrance.
'What--what is the meaning Of
this?" she faltered, ali her own reso-
lutions upset by the strangeness Of
tho tableau
{! Provarsk dunbly rolled his eyes to-
ward her, but 1t was Kent who re-
piled.
ut means that the Princess has
arrived at most inopportune mo-
ment," he said, coldly. II left posi-
tive instructions that neither you,
nor any one else, was to interfere
with my plans"
And my brother took orders from
YOU" she said. sarcasm in her re-
Election. and I told him that if
there was no man Of our house who
dared to face this upstart baron,
would do it myself and alone!"
A reluctant approval Of her bravery
shone in his grim, resslute face.
How could my brother know"
she demanded. as her temper again
came uppermost. that the agent of
John &hodes, who seeks his pound
of flesh and nothing more, would not
come here and ally himself with this
adventurer
Il am not without honor" Kent
answered, quietly and with fine
dignity Of his own. "The situation
as you find it is sufficient proof"
She hcsitatea, bit her lip, ana
looked back at the other participants
in this outre scene into which she
had recklessly forced her way. The
proof Of kent's fidelity to her house
was palpable in that restrained and
desperate figure stretched out and
held relentlessly by the silent giant.
and by the Americans readiness to
defend her against the squalid band
outside.
You have impugned my motives
BEFORE" his cold. restrained voice
again broke in. and with a quality
that she could not misinterpret.
But you have now interfered,
seriously, in an emergency whose
difficulties are increased by your
presence. You have jeopardised our
chances; SO you shall and must obey
what am going to tell you"
Must? Must?"
Must and shall!"
For an instant they eyed each
other, and then, frightened by his
very domination and strength, she
felt suddenly disturbed
Come" he said, 1--WE have no time
to bubble. If you value your life, or
your brothers possession Of the
throne, you will do precisely as I
tell YOU. If this can not be ac-
complished with your friendship as
an aid, it shall, nevertheless, be ac-
complished. I expect you to obey.
implicitly! It is our only chance"
overawed by his determined pose,
she bowed her head, in enforced as
sent. He stepped across to the side
of the table, touched Ivan on the
arm, and gestured for him to release
their prisoner.
Get up, Provarsk." the American
CURLY ordered, and as the baron
stiffly descended from the table and
began with nervous fingers to rear
range his disordered cravat, Kent
glanced swiftly at Ivan to assure
himself that the latter's gaze was
fixed on his lips. He spoke slowly,
Distinctly. and with forceful quietness,
himself to the baron but
with mis- head slightly turned that
the giant might read.
"Provarsk, you and l are going out
OF this room and through that cor
rider, arm in arm, while you appar-
emily assist me in a friendly fashion.
Ivan will support me on the opposite
side, because my arms viii viii Is, .r,,zs....
the one on your side being beneath
my coat. You will support me with
your left side toward me, my gentle
friend, for definite reason
He grinned and paused 30 give his
words effect.
That reason being as you may
have surmised, that every foot of the
way the hand beneath my coat will
be pressing this gun against your
seart. and that if you even falter, at
tempt to break loose or o,;ya ~,