Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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GRAUSTARK ...By... GEORGE BARR McCUTCMEON Copyright, 1901, I* Hmrb?H 8. 8Um* >4-??it'*4i**?>4i*.t.iliAJiii<*A*4i*??.-N4.^^.4. [TER VII (CONTINUED). sturted violently. Her eye? e, her Up? parted, nnd her bent forward eagerly, a lit 1 hand grasping the aide of carriage. Her "Ideal Amerl bowing low, an was the tall his side. When he looked up eyes were glowing, his band wna flushed, nnd he saw her i ;)> furiously nnd incline her oly. The carriage had swept she turned her head, and he an appealing glance In her flicrplex.i'd wrinkle across her th of which were swept away t later by (he most bewitch Iles. Again her heir' was In ls time a trifle mot euorget ml then the maddening face led from hint. The equipage ward, and there was no effort rt to cheek its progress. Tr ieft standing nlouc and dls ll on the streets of Edelweiss, et of their search slipping soon as she had been found, pnnlon was amazed by the llt it was evident, Judging by look on her face as ahe 1th a question In her eyes. |d down!" exclaimed the irre Angulsh dolefully. "That's abby treatment, old man. But tc worth the Journey." pt go back to America without you hear that, Harry An ile wna excited and trembling, y didn't Bhc stop?" he went on cut ou dear old fool!"' said An \o stood looking after the car jtll it turned iuto n side street ?r down the shady atretch to e castle. They saw her com glance back, but could not tell she did or not. Ix>rry looked at Anguish, nnd the latter thought, hre wondering about the Gug er name, eh? I'll tell you what frked out during the past two Her name is no more Quggen Hinn mine is. She and the tin that name as a blind. Mark his, she's quality over here; jl there Is about it. Now, wo d out Just who she really is. >mes a smart looking soldier Let's ask him, provided wo can pi understand." ig soldier nppronched, leisurely n cane, for he was without his hs. Anguish accosted him in laud then in Ciermnn. Ho un the latter and was very polite, was the young Indy in the car at Just passed?" asked Lorry ice of the soldier flushed and \\v pale with anger. on! I beg pardon, but we are /s nnd don't quite understand I can't see anything 1m i asking such a question," said attempting to detain htm. |ng man struck his hand from nnd his eyes fa Irl; Mazed, tnust learn our way i Wo never foment on n Indy. If you do so hind, I am sorry for your la tefuse to be questioned by you. fcldo, fellow!" stood aside in astonishment, watched the wrathful gallant n the street, his back as stiff K fed touchy!" growled Anguish. remember what Sltzky said ijelr respect for the weaker sex. we'd better keep off that tack 'hatch up a duel or two. They lie fire eaters. We must con selves with searching out her (d without assistance too. I've ff a bit, Harry, and, now that Ii her, I'm willing to go slowly Iberntoly. Lot's take our time perfectly cool. I am beginning with your Incog, proposition, clearing up In my mind now. jo back to the hotel and get or the visit to the palace AVI you Intend to hunt her up? wouldn't miss a minute if I had {c to be with a girl like that! other was no scarecrow. She a beauty, too. Greatest town )y women I ever struck. Vien t of It entirely." itrolled on to the hotel, discuss ucountcr lu nil its exhilarating Scarcely had they seated them i the piazza after partaking of nicheon when n man enmc gal p to the walk hi front of the throwing his bridle rein to a io hastened to the piazza. His 'as that of a groom, nnd somc ?out htm reminded them of the who sat beside the driver of j ire they had seen a short time He came straight to where the ns snt smoking nnd, bowing 1 before them nn envelope. Tho was "Grcnfnll Lorry, Esq.," ? man was in doubt as to which grasped the envelope, toro it d drew forth a daintily writ It'read: 1st Mr. Lorry?I was very much to nee you this morning. I I tlmt I wna delighted. If you fmpnny this messenger when he you at 3 o'clock tomorrow after will conduot you to my home, shall truly be charmed to see . Will you bring your friend? BOPHIA OUQQEN0LOCKER. could have embraced the incs Thcre was a suspicion of ssncss in his voice when he lay calmly to Harry: gv l tut ion for tomorrow." It would como that way." nuts you to come." I be in the way?" t all, my boy. I'll accept for er this fellow goes I'll let you note. Walt until I write an ng for the man to remain, be to his room, pulled out some y and feverishly wrote: r Ml?* Guggeoslocker?I shall be to accompany your messenger and my friend, Mr. Harry will be with ma. X have come across the continent to sea you, all be repaid If I am with you moment. You will pardon ma that your name haa caused ma No one seems to have heard It I was beginning to (ose hope, expect ma at 3. and I thank e pleasure you bestow. Yours ORENKAL.T. LORRY. ?te, part of which 1 ?d been (dth misgiving, be gave to the r.^ho rode away quickly. Idn't wn|| long to write to ice. Is It potsiblo she 1b suf ferlng from the effects of those threo dnys on the other side of tup Atlan tic? Come to think of It, she blushed wheu she saw you this morning," said Anguish. Lorry handed him her note, Which he read and then solemnly shook bands with its recipient. "Con gratulations. 1 nm a very far sighted young man, having lived in Paris." CHAPTER VIII. TUE ABDUCTION OP A IMUNCKS8. THAT afternoon they went to the palace grounds and in quired for the chief steward. After n few moments they wero shown to his office In a small dwelling house Just insldo the gates. The steward was n red fnced little mnn, pleasant and accommodating, lie could speak German?In fact, be was n Germnu by birth?and they had no dlfllculty In presenting their request. Mr. Frnasch?Jacob Frnasch?was nt first dubious, but their frank, eager faces soon gained for them his consent to see that part of tho ?reat park open to tho public. Beyond certain lines they were not to trespass. An guish asked bow they could bo expect ed to distinguish theso lines, being un acquainted, and tho steward grimly Informed them that the members of tho royal guard would establish tho lines so plainly that it would be quite clear. He then wrote for them a pass to tho grounds of the royal palace of Grau Stark, nfllxtng his seal. In giving this pass to them he found occasion to sny that the princess had instructed him to extend every courtesy possible to an American citizen. It was then that Anguish asked if he might he permit ted to uso his camera. There was an instant nnd emphatic refusal, and they wero told that the pass would be rescinded if they did not leave tho camera outside tho gates. Reluctant ly Anguish deposited his luckless box in the steward's olflce, nnd they passed Into the broad avenue which led to ward the palace. A guard, who served also as a guide, stopped to their sldo before they had taken ten paces. Where he came from they never knew, so instantaneous was his appearance. He remained with them during the two hours spent in the wonderful pnrk. The palace stood in the northwestern part of tho grounds, possibly n half mile from the base of the mountain. Its front faced the mountain side. Tho visitors were not permitted to go closer than a quarter of a mile from tho struc ture, but attained a position from which it could be seen in nil its mass ive, ancient splendor. Anguish, who had studied churches and old struc tures, painted the castles on the Rhine and wns something of a connoisseur In architecture, was of the opinion that It had been standing for moro than 500 years. It wns n vast, medlajval mass of stone, covered with moss and ivy, with towers, turrets nnd battlements. . The park was probably a mile squaro am' was surrounded by a high wall, on the top of which wero little guard houses nnd several masked cannon. When they had completed their tour of inspection, their guide rapidly led the way to the wall that encircled the grounds, reaching it at a point not far from the castle Itself. Here was situat ed another large gate, through which they did not pass. Instead they ascend ed some steps nnd enmo out upon the high wall. The top of this wall was several foot wide, nnd walking was comparatively safe. They soon under stood the guide's design. Tho object was to walk nlong this wall until they reached the main gate. Why this pe culiar course was to be taken they could not imagine at first. Anguish's fertile brain came to tho rescue. He saw a number of women in a distant part of the grounds, and, remembering their guide's hasto in conducting them to the wall, rightly conjectured that it was against custom for visitors to meet nnd gaze upon members of the royal household. Tho men and women, uono of whom could be plainly distinguished from tho faraway wall, were undoubt edly a part of tho castle's family and were not to be subjected to tho curious gaze of sightseers. Perhaps her royal highness the Princess of Graustark was among them. They reached the main gato nnd de scended, Anguish securing his camera, after which they thanked the steward and turned to feo tho guide. But he had disappeared as if the ground had swallowed him. "Well, it's a fair .Versailles," ob served Anguish, as they walked down the street, glancing back at the frown ing wall. "It all goes to make me wonder Why in the name of heaven we have never heard of this land of Graustark/' said Lorry, still thinking of the castle's grandeur. "My boy, there are Mb of things we don't know. We're too busy. Don't you remember that bnt one half tho world knows how tho other half lives? Pll wager there are not twenty-live people in the United States who know, there is such a country as Graus tu rk." 'T don't bolleve that a single soul over there has heard of tho place/0 vouchsafed Lorry, very truthfully. "I'll accept the amendment," said Anguish. Then he proceeded to take A snapshot of the castle from tho middle of the street. He also secured a num ber of views of the mountain side, of somo odd little dwelling houses and two or three interesting exposures of red robed children. Everybody, from the children up, wore loose.robes, some red, somo blnok, somo blue/ but all In solid colors. Beneath these robes were baggy trousers and blouses among the men, short skirts among the women. All wore low boots nnd a sort of tur ban. These costumes, of course, wore confined to the native civilians. At tho hotel the garb of the aristocrats was vastly different. The women were gowned after the latest Viennese pat terns, and the men, except thoso of the army, wore clothes almost as smart as thoso which covered tho Americans. Miss Guggenslocker?or whatever her name might be?and her carriago com panion were as exquisitely gowned as any women to be seen on the boule vards or In Hyde park of an afternoon. It was Into in the afternoon when they returned t? the hotel. After din ner, during which they were again ob jects of Interest, they strolled off to ward tho castle, smoking their cigars and enjoying the glorious air. Being a stranger In a strange land, Ixn ry acted) on tb> romantic painter's udvico and Uso stuck n rer?rfer in his pocket He laughed .-it the suggeBtlou that there might be n?e for the weapon In sucu a qulot, model, well regulated town, hut Anguish Insisted: "I've seen a lot of these fellows around town who look like genuine brigands and cutthroats, and I think It Just as well that wo bo prepared," as serted he positively, and his friend gratified what he called a whim. At 10 o'clock tho slender moon dropped behind the mountain, and tho valley, which had been touched with its tondcr light, gradually took on the SombcrucsH and stillness of a starlit night. The town slumbered at 11, and there were few lights to be seen In the streets or in the houses. Here and there strolled the while uniformed po lice guards, occasionally soldiers hur ried burrockwurd, now und then belat ed citizens moved through the denso shadows on tho sidewalks, but the Americans saw stlli life hi its reality. Returning from their stroll bosldo the' castle walls far to tho west of whero they had entered the grounds that nft eruoon, they paused in tho middle of Oastlo avenuo near tho main gato and looked down tho dark, deserted street. Far away could bo seen the faint glare from their hotel. One or two fltreot lnmns burned in the business part of the city. Aside from these evidences of life there wits nothing but darkness, silence, peaceful ness, about thorn ev erywhere. "Think of Paris or New York at U o'clock," said Lorry, a trifio nwed by the solitude of tho sleeping city. "It's as dead as u piece of prairie land," said his friend. "Gad, it makes mo sleepy to look down that street. It's a milo to tho hotel, too, Lorry. ?SVc'd bettor move along." "Lefs He down near the hedgo, s.-noko another cigar and wait till mid night. It is too glorious a nlg*ht to.be lost In sleep," urged Lorryy whoso heart was light over the joys of the day to come. "I can dream Just as well here, looking at that dark old cas tle, with its ono little tower light, as I could if I tried to sleep In a hard bed down at the hotel." Anguish, who was more or less of a dreamer lUmself, consented, and after lighting fresh cigars they throw them bc 'es on tho soft, dry grass near tho tall hedge that fenced the avenuo as It neared tho castle grounds. For half an hour they talked by fits and starts, ono thinking of tho faco he had seen, tho other picturing In his artist eyo tho painting ho had vowed to create from the moonlit castle of an hour ago. "Some one coming," murmured tho painter, half rising to his elbow at tentively. "Boldlers," said tho other briefly. "They'll not disturb us." "They'll not oven see us, I should ?ay. It's as dark as Egypt under this hedge. They'll pass if we keep quiet."' The figures of two men could bo seen approaching from tho city, dim and ghostly in the semlblackness of the night. Like two thieves tho Ameri cans waited for them to pass. To their exceeding discomfiture, however, the pedestrians halted directly in front of their resting place and seated them selves leisurely upon a broad, flat stone at the.roadside. It was too dark to see if they were soldiers, notwlth standin; tho fact that they were less than Qfleen feet away. "He should be hero at 12," said ono of the newcomers In a low voice and In fairly good English. Tho other merely grunted. There wos a sllenco of some duration, broken by tho first speaker. "If this job falls and you are caught, it will mean years of servitude." "But in that case wo oro to havo 10, 000 ga'wos apiece for each year wo He in prison. It's fair pay?not only for our failure, but for our silence," said tho other, whoso English was more difficult to understand. Anguish's fingers gripped Lorry's leg, but there was no sound from either of tho thoroughly aroused dreamers. "A plot, as I live," thought each, with a thrill. "We must be careful to spoak only in English. There are not twenty people in Edelweiss who understand it, but the night has ears. It Is the only safe tongue. Geddos speaks It well. He should bo hero." It was the first speak er who uttered these words, little know ing that ho hod listeners other than the man to whom ho spoko. A dark figure shot across the road way, and, almost beforo the Americans were aware of it, tho party numbered three. "Ah, Geddos, you are punctual." "I havo found it ever a virtue," re sponded the newcomer. "Have you secured your men?" "I have, your"? "Shi Call me Michael, on your lifel They are ready and willing to under take the venture?" "Yes, but they do not understand the true conditions. I have told then) that wo oro to rob the castle and cany the booty to (innlook before morning." "They do not know tho real object of ?ho raid, then. That is as I d rod. Are they trusty and experienced men?" "The pest- or the worst--that I could find in Vienna. Not one understands 0UV language, and they are so ignorant of our town Hint they aro entirety de pendent on me. They know nothing whatever of tho princess, Michael, and will do only us they are told, realizing that if caught I hoy will be guillotined. I have told them it Is the royal prilftee we are to rille. Ostrom here and I are the only ones except ynuivolf and tho moil who will aid us Inside tho castle, who know the truth, sir." "It cannot full unless those Inside prove false or unworthy," said the hoarse voiced Ostrom. Anguish's nil g>rs were gripping Lorry's log so fierce ly that tho blood wos ready to burst out, but he did not feel the pain. Here, then, was some gigantic plot in which the person of tho princess herself was to be considered. Was it an a:>sassina lien? "You have five of these Viennese?" "Yes; two to stand beneath tho window to receive the booty as wo lower it to the ground, one to stand guard at tlH? west gate ond two to at tend tho carriage and horses In the ravine beyond the enstle." "When did those men arrive?" "Thi? morning. I kept them In my sister's home until on hour ago. They are now in the ravine, awaiting Os trom and myself. Are you sure, Ml chael, that the guards and tho cook have been made to understand every dot.ill? The faintest slip will menu ruin." "They ore lo be trusted fully. Their p*oy is to be high enough to moke it an object to be infallible. Tho guard, Diishou, will leave the gatp unwatch ed, and yon will chloroform biul, with his consent, of course'. You will enter; as I hove explained before, and crawl along in tho dark; shadow of.the wall until you reach the arbor that lead* to the kitchen and scullery. Here un other guard, Ilobbo, known to Ostrom as a comrade in her royal highness' service not more than a year ugo, will bo encountered. He will be bound and gagged without the least nqjgB^r struggle, .lust as the clock strikes 2 ? tut? cook, win walk past the scullery window In the basement tbrico, carry ing a lighted candle. You will see this ligut through the wludow and will know tliat all is well Inside tbo castle. Ostrom, you will then lend tho two Viennese to a placo directly bcueatli the third window in the prin cess' sleeping a part men t There are several clumps of shrubbery there, and uudcr thesr* they will hide, protected from the gase of any watchman who is not with us. You and Geddos will bo admitted to the scullery by tho cook, who will conduct you to the hall leading to her highness' bedroom. The man who guards her door is called Danno.v. lie will not be at bis post, but will accompany1 yp?' when you loavo the, castle. You \v..i understand how carefully you must enter her room and how deeply she must be chloro formed, in the ndjolniug room her lady in waiting, I ho Countess Dagmar, sleeps. If her door Is ajar, you are to creep In hud chloroform her, leaving her undisturbed. Thea the princess Is to be wrapped In the cloth you take with yon mid lowered from the -win dow to the men below. They are to remain In hiding until you have left the castle and have reached their side, it will not be difficult, If caution Is ob served, for you to get outside of the wall ami to the carriage In the ravine. I have given you this plan of action before, I know, but I desire to Im press It firmly upon your minds. There must not be the slightest deviation. The precision of clockwork is neces sary." The man named Michael hissed tho foregoing Into the ours of his compan ions, the palsied Americans hearing every word distinctly. They scarcely breathed, so tremendous was tho re straint imposed upon their nerves. A crime so huge, so daring as tho abduc tion of a princess, the actual invasion of a castle to commit tho theft of a hu man being just as an ordinary burglar would steal in and mako way with tho contents of a silver chest, was beyond their power of comprehension. "We understand fully how it Id to be done, and wo shall get her to <! unlock on time," said Oeddos confidently. "Not a hair of her head must be harmed," cautioucd tho arch conspira tor. "In four days I shall meet you at GanTook. You will keep her in close confinement until you hear from me. Have you the guard's uniforms that you uro to wear tonight?" y' "They arc with the carriage In the ravine. Ostrom and I will don them before going to the castle. In enso wo are seen they will throw observers off the track long enough for us to secure a good start In our flight." "Remember, there is to be no failure. This may mean death to you, certainly a long prison term, if you are appre hended. I know it Is a daring deed, but it is just of the kind that succeeds. Who would dream that mortal man could find the courage to steal a prin cess of the realm from her bed and Spirit her nway from under tho very noses of her vaunted guardsmen? It is tho bold, the impossible plnu that wins." - "Wo cannot fall If your men on the inside do I heir work well," said Oed dos, repeating what Ostrom had said. "All depends on their faithfulness." "They will not bo found wanting. Your cutthroats must bo sent on to Calas with tho empty carriage after you have reached Canlook in safety. You will need them no more. Ostrom will pay them, and they are to leave the country ns quickly as possible. At Calas they will be able to Join a pack train that will carry them to the Great Northern railrond. From there they will have no trouble in reaching Vien na. You will explain to them, Geddos. All we need them for, as you know, is to prove by their mere presence in case of enpturo that the attempt was no more than a case of burglary conceived by a band of Viennese robbers. There will be no danger of capture If you once get her outside the walls. You can bo half way to Canlook before she Is missed from the castle. ' Nor can she be found at Canlook if you follow the Instructions I gave last nipjit. It Is now nearly 1 o'clock, and In half an hour the night wfll be as dark as Kiel us. (Jo, men; you have no more time to lose, for this must bo accom plished slowly, carefully, deliberately. There must be no haste until you are ready for the race to Canlook. (Jo, but, for Cod's sake, do not harm her! And do not faill" "Failure moans more to us than to you, Michael," half whispered tho hoarse Ostrom. "Failure means everything to niel I must have her!" Alrendy the two hirelings were mov ing olT toward tho road ihat ran west of the castle grounds. Michael watch ed them for a moment and then start ed swiftly In the direction of tho city. The watchers had not been able to distinguish the faces of the conspira tors, but they" could never forget tho calm, cold voice of Michael, with its quaint, Jerky* English. "What shall we do?" whispered An guish wheu the men were out of hear ing. "God knows!" answered Lorry. "This Is the most damnable thing I ever hoard of. Are we dreaming? Did wo really see and henr those men?" He had risen to his feet, his companion sitting weakly beforo him. "There".; no question about Itl It's a caso of abductiou, nnd wo have it in our power to spoil the whole job. By gad, but this is luck, Gren!" Anguish was quivering with excitement as ho roso to his fOet. "Shnll we notify old Dnngloss or alarm the steward? There's no time to bo lost If we wnnt to trap these fellows. The chief devil is bound to escape, for we can't get him nnd the others too, and they won't peach on Ulm. Come, we must bo llvelyl What are yon standing there for? The trap must be set!" "Walt! Why not do tho whole Job ourselves?" "How?what do you mean?," "Why should wo alarm anybody? Wo know the plans ns well as these scoundrels themselves. Why not fol low them right into tho castle, capture them red handed, and then do the alarm ing? I'm In for saving tho Princess of Crnustnrk with our own hands nnd right under tho noses of her vaunted guardsmen, ns Mlchnel snys." Ijorry was thrilled by the spirit of adventure. His hand gripped his friend's arm and his face was closo to bis ear. "It is the grandest opportunity two human heings ever had to distinguish them selves!" "?refit heaven, man! We can't do such a thing!" gasped Anguish. "It's tho cnslest thing In tho world. Mesldes. If we fall, wc have nothing to lose. If wo succeed, see whnt we've done! Don't hdsltutc, old manl Como on! C m ? on! We'll take 'em our selves, ns sure ns fnte. Unvo you no nerve? What kind of nn American ore you'.' This chance won't como in ten ' lifetimes! Are we not equal to those I wo scoundrels?" "Two! There are at loast teu of them!" "You fool! Tho three guards arc dla ->f In ridvnuc*. two of the Vien nese ara 'eft with the horses, two are Chnctu d olY under the princess' wln dow, und ouo stands at tho gato. We can slug tbe inan at the gate, tho fel lows uuder the window are harmless, aud that leaves but our two friends aud the cook. Wo have every advan tage in the world. Can't you see?" "You are right I Come on I I'll risk it with you! We will save the Princess of Uraustark!" "Don't you sco it will bo just as easy for ub to enter tho castle as for these robbers? The way will be clear and will bo kept clear. Jove, man, we need not be moro than thirty seconds behind them. Is your pistol all right?" By this time tho two men were speed ing along the grassy stretch toward the road thut run beside tbe wall. They looked to their pistols and placed them carefully in outside coat pockets. "We must throw awuy these heavy caues," whispered tho painter to his friend, who was a pace or so ubead. "Keep It! We'll need one of them to crack that fellow's head at the gate. Cad, it's dark along here!" "How the devil are we to know where to go?" "We'll stop wheu wo come to the gate whero we climbed up tbe wall to day. That is the only entrance I law along the west wall, und it Is near the castle. Just as soon us the gang en ters that gute we'll crawl up and get rid of the fellow who stands watch." It was dark that they could barely see the roadway, and they found it nec essary to cease talking as they slunk along beside tho wall. Occasionally they paused to listen, fenrlng that they might draw too closo upon the men who had gone before. At last they came to a big gate and halted. "Is this the gate?" whispered An guish. "8h! Yes; I'm quite sure. We are undoubtedly near tho castle, judging by the distance we havo come. Let us cross the road aud Ho directly opposite. Bo careful!" Like panthers they stole across tho rood and down a short grassy embank ment. At Anguish's suggestion Lorry wrapped his haudkerchief tightly about the heavy end of his cane, preparing in that way to deaden tbe sound of the blow that was to fall upon the Vienna man's bead. Then they threw aside their hats, buttoned their coats tightly and sank down to wait, with bound lug hearts aud tingling nerves, tho ar rival of tho abductors, mutely praying that they were at the right gate. CHAPTER, IX. THE EXPLOIT OF LOBBY AND ANGUISH. DURING the half hour spent in tho grassy ditch or gutter they spoko not moro than half a dozen times and In the faiutest of whispers. They could hear the guard pacing the driveway inside tho ponderous gate, but aside from his footsteps no sound was distinguishable. A sense of oppression come over tho two watchers as tho minutes grew longer and more deathlike in their still ness. They knew nothing of the surround ings. If they failed, there wos tho dan ger of being shot by tbe guards before an explanation could bo made. If they succeeded, It must be through sheer good fortune and not through prowess of mind or iuubcIc. Both knew the sensible, judicious act would be to alarm the guards and thus avoid all possible chance of a fiasco. With mis givings and doubts In their h :rt8 tho two self appointed gunrdinnu of the princess lay there upon the grass, afraid to give up the project, yet fear ing the outcome. "Tho dickens will be to pay, Lorry, if they dispose of this guard on the in side and lock the gate. Then how aro wo to follow?" whispered Anguish. Lorry was thoughtful for awhile. He felt tho chill of discouragement in bis heart. "In that case we must He outsldo and wait till they cotno out with the prin cess; then make a sudden assault and rescue her. In tho darkness wo can make them think there are a dozen res cuers," he whispered nt length. After awhile Anguish asked another appal ling question, the outgrowth of brain racking study: "Suppose these fellows, who will bo in guards' uniform, should turn about and capture us. What then? We are strangers, and our story would not bo believed. They could slip away in tho excitement and leave us in a very awk ward position." "Harry, if wo are going to hatch up all sorts of possibilities, let's give up the thing right now. I have thought of a thousand contingencies, and I realize how desperate the Job is to be. We must either cast discretion to tho Winds or we must retreat. Which shall wo do?" "Cast aside discretion and bang our fears," said the other, once more in spired. "We'll take chances and hope for the best. If wo sco we aro going to fall, we can then call for the guards. The grounds nre doubtless full of sol diers. The only part I'm worried about is the groping through that strange dark cnstle." "We must do some calculating, and we must stick closo together. By watching where they slat Jon the two Vienneso we can llgure about what di rection we must take to get to tho prin cess' room. Sh! Isn't that some one approaching?" They strained their ears for a mo ment and then Involuntarily, spasmod ically shook hands, each heaving tho deep breath of excitement. The stealthy rustlo of moving bodies was heard, lolnt, but positive. It was a moment of suspenso that would have strained tho nerve of a stone image. Whero were tbo abductors? On which side of the road and from what direction did they come? Ob, for tho eyes of a catl There was a slight shuffling of feet near tho gate, a suppressed "Shi" and then deathly silence. The gate opened, n faint creaking attesting tho fact, fol lowed by tbo heavy breathing of men, the noise of subdued activity, tho scent of chloroform, somo whispering and then tho creaking of tho gate. "They've gone," whispered Anguish. Ix>rry's form arose to a crouching pos ture, and a moment later ho was cross ing tho road with tho tread of a cat, his cane gripped firmly in his hand. Anguish followed with drawn revolver. So still wus their approach that they were upon the figure of a man beforo they were aware of tho fact. In the I darkness the foremost American saw the outline of a human figure bending over a long object on tho ground. Ho could smell chloroform strongly and grasped the situation. Tbo Viennese was administering the drug, his com panions having left that duty for him to perform. No doubt tbo treacherous guardsman was lying calmly on his back, bound and gagged, welcoming unconsciousness with a smile of socuri 'As soon as Lorry gained his bearings fillly he propared to fell tbe wretch wwo was to stand watch. Anguish heard his friend's figure suddenly shoot to an erect position. There was a whir ring sound as of disturbed air and then h dull thud. Something rolled over on tbe ground, and all was still. He ,was At Lorry's side in an Instant. "I hope I haven't kille?) html" wtttV pered Lorry. "Quick! Here In bis bot tle of ether. Hold it beueoth his nose. I am goiug to pilo the body of tbls guard crosswise on top of blm. He will not bo able to arise if he should recov er consciousness." All tbls was done in a moment's time, and the two trackers were beaded for the entrance. The gate was ajar two or three feet. With turbuleut hearts they stole through. "Keep along the wall," whispered Lorry, "nnd trust to luck. The castle is to the left." Without hesitation they crept over tho noiseless grass close beside the wall. Directly tiny heard soiufc!s near at hand. The abductors were biudlug and chloroformlug the guard at the ar bor. After waiting for some moments they heard the party glide away in tho darkness and followed. The body of the guard was lying just outside the mouth of the arbor, and the odor of chloroform was .'.hnost overpowering. Once Inside the lung arbor, the Ameri cans moved slowly and with greater caution. There was a dim light in n basement window ahead. Toward the front of the castle and In the second story a faint glow came from another window. They guessed it to be from the princess' room or from that of the countess. At last they saw four Oglires steal pnst the dim basement light. One of them halted near the window nnd three crept awny In tho darkness. Presently one of them returned, and all activity was nt an end for the time being. How near it was to 2 o'clock the watchers could not toll. They only knew that they were within twenty-live feet of Geddos and Ostrom and that they would not have long to wait. Soon a bright little blaze of light crossed the basement opening. Then it returned, crossing a second time and a third. All was still again. The soft Bhufllo of a foot, the rustle of nrbor vines, and the form of a man crawled up to tho window. With inconceivable Stealth nnd carefulness it glided through the aperture, followed by a companion. Lorry and Anguish were at the open ing a second or two Inter, lying Hat on their stomachs and listening for sounds from within. Tho dim light was still there, the window was open nnd there wns a sound of whispering, Lorry raised his head and peered through, (?klug calculations while the light mndc it possible. He saw an open door on tho opposite side of the low room, with steps beyond lending upward. Between the window and the door thero were no obstacles. Up those steps ho saw three men creep, the leader carrying the dim light. The door was left open, doubtless to nfford unim peded exit from tho building In case of emergency. Harry Anguish touched Lorry's nrm. "I took the two pistols from that Vienna man out there. Wo may need them. Here Is one for yourself. Go first, Lorry," he whispered. Lorry stuck the revolver in his coat pocket and gently slid through the win dow to the lloor below. His friend fol lowed, nnd they paused to listen. Tak UA sound and you did" ho hissed, lng Anguish by tho hand the other led the way straight to tho spot where ho remembered seeing tho door. Boldly tho two men began the breath less ascent of the stone steps. The top wns renched, nnd far ahead, down a narrow ball, they saw tho three meu and the dim light moving. Two of them wore uniforms of guards. Keep ing close to tho wall, their followers crept nf tcr them. Up another flight of steps they went nnd then through a spacious hall. Tho Americans had no time nnd no desire to inspect their sur roundings. Tho wide doors nt tho far side of tho room opened softly, and here tho trio paused. Down a great mnrblo hallway a dim red light shed Its soft glow. It camo from the ln?ip nt the foot of the broad staircase. to BE CONMINUDE * ^^S^^ OF VCC^OLENE ^*'S^^W !? securely sealed. Thero's no chance ^^^V> ^^^^ for the product to absorb the odor of things ^k/^w W f that surround it in the grocery store, such as cod- ^<x\v m m fish, kerosene and soap. Lard, on tho contrary, usu- ^ M M ally comes in bulk and is subject to all these odors. Stop % M m to think of this and you'll never use another pound of lard \ % MM in your home. c\Uinm the Sunny South \\ // ?ott?lei2e u M m ^rmP Shofic?)wrfood-lertik*$;o?rlif( m ? m m Cottolone comes in throe sizes of pails?small, medium, large?branded mm ' ? as shown here?the pail in white with red label and band. In tho cen- mm ? ter of the label is our trade-mark?a steer's head in cotton plant wreath. ? m All good grocers sell Cottolene?the perfect shortening. \ 1 CM IM. & L. R. R, lu effect Sunday, Octobor i9th, 1902 No 52.?Passenger. Leave. Columbia, 11 20 a m Leaphart, 11 40 Inno, . 11 46 Baleutiue, 11 54 White Hock, 11 59 Hilton, 12 02 p m Chapin, 12 09 Littlo Mouutaiu, 12 19 Slighs, 12 28 Prosperity, 12 32 Nowberry, 12 40 Jalapa, 1 00 Gary, 1 05 Kiuards, 1 10 Goldvillo, 1 17 Clinton, 1 30 Parks, 1 42 Ar Laurens, 1 50 No. 53 ?Passenger. Leave. Laurcns, 2 02 p m Parks, 2 09 Clinton, 2 22 Goldvillo, 2 34 Kinards, 2 43 Gary, 2 49 Jalapa, 2 54 Ncwberry, 3 10 Prosperity, 3 24 Slighs, 3 34 Littlo Mountain, 3 39 Chapin, 3 51 Hilton, 3 57 White Hock, 4 01 Balcntine, 4 07 Irmo, 4 17 Leaphart, 4 23 Ar. Coluuibia, 4 45 For rates, time tablos, or (arthereic formation call on any A^ent, or wrif W. G. Childs, President James A. Summervett,Train Master Dr. Chas. A. Ellett, DENTIST. Law Range. W. C. IRBY, Jr., Attorney at Law. Will practice in all Stato Courts. Prompt attention given to all business. J. N. LEAK, Auctioneer, ?fters his services to the peo ple of Laurens County. AUGUSTA and ASHEV1LLE SHOUT LINK. Schedule in E fleet Mar, I, 1903. 2:07 p ni Lv. Laurena Ar 1:30 p u 3 30pin Ar Spartanburg. LvlzOlttU (Southern Railway) 3 40 pm Ijv Sp&rtanburg Vr 10 25 an? 5 33 pui Ar Baluda Lv 8 39 arr 6 11 pui Ar Hondorsouville Lv 8 OS onu (C, A W. C. Railway) 1 55 pni Lv Laurons Ar 1 45 pi> 2 51 p in Lv Groeuwood Ar 12 44 ptu 6 20 pui Ar Augusta Lv 10 10 an? 2 35 pm Lv Augusta Ar 11 55 am G 30 pm Ar Beaufort Lv 7 50 ptx 0 45 pm Ar Port Royal Lv 7 40 an> 2 09 pm Lv Laurens Ar 135 pm 3 25 pm Ar Greenville Lv. 12 15 pre For information relative to tickets rates, schedules, etc., address J. R. NOLAN, Agent Laurons S. O. QEO. T. RR VAN, G. A. ERNEST WILLIAMS, Gen. Pass. Agent, Augusta, Ga, T. M. EMER80N, Traffic Man, Money to Lend. On first mortgage of improved farms. Easy terras. No commissi >n. Borrower pays only actual expenses of loan. C. I). BARKS DALE, Attorney, Laurons, 8. O October, 20, 1903. Study the Jewelry Question! Don't buy Jewelry hap hazard. Look, the ground over thoroughly, and buy when you find the place where you can get the very host, mosl stylish, most reliable Jewelry for your money. Of course, we think, this is the place and want to convince you that wc are right. gmr FIRST-CLASS Watch and Jewelry repairing by an expert workman. Fleming Bros. Why order a Sewing machine when you can buy this Drop-head from people you know for $18.00 with a TEN YEAR Guarantee? Same Machine with plain coyer only $15 00. Remember we sell Needles for all Sowing Machines. Can furnish any part and piece for any Sewing Machine made. sJ O O FLEMING St OO Cures Grip In Two Day*, Take Laxative Bromo ?|?miiie Tablets. rQ ?? every Seven MOkm borne sold ?n past 13 months. This Signatare, V^^Tin^L^ bOX. 25c. To Cur? a Cold in One !>ay ?HMUHM