Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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TIIE ADVERTISER. Subscription Price-12 Months, f 1.00 Parable In Adranc. Rates ror Advertising.?Ordinary Ad vertisements, per square, one inser tion , $1.00; euch subsequent insertion, 50 cents. Liberal reduotion made tor large Advertisements. W. W. Ball, Proprietor. LAUREMS, 8. C, Feb. 10, 1004. A Case That Is Desperate. A striking letter is that which ap pears elsewhere in th's paper on the lhjuor quostion. Evidently it is writ ten by a faithful and consolentious pro hibitionist, one of those who was jug gled out of a victory fairly and openly won In this State in 1892. Wo fear that we can offer W P. T. iltt'e consolation. The whiskey inter est li* more strongly fonified in South Carolina than in any other American Stato. In South Carolina the whiskey interest is the State. They are a part nership, they ore wedded, they are one. The tlmo has come in South Caro lina when no man unwilling to support the dlsponsary dares offer for high of fice. He must at least consent that the whiskey question is settled. Otherwise he must face the fact that he has the strongest machine ever known In this Stato to fight. He must foreknow that our supreme political leador will take the Hold against him as he did take ii against Colonel Hoyt in 1900. Our pub lic men, the former Conservatives In cluded,tremble when Tillman's name is told. As th3 strength of a rabbit to a wolf was the power of the whiskey ele ment under the past barroom system to Its strength now, identioal as It Is with our very government, armored with the State's commission, robed In the pride and respectability of the State's ollicial life and posing as the safe guardian of the State's morals. In South Carolina wo have deliberately enthroned whiskoy. It is our king. There are those among our great ones who would worship it as their god. This is not more rhetoric. Our people do not understand it, many would not acknowledge It If they did know it. but it is the plain truth that In the tenta cles of this dif>pei)sary Beast the people of South Carolina are gripped fust and helpless. Conducting a business of $3,000,000 tho year with distilleries and bottlo factories growing up under its shadow and owned in part by tho limbs of tho Beast itsolf, with an army of employees taking their orders from one contral authority, distributing and corrupting the tax-payers with $(500,000 in profits each year (more than half the amount paid to the State in taxes) tho dispensary system has be come the darling, the pet and at the same tlmo the terror of the people. Our friend W. p. T. may at least rest assured that tho whiskey organi/.aMon that he speaks of will spend no money In and send no literature into South Caro lina It Is happy with existing conditions here. It will "let well enough alone." Grant for the sake of the argument, (we doubt tho truth of It) the claim that the dispensary as compared with barrooms reduces tho consumption of intoxicants ?will that disturb the distillers and wholesale whiskey and beer dealers of America? When they look on the map of Georgia and see all manner ui wuitf key shops expelled from 110 or 120coun ties out of 187, will they worry over South Carolina? When they reflect that tho saloons have been driven ab solutely out of the South, from Texas to Virginia, save those in the large cities, will they shod any tea?\s about Insignificant loss of trade in t'aeso re gions? Rather, In their alarm at tho bat tle being waged against them In every other State, when they fee themselves beaten again and again by the ever ag gresive, "niversay die" prohibition ists elsewhere, Is It rot natural that they rejoic3 that South Carolina offi cially is their ally and friend?literally a whiskey se ling corporation in the combine, one of thom and playing for the same stake? While they see the barrooms pressed hard for dear life and yielding township after township and county after county, it must he with a feeling of profound relief tint they look npon South Carolina as one stronghold, one place of ro'.reat In extremity and not the enemy's country. Evon now a hill Is pending In our general ssiemblv to give to the towns where dispensaries are established the poor privilege of voting them out of ex istence If tho people so wish. Will it pass? Batter inquire If the general as sembly will abolish itself. Pass that bill? Not until the ownership of South Carolina ohanges hands. In 1899 it was difficult to find a soore of white men In this town to sign a pe tition for a dispensary. Landholders were croated by wholesale by deeding an acre or two of swamp to 50 or 00 ne groes. Thus did the dispensary find a lodgement here. It is paying. It places about ?1,500 each year 'n the town treasury, bealda? paying an equal amount to the county schools?not to mention the county's share of the Stite's profits. No barroom system paid the people like this. We are In - clined to think that the dispensary is in Lauron9 to stay. Money makers are always popular. We should like to see South Carolina free once more. We should like to be able to feel that public affairs are not under the abso'uto control of a whiskey ring. However, we reoognlze the fact that there is little hope of a change. Our correspondent Is in a desperate minority. Wo are with him. It will not be left to tho poop!e to pass upon the whiskey question?not until some really big, honest man arises in South Carolina and there is a hcuse-oleanlng euch as wo havo not had In nearly 80 years. PERFECT CONFIDENCE. Where ther.t usrd to be a feeling of uneasiness ar.d worry in the household when a child showed symptoms of croup, there is now perfect confidence. This is owing to the uniform success of Chamberlain s Cough Remedy in the treatment of that disease. Mrs. M. I. Basford, of Poolesville, Md., in tpeak ing of her experience in that remedy says: "I have a world of confidence In Chamberlain's Cough Remedy for I have used it with perfeot suooess. My obild Carland Is subject to severe at tacks of oroup and it always gives him prompt relief. For sale by Laurens Drug Co. An American ttfntleman. Willem 0. Whitney died In New York Oily last Wednesday at the age of 62., He caught a cold while helping a neighbor to subdue a Are In Alken, 8. 0. and later appendicitis developed. Mr. Whitney was secretary of the navy during Mr. Cleveland's first term. Under his dh oc ion the building of the new American navy began and to him more than any other man Is due the credit for tbe fact that this country was ready when the war with Spain oc curred. Mr. Whitney was a busioess man of marvelous capacity. Ue was a thor oughly educated man, a man of modest and elegant manners, a man of uncom mon tact and unconquerable energy. His fathor before htm was a Democrat of Democrats and ho was always un swerving in that political faith and always an aggressive worker for his party. His private life was clean and wholesome, he was tenderly devoted to his children and they were devoted to him. His eldest son was hi* lntlmnte companion and friend; the two men Jiked each other, they were bosom friends. His first wife, when she died, left to him without any qualification all of her handsome fortune, of mil lions. Later ho married again and his second wife died bafore him. There were no scandals In the Whitney family, no divorces, no unseemly per formances which delight the morbid newspapers and their readers. Mr. Whitney was guilty of being the posessor of vast weath, some of which he Inherited and most of which he made. He spent his money freely. With in the last few years he Invested In thor oughbreds and expended millions in breeding and racing. His influence in racing circles was always to elevate and cleanse. His efforts were to drive from the tracks and paddooks fraud and vul garity and in a large measure they succeeded. Whatever Mr. Whitney touched, pollt'cs, sport or business, be came more respectable and more de cent. In Alken, 8. C, where he spent his winters in late years, it is said that he was always eager to help the de serving poor and that he was a liberal citizen in the affairs of the town, Able, industrious, modest, a lover of sports, llvlog a private life without blemish, a rich man too and giving his best service to his country, it is no de scent to exaggeration to paraphrase the description of a former Prince of Wales?He was the Frst Gentleman of America. ? It is said tha*. Mr. 13. A. Morgan of Greenville will be a candidate for lieu tenant governor against Col. Sloan. It is hoped that the report Is not true. Mr. Morgan is a strong man and has friends here ??''io would like to vo'e for him but Cel. Sloan has held the of fice only two years. The Advkrtiser has never believed that e'ectloi. to one term entitles a man to hold it two but this office is all honor and no money. The campaign expenses come to more than the salary for a year. Col. Sloan is a good man, ho was a good soldier, going to the war as a mere boy, and ke is a good enough lieutenant governor. In fact, one man Alls this olllce as well as another, provided he has a fair amount of intelligence and knows how to behave proper]y.vuT^p ??U^r?SSQn. CoUnefSloan this year is to help some other towards a higher office and The Advertiser does not believe that Mr. Morgan will be a candidate. THE DEATH PENALTY. A Jfttle thing sometimes results in death. Thus a mere scratch, insigni ficant cuts or puny boils have paid the death penalty. It Is wise to havo Buck len's Arnica Salve ever handy. It's the best Salve on earth and will pre vent fatality, when Burns, Sores, Ul cers and Plies threaten. Only 25 cents at Laurens Drug Co. and W. W. Dod son. Letter to Chlldress Bros. Laurens, S. C. Dear Sirs: When you can buy paint for less than Devoe; dont; save your money. Mr. Aaron Hlgglns, Plainfleld, N. J , always used 15 gallons of paint for bis house;'Devoe took 11. Mr. Ezra Rathmel', Willlamsport, Pa., always 11; Devoe took 0. Mr. Burt Young, Glrard, Pa , al ways used a gallon for certain rooms; took half as much Devoe. Mr. Nathaniel Barber, Canton, N. Y. bought 12 Devoe; used less than 0. You can always buy paint for less than Devoe; don't; save your money. The wearing counts the saino way and doubles the difference. The cost of pointing is by the gallon. Weak paint costs most; most gallons. Yours truly, F. W. DeVoe & CO., P. S.?Moseley A Roland sell our paint. Only Bf suits Tell. There is little ot no difference in the appearance of flour, but there is all the differ^ncd in the world in the results. "Clifton" flour will produce light, white wholesome bread?yon know from sad experience just what other kinds will do. For more bread and better bread, use our ?.OHfton" every time. , . , T. N. Barksdale, M. H, Fowler. CLIMATIC CURES. The influence of climatic conditions in the oure of consumption Is very muoh overdrawn. The poor patient, and the rieb patient, too, oan do much better at home by proper attention to food diges tion, and a regular use of German Sy rup. Free expeotoratlon in the morn ing Is made certain by German Syrup, to Is a good night's rest and the ab sence of that weakening cough and de bilitating night sweat Restless nights and the exhaustion due to coughing, the greatest danger and dread of the consnmptive, can be preveatel or stopped by taking German Hyrup lib erally and regularly. Should you l> > able to go to a warmer clime, you will tind that of the thousands of consump tives tbeiv, the few who Are benefited and regain strength are those who use German Syrup. Trial bottles, 25 cents; regular size, 75 cents. Laurens Drug Co. Notice of Final Settlement Take notice that on the 16th day of February, 1904. at ^he office of O. G. Thompson, Probate Judge of Laurens, South Carolina, I will settle the estate of Elbert O. Rowland, deceased, and at same time will apply for a final dis charge. All persons indebted to said estate must settle same before said data and all persons holding claims against said estate must present and prove the tame or be forever barred. Martha K. Rowland. - Administratrix. #1 im GRAUSTARK ... By ... GEORGE BARR McCUTCHEON Copyright, mi. h$ Um**** S. Ston* . ? ? ? ***** CHAPTER XIV. THE EPISODE OF THE TIIHONKHOOM. ??/Wallis is the throueroom. Allode!" The Princess Yetlvo paused heforo two massive doors. It whs the next afternoon, and she had nlready shown him the palaco of a queen, the hovel of a pauper! Through the afternoon not ono word other than those which might have passed between good friends escaped the lips of either. Ho was all Inter est, she all gracloU8uess. Allode, the sturdy guard, swung open the doors, drew the curtain and stood aside for them to pass. Into the quiet hall she led him, a princess in a gown of gray, a courtier in tweeds. Inside the doors he paused. "And I thought you were Miss Gltg? genslocker," he said. She laughed with the glee of a child who has charmed and delighted through surprise. "Am I not a feeble mite to sit on that throne and rule all that comes within its reachV" She directed his attention to the throne at the opposite end of the hall. "From its sent I calm ly instruct gray haired statesmen, weigh their wisdom and pass upon It as if I were Demosthenes, challenge the evils that may drive? monarehn mad and wonder If my crown Is on straight." "Let me be ambassador from the United States and kneel at the throne, your highness." "I could not engage in a Jest with the crown my ancestors wore, Mr. Lorry. It is sacred, thou thoughtless Amer ican. Come, we will draw nearer that you may see the beauty of the work manship in that great old chair." They stood at the base of the low, vclveted stage on which stood the chair, with Its high back, Its massive arms and legs a-shimmer in the light from the lofty windows. It was of gold, in laid with precious stones-diamonds, rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other wondrous jewels?a relic of ancient Graustark. "I never sit in the center. Always at one side or the other, usually leaning my elbow on the arm. You see, the discussions are generally so long and dreary that 1 become fatigued. Ono time?I am ashamed to confess It?I went to sleep on the throne. That was long ago. I manage to keep awake very well of late. Do you like my throneroom?" "And to think that It is yours!"' "It is this room that gives me the right to be hailed with 'Long live the princess!' Not with campaign yells and 'Hurrah for Votivei1 How does that sound? 'Hurrah for Yetlvo!' " She was laughing merrily. "Don't say It! It sounds sacrilegious, revolting!" "For over three years since I was eighteen?I have been supreme in that chair. During the years5)f my reign prior to that time I sat there with my Uncle Caspar standing beside me. How often I begged 1dm to sit down with me! There was so much room, and he standing. One time 1 cried because lie frowned at me when I persisted in the presence of a great assemblage of no bles from Dnwsborgcn., It seems that it was a most important audience that I was granting, but I thought more of my uncle's tired old legs. 1 remember ?aying through my soi>s of mortifica tion that I would have him beheaded. You are to guess whi ther that startling threat created consternation or mirth." "What a whimsical little princess you must have been, weeping and pout ing and going to sleep!" be laughed. "And how sedate and wise you have become!" "Thank you. How very nice you are. I have felt all along that some one would discern my effort to be dig nified and sedate. They say I am wise and good and gracious, but that Is to bo expected. They said that of sover eigns as far back as the deluge, I've heard. Would you really like to see me In that old chair?" sho asked. "Ah, you nrc still a woman," he said, emiling at her pretty vanity. "Noth ing could Impress me more pleasantly." She stepped carelessly and impulsive ly upon the royal platform, leaned against the arm of the throne, and with the charming blush of consciousness turned to him with the Quickness of a guilty conscience, eager to hear his praise, but fearful lest ho secretly con demned her conceit. His eyes .wore burning with the admiration that knows no defining, and his breath camo quick and sharp through ported lips. Ho involuntarily placed a foot upon the bottom step, ns if to spring to her side. "You must not como up here!" she cried, shrinking back, her hands ex tended in fluttering remonstrance. "I cannot permit that at nil!" "I beg your pardon," he cried. "That Is all tho humble plebeian can sny. That I may bo more completely undor this fairy spell, pray cast about your self tho robe of rank and take up tho scepter. Perhaps I mny fall upon my face." "And hurt your head all over again," she said, laughing nervously. She hes itated for a moment, a perplexed frown crossing her brow. Then sho Jerked a rich robo from the bock of tho throno and placed it about her shoulders as only a woman can. Taking up tho scepter, she stood heforo tho great chair and, with a smilo on her lips, held it above his head, saying softly: "Graustark welcomes tho American prince." He sank to his kneo before tho real princess, kissed tho hem of her robe and Arose with face pallid. The chasm was now endless in its Immensity. The princess gingerly seated herself on the throne, placed her elbow on tho broad arm, her whlto cbln In her hand, and tranquilly surveyed the voiceless Amer ican prince. "You hnvo not said 'Thank you,' " ?he said finally, her, eyes wavering be neath his stoady gaze. "I am only thinking how easy it would.be to cross tbo gulf that lies be tween us. With two movements of my body I can place It before you, with a third I can be sitting at your side. It Is not so difficult after all," be said, hungrily eying the brond chair. "No man, unless a prince, evor sat upon this throne," she said. "You bavo called mo a prince." "Oh, I Jested," sho cried quickly, com prehending his intention. "I forbid youi" Her command came too late, for he was beside her on tbo throne of Grau stark! Siio sat perfectly rigid for a moment, hi tense tarjj) J&r .exes. "Do you know what you havo dono?" she whispered miserably. "Usurped the throne," ho replied, as Burning an ease and complacence he did not feel. Truly ho was guilty of un precedented presumption. "You have desecrated?desecrated! Do you hearV" she went on, paying no attention to his remark. "I'eccavl. Ah, your highness, I de light in my sin! For once I am n pow or. I speak from the throne. You. will not havo me abdicate In the zenith of my glory? He kind, most gracious one. Besides, did you not once cry be cause your undo refused to sit with you? Had he been tho possessor of a dangerous wound, ns I am, and had he found himself so weak that he could stand no longer, I am euro he would have done as I have?sat down in pref erence to falling limp at your feet. You do not know how badly I am wound ed," he pleaded, with the subtlest dou ble meaning. "Why should you wound me?" she asked plaintively. "You have no right to treat the throne I occupy ns a sub ject for pranks and indignities. I did not believe you could be so?forgetful." There "was a proud and pitiful resent ment In her voice that brought him to his senses nt once. He had defiled her throne. In shame and humiliation ho" , cried: "I am a fool, an Ingratel You have been too gentle with me. For this despicable net of mine I cannot ask pardon, and it would be beneath you to grant It. I have hurt you, and I can never atone. I forgot how sacred Is your throne. Let me depart in dis grace." He stood erect as If to forsake the throne he had stained, but she, swayed by a complete reversal of feel ing, timidly, plendingly touched his arm. "Slay! It is my throne, after all. I shall divide it, ns well as the sin, with you. Sit down again, I bog of you. For a brief spetf I would rule besldo a man w ho is fit to be a king, but who is a desccrator. There can bo no harm, and no one shall be the wiser for this sentimental departure from royal cub tom. YVo are children anyhow, mere children." With an exclamation of delight he re sumed his position besldo her. Ills hand trembled as ho took up hers to carry It to his lips. "We are children playing with lire," ho murmured, this lngrate, this fool I She allowed her hand to Ho limply In his, her head sinking to the bnck of tho chair. When her hand was near his feverish Hps, cool and white and trust ing, ho checked tho upward progress. Slowly ho raised his eyes to study her face, Unding that hers were closed, the ( semblance of a smile touching her Hps as If they were in a happy dream. The Hps! The Hps! Tho Hps! Tho madness of lovo rushed into his heart; the expectant band was forgotten; his every hope and every desire measured Itself against bis discretion ns ho look I bo complete. With a start she opened her eyes, doubtless nt the command of the mas terful ones above. Tho eyes of blue met tho eyes of gray In a short, sharp struggle, and the bluo went down in surrender. His lips triumphed slowly, drawing closer and closer as if restrain ed and Impelled by the same emotion arrogant love. "Open your eyes, darling," ho whis pered, and she obeyed. Then their Hps met?her first kiss of lovo! She trembled from head to foot, i?er fcctly powerless beneath the spell. Again he kissed a princess on her throne. At this second kiss her eyes grew wide with terror, and she sprang from his side, standing betforo him like one bereft of reason. "Oh, my Cod! What have you done?" she walled. He staggered to his feet, dizzy with Joy. "Ha!" cried a gruff voico from the doorway, and the guilty ones whirled to look upon the witness to their bliss ful crime. Inside tho curtains, with carbine leveled nt tho head of tho American, stood Abode, tho guard, his face distorted with rage. The princess screamed and leaped betwoon Lorry and the threatening carbine. "Allode!" she cried In frantic terror. He nngrily cried out something In his native tongue and she breathlessly, Imploringly replied. Lorry did not un derstand their words, but be knew that she had saved him from death at tho hand of her loyal, erring guard. Al lode lowered his gun, bowed low and turned his bnck upon the throne. "Ho?he would have killed you," sho said tremulously, her face the picture of combined agony and relief. Sho re membered tho blighting kisses and then the nverted disaster. "You?what did you say to him?" he asked. "I?I?oh, I will not tell you I" sho cried. "I beg of you!" ?T told him that ho was to?was to put down his gun." "I know thnt, but why?" he persist ed. "I?nch, to save you, stupid!" "How did you explain the?the"? He hesitated generously. "I told bim thnt I had not been?that I had not been"? "Say itr "Thnt I had not been?off ended I" she gasped, standing stiff and straight, with eyes glued upon tho obedient guard. "You were not?" he rapturously cried. "I said It only to save your Hfol" she cried, turning fiercely upon him. "I shall never forgive you?neverl You must go?fyou must lenvo hero at oncel Do you hear? I cannot havo you near me now; I cannot seo you again. What have I given you tho right to say of me?" "Stop! It Is ns sacred as"? "Yes, yes; I understandt I trust you, but you must go! Find some excuse to glvo your friend and go today 1 Go now!" she cried Intensely, first putting her hands to her temples, then to her eyes. Without walling to hear his remon strance, if Indeed he had tho power to utter one, sho glided swiftly toward the curtains, allowing him to follow at his will. Dazed and crushed at the sudden end to everything, ho dragged his footsteps after. At tho door she spoko lu low, Imperative tones to tho motionless Allode, who dropped to his knees nnd muttered a reverential re sponse. Ah Lorry passed beneath the hand tlint hold the curtate aside he glanced At iho fuce of tho man wnu hud been witness to their weakness, lie was looking straight ahead, and from his expression it could not bare been detected tlf t be knew there was a uinu on earth savo himself. In the hall she turned to him, her face cold and pale. "I have faithful guards about me now. Allode has said ho did not see you in the throneroom. He will die before he will sny otherwise," she said, her Hps trembling with shame. "By your command?" "By my request. I do not command my men to lie." Sldo by side they passed down the quiet hall, silent, thoughtful, the strain ?f deuth upon their hearts. "I shull obey the only command you have given, then. This day I leave the cnBtle. You will let me come again?to Bee you? There cnu be no harm"? "No! You must leave Graustark at once!" she interrupted, tho tonoa low. "I refuse to go! I shall remain in Edelweiss, near you, Just bo long as I feel that I may bo of service to you." "I cannot drlvo you out as I would a thief," she said polutedly. At the top of tho broad staircase ho held out his hand and murmured: "Goodby, your highness." "Goodby," sho said simply, placing her haud in his after a moment's hesi tation. Then she left him. An hour later the two Americans, ?no strangely subdued, the other curi ous, excited and impatient, stood be fore the castle waiting for the carriage. Count Halfont was with them, begging them to remain, as ho could see no rea son for the sudden leavotaklng. Lorry (issured him that they had trespassed long enough on the court's hospitality md that he would feel much more com fortable at the hotel. Anguish looked iinrrowly at his friend's face, but said nothing. Ho was beginning to under itand. "Let us walk to the gates. The count [ylll oblige us by instructing the coach man to follow," said Lorry, eager to be )ff. "Allow me to Join you in the walk, gentlemen," said Count Caspar, lmme llatcly instructing a lackey to send the carriage after them. He and Lorry vnlked on together, Anguish lingering >ehind, having caught sight of the Countess Dagmar. That charming and inconventloual plcco of nobility iromptly followed the prime minister's sxamplo and escorted the remaining tuest to the gate. Far down tho walk Lorry turned for i last glance at tho castle from which ovo had banished him. Yetive was itandlng on the balcony, looking not at he monastery, but at the exile. She remained there long after the arrlagc had passed her gates bearing he Americans swiftly over the white Castle avenue, and there were tears in ler eyes. CHAPTER XV. THE II I .TROTH Al.. HARRY Anguish was a discreet forbearing fellow. He did not demand a full explanation of his friend. Thero was enough latural wit in his merry head to see hat in.connection with their departure here was something that would not dm It of discussion even by conflden ial friends. He shrewdly formed his wn conclusions und held his peace. ,'or did he betray surprise when Lor* y Informed him in answer to a quen ion that ho intended to remain In Mel weiss for soino time, adding thnt e could'H?h "preferred to remain in [Jr Aaa not tho Countess Dag lar told him she would always be nppy to sec him nt the ca.;tle, and had e any reason to renounce its walls? md so it was that they tarried to ether. Lorry loitered aimlessly, moodily, bout the town, spending gloomy days nd wretched nights. Ho reasoned hat it were wisdom to fly, but a force tronger than reason held him in Edel vcls8. Ho ventured several times to he castle wall, but turned back reso- j utely. Thero wos hopo in his breast | hat sho might send for him. There vas at least the possibility of seeing ler should she ride through the streets, ingulsb, on the other hand, visited tho :astle dally. Ho spent hours with the >retty countess, undismayed by the itoble moths that fluttered about her flame, nnd ho was ever persistent, light hearted and gay. He brought to Lorry's ears nil that ho could learn of the princess. Several times he had seen her nnd had spoken with her. She Inquired casually after the health of his friend, but nothing more. From tho countess he ascertained that her highness was sleeping soundly, eating heartily nnd apparently enjoying the best of spirits, information decidedly irritating to the one who received it second hand. They bnd been at the hotel for over a week when ono afternoon Anguish rushed Into the room out of breath and scarcely able to control his excitement. "What's upS" cried Lorry. "Has the countess sacked you?" "Not on your coin! But something is op, and 11 am Its discoverer. You re member what you said about suspect ing r?tnce, (tnbrlcl of being the chief rnscai In the abduction Job? Well, my boy, I am now willing to stake my life that he Is the man." The news bearer sat down on the edge of the bed and drew the. first long breath he had bad in a long, time, "Why do you think so?" demanded the other, all Interest. "Heard him talking Just now. I didn't know who the fellow was at first, but he was talking to some strange looking soldiers as I passed. As soon as I heard his voice I knew he was Michael. There Isn't any question about It, Lorry. I am positive. He did not observe nie, but I suppose by this time ho has learned that his little Job was frustrated by two Americans who heard the plot near tho castle gates. He has nerve to come here, hasn't he?" "If he Is guilty, yes. Still he may feel secure because he Is a powerful prince and able to resent any accusation with a show of force. Where is he now?" "I left him there. Come on. We'll go down, nnd you can see for yourself." They hurried to tho corridor, which wns swarming with men In strange uniforms. There were a few <lrau stark officers, but the majority of the buzzing conversationalists were dressed In a rich gray uniform. "Who are these strangers?" naked Lorry. "Oh, I forgot to tell you. Prince I,o renz is also here, and these gray fel lows are a part of his retinue. Lorenz has gone on to the cnstlc. What's the matter?" Lorry had turned pale and was reaching for the wall with un steady hand. "He has come for his answer," he said slowly, painfully. "That's right. I hadn't thought of that. I hope she turns him down. But there's Gabriel over yonder. See those three fellows In blue? The middle one Is the prince." Near the door leading to the piazza stood several men, gray and blue. The man designated ns Gabriel was In the center, talking gayly and somewhat loudly, puffing nt a cigarette between sentences. He was not tall, but he wns strongly nnd compactly built. His hair and cropped benrd wore as black ns eoal, his eyes wide, black and lined. It was a pleasure worn face, and Lorry shuddered ns he thought of the prin cess in the power of this evil looking wretch. They leisurely made their way to a spot near tho talkers. There was no mistaking tho voice. Prince Gabriel nnd Michael were one and the samo beyond all doubt. But how to prove It to tho satisfaction of others? Skepticism would follow any attempt to proclaim the prince guilty because his voice sounded like that of tho chief conspirator. In n matter where whole nations were concerned the gravest Importance would bo attached to the accusation of a ruler. Satisfying them selves as to the Identity of thnt pe culiar voice, the friends passed through to the piazza. "What's to bo done?" asked Anguish, boiling over with excitement. "We must go to Baron Dangloss, tell him of our positive discovery, nnd then consult Count Hnlfont." "And her royal highness, of course." "Tos. I sunnp.se so." snid Lorrv. flick icrvlng the princess again. They hurried to the tower and were won In the presence of the fierce little ;hicf of police. Lorry had spent many hours with Dangloss of late, and they had become friends. His grim old face blanched perceptibly ns he heard the assertions of tho young men. He shook bis head despairingly. "It may be as you say, gentlemen, but I am afraid we can do nothing. To charge a prince with such a crime and on such evidence would be mad ness. I am of your belief, however. Prince Gabriel Is the man I have sus pected. Now I am convinced. Before j we can do anything in such n grave matter It will be necessary to consult the princess and her ministers. In case we conclude to accuse the Prince of Dawsbergen it must be after careful | and Judicious thought. There arc many , things to consider, gentlemen. For my pnrt, I would be overjoyed to seize the i villain nnd to serve hbn as wo did bis I tools',^ but my hands nre tied, you see. I would suggest that you go at once to the princess and Count Hnlfont, tell them of your suspicions"? "Not suspicions, my lord?facts," in terrupted Anguish. "Well, then, facts, and ascertain how they feel about taking up a proposition that may mean war. May I rsk you to come at once to me with their answer. It is possible tbnt they will call for a consultation with the ministers, nobles and high officers. Still, I fear they will bo unwilling to risk much on tho rath er flimsy proof you can give. Gabriel Is powerful, and we do not seek a war with htm. There Is another foo for whom we are quietly whetting our swords." The significant remark caused both listeners to prick up their ears. Hut he disappointed their curiosity, and they were left to speculate as to whom the other foo might be. Did he mean that (Jruuslurk was secretly, sly ly, making ready to resist, treaty or no treaty? It required prolonged urging on the part of Anguish to persuade Lorry to accompany him to the castle, but, when once determined to go before the prin ces* with their tah?, he was eager, im patient, to cross the distance that lay between the hotel and the forbidden grounds. They walked rapidly down Custlo avenue and were soon at the gates. The guard knew them, and they were admitted without a word. As I they hurried through the park t ley saw many strange nsen in gray, gaudy' uniforms, and it occurred to Lorry' that their visit, no matter how great its Importance, was ill timed. Prince Lorenz was holding the center of the stage. Anguish, with his customary impul siveness, overruled Lorry's objections, and they proceeded toward tho en trance. The guards of the princess sa luted profoundly, while the minions of Lorer.v. stared witli ill bred wonder upon these !\vo tall men from another world, it could be seen that the castle was astir with excitement, subdued and pregnant with thriving hopes and fears. The nobility of Uraustark was there. The visitors of Axphaln were be ing entertained. At the castle doors the two men met their first obstacle, but they had an ticipated its presence. Two guards halted them peremptorily. "Wo must see her royal highness," said Anguish, but the men could not Understand him. 't hey stoically stood their ground, shaking their beads. "Let us Und some one who can un derstand us," advised Lorry, and In a few moments they presented them selves before the guards, accompanied by a young nobleman with whom they had acquaintance, lie succeeded in ad vancing them to the reception hall in side the doors and found for them a servant who would carry a message to the princess if it were possible lo gain her presence. Tho nobleman doubled very much, however, if the missive hastily written by Lorry could And its way to her, as she had never been so occupied as now. Lorry In his brief note prayed for a short audience for himself and Mr. An guish, requesting that fount Halfont he present. He informed her that his mission was of the most imperative na ture and that it related to a discovery made, concerning the prince who had tried to abduct her. In conclusion ho wrote that Huron Dangloss had re quired him to lay certain facts before her and that he had come with no in tentloii .0 annoy her. While they sat in tho waiting room they saw through the glass doors doz ens of richly attired men and women in the hall beyond. They were conversing animatedly, Graustark men nnd worn eu with dejected faces, Axphainlans With exultation glowing in every glance. Lorry's heart sank within hlnu It seemed hours before the servant re turned to bid them follow him. Then ' 'Tbe'ir guide"'laiTHlucied' them to" a small anteroom, where lie left them. A tew moments later the door opened, and there swept quickly Into the room the Countess Dagmar, not the princess. Her face was drawn with tho trouble and sorrow she was trying so hard to conceal. Loth men were on their feet in an instant, advancing to meet her. "The princess? Is she ill?" demand ed Lorry. -Not ill. but mail, 1 fear," answered she, giving a band to each. "Mr. Lor ry, she bids me say to you that sho cannot sec you. She appreciates the Importance i f your mission and thanks you for the interest you have taken. Also she authorizes mo to assure you that nothing can be done at present re garding the business on which you conic." "Sho refuses lo see us," said he slow ly, bis fare whiter than ever. "Nay: she begs that you will excuse her. her highness is sorely worn and dlslresfA'd today, and, I fear, cannot on durc nil that is happening. She is ap parently calm and composed, but I, who know her so well, can seo tho strain beneath." "Surely she must see the urgency of quick action in this matter of ours'." crinl Anguish half angrily. "We are not dogs lo bo kicked out of tho castle. We have a rbrhl ?<> be treated fairly" - "We cannot censure the princess. Hurry." said Lorry calmly. "We hare coino because we would befriend her, nnd sho sees fit to reject our good of- - Hees. There Is but one thing left for us to do?depart as we came." "But I don't like It a Utile bit," S growled the other. "If you only knew, Mr. Anguish, you would not bo so harsh and unjust," re monstrated tho lady warmly. Turning to Lorry, sho said, "Sho asked me to hand you this, and to bid you retain tt as a token of her undying esteem." Sho handed him a small, exquisite - miniature of the princess framed In gold Inlaid with rubles. Ho took It dumbly in hie, fingers, but dared not look at tho portrait it contained. With what might hare seemed disrespect he dropped tho treasure Into his coat pocket "Tell her I shall always retain it as a token of her esteem," he Bald. "And now may I ask whether she handed my note to her uncle, the count?" Tho countess blushed in a most un accountable manner. "Not whllo I was with her," sho said, recovering the presence of mind she apparently had lost. "Sho destroyed It, I presume," said he, laughing harshly. "I saw her plaeo It in her bosom, sir, nnd with the right hand," cried the countess as If betraying a state secret. "In her? You are telling mo the truth?" cried he, his face lighting up. "Now, see here, Lorry, don't begin to question the countess' word. I won't stand for that," Interposed Anguish good humoredly. "I should bo more than base to sny falsely that she had done anything so absurd," said tho countess Indignantly. "Where is she now?" asked Lorry. , "In her boudoir. The Prince Loren? is with her?alone." "What!" he cried, Jealousy darting Into his existence. He had never known Jealousy before. "They are betrothed," said she, ,with an effort. There was a dead silence, broken by Lorry's deep groan as he turned and walked blindly to the oppo site side of tho room. Ho stopped In front of a huge painting and stared at It, but did not see a Hue or a tint. "You don't meun to sny sho has ac cepted?'' half whispered Anguish. "Nothing less." "Thank God, you are only a count ess," he said tenderly. "Why?why?what difference can it make?I mean, why do you sny that?" she stammered, crimson to her hair. "Because you won't have to sell your self at a sacrifice," he said foolishly. Lorry came back to them at this Junc ture, outwardly calm and deliberate. "Tell us about it, pray. Wo had guessed as much." "Out there are Ids people?tho wretch es!" she cried vindictively, her pretty face in a helpless frown. "Today was the day, you know, on which he was to have his answer. He came and knelt In the audience chamber. All Orau stark had implored her to refuse tho hated ofTer, but she bade him rise, and there, before us all, promised to be come ids bride. "The greatest sorrow Graustark bus ? ever known grows out of that decision. She is determined to save for us what her father's folly lost. To do this she becomes the bride of a vile wretch, a man who soils her pure nature when he thinks of her. Oh, we sought to dis suade her?we begged, we entreated, but without avail. She will not sacri fice one foot of Graustark to save her fif'liiu'Vi.-ui." ;viiVitu.v - incj oirav "in?" castle theirs. Tho union of Grnustark nnd Axphnln?just what they most de sired, but wo could not make her see it so!" "Is the day set?" asked Lorry brave ly after a moment's silent Inspection of the dark browed victors. "Yes, and there Is to bo no delay. The marriage contract has already been signed. The date Is Nov. 20, the day on which we are to account to Bolaro? for our war debt. Tho old prince's wedding gift to Grnustark Is to be a document favoring us with a ten years' extension," she said scorn fully. "And where Is she to live?" "Here, of course. She is Graustnrk's ruler, and here she insists on abiding. Just contemplate our court! Overrun with those Axphnln dogs! Ah, she has wounded Grnustark more thnu she has helped her." TO HE CONTINUED. A KNOCK-OUT* Dr. King's Now Medicine for colds, Cold Breaker, Is now getting In some fine work. It Is speedy, safe and sure. The price is only 26 cents. Convenient package. Find it at Laurens Drug Co. and Palmetto Drug Co. 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