I BEVERLY OF By George Barr McCutchcon. Author of "Graustark" Copyright, 1904, E$9 "And wnut?" luu'i-jKCkuu tii'vwij" who could not wait. The description fits our friend Hal doB perfectly!" "You don't mean It?" exclaimed Lor-' ry. "Then he may be any one of tao three you have mentioned?" "Let me tell you what the grand duke's secretary snyj. I have the of ficial notice, but left it In my desk. The runaway son of the grand duke is called Chrlstobal. He Is twenty-seven years of age, speaks English fluently, besides French and our own language. It seems that he attended an English college with Prince Duutan and some of our own young men who are still la England. Six weeks ago he disappear ed from his father's home. At the same time a dozen wild and venturous retainers left the grand duchy. The party was seen in Vienna a week later, and the young duke boldly announced that he was off to the east to help his friend Dantan In the fight for his throne. Going on the theory that Bal- dos Is this same Chrlstobal we have only to provide a reason for his pre ferring the wilds to the comforts of our cities. In the first place, he knows there Is a large reward for his appre hension and he fears our police. In the second place, be does not care to direct the attention of Prince Dantan's foes to himself. He missed Dantan In the hills and doubtless was lost for weeks, but the true reason for his flight la made plain In the story that was print ed recently In Paris and Berlin news papers. According to them, Chrlstobal rebelled against his father's right to select a wife for him. The grand duke had chosen a noble and wealthy bride, and the son had selected a beautiful girl from the lower walks of life. Fa ther and son quarreled and neither would give an Inch. Chrlstobal would not marry his father's choice, and the grand duke would not sanction his union with the fair plebeian." Here Beverly exclaimed proudly: "He doesn't look like the sort of man who could be bullied into marrying anybody if he didn't want to." "And he strikes me as the sort who would marry any one he set his heart upon having," added the princess, with a taunting glance at Miss Calhoun. "Umph!" sniffed Beverly defiantly. The baron went on with his narrative, exhibiting signs of excitement. "To lend color to the matter, Chrlsto bal's sweetheart, the daughter of a game warden, was murdered the night before her lover fled. I know nothing of the circumstances attending the crime, but It Is my understanding that Chrlstobal Is not suspected. It is pos sible that he Is Ignorant even now of the girl's fate." "Well, by the gods, we have a good ly lot of heroes about us!" exclaimed Lorry. "But, after all," ventured the Count ess Halfont, "Baldos may be none of these men." "Good heavens, Aunt Yvonne, don't suggest anything so distressing," said Yetlve. "He must be one of them." "I suggest a speedy way of deter mining the mutter," said Anguish. "Let us send for Baldos and ask him point blank who he Is. I think It Is up to him to clear away the mystery." "No!" cried Beverly, starting to her feet "It seems to be the only way," said Lorry. VBut I promised him that no ques tions should be asked," said Beverly, almost tearfully, but quite resolutely. "Didn't I, Yet your highness?" "Alas, yes!" said the princess, with a pathetic smile of resignation, but with loyalty In the clasp of her hand, CHAPTER XlV. lIAT same afternoon Baldos, I I I blissfully Ignorant of the stir I I I he had created la certain clr I I cles, rode out for the first time as a member of the castle guard. He and Haddan were detailed by Colonel Qulnnox to act as private escort to Miss Calhoun until otherwise ordered, If Haddan thought himself wiser than Baldos In knowing that their charge was not the princess he was very much mistaken. If he enjoyed the trick that was being played on his fellow guards man his enjoyment was as nothing when compared to the pleasure Baldos was deriving from the situation. The royal victoria was driven to the fortress, conveying the supposed prin cess and the Countess Dagmar to the home of Count Marians. The two guards rode bravely behind the equi page, resplendent In brilliant new uni forms. Baldos was mildly surprised and puzzled by the homage paid the young American girl. It struck him as preposterous that the entire population of Edelweiss could be In the game to deceive him. "Who Is the princess' companion?" he Inquired of naddan as they left the castle grounds. "The Countess Dagmar, cousin to her highness. She is the wife of Mr. An guish." "I have seen her before," said Baldos, a strange smile on his face. The Countess Dagmar found It diffi cult at first to meet the eye of the new guard, but he was so punctiliously oblivious that her courage was restored. She even nt so far as to whisper in GRAUSTARK 1 DodJ, Mead tc Co. y her face ns 1 prol.:sii!.v wouM not roc ognize Yeti e a- one of the eavesdrop- Ders. The .rincess hud flatly refused to accompany them on the visit to the fortress because of Baldos. Struck uy a sudden impulse. Beverly called Bal dos to the side of the vehicle. "Baldos, you behaved very nicely yes terday In eiDoslue the duplicity of those young women," she sn!d. "I am Imppy to have pleased your highness." b; said steadily. "It may interest you to know that they ceased to be Indies in waltiug aft er that exposure. "Yes, your highness, it certainly is in teresting," he said as he fell back into position beside Haddan. During the remainder of the ride he caught him self time after time gazing reflectively at the back of her proud little head, possessed of an almost uncontrollable desire to touch the soft brown unir. "You can't fool that excellent young man much longer, my dear," said the countess, recalling the look in his dark eyes. The same thought had been af flicting Beverly with its probabilities for wenty-four hours and more. Count Marlanx welcomed his visitors with a graciousness that awoke won der In the minds of his staff. His marked preference for the Am? 'can 'f i I .2 a. and girl did not escape attention. ' the bolder young officers i surreptitious grimaces, am' with more or less compass. happy faced beauty from o, Marlanx surveyed Baldos sic... coldly, deep C 'i-proval In his shiter s. He ha., not forgotten the en ter of the day before, i see the favorite s on guard," he said blandly. "Has he told you of the lesson In manners he enjoyed last night?" He was leading his guests to ward the quarters, Baldos and Haddan following. The new guurd could not help hearing the sarcastic remark. You didn't have him beaten?" cried Beverly, stopping short. "No, but I Imagine It would have been preferable. I talked with him for half an hour," said the general, laugh ing significantly. When the party stopped at the drlnk- 'tj fountain In the center of the fort Idos halted near by. His face was impassive as marble, his eyes set iralght before him, his figure erect and soldierly. An occasional sarcas tic remark by the Iron Count, meant for his ears, made no Impression upon the deadly composure of the new guard who had had his lesson. Miss Cal houn was conscious of a vague feeling that she had served Baldos an ill turn when she put him Into this position. The count provided a light luncheon In his quarters after the ladies had gone over the fortress. Beverly Cal houn, with all of a woman's Indiffer ence to things material, could not but see how poorly equipped the fort was as compared to the ones she had seen in the United States. She and the countess visited the armory, the ar senal and the repair shops before luncheon, reserving the pleasures of the clubhouse, the officers' quarters and the parade ground uutil afterward. Count Mnrlanx's home was In the southeast corner of the lnclosure, near the pates. Several of the officers lunch ed with him and the young ladles. Marlanx was assiduous In his atten tion to Beverly Calhoun, so much so, In fact, that the countess teased her afterward about liar conquest of the old and well worn heart. Beverly thought him extremely silly and senti mental, much preferring him In the character of the har: h, Implacable mar tinet. At regular Intervals she saw the straight, martial form of Baldos pass the window near which she sat. He was patrolling the narrow piazza which fronted the house. Toward the close of the rather trying luncheon she was almost unable to control the im pulse to rush out and compel him to relax that imposing, machine-like stride. She hungered for a few min utes of the old time freedom with him. The Iron Count was showing her some rare antique bronzes he bad col lected in- the south.. The luncheon was over, and the couutess had strolled off toward the bastions with the young officers, leaving Beverly alone with the host Servants came In to clear the tables, but the count harshly ordered them to wait until the guests had de parted. "It is the dearest thing I have seen, said Beverly, holding a rare old candle stick at arm's length and looking at it in as many ways as the wrist could turn. Her loose sleeves ended Just be low the elbows. The count's ,eyes fol lowed the graceful curves of her white forearm with an eagerness that was annoying. "I prize it more dearly than any other piece in my collection," he said, "It came from Rome. It has a history which I Bhall try to tell you some day and which makes it almost invaluable. A German nobleman offered me mall fortune if I would part with it. "And you wouldn't sell it?" "I was saving it for an occasion, your highness," he said, his steely eyes glittering. "The glad hour has come When I can part with it for a recom pense far greater than the baron's KOld." Oh. isn't It lucky you kept itr she cried. Thou she turned nor eyw. nuioklv. for his g:ize seemed greedily endeavoring to pierce through the lace insertion covering her neck and shoul ders. Outside the window the steady tramp of the tall guard went on mo- The recompense of a sweet smile, a tender blush and the unguarded thanks of a pretty woman. The can dlestick Is yours, Miss Calhoun-lf you will repay me for my sacrifice by ac cepting it without reservation." Slowly Beverly Calhoun set the can dlestick down upon the table, her eyes meeting his with steady aisaain. "What a rare old Jester you are, Count Marlanx." she said without a smile "If I thought you were in ear nest I should scream with laughter. May I suggest that we Join the count ess? We must hurry along, you know. She and I have promised to play tennis vlth the princess at 3 o'clock." 'The count's glare of disappointment lasted b-it a moment The diplomacy of ego tism came to his relief, and he held bark the gift for another day, but not tar Buother woman. grieves me to have you hurry away. My afternoon is to be a dull ou unlets you permit me to watch the twuiis game," he said. 1 thought you were interested only in the game of war," she said point- 'I stand in greater awe of a tenuis ball thau I do of a cannon ball, if it la sent by such an arm as yours," and he not only laid his eyes, but his baud, upon her bare arm. She started as if something had stung her, and a cold shiver raced over her warm flesh. His eyes for the moment held her spell iwmnd. He was drawing the hand to his lips when a shadow darkened the French window, and a sauer rauieu warningly. Count Marlanx looked up insianii, a scowl on uis iuce. imu -the window in an attitude of al.-" at tention. Beverly drew uer orm .. .. ay spasmodically and took a step toward the window. The guard saw by her eves that she was frightened; but, if his heart beat violently, his face was the picture of military stoniness. "What are you doing Uierer snarieu the count. "Did your highness call .'" asked Hai- dos coolly. "She did not call, fellow!" said ttie count, with deadly menace in his voice.. Report to me in half an hour. You still have something to learn, I see." Beverly was alarmed by the threat in his tones. She saw what was 111 store for Baldos, for she knew quite as well as Marlanx that the guard had delib erately intervened in her behalf. He cannot come In half an hour! she cried quickly. "I have something for him to do, Count Marlanx. Besides, think I did call." Both men stared at her. "My ears are excellent," said Mar lanx stiffly. "I fancy Baldos' must be even better, for he heard me," said Beverly, herself once more. The shadow of a smile crossed the face of the guard. He Is impertinent, insolent, your highness. You will report to me tomor row, sir, at 9 o'clock In Colonel Quin- nox's quarters. Now, go!" commanded the count. Wait a minute, Baldos. We are go ingout too. Will you open that win dow for me?" Baldos gladly took it as a command and threw open the long French window. She gave him a grate ful glance as she stepped through, and he could scarcely conceal the gleam of Joy that shot into his own eyes. The dark scowl on the count's face made absolutely no impression upon him. He closed the window and followed ten paces behind the couple. "Your guard Is a priceless treasure," said the count grimly. "That's what you said about the can dlestick," said she sweetly. She was disturbed by his threat to reprimand Baldos. For some time her mind had been struggling with what the count had said about "the lesson." It grew upon her that her friend had been bullied and humiliated, perhaps in the presence of spectators. Resent ment fired her curiosity into action. While the general was explaining one of the new gun carriages to the count ess Beverly walked deliberately over to where Baldos was standing. Haddan's knowledge of English was exceedingly limited, and he could understand but little of the rapid conversation. Stand ing squarely in front of Baldos, she questioned him in low tones. "What did he mean when he said he had given you a lesson?" she demand fd. His eyes gleamed merrily. "He meant to alarm your highness." "Didn't he give you a talking to?" "He coached me in ethics." ' "You are evading the question, sir. Was he mean and nasty to you? Tell me; I want to know." "Well, he said things that a soldier must endure. A civilian or an equal might have run him through for it, your highness." A flush rose to his cheeks, and his lips quivered ever so slightly. But Beverly saw and understood. Her heart was in her eyes. "That settles it," she said rigidly. "You are not to report to him at 9 tomorrow." "But he will have me shot, your highness," said he gladly. "He will do nothing of the kind. You are my guard." And her eyes were gleaming dangerously. Then she re joined the group, the members of which had been watching her curious ly. "Count Marlanx," she said, with entrancing dimples, "will you report to me at 9 tomorrow morning?" "I have an appointment," he said slowly, but with understanding. "But you will break it I am sure," she asserted confidently. "I want to give you a lesson in In lawn tennis." Later on, when the victoria was well away from the fort. Dagmar took her companion to tusic tor tioiamg in pub lic friendly discourse with a member of the guard, whoever he might be. "It is altogether contrary to custom and"- But Beverly put her hand over the critical lips and smiled like a guilty child. "Now, don't scold," she pleaded, and 1,1 nnimtsa could bo no further. The following morning Count Mar lanx reported at 9 o'clock with much better grace than he had suspected himself capable of exercising. What she taught him of tennis on the royal courts In the presence of an amused audience was as nothing to what he learned of strategy as It can be prac ticed by a whimsical girl. Almost be fore he knew It she bad won exemp tion for Baldos, that being the stake for the first set of singles. To his credit, the count was game. He took the wager, knowing that he In his Ignorance could not win from the blithe young expert in petticoats. Then he offered to wager the brass candle stick against her bracelet. She consid ered for a moment and then In a spirit of enthusiasm accepted the proposition. After all, she coveted the candlestick. Half an hour later an orderly was rid ing to the fort with instructions to re turn at once with Miss Calhoun's can dlestick. It is on record that they were "love" sets, which goes to prove that Beverly took no chances. Count Marlanx, puffing ami perspir ing, his Joints dismayed and his bruiu confused, rode away at noon with Baron Dangloss. Beverly, quite happy hi her complete victory, enjoyed a nap of profound sweetness and then was ready for her walk with the princess. They were strolling leisurely about the beautiful grounds, sufe In the Bhade of the trees from the heat of the July sun, when Baron Dangloss approached. "Your royal highness," he began, with his fierce smile, "may I beg a mo ment's audience?" "It has to do with Baldos, I'll take oath," said Beverly with conviction. "Yes, with your guard. Yesterday he visited the fortress. He went in an offi cial capacity, it is true, but he was privileged to study the secrets of our defense with alarming freedom. It would not surprise me to find that this stranger has learned everything there is to know about the fort." His listen ers were silent. The smiles left their faces. "I am not saying that he would betray us" "No, no!" protested Beverly. "but he is in a position to give the most valuable information to an ene niv. An officer has Just Informed me that Baldos missed not a detail In re gard to the armament or the location of vital spots In the construction of the fortress." "But he wouldn't be so base as to use his knowledge to our undoing!" cried Yetlve seriously. "We only know that he Is not one of us. It Is not beyond reason that his al legiance is to another power Daws bergeu, for Instance. Count Marlanx Is not at all in sympathy with him, you are aware. He is convinced that Ba'- Baldos stood at the window. dos is a man of consequence, possibly one of our bitterest enemies, and he hates him. For my own part, 1 may say that I like the man. I believe he is to be trusted, but if he be an agent of Volga or Gabriel, his opportunity has come. He Is in a position to make ac curate maps ofthe fort and of all our masked fortifications along the city walls." Beyond a doubt the baron was worried. "Neither am I one of you," said Bev erly stoutly. "Why shouldn't I prove to be a traitress?" "You have no quarrel with us. Miss Calhoun," said Dangloss. "If anything happens, then, I am to be blamed for It!" she cried in deep distress. "I brought him to Edelweiss, and I believe In him." "For his own sake, your highness, and, -Miss Calhoun, I suggest that no opportunity should be given him to communicate with the outside world. We cannot accuse him, of course, but we can protect him. I come to ask your permission to have him detailed for duty only In -places where no sus picion can attach to any of his ac tions." "You mean inside the city walls?" asked Yetlve. "Yes, your highness, and as far as possible from the fortress." "I think It Is a wise precaution. Don't be angry, Beverly," the princess said gently. "It is for his own sake, you see. I am acting on the presump tion that he is wholly Innocent of any desire to betray us." "It would be easy for some one high In position to accuse and convict him," 8aiu uaugloss meaningly. "And it would be just like some one, too," agreed Beverlv. her thnnoi.ta with the others', going toward none out one man "bigh In power." Later In the day she called Baldos m . -Hie rt io her wee ns uu-y were rtamg sr. t castle avenue. She was determined to try a little experiment of her own. "Baldos, what do you think of the fortress?" she asked. "I could overthrow It after half an hour's bomlmrdmeut, your highness," he answered without thinking. She started violently. "Is It possible? Are there so many weak points?" Bhe went on, catching her breath. "There are three vital points of weak ness, your highness. The magazine can be reached from the outside If one knows the lay of the land, the parade grouud exposes the uiumuuitiou build lug to certain disadvantages and the big guns could be silenced In an hour If an enemy had the sense first to bom bard from the elevation northeast of the city." "Good heavens!" gasped poor Bever ly. "Have you studied all this out?" "I was once a real soldier, your high ness." he said BlmpiyC "It was impos sible for me not to see the dufwito In your fort." - "You you haven't told ally one r this, have you?" she cried, white fucen and anxious. "No one but your highness. You do uot employ uie as a talebearer, I trust," "I did not mean to question your honor," she said. "Would you mind going before the heads of the war de partment and telling them Just what you lyive told me? I mean about the weak spots.", "If It la your command, your high ness," he said quietly, but he was sur prised. "You may expect to bo summoned, then, so bold yourself In readiness. And Baldos" "Yes, your highness?" "You need say nothing to them of our having talked the mutter over be forehandunless they pin you down to it, you know." CHAPTER XV. f . 1 FEW hours later all was dark A I and silent within the castle. On y tbo stone walks below the I steady tread of sentinels rose on the still air. In the hallways the trusted . guardsmen glided about like specters or stood like statues. An hour before the great edifice had been bright and full of animation. Now it slum bered. It was 2 o'clock. The breath of roses scented the air; the gurgle of fountains was the only music that touched the ear. Beverly Calhoun, dismissing Aunt Fanny, stepped from her window out upon the great stone balcony. A rich oriental dressing gown, loose and comfortable, was her costume. Some thing told her that sleep would be a long time coming, and an hour in the warm, delightful atmosphere of the night was more attractive thon the close, sleepless silence of her own room. Every window along the balcony was dark, proving that the etitlre household had retired to rest. She was troubled. The fear had en tered her bead that the castle folk were regretting the advent of Baldos, that every one was questioning the wis dom of his being in the position he occupied through her devices. Her talk with him did much to upset her tran quillity. That he knew so much of the fortress bore out the subtle suspicions of Dangloss and perhaps others. . She was troubled, not that she doubted him, but that if anything went wrong an accusation against him, however unjust, would be difficult to overcome. And she would be to blame In a large degree. For many minutes she sat In the dark shadow of a great pillar, her el bows upon the cool balustrade, staring dreamily into the star studded vault above. Far away In the air she could see the tiny yellow lights of the monas tery, lonely sentinel on the mountain top. From the heights near that abode of peace and penitence an enemy could destroy the fortress to the south. Had not Baldos told her so? One big gun would do the work If It could be taken to that altitude. Baldos could draw a perfect map of the fortress. He could tell precisely where the shells should fall. And already the chief men In Edelweiss were wondering who he was and to what end be might util ize his knowledge. They were watch ing him; they were warning her. For the first time since she came to the castle she felt a sense of loneliness, a certain uiihappiness. She could not shake off the feeling that she was, after all, alone In her belief In Baldos. Her heart told her that the tall, straightforward fellow she had met in the hills was as honest as the day. She was deceiving him, she realized, but he was misleading no one. Off in a distant part of the castle ground she could see the long square shadow that marked the location of the barracks and mess room. There he was sleep ing, confidently believing in her and her power to save him from all harm. Something In her soul cried out to him that she would be stanch and true and that he might sleep without a tremor of apprehensiveness. Suddenly she smiled nervously and drew back Into the shadow of the pil lar. It occurred to her that he might be looking across the moonlit park, looking directly at her through all that shadowy distance. She was conscious of a strange glow .In her cheeks and a quickening of the blood as she pulled the folds of her gown across her bare throat "Not the moon, nor the stars, nor the light In St Valentine's, but the black thing away off there on the earth," said a soft voice behind her, and Bev erly started as If the supernatural had approached her. She turned to face the princess, who stood almost at her Bide. "Yetlve! How did you get here?" "That is what you are looking at dear." went on Yetlve as if completing her charge. fWhy are you not In bed?" you, asms 5rr5 came over her ti y tt uer arm about itoX Cv "I uave been Wat.. i n hour." she Bu,d ge ,g?'r look at the moon "nuL oe? I,tltn,yKrt;8irS1eU, us sit here together i! Ca8tll!' l awhile." fe 6r dear. and t "You dear Yetlve," and n I'or down beside her on '"But listen. I mnt ZT thing out of your Jad V-' looking at anything inVv M , "Overly, I bele S?,ar" T tag of Baldos," said the U0C? Rem straying fondly aero 1 l,8' soft hair. 088 to girl', "Ridiculous!" said Beverlv for the first time that hTwa? out of her thoughts. Tha W k: came like a blow, aud her , W very wide out there h, And you are troubled on u, 1 count I know It, dear. yJ5 1 U "Well Yetlve, why should?. . 1 worried? 1 brought him his will," protested Bevevh ,, thing Bhould happen to him-lsil.1 dcred Involuntarily. "Don't be afraid, Beverlv u ' much confidence In him L J Us eyes are true. tireufuH In him, too, and g0 does Mr a,' , Orea says he would swear by him matter who he Is." 'tlJ pe'iSf th0'0th''sr 4 "Baron Daugloss Is his friend and J Is Qulnnox. They know a mm T, count Is different." ' , '""8 ago," i : yard- 1 ! M31 f rods' j J.l tan"' M t spray I R. I pare ! Ml- l visi' I days 1 Fn town I fin 1 do ai' Hon1 I En I prat Jo I team I fori ! Pat "I loathe that old wrMii "IIllMhl tT lina .,t .'. 'I. i any way." "But ho has been unfair and J to Baldos." , y "It Is a soldier's lot, my dear." I "But he may be I'rluce Dantan or Frederic or the other one, don't m know," argued Beverly, clinching y hands firmly. "In that event he would be an hoi oruble soldier, and we have nothing tir fear. In hliu. Neither of them K enemy. It is the possibility that he li : not one of tlnmi that makes his pm ence here look dangerous." t "I don't want to talk about him,'' said Beverly, but she was dlsuppoltt ' ed when the princess obliging -changed the subject. Baldos was not surprised, sc-artd; more than Interested,. wbeu, a daj , two later, he was suiumoued to appet" before the board of Btrategy. Hut one had told hlui, however, tint oat recent night a pair of dreunij graj eyes had tried to Dad his window la the great black shadow he uilghttat jumped In amazement aud delist For at that very hour he was looking off toward the castle, and his thought were of the girl who drew back Into : the shadow of the pillar. i The Graustark ministry had recnN, news from the southern frontier. M sengers came In with the alurmlug iml ' significant report that Duwsteset; was strengthening her fortifications In ' the passes and "moving war suppto; northward. If meant that Gabriel and ; his people expected a tight and wert preparing for It. Couut Halfont hasti l ly called the mlulsters together, aai Lorry and the princess took part la their deliberations. General Mate . represented the army, and It wai at J who finally asked to have Balis j brought before the council. ; The Iron Count plainly Intimated ttit ; the new guard was in a position to J transmit valuable Information to ft enemy. Colonel Qulnnox sent for bin and Baldos was soon standing In th presence of Yetive and her advls , He looked about him with a singular ; smile. The one whom be was supposed t to regard as the princess was not In i the council chamber. Lorry opened examination at the request of Count Halfont. the premier. Baldos quietly answered the questions concerning W present position, his age, his term of r enlistment and his Interpretation's the obligations required of him. ; (TO BE CONTINUED.) J tf. - On PftS'9 lor the OBSERVE! 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