 CHAPTER 18 CONFESSIONS and CONSESSIONS Of course, Your Highness, said Baldos, deep apology in his voice. Ravon is woefully misinformed. He is honest in his belief, and you should not misjudge his motives. How he could have been so blind as to confound you with that frisky American girl. But I beg your pardon, she is to be your guest. A thousand pardons, Your Highness. She had been struck dumb by the wording of this note, but his apparently sincere apology for his friend set her every emotion into play once more. While he was speaking, her wits were forming themselves for conflict. She opened the campaign with a bold attack. You, you believe me to be the Princess, sure enough, don't you? But with all her bravery she was not able to look him in the face. How can you doubt it, Your Highness? Would I be serving you in the present capacity if I believed you to be anyone else? Ravon's warning has not shaken your faith in me. It has strengthened it. Nothing could alter the facts in the case. I have not, since we love Ganlok, been in doubt as to the identity of my benefactress. It seems to me that you are beating around the bush. I'll come straight to the point. How long have you known that I am not the Princess of Grouse-Dark? What? He exclaimed, drawing back in well-assumed horror. Do you mean? Are you jesting? I beg of you, do not jest. It is very serious with me. His alarm was so genuine that she was completely deceived. I am not jesting. She half-whispered, turning very cold. Have you thought all along that I am the Princess, that I am Grinfal Laurie's wife? You told me that you were the Princess. But I've never said that I was anyone's wife. There was a piteous appeal in her voice, and he was not slow to notice it and rejoice. Then his heart smote him. But what is to become of me if you are not the Princess? He asked after a long pause. I can no longer serve you. This is my last day in the castle-guard. You are to go on serving me. I mean, you are to retain your place in the service. She hastened to say, I shall keep my promise to you. How small and humble she was beginning to feel. It did not seem so entertaining, after all, this pretty deception of hers. Down in his heart, underneath the gallant exterior, what was his opinion of her? Something was stinging her eyes fiercely, and she closed them to keep back the tears of mortification. Miss Calhoun, he said, his manner changing swiftly. I have felt from the first that you are not the Princess of Grassdark. I knew it an hour after I entered Edelweiss. Franz gave me a note at Ganlock, but I did not read it until I was a member of the guard. You have known it so long? She cried joyously, and you have trusted me? You have not hated me for deceiving you? I have never ceased to regard you as my sovereign, he said softly. But just a moment ago you spoke of me as a frisky American girl, she said resentfully. I have used that term once, while I have said Your Highness, a thousand times, knowing that you were Miss Calhoun, I could not have meant either. I fancy I have no right to criticize you, she humbly admitted. After all, it does not surprise me that you were not deceived. Only an imbecile could have been fooled all these weeks. Everyone said that you were no fool. It seems ridiculous that it should have gone to this length, doesn't it? Not at all, Your Highness. I am not—you have the habit, I see. She smiled. I have several months yet to serve as a member of the guard. Besides, I am under orders to regard you as the Princess. General Marlanks has given me severe instructions in that respect. You are willing to play the game to the end? She demanded more gratify than she should have been? Assuredly, yes. It is the only safeguard I have. To alter my belief publicly would expose me to—to—to what, Baldos? To ridicule, for one thing, and to the generous mercies of Count Marlanks. Besides, it would deprive me of the privilege I mentioned a moment ago— the right to kiss your hand, to be your slave, and to do homage to the only sovereign I can recognize. Surely you will not subject me to exile from the only joys that life holds for me. You have sought to deceive me, and I have tried to deceive you. Each has found the other out, so we are quits. May we not now combine forces in the very laudable effort to deceive the world? If the world doesn't know that we know why the comedy may be long drawn out and the climax be made the more amusing. I am afraid there was a touch of your old-time sarcasm in that remark. She said, Yes, I am willing to continue the comedy. It seems the safest way to protect you, especially from General Marlanks. No one must ever know, Baldos. It would be absolutely pitiful. I am glad—oh, so glad—that you have known all the time. It relieves my mind and my conscience tremendously. Yes, he said gently, I have known all along that you were not Mr. Lori's wife. He had divined her thought, and she flushed hotly. You are still a princess, however. A poor goat-hunter can only look upon the rich American girl as a sovereign whom he must worship from far below. Oh, I am not so rich as all that! She cried, Besides, I think it is time for a general clearing up of the mysteries. Are you Prince Danton, Prince Frederick, or that other one? Cristobal somebody. Come, be fair with me. It seems that all Adelweiss looks upon me as a prince in disguise. You found me in the hills. No, you found me. I have not forgotten, sir. A vagabond and a fugitive. My friends are hunted as I am. We have no home. Why everyone should suspect me of being a prince I cannot understand. Every roamer in the hills is not a prince. There is a price upon my head, and there is a reward for the capture of every man who was with me in that pass. My name is Paul Baldos, Miss Calhoun. There is no mystery in that. If you were to mention it in a certain city, you would quickly find that the name of Baldos is not unknown to the people who are searching for him. No, Your Highness. I regret exceedingly that I must destroy the absurd impression that I am of royal blood. Perhaps I am spoiling a pretty romance, but it cannot be helped. I was Baldos the Goat, Hunter. I am now Baldos the Guard. Do you think that I would be serving as a grouse-stark guard if I were any one of the men you mentioned? Beverly listened in wonder and some disappointment. I must be confessed. Somehow a spark of hope was being forever extinguished by this straightforward denial. He was not to be the prince she had seen in dreams. You are not like anyone else, she said. That is why we thought of you as one of those unhappy creatures they call princes. Thank fortune, Your Highness. I am not yet reduced to such traits. My exile will come only when you send me away. You are silent for a long time. Neither was thinking of the hour or the fact that her absence in the castle could not be unnoticed. Night had fallen heavily upon the earth. The two faithful share-bearers, respectful but with wonder in their souls, stood afar off and waited. Baldos and Beverly were alone in their own little world. I think I liked you better when you wore the red feather and that horrid patch of black, she said musingly. I was a heart-free vagabond, he added, something imploring in his voice. An independent courtier, if you please, sir, she said severely. Do you want me to go back to the hills? I have the patch and the feather and my friends are—no, don't suggest such a thing yet. She began the protest eagerly and ended it in confusion. Alas, you mean that some day banishment is not unlikely. You don't expect to be a guard all your life, do you? Not to serve the Princess of Grass-Dark, I confess. My aim is much higher. If God lets me choose the crown I would serve, I shall enlist for life. The crown I would serve is wrought of love. The throne I would kneel before is a heart. The scepter I would follow is in the slender hand of a woman. I could live and die in the service of my own choosing. But I am only the humble goat-herder whose hopes are phantoms, whose ideals are conceived in impotence. That was beautiful, murmured Beverly, looking up, fascinated for the moment. Oh, that I had the courage to enlist, he cried, bending low once more. She felt the danger in his voice, half-trimulous with something more than loyalty, and drew her hand away from a place of instant jeopardy. It was fire that she was playing with. She realized with a start of consciousness, sweet as the spell had grown to be. She thought that it must be shattered. It is getting frightfully late, she sharply exclaimed, though wonder where I've gone to. Why, it's actually dark. It has been dark for half an hour, Your Highness, said he, drawing himself up with sudden rigidness that distressed her. Are you going to return to the castle? Yes, they'll have out a searching party pretty soon if I don't appear. You have been good to me today, he said thoughtfully. I shall try to merit the kindness. Let me—oh, please don't talk in that humble way. It's ridiculous. I'd rather have you absolutely impertinent. I declare upon my honor I would. Don't you remember how you talked when you wore the red feather? Well, I liked it. Baldus laughed easily, happily. His heart was not very humble, though his voice and manner were. Red is the color of insolence, you mean. It's a good deal, John, to your than blue, she declared. Before you called the bearers, Miss, Your Highness, I wished to retract something I said a while ago. He said very seriously. I should think you would, she responded, utterly misinterpreting the intent. You asked me to tell you what my message to Ravon contained, and I refused. Subsequently, the extent of his message to me led us into a most thorough understanding. It is only just and right that you should know what I said to him. I trust you, Baldus, she protested simply. That is why I tell this to you. Yesterday, Your Highness, the castle guard received their month's pay. You may not know how well we are paid, so I will say that it is ten gavels to each. The envelope which I gave to Ravon contained my wages for the past six weeks. They need it far more than I do. There was only a short note of good cheer to those poor comrades of mine, and the assurance that one day our luck may change and starvation be succeeded by plenty. And still more, I told him that I knew you to be Miss Calhoun, and that you were my angel of inspiration. That was all, Your Highness. Thank you, Baldus, for telling me. She said softly, you have made me ashamed of myself. On the contrary, I feel that I have been indulging in mark heroics, truth and egotism, like a salad, require a certain amount of dressing. Since you are Baldus and not a fairy prince, I think you may instruct the men to carry me back, being without the magic tapestry which could transplant me in a whiff. Goodness! Who's that? Within ten feet of the sedan chair, and directly behind the tall guard, stood a small group of people. He and Beverly, engrossed in each other, had not heard their approach. How long they had been silent spectators of the little scene, only the intruders knew. The startled, abashed eyes of the girl in the chair were not long in distinguishing the newcomers. A pace in front of the others to the gone, shadowy form of Count Marlanks. Behind him were the princes Yeteve, the old prime minister, and Baron Danglas. End of Chapter 18. Recording by Linda McDaniel, Atlanta, Georgia, March 2009. Chapter 19 of Beverly of Grouse-Dark This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Patricia Rutledge of Yorba Linda, California. Beverly of Grouse-Dark By George Barr McCutcheon Chapter 19. The Night Fires Why, good evening! Is that you? Struggled somewhat hysterically through Beverly's lips? Not since the dear old days of the soul in jam and sugar bits had she known the feelings of a culprit caught red-handed. The light from the park lamps revealed a merry, accusing smile on the face of Yeteve, but the faces of the men were serious. Marlanks was the picture of suppressed fury. It is the relief expedition, Your Highness, said Yeteve warmly. We thought you were lost in the wilds of the jungle. She is much better protected than we could have imagined, said the iron count, malevolently mild and polite. Can't I venture into the park without being sent for, asked Beverly, ready to fly into the proper rage? The pink had left her cheeks white. I am proud to observe, however, that the relief expedition is composed of the most distinguished people in all Grouse-Dark. Is there any significance to be attached to the circumstance? Can't we also go strolling in the park, my dear? Plaintively asked Yeteve. It depends on where we stroll, I fancy, suggested Marlanks durisively. Beverly flashed a fierce look at the head of the army. By the way, Baron Denglas, where is the incomparable Haddan? Baldus shot a startled glance at the two men, and an instant comprehension came to him. He knew the secret of Haddan's constant companionship. An expression of bitter scorn settled upon his mouth. Denglas mumbled a reply, at which the iron count laughed sarcastically. I am returning to the castle, said Beverly coldly. Pray, don't let me interfere with your stroll. Or is it possible that you think it is necessary to deliver me safely to my nurse, now that you have found me? Don't be angry, dear, whispered Yeteve, coming closer to her side. I will tell you all about it later on. It was all due to Count Marlanks. It was all done to humiliate me, replied Beverly, a dignation surpassing confusion at last. I hate all of you. Oh, Beverly, whispered the princess in distress. Well, perhaps you were led into it, retracted Beverly, half-molified. Look at that old villain whispering over there. No wonder his wives up and died. They just had to do it. All but you and Count Halfont and Baron Denglas, which left but one condemned. And Baldos, added Yeteve, patting her hand. I wish you'd be sensible, cried Beverly, most ungraciously, and Yeteve's soft laugh irritated her. How long had you been listening to us? Not so much as the tiniest part of a minute, said Yeteve, recalling another disastrous eavesdropping. I am much wiser than when Baldos first came to serve you. We were quite a distance behind Count Marlanks, I assure you. Then he heard something, asked Beverly anxiously. He has been in a detestable mood ever since we rejoined him. Could he have heard anything disagreeable? No. On the contrary, it was quite agreeable. All this time Baldos was standing at attention a few paces off, a model soldier despite the angry shifting of his black eyes. He saw that they had been caught in a most unfortunate position. No amount of explaining could remove the impression that had been forced upon the witnesses, voluntary or involuntary as the case might be. Baldos could do nothing to help her while she was compelled to face the suspicions of her best friends. At best it can be considered nothing short of a clandestine meeting, the consequence of which she must suffer, not he. In his heated brain he was beginning to picture scandal with all the disgusting details that grow out of evil misrepresentation. Count Halfaunt separated himself from the group of three and advanced to the sedan chair. Marlanks and Dangloss were arguing earnestly in low tones. Shall we return your highness? asked Halfaunt, addressing both with one of his rarest smiles. If I remember a right, we were to dine on family tonight, and it is well upon the hour. Besides, Count Marlanks is a little distressed by your absent-mindedness, Miss Beverly, and I fancy he is eager to have it out with you. My absent-mindedness? What is it that I have forgotten? asked Beverly, puckering her brow. That's the trouble, dear, said Yeti. You forgot your promise to teach him how to play that awful game called poker. He has waited for you at the castle since six o'clock. It is now eight. Is it any wonder that he led the searching party? He has been on nettles for an hour and a half. Goodness! I'll wager he's in a temper, exclaimed Beverly with no remorse, but some apprehension. It would be wise to apologize to him, suggested Yeti, when her uncle nodded earnestly. All right. I think I can get him into good humour without half-trying. Oh! Count Marlanks! Come here, please. You aren't angry with me, are you? Wasn't it awful for me to run away and leave you to play solitaire instead of poker? Don't you know? I was so wretchedly tired of the ride, and I knew you wouldn't mind if I— And so she ran glibly on, completely forestalling him to the secret amusement of the others. Nevertheless, she was nervous and embarrassed over the situation. There was every reason to fear that the iron count had heard and seen enough to form a pretty good opinion of what had passed between herself and Baldos in this remote corner of the park. A deep sense of shame was taking possession of her. Marlanks, smiling significantly, looked into her brave little face and permitted her to talk until she had run out of breath and composure. Then he bowed with exaggerated gallantry and informed her that he was hers to command and that it was not for him to forgive but to accept whatever was her gracious pleasure. He called upon the chair-bearers, and they took up their burden. Beverly promptly changed her mind and concluded to walk to the castle. And so they started off, the chair going ahead as if out of commission forever. Despite her efforts to do so, the American girl, feeling very much abused, by the way, was unsuccessful in the attempt to keep the princess at her side. Yet he deliberately walked ahead with Halfont and Dangloss. It seemed to Beverly that they walked unnecessarily fast and that Marlanks was provokingly slow. Baldos was twenty paces behind, as was his custom. Is it necessary for me to ask you to double the number of lessons I am to have? Marlanks asked. He was quite too close to her side to please Beverly. Can't you learn in one lesson? Most Americans think they know all about poker after the first game. I am not so quick-witted, Your Highness. Far be it for me to accelerate your wits, Count Marlanks. It might not be profitable. You might profit by losing, you know, he ventured, leaning so closer. Poker is not the only game of chance. It was chance that gave me a winning hand this evening. I don't understand. It shall be my pleasure to teach you in return for instructions I am to have. I have tried to teach your excellent guard one phase of the game. He is not profited, I fear. He has been blind enough to pick a losing hand in spite of my advice. It is the game of heart. Beverly could not but understand. She shrank away with a shudder. Her wits did not desert her, however. I know the game, she said steadily. One's objects to cast off all of the hearts. I have been very lucky at the game, Count Marlanks. Oomph! was his ironical comment. Ah, isn't this a night for lovers? He went on, changing tack suddenly. To stroll in the shadows where even the moon is blind is a joy that love alone provides. Come, fair mistress, share this joy with me. With that his hand closed over her soft arm above the elbow, and she was drawn close to his side. Beverly's first shock of revulsion was succeeded by the distressing certainty that Baldos was a helpless witness of this indignity. She tried to dirt her arm away, but he held it tight. Release my arm, sir, she cried, hoarse with passion. Call your champion, my lady. It will mean his death. I have evidence that will ensure his conviction and execution within an hour. Nothing could. Call him, I say, and I will call him. He is my sworn protector, and I will command him to knock you down if you don't go away, she flared, stopping decisively. At his peril. Baldos, she called, without a second's hesitation. The guard came up with a rush just as my lengths released her arm and fell away with a muttered imprecation. Your highness, cried Baldos, who had witnessed everything. Are you afraid to die? She demanded briefly and clearly. No. That is all, she said, suddenly calm. I merely wanted to prove it to count my lengths. Tacht had come to her relief most opportunely. Like a flash, she saw that a conflict between the commander of the army and a guard could have but one result and that disastrous to the latter. One word from her would have ended everything for Baldos. She saw through the iron counts roofs as if by divine inspiration and profited, where he least expected her to excel in shrewdness. Her lengths had deliberately invited the assault by the guard. His object had been to snare Baldos into his own undoing and a horrible undoing it would have been. One blow would have secured the desired result. Nothing could have saved the guard who had struck his superior officer, but Beverly thought in time. To die is easy, your highness. You have but to ask it of me, said Baldos, whose face was white and drawn. She has no intention of demanding such a pleasant sacrifice, observed count my lengths, covering his failure skillfully. Later on, perhaps, she may sign your death warrant. I am proud to hear, sir, that a member of my corps has the courage to face the inevitable, even though he be an alien and unwilling to die on the field of battle. You have my compliments, sir. You have been on irksome duty for several hours and must be fatigued as well as hungry. A soldier suffers many deprivations, not the least of which is starvation in pursuit of his calling. Mess is not none welcome relief to you after all these arduous hours. You may return to the barracks at once. The princess is under my care for the remainder of the campaign. Baldos looked first at her and then at the sarcastical general. Yet even her companions were waiting for them at the fountain a hundred yards away. You may go, Baldos, said Beverly in low tones. I am not fatigued, nor he began eagerly. Go, snald my lengths. Am I to repeat a command to you? Do you ignore the word of your mistress? There was a significant sneer in the way he said it. Mistress, gassed Baldos, his eye blazing, his arm half-raised. Count my lengths, implored Beverly, drawing herself to her full height and staring at him like a wounded thing. I humbly implore you not to misconstrue the meaning of the term your highness, said the count Athubli. Ah, you have dropped something. Permit me. It is a note of some description, I think. He stooped quickly, too quickly, and recovered from the ground at her feet the bit of paper which had fallen from her hand. It was a note from Ravon to Baldos which Beverly had forgotten in the excitement of the encounter. Count my lengths, give me that paper, demanded Beverly breathlessly. Is it a love letter? Perhaps it is intended for me. At any rate, your highness, it is safe against my heart for the time being. When we reach the castle, I shall be happy to restore it. It is safer with me. Come, we go one way, and have you not gone, sir? In his most sarcastic tone to the guard, Beverly was trembling. No, I have not, and I shall not go until I see you obey the command of her highness. She has asked you for that piece of paper, said Baldos, standing squarely in front of my lengths. Insolent dog, do you mean to question my give over that paper? If you strike me, fellow, it will be. If I strike you, it will be to kill count my lengths. The paper, sir. Baldos towered over the iron count, and there was danger in his daredevil voice. Surely, sir, I am but obeying your own instructions. Protect the princess and all that is hers with your life, you have said to me. Oh, I wish you hadn't done this, Baldos cried Beverly, panic-stricken. You have threatened my life. I shall not forget it, fool. Here is the precious note, your highness, with my condolences to the rider. My lengths pass the note to her, and then look triumphantly at the guard. I dare say you have done all you can, sir. Do you wish to add anything more? What can one do when dealing with his superior and finds him a despicable coward, said Baldos, with cool irony? You are reputed to be a brave soldier. I know that to be false, or I would ask you to draw the sword you carry, and he was drawing his sword as he spoke. Baldos implored Beverly, her evident concern infuriated my lengths. In his heart he knew Baldos to be a man of superior birth, and a foeman not to be despised from his own station. Carried away by passion, he flashed a sword from its sheath. You have drawn on me, sir, he snarled. I must defend myself against even such as you. You will find that I am no coward. Time is short for your gallant lover, madame. Before she could utter a word of protest, the blades clashed, and they were hungry for blood. It was dark in the shadows of the trees, and the trio was quite alone with their tragedy. She heard Baldos laugh recklessly in response to Marleng's cry of, oh, the shame of fighting with such carry on as you. Don't jest at a time like this counts at the guard softly. Remember that I lose no matter which way it goes. If you kill me, I lose. If I beat you, I lose. Remember, you can still have me shot for insubordination and conduct unbecoming. Stop! almost shrieked Beverly. At risk of personal injury she rushed between the two swordsmen, both drew back and dropped their points, not a dozen passes had been made. I beg your highness's pardon, murmured Baldos, but he did not sheath his sword. He forced it upon me, cried Marleng's triumphantly. You were witness to it all. I was a fool to let it go as far as this. Put up your sword until another day if that day ever comes to you. He will have you shot for this, Baldos, cried Beverly in her terror. Baldos laughed bitterly. Tied and blindfolded to you, your highness, to prove that he is a brave man and not a coward. It was short, but it was sweet, with that you had let the play go on. There was a spice in it that made life worth living and death worth dying. Have you other commands for me, your highness? His manner was so cool and defiant that she felt the tears spring to her eyes. Only that you put up your sword and end this miserable affair by going to your room. It is punishment enough. Tomorrow's execution can be no harder. Marleng's had been thinking all this time. Into his soul came the thrill of triumph, the consciousness of a mighty power. He saw the chance to benefit by the sudden clash, nor was not slow to seize it. Never fear, my man, he said easily. It won't be as bad as that. I can well afford to overlook your indiscretion of tonight. There will be no execution, as you call it. This was an affair between men, not between men and the state. Our gracious referee is to be our judge. It is for her to pardon and to condemn. It was very pretty while it lasted, and you are too good a swordsman to be shot. Go on your way, Baldos, and remember me as Marleng's the man, not Marleng's the general. As your superior officer, I congratulate and commend you upon the manner in which you serve the princess. You will always find me ready to fight and to die for her, said Baldos gravely. Do you think you can remember that? Count Marleng's. I have an excellent memory, said the Count steadily. With a graceful salute to Beverly, Baldos turned and walked away in the darkness. A perfect gentleman, Miss Calhoun, but a wretched soldier, said Marleng scrimmly. He is a hero, she said quietly, a great calmness coming over her. Do you mean that when you say, you are not going to have him punished? He did only what a man should do, and I glory in his folly. I may as well tell you point blank, that you alone can save him. He does not deserve leniency. It is in my power and it is my province to have him utterly destroyed, not only for this night's work, but for other and better reasons. I have positive proof that he is a spy. He knows I have this proof. That is why he would have me killed just now. It is for you to say whether he shall meet the fate of a spy or go unscathed. You have but to exchange promises with me. And the estimable guardsman goes free, but he goes from Ada Weiss forever. Today he met the enemy's scout in the hills, as you know quite well. Messages were exchanged secretly, which you do not know of, of course. Before another day is gone I expect to see the results of his treachery. There may be manifestations tonight. You do not believe me, but wait and see if I am not right. He is one of Gabrielle's cleverest spies. I do not believe it. You shall not accuse him of such things, she cried. Besides, if he is a spy why should you shield him for my sake? Don't you owe it to Grausdark to expose? Here is the princess, said he serenely. Your highness, addressing yet to you. Miss Calhoun has a note, which she refuses to let anyone read but you. Now, my dear young lady, you may give it directly into the hands of her highness. Beverly gave him a look of scorn, but without a second's hesitation placed the missive into Yeti's hand. The iron count's draw dropped, and he moistened his lips with his tongue two or three times. Something told him that a valuable chance had gone. I shall be only too happy to have your highness read the result of my first lesson in the Grausdark language, she said, smiling gaily upon the count. Two men in uniform came rushing up to the party manifestly excited. Saluting the general, both began to speak at once. One at a time commanded the count, what is it? Other officers of the guard and a few noblemen from the castle came up, out of breath. We have discerned signal fires in the hills, Your Excellency, said one of the men from the fort. There's a circle of fires, and they mean something important. For half an hour they have been burning near the monastery, also in the valley below, and on the mountains to the south. There was an instant of deathly silence, as if the hearers awaited a crash. Marlings looked steadily at Beverly's face, and she saw the triumphant accusing Gleamon as eyes. Helplessly she stared into the crowd of faces. Her eyes fell upon Baldos, who suddenly appeared in the background. His face were a hunted, imploring look. The next instant he disappeared among the shadows. Beverly of Grawstar by George Barr McCutcheon Chapter 20 Gossip of some consequence There is no time to be lost, exclaimed Count Marlings. Ask Colonel Brays to report to me at the Eastern Gate with a detail of picked troopers, a hundred of them. I will meet them there in half an hour. He gave other sharp, imperative commands, and in the twinkling of an eye the peaceful atmosphere was transformed into the turbulent, exciting rush of activity. The significance of the fires seen in the hills could not be cheaply held. Instant action was demanded. The city was filled with the commotion of alarm. The army was brought to its feet with a jerk that startled even the most ambitious. The first thing that General Marlings did was to instruct Quinox to set a vigilant watch over Baldos. He was not to be arrested, but it was understood that the surveillance should be but little short of incarceration. He was found at the barracks shortly after the report concerning the signal fires, and told in plain words that General Marlings had ordered a guard placed over him, for the time being, pending the result of an investigation. Baldos had confidently expected to be thrown into a dungeon for his affront. He did not know that Grenfell Laurie stood firm in his conviction that Baldos was no spy and was supported by others in high authority. Marlings was bottling his wrath and holding back his revenge for a distinct purpose, apart from the existence of the strong, healthy prejudice in the guard's favour. What the old general believed and what he could prove were two distinct propositions. He was crafty enough, however, to take advantage of a condition unknown to Beverly Calhoun, the innocent cause of all his bitterness toward Baldos. As he hastened from the council chamber, his eyes swept the crowd of eager, excited women in the Grand Hall. From among them he picked Beverly and advanced upon her without regard for time and consequence. Despite her animation, he was keen enough to see that she was sorely troubled. She did not shrink from him as he had half expected, but met him with bold disdain in her eyes. This is the work of your champion, he said in tones that did not reach ears other than her own. I prophesied it, you must remember. Are you satisfied now that you have been deceived in him? I have implicit confidence in him. I suppose you have ordered his arrest, she asked with quiet scorn. He is under surveillance at my suggestion. For your sake and yours alone, I am giving him a chance. Here is your protege, you are responsible for his conduct. To accuse him would be to place you in an embarrassing position. There is a sickening rumour in court circles that you have more than a merely kind and friendly interest in the rascal. If I believe that, Miss Calhoun, I fear my heart could not be kind to him. But I know it is not true. You have a loftier love to give. He is a clever scoundrel, and there is no telling how much harm he has already done to Crosstalk. His every move is to be watched and reported to me. It will be impossible for him to escape. To save him from vengeance of the army, I am permitting him to remain in your service, ostensibly at least. His hours of duty have been changed, however. Henceforth he is in the Night Guard from midnight till dawn. I am telling you this, Miss Calhoun, because I want you to know that in spite of all the indignity I have suffered, you are more to me than any other being in the world, more to me even than my loyalty to Crosstalk. Do me the honour and justice to remember this. I have suffered much for you. I am a rough, hardened soldier, and you have misconstrued my devotion. To give the harsh words my passion may have inspired. Farewell, I must off to undo the damage we all lay at the door of the man you and I are protecting. He was too wise to give her the chance to reply. A moment later he was mounted an op for the eastern gates, there to direct the movements of Colonel Brace and his scouts. Beverly flew at once to get him, with her plea for Belgos. She was confronted by a rather sober-faced sovereign. The news of the hour was not comforting to the princes and her ministers. You don't believe he is as fine, cried Beverly, stopping just inside the door, presuming selfishly that Belgos alone was the cause for worry. She resolved to tell Yeti of the conflict in the park. Dear me, Beverly, I am not thinking of him. We have discussed him jointly and severely and every other way, and he has been settled for the time being. You are the only one who is thinking of him, my dear child. We have waited things to annoy us. Goodness, how you talk. He isn't annoying. Oh, forgive me, Yeti, for I am the silliest, adult-patter-dazed goose in the kingdom, and you are so troubled. But do you know that he is being watched? They suspect him. So did I, at first, I'll admit. But I don't now. Have you read the note I gave to you out there? Yes, dear. It's just as I expected. He has known from the beginning. He knew when he caught Dagmar and me spying behind that formidable curtain. But don't worry me any longer about him, please. Wait here with me until we have reports from the troops. I shall not sleep until I know what those fires meant. Forget Baldos for an hour or two for my sake. You dear old princess, I'm an awful brute, sure enough. I'll forget him forever for your sake. It won't be hard, either. He's just a mere guard. Poof, he's no prince. Whereupon reinforced by Mrs. Anglish and the Countess Helfont, she proceeded to devote herself to the task of soothing and amusing the distressed princess, while the soldiers of Groestark ransacked the Moonlit Hills. The night passed and the next day was far on its way to sunset before the scouts came in with tidings. No trace of the mysterious signalers had been found. The embers of the half-dozen fires were discovered, but their builders were gone. The search took in miles of territory, but it was unavailing. Not even a straggler was found. The so-called troop of actors, around whom suspicion centred, had been swallowed by the capacious solitude of the hills. Riders from the frontier posts to the south came in with the report that all was quiet in the threatened district. Dorsbergen was lying quicent, but with the readiness of a skulking dog. There was absolutely no solution to the mystery connected with the fires on the mountain sides. Baldos was questioned privately and earnestly by Laurie and Danglos. His reply was simple, but it furnished food for reflection and, at the same time, no little relief to the troubled leaders. It is my belief, Mr. Laurie, that fires were built by brigands not by your military foes. I have seen these fires in the north, near Axfan, and they were invariably meant to establish communication between separated squads of robbers, all belonging to one band. My friends and I, on more than one occasion, narrowly escaped disaster by prying into the affairs of these signalers. We take it that the squads had been operating in the south and were brought together last night by means of the fires. Doubtless they have some big project of their own sort on foot. That night the city looked for a repetition of the fires, but the mountains were black from dusk till dawn. Word reached the castle late in the evening that an Axfanian nobleman and his followers would reach idol-wise the next day. The visit was a friendly, but an important one. The nobleman was no other than the young Duke of Mizzrocks, intimate friend of the unfortunate Prince Lorenz, who met his death at the hand of Prince Gabriel and was the leader of the party which opposed the vengeful plans of Princess Volga. His arrival in idol-wise was awaited with deep anxiety, for it was suspected that his news would be of the most important character. Beverly Calhoun sat on the balcony with the princess long after midnight. The sky was black with the clouds of an approaching storm. The air was heavy with the boating silence. Twice from their darkened corner near the pillar, they saw Beldos as he paced steadily past the castle on patrol, with Hayden at his side. Dreamily the watchers in the cool balcony looked down upon the somber park and its occasional guardsmen. Neither was in the mood to talk. As they rose at last to go to their rooms, something whizzed through the air and dropped with a slight thud in the centre of the balcony. The two young women started back in alarm. A faint light from Beverly's window filtered across the stone floor. Don't touch it, Beverly cried the princess, as the girl started forward with an eager exclamation. But Beverly had been thinking of the very object that now quivered before her in the dull light, saucy, aggressive and jaunty as it was the night when she saw it for the first time. A long, slim red feather bobbed to and fro, as if saluting her with solderly fidelity. Its base was an orange, into which it had been stuck by the hand that tossed it from below. Beverly grasped it with more ecstasy than wisdom and then rushed to the stone railing, yet if looking on in amazement, diligently she searched the ground below for the man who had sent the red message that he was nowhere in sight. Then came the sudden realisation that she was revealing a most unmaidenly eagerness to him as well as to the princess, for she did not doubt that he was watching from the shadows below. She withdrew from the rail in confusion and fled to her bedchamber, followed by a curious companion. There were explanations, none of which struck speaker or listener as logical, and there were giggles which completely simplified the situation. Beverly thrust the slim red feather into her hair and struck an attitude that would have set Beldos while would joy if he could have seen it. The next day, when she appeared in the park, the feather stood up defiantly from the band of her sailor hat, though womanly perverseness impaled her to ignore Beldos when he passed her on his way to mess. The Duke of Mizzrocks came into the city hours after the time set for his arrival. It was quite dark when the escort sent by Colonel Quinnix drew up at the castle gates with the visitor. The Duke and his party had been robbed by brigands in the broad daylight and at a point not more than five miles from Ida Wise. And thus the mystery of the signal fires was explained. Count Marlenx did not soon forget the triumphant look he received from Beverly Calhoun when the Duke's misfortunes were announced. Shameless as it may seem, she rejoiced exceedingly over the acts of the robbers. Mizzrocks announced to the princess and her friends that he was not an emissary from the Axanian government. Instead he was but little less than a fugitive from the wrath of Volga and the crown-adurance earlier in the week. He had been summoned before Volga and informed that his absence for a few months, at least from the principality, was desirable. The privilege was allowed him of selecting the country which he desired to visit during that period, and he coolly chose Groestark. He was known to have friendly feelings for that state, but no objections were raised. This friendship also gave him a welcome in Ida Wise. Mizzrocks plainly stated his position to Yetiw and the prime minister. He asked for protection, but declined to reveal any of the plans that maturing in his home country. This reluctance to become a traitor, even though he was not in sympathy with his sovereign, was respected by the princess. He announced his willingness to take up arms against Dorsburgen, but would in no way antagonise Axfan from an enemy's camp. The Duke admitted that the feeling in Axfan's upper circles was extremely bitter toward Groestark. The old-time war spirit had not died down. Axfan despised her progressive neighbour. I may as well inform your highness that the regent holds another and a deeper grudge against Groestark, he said. In the audience chamber where were assembled many of the nobles of the state, late on the night of his arrival. She insists that you are harboring and even shielding the pretended to our throne, Prince Frederick. It is known that he is in Groestark, and moreover it is asserted that he is in direct touch with your government. Yetith and her companions looked at one another with glances of comprehension. He spoke in English now for the benefit of Beverly Calhoun, an interested spectator, who felt her heart leap suddenly and swiftly into violent insurrection. Nothing could be more ridiculous said Yetith after a pause. We do not know Frederick, and we are not harboring him. I am only saying what is believed to be true by Axfan, your highness. It is reported that he joined you in the mountains in June and since has held a position of trust in your army. Would you know, Prince Frederick, if you were to see him, quietly asked Laurie. I have not seen him since he was a very small boy, and then, but for a moment, on the day when he and his mother were driven through the streets on their way to exile. We have a new man in the castle-guard and there is a mystery attached to him. Would you mind looking at him and telling us if he is what Frederick might be in his manhood? Laurie put the question and every one present drew a deep breath of interest. Miss Rock's readily consented and bell-doss intercepted on his rounds was led unsuspecting into an outer chamber. The Duke, accompanied by Laurie and Baron Dangloss, entered the room. They were gone from the assemblage but a few minutes, returning with smiles of uncertainty on their faces. It is impossible, Your Highness, for me to say whether or not it is Frederick, said the Duke frankly. Here's what I imagine the pretender might be at his age, but it would be sheer folly for me to speculate. I do not know the man. Beverly squeezed the Countess Dagmar's arm convulsively. Hurray! she whispered, in great relief. Dagmar looked at her in astonishment. She could not fathom the whimsical American. They had been keeping an incessant watch over the home of Frederick's cousin. He is to marry her when the time is for pictures. Volunteered the young Duke. She is the most beautiful girl in Axe Van, and the family is one of the wealthiest. Her parents bitterly opposed the match. They were to have been secretly married some months ago, and there is a rumour to the effect that they did succeed in invading the vigilance of her people. You mean that they may be married? Asked yet he, casting a quick glance at Beverly. It is not improbable, Your Highness. He is known to be a daring young fellow, and he has never failed in a siege against the heart of women. Report has it that he is the most invincible Lothario that ever donned love's armour. Beverly was conscious of thirty glances in her direction, and a faint pink stolen to her temples. Our fugitive princes are lucky in neither love nor war, went on the Duke. Poor Danton, who is hiding from Gabrielle, is betrothed to the daughter of the present Prime Minister of Dorsbergen. The beautiful Lalanda. I have seen her. She is glorious, Your Highness. I too have seen her, said yet him, more gravely than she thought. The report of their betrothal is true then. His sudden overthrow prevented the nuptials, which were to have taken place in a month, had not Gabrielle returned. Her father, the Duke of Matts, wisely accepted the inevitable and became Prime Minister to Gabrielle. Lalanda, it is said, remains true to him and sends messages to him as he wanders through the mountains. Beverly's mind instantly reverted to the confessions of Valdos. He had admitted the sending and receiving of messages through France. Trier as she would, she could not drive the thought from her mind, that he was Denton, and now came the distressing fear that his secret messages were words of love from Lalanda. The audience lasted until late in the night, but she was so occupied with her own thoughts that she knew of but little that transpired. Of one thing she was sure she could not go to sleep that night. End of Chapter 20 Chapter 21 of Beverly of Groves-Dark 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 Groves-Dark by George Barr McCutchant Chapter 21 The Rose The next morning Aunt Fanny had a hard time of it. Her mistress was petulant. There was no sunshine in the bright August day as it appeared to her. Toward dawn after she had counted many millions of black sheep jumping backward over a fence, she had fallen asleep. Aunt Fanny obeyed her usual instructions on the luckless morning. It was Beverly's rule to be called every morning at seven o'clock. But how was her attendant to know that the graceful young creature who had kicked the counterpane to the foot of the bed and had mauled the pillow out of all shape had slept for less than thirty minutes? How was she to know that the flushed face and frown were born in the course of a night of distressing perplexities? She knew only that sleeping beauty who lay before her was the fairest creature in all the universe. For some minutes Aunt Fanny stood up and admired the rich youthful glory of the sleeper prophetically reluctant to disturb her happiness. Then she obeyed the impulse of duty and spoke the summoning words. What time is it? Demanded the newcomer from the land of Nod, stretching her fine young body with a splendid but discontented yawn. Seven, Miss Beverly, what time do you suppose it is? Hits the regular time, of course. Did you all have a nice sleep, honey? And Aunt Fanny went blissfully about the business at the hour. I didn't sleep a wink, confounded, grumbled Beverly, rubbing her eyes and turning on her back to glare at the tapestry above the couch. Yo wasn't winking any when I first come in to the room. Let me tell ya, crackled Aunt Fanny with caustic freedom. See here, now Aunt Fanny, I'm not going to stand any lecture from you this morning when a fella hasn't slept a... Who's lecturing anybody? Aunt like to know. Ah, just telling ya what ya was the doin' when I come in to the room. You was a sleeping petty dog tight, let me tell ya. Is ya goin' out for your walk before breakfast, honey? Cos if yo is, ya'll all be obliged to climb out the bay, motor quick like. Yo buff is ready, Miss Beverly. Beverly splashed the water with unreasonable ferocity for a few minutes, trying to enjoy a diversion that had not failed her until this morning. Aunt Fanny, she announced, after looking darkly through a window into the mountains above, if you can't brush my hair, ouch, any easier than this, I'll have someone else do it, that's all. You're a regular old bear. Part little honey was all the complacent bear said in reply, without altering her methods in the least. Well said Beverly threateningly, with the shake of her head. Be careful, that's all. Have you heard the news? What news, Miss Beverly? We're going back to Washington. Thank the Lord, when? I don't know, I've just this incident made up my mind. I think we'll start, let's see. This is the 6th of August, isn't it? We'll look and see if you don't know, stupid. The 10th? My goodness, where has the time gone anyway? Well, we'll start sometime between the 11th and the 12th. Of this month, Miss Beverly? No, September. I want you to look up a timetable for me today. We must see about the trains. There's only one leave in here daily, and it goes at 6 in the morning. One train a day, ain't it scandalous? I'm sure Aunt Fanny, it is their business, not ours, said Beverly severely. Perhaps they might be running a excursion ramp about September, Miss Beverly, speculated Aunt Fanny consolingly. They gently has them in September. You old goose, cried Beverly, in spite of herself. Ain't you have an era good time, honey? No, I am not. For the land's sake, ah, wouldn't sufficient hit for a minute. It's the gayest place I ever saw. Seth Washington and Lexden and Vicksburg. Well, you don't know anything, said Beverly crossly. I wish you'd take that red feather out of my hat right away. Shall I throw it away, Miss Beverly? Well, no, you needn't do that, said Beverly. Put it on my dressing table. I'll attend to it. What's become a legitimate? And who hit in the first place? Ah, Aunt's seen him for two, three days. I'm sure I don't know. He's probably asleep. That class of people never lose sleep over anything. He's a powerful-looking person, suggested Aunt Fanny. Beverly's eyes brightened. Ah, do you think so? She said, quiet indifferently. What are you doing with that hat? Taken out the feather, just as— Well, leave it alone. Don't disturb my things, Aunt Fanny. How many times must I tell you? Good Lord was all that Aunt Fanny could say. Don't forget about the timetables, said Beverly, as she sullied forth for her walk in the park. In the afternoon she went driving with Princess Yetiw and the young Duke of Mizzrocks, upon whose innocent and sufficiently troubled head she was heaping secret abuse because of the news he brought. Later Count Marlings appeared at the castle for his first lesson in poker. He looked so sure of himself that Beverly hated him to the point of desperation. At the same time she was eager to learn how matters stood with Baldos. The Count's throat still hung over her head. Fail by its ridiculous shadow of mercy. She knew him well enough by this time to feel convinced that Baldos would have to account for his temerity sooner or later. It was like the cat and helpless mouse. It's too hot, she protested, when he announced himself ready for the game. Nobody plays poker when it's ninety-two in the shade. But your Highness can play in the Count. War may break out any day. I cannot concede delay. I think there's a game called Shooting Craps, suggested she serenely. It seems to me it would be particular good for warriors. You could be shooting something all the time. He went away in a decidedly irresistible frame of mind. She did not know it that Baldos was soon afterwards set to work in the garrison stables, a most loathsome occupation, in addition to his duties as a guard by night. After mature deliberation, Beverly set herself to the task of writing home to her father. It was her supreme intention to convince him that she would be off for the States in amazingly short time. The Major, upon receiving the letter three weeks later, found nothing in it to warrant the belief that she was ever coming home. He did observe, however, that she had but little use for the Army of Grawstark and was especially disappointed in the set of men, yet he retained as her private guard. For the life of her Beverly could not have told why she disapproved of the guard in general, or in particular, but she was conscious of the fact, after the letter was posted, that she had said many things that might have been left unwritten. Besides, it was not Baldos's fault that she could not sleep. It was distinctly her own. He had nothing to do with it. I'll bet father will be glad to hear that I am coming home. She said to get him after the letter was gone. Oh, Beverly dear, I hope to hear of you going, cried the Princess. When did you tell him you'd start? Why, oh, let me see. When did I say? Dash me, as Mr. Anguish would say. I don't believe I gave a date. It seems to me I said soon, that's all. You don't know how relieved I am, exclaimed Yettie rapturously, and Beverly was in high dungeon because of the implied reflection. I believe you are in a tip with Baldos. Went on Yettie fairly. Goodness, how foolish you can be at times, Yettie, was what Beverly gave back to her Highness, the Princess of Groestark. Late in the evening, couriers came in from Dorsberg and Frontier with reports which created considerable excitement in castle and army circles. Prince Gabriel himself had been seen in the northern part of his domain, accompanied by a large detachment of picked soldiers. Laurie set out that very night for the Frontier, happy in the belief that something worthwhile was about to occur. General Marlings issued orders for the Ida Wise Army Corps to mass beyond the southern gates of the city the next morning. Commands were also sent to their outlying garrisons. There was to be a general movement of troops before the end of the week. Groestark was not to be called napping. Long after the departure of Laurie and Anguish, the Princess sat on the balcony with Beverly and Countess Dagmar. They did not talk much. The mission of these ventures from young American husbands was full of danger. Something in the air had told their wives that the first blows of war were to be struck before they looked again upon the men they loved. I think we have been betrayed by someone, said Dagmar, after an almost interminable silence. Her companion did not reply. The couriers say that Gabriel knows where we are weakest at the front, and that he knows our every movement. Yet it there is a spy here after all. And that spy has access to the very heart of our deliberations, added Beverly pointedly. I say this in behalf of the man whom you evidently suspect Countess. He could not know these things. I do not say that he does know, Miss Calhoun, but it is not beyond reason that he may be the go-between, the means of transferring information from the main traitor to the messengers who await outside our walls. Oh, I don't believe it, cried Beverly hotly. I wonder if these things would have happened if Beldos had never come to idol-wise, mused the princess. As though, by common impulse, both of the Graw-Stark women placed their arms about Beverly. It's because we have so much at stake, Beverly, dear, whispered Dagmar. Forgive me if I have hurt you. Of course, Beverly sobbed a little effort to convince them that she did not care whom they accused. If he proved to be the right man in the end, they left her alone on the balcony. For an hour after midnight she sat there and dreamed. Everyone was ready to turn against Beldos. Even she had been harsh toward him, though had she not seen him relegated to the most obnoxious of duties after promising him a far different life. And now what was he thinking of her? His decent-from-favour had followed upon the disclosures which made plain to each the identity of the other. No doubt he was attributing his digression, in a sense to the fact that she was no longer relished his services, having seen a romantic little ideal shattered by his firm assertions. Of course she knew that General Malinks was alone, instrumental in assigning him to the unpleasant duty he now observed. But how was Beldos to know that she was not the real power behind the iron count? A light drizzle began to fall, cold and disagreeable. There were no stars, no moon. The ground below was black with shadows, but shimmering in spots touched by the feeble park lamps. She retreated through her window, determined to go to bed. Her rebellious brain, however, refused to banish him from her thoughts. She wondered if he were patrolling the castle grounds in the rain, in all that lonely darkness, seized by a sudden inspiration she threw a gossamer about her, grasped an umbrella, and ventured out upon the balcony once more. Guiltily she searched the night through the fine drizzling rain. Her ears listened eagerly for the tread, which was so well known to her. At last he strode beneath a lamp not far away. He looked up, but, of course, could not see her against the dark wall. For a long time he stood motionless beneath the light. She could not help seeing that he was dejected, tired, unhappy. His shoulders drooped, and there as a general air of listlessness about the figure, which had once been so full of courage and of hope. The post light fell directly upon his face. It was somber, despondent, strained. He wore the air of a prisoner. Her heart went out to him like a flash. The devineer night of the black patch was no more. In his place there stood a sullen slave to discipline. Beldos she called softly, her voice penetrating the dripping air with the clearness of a bell. He must have been longing for the sound of it, for he started and looked eagerly in her direction. His tall form straightened as he passed his hand over his brow. It was bitter voice from his dream, he thought. Aren't you afraid you'll get wet? Ask the same low, sweet voice, with the suggestion of a laugh behind it. With long strides he crossed the pavement and stood almost directly beneath her. Your Highness, he exclaimed gently, joyously, What are you doing out there? Wondering, Beldos, wondering what you were thinking of as you stood under the lamp over there. I was thinking of your Highness, he called up softly. No, no, she protested. I too was wondering, wondering what you were dreaming of as you slept, for you should be asleep at the sour, your Highness, instead of standing out there in the rain. Beldos, she called down tremulously, you don't like this work, do you? It has nothing but darkness in it for me. I never see the light of your eyes, I never feel the shh, you must not talk like that, it's not proper, and besides, someone may be listening. The night has a thousand years, or is it eyes? But listen, tomorrow you shall be restored to your old duties. You surely cannot believe that I had anything to do with the order, which compels you to work at this unholy hour. I was afraid you were punishing me for my boldness, my heart has been sore, you never can know how sore. I was disgraced, dismissed, forgotten. Oh, no you were not, you must not say that. Go away now, Beldos. You will ride with me tomorrow, she cried nervously. Please go to some place where you won't get dripping wet. You forget that I am on guard, he said with a laugh, but you are a wise counsellor. Is the rain so pleasant to you? I have an umbrella, she protested. What are you doing? She cried in alarm. He was coming hand over hand up the trellis work that enclosed the lower veranda. I am coming to a place where I won't get dripping wet, he called softly. There was a dangerous ring in his voice, and she drew back in a panic. You must not, she cried desperately. This is madness. Go down, sir. I am happy enough to fly, but cannot. So I do the next best thing. I climbed to you. His arm was across the stone railing this time, and he was panting from the exertion, not two feet from where she crouched. Just one minute of heaven before I go back to the shadow of earth. I am happy again. Marlings told me you had dismissed me. I wonder what he holds in reserve for me. I knew he lied, but it is not until now that I rejoice. Come, you are to shield me from the rain. Oh, oh, she gasped, overwhelmed by his daring passion. I should die if anyone saw you here. Yet she spasmodically extended the umbrella so that it covered him and left her out in the drizzle. And so should I, responded he softly. Listen to me. For hours and hours I had been longing for the dear old hills in which you found me. I would crawl out of Ida-wise and lose myself forever in the rocks and crags. Tonight, when you saw me, I was trying to say goodbye to you forever. I was trying to make up my mind to desert. I could not endure the new order of things. You had cast me off. My friends out there were eager to have me with them. In the city everyone is ready to call me a spy, but I thought life was black and drear. Now, my princess, it is as bright as heaven itself. You must not talk like this, she whispered helplessly. You are making me sorry I called to you. I should have heard you if you had only whispered my rain princess. I have no right to talk of love. I am a vagabond, but I have a heart perhaps I dream that I am here beside you, so near that I can touch your face, but it is the sweetest of dreams. But for it I should have left Ida-wise weeks ago. I shall never awaken from this dream. You cannot rob me of the joys of dreaming. Under the spell of his passion she drew nearer to him as he clung strongly to the rail. The roses at her throat came so close that he could bury his face in them. Her hand touched his cheek and he kissed its palm again and again, his wet lips stinging her blood to the tips of her toes. Go away please, she implored faintly. Don't you see that you must not stay here now. A rose, my princess, one rose to kiss all through the long night, she could feel his eyes burning into her heart. With trembling, hurried fingers, she tore loose a rose. He could not seize it with his hands because of the position he held and she laughed tantalizingly. Then she kissed it first and pressed it against his mouth. His lips and teeth closed over the stem and the rose was his. There are thorns, she whispered, ever so softly. They are the riches of the poor, he murmured with difficulty, but she understood. Now go, she said, drawing resolutely away. An instant later his head disappeared below the rail. Peering over the side she saw his figure spring easily to the ground and then came the rapid, steady tramp as he went away on his dreary patrol. I couldn't help it she was whispering to herself between joy and shame. Glancing instinctively out toward the solitary lamp, she saw two men standing in its light. One of them was General Marlings, the other she knew to be the spy that watched Beldos. Her heart sunk, life led, when she saw that the two were peering intently toward the balcony where she stood and where Beldos had clung but a moment before. End of Chapter 21 Chapter 22 of Beverly of Grouse Dark This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Patricia Rutledge of Yorba Linda, California. Beverly of Grouse Dark by George Barr McCutchen Chapter 22 A Proposal She shrank back with a great dread in her heart. Marlings of all men Why was he in the park at this hour of the night? There could be but one answer and the very thought of it almost suffocated her. He was drawing the net with his own hands. He was spying with his own eyes. For a full minute it seemed to her that her heart would stop beating. How long had he been standing there? What had he seen or heard? Involuntarily she peered over the rail for a glimpse of Beldos. He had gone out into the darkness missing the men at the lamppost either by choice or through pure good fortune. A throb of thankfulness assailed her heart. She was not thinking of her position but of his. Again she drew stealthily away from the rail possessed of a ridiculous feeling that her form was as plain to vision as if it were broad daylight. The tread of a man impelled her to glance below once more before fleeting to her room. Marlings was coming toward the veranda. She fled swiftly pausing at the window to lower the friendly but forgotten umbrella. From below became the sibilant hiss of a man seeking to attract her attention. Once more she stopped to listen. The hiss was repeated and then her own name was called softly but imperatively. It was beyond the power of woman to keep from laughing. It struck her irresistibly funny that the iron count should be standing out there in the rain signaling her like a love-sick boy. Once she was inside however it did not seem so amusing. Still it gave her an immense amount of satisfaction to slam the windows loudly as if in pure defiance. Then she closed the blinds shutting out the night completely. Turning up the light at her dressing table she sat down in a state of sudden collapse. For a long time she stared at her face in the mirror. She saw the red of shame and embarrassment mount to her cheeks and then she covered her eyes with her hands. Oh, what a fool you've been! She half sobbed shrinking from the mirror as if it were an accuser. She prepared for bed with frantic haste. Just as she was about to scramble in and hide her face in the pillows a shocking thought came to her. The next she was at the windows and the slats were closed with a rattle like a volley of firearms. Then she jumped into bed. She wondered if the windows were locked. Out she sprang again like a flash and her little bare feet scurried across the room first to the windows then to the door. Now I reckon I'm safe she murmured a moment later again getting into bed. I love to go to sleep with the rain pattering outside like that. Oh, dear. I'm so sorry he has to walk all night in this rain. Poor fellow. I wonder where he is now. Goodness, it's raining cats and dogs. But in spite of the rain she could not go to sleep. Vague fears began to take possession of her. Something dreadful told her that Count Marlinx was on the balcony and at her window not withstanding the rain pour. The fear became oppressive maddening. She felt the man's presence almost as strongly as if he were in plain view. He was there. She knew it. The little revolver that had served her so valiantly at the night of the hawk and raven lay upon a stool near the bedside every night. Consumed by the fear that the window might open slowly at any moment she reached forth and clutched the weapon. Then she shrank back in the bed, her eyes fixed upon the black space across the room. For hours she shivered and waited for the window to open dozing away time and again only to come back to wakefulness with a start. The next morning she confessed to herself that her fears had been silly. Her first act after breakfasting alone in her room was to seek out Colonel Quinex commander of the castle-guard. In her mind she was greatly troubled over the fate of the bold visitor of the night before. There was a warm red glow in her face and a quick beat in her heart as she crossed the parade ground. Dagobon though he was, he had conquered where princes had failed. Her better judgment told her that she could be nothing to this debonair night of the road, yet her heart stubbornly resisted all the arguments that her reason put forth. Colonel Quinex was pleasant but he could give Beverly no promise of leniency in regard to Baldos. Instructions had come to him from General Marlenx and he could not set them aside at will. Her plea that he might once more be assigned to old-time duties found the regretfully obdurate. Baldos could not ride with her again until Marlenx withdrew the order which now obtained. Beverly swallowed her pride in resentment diplomatically, smiled her sweetest upon the distressed Colonel, and marched defiantly back to the castle. Down in her rebellious insulted heart she was concocting all sorts of plans for revenge. Chief among them was the overthrow of the iron count. Her wide scope of vengeance even contemplated the destruction of Graustark if her end could be obtained no other way. Full of these bittersweet thoughts she came to the castle doors before she saw who was waiting for her upon the great veranda. As she mounted the steps a pre-occupied frown upon her brow. General Marlenx, lean, was with the unconfident of advance to greet her. The early hour was responsible for the bright solitude which marked the place. But few signs of life were in evidence about the castle. She stopped with a sharp exclamation of surprise. Then scorn and indignation rushed in to fill the place of astonishment. She faced the smiling old man with anger in her eyes. Then extending his hand which she did not see. She was wondering how much he had seen and heard at midnight. I thought the troops were massing this morning she said coldly. Don't you mass too? There is time enough for that, my dear. I came to have a talk with you. In private, he said meaningly. It is sufficiently private here, Count Marlenx. What have you to say to me? I want to talk to you about last night. You were very reckless to do what you did. Oh! You were playing the spying, then? She asked scornfully. An involuntary observer, believe me, and a jealous one. I had hoped to win the affections of an innocent girl what I saw last night shocked me beyond expression. Well, you shouldn't have looked, she retorted, tossing her chin feather in her hat bobbed angrily. I am surprised that one as clever as you could have carried on an amour so unconsciously, said blandly. What do you mean? I mean that I saw everything that occurred. Well, I'm not ashamed of it obstinately. Goodbye, Count Marlenx. One moment, please. I cannot let you off so easily. What right had you to take that man into your room, a place sacred in the palace of grouse-dark? Answer me, Miss Calhoun. Beverly drew back in horror and billowed Wilderman. Into my room, she gasped. Let us waste no time in subterfuge. I saw him come from your window, and I saw all that passed between you and the balcony. Love's eyes are keen. What occurred in your chamber I can only stop. How dare you say such a thing to me, she fiercely cried. You miserable coward. You know he was not in my room. Take it back, take back every word of that lie. She was white with passion, cold with terror. Bah! This is childish. I am not the only one who saw him, my dear. He was in your room. It's useless to deny it. And to think that I have spared him from death to have it come to this. You need not look so horrified. Your secret is safe with me. I come to make terms with you. My silence in exchange for your beauty. It's worth it to you. One word from me you are disgraced and Baldo sties. Come, my fair lady, give me your promise. I'll give you your bargain for both. Beverly was trembling like a leaf. This phase of his villainy had not occurred to her. She was like a bird trying to avoid the charmed eye of the serpent. Oh, you, you miserable wretch. She cried, horse with anger and despair. What a cur you are. You know you are not speaking the truth. How can you say such things to me? She was almost in tears, impotent with shame and fear. It has been a pretty game of love for you in the excellent Baldos. You have deceived those who love you best and trust you most. What will the Princess say when she hears of last night's merry escapade? What will she say when she learns who was hostess to a common guardsman at the midnight hour? It is no wonder that you look terrified. You to say whether she is to know or not. You can bind me to silence. You have lost Baldos. Take me and all that I can give you in his stead and the world never shall know the truth. You love him, I know, and there is but one way to save him. Say the word and he goes free to the hills. Decline and his life is not worth a breath of air. Unpretending to believe this of me, you still ask me to be your wife. What kind of man are you? She demanded, scarcely able to speak. My wife, he said harshly. Oh, no! You are not the wife of Baldos, he added significantly. Good God! gasped Beverly, crushed by the brutality of it all. I would sooner die. Would to heaven my father were here he would shoot the dog. Oh, how I loathe you. Don't you try to stop me. I shall go to the princess myself. She shall know what manner of beast you are. She was racing up the steps flaming with anger and shame. Remember, I can prove what I have said. Beware what you do. I love you so much that now I ask you to become my wife. Think well over it. Your honour and his life rests with you, he cried eagerly following her to the door. You disgusting old fool she hissed, turning upon him as she pulled the big brass knocker on the door. I must have my answer to-night, or you know what will happen, he snarled. But he felt in his heart that he had lost through his eagerness. She flew to Yetiv's Boudoir, consumed by rage and mortification, between sobs and feminine mal-addictions. She poured the whole story in all its ugliness into the ears of the princess. Now, Yetiv, you have to stand by me in this, announce the narrator conclusively. Her eye is beaming hopefully through her tears. I cannot prevent General Marlanks from preferring serious charges against Baldo Steer. I know he was not in your room last night. You did not have to tell me that because I saw you both at the balcony-rail. Beverly's face took on such a radiant look of rejoicing that Yetiv was amply played. Beverly's face took on such a radiant look of rejoicing that Yetiv was amply paid for the surprising and gratifying acknowledgement of a second period of eavesdropping. You may depend upon me to protect you from Marlanks. I am not pleasant for Baldos, but he shall pay dearly for this insult to you. He has gone too far. I don't think he has any proof against Baldos, said Beverly, thinking only of the guardsmen. But this is so easy to manufacture evidence, my dear. The iron count has set his heart upon having you and he is not the man to be turned aside so easily. He seems to think he can get rid of them, I absurd. I was going back to Washington soon, Yetiv, but I'll stay on now and see this thing to the end. He can't scare Calhoun, no sirree. I'll telegraph for my brother Dan to come over here and punch his head to pieces. Now, now, don't be so high and mighty, dear. Let's see how rational we can be, said the princess gently, whereupon the hot-headed girl from Dixie suspended hostilities and became a very demure young woman. Before long she was confessing timidly, then boldly, that she loved Baldos better than anything in all the world. I can't help it, Yetiv. I know I oughtn't too, but what is there to do when one can't help it? There would be an awful row at home if I married him. Of course, he hasn't asked me. Maybe he won't. In fact, I'm sure he won't. I shan't give him a chance. But if he does ask me, I'll just keep putting him off. I've done it before, you know. You see, for a long, long time I fancied he might be a prince, but he isn't at all. I've had his word for it. He's just an ordinary person, like, like, well, like I am. Only he doesn't look so ordinary. Isn't he handsome, Yetiv? And dear me, he is so impulsive. If I—if he had asked me to jump over the balcony rail with him last night, I believe I would have done it. Wouldn't that have surprised old Marlinks? Beverly gave a merry laugh. The troubles of the morning seemed to fade away under the warmth of her humor. Yetiv sat back and marveled at the manner in which this blind young American cast out the blue devils. You must not do anything foolish by release, you cautioned. Your parents would never forgive me if I allowed you to marry, or even to fall in love with any Tom, Dick, or Harry over here. Baldos may be the gallant, honest gentleman we believe him to be, but he also may be the worst of adventurers. One can never tell, dear. I wish now that I had not allowed you and your plan to bring him to the castle. I'm afraid I have done wrong. You have seen too much of him, and—oh, well— you will be sensible, won't you, dear? There was real concern in the face of the Princess. Beverly kissed her rapturously. Don't worry about me, Yetiv. I know how to take care of myself. Worry about your old Gabrielle, if you like. But don't bother your head about how she cried eerily. Now, let's talk about the war. Marlinks won't do anything until he hears from me. What's the use worrying? Nightfall brought General Marlinks in from the camps outside the gates. He came directly to the castle and boldly sent word to Beverly that he must speak to her at once. She promptly answered that she did not want to see him and would not. The Prince's hesitation he appealed for an audience with the Princess and it was granted. He proceeded, with eye-rate coolness, to ask how far she believed herself bound to protect the person of Baldos, the guard. He understood that she was under certain obligations to Miss Calhoun and he wanted to be perfectly sure of his position before taking a step which now seemed imperative. Baldos was a spy in the army of Dawesburgen. He had sufficient proof to warrant his arrest and execution. There were documents and there was positive knowledge that he had conferred with strangers from time to time even within the walls of the castle grounds. Marlinks cited instances in which Baldos had been seen talking to a strange old man inside the grounds and professed to have proof that he had gone so far as to steal away by night to meet men He was now ready to seize the guard but would not do so until he had conferred with his sovereign. Miss Calhoun tells me that you have made certain proposals to her count Marlinks, said Yeti coldly, her eyes upon his hawkish face. I have asked her to be my wife, Your Highness. You have threatened her count Marlinks. She has exposed herself to you. I would not have told what I saw last night. Would it interest you to know that I saw everything that passed on the balcony last night? You will allow me to say, General, that you have behaved in a most outrageous manner in approaching my guest with such foul proposals. Stop, sir. She has told me everything and I believe her. I believe my own eyes. There is no need to discuss the matter further. You have lost the right to be called a man. For the present I have only to say that you shall be relieved of the command of my army. The man who makes war on women is not fit to serve one. As for Baldos, you are at liberty to prefer the charges. He shall have a fair trial rest assured. Your Highness hear me, implored Marlinks, white to the roots of his hair. I will hear what you have to say when my husband is at my side. I can but stand condemned, then, your Highness, without a hearing. My vindication will come, however. With your permission I retire to contrive the arrest of the spy. You may depose me, but you cannot ask me to neglect my duty to Graustark. I have tried to save him for Miss Calhoun's sake, but her hand was pointing to the door. Ten minutes later Beverly was hearing everything from the lips of the Princess, and Marlinks was cursing his way toward the barracks, vengeance in his heart. But a swift messenger from the castle reached the guard room ahead of him. Colonel Quinex was reading an official note from the Princess when Marlinks drove angrily into the room. Bring this fellow Baldos to me, Colonel Quinex, he said, without greeting. I regret to say that I have, but this instant received a message from her Highness, commanding me to send him to the castle, said Quinex, with a smile. The devil, what foolishness is this, snarl the iron count? Have a care, sir, said Quinex stiffly. It is of the Princess you speak. Bah! I am here to order the man's arrest. It is more important, then. Nevertheless, sir, he goes to the castle first. This note says that I am to disregard any command you may give until further notice. Marlinks fell back amazed and stunned. At this juncture Baldos entered the room. Quinex handed him an envelope telling him that it was from the Princess and that he was to repair at once to the castle. Baldos glanced at the handwriting and just lit up proudly. I am ready to go, sir, he said, passing the iron count with the most disconcerting smile in his face. End of Chapter 22 Chapter 23 of Beverly of Grouse Start This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org Recording by Linda McDaniel Beverly of Grouse Start by George Barr McCutcheon Chapter 23 A Shot in the Darkness Baldos started off at once for the castle, his heart singing. In the darkness of the night he kissed the message which had come to him from Her Highness. The envelope had been closed with the official seal of Yateve, Princess of Grouse Start, and was sacred to the eyes of anyone save the man to whom it contained were burned deep in his brain. You are ordered to report for duty in the castle, come at once. Her Highness has sent an official command to Colonel Quinox. Colonel Marlangs has been here. You are not expected to desert until you have seen me. There is an underground passage somewhere. B. Baldos went alone and swiftly. The note to Colonel Quinox had been imperative. Baldos had served as an inner guard until further orders. Someone, it was reported, had tried to enter Miss Calhoun's room from the outside during the rainstorm of the previous night, and a special guard was to be stationed near the door. All of this was unknown to Baldos, but he did not ask for any explanations. He was halfway to the castle when the sharp report of a gun startled him. A bullet whizzed close to his ear. A crouching run, but he did not change his course. He knew that the shot was intended for him and that its mission was to prevent him from reaching the castle. The attendants at the castle door admitted him, panting and excited, and he was taken immediately to the enchanted Boudoir of the Princess, which but few men were fortunate enough to enter. There were three women in the room. I am here to report, Your Highness, said he, bowing low before the Princess, with a smile upon his flushed face. You are prompt, said the Princess, what have you to report, sir? That an attempt has just been made to kill a member of the castle guard, he coolly answered, impossible. I am quite certain of it, Your Highness, the bullet almost clipped my ear. Good heavens! gasped the listeners. Then they eagerly plied him with more agitated questions than he could answer. And you did not pursue the wretch? cried the Princess. No, Your Highness, I was commanded to report to you at once. Only the success of the assassin could have made me, well, hesitate, said he calmly. A soldier has but to obey. Do you think there was a deliberate attempt to kill you? asked the Countess Dagmar. Beverly Calhoun was dumb with consternation. I cannot say, Madame, much one should not make accusations unsupported. If you have no immediate need of my services, Your Highness, I will ask you to grant me leave of absence for half an hour. I have a peculiar longing to investigate. There was a determined gleam in his eyes. No! no! cried Beverly. Don't you dare to go out there again! You are to stay right here in the castle, sir. We have something else for you to do. It was that Marlanks who shot at you, he. I left General Marlanks in Colonel Quinox's quarters, Miss Calhoun. Interposed Baldos grimly, he could not have fired the shot. For two or three nights, Your Highness, I have been followed and dogged with humiliating persistence by two men wearing the uniforms of castle guards. They do not sleep at the barracks. May I ask what I have done to be submitted to such treatment? There was a trace of poorly concealed nation in his voice. I assure you that this is news to me, said Yettiv in amazement. I am being watched as if I were a common thief, he went on, boldly. These men are not your agents. They are not the agents of grass-dark. May I be permitted to say that they are spies set upon me by a man who has an object in disgracing me? Who that man is, I leave to your royal conjecture. Marlanks? Yes, Your Highness. He bears me a deadly grudge, and yet he fears me. I know full well that he and his agents have built a strong case against me. They are almost ready to close in upon me, and they will have false evidence so craftily prepared that even my truest friends may doubt my loyalty to you and to the cause I serve. Before God I have been true to my oath. I am loyal to grass-dark. It was a sorry day when I left the valley and, oh, cried Beverly piteously, don't say that. Alas, Miss Calhoun, it is true, said he sadly. I am pinned up here where I cannot fight back. Treason is laid against me. But beyond all this I have permitted my loyalty to mislead my ambition. I have aspired to something I can cherish but never possess. Better that I never should have tasted of the unattainable than to have the cup withdrawn just as its sweetness begins to intoxicate. He stood before them pale with suppressed emotion. The women of grass-dark looked involuntarily at Beverly, who sat cold and voiceless, staring at the face of the guard. She knew what he meant, she knew that something was expected of her. A word from her and he would understand that he had not tasted of the unattainable. In one brief moment she saw that she had deliberately led him on, that she had encouraged him, that she actually had proffered him that he had begun to sip the bitterness. Pride and love were waging a conflict in this hapless southern girl's heart. But she was silent. She could not say the word. I think I know what you mean, Baldos, said Yettouf. Seeing that Beverly would not intervene, we are sorry. No one trusts to your honour more than I do. My husband believes in you. I will confess that you are to be arrested as a spy tomorrow. Tonight you are to serve as a guard on the castle. This should prove to you that I have unbounded faith in you. Moreover, I believe in you to the extent that I should not be afraid to trust you if you were to go out into the world with every secret which we possess. You came here under a peculiar stress of circumstances, not wholly of your own volition. Believe me, I am your friend. I shall revere your highness forever for those words, said he simply. His eyes went hungrily to Beverly's averted face and then assumed a careless gleam which indicated that he had resigned himself to the inevitable. I am constrained to ask you one more question, sir. When on the princess, you are not the common goat-hunter, you assume. Will you tell me in confidence who you really are? The others held their breath. He hesitated for a moment. Will it suffice if I say that I am an unfortunate friend of mine? I have risked everything for his sake and I fear I have lost everything. I have failed to be of service to him but through no fault of mine fate has been against me. You are Cristobal, cried Dagmar eagerly. He gave her a startled glance but offered no denial. Beverly's face was a study. If he were Cristobal then what of the game warden's daughter? We shall question you no further, said Yativ. I enlisted to serve Miss Calhoun. It is for her to command you while you are here. May God be with you to the end. Miss Calhoun, will you tell him what his duties are for tonight? Come, my dear. Yativ and Dagmar walked slowly from the room, leaving Beverly and her guard alone. I am at your service, Miss Calhoun, he said easily. His apparent indifference stung her into womanly revolt. I was a fool last night, no, I was the fool. I have been the fool from the beginning. You shall not blame yourself, for I do not blame you. It has been a sweet comedy, a summer pastime. Forget what I may have said to you last night. Forget what my eyes may have said for weeks and weeks. I shall never forget, said she. You deserve the best in the world. Would that I could give it to you? You have braved many dangers for my sake. I shall not forget. Do you know that we were watched last night? Watched, he cried incredulously. Oh, fool that I am, I might have known, and I have subjected you to to don't tell me that harsh things have been said to you, Miss Calhoun. He was deeply disturbed. General Marlanks saw you. He has threatened me, Baldos. I will kill him. What do I care for the consequences? He shall pay dearly for— Stop! Where are you going? Hard to remain here, sir, and take your commands from me. I don't want you to kill him. They'd hang you or something just as bad. He's going to be punished, never fear. Baldos smiled in spite of his dismay. It was impossible to face this confident young champion in petticoats without catching her enthusiasm. What have you done with— with that rose? She asked suddenly, flushing and dividend, her eyes glistened with embarrassment. I was next to my heart. I love it, he said, bravely. I think I'll command you to return it to me. Vaguely. I'll command to be disobeyed. It is in exchange for my feather, he smiled confidently. Well, of course, if you are going to be mean about. Now let me see, she said, confusedly. What are your duties for tonight? You are to stand guard in the quarter. Once in a while, you will go out upon the balcony I'm afraid of someone. Oh, Baldos, what's the use of my trifling like this? You are to escape from Adelweiss tonight. That is the whole plan. The whole idea in a nutshell. Don't look like that. Don't you want to go? Now she was trembling with excitement. I do not want to leave you, he cried eagerly. It would be cowardly. Marlanks would understand that you gave aid in sanction. You would be left to face the charges Don't you see, Beverly? You would be implicated. You would be accused. Why did you not let me kill him? No, I will not go. Neither noticed the name by which he had called her. But I insist, she cried weakly, you must go away from me. I command you to. It is because you want to drive me out of your life forever. He demanded sudden understanding coming to him. Don't put it that way, she murmured. Is it because you care for me that you want me to go? He insisted, drawing near. Is it because you fear the love I bear for you? Love? You don't really. Stop. Remember where you are, sir. You must not go on with it, Baldos. Don't come a step nearer. Do go to-night. It is for the best. I have been awfully wicked in letting it run on as it has. Forgive me. Please forgive me. He drew back pale and hurt. A great dignity settled upon his face. His dark eyes crushed her with their quiet scorn. I understand, Miss Calhoun. The play is over. You will find the luckless vagabond a gentleman after all. You ask me to desert the cause I serve? That is enough. I shall go to-night. The girl was near to surrender. Had it not been for the persistent fear that her proud old father might suffer her willfulness, she would have thrown down the barrier and risked everything in the choice. Her heart was crying out hungrily for the love of this tall mysterious soldier of fortune. It is best. She murmured finally. Later on she was to know the meaning of the peculiar smile he gave her. I go because you dismiss me. Not because I fear an enemy. If you choose to remember me at all, be just enough to believe that I am not a shameless coward. You are brave and true and good, and I am a miserable deceitful wretch, she lamented. You will seek Ravon and the others? Yes, they are my friends. They love my poverty. And now may it please your highness. When am I to go forth and in what garb? I should no longer wear the honest uniform of a grass-dark guard. Leave it to me. Everything shall be arranged. You will be discreet. No one is to know that I am your friend. Rest assured, Miss Calhoun. I have a closed mouth. And he smiled contemptuously. I agree with you, said she regretfully. You know how to hold your tongue. He laughed harshly. For once in a way will you answer a question? I will not promise. You say that you are Dantan's friend. Is it true that he is to marry the daughter of the Duke of Mattes, Countess Yolanda? It has been so reported. Is she beautiful? Yes, exceedingly. But is he to marry her? She insisted. She knew not why. How should I know, your highness? If you call me your highness again, I'll despise you, she flared miserably. Another question. Is it true that the young Duke Cristobal fled because his father objected to his marriage with a Game Warden's daughter? I have never heard so, with a toge of houture. Does he know that the girl is dead? she asked cruelly. Baldos did not answer for a long time. He stared at her steadily, his eyes expressing no emotion from which she could judge him. I think he is ignorant of that calamity, Miss Calhoun. He said, With your permission I shall withdraw. There is nothing to be gained by delay. It was such a palpable affront that she shrank within herself and could have cried. Without answering she walked unsteadily to the window and looked out into the night. A mist came into her eyes. For many minutes she remained there, striving to regain control of her emotions. All this time she knew that he was standing just where she had left him, like a statue, awaiting her command. At last she faced him resolutely. You will receive instructions as to your duties here from the guard at the stairs. When the clock strikes the hour of two in the morning, go into the chapel, but do not let anyone see you or suspect. You know where it is. The door will be unlocked. Am I not to see you again? He asked, and she did not think him properly depressed. Yes, she answered after a pause that seemed like an eternity and he went quietly, silently away. End of chapter 23 Recording by Linda McDaniel, Atlanta, Georgia, March 2009.