 24 Beneath the Ground While Baldos was standing guard in the long lofty hallway, the iron court was busy with the machinations which were calculated to result in a startling upheaval with the break of a new day. He prepared and swore to the charges preferred against Baldos. They were dispatched to the princes for her perusal in the morning. Then he set about preparing the vilest accusations against Beverly Calhoun. In his own handwriting and over his own signature, he charged her with complicity in the betrayal of Grouse-Dark, influenced by the desires of the lover who masqueraded as her protégé. As some length he dwelled upon the well-laid plot of the spy and his accomplice. He told of their secret meetings, their outrages against the dignity of the court, and their unmistakable animosity toward Grouse-Dark. For each and every count in his vicious indictment against the girl, he professed to have absolute proof by means of more than one reputable witness. It was not the design of Marlanks to present this document to the princes and her cabinet. He knew full well that it would meet the fate it deserved. It was intended for the eyes of Beverly Calhoun alone. By means of the vile accusations, false though they were, he hoped to terrorize her into submission. He longed to possess this life, beautiful creature from over the sea. In all his life he had not hungered for anything as he now craved Beverly Calhoun. He saw that his position in the army was rendered insecure by the events of the last day. A bold, vicious stroke was his only means for securing the prize he had longed for more than he longed for honor and fame. Restless and enraged, consumed by jealousy and fear, he hung about the castle grounds long after he had drawn the diabolical charges. He knew that Balthus was inside the castle, favored, while he, a noble of the realm, was relegated to ignominy and the promise of degradation. In camped outside the city walls the army lay without a leader. Each hour saw the numbers augmented by the arrival of reserve from the districts of the Principality. His place was out there with the staff, yet he could not drag himself away from the charmed circle in which his prey was sleeping. Morose and Grimm he anxiously paced to and fro in an obscure corner of the grounds. What keeps the scoundrel, he said to himself angrily? Presently a villainous looking man dressed in the uniform of the guards stealthily approached. I missed him general, but I will get him the next time, growl the man. Curse you for a fool, hissed Marlanks through his teeth, as another hireling came up. What have you got to say? The man reported that Balthus had been seen on the balcony alone. Evidently on watch. Marlanks ground his teeth and his blood stormed his reason. The job must be done to-night. You have your instructions. Capture him if possible, but if necessary kill him. You know your fate if you fail. Marlanks actually grinned at the thought of the punishment he would meet out to them. Now be off! Rashedly he made his way to the castle front. A bright moon cast its mellow glow over the mass of stone outlined against the western sky. For an hour he glowered in the shade of the trees, giving that slight heed to the guards who passed from time to time. His eyes never left the enchanted balcony. At last he saw the man. Balthus came from the floor at the end of the balcony, paced the full length in the moonlight, paused for a moment near Beverly Calhoun's window, and then disappeared through the same door that had afforded him egress. Inside the dark castle, the clock at the end of the hall melodiously boomed the hour of two. Dead quiet followed the soft echoes of the gong. A tall figure stealthily opened the door to Yeti's chapel and stepped inside. There was a streak of moonlight through the clear window at the far end of the room. Balthus, his heart beating rapidly, stood still for a moment, awaiting the next move in the game. The ghost-like figure of a woman suddenly stood before him in the path of the moon-beam, a hooded figure in dark robes. He started as if confronted by the supernatural. Come, came in an agitated whisper, and he stepped to the side of the phantom. He turned and the moonlight fell upon the face of Beverly Calhoun. Don't speak. Follow me as quickly as you can. He grasped her arm, bringing her to a standstill. I have changed my mind. He whispered in her ear. Do you think I will run away and leave you to shoulder the blame for all this? On the balcony near your window an hour ago I— It doesn't make any difference. She argued, you have to go. I want you to go. If you knew just how I feel towards you, you would go without a murmur. You mean that you hate me. He groaned. I wouldn't be so unkind as to say that. She fluttered, I don't know who you are. Come, we can't delay a minute. I have a key to the gate at the other end of the passage, and I know where the secret panel is located. Hush! It doesn't matter where I got the key. See? See how easy it is? He felt her tense little fingers in the darkness searching for his. Their hands were icy cold when the clasp came. Together they stood in a niche of the wall near the chancel rail. It was dark and a cold draft of air blew across their faces. He could not see, but there was proof enough that she had opened the secret panel in the wall, and that the damp, chill air came from the underground passage which led to a point outside the city walls. You go first! She whispered nervously, I'm afraid. There is a lantern on the steps, and I have some matches. We'll light it as soon as— Oh, oh, what was that? Don't be frightened, he said. I think it was a rat. Could gracious! she gasped. I wouldn't go in there for the whirl. You mean to say that you intended to do so? He asked eagerly. Certainly. Someone has to return the key to the outer gate. Oh, I suppose I'll have to go in. You'll keep them off, won't you? Plaintively. He was smiling in the darkness, thinking what a dear whimsical thing she was. With my life, he said softly. You're ten times worse than lions, she announced. You must not forget that you return alone, he said triumphantly. But I'll have the lantern going full blast, she said, and then allowed him to lead her into the narrow passageway. She closed the panel and then felt about with her foot until it located the lantern. In a minute they had a light. Now don't be afraid, she said encouragingly. He laughed in pure delight. She misunderstood his mirth and was conscious of a new and almost unendurable pang. He was filled with exhilaration over the prospect of escape. Somehow she felt an impulse to throw her arms about him and drag him back into the chapel in spite of the ghost of the Game Warden's daughter. What is to prevent me from taking you with me? he said intensely, a mighty longing in his breast. She laughed but drew back uneasily. And live unhappily ever afterward, said she. Oh dear me, isn't this a funny proceeding? Just think of me, Beverly Calhoun, bein' mixed up in schemes and plots and intrigues and all that. It seems like a great big dream. And that reminds me, you will find a raincoat at the foot of the steps. I couldn't get other clothes for you, so you'll have to wear the uniform. There's a stiff hat of Mr. Lory's also. You've no idea how difficult it is for a girl to collect clothes for a man. There doesn't seem to be any real excuse for it, you know? Goodness, it looks black ahead there, doesn't it? I hate underground things. They're so damp and all that. How far is it, do you suppose, to the door and the wall? She was chattering on simply to keep up her courage and to make her fairest show of composure. It is a little more than three hundred yards, he replied. They were advancing through the low, narrow, stone-lined passage. She steadfastly ignored the hand he held back for support. It was not a pleasant place, this underground way to the outside world. The walls were damp and moldy. The odor of the rank earth assailed the nostrils. The air was chill and death-like. How do you know, she demanded quickly. I have traversed the passage before, Miss Calhoun, he replied. She stopped like one paralyzed her eyes wide and incredulous. Franz was my guide from the outer gate into the chapel. It is easy enough to get outside the walls, but extremely difficult to return, he went on easily. You mean to say that you have been in and out by way of this passage? Then what was your object, sir? she demanded sternly. My desire to communicate with friends who could not enter the city. Will it interest you if I say that the particular object of my concern was a young woman? She gasped and was stubbornly silent for a long time. Bitter resentment filled her soul, bitter disappointment in this young man. A young woman, he had said, oh, so insolently. There could be but one inference, one conclusion, the realization of it settled one point in her mind forever. It wouldn't interest me in the least. I don't even care who she was. Permit me to wish you much joy with her. Why don't you go on, irritably forgetting that it was she who delayed progress. His smile was invisible in the blackness above the lantern. There were no words spoken until after they had reached the little door in the wall. Here the passage was wider. There were casks and chests on the floor, evidently containing articles that required instant removal from Adelweiss in case of an emergency. Who was that woman? She asked at last. The key to the door was in the nervous little hand. One very near and dear to me, Miss Calhoun. That's all I can say at this time. Well, this is the only time you will have the chance. She cried loftily. Here we part. Hush! She whispered involuntarily grasping his arm. I think I heard a step. Can anyone be following us? They stopped and listened. It was as still as a tomb. It must be the same old rat, he answered jokingly. She was too nervous for any pleasantries, and releasing her hold on his arm, said timidly, a good-bye. Am I to go in this manner? Have you no kind word for me? I love you better than my soul. It is of small consequence to you, I know, but I crave one forgiving word. It may be the last. He clasped her hand and she did not withdraw it. Her lips were trembling, but her eyes were brave and obstinate. Suddenly she sat down on one of the chests, if he had not told her of the other woman. Forgive me, instead, for all that I have brought you to. She murmured, It was all my fault. I shall never forget you or forgive myself. I am going back to Washington immediately. I can't bear to stay here now. Good-bye, and God bless you. Do you think we can ever see each other again? Unconsciously she was clinging to his hand. There were tears in the gray eyes that looked pathetically up into his. She was very dear and enchanting, down there in the gruesome passageway, with the fitful rays of the lantern lighting her face. Only the strictest self- control kept him from seizing her in his arms, for something told him that she would have surrendered. This is the end, I fear, he said, with grim persistence. She caught her breath in half a sob. Then she arose resolutely, although her knees trembled shamelessly. Well, then, good-bye, she said very steadily. You are free to go where and to whom you like. Think of me once in a while, Baldos. Here's the key. Hurry. I can't stand it much longer. She was ready to break down and he saw it, but he made no sign. Turning the key in the rusty lock he cautiously opened the door. The moonlit whirl lay beyond. A warm, intoxicating breath of fresh air came in upon them. He suddenly stooped and kissed her hand. Forgive me for having annoyed you with my poor love, he said, as he stood in the door, looking into the night beyond. All right. She choked out as she started to close the door after him. Halt! You are our prisoner! The words rang out sharply in the silence of the nine. Early Beverly made an attempt to close the door, but she was too late. Two burly, villainous-looking men, sword in hand, blocked the exit and advanced upon them. Back, back! Baldos shouted to Beverly, drawing his sword. Like a flash she picked up the lantern and sprang out of his way. Capture or worse seemed certain, but her heart did not fail her. Put up your sword! You are under arrest! came the foremost of the two. He had heard enough of Baldos' skill with the sword to hope that the ruse might be successful and that he would surrender peaceably to numbers. The men's instructions were to take their quarry alive if possible. The reward for the man living exceeded that for him dead. Baldos instantly recognized them as spies employed by Marlanks. They had been dogging his footsteps for days and even had tried to murder him. The desire for revenge was working like madness in his blood. He was overjoyed at having them at the point of his sword. Beverly's presence vouchsafed that he would show little mercy. Arrest me, you cowardly curse! He exclaimed, Never! With a spring to one side he quickly overturned one of the casks and, pushing it in front of him, it served as a rolling bulwark, preventing a joint attack. You first, he cried coolly, as his sword met that of the leader. The unhappy wretch was no match for the finest swordsman in Groestark. He made a few desperate attempts to ward off his inevitable fate, calling loudly for his comrade to aid him. The latter was eager enough, but Baldos' strategic role of the cask effectively prevented him from taking a hand. With a vicious thrust the blade of the goat-hunter tore clean through the man's chest and touched the wall behind. One! cried Baldos, gloating in the chance that had come to him. The man gasped and fell. He was none too quick at withdrawing his dripping weapon, for the second man was over the obstacle and upon him. End of Chapter 24, Recording by Linda McDaniel, April 2009. Chapter 25 The Valor of the South Hold the lantern higher, Beb. In the fury of the fight he remembered the risk and importance of not mentioning her name, and stopped short. He was fighting fast but warily, for he realized that his present adversary was no mean one. As the swords played back and forth in fierce thrusts and parries he spoke reassuringly to Beverly. Don't be frightened. As soon as I finish with this fellow we will go on. Ah, bravo! Well parried my man! How the juice could such a swordsman as you become a cutthroat of Marlanks! Beverly had been standing still all this time holding the light high above her head, according to her lover's orders, for she knew now that such he was and that she loved him with all her heart. She was a weird picture standing there as she watched Baldos fighting for their lives, her beautiful face deathlike in its pallor. Without a cry escaped her lips as the sword-blade swished and clashed she could hear the deep breathing of the combatants in that tomb-like passage. Suddenly she started and listened keenly. From behind her, back there in the darkness, hurried footsteps were unmistakably approaching. What she had heard then was not the scurrying of a rat. Someone was following them. A terrible anguish seized her. Here and nearer came the heavy steps. Oh, my God! Baldos! she screamed in terror. Another is coming. Have no fear, dear one! He sung out gaily. His voice was infinitely more cheerful than he felt, for he realized only too well the desperate situation. He was penned in and forced to meet an attack from front and rear. He fell upon his assailant with redoubled fury, aiming to finish him before the newcomer could give aid. From out of the gloom came a fiendish laugh. Instantly the dark figure of a man appeared, his face completely hidden by a broad slouch-hat, and the long cloak which enveloped him. A sardonic voice hissed. Trapped at last, my lady and her lover thought to escape, did they? The voice was unfamiliar, but the atmosphere seemed charged with Marlanks. Kill him, Zem! he shouted. Don't let him escape you. I will take care of the little witch, never fear. He clushed at the girl and tried to draw her to him. Marlanks, by all the gods! cried Baldos in despair. He had wounded his man several times, though not seriously. He dared not turn to Beverly's aid. The scene was thrilling, gruesome. Within this narrow, dimly-lighted underground passage, with its musty walls sweating with dampness and thick with the tangled meshes of the spider's web, a brave girl and her lover struggled and fought back to back. To her dismay Beverly saw the point of a sword at her throne. Out of the way, girl! the man in the cloak snarled, furious at her resistance. You die as well as your lover unless you surrender. He cannot escape me. And if I refuse cried the girl, trying desperately to gain time. I will drive my blade through your heart and tell the world it was the deed of your lover. Baldos groaned. His adversary, encouraged by the change in the situation, pressed him sorely. Don't you dare to touch me, Count Marlanks! I know you! she hissed. I know what you would do with me. It is not for grass-dark that you seek his life. The sword came nearer. The words died in her throat. She grew faint. Terror paralyzed her. Suddenly her heart gave a great thumb of joy. The resourcefulness of the trapped was surging to her relief. The valour of the South leapt into life. The exhilaration of conflict beat down all her fears. Take away that sword, then, please. She cried her voice trembling, but not with terror now. It was exultation. Will you promise to spare his life? Will you swear to let him go, if I— No, no, never! God forbid, implored Baldos! Ha-ha! chuckled the man in the cloak. Spare his life! Oh, yes! after my master has reveled in your charms. How do you like that, my handsome goat-hunter? You infernal scoundrel, I'll settle you yet. Baldos fairly fumed with rage. Gathering himself together for a final effort, he rushed madly on his rapidly weakening antagonist. Baldos! she cried hopelessly and in a tone of resignation. I must do it. It is the only way. The man in the cloak, as well as Baldos, was deceived by the girl's cry. He immediately lowered his sword. The lantern dropped from Beverly's hands and clattered to the floor. At the same instance she drew from her pocket her revolver, which she had placed there before leaving the castle, and fired point-blank at him. The report sounded like a thunder clap in their ears. It was followed quickly by a sharp cry and imprecation from the lips of her persecutor, who fell, striking his head with a terrible force on the stones. Honestly there was a groan and the noise of a limp body slipping to the ground, and Baldos, victor at last, turned in fear and trembling to find Beverly standing unhurt, staring at the black mass at her feet. Thank God you were safe! Grasping her hand he led her out of the darkness into the moonlight. Not a word was spoken as they ran swiftly on until they reached a little clump of trees, not far from one of the gates. Here Baldos gently released her hand. She was panting for breath, but he realized she must not be allowed to risk a moment's delay. She must pass the sentry at once. Have you the watch word? He eagerly asked. Watch word? She repeated feebly. Yes, the counter sign for the night. It is Gan look. Keep your face well covered with your hood. Advance boldly to the gates and give the word. There will be no trouble. The guard is used to pleasure seekers returning at all hours of night. Is he dead? She asked timorously, returning to the scene of horror. Only wounded, I think, as are the other men, though they all deserve death. He went with her as close to the gate as he thought safe, taking her hand he kissed it fervently. Goodbye, it won't be for long, and disappeared. She stood still and lifeless staring after him, for ages it seemed. He was gone. Gone forever, no doubt. Her eyes grew wilder and wilder with the pity of it all. Pride fled incontinently. She longed to call him back. Then it occurred to her that he was hurrying off to that other woman. No, he said he would return. She must be brave, true to herself, whatever happened. She marched boldly up to the gate, gave the counter sign and passed through, not heeding the curious glances cast upon her by the sentry. Turned into the castle, up the grand staircase, and fled to the princess's bed-chamber. Beverly, trembling and sobbing, threw herself in the arms of the princess. Incoherently she related all that had happened, then swooned. After she had been restored, the promise of yateve to protect her, whatever happened, comforted her somewhat. It must have been Marlanks, moaned Beverly. Who else could it have been? replied the princess, who was visibly excited. Summoning all her courage she went on. First we must find out if he is badly hurt. We'll trust to luck. Cheer up! She touched a bell. There came a knock at the door. A guard was told to enter. Ellos! She exclaimed, Did you hear a shot fired a short time ago? I thought I did, your highness, but was not sure. Baldos the guard was escaping by the secret passage, continued the princess, a wonderful inspiration coming to her rescue. He passed through the chapel. Miss Calhoun was there. Alone and single handed she tried to prevent him. It was her duty. He refused to obey her command to stop, and she followed him into the tunnel and fired at him. I am afraid you are too late to capture him, but you may—oh, Beverly, how plucky you were to follow him! Go quickly, Ellos! Search the tunnel and report it once. As the guard saluted with wonder, admiration, and unbelief he saw the two conspirators locked in each other's arms. Presently he returned and reported that the guards could find no trace of anyone in the tunnel, but that they found blood on the floor near the exit and that the door was wide open. The two girls looked at each other in amazement. They were dumbfounded, but a great relief was glowing in their eyes. Ellos inquired the princess considerably less agitated. Does anyone else know of this? No, your highness, there was no one on guard but Max, Baldos, and myself. Well, for the present no one else must know of his flight. Do you understand? Not a word to anyone. I, myself, will explain when the proper time comes. You and Max have been very careless, but I suppose you should not be punished. He has tricked us all. Send Max to me at once. Yes, your highness, said Ellos, and he went away with his head swimming. Max, the other guard, received like orders, and then the two young women sank limply upon a divan. Oh, how clever you are, Yatiev! came the American girl. But what next? We may expect to hear something disagreeable from Count Marlanks, my dear, murmur the perplexed but confident princess, but I think we have the game in our own hands, as you would say, in America. End of Chapter 25. Recording by Linda McDaniel, Atlanta, Georgia, April 2009. Chapter 26 of Beverly of Grouse Stark. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Beverly of Grouse Stark by George Barr McCutchen. Chapter 26 The Degradation of Marlanks. Aunt Fanny, what is that white thing sticking under the window? Demanded Beverly late the next morning. She was sitting with her face to the windows while the old negro's dressed her hair. Looks like a love letter, Miss Beverly, was the answer, as Aunt Fanny gingerly placed an envelope in her mistress's hand. Beverly looked at it in amazement. It was unmistakably a letter addressed to her, which had been left at her window some time in the night. Her heart gave a thump, and she went red with anticipated pleasure. With eager fingers, she tore open the envelope. The first glance at the contents brought disappointment to her face. The missive was from Count Marlanks, but it was a relief to find that he was very much alive and kicking. As she read on, there came a look of perplexity which was succeeded by burning indignation. The man in the cloak was preparing to strike. Your secret is mine. I know all that happened in the chapel and underground passage. You have betrayed Grouse Stark in aiding this man to escape. The plot was cleverly executed, but you counted without the jealous eye of love. You can save yourself and your honor and perhaps your princess, but the conditions are mine. This time there can be no trifling. I want you to treat me fairly. God help you if you refuse. Give me the answer I want and your secret is safe. I will shield you with my life. At eleven o'clock I shall come to see you. I have in my possession a document that will influence you. You will do well to keep a close mouth until you have seen this paper. This alarming note was all that was needed to restore fire to the lagging blood of the American girl. Its effect was decidedly contrary to that which Marlanks must have anticipated. Instead of collapsing, Beverly sprang to her feet with energy and life in every fiber. Her eyes were flashing brightly, her body quivering with the sensations of battle. That awful old wretch, she cried to Aunt Fanny's amazement. He is the meanest human being in all the world. But he's making the mistake of his life, isn't he, Aunt Fanny? Oh, of course you don't know what it is, so never mind. We've got a surprise for him. I'll see him at eleven o'clock and then—she smiled quite benignly at the thought of what she was going to say to him. Beverly felt very secure in the shadow of the princess. A clatter of horses' hooves on the parade ground drew her to the balcony. What she saw brought joy to her heart. Lori and Anguish, muddy and disheveled, were mounting before the castle. Ah, this is joy. Now there are three good Americans here. I'm not afraid, she said bravely. Aunt Fanny nodded her head in approval, although she did not know what it was all about. Curiosity, more than alarm, made Beverly eager to see the document which old Marlanks held in reserve for her. She determined to meet him at eleven. A message from the princess announced the unexpected return of the two Americans. She said they were, to use Harry Anguish's own expression, beastly near starvation, and clamored for substantial breakfasts. Beverly was urged to join them and to hear the latest news from the frontier. Lori and Anguish were full of the excitement on which they had lived for many hours. They had found evidence of raids by the Dollsburg and Scouts, and had even caught sight of a small band of fleeing horsemen. Lori reluctantly admitted that Gabriel's army seemed loyal to him and that there was small hope of a conflict being averted, as he had surmised, through the defection of the people. He was surprised, but not dismayed, when Yatiev told him certain portions of the story in regard to Marlanks, and by no means averse to seeing the old man relegated to the background, hardly endorsed the step taken by his wife. He was fair enough, however, to promise the general a chance to speak in his own defense, if he so desired. He had this in view when he requested Marlanks to come to the castle at eleven o'clock for consultation. Gabriel is devoting most of his energy now to hunting that poor Danton into his grave, said Anguish. I believe he'd rather kill his half-brother than conquer Grouse Stark, why the inhuman monster has set himself to the task of obliterating everything that reminds him of Danton. We learned from spies down there that he issued an order for the death of Danton's sister, a pretty young thing named Candice, because he believed she was secretly aiding her fugitive brother. She escaped from the palace in Saros a week ago, and no one knows what has become of her. There's a report that she was actually killed, and that the story of her flight is a mere blind on the part of Gabriel. He would do anything, cried Yatiev. Poor child, they say she is like her English mother, and is charming. That would set Gabriel against her, I fancy, went on Anguish. And, by the way, Miss Calhoun, we heard something definite about your friend, Prince Danton. It is pretty well settled that he isn't bowdoze of the guard. Danton was seen two days ago by a captain dangles his men. He was in the dolls' rig in pass, and they talked with him and his men. There was no mistake this time. The poor, half-starved chap confessed to being the prince, and begged for food for himself and his followers. I tried to find him, and, failing in that, left word in the past that if he would but cast his lot with us in this trouble, we soon would restore him to his throne, said Laurie. He may accept, and we shall have him turning up here some day, hungry for revenge. And now, my dear Beverly, how are you progressing with the excellent bowdoze, of whom we cannot make a prince, no matter how hard we try? Beverly and the princess exchanged glances in which consternation was difficult to conceal. It was clear to Beverly that Yative had not told her husband of the escape. I don't know anything about bowdoze, she answered steadily. Last night, someone shot at him in the park. The deuce, you say? In order to protect him until you returned, Grun, I had him transferred to guard duty inside the castle, explained the princess. It really seemed necessary. General Marlanks expects to present formal charges against him this morning, so I suppose we shall have to put him in irons for a little while. It seems too bad, doesn't it, Grun? Yes, he's as straight as a string elsewhere, said Laurie emphatically. I'll bet he wishes he were safely out of this place, mentored anguish, and the two young women busied themselves suddenly with their coffee. The chance is, he's sorry he ever came into it, said Laurie tantalizingly. While they were waiting for Marlanks, the young Duke of Miserogs was announced. The handsome Axphanian came with relief and dismay, struggling for mastery in his face. Your Highness, he said after the greetings, I have come to inform you that Graustark has one prince less to account for. Axpane has found refugitive. When? cried the princess, embezzled in one voice with astounding eagerness, not unmixed with dismay. Three days ago, was the reply. Oh! came in deep relief from Beverly as she sank back into her chair. The same fear had lodged in the hearts of the two fair conspirators, that they had freed Valdos only to have him fall into the hands of his deadliest foes. I have a message by courier from my uncle in Axpane, said Miserogs. He says that Frederick was killed near Lebat by soldiers after making a gallant fight on last Sunday night. The princess Volga is rejoicing, and has amply rewarded his slayers. Poor Frederick! He knew but little happiness in this life. There it was a full minute of reflection before any of his hearers expressed the thought that had framed itself in every mind. Well, since Danton and Frederick are accounted for, Valdos is absolutely obliged to be Christabelle, said Anguish residedly. He's just Valdos, observed Beverly, sniffing out the faint hope that had lingered so long. Then she said to herself, and I don't care either. I only wish he were back here again. I'd be a good deal nicer to him. Messengers flew back and forth, carrying orders from the castle to various quarters. Ministers were called to meet at twelve o'clock. Underneath all the bustle there was a tremendous impulse of American cunning, energy, and resourcefulness. Everyone caught the fever. Reserved old diplomats were overwhelmed by their own enthusiasm. Custom-bound soldiers forgot the hereditary caution and fell into the waves of the new leaders without a murmur. The city was wild with excitement, for all believed that the war was upon them. There was but one shadow overhanging the glorious optimism of Graustark, the ugly, menacing attitude of Axfane. Even the Duke of Mizzrocks could give no assurance that his country would remain neutral. Colonel Quinox came to the castle in haste and perturbation. It was he who propounded the question that Ytive and Beverly were expecting. Where is Valdos? Of course the flight of the suspected guard was soon a matter of certainty. A single imploring glance from the princess, meant for the faithful Quinox alone, told him as plainly as words could have said that she had given the man his freedom. And Quinox would have died a thousand times to protect the secret of his sovereign, for had not twenty generations of Quinoxes served the rulers of Graustark with unflinching loyalty, Barron Danglas may have suspected the trick, but he did not so much as blink when the princess instructed him to hunt high and low for the fugitive. Marlangs came at eleven, under the defiant calmness of his bearing there, was lurking a mighty fear. His brain was scourged by thoughts of impending disgrace. The princess had plainly threatened his degradation. After all these years he was to tremble with shame and humiliation, he was to cringe where he had always boasted of domineering power. And besides all this Marlangs had a bullet wound in his left shoulder. The world could not have known, for he knew how to conceal pain. He approached the slender, imperious judge in the council chamber with the defiant leer on his face. If he went down into the depths he would drag with him the fairest treasure he had coveted in all his years of lust and desire. A word with you, he said in an aside to Beverly, as she came from the council chamber, in which she felt she should not sit. She stopped and faced him. Instinctively she looked to see if he bore evidence of a wound. She was positive that her bullet had struck him the night before, and that Marlangs was the man with the cloak. Well, she said coldly, he read her thoughts and smiled, even as his shoulder burned with pain. I will give you the chance to save yourself. I love you. I want you. I must have you for my own, he was saying. Stop, sir. It may be your experience in life that women kneel to you when you command. It may be your habit to win what you set about to win. But you have a novel way of presenting your devoir. I must say. Is this the way in which you won the five unfortunates whom you want me to succeed? Did you scare them into submission? No, no. I cared nothing for them. You are the only one I ever loved. Really, Count Marlangs, you are most amusing, she interrupted, with a laugh that stung him to the quick. You have been unique in your love-making. I am not used to your methods. Besides, after having known them, I'll confess that I don't like them in the least. You may have been wonderfully successful in the past. But you were not dealing with an American girl. I have had enough of your insults. Go. Go in and face. Have a care, girl, he snarled. I have it in my power to crush you. Who? came scornfully from her lips. If you molest me further, I shall call Mr. Laurie. Let me pass. Just glance at this paper of my beauty. I fancy you'll change your tune. It goes before the eyes of the Council, unless you... He paused significantly. Beverly took the document, and with dilated eyes, read the revolting charges against her honor. Her cheeks grew white with anger, then flushed a deep crimson. You fiend, she cried, glaring at him so fiercely that he instinctively shrank back. The vicious grin dying in his face. I'll show you how much I fear you. I shall give this revolting thing to the Princess. She may read it to the cabinet, for all I care. No one will believe you. They'll kill you for this. She turned and flew into the presence of the Princess and her ministers. Speeding to the side of the achieve, she thrust the paper into her hands. Surprise and expectancy filled the eyes of all assembled. Count Marlang's officially charges me with...with...read it, your highness. She cried, distractedly. Yativ read it, pale-faced and cold. A determined gleam appeared in her eyes as she passed the document to her husband. I'll load, Laurie said to an attendant, after a brief glance at its revolting contents. Ask Count Marlang's to appear here instantly. He is outside the door. Laurie's anger was hard to control. He clenched his hands, and there was a fine suggestion of throttling in the way he did it. Marlang's, entering the room, saw that he was doomed. He had not expected Beverly to take this appalling step. The girl, tears in her eyes, rushed to a window, hiding her face from the wandering ministers. Her courage suddenly failed her. If the charges were read aloud before these men, it seemed to her that she never could lift her eyes again. A mighty longing for Washington, her father and the big Calhoun boys rushed to her heart as she stood there and awaited the crash. But Laurie was a true nobleman. Gentlemen, he said quietly, Count Marlang's has seen fit to charge Miss Calhoun with complicity in the flight of Baldos. I will not read the charges to you. They are unworthy of one who has held the highest position in the army of Graustark. He has. Read this, my husband, before you proceed further, said Y'teeve, thrusting into his hands a line she had written with feverish haste. Laurie smiled gravely before he read aloud the brief edict which removed General Marlang's from the commands of the army of Graustark. Is this justice, protested Marlang's angrily? Will you not give me a hearing? I beseech. Silence, commanded the princess. What manner of hearing did you expect to give Miss Calhoun? It is enough, sir. There shall be no cowards in my army. Coward, he faltered, have I not proved my courage on the field of battle? Am I to be called a— Bravery should not end when the soldier quits the field of battle. You have had a hearing. Count Marlang's. I heard the truth about you last night. From Miss Calhoun, sneered he viciously, I must be content to accept this dismissal, your highness. There is no hope for me. Someday you may pray God to forgive you for the wrong you have done, your most loyal servant. There is no appeal from your decision. But as a subject of Graustark I insist that Miss Calhoun shall be punished for aiding in the escape of this spy and traitor. He is gone, and it was she who led him through the castle to the outer world. She cannot deny this, gentlemen. I defy her to say she did not accompany Baldos through the secret passage last night. It will do no harm to set herself right by denying this accusation, suggested Count Helfant solemnly. Every man in the cabinet and army had hated Marlang's for years. His degradation was not displeasing to them. They would ask no questions. But Beverly Calhoun stood staring out of the window, out upon the castle park, and its gay sunshine. She did not answer, for she did not hear the Premier's words. Her brain was whirling madly with other thoughts. She was trying to believe her eyes. The spy is gone, cried Marlang's, seeing a faint chance to redeem himself at her expense. She cannot face my charge. Where is your friend, Miss Calhoun? Beverly faced them with a strange, subdued calmness in her face. Her heart was throbbing wildly in the shelter of this splendid disguise. I don't know what all this commotion is about, she said. I only know that I have been dragged into it shamelessly by that old man over there. If you step to the window, you may see Baldos himself. He has not fled. He is on duty. Baldos was striding steadily across the park in plain view of all. CHAPTER 27 THE PRINCE OF DOWSBURGON Both Yeti and Beverly experienced an amazing sense of relief. They did not stop to consider why or how he had returned to the castle grounds. It was sufficient that he was actually there, sound, well, and apparently satisfied. I dare say Count Marlang's will withdraw his infamous charge against our guest, said Laurie, with deadly directness. Marlang's was mopping his damp forehead. His eyes were fastened upon the figure of the guard, and there was something like awe in their steely depths. It seemed to him that the supernatural had been enlisted against him. He left the castle last night, he muttered, half to himself. There seems to be no doubt of that, agreed Gaspern, the grand treasurer. Colonel Quinox reports his strange disappearance. Clearly the case was a puzzling one. Men looked at one another in wonder and uneasiness. I think I understand the situation, exclaimed Marlang's, suddenly triumphant. It bears out all that I have said. Baldos left the castle last night, as I have sworn, but not for the purpose of escaping. He went forth to carry information to our enemies. Can any one doubt that he is a spy? Has he not returned to carry out his work? And now, gentlemen, I ask you, would he return unless he felt secure of protection here? It was a faser, yet Eve and Beverly felt as though a steel trap suddenly had been closed down upon them. Laurie and Anguish were undeniably disconcerted. There was a restless undecided movement among the ministers. Colonel Quinox, will you fetch Baldos to the veranda at once, asked Laurie, his quick American perception telling him that immediate action was necessary. It is cooler out there. He gave Beverly a look of inquiry. She flushed painfully, guiltily, and he was troubled in consequence. As a mere subject, I demand the arrest of this man, Marlang's was saying excitedly, we must go to the bottom of this hellish plot to injure Grouse-Dark. My dear Count said anguish, standing over him, up to this time we have been unable to discern any reasons for or signs of the treachery you preach about. I don't believe we have been betrayed at all. But I have absolute proof, sir, grated the Count. I'd advise you to produce it. We must have something to work on, you know. What right have you to give advice, sir? You are not one of us. You are a meddler, an impertinent alien. Your heart is not with Grouse-Dark, as mine is. How long must we endure the insolence of these Americans? The Count was fuming with anger. As might have been expected, the easygoing Yankees laughed unreservedly at his taunt. The princess was pale with indignation. Count Marlanks, you will confine your remarks to the man whom you have charged with treachery, she said. You have asked for his arrest, and you are to be his accuser. At the proper time you will produce the proof. I warn you now that if you do not sustain these charges, the displeasure of the Crown will fall heavily upon you." I only ask Your Highness to order his arrest, he said, controlling himself. He is of the castle-guard and can be seized only on your command. Baldos is at the castle-steps, Your Highness, said Colonel Quinox from the doorway. The entire party left the council chamber and passed out to the great stone porch. It must be confessed that the princess leaned rather heavily upon Laurie's arm. She and Beverly trembled with anxiety as they stood face to face with the tall guard, who had come back to them so mysteriously. Baldos stood at the foot of the stone-steps, a guard on each side of him. One of these was the shame-faced Haddon, Dan Gloss's watchman, whose vigil had been a failure. The gaze of the suspected guard purposely avoided that of Beverly Calhoun. He knew that the slightest communication between them would be misunderstood and magnified by the witnesses. Baldos, said Laurie from the top-step, it has come to our ears that you left the castle surreptitiously last night. Is it true that you were aided by Miss Calhoun? Baldos looked thankful for this eminently leading question. In a flash it gave him the key to the situation. Secretly he was wondering what emotions possessed this lender accomplice who had said goodbye to him not so many hours before at the castle gate. He knew that she was amazed, puzzled by his sudden return. He wondered if she were glad. His quick wits saw that a crisis had arrived. The air was full of it. The dread of this very moment was the thing which had drawn him into the castle grounds at early dawn. He had watched for his chance to glide in, unobserved, and had snatched a few hours' sleep in the shelter of the shrubbery near the park wall. It is not true, he said clearly, in answer to Laurie's question. Both Beverly and Marlanks started as the sharp falsehood fell from his lips. Who made such an accusation, he demanded? Count Marlanks is our informant. Then Count Marlanks' lies came coolly from the guard. A snarl of fury burst from the throat of the deposed general. His eyes were red, and his tongue was half palsied by rage. Dog, dog! he shouted, running down the steps. Infamous dog! I swear by my soul that he—Where is your proof, Count Marlanks? sternly interrupted Laurie. You have made a serious accusation against our honored guest. It cannot be overlooked. Marlanks hesitated a moment, and then threw his bomb at the feet of the conspirators. I was in the chapel when she opened the secret panel for him. Not a word was uttered for a full minute. It was Beverly Calhoun who spoke first. She was as calm as a spring morning. If all this be true, Count Marlanks, may I ask why you, the head of Grouse-Dark's army, did not intercept the spy when you had the chance? Marlanks flushed guiltily. The question had caught him unprepared. He dared not acknowledge his presence there with the hired assassins. I—I was not in a position to restrain him, he fumbled. You preferred to wait until he was safely gone before making the effort to protect Grouse-Dark from his evil designs. Is that it? What was your object in going to the chapel? To pray? Besides, what right had you to enter the castle in the night, she asked ironically. Your Highness, may I be heard, asked Baldos easily. He was smiling up at Yeti from the bottom of the steps. She nodded her head a trifle uneasily. It is quite true that I left the castle by means of your secret passage last night. There, shrieked Marlanks, he admits that he—but I wish to add that Count Marlanks is in error when he says that Miss Calhoun was my accomplice. His eyes were not keen in the darkness of the sanctuary. Perhaps he is not accustomed to the light one finds in a chapel at the hour of two. Will your Highness kindly look in the direction of the southern gate? Your august gaze may fall upon the reclining figure of a boy asleep, there in the shadow of the friendly cedar. If Count Marlanks had looked closely enough last night, he might have seen that it was a boy who went with me, and not— Fool, don't you suppose I know a woman's skirts? cried the iron count. Better than most men, I fancy, calmly responded Baldos. My young friend wore the garments of a woman, let me add. Laurie came down and grasped Baldos by the arm. His eyes were stern and accusing. Above, Yeti and Beverly had clasped hands, and were looking on, dumbly. What did Baldos mean? Then you did go through the passage, and you were accompanied by this boy, a stranger. How comes this, sir? demanded Laurie. Every eye was accusing the guard at this juncture. The men were descending the steps, as if to surround him. It is not the first time that I have gone through the passage, sir, said Baldos, amused by the looks of consternation. I'd advise you to close it. Its secret is known to more than one person. It is known by the way to Prince Gabriel of Dowsburgen. It is known to every member of the band with which Miss Calhoun found me when she was a princess. Count Marlanks is quite right when he says that I have gone in and out of the castle grounds from time to time. He is right when he says that I have communicated with men inside and outside of these grounds. But he is wrong when he accuses Miss Calhoun of being responsible for or even aware of my reprehensible conduct. She knew nothing of all this, as you may judge by taking a look at her face at this instant. Beverly's face was a study in emotions. She was looking at him with dilated eyes. Pain and disappointment were concentrated in their expressive gray depths. Indignation was struggling to master the love and pity that had lurked in her face all along. It required but a single glance to convince the most skeptical that she was ignorant of these astounding movements on the part of her protégé. Again, every eye was turned upon the bold, smiling guardsman. I have been bitterly deceived in you, said Laurie, genuine pain in his voice. We trusted you implicitly. I didn't think it of you, Baldos. After all, it is honourable of you to expose so thoroughly your own infamy in order to acquit an innocent person who believed in you. You did not have to come back to the castle. You might have escaped punishment by using Miss Calhoun as a shield from her highness's wrath. But nonetheless, you compel me to give countenance to all that Count Marlanks has said. I insist that it was Miss Calhoun who went through the panel with him, said Marlanks eagerly. If it was this boy who accompanied you, what was his excuse in returning to the castle after you had fled? He came back to watch over Miss Calhoun while she slept. It was my sworn duty to guard her from the man who had accused her. This boy is a member of the band to which I belong, and he watched while I went forth on a pretty business of my own. It will be useless to ask what that business was, I will not tell, nor will the boy. You may kill us, but our secrets die with us. This much I will say. We have done nothing disloyal to Graustark. You may believe me or not. It has been necessary for me to communicate with my friends, and I found the means soon after my arrival here. All the foxes that live in the hills have not four legs, he concluded significantly. You are a marvel, exclaimed Laurie, and there was real admiration in his voice. I am sorry you were full enough to come back and get caught like this. Don't look surprised, gentlemen, for I believe that in your hearts you admire him quite as much as I do. The faint smile that went the rounds was confirmation enough. Nearly every man there had been trained in English-speaking lands, and not a word of the conversation had been missed. I expected to be arrested, Mr. Laurie, said Baldos calmly. I knew that the warrant awaited me. I knew that my flight of last night was no secret. I came back willingly, gladly, Your Highness, and now I am ready to face my accuser. There is nothing for me to fear. And after you have confessed to all these actions, by George I like your nerve, exclaimed Laurie. I have been amply vindicated, cried Marlanks, put him in irons, and that boy too. We'll interview the boy, said Laurie, remembering the lad beneath the tree. See, he's sleeping so sweetly, said Baldos gently. Poor lad, he has not known sleep for many hours. I suppose he'll have to be awakened, poor little beggar. Colonel Quinox and Haddon crossed the grounds to the big cedar. The boy sprang to his feet at their call, and looked wildly about. Two big hands clasped his arms, and a moment later the slight figure came pathetically across the intervening space between the stalwart guards. Why has he remained here? Certain of arrest, demanded Laurie in surprise. He was safer with me than anywhere else, Mr. Laurie. You may shoot me a thousand times, but I implore you to deal gently with my unhappy friend. He has done no wrong. The clothes you see upon that trembling figure are torturing the poor heart more than you can know. The burning flush upon that cheek is the red of modesty. Your Highness and gentlemen, I ask you to have pity on this gentle friend of mine. He threw his arm about the shoulder of the slight figure as it drooped against him. Count Marlanks was right. It was a woman he saw with me in the chapel last night. The sensation created by this simple statement was staggering. The flushed face was unmistakably that of a young girl, a tender, modest thing that shrank before the eyes of a grim audience. Womanly instinct impelled yet eve to shield the timid masquerader. Her strange association with Baldos was not of enough consequence in the eyes of this tender ruler to check the impulse of gentleness that swept over her. That the girl was guiltless of any wrongdoing was plain to be seen. Her eyes, her face, her trembling figure furnished proof conclusive. The dark looks of the men were softened when the arm of the princess went about the stranger and drew her close. Bath, some wanton or other, sneered Marlanks, but a pretty one by the gods, Baldos has always shown his good taste. Baldos glared at him like a tiger restrained. Before God you will have those words to unsay, he hissed. Yet he felt the slight body of the girl quiver and then grow tense. The eyes of Baldos now were fixed on the white-drawn face of Beverly Calhoun, who stood quite alone at the top of the steps. She began to sway dizzily, and he saw that she was about to fall. Springing away from the guards, he dashed up the steps to her side. His arm caught hers, she swayed, and its touch restored strength to her, the strength of resentment and defiance. Don't, she whispered hoarsely. Have courage, he murmured softly. It will all be well. There is no danger. So this is the woman, she cried bitterly. Yes, you alone are dearer to me than she, he uttered hurriedly. I can't believe a word you say. You will, Beverly. I love you. That is why I came back. I could not leave you to meet it alone. Was I not right? Let them put me into irons. Let them kill me." Come! cried Colonel Quinex, reaching his side at this instant. The girl will be cared for. You are a prisoner. Wait! implored Beverly. Light suddenly breaking in upon her. Please wait, Colonel Quinex. He hesitated, his broad shoulders between her and the gaping crowd below. She saw with grateful heart that yet even Laurie were holding the steps as if against a war-like foe. Is she—is she your wife? Good heavens know, gasped Baldos. Your sweetheart? Piteously. She is the sister of the man I serve so poorly, he whispered. Quinex allowed them to walk a few paces down the flagging, away from the curious gaze of the persons below. Oh, Baldos! she cried, her heart suddenly melting. Is she Prince Danton's sister? Her hand clasped his convulsively as he nodded ascent. How I do love you. Thank God he whispered joyously. I knew it, but I was afraid you never would speak the words. I am happy. I am wild with joy. But they may shoot you, she shuddered. You have condemned yourself. Oh, I cannot talk to you as I want to, out here before all these people. Don't move, Colonel Quinex. They can't see through you. Please stand still. They will not shoot me, Beverly, dear. I am not a spy, said Baldos, looking down into the eyes of the slender boyish figure who stood beside the Princess. It is better that I should die, however, he went on bitterly. Life will not be worth living without you. You would not give yourself to the lowly, humble hunter. So I—I will marry you, Paul. I love you. Can't anything be done, too? It is bound to come out all right in the end, he cried, throwing up his head to drink in the new joy of living. They will find that I have done nothing to injure Graustuck. Wait, dearest, until the day gives up its news. It will not be long incoming. Ah, this promise of yours gives me new life, new joy. I could shout it from the housetops. But don't, she cried nervously. How does she happen to be here with you? Tell me, Paul. Oh, isn't she a dear? You shall know everything in time. Watch over her, dearest. I have lied to-day for you, but it was a lie I loved. Care for her if you love me. When I am free and in favour again, you will— Ah! he broke off suddenly with an exclamation. His eyes were bent eagerly on the circle of trees just beyond the parade-ground. Then his hand clasped hers in one spasmodic grip of relief. An instant later he was towering with head-bear at the top of the steps. His hand pointed dramatically toward the trees. Revone, still in his ragged uniform, haggard but eager, was standing like a gaunt spectre in the sunlight that flooded the terrace. The vagabond, with the eyes of all upon him, raised and lowered his arms thrice, and the face of Baldos became radiant. Your Highness, he cried to Yetiw, waving his hand toward the stranger, I have the honour to announce the Prince of Dowsburgen. CHAPTER XXVIII. A Boy Disappears. This startling announcement threw the company into the greatest excitement. Baldos ran down the steps and to the side of the astonished Princess. Prince Danton, she cried, and believing. He pushed the boyish figure aside and whispered earnestly into Yetiw's ear. She smiled warmly in response, and her eyes sparkled. And this, Your Highness, is his sister, the Princess Candice, he announced aloud, bowing low before the girl. At that instant she ceased to be the timid, cringing boy. Her chin went up in truly regal state as she calmly, even haughtily, responded to the dazed, half earnest salutes of the men. With a rare smile, a knowing one in which mischief was paramount, she spoke to Baldos, giving him her hand to kiss. Ah, dear Baldos, you have achieved your sweetest triumph, the theatrical climax to all this time of plotting. My brother's sister loves you for all this. Your Highness, and she turned to Yetiw with a captivating smile. Is the luckless sister of Danton welcome in your castle? May I rest here in peace. It has been a bitterly long year this past week, she sighed. Fatigue shot back into her sweet face, and Yetiw's love went out to her unreservedly. As she drew the slight figure up the steps, she turned and said to her ministers, I shall be glad to receive Prince Danton in the throne room without delay. I am going to put the princess to bed. Your Highness, said Baldos from below, may I be the first to announce to you that there will be no war with Dowsburgen? This was too much. Even Marlanks looked at his enemy with something like collapse in his eyes. What do you mean, cried Laurie, seizing him by the arm? I mean that Prince Danton is here to announce the recapture of Gabriel, his half-brother. Before the hour is passed your own men from the dungeon in the mountains will come to report the return of the fugitive. This announcement may explain in a measure the conduct that has earned for me the accusation which confronts me. The men who have retaken Gabriel are the members of that little band you have heard so much about. Once I was its captain, Prince Danton's chief of staff, the commander of his ragged army of twelve. Miss Calhoun and Fate brought me into Adelweiss, but my loyalty to the object espoused by our glorious little army has never wavered. Without me they have succeeded in tricking and trapping Gabriel. It is more than the great army of Graustach could do. Your Highness will pardon the boast under the circumstances. If this is true you have accomplished a miracle, exclaimed Laurie, profoundly agitated. But can it be true? I can't believe it. It is too good. It is too utterly improbable. Is that really Prince Danton? Assuming that it is Danton, Grenfell, said Yetive, I fancy it is not courteous in us to let him stand over there all alone and ignored. Go to him, please. With that she passed through the doors, accompanied by Beverly and the young Princess. Laurie and others went to greet the emaciated visitor in rags and tags. Colonel Quinox and Baron Dangloss looked at one another in doubt and uncertainty. What were they to do with Baldos, the prisoner? You are asking yourself what is to be done with me, said Baldos easily. The order is for my arrest. Only the Princess can annull it. She has retired on a mission of love and tenderness. I would not have her disturbed. There is nothing left for you to do but to place me in a cell. I am quite ready, Colonel Quinox. You will be wise to put me in a place where I cannot hoodwink you further. You do not bear me a grudge?" He laughed so buoyantly, so fearlessly, that Quinox forgave him everything. Dangloss chuckled, an unheard of condescension on his part. We shall meet again, Count Marlanks. You are not far wrong in your accusations against me, but you have much to account for in another direction. This is all a clever trick, cried the iron count, but you shall find me ready to accommodate you when the time comes. At this juncture, Laurie and Count Helfont came up with revown. Baldos would have knelt before his ruler had not the warn that sickly young man restrained him. Your hand, Captain Baldos, he said, most loyal of friends, you have won far more than the honour and love I can bestow upon you. They tell me you are a prisoner, a suspected traitor. It shall be my duty and joy to explain your motives and your actions. Have no fear. The hour will be short, and the fruit much the sweeter for the bitterness. Thunder, muttered Harry Anguish, you don't intend to slap him into a cell, do you, Gren? Baldos overheard the remark. I prefer that course, sir, until it has been clearly established that all I have said to you is the truth. Count Marlanks must be satisfied, said he. And Baldos is all well with her, asked the one we have known as Revone. She is being put to bed, said Baldos, with a laugh so jolly that Revone's lean face was weaved in a sympathetic smile. I am ready, gentlemen. He marched gallantly away between the guards, followed by dangloss and colonel Quinox. Naturally the grouse-dark leaders were cautious, even skeptical. They awaited confirmation of the glorious news with varying emotions. The shock produced by the appearance of Prince Danton in the person of the ascetic Revone was almost stupefying. Even Beverly, who knew the vagabond better than all the others, had not dreamed of Revone as the fugitive prince. Secretly she had hoped as long as she could that Baldos would prove, after all, to be no other than Danton. This hope had dwindled to nothing, however, and she was quite prepared for the revelation. She now saw that he was just what he professed to be, a brave but humble friend of the young sovereign, and she was happy in the knowledge that she loved him for what he was, and not for what he might have been. He is my truest friend, said Revone, as they led Baldos away. I am called Revone, gentlemen, and I am content to be known by that name, until better fortune gives me the right to use another. You can hardly expect a thing in rags to be called a prince. There is much to be accomplished, much to be forgiven, before there is a prince Danton of Dowsburg, and again. You are faint and weak, said Laurie, suddenly perceiving his plight. The hospitality of the castle is yours. The promise we made a few days ago holds good. Her highness will be proud to receive you when you are ready to come to the throne-room. I am Grenfall Laurie. Come, sir, rest and refresh yourself in our gladdened home. An hour ago we were making ready to rush into battle, but your astonishing but welcome news is calculated to change every plan we have made. Undoubtedly, sir, it will. Dowsburg and hardly will make a fight to release Gabriel. He is safe in your dungeons. If they want him now, they must come to your strongholds. They will not do it, believe me, said Revone simply. Alas, I am faint and sore, as you suspect. May I lie down for an hour or two? In that time you will have heard from your wardens, and my story will be substantiated. Then I shall be ready to accept your hospitality as it is profit. Outside your city gates my humble followers lie starving. My only prayer is that you will send them cheer and succour. No time was lost in sending to the gates for the strollers who had accomplished the marvel of the day. The news of Gabriel's capture was kept from the city's inhabitants until verification came from the proper sources, but those in control of the affairs of state were certain that Revone's story was true. All operations came to a standstill. The movements of the army were checked. Everything lay quiescent under the shock of this startling climax. Hang it, growled anguished with a quizzical grin, as Revone departed under the guidance of Count Helfond himself. This knocks me galley west. I'd like to have had a hand in it. It must have been great. How the devil do you think that miserable little gang of tramps pulled it off? Harry, said Laurie disgustedly. They taught us a trick or two. While the young princess was being cared for by Yetiw's own maids in one of the daintiest bed chambers of the castle, Beverly was engaged in writing a brief but pointed letter to her Aunt Josephine, who was still in St. Petersburg. She had persistently refused to visit Edelweiss, but had written many imperative letters commanding her niece to return to the Russian capital. Beverly now was recalling her scattered wits in the effort to appease her aunt and her father at the same time. Major Calhoun emphatically had ordered her to rejoin her aunt and start for America at once. Yesterday Beverly would have begun packing for the trip home. Now she was eager to remain in Graustach indefinitely. She was so thrilled by joy and excitement that she scarcely could hold the pen. Father says the United States papers are full of awful war scares from the Balkans. Are we a part of the Balkans Yetiw? She asked of Yetiw with a puzzled frown, emphasising the pronoun unconsciously. He says I'm to come right off home. Says he'll not pay a nickel of ransom if the brigands catch me, as they did Miss Stone and that woman who had the baby. He says mother is worried half to death. I'm just going to cable him that it's all off, because he says if war breaks out he's going to send my brother Dan over here to get me. I'm having Aunt Josephine send him this cable-gram from St. Petersburg. They never fight in Balkans, just scare each other. Skip headlines, Father dear. We'll be home soon. Beverly. How does that sound? It will cost a lot, but he brought it upon his own head, and we're not in the Balkans anyway. Aunt Joe will have a fit. Please call an ADT boy, Princess. I want to send this message to St. Petersburg. When Candice entered the princess's boudoir half an hour later, she was far from being the timid youth who first came to the notice of the grouse-dark cabinet. She was now attired in one of Beverly's gowns, and it was most becoming to her. Her short curly brown hair was done up properly, her pink and white complexion was as clear as cream now that the dust of the road was gone, her dark eyes were glowing with the wonder and interest of nineteen years, and she was, all in all, a most enticing bit of femininity. You are much more of a princess now than when I first saw you smile yet eve, drawing her down upon the cushions of the window-seat beside her. Candice was shy and diffident, despite her proper habiliments. But she was such a pretty boy, protested Dagmar. You don't know how attractive you were in those— Candice blushed. Oh, they were awful, but they were comfortable. One has to wear trousers if one intends to be a vagabond. I wore them for more than a week. You shall tell us all about it, said Yet eve, holding the girl's hand in hers. It must have been a most interesting week for you. Oh, there is not much to tell your highness, said Candice, suddenly reticent and shy. My step-brother—oh, how I hate him—had condemned me to die, because he thought I was helping Danton. And I was helping him, too, all that I could. Old Bapo, master of the stables, who has loved me for a hundred years, he says, helped me to escape from the palace at night. They were to have seized me the next morning. Bapo has been master of the stables for more than forty years, dear old Bapo. He procured the boy's clothing for me, and his two sons accompanied me to the hills, where I soon found my brother and his men. We saw your scouts and talked to them a day or two after I became a member of the band. Bapo's boys are with the band now. But my brother Danton shall tell you of that. I was so frightened I could not tell what was going on. I have lived in the open air for a week, but I love it. Danton's friends are all heroes. You will love them. Yesterday, old Franz brought a message into the castle grounds. It told Captain Baldos of the plan to seize Gabriel, who was in the hills near your city. Didn't you know of that? Oh, we knew it two days ago. Baldos knew it yesterday. He met us at four o'clock this morning. That is part of us. I was sent on with Franz so that I should not see bloodshed if it came to the worst. We were near the city gates. Baldos came straight to us. Isn't it funny that you never knew all these things? Then at daybreak Baldos insisted on bringing me here to await the news from the pass. It was safer, and besides he said he had another object in coming back at once. Beverly flushed warmly. The three women were crowding about the narrator, eagerly drinking in her naive story. He came in through one of the big gates and not through the underground passage. That was a fib, said Candice, looking from one to the other with a perfectly delicious twinkle in her eye. The conspirators gulped and smiled guiltily. Baldos says there is a very mean old man here who is tormenting the fairy princess. Not the real princess, you know. He came back to protect her, which was very brave of him, I am sure. Whereas my brother, she asked, suddenly anxious. He is with friends. Don't be alarmed, dear, said Yettive. He is changing clothes, too. He needs clothes worse than I needed these. Does he say positively that Gabriel has been captured? Yes. Did you not know of it? I was sure it would happen. You know I was not with them in the pass. Yettive was reflecting a soft smile in her eyes. I was thinking of the time when I wore men's clothes. She said, unlike yours, mine were most uncomfortable. It was when I aided Mr. Laurie in escaping from the tower. I wore a guard's uniform and rode miles with him in a dark carriage before he discovered the truth. She blushed at the remembrance of that trying hour. And I wore boys' clothes at a girl's party once. My brother Dan's, said Beverly. The hostess's brothers came home unexpectedly, and I had to sit behind a bookcase for an hour. I didn't see much fun in boys' clothes. You ought to wear them for a week, said Candice, wise in experience. They are not so bad when you become accustomed to them. That is, if they're strong and not so tight that they—you all love Baldos, don't you?—interrupted Yettive. It was with difficulty that the listeners suppressed their smiles. Better than any one else. He is our idol. Oh, Your Highness, if what he says is true, that old man must be a fiend, Baldos a spy, why, he has not slept day or night for fear that we would not capture Gabriel, so that he might be cleared of the charge without appealing to my brother. He has always been loyal to you, the girl said with eager eloquence. I know, dear, and I have known all along he will be honorably acquitted. Count Marlanks was overzealous. He has not been wholly wrong, I must say, in justice to him. How can you uphold him, Yettive, after what he has said about me? cried Beverly, with blazing eyes. Beverly, Beverly, you know I don't mean that. He has been a cowardly villain so far as you are concerned, and he shall be punished, never fear. I cannot condone that one amazing piece of wickedness on his part. You, then, are the girl Baldos talked so much about, cried Candice Eagley. You are Miss Calhoun, the fairy princess. I am so glad to know you. The young princess clasped Beverly's hand and looked into her eyes with admiration and approval. Beverly could have crushed her in her arms. The sounds of shouting came up to the windows from below. Outside men were rushing to and fro, and there were signs of mighty demonstrations at the gates. The people have heard of the capture, said Candice, as calmly as though she were asking one to have a cup of tea. There was a pounding at the Boudoir door. It flew open unceremoniously, and in rushed lorry, followed by anguish. In the hallway beyond, a group of noblemen conversed excitedly with the women of the castle. The report from the dungeons, Yettive, cried lorry joyously. The warden says that Gabriel is in his cell again. Here's to Prince Danton. Ravone was standing in the door. Candice ran over and leapt into his arms. End of Chapter 28 Chapter 29 The Capture of Gabriel Ravone was handsome in his borrowed clothes. He was now the clean, immaculate gentleman instead of the rich and vagabond of the hills. Even Beverly was surprised at the change in him. His erstwhile sad and melancholy face was flushed and bright with happiness. The kiss he bestowed upon the delighted Candice was tender in the extreme. Then, putting her aside, he strove over and gallantly kissed the hand of Grastuck's princess, beaming an ecstatic smile upon the merry Beverly an instant later. Welcome, Prince Danton, said Yettive, a thousand times welcome. All Grastuck is your throne, most glorious Yettive, that is why I have asked to be presented here and not in the royal hall below, said Ravone. You will wait here with us then to hear the good news from our warden, said the princess. Send the courier to me, she commanded. Such sweet news should be received in the place which is dearest to me in all Grastuck. The ministers and the lords and ladies of the castle were assembled in the room when Baron Dangloss appeared with the courier from the prison. Count Marlanks was missing. He was on his way to the fortress, a crushed, furious, impotent old man. In his quarters he was to sit at weight for the blow that he knew could not be averted. In fear and despair, hiding his pain and his shame, he was wracking his brain for means to lessen the force of that blow. He could withdraw the charges against Baldos, but he could not soften the words he had said and written of Beverly Cohoom. He was not troubling himself with fear because of the adventures in his chapel and passage. He knew too well how Yettive could punish when her heart was bitter against an evil doer. Grastuck honored and protected its women. The warden of the dungeons, from which Gabriel had escaped months before, reported to the princess that the prisoner was again in custody. Briefly he related that a party of men, led by Prince Dantan, had appeared early that day bringing the fugitive prince, uninjured, but crazed by rage and disappointment. They had tricked him into following them through the hills, intent upon slaying his brother Dantan. There could be no mistake about Gabriel's identity. In conclusion, the warden implored her highness to send troops up to guard the prison in the mountainside. He feared an attack enforced by Gabriel's army. Your highness, said Laurie, I have sent instructions to Colonel Brays, requiring him to take a large force of men into the past to guard the prison. Gabriel shall not escape again, though all Dorsbergen comes after him. You have but little to fear from Dorsbergen, said Ravon, who was seated near the princess, Candice at his side. Messages have been brought to me from the leading nobles of Dorsbergen, assuring me that the populace is secretly eager for the old reign to be resumed. Only the desperate fear of Gabriel and a few of his bloody but loyal advisors holds them in check. Believe me, Dorsbergen's efforts to release Gabriel will be perfunctory and half-hearted in the extreme. He ruled like a madman, and was his intense, impeccable desire to kill his brother that led to his undoing. Will it be strange, your highness, if Dorsbergen welcomes the return of Danton in his stead? The story, the story of his capture, tell us the story, came eagerly from those assembled. Ravon leaned back languidly, his face tired and drawn once more, as if the mere recalling of the hardships past was hard to bear. First, your highness, may I advise you in your cabinet to send another ultimatum to the people of Dorsbergen, he asked. This time say to them that you hold two Dorsbergen princes in your hand. One cannot and will not be restored to them. The other will be released on demand. Let the embassy be directed to meet the Duke of Matz, the Premier. He is now with the army, not far from your frontier. May a pleasure, highness. I have myself taken the liberty of dispatching three trusted followers with the news of Gabriel's capture. The two Pappos and Calvandos are now speeding to the frontier. Your embassy will find the Duke of Matz in possession of all the fates. The Duke of Matz, I am reliable informed, some day, is to be the father-in-law of Dorsbergen, smilingly said yet if. I shall not wonder if he responds most favorably to an ultimatum. Ravon and Candice exchanged glances of amusement, the latter breaking into a deplorable little gurgle of laughter. I beg to inform you that the Duke's daughter has to stay in the office from the crown, said Ravon. She has married Lieutenant Elsenol, of the Royal Artillery, and is happy as a butterfly. Captain Baldus could have told you how the wayward young woman defied her father and laughed at the bigger prince. Captain Baldus is an exceedingly discreet person, Beverly Volunteer. He has told no tales out of school. I am reminded of the fact that you gave your purse into my keeping one memorable day, the day when we parted from our best of friends at Ganlock's Gates. I thought you were a princess and you did not know that I understood English. That was a sore hour for us. Baldus was our life, the heart of our enterprise. Gabbriel hates him as he hates his own brother. Steadfastly has Baldus refused to join us in the plot to seize Prince Gabbriel. He once took an oath to kill him on sight, and I was so opposed to this that he had to be left out of the final adventures. Please tell us how you succeeded in capturing that your half-brother cried Beverly, forgetting that was another's place to make that request. The audience drew near, eagerly attentive. At another time I shall rejoice in telling the story in detail. For the present let me ask you to be satisfied with the statement that we tricked him by means of letters into the insane hope that he could capture and slay his half-brother. Captain Baldus suggested the plan. Had he been arrested yesterday I feel it would have failed. Gabbriel was and is insane. We let him a chase through the grass-tock hills until the time was ripe for the final act. His small band of followers fled at our sudden attack, and he was taken almost without a struggle, not ten miles from the city of Idois. In his mad ravings we learnt that his chief desire was to kill his brother and sister, and after that to carry out the plan that has long been in his mind. He was coming to Idois for the sole purpose of entering the castle by the underground passage with murder in his heart. Gabbriel was coming to kill Princess Yetif and Mr. Lorry. He has never forgotten the love he bore for the princess, nor the hatred he owns his rival. It was the duty of Captain Baldus to see that he did not enter the passage in the event that he alluded us in the hills. Later in the day the Princess Yetif received from the gaunt hawkish old man in the fortress a signed statement, withdrawing his charges against Baldus the guard. Marlings did not ask for leniency. It was not in him to plead. If the humble withdrawal of charges against Baldus could mitigate the punishment he knew Yetif would impose, all well and good. If it went for naught he was prepared for the worst. Down there in his quarters with wine before him he sat and waited for the end. He knew that there was but one faith for a man, great or small, who attacked a woman in grouse dark. His only hope was that the princess might make an exception in the case of one who had been the head of the army, but the hope was too small to cherish. Baldus walked forth a free man, the plaudits of the people in his ears. Baron Danglos and Colonel Quinox were beside the tall guard as he came forward to receive the commendations and apologies of Grouse Dax ruler and the warm promises of reward from the man he served. He knelt before the two rulers who were holding court on the veranda. The cheers of the nobles, the shouts of the soldiery, the exclamation of the ladies did not turn his confident head. He was the born knight. The look of triumph that he bestowed upon Beverly Cohoon, who lay on gracefully beside the stone balustrade, bought the red flying to her cheeks. He took something from his breast and held it gallantly to his lips before all the assembled courtiers. Beverly knew that it was a faded rose. CHAPTER 30 IN THE GRADOW THE next morning a royal messenger came to count Marlanks. He bore two sealed letters from the princess. One briefly informed him that General Brays was his successor as commander-in-chief of the army of Grouse Stark. He hesitated long before opening the other. It was equally brief and to the point. The iron count's teeth came together with a savage snap as he read the signature of the princess at the end. There was no recourse. She had struck for Beverly Cohoon. He looked at his watch. It was eleven o'clock. The edict gave him twenty-four hours from the noon of that day. The gray old libertine dispatched a messenger for his man of affairs, a lawyer of high standing in Edelweiss. Together they consulted until midnight. Shortly after daybreak, the morning following, Count Marlanks was in the train for Vienna, never to set foot on Grouse Stark's soil again. He was banished, and his estates confiscated by the government. The ministry in Edelweiss was not slow to reopen negotiations with Dahlsbergen. A proclamation was sent to the prime minister, setting forth the new order of affairs and suggesting the instant suspension of hostile preparations and the restoration of Prince Danton. Accompanying this proclamation went a dignified message from Danton, informing his people that he awaited their commands. He was ready to resume the throne that had been so desecrated. It would be his joy to restore Dahlsbergen to its once peaceful and prosperous condition. In the meantime, the Duke of Mizraks dispatched the news to the Princess Volga of Axfane, who was forced to abandon, temporarily at least, her desperate designs upon Grouse Stark. The capture of Gabriel put an end to her transparent plans. But she is bound to break out against us sooner or later and on the slightest provocation, said Ytive. I dare say that a friendly alliance between Grouse Stark and Dahlsbergen will prove sufficient to check any ambitions she may have along that line, Cideravone significantly. They are very near to each other now, Your Highness. Friends should stand together. Beverly Calhoun was in suspense. Baldos had been sent off to the frontier by Prince Danton, carrying the message which could be trusted to no other. He accompanied the Grouse Stark ambassadors of peace as Danton's special agents. He went in the night time and Beverly did not see him. The week which followed, his departure was the longest she ever spent. She was troubled in her heart for fear that he might not return, despite the declaration she had made to him in one hysterical moment. It was difficult for her to keep up the show of cheerfulness that was expected of her. Redicence became her strongest characteristic. She persistently refused to be drawn into a discussion of her relations with the absent one. Yatiev was peaked by her manner at first, but wisely saw through the mask as time went on. She and Prince Danton had many quiet and interesting chats concerning Beverly and the erstwhile guard. The prince took Laurie and the princess into his confidence. He told them all there was to tell about his dashing friends and companion. Beverly and the young prince's Candice became fast and loving friends. The young girl's worship of her brother was beautiful to behold. She cuddled close to him on every occasion, and her dark eyes bespoke adoration whenever his name was mentioned in her presence. If he doesn't come back pretty soon, I'll pack up and start for home. Beverly said to herself resentfully one day. Then, if he wants to see me, he'll have to come all the way to Washington, and I'm not sure that he can do it either. He's too disgustingly poor. Why has become adept Mr. Baldos, Ms. Beverly, asked Aunt Fanny in the midst of these sorry cogitations? Has he tuck-hit into his head to desert us for good? Seems me he'd aughten. Now, that will do Aunt Fanny, reprimanded her mistress sternly. You are not supposed to know anything about affairs of state, so don't ask. At last she could no longer curb her impatience and anxiety. She deliberately sought information from Prince Danton. They were strolling in the park on the seventh day of her inquisition. Have you heard from Paul Baldos? She asked, bravely plunging into deep water. He is expected here to-morrow or the next day, Miss Calhoun. I am almost as eager to see him as you are, he replied, with a very pointed smile. Almost? Well, yes, I'll confess that I am eager to see him. I never knew I could long for anyone as much as I—oh, well, there's no use hiding it from you. I couldn't if I tried. I care very much for him. You don't think it sounds silly for me to say such a thing, do you? I've thought a great deal of him ever since the night at the inn of the hawk in Raven. In my imagination I have tried to strip you of your princely robes to place them upon him, but he is only Baldos, in spite of it all. He knows that I care for him, and I know that he cares for me. Perhaps he has told you. Yes, he has confessed that he loves you, Miss Calhoun, and he laments the fact that his love seems hopeless. Paul wonders, in his heart, if it would be right in him to ask you to give up all you have of wealth and pleasure to share a humble lot with him. I love him. Isn't that enough? There is no wealth so great as that. But—she pursed her mouth in pathetic despair. Don't you think that you can make a noble or something of him, and give him a station in life worthy of his ambitions? He has done so much for you, you know. I have nothing that I can give to him, he says. Paul Baldos asks only that he may be my champion until these negotiations are ended. Then he desires to be free, to serve whom he will. All that I can do is to let him have his way. He is a freelance, and he asks no favors, no help. Well, I think he's perfectly ridiculous about it, don't you? And yet, that is the very thing I like in him. I am only wondering how we—I mean, how he is going to live, that's all. If I am correctly informed, he still has several months to serve in the service for which he enlisted. You alone, I believe, have the power to discharge him before his term expires, said he, meaningly. That night Baldos returned to Edelweiss, ahead of the grouse-dark delegation, which was coming the next day with representatives from Dollsburg Inn. He brought the most glorious news from the frontier. The Duke of Matts and the leading dignitaries had heard of Gabriel's capture, both through the Bap-o-Boys and through a few of his henchmen, who had staggered into camp after the disaster. The news threw the Dollsburg Inn diplomats into a deplorable state of uncertainty. Even the men, high in authority, while not especially depressed over the fall of their sovereign, were in doubt as to what would be the next move in their series of tragedies. Almost to a man, they regretted the folly, which had drawn them into the net with Gabriel. Baldos, reported that the Duke of Matts and a dozen of the most distinguished men in Dollsburg Inn were on their way to Edelweiss to complete the arrangements for peace and to lay the renunciation of Gabriel before Danton in a neutral court. The people of Dollsburg Inn had been clamoring long for Danton's restoration, and Baldos was commissioned to say that his return would be the signal for great rejoicing. He was closeted until after midnight with Danton and his sister. Lori and Princess Yativ being called in at the end to hear and approve of the manifesto, prepared by the Prince of Dollsburg Inn. The next morning the word went forth that a great banquet was to be given in the castle that night for Prince Danton and the approaching noblemen. The Prince expected to depart almost immediately thereafter to Danton, to resume the throne in Saros. Baldos was wandering through the park early in the morning. His duties rested lightly upon his shoulders, but he was restless and dissatisfied. The longing in his heart urged him to turn his eyes ever and anon toward the balcony and then to the opposite-looking castle doors. The uniform of a grouse-dark guard still graced to splendid figure. At last a graceful form was seen coming from the castle toward the cedars. She walked bravely, but aimlessly. That was plain to be seen. It was evident that she was and was not looking for someone. Baldos observed with the thrill of delight that a certain red feather stood up defiantly from the band of her sailor hat. He liked the way her dark blue walking skirt switched in harmony with her lithe, firm strides. She was quite near before he advanced from his place among the trees. He did not expect her to exhibit surprise or confusion, and he was not disappointed. She was as cool as a brisk spring morning. He did not offer his hands, but with a fine smile of contentment bowed low with mock servility. I report for duty, Your Highness, he said. She caught the ring of gladness in his voice. Then I command you to shake hands with me, she said brightly. You have been away, I believe, with a delicious inflection. Yes, for a century or more, I'm sure. Constraint fell upon them suddenly. The hour had come for a definite understanding, and both were conquered by its importance. For the first time in his life he knew the meaning of diffidence. They came over him as he looked helplessly into the clear, gray, earnest eyes. I love you for wearing that red feather, he said simply. And I loved you for wearing it. She answered, her voice soft and thrilling. He caught his breath joyously. Beverly, as he bent over her. You are my very life, my— Don't, Paul, she whispered, drawing away with an embarrassed glance about the park. There were people to be seen on all sides, but he had forgotten them. He thought only of the girl who ruled his heart. Seeing the pain in his face, she hastily, even blushingly, said, It is so public, dear. He straightened himself with soldierly precision. But his voice trembled as he tried to speak calmly into defiance to his eyes. There is the grotto, see? It is seclusion itself. Will you come with me? I must tell you all that is in my heart. It will burst if I do not. Slowly they made their way to the fairy grotto deep in the thicket of trees. It was Ytiv's favorite dreaming place. Dark and cool and musical with a rippling of waters. It was an ideal retreat. She dropped upon the rustic bench that stood against the moss-covered wall of boulders. With a gentle reserve of a man who reveres as well as loves, Baudot stood above her. He waited, and she understood how unlike most impatient lovers he was. You may sit beside me, she said, with a wistful smile of acknowledgments. As he flung himself into the seats, his hand eagerly sought hers. His courtly reserve gone to the winds. Beverly, dearest one, you never can know how much I love you, he whispered into her ear. It is a deathless love, unconquerable, unalterable. It is in my blood to love forever. Listen to me, dear one, I come of a race whose love is hot and enduring. My people from time immemorial have loved as no other people have loved. They have killed and slaughtered for the sake of glorious passion. Love is the religion of my people. You must, you shall believe me when I say, that I love you better than my soul so long as that soul exists. I loved you the day I met you. It has been worship since that time. His passion carried her resistlessly away as the great waves sweep the deck of a ship at sea. She was out in the ocean of love, far from all else that was dear to her. Far from all harbors, save the mysterious one to which his passion was piloting her through a storm of emotion. I have longed so to hold you in my arms, Beverly, even when you were a princess, and I lay in the hospital again, look. My fevered arms hungered for you. There never has been a moment that my heart has not been reaching out in search of yours. You have glorified me, dearest, by the promise you made a week ago. I know that you will not renounce that precious pledge. It is in your eyes now. The eyes I shall worship to the end of eternity. Tell me, though, with your own lips, your own voice, that you will be my wife, mine to hold for ever. For answer she placed her arms about his neck and buried her face against his shoulder. There were tears in her gray eyes, and there was a sob in her throat. He held her, close to his breast, for an eternity. It seemed to both, neither giving voice to the song their hearts were singing. There was no other world than the fairy grotto. Sweetheart, I am asking you to make a great sacrifice, he said at last, his voice hoarse but tender. She looked up into his face serenely. Can you give up the joys, the wealth, the comforts of that home across the sea, to share a lowly cottage with me, ends my love? Wait, dear, do not speak until I am through. You must think of what your friends will say. The love and life I offer you, now, will not be like that which you have always known. It will be poverty and the dregs, not riches and wine. It will be. But she placed her hand upon his lips, shaking her head emphatically. The picture he was painting was the same one that she had studied for days and days. It's every shadow was familiar to her. It's every unwholesome corner was as plain as day. The rest of the world may think what it likes, Paul. She said, It will make no difference to me. I have awakens from my dream. My dream prince is gone, and I find that it's the real man that I love. What would you have me do? Give you up because you are poor? Or would you have me go up the ladder of fame and prosperity with you? A humble but adoring burden. I know you, dear. You will not always be poor. They may say what they'd like. I have thought long and well, because I am not a fool. It is the American girl who marries the tilted foreigner without love that is a fool. Marrying a poor man is too serious a business to be handled by foals. I have written to my father, telling him that I am going to marry you. She announced. He gasped with unbelief. You have already? He cried. Of course. My mind has been made up for more than a week. I told it to Aunt Fanny last night. And she? She almost died, that's all, she said unblushingly. I was afraid to cable the news to father. He might stop me if he knew it in time. A letter was much smarter. You dear, dear little sacrifice, he cried tenderly. I will give all my life to make you happy. I am a soldier's daughter, and I can be a soldier's wife. I have tried hard to give you up, Paul, but I couldn't. You are love soldier, dear, and it is a relief to surrender and have it over with. They fell to discussing plans for the future. It all went smoothly and eerily, until he asked her when he should go to Washington to claim her as his wife. She gave him a startled, puzzled look. To Washington, she murmured, turning very cold and weak. You won't have to go to Washington, dear. I'll stay here. My dear Beverly, I can't afford the trip, he laughed. I am not an absolute pauper. Besides, it is right and just that your father should give you to me. It is the custom of our land. She was nervous and uncertain. But, but, Paul, there are many things to think of, she faltered. You mean that your father would not consent? Well, he, he might be unreasonable, she stammered. And then there are my brothers, Keith and Dan. They are foolishly interested in me. Dan thinks no one is good enough for me. So just Keith. And father too, for that matter. And mother. You see, it's not just as if you were a grand and wealthy nobleman. They may not understand. We are Southerners, you know. Some of them have peculiar ideas about... Don't distress yourself so much, dearest, he said with a laugh. Though I see your position clearly, and it is not an enviable one. We can go to Washington just as soon as we are married, she compromised. Father has a good deal of influence over there. With his help, behind you, you will soon be a power in the United... But his hearty laugh checked her eager plotting. It's nothing to laugh at, Paul, she said. I beg your pardon a thousand times. I was thinking of the disappointment I must give you now. I cannot live in the United States. Never. My home is here. I am not born for the strife of your lands. They have soldiers enough and better than I. It is in the turbulent east that we shall live, you and I. Tears came into her eyes. Am I not to... to go back to Washington? She tried to smile. When Prince Danton says we may, perhaps. Oh, he is my friend, she cried in great relief. I can get any favor I ask of him. Oh, Paul. Paul, I know my folks will think I'm an awful fool, but I can't help it. I shall let you know that I intend to be a blissful one, at least. He kissed her time and again. Out there in the dark, soft light of the fairy grotto. Before we can be married, dearest, I have a journey of some importance to take. He announced, as they arose to leave the bower behind. A journey? Where? To Vienna. I have an account to settle with a man who has just taken up his residence there. His hand went to his sword-hilt, and his dark eyes gleamed with the fire she loved. Count Marlanks and I have postponed business to attend to, dearest. Have no fear for me. My sword is honest, and I shall bring it back to you myself. She shuddered and knew that it would be, as he said. End of Chapter 30. Recording by Katie Reilly. August 2009.