Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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THE ADVERTISER. Subscription Price-12 Months, *1.00 Parable in Adranc. Kates for Advertising.?Ordinary Ad vertisemente, per square, one maor ?ion,*i.w;oacn subsequent insertion, 50 oents. Liberal reduction made tor large Advertisements. W. W. Ball, Proorietor. LAU KENS. H. C, April ?, 1904. Isen onice Hereditary? Ia the Second Congressional District, Mr. T. G. Croft, a young man of thirty, is a candidate before the primary to succeed his deceased father, Co'. G. W. Croft, in Congresi. He announces that if elected he will not be a candi date for the term following but will be satislied with the unexpired term. Judging by a p'cture printed in the Augusta Chronicle young Mr. Croit is handsome and Intelligent and prepos sessing in appearance. It is pretty well understood that if Mr. Croft b9 olectod his success will be due to a Eontimont of sympathy, to the good nature of the district. The faot that ho is a candidate for the unex pired term only is confession that ho is not running on the theory that he Is the host fitted man in the district to represent the district's Interests. Of courso it is a matter of no spocial import to The Advertiser, whether Mr. Croft bo elected or not, but we ba llove that seotim jntallty should not be a fae'or in selecting a congressman. The man who should go to congress is the man who em do most in congress for the country, the State and the dis trict he represents. If the second dis trict has a bettor nun than Mr. Croft for the long term following, it has a bettor man for the fag end of the term now to be filled. If Mr. Croft Is the best equipped man for the unexpired term, he ought to In elected and ought to be a candidate to succeed himself. Prevailing in this State ara some Billy ideas about congressional repre sentation. Chiof among them Is that the principal mission of a congressman is to obtain freo rural routes and pub lic buildings for his dis'rict. In other words a congressional representative has comp to bj regarded as a mere lob bying agent for a district, with a vote to deposit on national questions at the order of tho party leaders. The conse quence has been that South Carolina has long sincj ceased to contribute "party leadorj" to the lower house. In the old days "before the war"men like "Warren It. Dav's, Joel R. Polnse'.t, General Waddy Thompson and Judge James L. Orr were groat national fig ures. Not since the war has South Carolina had a d'stingu'shed leader in tho lower house. Tho saoae lj not true of other Southern States. . Bailey and Bab of Tex 18 we'o heard from whei th"y scrvei as representatives. Griggs of Georgia is heard from now. Tom Watsonof Georgia, with all his vaga ries, was a real force in congress. In Swanson Virgin'a has a leader today. Mississippi contributes the g.-eat leader in John Sharp Williams and Missouri has DeArmond and Champ Clark. Outside of a South Carolina newspaper the name of a South Carolina repre entativo is rarely printed In the American press. As long us the peo ple persist in electing the most expert seed distributors, hand-shake:s and ru al route getters, South Carolina will count for little in the American House of Representatives. A "Laurens Man." Mr. Harvey W. Anderson who died recently in Laurens was noi in a pub lic sense a distinguished citizen. He was not a leading politician nor did he amass a fortune. Nevertheless, he was a gentleman of mcst worthy attributes and uncommonly useful qualities. He was mcde8t to a marked degree. It was his nature to bo kind and gentle. To say a sharp word or repeat a scan dalous tale about his neighbors was wholly foreign to his habit. He was a most loyal and unfailing friend. He was generous in thought and speech and substance. Tho duties that fell to him he performed efficiently and faith fully and through tho half century nnd mo-e of his manhood spent In Laurens during which tho little village of his youth expanded to a largo and Impor tant town from day to day he coat-i butod an honest share of work to its steady, healthful growth. Truly among those who have la l.eirt and soul been "Laurens men," proud of tho town and faithful to its interest and traditions, thero has been none more devoted than Harvey W. Ander son. * A Change Desirable. The convenience of travel from this town would be greatly facilitated if the South bound train on tne Charleston and Western Carolina Railway could connect with tho Columbia Givenvi le Northbound train a*/ Green woo L At' present the Southern's train leaves Greenwood for Groenvillo 15 minutes lofore the train from Laurens arrives Therefore, one cannot go from Lau rens to Anderson or ttel'.on by way of Greenwood without a long halt at Groenwocd. As a change of only 15 minutes would mako tho connection it seems that it might be arranged by one of tho railways. The South and Hearst. The endorsomont of Willie Hearst by tho Demoorats of South Dakota should be a warning to the Democrats of the South nit to support him.? Twelve years ago the Democrats of the So ith began to look for "a light In tho West." They abandoned the Demo crats of tho Eaat who were the friends of the South in her darkest days. They turned over the party to the Western inon. Meanwhile the Western States, such States as the Dakota?, Kansas and Nebraska and California where Hearst was born and roared, continued for the most part to lino up in tho Republican column. If tho South is to receivo con sideration it must rely upon the friend ship of New York, New Jersey, Con* tiecticut ,Deleware and Indiana. * Again we urgo the Democrats of Lau? Tens to attend the D.mocratlc Club meetings on the 28rd. Only in those meetings do their vo'es count in the selection of president and vice-presU alent of the United Slates. 1 ?^Tlr? ?^|l> ?^|?> ?11^ Ofl* <^f? ?rWN, gr^x. gr^, o-TO* o^o <Pt|r? ofWx. o^TC , ,?TJv? ? > ^ft < > ? irti ? ?? y* < > ' ? ? ef*V ? GRAISTARK ...By ... GEORGE BARR McCUTCHEON OopvrteM, mi, by Herbert 8. Stone CHAPTER XXIV. off to tilb dunqeon. THE tubleuu Instod but a moment Gabriel advanced a few steps, his eyes gleaming with Jeui . ousy and triumph. Before htm stood the petrified lovers euught red handed. Through her dazed bruin struggled the conviction that he could never escape. Through his ran tho mis erable realization that ho had rulued her forever. Gubrlel of all men! "I arrive Inopportunely," ho said harshly, the veins standing out on his neck and temples. "Do I Intrude? I was not aware that you expected two, your hlghuess." There was no mistak ing his meaning. He viciously sought to convey tho Impression that ho was there by appointment, a clandestlno visitor in her apartments a. midnight. "What do you mean by coming to my apartment at this hour?" she stuni mcred, trying to rescue dignity from the chaos of emotions. Lorry was standing slightly to the right and sev eral feet behind her. He understood the prince and quickly sought to inter pose with the hope that he might shield her from the sting. "She did not expect me, sir," he said, and a menacing gleam came to his eyes. His pistol was in his hand. Ga briel daw it, but the staring princess did not. She could not take her eyes from tho face of the Intruder. "Now, may I ask you why you are here?" Gabriel's wit saved him from death. He saw that ho could not pursue the courso ho had begun, for there was murder In the American's eye. Like a fox, ho swerved and, with a servllo promise of submission in his glance, said: "1 thought you were here, my flno fellow, and I came to satisfy myself. Now, sir, may I ask why you are here?" His fingers twitched and his eyes were glassy with the malevolence he was subduing. "I am here as a prisoner," said Lorry boldly. Gabriel laughed derisively. "And how often have you come here In this manner as a prisoner? Midnight and alone in tho apartments of the princess, the guard dismissed! A pris oner, eh? IIa, what a prison!" "Stop!" cried Lorry, white to tho Hps. The prlricess was beginning to under stand. Her eyes grew wide with hor ror, her figure straightened Imperious ly and the white In her cheeks gave way to the red of Insulted virtue. "I see it all! You have not been out side this castle since you left the pris on. A pretty scheme! You could not marry him, could you, eh? He Is not n prince! But you could bring him here and hide him where no one would dare to think of looking for him?In your apartments"? With a snarl of rage Lorry sprang upon him, cutting short the sentence that would hove gone through her like the keenest knife blade. "Liar! Dog! I'll kill you for that!" he cried, but before he could clutch the prince's throat Yetlve had frantically seized his arm. "Not that!" she shrieked. "Do not kill him! There must bo no murder here!" He reluctantly hurled Gabriel from him, the prince tottering to his knees In the effort to keep from falling. Sho had saved her maligner's life, but cour age deserted her with the act. Help lessly she looked into tho blazing eyes of her lover and faltered: "I?I do not know what to say or do. My brain is bursting!" "Courage, courage!" he whispered gently. "You shall pay for this," shrieked Gabriel. "If you are not a prisoner you shall be. There'll be scandal enough In tiraustnrk tomorrow to start a volcano of wrath from the royal tombs where lie her fathers. I'll see that you are a prisoner!" He started for the door, but Lorry's pistol was leveled at his head. "If you move, I'll kill you!" "The world will understand how nnd why I fell by your hand nnd In this room. Shoot!" he cried triumphantly. Lorry's hand trembled, nnd his eyes filled with the tears of impotent rage. The prince held the higher card. A face suddenly appeared at tho door, which had been stealthily ojpencd from without. Captain Quinnox glided into the room behind the prince nnd gently closed the door, unnoticed by the gloat er. "A prisoner?" sneered Gabriel. "Where is your captor, pray?" "Here!" answered a voice at his back. The prlnco wheeled nnd found himself looking at the stalwart form of the captain of the guard. "I am surely privileged to speak now, your hlgh uess," he went on, addressing the prin cess significantly. "How came you here?" gasped Ga briel. "I brought my prisoner here. Where should I be If not hero to guard him?" "When?when did you enter this room?" "An hour ago." "You were not here when I came!" "I have been standing on this spot for an hour. You hove been very much excited, I'll agree, but It Is strange you did not sec me." lied Quinnox. (iabriel looked about helplessly, non plused. "You were hero when I come In?" he asked wond>?rlngly. "Ask her royal hlghuess," command' cd the captain, smiling. "Captain Quinnox brought the pris oner to me an Dour ago," she said me chanically. "It Is a lie!" cried Gabriel. "He was not here when I entered I" The captain of tho guard laid a heavy hand on the shoulder of the prlnco nnd sold threateningly: "I was here, nnd I nm here. Have a care how you speak. Were I to do tight I should shoot you llko a dog. You came like n thief, you Insult the ruler of my land. I have borne It all because you ore a prince, but hove n care?have a core. I mny forget myself nnd tear out your black heart with these hands. One word from her royal highness will be j our death warrant." He looked inquiringly at the princess as If anxious to put the* dangerous wit ness where ho could tell no tales. She ?hook her head, but did not speak. Lorry realized that the time bad come for him to nwM?rt himself. Assuming a distressed air, be bowed his head and said dejectedly: "My pleading has been In vain, then, your highness. I have sworn to you that 1 am innocent of this murder, and you have said I shall have a fair trial. I Shat Is nil you can offer?" "That Is nil," she said shrilly, her mind gradually grasping his meaning. "You will not punish the poor peo ple? who secreted mo In their house for weeks, for (hey are convinced of my Innocence. Your captain here, who found me In their house tonight, can also speak well of them. I have only this request tomnko in return for what little service I may have given you: Forgive tho old people who befrlonded mo. I am ready to go to tho tower at once, captain." Qnhrlol heard this speech with a skeptical smile on his face. "I am no fool." ho said simply. "Cap tain," shrewdly turning to Qulnnox, "if ho is your prisoner, why do you permit him to retain his revolver?" Tho conspirators woro taken by sur prise, but Ijprry had found his w its. "It is folly, your highness, to allow this gentleman und conquering prlnco to cross examine you. I am a prisoner, and that is the end of It. What odds is it to tho Prince of Dnwsborgeu how und where 1 was caught or why your oillcor b rough I mo to you?" "You wore ordered from my house oneo today, yet you come again like a conqueror. I should not spare you. You deserve to lose your life for the no tions of tonight. Captain Qulnnox, will you kill him If I ask you to end his wretched life?" Yetive's eyes were blazing with wrath, beneath which gleamed a hope that ho could bo fright ened Into silence. "Willingly?willingly!" cried Quln nox. "Now. your highness? 'Twcro better in tho hall!" "For God's Bake, do not murder mc! Let me go!" cringed the prince. "I do not mean that you should kill him now, Qulnnox, but I Instruct you to do SO If he puts loot inside these walls ngnin. Do you understand?" "Yes, your highness." "Then you will place this prisoner in tho castle dungeon until tomorrow morning, when ho is to bo taken to the tower. Prlnco Gabriel may accompa ny you to the dungeon cell if ho likes, after which you will escort him to the gates. If ho enters them again, you are to kill hiiu. Take them both away!" "Your highness, I must ask you to write a pardon for tho good people in whose house the prisoner was found/' suggested Qulnnox, shrewdly seeing n chance for communication unsuspected by tho prince. "A moment, your highness," said the prince, who had recovered himself cleverly. "I appreciate your position. I have made n serious charge, and I now have a fair proposition to suggest to you. If this man is not produced to morrow morning, I take it for granted that I am liberty to tell all that has happened In this room tonight. If ho is produced, I shall kneel and bey your pardon." Tho princess turned paler (ban ever and knew not how she kept from fall ing to the lloor. There was a long si lence following Gabriel's unexpected but fair suggestion. "That Is very fair, your highness," said Lorry. "There Is no reason why I should not bo a prisoner tomorrow, 1 don't see bow I can hope to escape tho inevitable. Your dungeon Is strong, und I have given my word of honor to the captain that I shall make no fur ther effort to evade the law." "I agree," murmured the princess, ready to faint under the strain. "I must see him delivered to Prlnco Bolaroz," added Gabriel mercilessly. "To BolarOK," she repeated. "Your highness, the pardon for tho poor old people," reminded Qulnnox. "For Uod'a sake, do not murder mc!" She glided to the desk, slunned, bewil dered. It seemed ns though death were upon her. Qulnnox followed and bent near her car. "Do not be alarmed," ho whispered. "No one knows of Mr. Lor ry's presence hero save tho prince, and if bo dares to ncctlSO you before Bolt)' roz our people will tear him to pieces. No one will believe him." "You?you can save blm, then?" sho gasped Joyously. "If he will pormlt mc to do so. Write to him what you will, your highness, and ho shall have tho message. Ho brave, and all will go well. Write quickly. This Is supposed to bo tho pardon." She wrote feverishly, a thousand thoughts arising for every one that she was able to transfer to tho pnpor. When she bad finished the hope in spired scrawl, she arose and with a gracious smile handed to the waiting captain the pardon for those who bad secreted the fugitive. "I grant forgiveness to them gladly," she said. "I than!, you," said Lorry, bowing low. "Mr. Lorry, 1 regret lite difficulty I? which you find yourself. It ?ns on my account, too, I am told. He you guilty or innocent, you ni'O my friend, my pro tector. May Cod be good to you." She gave blm her hand calmly, steadily, as if sho woro bestowing favor upon a Subject. 11c kl'<sed the hand gravely. "Forgive hie for trespassing on your good nature tonight, your highness."' "The fi.OOO gnvvos shall be yours to morrow, Captain Qtiinnox," she snld graciously. "You have done your duty well." Tho faithful captain bowed deep and low and a weight was lifted from bis conscience. "Gentlemen, the door," ho snld, und without n word Iho trio lef( the room, Sho closed the door and Stood like n statue until their footsteps died away in the distance. As one in a daza sho sat at tlie uVsk tili tiu> unwn, Grenfall Lorry's revolver lying before her. Through the halls, down the stairs and Into the clammy dungeon strode the silent trio. But before Lorry step pod Inside the cell Gabriel asked a question that had been troubling him for many minutes. "I am afraid I have?ah?misjudged her"? muttered Gabriel, now con vinced that he had committed himself Irretrievably. "You will Hud she has not misjudged you," said the prisoner grimly. "Can't I have a candle In here, captain?" "You may keep this lantern," said Qulnnox, stepping inside the narrow coll. As he placed the lantern on the floor he whispered: "I will return in an hour. Head this!" Lorry's hand closed over the bit of perfumed paper. The prince was now Inside the cell, peering about curiously, even timorous ly. "15y the way, your highness, how would you enjoy living In a hole like this all your life?" "Horrible!" said Gabriel, shuddering like a leaf. "Tlicn take my advice?don't commit any murders. Hire some one else." The two men eyed each other stead ily for a moment or two. Then the prince looked out of the cell, a mad de sire to fly from some dreadful, unseen horror coming over him. Qulnnox locked the door and, striking a match, bade his highness prcccdo him up the stone steps. In the cell the prisoner read and re read the incoherent message from Ye tlve: It Is the only way. Qulnnox will assist you to escape tonlnht. (So. I Implore yon; nn you lovo mo, go. Your life Is more than all to me. Gabriel's story will not be en tertained, and he can have no proof. lie will !><? lorn to pieces, Qulnnox says. Do not think of me. but save yourself. J would lose everything to save you. He smiled sadly ns he burned the "pardon." The concluding sentences swept away the last thought ho might have had of leaving her to bear the consequences. "Do not think of me, but save yourself. I would lose everything to save you." lie leaned against the stone wall and shook his head slowly, the smile still on his Hps. CHAPTER XXV. "BEGAUS*: I LOVE MM." THE next morning Edelweiss was astir early. Great throngs of people Hocked tlie streets long before the hour set for the Signing of the decree that was to di vide the north from the south. Tho whole nation, it seemed, stood before tho walls awaiting with bated breath and dismal faces the announcement that Yetlvo had deeded to Bolnroz the lands and lives of half of her subjects. Shortly before '.) o'clock Harry An guish, will? his guard of six, rode up to tlte castle. Captain Dangloss was be side him on his gray charger. They had scarcely passed Inside tho gates when n cavalcade of mounted men came riding up the avenue from tho Hotel Hcgcngctz. Then the howling, the hissing, the hooting began. Male dictions were hurled at the heads of Axphnin noblemen as they rode be tween the maddened lines of people. They smiled sardonically In reply to the Impotent signs of hatred, but they were glad when the castle gates closed between them and the vast, despairing crowd, in which the tempest of revolt, was brewing with unmistakable ener gy. Prince Bolaroz, the Duke of Mlzrox and the ministers were already In tho castle and had been there slnco tho previous afternoon. In the roynl pal ace tho excitement was intense, but It was of the subdued kind that strains the nerves to the point whero control is martyrdom. When the attendants went to the bedchamber of the princess at 7 o'clock, as was their wont, they found, to their surprise, no one standing guard. Tho princess was not In her cham ber, nor had site been there during the night. The bed was undisturbed. In some alarm the two women ran to her parlor, then to the boudoir. Here they found her asleep on the divan, nttlred in tho gown she had worn slnco the evening before, now crumpled and creased, the proof positive of n rest less, miserable night. Her first act after awakening and untangling the meshes In her throb bing, uncomprehending brain was to send for Qulnnox, She could scarcely wait for his appearance and the ossur anco that Lorry was safely out of dan ger. The footman who had been sent to fetch tho captain was n long time in returning. She was dressed In her breakfast gown long before he came In with tho report that the captain was UOWhore to be found. Her heart gave a great throb of Joy. She alone could explain his absence. To her It meant but one thing?Lorry's flight from the castle. Where else could Quinnox bo except with the fugitive, perhaps once more inside St. Valentine's? Preparations began at once for the eventful transaction in the throneroom. The splendor of two courts was to shine in rivalry. Ten o'clock was tho hour set for the meeting of the two rulers, the victor and the victim. Her nobles ami her ladles, her ministers, hor guards and her lackeys moved about in the balls, dreading tho hour, brushing against the hated Axphnin guests. In one of the small waiting rooms sat the Count and Countess Hal font, the latter In tears. The young Countess Dagmar stood at a window witli Harry Anguish. Tho latter was flushed and nervous and acted like a man who expects that which Is unex pected by others. With a strange con fidence in his voice, ho sought to cbeor his depressed friends, but the cheerful ness was not contagious. Tho sonibro ness of a '"'^i hung over the castle, Half an hour before the tlmo set for the meeting In the throneroom Yetlvo sent for her uncle, her aunt and Dag mar. As Anguish and the latter fol lowed, the girl turned her sad, puzzled eyes up to the face of the tall Amer ican and said: "Are you rejoicing over our misfor tune? You do not show a partlclo of rogrei. Do you forget that we arc sac rificing a great deal to snvo tho lifo of your friend? I do not undorstand how you can be so heartless." "I think I can explain satisfactorily when I have more time," ho sold soft ly In her ear, and, although she tried, she could lind no words to continue, lie left her nt the hood of tho stairs and did not seo her again until sho passed him In tho throncrooip. Then ?ho wns pale and bravo and trembling. l'lineo Dolore/, and his nobles stood tc the right of tho throne, tho Grau ?tark men and women of degreo to tho left, while near tho door on both sides wero to bo seen the leading military men of both principalities. Near tho Duko of Mlzrox was stationed tho fig ure of Gabriel, prince of Duwshergtu. He hod coraOi ivltll o half dozeq follow ers, among a crowd of unsuspecting AxphalniauH, and had taken his posi tion near tho throne. Anguish entered with Bnron Dangloss, and they stood together near tho doorway, the latter whiter than ho had ever been in his life. Then come the bush of expectancy. Tho doors swung open, the curtains parted and the princess entered. she was supported by the arm of her tall uncle, Caspar of Halfont. Tages carried the train of bcr dross, a jew eled gown of bluck. As sho advanced to the thron.-, calm and stately, those assembled bent knee to tho fairest wo tnun the eye ever bad looked upon. Tbc calm, proud exterior bid the most unhappy of hearts. Tho resolute courage with which her spirit had been braced for the occasion was remarka ble in more ways than one. Among other inspirations behind tho valiaut show was tho bravery of a guilty con science. Her composure sustained a nhock when she passed Allodo at the door. That faithful, heartbroken serv itor looked at bcr face with pleading, horror struck eyes, as much as to say: j "Arc you going to destroy Graustark ! for the sake of that murderer? Have pity on us?have pity I" Before taking her scat on tho throno she swept the thrilled nssemblugo with her wide blue eyes. There were shad ows beneath them, and there wero wells of tears behind them. As she looked upon the little knot of white faced northern barons her knees trem bled and her heart gave a fresh throb of pity. Still the face was resolute. Then she saw Anguish and the suffer ing Dnngloss, then the accusing, mer ciless eyes of Gabriel. At Bight of him she started violently, and an icy fear crept Into her soul. Instinctively she searched the gorgeous company for the captain of the guard. Her stanch cst ally was not there. Was sho to hear the condemning words alone? Would the people do as Qulnnox had prophesied, or would they believe Ga briel and curse her? She sank into the great chair and sftt with staring, helpless eyes, deserted and feeble. At last the whirling brain ended its flight and settled down to the Issue first at band?the transaction with Bo laroz. Summoning all her self control, sho said: "You nro come, most noble Bolaroz, to draw from us tho price of our de feat. Wo are loyal to our compact, as you arc to yours, sire, yet in the pres ence of my people and In the nnmo of mercy and Justice I ask you to grant us respite. You are rich and power ful, we despoiled and struggling be neath a weight we can lift and dis place If given a few short years in which to grow and gather strength. At this lnst hour in the fifteen years of our indebtedness I sue in supplication for the leniency that you can so well accord. It is on the advice of my coun j selors that I put away personal pride and national dignity to make this re quest, trusting to your goodness of heart. If you will not hearken to our petition for a renewal of negotiations, there is but one course open to Grau stark. We can and will pay o*r debt of honor." Bolaroz Stood before bcr, dark and uncompromising. She suw the futility of her plea. "I have not forgotten, most noble pe titioner, that you arc ruler here, not I; therefore I am in no way responsible for the conditions which confront you except that I am nn honest creditor come for his honest dues. This is the 20th of November. You have had fif teen years to accumulate enough to meet the requirements of this day. Should I suffer for your faults? There is in the treaty a provision which ap plies to an emergency of this kind. Your inability to liquidate In gold does not prevent the payment of this honest debt In land, ns provided for In the sixth clause of the agreement, 'All that part of Graustark north of a line drawn directly from east to west between the provinces of Canlook and Doswan, a trad comprising Doswan, Shellotz, Vft? rngnn, Oeswnld, Sesmol and Gattabat ton.' You have two alternatives, your highness. Produce the gold or sign the decree ceding to Axphnln the lands stipulated In tin? treaty. 1 can grant no respite." "You knew when that treaty was framed that we could raise no such funds In fifteen years," snld Halfont, forgetting himself in his indignation. Gnspoti and other men present approv ed his hasty declaration. "Am I dealing with the Princess of Graustark or with you, sir?" asked Bo laroz roughly. "You are dealing with the people of Graustark, and among the poorest, I. I will sign the decree. There is noth ing to be gained by appealing to you. The jkipors, Gaspon, quick! I would have this transaction finished speed ily," cried the princess, her cheeks flushing and her eyes glowing from the flames of a burning conscience. Tho groan that went up from the northern nobles cut her like the slnsh of a knife. "There was one other condition," said Bolaroz hastily, unable to gloat ns he had expected. "The recapture of "J have the prisoner, your hlyhnett." the assassin who slew my son would have meant much to Grnustnrk. It Is unfortunate that your police depart ment is so InofBclont." Dangloss writh ed beneath this thrust. Yctlve's eyes went to him for nn instant sorrowfully. Then tliey dropped to tho fatal docu ment which Gaspon bad placed on the table before her. The lines rnn to gether and were the color of blood. Unconsciously she took the pen in her nerveless lingers. A deep sob enmo from tho breast of her gray old uncle, and Gaspon's hnnd shook like a leaf as he placed the seal of Graustark on the table, ready for use. "The assassin's life could have saved you," went on Bolaroz, n vengeful glare coming to his eye?. She looked up and her Hps moved as If she would have spoken. No words came, no breath, It seemed to her. Cast ing a piteous, hunted glnnce over the faces before her, sho bent forward and blindly touched the pen to the paper. The silence was that of death. Before sho could make the first stroke a harsh voice, In which there was combined tri umph and amazement, broke the still ness like the clanging of a bell. "Hovo you no honor?" The pen dropped from her Angers m the expected condemnation came. In sheer desperation, her flashing with the Intensity of defiant guilt, bin 1 tor rage welling up against her perse cutor, she half arose and cried: "Who uttered thoso words? Speak!" *% Gabriel of Dftw?hi>i-??>! Where Is the prisoner, inndain?" rang out the Tolce. "The man is mad!" cried she, Blnking back with a shudder. "Mad, eh? Because I do as I did promise? Behold the queen of per fidy! Madam, I will be heard. Lorry is In this castle!" "He Is mad!" gasped Bolaroz, the first of the stunned spectators to Ond his tongue. There was a commotion near tho door. Voices were heard outside. "You have been duped!" Insisted Ga briel, taking several steps toward tho throne. "Your Idol Is a traitress, a de ceiver! I say be Is here! She has seen him! iAit her sign that decree If she dares! I command you, Yetlve of Qraustnrk, to produce this criminal!" The Impulse to crush the deiiler was checked by Iho sudden appearance of two men Inside the curtains. "He Is here!" cried n strong voice, and liorry, breathless and haggard, pushed through the astonished crowd, followed by Captain Qulnnox, upon whose ghastly face there were blood stains. A shout went up from those assem bled, a shout of Joy. The faces of Dan gloss and Allode were pictures of as tonishment and, It must be said, relief. Harry Anguish staggered, but recover ed himself instantly and turned his eyes toward Gabriel. That worthy's legs trembled and his Jaw dropped. "I have the prisoner, your highness," said Qulnnox in hoarse, discordant tones. He stood before the throne with his captive, but dared not look his mis tress In the face. As they stood there the story of the night just passed was told by the condition of the two men. OPhere had been a struggle for suprem acy in the dungeon, and the prisoner had won. The one had tried to hold the other to the dungeon's safety after his refusal to leave the castle, ond the other hod fought his way to the halls above. It was then that Qulnnox had wit enough to change front and drag his prisoner to the place which, most of all, he had wished to ovoid. "The prisoner!" shouted the northern nobles, ond In an Instant the solemn throneroom was wild with excitement, "Do not sign that decree!" cried some one from a far corner. "Here la your man, Prince Bolaroz!'' cried a baron. "Qulnnox has saved us!" shouted an other. The princess, white as death and as motionless, snt bolt upright in her royal seat. "Ohl" she moaned piteously. and, clinching her hands, she carried them to her eyes as if to shut out the sight. The Countess Halfont and Dagmar ran to her side, the latter frantic with alarm. She knew more than tho oth ers. "Are you the fugitive?" cried Bo lnroz. "I am (ironfall Lorry. Are you Bo-. InrozV" "The father of the man you murder ed. Ah, this Is rapture!" "I hove only to say to your highness I did not kill your son. I swear It, so help me (Jod!" "Your highness," cried Bolnroz, step ping to the throne, "destroy that de cree. This brave soldier has saved Graustark. In an hour your ministers and mine will hove drawn up a ten years' extension of time, In proper form, to which my signature shall be gladly attached. I have not forgotten my promise." Yetlve straightened suddenly, seized tho pen and fiercely began to sign the decree In spite of all and before thoso about her fairly realized her Intention. Lorry Understood and was the first io snatch the document from her lian?. A half written Yetlve, a blot and It long, spluttering scratch of the pen told how near she had come to signing away the lands of Graustark, forgetful of the fact that It could be of no bene fit to the prisoner she loved. "Yetlve!" gasped her uncle In horror. "She would have signed," cried Gas pon hi wonder and alarm. "Yes, I would have signed!" she ex claimed, starting to her feet, strong and defiant. "I could not have saved his life, perhaps, but I might have saved him from the cruel injustice thnt that man's vengeance would have In vented. He Is Innocent, and I would give my kingdom to stay tho wrong that will be done." "What! You defend the dog!" cried Bolnroz. "Seize him, men! I will see thnt Justice is done. It Is no girl he has to deal with now." "Stop!" cried the princess, the com mand checking tho men. Qulnnox leaped In front of his charge. "He is my prisoner, and he shall have justice. Keep back your soldiery, Prince Bola roz. It Is a girl you have to deal with. I will say to you oil, my people ond yours, that I believe him to be innocent and that I sincerely regret his capture, fortunate as It may be for us. He shall have a fair and a Just trial, and I shall do all In my power, Prince Bolnroz, to secure his acquittal." "Why do you toko this stand, Ye tlve? Why hove you tried to shield him?" cried the heart broken Halfont. Sho drew herself to her full height, and, sweeping tho threatening crowd with a challenge In her eyes, cried, the tones ringing strong and clear above the growing tumult: "Because I love hin)I" !A.b If by mnglc the room became sud denly still. "Behold on honest man. I would have saved him at the cost of my lion or. Scorn me If you will, but listen to this: The man who stands hero ac cused eoino voluntarily to this castle, surrendering himself to Cnptnln Quln nox thnt he might, though innocent, stand between us and dlsnstcr. He was safe from our pursuit, yet return ed, perhaps to his death. For me, for you and for Grnustork ho has dono this. Is thero o man among you who would have dono as much for his own country? Yet he does this for a coun try to which ho Is stronger. I must commit him to prison once more. But," she cried In sudden fierceness, "I prom ise him now, beforo tho trial, n royal pardon. Do I make my meaning clear to you, Prince Bolaroz?" Tho white Hps of tho old prince could frame no reply to this daring speech. ?'Be careful what you soy, your high ness!" cried tho prisoner hastily. "I must refuse to accept a pardon at tho cost of your honor. It is because I love you better than my life thnt I stand here. I cannot allow you and your peo ple to suffer when It Is In my power to prevent lt. All thnt I can nsk Is fair ness and justice. I am not guilty, and God will protect me. Prince Bolnroz, I call upon you to keep your promise. I am not the slayer of your son, but I am the man you would send to tho block, guilty or Innocent." As ho spoke the princess dropped back in tho chair, her rash courage gone. A stir near the doorway fol lowed his concluding sentence, and tho other American stepped forward, his face showing his excitement. "Your highness," he sold, "I ahould i have spoken sooner. My llps~wero~part od nod ready to ery out when Prince Qnbriel Interposed and prevented the signing of the decree. Grcnfall Lorry Hid not k!l! the young prince. I can produce the guilty maul" (TO HE CONTINUED. A disordered stomach may causo no CDd of trouble. When tho stomach fails to perform its functions the bow els becomo derangod, tho livor and kidneys congested, causinsr numerous diseases, tho most fatal of which >tro pa'nhss and therefore the more to be dreaded. The important thing is to ro store tho 6tomach and liver to a boa'thy condition, and for this purpose no hot ter preparation cun be used tban Chamberlain's Stomach and Liver Tab lets. For sale by Laurens Drug Co. r. If it's a bilious attack-, take Cham berlain's Stomach and Liver Tablets and a quick recovery is certain. For sale by Laurens Drug Co UASTOIIIA. B;arn tho The Kind Voj Have Always Bought A Wonderf ul Saving. The largest MetbodUt Church in Georgia calculated to use one hundred hundred gallons of the usual kind of mixed paint in painting their oburoh. They used only 82 gallons of the Longman & Martinez Paint mixed with 24 gallons of linseod oil. Actual cost of paint made was less than 11.20 per gallon. Saved over eighty ($80.00) dollars In paint, and got a big donation ots'des. EVERY CHURCH wilt be given a liberal quantity whenever they paint. Many houses are well painted with four gallons of L. & M. and thrpe gal lons of lioseed oil mixed therewith. Wears and covers like gold. Tim Be celebrated paints are so'd by W. L. Boyd, Laurens. Clinton Pharmacy, Clinton. March 1?2m. N. B. Dial. A. O. Todd. DIAL & TODD, Attorneys and Coun sellors at Law. Kntcrprise Bank and Todd Office Build ing. Laurens, S. C. CAS The Kind You Have Always Bought, and which has beeu in use for over 30 years, has homo the signature of - and has hccu made under his per ??^y-^2- sonal supervision since its infancy. If /-CtUcAc/^i Allow no ouo to deceive you in this. All Counterfeits, Imitations and ?? Just-as-good** arc hut Experiments that triflo with and endanger the health of Infants and Children?Experience against Experiment* What is CASTORIA Oastoria is a harmless substitute for Castor Oil, Pare goric, Drops and Soothing Syrups. It is Pleasant. It contains neither Opium, Morphine nor other Narcotic substance. Its ago is its guarantee. It destroys Worms and allays Fovorishness. It cures Diarrhoea and Wind Colic. It relieves Teething Troubles, cures Constipation and Flatulency* It assimilates the Food, regulates the Stomach and Bowels, giving healthy and natural sleep. The Children's Panacea?The Mother's Friend. GENUINE CASTORIA ALWAYS Bears the Signature of The Kind You toe Always Bought In Use For Over 30 Years,, MB?M - THC CCNTAUn COMPANY. TT MURRAY STRUCT. NIW YORK CITY. THE PROSPEROUS FAR/VIER Never works with poor tools. Mis time is too val uable to Wiste it with worthless machinery. Menses the best, for it's the most economical and productive. OUR Farm Implements are the best in every way. They are cheapest in the end because the best and cost no more than others. They are simple in construction and have no com plicated parts to break or go wrong. They are made from the best materials and give longest possible wear. They can always be relied upon to do good work. They are easily kept in condition and do not require constant repairing. Buy them?they're most satisfactory. BROOKS & JONES, SIMMONS' BL.OCK, SOUTH SIDE SQUARE. Phyiscian s Endorsement 1h the lightest water on the market. Wo roali/.o that this is claiming a great deal, and we could not ail'ord to make this assertion unless we knew that wo could prove it to bo truo. But it does cot take an expert to test the softness of a Minoral Water. Whon carbonating a mineral water, if it is a hard water the gases will not bo absorbed in the water, and when tho bottle is opened, the gas es escape, and the water is left Hat and hard, whilo if it is a soft water, like White Stono Lithia, it will retain its gases for hour? after boing uns opped. Read what sorno prominent persons you know have to say of the merits of the Whlto Stone Lithia Wator: Chester, S. C, April 23, 1003. J. T. Harris, Esq., White Stono Spring, S. C. Dear Sir?1 do unhesitatingly stato that tho efllcacy of VV hi to Stone Lithia Wator, not from its splendid analytical analysis, but from my own personal ob servation, is a very valuable agent in eliminating the impurities of tho blood through its markod diuretic effects, and in so doing restores the secretory and excretory organs of tho body to their normal physiological stato. So in this proves its properties to bo of great valuo in assisting digestion, assimila tion and incroasmg the appotito. There fore wo can rccognl/.3 it as a mineral water of powerful tonic properties and should ho highly recommended in stom ach and llvor disorders, blood disturb* ancos, rheumatism, gout, diabetes, Hright's discaso, and in all inactive conditions of tho kidneys and convales cing diseases. I feel mysolf, that I am justly due an acknowledgement of tho happy effects I derived from its use. B. Ei.moris Kell, M. D. Mullins, S. C, April 22, 1003. Mr. J T. Harris. Whlto Stone Spring*, S. 0. It is with ploasure that I write of the morits of White Stone Llthfa Water. I havo Eoveral patients using It now with marked benefit in kidney and stomach troubles. I havo known a uric acid calbulus to pass aftsr using tho water for only throo days. Respectfully Yours, A. M. Brailsford, Jr., M. D. Macon, Ga., April 15, 1008. i I havo prescribed White Stono Lithia / Wator freely in my practice and am / glad to report tho happy effeots It gava/ as a diuretic and uric acid solvont. 7 think its medicinal properties are pe cullarly adaptable to uric aoid dlathe sis, rheumatism, gout, aummla and all bladder and kldnoy diseases and llvei and stomach troubles. I consider It Ji a minoral water of marvoloug tonl( properties. Road what Dr. L. J. Blake, Presi dent Board of Health of the City of Spartanbug, has to say of the merits of White Stono Lithia Springs: r m tt 8Pft,,tanburg, May 11th, 1003. J.T.Harris, Proprietor White Stone Spingu, Spartanburg Oo, S. O. My Doar Sir:-I have used and pre scribed tho White Stono Lithia water a great deal during the past two yours. In all cases requiring renal stimulation I havo obtained uniformly good re sults. In llthaernla and kindred afToo* tlons from uric acid diathesis it meets the indications, and I am sure its f/ee use will prove It the equal of any Wa ter on the market. / Yours very truly, / L J. Blake, M. D. Wo have the largest brick Hotel in the Carolinas or Georgia, with all mod em Improvements. tdr Eleotrlo Car Lino runs from Southern Road to Spring, White Stone Spring, 8. O. White Stone Lithia Water Co.