PERCY
 
 . IffiaARY. LOS ANGELES 
 
 PRINCESS MARITZA
 
 
 
 
 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 i 
 
 73y 
 PERCY BREBNER 
 
 WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY 
 HARRISON FISHER 
 
 
 GROSSET & DUNLAP 
 
 PUBLISHERS : : NEW YORK 
 
 
 UNIV. OF CALIF. LIBRARY, LOS ANGELES
 
 Copyright, iyyd, 
 T. J. McBRIDE & SON 
 
 PUBLISHED, OCTOBER
 
 Co 
 V. F. G. 
 
 2125870
 
 CONTENTS 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 PLAYING TRUANT, 1 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 MONSIEUR DE FROILETTE, . . . .13 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 THE WOMAN IN THE SILK MASK, ... 27 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 THE COURT OF STURATZBERG, .... 38 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 Two VISITORS, . . . . . . .53 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 FRINA MAVRODIN'S GUEST, .... 66 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 THE TIME ARRIVES, ..... 79
 
 vi CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 FAGB 
 
 THE IRON BRACELET, ..... 95 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 THE DUEL, 106 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 THE FOLLY OF A SOLDIER, . . . . . 117 
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 IN THE Bois, 131 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 GRIGOSIE, ..... 145 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 THE CASTLE IN THE HILLS, . . . .158 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 THE TOKEN is DELIVERED, . . . 174 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 THE RACE FOR LIFE, . . . 184 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 THE TRAITOR, ... 19<j
 
 CONTENTS rii 
 
 CHAPTER XVH. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 THE TRUE WORTH OF BARON PETRESCTJ, . . 209 
 
 CHAPTER XVHI. 
 
 Six LOYAL MEN, 223 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 IN DESPERATE STRAITS, ..... 234 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 TREACHERY OR SACRIFICE, .... 245 
 
 CHAPTER XXI. 
 
 THE RESCUE, 256 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 IN VASILICI'S STRONGHOLD, .... 2*68 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 THE TEMPTATION OF FRINA MAVRODIN, . .281 
 
 CHAPTER XXIV. 
 
 How MARITZA ENTERED STURATZBERG, . . 293 
 
 CHAPTER XXV. 
 'TwixT LOVE AND PITY, 305
 
 viii CONTENTS 
 
 CHAPTER XXVI. 
 
 PAGE 
 
 REBELLION, ....... 317 
 
 CHAPTER XXVII. 
 
 IN PURPLE AND RED AND GOLD, . . .330 
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII. 
 
 THE DIPLOMACY OF LORD CLOVERTON, . . 345 
 
 CHAPTER XXIX. 
 
 AFTER WAR PEACE, . . ... 355
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 PLAYING TRUANT 
 
 A BREEZY morning after a night of rain. Fleecy clouds, 
 some in massive folds and fantastic shape, some in small 
 half -transparent wisps like sunlit ghosts, were driven rap- 
 idly across the blue. Hurrying shadows flecked the swell- 
 ing bosom of the downs, and where the grass was long it 
 rippled like a green sea, making rustling music. Over- 
 head the larks fluttering upward, ever-diminishing specks 
 to the empyrean, carolled their joyous song, and a thou- 
 sand perfumes filled the air. It was a morning to live in, 
 to enjoy, to take into one's lungs in deep, intoxicating 
 draughts, until the sorrows of life and its cares were forgot- 
 ten; a morning that lent strong wings to ambition, filling 
 the future with hope and the promise of realized desires. 
 
 Something of the aspect of the morning was reflected 
 in the face of the man who stoutly climbed the downs 
 against the wind. He was above the average height, but 
 did not give the impression of being tall. His frame was. 
 well knit and muscular; strength and power of endurance 
 above the common were evident in every movement; and 
 there was a quiet determination in his face which pro- 
 claimed him one of those who would be likely to succeed 
 in anything he undertook, no matter what dangers and diffi- 
 culties might stand in his path, one who would march 
 straight forward to his object even as he breasted the downs 
 this morning. Most men would have pronounced him 
 1
 
 2 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 handsome, judging, as men ever do, by build and muscle; 
 women might have hesitated to give an opinion in spite of 
 the well-cut, clean-shaven face, and the dark blue eyes 
 which never looked away from a person with whom their 
 possessor talked. Perhaps there was a want of sympathy 
 in the face, a certain lack of that gentle deference which so 
 appeals to women in a man, that silent recognition of the 
 woman's power which is so pleasant to her. 
 
 Desmond Ellereyhad had little to do with women. He 
 did not pretend to understand them, and it had never oc- 
 curred to him that there was any reason why he should 
 strive to do so. He had experienced pleasant moments in 
 their company, but one woman was pretty much the same 
 as another to him, and it is quite certain that no such thing 
 as a faded flower, or a glove, or love token of any kind held 
 a place among his treasures. No woman in the past had 
 given him a single heart throb which love lent a sense of pain 
 to, and it seemed unlikely that any woman would wish to 
 do so now. For Desmond Ellerey was a man under a cloud, 
 a very black cloud, the gloom of which even this breezy 
 morning could not entirely dispel from his face. He had 
 set himself to bear his burden bravely, but the task was a 
 heavy one. Surely those straightforward blue eyes gave 
 the lie to much that was said against him ? 
 
 There were few hours in the day in which he did not 
 brood over his trouble, over the loss of his career which it 
 involved, and as he approached the top of the downs his 
 eyes were bent upon the ground in deep thought, while in 
 his heart was fierce rebellion against the world and his fel- 
 low men. 
 
 He was suddenly startled by a sharp and shrill " Hallo ! " 
 and at the same moment was aware of a straw hat racing 
 past him a little to his left. A run of a few yards enabled 
 him to intercept it, and he grasped it in bis strong fingers,
 
 PLAYING TRUANT 3 
 
 regardless of the flowers and ribbons upon it. Then he 
 turned to discover the owner. 
 
 She was standing on the summit of the downs, her loose 
 hair streaming in the breeze. She did not come to meet 
 him, but waited for him to go to her. 
 
 " I am afraid it is not improved," he said, handing her 
 the hat. 
 
 " I hardly expected it would be when I saw the way you 
 dived for it," she answered with a smile; "but thanks all 
 the same. Had it got past you, it would have been good- 
 bye to it altogether. Isn't this a morning ? " 
 
 " Very pleasant after the rain," he said. 
 
 " Pleasant ! " she cried. " Is that the best you can say 
 for it ? Pleasant ! Why it makes me feel that there is 
 nothing in the world which is beyond my power; no diffi- 
 culty I could not fight and overcome; no danger I could 
 not despise and laugh at. My blood is full of the very fire 
 of life, and I pant to do something something unexpected, 
 outrageous, desperate. Don't you ever feel like that ? " 
 
 "Sometimes." 
 
 " It is good to be a man," she went on. " He has the 
 world before him, with its high places waiting to be won. 
 There is nothing out of his reach, if he strive sufficiently, 
 no honor he may not win to. Oh, I wish I were a man ! " 
 
 There was a half -whimsical smile upon Ellerey's f ace, at 
 her enthusiasm, and in his eyes a look of admiration, which 
 he could not conceal, at her beauty. Her loose hair stream- 
 ing in the wind was the color of burnished copper, rich as 
 a golden autumn tint in the glow of an evening sun. Her 
 eyes were dark, yet of a changeful color, as full of secrets 
 as a deep pool in the hollow of a wood, quiet, silent secrets 
 which presently, when the time came, a lover might seek to 
 understand, yet promising angry and tempestuous moods 
 should storms happen. Her lips, parted often as though
 
 4 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 she were waiting for someone with eager expectation, re- 
 vealed an even row of pearly teeth, and the pink flush of 
 health and beauty was in her cheeks. She was tall : with 
 her hair done up, would have passed for a woman already, 
 Desmond thought; with it down, and her frock to her boot- 
 tops, she was still a girl, a beautiful girl, a very pleasant 
 picture to contemplate. 
 
 " Being a man is not always such a grand thing as you 
 suppose," Ellerey said after a pause. 
 
 " He has a freedom which a woman never has," the girl 
 answered quickly. " Oh, yes, women try, especially in this 
 country, I know, but it is never the same. She cannot be a 
 statesman, she cannot he a soldier. She cannot take her 
 life by the throat, as it were, and win place and power by 
 the sheer force of a good right arm as a man can." 
 
 " But she often succeeds in ruling the man after he has 
 won place and power," Ellerey answered. 
 
 " That sort of conquest does not appeal to me." 
 
 "Ah, but it will some day," he returned quickly, and 
 then he half regretted his words, remembering she was but 
 a girl. 
 
 She looked at him curiously for a moment, a smile upon 
 her lips, yet a little anger lurking in her eyes. 
 
 " You think I am very young," she said. 
 
 "Are you not?" 
 
 " And very innocent, or ignorant, or whatever word you 
 would use to explain me." 
 
 " You can hardly have probed life very deeply yet," said 
 Ellerey. 
 
 " Much deeper than you would imagine," she answered. 
 " You are not so very wise and old yourself, are you ? " 
 
 "Indeed, no; I fancy I am more of a fool than any- 
 thing else," he laughed. 
 
 "You should not let yourself think that," she said
 
 PLAYING TRUANT 5 
 
 gravely. " To think highly of one's powers is half-way to 
 success. That sounds as if I had stolen something from a 
 copy-book, doesn't it ? But no, I am speaking from expe- 
 rience. Why do you laugh? Some of us have to touch 
 life's hardships early." 
 
 " You do not show the marks of such experience," said 
 Ellerey , hardly knowing whether to treat her seriously or not. 
 
 " No, but I might, were I conscious of what is before 
 me. I am not as other girls. There is a destiny I have to 
 struggle towards, an end I must win. It was born into, 
 handed down in my blood through generations of men of 
 action. The ambition of those generations of men beats 
 to-day in the heart of a woman. It is a pity, but I shall 
 win, or die righting." 
 
 "At least the spirit in you deserves success." 
 
 "Come a little this way," she said, touching his arm, 
 and then she pointed down into the valley below them. 
 " Do you see that building yonder, white among the trees, 
 with a point of conical roof at the end of it ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " Do you know what it is ? " 
 
 "No." 
 
 " By this time they are hunting for me all over that place 
 down there. I heard the bell ring half an hour ago. That's 
 a school, a big, expensive, fashionable school, where they 
 teach young ladies how to behave properly, how to grow up 
 to rule those fighting men we were speaking of, how to fit 
 themselves to be their wives, and in due time the mothers of 
 their children in short, how to fulfil their destiny, wom- 
 an's destiny. They are trying to teach me." 
 
 "You? Then " 
 
 "Yes, I'm one of the girls there, and I've played truant, 
 and yes, I think I shall go back presently, when I have 
 taken my fill of freedom and this glorious morning."
 
 e PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " And will get punished, I am afraid," said Ellerey. 
 
 "Perhaps; but it will not be very heavy punishment. 
 It is strange, but they rather like me there, in spite of every- 
 thing." 
 
 " I do not think that is strange at all." 
 
 "No, you wouldn't; you're a man," she answered 
 quickly, "and men are weak where attractive women are 
 concerned, all the world over." 
 
 Such a declaration coming from a truant schoolgirl 
 somewhat startled Ellerey, and yet, as he looked at her, he 
 was more conscious of the woman than the girl. 
 
 " Oh, yes, I know I am attractive," she went on, and 
 there was no deepening of the color in her face as she said 
 it " I am glad that it is so. My looks will help me when 
 the work of my life begins in earnest, when I have played 
 the truant from school for the last time, and do not go 
 back." 
 
 " Then you intend to run away eventually ? " 
 
 "Yes, unless another way should seem better. That 
 shocks you. I often shock them down at the white house 
 yonder, and they excuse me because I am a foreigner. You 
 English are so polite. You do not seem to expect foreign- 
 ers to know how to behave, and you make excuses for them. 
 It is very funny. It makes me laugh," and she laughed so 
 merrily that her former gravity seemed more unnatural. 
 
 "You speak English perfectly. I should not have 
 taken you for a foreigner," said Ellerey. 
 
 "And French, and German, and my own tongue, I 
 speak them all perfectly. I have lived in all these coun- 
 tries. It was necessary." 
 
 " And you do not like England nor Englishmen ? " 
 
 " I have not said so," she answered; " but here in Eng- 
 land I am being taken care of, kept out of mischief, and 
 sometimes I feel like a prisoner. It is only that which
 
 PLAYING TRUANT 7 
 
 makes me dislike England. Of Englishmen I know little, 
 but I have read about them, and they have done some good, 
 brave deeds. They are, perhaps, just a little conceited 
 with themselves, don't you think ? There is no one quite 
 like an Englishman it would seem." 
 
 "There are all sorts, good and bad," said Ellerey care- 
 lessly. " At the best he wants a lot of beating ; at the worst, 
 well, he wants a lot of beating that way, too. How is it 
 you feel like a prisoner ? " 
 
 The girl drew herself up to her full height. There was 
 something haughty in her demeanor, occasioned, per- 
 haps, by the careless way in which he asked the question. 
 She felt that he was treating her rather like a spoilt child, 
 while she felt herself a determined woman. 
 
 " In my own country I am a princess," she said. 
 
 "Indeed?" 
 
 " You do not believe me ? " 
 
 "Why not? You look every inch a princess," he 
 answered. 
 
 " It is so like a man to say what he thinks will please," 
 she returned with a flash in her eyes. "You do not be- 
 lieve me, but you are afraid to say so. Go down there and 
 ask them." 
 
 " I do not disbelieve you," said Ellerey quietly. 
 
 The girl relented in a moment. 
 
 " We should be very good friends, you and I, if we knew 
 each other. You have ambition. I can see it in your 
 face." 
 
 "I had, Princess." 
 
 "Hush, no one calls me that here. Why do you say 
 you had ambition ? " 
 
 " You would not understand." 
 
 " Try me and see," she said, standing close beside him 
 as though to measure her strength against his for a moment.
 
 8 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " You may trust me. I would trust you anywhere, in peace 
 or war." 
 
 Ellerey looked at her curiously for an instant, with a sud- 
 den desire to take her into his confidence. Then he shook 
 his head slowly. It was pleasant to hear such faith ex- 
 pressed in him, and he was unwilling to destroy the faith of 
 this fair woman. Altogether a woman she seemed to him 
 just then. 
 
 " You will not. Never mind, perhaps one day you will. 
 Only never speak of ambition as something past. That is 
 weak and unmanly." 
 
 " Upon my honor, you do me good," Ellerey exclaimed. 
 
 "And you me," she answered eagerly. "To look at 
 you makes me feel strong. It is good when a man makes 
 a woman feel like that. I am a woman, although I am 
 still at school. There is southern blood in me, and we be- 
 come women earlier than English girls do. Listen ! There 
 are England, and France, and Germany, and Austria, and 
 Russia all interested in me, and nothing would please them 
 all so much as my death. As it is, I am a difficulty in all 
 their politics. They would like me to forget who, and 
 what, I am. They would marry me to some nobleman of 
 no importance, if they could, just to keep me quiet." 
 
 " And you will not be quiet. " 
 
 " No. Why should I be ? Would you ? In my coun- 
 try a usurper is upon the throne, kept there, held there, 
 like a child who would fall but for its nurse's arms, by all 
 the Powers of Europe. It is I who should be there. It is 
 I who will be there one day. Shall I tell you ? There 
 are hundreds, thousands, of men who are ready to strike in 
 my cause when the time is ripe. Even now there is a states- 
 man working to set these countries at cross purposes with 
 one another, and when they quarrel, then is my opportunity. 
 You shall see. That is why I said I would be a man if I
 
 PLAYING TRUANT 9 
 
 could. It would be so much easier for a man, but as it is, 
 a woman shall do it." 
 
 " I hope you may. You deserve to." 
 
 " But you doubt it ?" she said. 
 
 " There seein to be heavy odds against you." 
 
 " That helps me. It stirs up the best that is in me. It 
 is good to have something to struggle for, something to win, 
 and if I may not win, I hope to fall in the press of the fight, 
 and, to the loud funeral music of clashing steel, find the 
 death of a soldier. What is your name ? " 
 
 " Desmond Ellerey." 
 
 "It is an easy name to remember. Well, Desmond 
 Ellerey, if your ambition finds no outlet in England, come 
 to my country, to the city of Sturatzberg, and claim friend- 
 ship with Princess Maritza. She shall find you work for 
 your good right arm." 
 
 She walked away from him as though she had bestowed 
 a great favor, never looking back. She went in the oppo- 
 site direction to the school, her truant spirit not yet satisfied, 
 and Ellerey watched her until he lost sight of the tall, 
 graceful figure in a fold of the downs. Then he turned and 
 went slowly back the way he had come. 
 
 Desmond Ellerey had declared that she had done him 
 good. It was true. Although he walked slowly, his spirit 
 was stirred within him, and his blood ran with something 
 of its old vigor. Faced by a thousand difficulties, this girl 
 had the courage to look upon them bravely, and to believe 
 in her power to overcome them. That was her secret, the 
 belief in her own power. He had faced his difficulties 
 bravely enough, but he had not had the courage to hope; 
 therein lay his weakness, and this girl, this princess, had 
 shown it to him. He had allowed himself to drift into a 
 backwater; it was time he pulled out into the stream again,
 
 10 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 and fought his way back to his rightful place, inch by inch, 
 against whatever tide might run. 
 
 For some little time he had been staying with Sir Charles 
 and Lady Martin, two people who had looked into his eyes 
 when he had denied the charges brought against him, and 
 had believed him. 
 
 As he crossed the lawn toward the house he met his 
 host. 
 
 " I have had an adventure, Charles ; I have met a prin- 
 cess." 
 
 "There are some pretty rustic maidens in the village. 
 I have been struck with their beauty myself." 
 
 " I mean a real Princess ; at least, she said so," Des- 
 mond answered. "She was playing truant from school, 
 a large white house, on the other side of the downs." 
 
 "Do you mean a tall, red-headed girl?" asked Sir 
 Charles. 
 
 " Have you seen her ? " Desmond asked. 
 
 " No, but I know all about her." 
 
 "Ah, I thought you couldn't have seen her, or you 
 wouldn't describe her as a tall, red-headed girl. She's the 
 most beautiful woman I ever saw. She spoke the truth, 
 then ; she is a Princess ? " 
 
 " Oh, yes, but the sooner she forgets the fact the better 
 for her and for for everybody. She is the descendant of 
 a line of rulers chiefly remarkable for their inability to rule, 
 and her chance of ascending the throne of her fathers is ab- 
 solutely nil, fortunately for Europe. You are not a stu- 
 dent of contemporary history, Desmond, or you would 
 know something about Wallaria and its exiled Princess." 
 
 " I am not a diplomat, but a soldier at least, I was," 
 Desmond answered. " Still, I should like to improve my 
 knowledge." 
 
 " That is easily managed," said Sir Charles. " If you
 
 PLAYING TRUANT 11 
 
 come into the library I can find you a heap of literature con- 
 cerning this little wasps' nest of a state, and when you have 
 mastered the position, thank your natal stars that you were 
 not born to take a hand in ruling it. It is a menace to 
 Europe, Desmond, that's the truth of the matter. Wal- 
 laria may at any time be the cause of a European war. If 
 this Princess of yours had her way, that time would not be 
 long in coming." 
 
 For the remainder of the day Desmond Ellerey filled a 
 comer of the library with tobacco smoke, and his head with 
 a thousand details concerning Wallaria. When he went to 
 dress for dinner he felt that he had been reading an absorb- 
 ing romance, and blessed the good fortune which had 
 brought about the meeting on the downs. 
 
 " Helen and I have been talking about you, Desmond," 
 said Sir Charles after dinner. 
 
 " Not revising your opinion of me, I hope." 
 
 " No," said Lady Martin, " but thinking of your future. 
 Why not travel for a little while, Desmond; for a year or 
 so ? It will give time for the truth to leak out. It will leak 
 out, you know, even as a lie does." 
 
 " I have made up my mind to go abroad," said Des- 
 mond quietly. "I shall clear out of England before the 
 month is over. It has been awfully good of you both to 
 have me here at a time when most of my friends found it 
 convenient to forget me. I shall not come back until the 
 men who were so ready to accuse me have eaten their words 
 and the country so ready to dispense with my services asks 
 for them again." 
 
 " That will come in time," said Lady Martin. 
 
 "I am glad to hear your determination," said Sir 
 Charles. " Where are you going ? " 
 
 "To Wallaria." 
 
 " Wallaria !"
 
 12 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " Why not ? It seems there is room for a soldier there." 
 
 Sir Charles looked grave. 
 
 " But, Desmond, supposing " 
 
 " I know what you would say," returned Ellerey quickly. 
 " Supposing Englishmen should have to fight against Wal- 
 laria, and I should have to carry arms against my country ; 
 well, with whom does the fault lie, with England or with 
 me ? England has dispensed with my services, believing 
 a lie; she drives me from her, and makes me a renegade. 
 What allegiance do I owe to England ? I will offer my 
 sword to Wallaria, and if she will have it, by Heaven, she 
 shall." 
 
 Lady Martin put her hand upon his shoulder, pressed it 
 in kindly sympathy for a moment, and then left the room. 
 
 " Sleep on it, Desmond, you will think better of it in the 
 morning," said Sir Charles. 
 
 "You have been very good to me, both of you," said 
 Ellerey, turning round suddenly when Lady Martin had 
 gone. "I can never thank you enough. It seems poor 
 gratitude to pain you now. Such a contingency as we imag- 
 ine will probably never arise, but I have decided to go." 
 
 " The Princess has bewitched you." 
 
 "Nonsense. Am I not offering my sword to the 
 usurper, her enemy ? My ambitions have been nipped like 
 a tree in the budding here, and I see a new outlet for my en- 
 ergies yonder, that is all. My own country despises me. I 
 hope for better things from the country of my adoption."
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 MONSIEUR DE FROILETTE 
 
 AT a turn of the road which had been deserted for some two 
 hours past, a man suddenly reined in his horse to a walking 
 pace. He had ridden far, for his dress was dusty, and the 
 animal showed signs of fatigue. The evening was stormy- 
 looking, and there was a bite in the wind blowing from the 
 higher lands to the plain. 
 
 The road ran, with many a twist and turn, between 
 dense woods on one side, and rugged waste ground, with 
 tangled patches of undergrowth, on the other. Here and 
 there a clearing had been made in the woods, and a rough 
 dwelling erected, but they were apparently deserted ; there 
 were no signs of life about them this evening. The man 
 rode easily, yet with constant watchfulness. The times 
 were unsettled and dangerous, and the slightest unfamiliar 
 sound instantly attracted his attention. He was accus- 
 tomed to be on the alert, and whatever thoughts held sway 
 behind his gloomy looks, they were not sufficiently absorb- 
 ing to render him careless for a moment. 
 
 Suddenly he pulled his horse to a standstill, turning 
 sharply in his saddle to look back upon the way he had 
 come. Then he examined his holster, and, moving his 
 horse to a position which gave him a better command of the 
 road, sat quietly waiting. 
 
 The sound which had attracted his attention grew rap- 
 idly nearei, and presently three riders came round the bend
 
 14 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 at a gallop, one some paces in advance of his companions. 
 He pulled up short, seeing the motionless horseman by the 
 roadside, scenting danger and ready for it; but the next 
 moment he raised his hat with pronounced courtesy, and 
 bowed low in his saddle. 
 
 "Pardon, monsieur," he said, "but one sees a possible 
 enemy in so unexpected an encounter." 
 
 " Unexpected, monsieur ? " 
 
 " I said so. May I add fortunate, too ? " 
 
 "Such enemies as you suggest seldom stand singly," 
 was the rather ungracious answer. 
 
 " And in these times wise men seldom ride alone, mon- 
 sieur, " came the quick retort. "I travel with an escort 
 myself, you see, Captain Ellerey. I do not make a mis- 
 take, I think; you are Captain Ellerey of his Majesty's 
 Regiment of Chasseurs ?" 
 
 " That is my name." 
 
 "And you are returning to Sturatzberg? Good! We 
 can proceed together," and without waiting for an assent 
 to this arrangement, he ordered his servants to go forward, 
 and watched them until they had disappeared. "Now, 
 monsieur, we may go forward at our leisure." 
 
 " I have not the honor of " 
 
 " My name. Ah, it is of small consequence. Jules de 
 Froilette, at your service. It is unknown to you ?" 
 
 " I think so, but your face seems familiar," said Ellerey, 
 as they went on together. 
 
 "Ah, yes. I go to Court sometimes." 
 
 "And I but seldom, monsieur." 
 
 " Then you may have seen me in the streets of Sturatz- 
 berg. I know the city well, and have nothing to hide. I 
 have interests in this country, let us say, in timber; it is the 
 answer I give when I am questioned, for no one respects a 
 lazy man. A voluntary exile from my country, I have no
 
 MONSIEUR DE FROILETTE 15 
 
 quarrel with France, nor she with me. In these days men 
 are become cosmopolitan, is it not so ?" 
 
 " It looks like it in Sturatzberg," Ellerey replied. 
 
 " Monsieur is also an exile, and has no quarrel with his 
 motherland ?" 
 
 "At least I do not speak of it, Monsieur De Froilette." 
 
 "Pardon me, I am not inquisitive. You crave for 
 excitement, so come to Sturatzberg. The promise of ad- 
 venture will ever attract men of spirit and " 
 
 "And the failures at home," suggested Ellerey. 
 
 "I was going to say men of courage," De Froilette 
 answered, " but the failures come, too, and succeed some- 
 times." 
 
 "You are as doubtful of the reward as I am," said 
 Ellerey, laughing. 
 
 De Froilette did not join in his merriment. 
 
 "A Captain of Horse is not to be despised," he said 
 slowly, glancing furtively at his companion. 
 
 '* True, but he remains a Captain of Horse. I expected 
 rapid events in this country, and quick promotion for those 
 who came out of the struggle with their lives. Instead, 
 we have an expedition against some brigands' fastness, 
 which is deserted when we arrive, or a troop to quell a 
 petty riot which has fizzled out when we get there, and that 
 is all." 
 
 "And monsieur thirsts for more; the desperate encoun- 
 ter and the bloody sword; for high place and Court favor." 
 
 '* Is it too great an ambition ? " Ellerey demanded. 
 "Do we not all from the bottom rung of the ladder look 
 eagerly toward the top the student to the masters of 
 his profession, the apprentice to the seat of his employer ? 
 Why should not a soldier look for high favor at Court ?" 
 
 " Such favor must be won, Captain Ellerey." 
 
 " I am willing to win it."
 
 16 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " Patience. You shall not always find those fastnesses 
 deserted, those riots quelled when you arrive. This is the 
 waiting time, the preparing time, and there are difficulties 
 in the way of promotion. Let me ask you, are you loved 
 in your regiment ?" 
 
 "Neither loved nor hated." 
 
 "And in the cityr" 
 
 "I have few friends. A Captain of Horse does not 
 command them." 
 
 "That is not the reason. It is because you are a 
 foreigner," De Froilette answered. " You are welcome to 
 fight this country's battles, welcome to get killed in them, 
 but you must not participate in any rewards. If Sturatz- 
 berg could do without us, how many foreigners would wake 
 to-morrow in the city, think you ?" 
 
 "All Europe has talked of such a rebellion, but it does 
 not come," said Ellerey. 
 
 " It will," was the answer, " and if you are strong enough 
 you may take the reward." 
 
 "You speak in riddles." 
 
 " Is it wise to speak plainly ?" and De Froilette swept 
 out his arm as though the prospect before them gave the 
 answer. They had left the woods and the rough country 
 behind them, and were approaching houses, for Sturatzberg 
 had grown and spread itself beyond its walls. In the 
 distance the lights of the city blinked under the dome of 
 growing darkness, while to the right a long line cf light 
 marked the citadel and the palace of the King. 
 
 " There are ever- watchful eyes, ever- waking ears about 
 us, looking and listening for treachery," De Froilette went 
 on. " Every man suspects his neighbor, and has fingers 
 ready for the knife handle. Yonder in the citadel, amid 
 the laughter and the music, a dozen plots will creep forward
 
 17 
 
 a space before the dawn. Does monsieur, the Captain, 
 long to play a part in the intrigues there ?" 
 
 "Yes, so that it is honest." 
 
 "Monsieur must decide. We part here, it is better 
 so. Come to me to-night, at the Altstrasse, 12, at ten 
 o'clock. We can talk further. Until then, au revoir" 
 and De Froilette put his horse into a canter, leaving Ellerey 
 to pursue his way alone. 
 
 Entering the city by the eastern gate, Ellerey crossed 
 the Konigplatz at walking pace on his way to his lodging 
 by the Western Gate. They were a pleasure-loving people 
 in Sturatzberg, working as little as possible, and spending 
 without a thought of the morrow. The cafes were full 
 to-night, the laughter sounded genuine enough, and there 
 was little indication of the coming storm of revolution so 
 confidently predicted by De Froilette. Ellerey's mind 
 was busy with the events of the afternoon. For two years 
 he had been in Sturatzbeg, ready to seize the opportunity 
 of distinguishing himself whenever it arose. It had not 
 come yet. His life had been passed on a dead level of 
 inactivity, and the stirring times he had hoped for seemed 
 as far away as ever. Many a time had his thoughts gone 
 back to that breezy morning on the downs, and he devoutly 
 wished that Princess Maritza would come to Sturatzberg, 
 so that he might go to her, claim friendship with her, and 
 ask for that work for his good right arm which she had 
 promised to give. Who was this De Froilette, and why 
 should he take an interest in him or wish to help him? 
 For such favors there was always a price to be paid in 
 some form or other. Would it be wise to go to the Alt- 
 strasse ? And another question came to him, a question 
 that set his pulse beating faster for a moment. Was this De 
 Froilette an emissary of the Princess Maritza ? Might she 
 not be in Sturatzberg now ? Might he not see her to-night ? 
 2
 
 18 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " I would risk anything for that," he said, as he swung 
 himself from the saddle, " and whatever the adventure is, 
 so that it has a spice of danger in it, it is welcome. I shall 
 know how to take care of myself if the price asked be too 
 heavy." 
 
 A big, bearded man came forward to take the horse, 
 and the manner in which he drew the back of his hand 
 across his mouth suggested that he had left the tankard 
 hastily. 
 
 " Has anyone inquired for me, Stefan ? " 
 
 " No, Captain, I have been undisturbed until now," the 
 man answered in a deep voice well suited to his frame, 
 as he led the horse away. Knowing his soldier-servant's 
 weakness and his capacity for indulging in it with im- 
 punity, Ellerey wondered how long a time he would re- 
 quire undisturbed before signs of his potations showed 
 themselves. Drink heavily he certainly did, but since he 
 never exhibited any ill effects from it, at night or morning, 
 it would have been unjust to call him a drunkard. 
 
 The Altstrasse was of the old town, a narrow thorough- 
 fare of gaunt houses which now sheltered a dozen families 
 in rooms where the wealthy had once lived, and in which 
 Ministers and Ambassadors had entertained the wit, 
 beauty, and bravery of nations. These glories had de- 
 parted to the palatial buildings which had grown up round 
 the citadel, leaving the Altstrasse as misfortune may leave 
 a gentleman, the marks of breeding evident though he be 
 clad in rusty garments. Over the doorways, through 
 which tatterdemalions, men, women, and children, 
 flocked in and out, were handsome carvings, deep-cut 
 crests and coats -of -arms ; ragged garments were hung 
 to dry over handsome balustrades and wrought-iron rail- 
 ings; while in the rough and broken roadway garbage, 
 cast there days since, lay rotting where it had fallen. Poverty
 
 MONSIEUR DE FROILETTE 19 
 
 had seized upon the place, flaunting poverty, seeking 
 no concealment. Ellerey had passed through the Alt- 
 strasse before to-night, but the surroundings had had 
 no particular interest for him then. Now they arrested 
 his attention. What plots might not have birth and grow 
 to dangerous maturity in such surroundings, among such 
 people as these ? The rabble had overrun these deserted 
 mansions; might it not one day hammer at the doors of 
 the palaces by the citadel yonder with demands not to be 
 gainsaid ? What manner of man was this De Froilette, 
 what ends had he in view, that he should live in such a 
 place ? 
 
 Number 12 looked as faded as its neighbors, showed 
 even fewer lights in its windows, and, except that no 
 small crowd hung about the closed door, was no whit 
 more attractive than ever. Ellerey's summons was 
 answered immediately, however, and he entered a large 
 bare stone hall, the dim light which hung in the centre 
 disclosing many fast-closed doors on either side. 
 
 "Monsieur is expected," said the man deferentially, 
 leading the way down a stone passage and up a flight of 
 stairs to a landing corresponding with the hall below. But 
 how different ! Here was luxury. A deep carpet deadened 
 the footfall, rich curtains hung over windows and door- 
 ways, and ancient arms were upon the walls. Ellerey had 
 little time to appreciate more than the general effect, for 
 the man, drawing back a heavy curtain, opened a door, 
 and without making any announcement stood aside for 
 him to enter. 
 
 "Welcome, mon ami, welcome," said De Froilette, 
 coming forward to meet him. "Confidences are easier 
 here than on the highway." 
 
 The room was perfect, the abode of a man of taste 
 with the means to gratify it to the full. It was costly and
 
 20 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 unique, a collector's room, discriminately arranged, and 
 the owner, motioning his guest to a chair, was worthy of 
 his surroundings. In the afternoon he had been muffled 
 in a cloak, and Ellerey had noticed little of his appearance 
 beyond the fact that his eyes were dark and restless. Now 
 he saw a man courtly and distinguished in a manner, 
 with a clever, earnest face, at once attractive and inviting 
 confidence. His hair, cut short, and his beard trimmed 
 to a fine point, were black with a few streaks of white in 
 them, but his face was young looking, the lines few and 
 faint. His fifty years sat lightly upon him. One would 
 have judged him a student, or a traveller, rather than a 
 politician, or a man fighting life strenuously. 
 
 " My surroundings surprise you ?" he said, with a smile. 
 
 " Such things are hardly looked for in the Altstrasse," 
 Ellerey answered. 
 
 "They are a part of myself, Captain [Ellerey, but I 
 wish to remain in privacy. Your elect of the city do not 
 naturally visit in the Altstrasse, and I have rooms below 
 bare enough to impress uninteresting people with the fact 
 that I am a poor sort of fellow, and likely to be an unprofit- 
 able acquaintance. For my friends well, you see, I have 
 other apartments." 
 
 "I thank you for the preference shown me," said 
 Ellerey, with a bow. 
 
 "And since we parted have been speculating on the 
 reason, is it not so ?" 
 
 "Naturally." 
 
 " I think I can help you ; I believe you can assist me. 
 There is the position in a nutshell. I am honest. I make 
 no pretence of liking unprofitable friends myself. But 
 we will talk afterward, monsieur," he added, as a servant 
 announced supper, and De Froilette led the way into an 
 adjoining room.
 
 MONSIEUR DE FROILETTE 21 
 
 The meal was faultlessly served at a round table lighted 
 by candles in quaint silver candlesticks. Although not 
 exactly an epicure, De Froilette understood a supper of 
 this description as perhaps only a Frenchman can, and 
 his taste in wines was excellent. He led the conversation 
 into general topics, talked of Paris and London with equal 
 ease and knowledge, and of Berlin, Vienna, and St. Peters- 
 burg only a little less intimately. 
 
 "I have said I am cosmopolitan," he explained. 
 "After ail, it is the greatest nationality to which a man can 
 belong. Coffee in the library, Franyois." 
 
 De Froilette ushered his guest into another room, which 
 from floor to ceiling was lined with books books on all 
 subjects and in many languages. A huge writing-table, 
 littered with letters and foreign newspapers, occupied the 
 centre of the apartment, which was evidently a working 
 room, though luxurious in all its appointments. De 
 Froilette did not speak until the servant had placed the 
 coffee on a side table and had left the room, when he turned 
 suddenly toward Ellerey. 
 
 " I followed you to-day, monsieur; it was not a chance 
 meeting." 
 
 "I am not surprised," said Ellery. "Twice before 
 you overtook me I heard the sound of galloping horses, 
 and was prepared for an enemy." 
 
 "And instead, behold a friend," De Froilette laughed, 
 pushing a silver box of cigarettes across the table. " You 
 must bear with me if I am prosy for a time. I can promise 
 you that the end of the story is better than the beginning." 
 
 Ellerey settled himself to listen attentively. 
 
 "The history of this country, monsieur, is composed, 
 as it were, of the rough ends and edges of the histories of 
 other countries. Every crisis in Europe causes trouble 
 of some kind here, and first one family and then another
 
 22 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 have become paramount in Sturatzberg. All the Powers 
 have recognized one fact, however, that Wallaria must be 
 kept inviolate ; so it is that this is an independent kingdom 
 to-day. The position is unique, and gives the King, within 
 his own realm, a power more autocratic than the Czar's 
 should he care to use it, since he has only to play off one 
 great Power against another to preserve himself from 
 attack. You follow me ? " 
 
 Ellerey murmured an assent, wondering what this 
 recital was to lead to. 
 
 " It is clear that his Majesty does not use this power," 
 De Froilette went on. "He may be timid, he may lack 
 ambition, we will speak no treachery; but in times past 
 there have been ambitious monarchs, and still little has 
 happened. Why? Because, monsieur, recognizing that 
 this country is one of the chief factors in preserving the 
 peace of Europe, the nations have sent the ablest men they 
 possess as their Ambassadors to Sturatzberg. Your 
 British Minister is a case in point. The result is that to 
 the present time no monarch has risen with courage enough, 
 allied to sufficient political acumen, to take his own course, 
 carry it to success. Have you ever realized, monsieur, 
 that Sturatzberg might play with the nations of Europe as 
 a gambler plays his hand of cards ? " 
 
 "I am no diplomatist," Ellerey answered. 
 
 De Froilette shrugged his shoulders as though the point 
 were immaterial to him, and went on : 
 
 " To all appearance, the facts are to-day as they have 
 always been, with one great and important exception 
 the people. The people are awaking to the sensation that 
 they are ruled and oppressed, for so they consider it, by 
 foreigners. They have had secretly preached to them, 
 and they understand, what possibilities there are; and a 
 wave of national enthusiasm is silently stealing through
 
 MONSIEUR DE FROILETTE 23 
 
 the length and breadth of the land. The bolder spirits 
 have already declared against law and order, as it exists, 
 by flying to the hills and associating themselves with the 
 brigands there. The forces under the outlaw Vasilici, I 
 am told, increase daily. You have heard of him, Captain 
 Ellerey?" 
 
 "And have tried to find him," Ellerey answered, with a 
 smile. "But his fastness in the mountains was always 
 deserted when we got there." 
 
 "Some day it will not be. A leader worthy of the 
 cause will be found. The people will remember that there 
 are others with an equal, or better, right to the throne than 
 his Majesty, and then you will have the revolution." 
 
 "I presume, monsieur, the leader is found, and only 
 awaits the opportunity ? " said Ellerey. 
 
 "You are right, Captain, she is found," De Froilette 
 answered slowly. 
 
 "A woman !" Ellerey exclaimed, and he felt the color 
 flush to his face as he spoke. He forgot for a moment 
 that his sword was pledged to the King. His thoughts 
 went back to that breezy morning on the downs, and the 
 tall, straight girl with her bright hair streaming in the wind. 
 
 De Froilette laughed. 
 
 "A woman, Captain Ellerey, who destines you for high 
 service. Let her plead for herself," and as he spoke he 
 opened the door, and stood aside with bowed head. 
 
 A woman entered. Tall she was, and of imperial mien. 
 Diamonds glistened in the coils of her raven hair. Her face 
 was beautiful, her smiling lips and deep, soft eyes, full of 
 sympathy and tenderness, seemed incapable of any stern 
 expression of anger. A woman born to rule, born to lead, 
 but not the woman Ellerey had expected to see. 
 
 It was the Queen, and Ellerey bowed low before her. 
 
 *' You have not been unnoticed by us, Captain Ellerey,"
 
 24 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 she said in a low voice, " and we would have you more con- 
 stantly at Court." 
 
 " I shall obey your Majesty," Ellerey answered. 
 
 " There are stirring times at hand," she went on ; " times 
 in which men may strive and win. His majesty, the King, 
 is fettered, politically bound, by conflicting interests, 
 watched, carefully nursed by this Power and by that. He is 
 unable to move as his people would have him. It is for me 
 to act for him in this matter, secretly until the appointed 
 hour strikes. Remember, Captain Ellerey, I am Queen 
 as his Majesty is King, with equal rights, not as consort 
 merely. Your sword is pledged to me as to the King. 
 Therefore I can demand your service. I prefer to ask it." 
 
 "Your Majesty is gracious." 
 
 "It will be secret service, for the present secret even 
 from the King. I may require it to-morrow, a week hence, 
 or it may be in a month's time. I cannot tell. It is peril- 
 ous service, but that will not deter Captain Desmond 
 Ellerey. May I claim your full and perfect allegiance ? " 
 
 " I hold myself entirely at your Majesty's disposal." 
 
 "You shall not find me ungrateful," she said, giving 
 him her hand. " Choose you a dozen stout men on whom 
 you can rely. Good pay you may promise them. Have 
 them in readiness to set out at an hour's notice. Then 
 wait and watch. We shall call you into private audience 
 on some occasion, either personally or by Monsieur De 
 Froilette, and now that we have found the man, may the 
 time be quick in coming." 
 
 There was delicate flattery in her words and manner, 
 yet withal perfect consciousness of her own power, the 
 power that beauty gives. Ellerey felt the magic of her 
 influence, and his eyes looked unflinchingly into hers for 
 a moment; the woman in her understood what manner 
 of man he was in whom she trusted.
 
 25 
 
 ** If I read you aright, Captain Ellerey," she said, with 
 a radiant smile, "it is not your nature to be frivolous, to 
 catch pleasure as it flies and play with it while the bubble 
 lasts; yet must you school yourself to do so. The light- 
 hearted cavalier and careless lover will not be suspected 
 of any deep design, and it would be well that that should 
 seem your character at Court. More easily will you keep 
 the nearer to our person, for love of pleasure and the grati- 
 fication of the moment is thought to be our end and aim also. 
 Even his Majesty is deceived in this, and knows not that 
 under the sufrace we are working night and day in his 
 cause. Monsieur De Froilette shall see to it that you have 
 ample opportunity to be merry, and I promise you active, 
 hazardous service, work after your own heart, in the near 
 future." 
 
 " In the one as in the other, I shall hope to win your 
 Majesty's approval," Ellerey answered. 
 
 The Queen turned, and retired as quickly as she had 
 come. De Froilette bowed low as she passed out, but 
 exchanged no word with her, nor did he attempt to follow 
 her. Her coming and her going had evidently been pre- 
 arranged for Ellerey's benefit. 
 
 '' I surprise you for the second time to-night," said De 
 Froilette, as he closed the door. 
 
 " Yes, I expected another woman Princess Maritza." 
 
 De Froilette started at the name, and looked keenly 
 at his companion. For an instant he showed surprise, 
 perhaps annoyance, but he was quickly himself again, and 
 asked quietly: 
 
 " What do you know of the Princess Maritza ? " 
 
 " I have studied something of the history of this country 
 in my leisure, monsieur, that is all; and I fancied you 
 might be interested yourself in the fortunes of the exile.
 
 26 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 You spoke of others with an equal or better right than his 
 Majesty." 
 
 " I was thinking of the Queen. The Princess is impos- 
 sible. Her fathers sat upon the throne, it is true, and by 
 their misplaced ambition and folly not only lost the support 
 of every foreign Power, but alienated the love of the people 
 besides. Her father barely escaped assassination. The 
 Princess is known to me, as her father was. At present 
 she is in England." 
 
 " Does she make no claim for herself ?" 
 
 " She might were the throne vacant, but she could not 
 succeed. The people would never accept her. In two 
 days will you do me the honor of accompanying me to 
 Court, as her Majesty desires ? " 
 
 " The honor will be mine. I thank you for bringing 
 me into notice," Ellerey answered. 
 
 " I will come for you at your lodging," said De Froilette, 
 and then a servant entered, apparently without being 
 summoned, and in silence conducted Ellerey to the bare 
 hall again. All the doors were fast closed as before, but 
 the air seemed to vibrate with life and the silence to be 
 ready to break into a hoarse roar of voices at a moment's 
 notice. Yet only in a window here and there was there a 
 dim light when Ellerey looked up at the gloomy house as 
 he stood alone in the Altstrasse.
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 THE WOMAN IN THK SILK MASK 
 
 ONCE alone, there were many questions which Ellerey 
 regretted he had not put to his host, and some misgivings 
 arose in his mind whether he had not been led to promise 
 service which might be contrary to the oath which he had 
 taken to the King. The scheme to enlist his help had 
 evidently been carefully considered and prepared, with 
 the result that he had pledged himself to some hazardous 
 task of the nature of which he was entirely ignorant. Not 
 a clue had been given him, and were he desirous of turning 
 traitor, he realized that it was not within his power to do so. 
 Not a word of information could he speak, and who would 
 believe that alone, and apparently unattended, the Queen 
 had visited the Altstrasse at midnight ? That she had done 
 so for the purpose of speaking to him proved to Ellerey that 
 her need for him was urgent ; that she had explained noth- 
 ing pointed to the fact that she was not inclined to trust 
 him fully at present. 
 
 "I judge there is work for my sword," he said, as he 
 drew his cloak closer round him. "It would seem there 
 is employment for my wits also. At least, I have my wish: 
 a part to play which holds possibilities. A Queen, a de- 
 signing Frenchman, and an ambitious Captain of Horse, 
 who may be a fool. Well, the drama may prove exciting. 
 We shall see!" 
 
 Desmond Ellerey was, after all, an adventurer, of the
 
 28 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 better sort, perhaps ; driven to the life by force of circum- 
 stances yet still an adventurer. His position proclaimed 
 him one. He looked for reward from the country which 
 had purchased his sword, and had no inclination to fritter 
 away his chances of espousing any cause but the winning 
 one. At the same time he was an Englishman: a birth 
 privilege carrying with it weighty responsibilities, which 
 he could not away with as easily as he had cast aside his 
 country. There were few ties to bind him to England. 
 He had become that unenviable member of a family the 
 black sheep. He had run deeply into debt; a fact that had 
 grievously told against him when he had to face the accusa- 
 tions which had ruined his career. In withdrawing from 
 England he had probably left only two friends, Sir Charles 
 and Lady Martin, who would ever trouble to send a kindly 
 thought after him. His going had aroused the keenest 
 satisfaction in the breast of his brother, Sir Ralph Ellerey, 
 tenth baronet of the name, who was quite ready to believe 
 the very worst that was said of Desmond, remarking that 
 it was little more than he expected. Sir Ralph's cast of 
 mind was perhaps narrow and ungenerous, but, since the 
 sympathy so usually shown to the open-handed spend- 
 thrift was not forthcoming in this case, it must be assumed 
 that popular opinion condemned Desmond Ellerey, and 
 sympathized with Sir Ralph. It had been easy, therefore, 
 for Desmond to become a stranger to his native land; it 
 was impossible for him to forget that he was an English- 
 man : that a peculiar code of honor was demanded of him 
 by the fact. 
 
 The Altstrasse was deserted as he passed through it 
 the lights were out in most of the houses, and silence was 
 over the whole city. The sky was black with clouds, 
 giving promise of heavy rain before morning if the wind 
 dropped. Ellerey walked quickly, his ears alert, and his
 
 THE WOMAN IN THE SILK MASK 29 
 
 eyes keenly searching every shadow on either side of him. 
 Attacks in the street for the purpose of plunder were of 
 too general occurrence to make a lonely walk in Sturatz- 
 berg safe or desirable at night, and in this quarter of the 
 city help would be slow in coming. 
 
 As he turned out of the Altstrasse, a woman, coming 
 hastily in the opposite direction, ran against him, and, with 
 a faint cry, started back in fear. A cloak was gathered 
 tightly round her, showing nothing of her dress and little 
 of her figure, and the hood of it was pulled so low down 
 that little of her face was visible. 
 
 " Help, monsieur!" she cried, striving for breath, which 
 came in spasmodic pants after her running. "Help, 
 monsieur, if you be a man ! " 
 
 " How can I serve you ? " 
 
 "Ah, a soldier!" she cried, seeing the cloak he wore. 
 "Quick! There is no time to delay. While we speak, 
 murder is being done." 
 
 "Where?" 
 
 " Come. It is a house yonder. Are you armed ? Ah, 
 but they are cowards, and only attack defenceless women ! " 
 And she plucked him by the arm to compel him to follow 
 her. She did not appeal in vain. 
 
 " Show me," Ellerey said, and taking her hand, that he 
 might help her pace, he ran with her, their footsteps 
 resounding along the silent street. 
 
 As they ran, he tried to get a better view of her face, but 
 in vain. He noticed that her cloak, which flapped out- 
 ward with every step she took, revealed a rich white skirt 
 beneath, and there was the rustle of silk. She kept up 
 bravely with him, seeming to gain new courage in his com- 
 pany. She led him round two corners, across a dark 
 square, and to the open door of a house in a small street 
 beyond.
 
 30 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "Quick! They are within. Straight up the stairs to 
 the first floor." 
 
 Ellerey released his hold of the girl; indeed, she pulled 
 her hand away that she might not detain him from dashing 
 to the rescue, and, as he touched the stairs, he heard the 
 door close with a loud reverberating slam hehind him. 
 
 "Quickly!" she cried after him. 
 
 The house was dark and quiet, doubly quiet it seemed 
 now that the door had closed. Not a sound came from 
 the rooms above, as Ellerey went up the stairs. If murder 
 were here to-night, he had surely come too late. 
 
 He had reached the top of the stairs, had stretched out 
 his hand to feel his way by the wall, and had paused to 
 listen for a sound or to discern a glimmer of light to guide 
 him, when suddenly the air about him seemed to break 
 into life, and before he had time to turn and throw his back 
 against the wall, strong arms were about his shoulders and 
 legs. In an instant Ellerey had grasped one man in the 
 darkness, and kicked himself free from a second, who went 
 rolling down the stairs, uttering curses as he struck the 
 balustrade heavily, making it crack to breaking point. 
 Another received his heel squarely in the face, and dropped 
 with a thud upon the floor, a thud that almost had the 
 sound of finality in it. Meanwhile the man he had seized 
 wrenched himself free, and another pair of arms were flung 
 round Ellerey's waist, obviously to prevent his getting at 
 any weapon he might carry. Ellerey strained every nerve 
 to free himself from this assailant and to get his back to the 
 wall, striking out right and left, now hitting a man's neck 
 or shoulder, now landing a heavy blow between eyes he 
 could not see, anon beating the air only. How many his 
 adversaries were he could not determine. The air was 
 full of panting breaths and growling imprecations, of sway- 
 ing bodies, and heavy blows, which were, for the most part,
 
 THE WOMAN IN THE SILK MASK 31 
 
 wide of the mark. Every moment Ellerey expected to be 
 his last; expected to feel the sharp thrust of a blade, or to 
 fall into sudden oblivion before the sound of the revolver 
 shot had time to reach his ears. Yet he still lived ; fighting, 
 struggling, being slowly spent by the odds against him. 
 Why did these murderers not end it ? Were they fearful 
 of injuring a comrade in the darkness, or were they desirous 
 of not injuring him too severely ? Indeed, it seemed so. 
 Had he fallen into a trap, baited with the frightened woman 
 who had petitioned him for help ? The thought that he 
 could have been such a fool, that so transparent a device 
 should have deceived him, maddened him, and he redoubled 
 his exertions to free himself, trying to drag his assailants 
 with him to the head of the stairs, so that he might fling 
 himself and them down, and chance regaining his liberty 
 in the shock of the fall. But the men appeared to perceive 
 his motive, and redoubled their efforts, too, straining every 
 nerve to end the struggle. The man who held him round 
 the waist was dragged this way and that, yet never for a 
 moment relaxed his hold. Other hands were upon his 
 legs now, and Ellerey suddenly felt his feet drawn together 
 with a snap. The next instant he was thrown backward, 
 knees were pressed upon his chest, his arms were twisted 
 and caught with a rope, his ankles bound together, and 
 he was helpless. 
 
 "I'd like to bury this knife in your cursed carcass," 
 whispered a voice in his ear. 
 
 " I've been expecting you to do so," said Ellerey, pant- 
 ing for breath. " Why don't you ? " 
 
 " I don't know. By Heaven, I don't know why not." 
 
 "Well, I'm sure I don't," panted Ellerey. 
 
 " Is he secure ? " said another voice. 
 
 "Yes," at least half a dozen voices answered.
 
 32 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "Then drag him in. Perhaps we'll have leave to 
 despatch him presently." 
 
 A door was opened, and, with scant ceremony, Ellerey 
 was dragged by his feet across the floor into a room. The 
 door was shut again, and someone produced a lantern. 
 
 Ellerey found himself lying in a bare room with seven 
 or eight men standing in a circle round him, regarding him 
 with sullen and angry looks, yet with curiosity and some 
 respect; and on more than one face there were marks of 
 the struggle, savage flushes that would blacken to-morrow, 
 and blood on lips. He looked from one to the other, but 
 saw no face he recognized, yet they were not such a mur- 
 derous set of scoundrels as he had expected to see, and 
 although more than one of them, perhaps, would have 
 taken the keenest pleasure in burying a knife-blade in him 
 to revenge the hurt he had received, it appeared evident 
 that some consideration held them back. Whatever they 
 contemplated doing, murder was not their intention. 
 
 " It takes a lot to knock the sense out of you," said one 
 man, and Ellerey thought he recognized the voice which 
 had ordered him to be dragged into the room : " and there 
 are one or two of us who have something to settle. That 
 must wait for a more convenient season. " 
 
 " If I am to make a fight for it, it certainly must," said 
 Ellerey, with a smile. " I suppose it's no use asking you 
 to loosen my wrist a little. The cord is very tight." 
 
 "Not a bit of use." 
 
 " May I know why you have trapped me in this way ? 
 I should like to see the little hussy who deceived me." 
 
 The men laughed. 
 
 "She's a safe bait, is a woman, all the world over," 
 said the spokesman, "and this one's finished her part of 
 the business well enough. Now our parts have got to be
 
 THE WOMAN IN THE SILK MASK 33 
 
 done. Some time to-night you received a token. We 
 want it." 
 
 "You are welcome to any token I received," Ellerey 
 answered. 
 
 " Give it me, then." 
 
 " Because I received none," Ellerey added. 
 
 " That's a lie," said one man. 
 
 " It is well for you that I am bound hand and foot," 
 said Ellerey quietly. "If I remember your face, I may 
 ask you to repeat that some day." 
 
 "I ask you again to give me the token you received 
 to-night. Once it is in my hands, you are free to depart," 
 said the spokesman. 
 
 "And I repeat that I received no token to-night," 
 answered Ellerey. 
 
 "Search him! " cried several voices, and at a gesture 
 from their leader, they fell on their knees beside him. 
 
 It was rough handling Ellerey received for the next few 
 minutes. His coat was torn open; rough hands were 
 thrust into his pockets, and even his under-garments were 
 rent apart lest by any means he should have secured the 
 token next his skin. 
 
 " There is nothing," they said, rising to their feet one 
 by one. The last man knelt a moment longer, and turned 
 an evil eye toward his chief. 
 
 "May it not happen by an accident ?" he said. "An 
 accident would be forgiven, and it would be so much safer." 
 
 The dim light shone on the keen blade the man had 
 ripped eagerly from his girdle, and Ellerey doubted whether 
 the chief's word would have power to save him ; whether, 
 indeed, it would be spoken. His salvation came from 
 quite an unexpected quarter. 
 
 " Why that knife, Nicolai ? " said a voice which caused 
 the man to spring to his feet, and ma de Ellerey turn his 
 3
 
 34 
 
 head. " You would dare to disobey my commands , Nicolai ? 
 Stand aside. I have no faith in you." 
 
 The ruffian slunk back into the shadows of the room 
 without a word. Ellerey was astonished that so mild a 
 reprimand should have so great an effect. He looked at the 
 dim figure, which the mean light of the lantern revealed; 
 a woman's figure, closely cloaked from head to foot, while 
 an ample scarf was wound round her head, and her face 
 hidden by a silken mask. She had entered by a door 
 somewhat behind him, and he and the man who was so 
 desirous of killing him were the last to become aware of 
 her presence. 
 
 " Have you found it ? " she demanded, after a pause. 
 
 "No; he declares no token was given. At any rate, 
 it is not upon him," answered the man who was in charge 
 of the ruffians. 
 
 The woman took the lantern from the man who carried 
 it, and, as she held it up, saw more distinctly the faces of 
 the men about her. 
 
 " He has given you trouble, it seems. You bear marks 
 of the conflict. Eight of you." 
 
 "And two on the stairs who have not yet recovered," 
 said one. 
 
 " He should be a good man, then, for a hazardous enter- 
 prise," and the woman bent down, holding the lantern low 
 to look into Ellerey's face. 
 
 Ellerey could see the eyes through the holes in the silk 
 mask, but they told him nothing. He had hardly noticed 
 the eyes of the woman who had stopped him at the corner 
 of the Altstrasse ; he did not know whether they were the 
 same. This woman seemed taller ; yet there was a familiar 
 ring in her voice. She gazed at him for some moments in 
 silence, and then, standing erect, handed the lantern to 
 one of the men. Behind the mask she smiled.
 
 35 
 
 " Your cut-throats, madam, have made a mistake. I 
 have no token," said Ellerey. 
 
 " Do any of you know this man ?" she asked, turning 
 to her followers. 
 
 " A foreigner," growled one. 
 
 "A soldier," said another. 
 
 "A King's man," said a third, " and better put out of the 
 way, if I may advise." 
 
 " You would be as Nicolai yonder, under my displeas- 
 ure," she answered sharply. " Have a care. I shall know 
 how to deal with the first man who disobeys me." 
 
 Was this the Queen ? Ellerey thought she must be, 
 half-believing he recognized something familiar in her 
 manner. Was this her method of proving his daring before 
 she fully trusted him ? 
 
 "You have no token ?" she said, addressing Ellerey. 
 
 " No, madam." 
 
 "Yet you went on a secret mission to the Altstrasse 
 to-night ? " 
 
 " I went openly." 
 
 " Openly ! To visit whom ? " 
 
 "Surely, one who lives in the Altstrasse," Ellerey 
 answered. 
 
 "And were graciously entertained ? " 
 
 " I ate and drank, madam, and both food and drink 
 seemed to me of excellent quality." 
 
 "And afterward?" 
 
 "We talked." 
 
 "Monsieur De Froilette, you, and " 
 
 " Yes, madam, we talked, and smoked, but the matter 
 of the token surprises me. I heard no word of such a 
 thing mentioned." 
 
 "I am inclined to believe you," she answered. "You 
 have not yet been sufficiently proved."
 
 36 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " I would bow my thanks for your compliment, were I 
 able. I make but a sorry picture at the moment, I fear, 
 but my ragged and hardly respectable appearance you 
 will excuse. May I know to whom I am indebted for 
 this adventure ? " 
 
 " Not yet. I may have need of you again." 
 
 "An invitation less hastily devised would please me 
 better," said Ellery. " I am not rich enough to advent- 
 ure such good garments as these often." 
 
 "A bullet would certainly have made less havoc with 
 them, Captain Ellerey," she returned. 
 
 The mention of his name startled him. 
 
 "A word of warning," she went on. "Beware of 
 Monsieur De Froilette, and of any enterprise he may 
 handle. There will be specious promises, but small ful- 
 filment. Beware of the lady who visited the Altstrasse 
 to-night. Hesitate to do her bidding. Unless I mistake 
 not, you will thank me for the warning one day, and 
 then, turning to the men about her, she said, " Unloose 
 him." 
 
 They hesitated, and did not move. 
 
 "Unloose him, I say," and she stamped her foot 
 sharply. 
 
 Two or three fell on their knees beside Ellerey and 
 unfastened the cords, and, stretching his limbs to take 
 some of the ache out of them, he rose to his feet. 
 
 " You are free," she said ; " but for the safety of these 
 men, you must consent to be blindfolded, and led to the 
 place you came from." 
 
 " By the same lady who brought me here ? " Ellerey 
 inquired. 
 
 " That might hardly be to her liking," was the answer. 
 
 At a sign from her, Ellerey's eyes were bound with a
 
 THE WOMAN IN THE SILK MASK 37 
 
 scarf, and in a few minutes he was being guided along 
 the streets. 
 
 " One moment, monsieur," said one of his guides, pres- 
 ently. " There are footsteps, surely ! " 
 
 Ellerey stood still and waited, listening. He heard 
 no footsteps, and presently did not perceive the breath- 
 ing of the man beside him. Then he understood the ruse, 
 and tore the bandage from his eyes. He was alone at 
 the corner of the Altstrasse, and the rain was beating 
 slantwise into his face.
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 THE COURT OF STURATZBERG 
 
 ELLEREY'S servant had fallen asleep on a settle, partly 
 induced, perhaps, by the liquor the empty tankard be- 
 side him had held, but he started, wide awake on the 
 instant, as his master entered. Ellery expected him to 
 remark upon his sorry condition, as he threw off his cloak, 
 but the man did not do so. 
 
 "There has been some rough handling in my neigh- 
 borhood to-night, Stefan." 
 
 "That's plain enough, Captain," was the answer. 
 "They were good clothes, too." 
 
 "And interest you more than the man inside them," 
 said Ellerey, grimly. 
 
 " For the moment, yes. The man is unhurt, while the 
 clothes are only fit for the rag-shop or to be given to me." 
 
 "And, for choice, you would sooner have a corpse to 
 deal with, so that the clothes were untorn ? " 
 
 Stefan shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 " I could spare most of my acquaintances to be made 
 corpses of, for acquaintances are easier come by than good 
 clothes. It was a street attack, Captain, I suppose ? " 
 
 "They are common enough in Sturatzberg," Ellerey 
 answered lightly. 
 
 "The tale will serve as well as another," Stefan 
 returned. " If I tell it, I am not compelled to believe it, 
 and if I chance to be lying, it is no sin of mine."
 
 THE COURT OF STURATZBERG 39 
 
 " Why, rascal, what else should it be ? " 
 
 "It might be a friend turned enemy, or the pursuit 
 of a woman, or the touching of one of the many intrigues 
 in Sturatzberg; but let it be a street attack. Was any 
 man left sobbing out his life in the corner of the wall ? 
 It is well to have the story complete." 
 
 "No; it was an encounter of blows and bruises only." 
 
 " In such a plight as yours most men would have had 
 some boast to make, pointing to their own condition to 
 prove their statements. I have heard of half a dozen 
 men lying dead, or dying, at a street corner, victims to a 
 single sword, yet was there never a corpse to be found 
 in the morning. Your easy boaster is ever a ready liar." 
 
 " Patch up the clothes and wear them, Stefan, if you 
 can persuade your bulk into them," laughed Ellerey. 
 " Some day, perhaps, when I am certain of your affection, 
 I may tell you more of the adventure, and ask your help." 
 
 The man took up the tankard, looked into its emptiness, 
 and put it down again. Then he turned round suddenly: 
 
 "Some time since I was offered higher pay to serve 
 another master, Captain." - 
 
 "Why didn't you go?" 
 
 "I'm beginning to think I was a fool, since you trust 
 me so little," Stefan answered; "but I may yet prove a 
 better comrade in a tight place than many. Good-night." 
 
 A soldier, one of his own troop of Horse, Stefan had 
 drifted into Ellerey's service, perhaps because he was a 
 lonely man like his master. He appeared to have no 
 ties whatever, nor wanted any, and declared that the 
 first man he met in the street who was old enough might 
 be his father, for anything he knew to the contrary. His 
 mother, he knew, had died bringing him into the world; 
 a wasted sacrifice, he called it, since the world could have 
 done very well without him and he without it. Being in
 
 40 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 it, he took all the good he could find, and if he held his 
 own life cheaply, he was even less interested in the lives 
 of others. Women he hated, and his good opinion could 
 be purchased by a man for a brimming tankard, and lasted, 
 as a rule, so long as any liquor remained. 
 
 It was hardly wonderful that Ellerey should not trust 
 such a man with any secret of his. Yet the soldier's 
 parting words, and the look on his face as he spoke, made 
 him thoughtful. 
 
 "I shall want at least one stout companion on whom 
 I can rely," he mused. "I might choose a worse man 
 than Stefan." 
 
 He spoke of his adventure to no one else. He did 
 not even attempt to locate the house into which he had 
 been decoyed. To show too much interest in the affair 
 would only be to attract attention to himself and his 
 movements, which was undesirable, whether it were her 
 Majesty who had taken occasion to test his courage, or 
 others who, knowing the Queen's schemes, sought to 
 defeat them. One thing appeared certain. Some token 
 was to come into his possession, and was to bring peril 
 with it. 
 
 On the second evening, Ellerey accompanied Mon- 
 sieur De Froilette to Court. 
 
 "You are prepared to be frivolous, monsieur, as her 
 Majesty wishes ? " said De Froilette, as they went. " You 
 will find it tolerably easy, but, pardon the advice, make 
 few friends; they are a danger to one with a secret mis- 
 sion." 
 
 " Do you speak of men, monsieur, or women ? " El- 
 lerey asked. 
 
 "I spoke generally, but perhaps I was thinking of 
 women," was the answer. "Of one man, however, 
 beware. There is a little, ferret-eyed devil at Court who
 
 THE COURT OF STURATZBERG 41 
 
 can spy out secrets almost before they are conceived 
 the English Ambassador, Lord Cloverton. He is a great 
 man, and I hate him." 
 
 Ellerey had no time to ask questions, for the carriage 
 stopped, and the next moment he was following De 
 Froilette up the wide staircase which many people, men 
 and women, were ascending. His companion spoke to 
 no one as he went up, nor did anyone address him. To 
 the casual observer, he might have passed for an unim- 
 portant personage in that gay throng, but Ellerey, who 
 had every reason to be interested in the Frenchman, 
 noticed that many people turned to look after him, whisper- 
 ing together when he had passed. Ellerey himself attract- 
 ed some little attention, due, he imagined, to the fact 
 that he was in De Froilette's company, until he chanced 
 to be left alone for a few moments at the head of the grand 
 staircase. Some half-dozen paces from him four men 
 were engaged in earnest conversation. From their po- 
 sition they could scrutinize every one who ascended the 
 stairs or crossed the vestibule, and it seemed to Ellerey 
 they were there of set purpose; more, that his arrival 
 had been expected and waited for. One of the four was 
 a man of about his own age, richly dressed, and of dis- 
 tinguished bearing. He appeared chief among his 
 companions, who addressed him with a certain deference, 
 and followed his movements, so that when he turned to 
 look at the newcomer, Ellerey found himself the focus of 
 four pairs of eyes. He met their searching looks with 
 equal inquiry, but experienced a certain attraction tow- 
 ard the man who led the scrutiny. He might be an 
 enemy, but he looked as though he would prove an honest 
 and open one, incapable of anything mean or underhand. 
 Presently he made some remark to his companions, who 
 nodded acquiescence, and then they separated, and were
 
 42 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 lost in the crowd crossing the vestibule, just as De Froilette 
 returned. 
 
 "Pardon me for leaving you, monsieur; shall we 
 seek her Majesty ? " 
 
 Ellerey passed with the Frenchman into a magnificent 
 room, brilliantly lighted from a domed roof, one of a suite 
 of rooms which were all of splendid proportions. From 
 the distance came soft, dreamy music, hushed in the 
 murmur of voices. There were a great many people 
 present, and dancing had commenced in the ball-room. 
 It was a brave assembly, men wearing brilliant uniforms 
 and the decorations of every nation in Europe, and women 
 beautiful in themselves, glorious in sheen of satin, rustle 
 of silk, and flash of jewels. Women's light laughter 
 answered men's jests on every side were gayety and care- 
 less acceptance of the pleasures of the passing hour. It 
 was difficult to believe that under it all lay deceit and 
 treachery. Ellerey was inclined to doubt it, as he followed 
 his companion. 
 
 In one of the rooms, surrounded by a group of men 
 and women, with whom she turned to speak and laugh 
 between the welcome she extended to each new arrival, 
 sat her Majesty. She was even more beautiful to-night 
 than when she had come to the Altstrasse, and, surrounded 
 as she was by beautiful women, seemed to hold by right 
 the central position of the group. Jewels glistened at 
 her throat and in her hair, and across her breast she wore 
 the scarlet ribbon of the Golden Lion of Sturatzberg. 
 
 "Ah, Monsieur De Froilette, you are welcome," she 
 said. "I was just saying that your countrywomen are 
 the most accomplished, the most fascinating, in Europe, 
 and Count von Heinnen laughs at my opinion." 
 
 "Your Majesty will not understand," said Von Hein- 
 nen, in guttural tones which ill agreed with a compliment ;
 
 THE COURT OF STURATZBERG 43 
 
 "I loved the women of France until I arrived in Sturatz- 
 berg." 
 
 " I would narrow the Count's limit, and say the palace 
 of Sturatzberg," said De Froilette, bending over the 
 Queen's hand. 
 
 "No word for the women of their own country," 
 laughed the Queen. "Are we so unpatriotic, Baron 
 Petrescu ? " and she turned to a man who was standing 
 close behind her. 
 
 "I fear so, your Majesty. I have been in England, 
 and, for my part, I think the English women are the 
 most beautiful in the world." 
 
 Baron Petrescu was the man who had looked so 
 searchingly at Ellerey in the vestibule. He looked at 
 him now, as though his answer had some reference to 
 him ; and the Queen, who did not seem too pleased with 
 the frankly spoken answer, following the direction of 
 the Baron's glance, let her eyes rest on Ellerey for the 
 first time. 
 
 " Captain Ellerey, you, too, are welcome," she said. 
 "You come but seldom to Court. As an Englishman, 
 you will doubtless support the Baron's opinion." 
 
 " I find something to contemplate in all women, your 
 Majesty, but, as yet, I have placed none above all others." 
 
 "That confession should fire feminine ambition in 
 Sturatzberg," laughed the Queen. "Spread the report 
 of it, Monsieur De Froilette, and we shall witness excel- 
 lent comedy, or tragedy I hardly know which love may 
 be. Oh, you are doubly welcome, Captain Ellerey, for 
 the sport you shall give us, and we will ask for a repeti- 
 tion of that confession constantly. The first time you 
 look down before our questioning eyes, and stammer in 
 your answer, we shall know that love has laid siege to 
 the citadel of indifference, and captured it."
 
 44 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 Ellerey smiled, as he moved aside to make room for 
 others. He would have approached Baron Petrescu had 
 he been able to do so, but he was prevented ; first, because 
 someone who knew him slightly spoke to him, and, 
 secondly, by a general movement in the room occasioned 
 by the King's entrance. 
 
 When the history of Ferdinand IV. comes to be writ- 
 ten, the King will probably have as many characters as 
 he has biographers. The character given him will so 
 entirely depend upon the point of view. As he walked 
 slowly across the room, his manner was not without 
 dignity, but had little graciousness in it. There were a 
 few who feared him; many who despised him; some 
 who hated him; and from east to west of his kingdom it 
 is doubtful whether a dozen loved or admired him. In 
 appearance he was cadaverous-looking, tall and thin, 
 with a stoop in his shoulders. His skin was parchment- 
 colored, and his eyes heavy and slow of movement. 
 Europe's plaything, a witty Frenchman had once called 
 him; but those about him found it hard work often to 
 make him dance to their piping. Perhaps no one under- 
 stood him better, or had greater influence with him, than 
 the man who now walked a pace or two behind him, and 
 was so small that, beside the King, he looked almost 
 ridiculous. His mincing gait, and his apparently nervous 
 deference to everyone about him, would have amused 
 those who did not know the man, or until they had made 
 a more careful study of his face. Nature seemed to have 
 tried her hand at a caricature, and had placed upon this 
 diminutive body a leonine head. The face was a net- 
 work of lines, as though wind, rain, and sunshine had 
 worked their will upon it for years. The hair was white 
 as driven snow, and thick, shaggy, and long, while, set 
 deeply under heavy brows, his small eyes were never
 
 THE COURT OF STURATZBERG 45 
 
 still. For a fraction of time they seemed to rest on every- 
 one in turn, and to note something about them which 
 would be stored up in the memory. 
 
 " A ferret-eyed devil, monsieur, is it not so ? " whis- 
 pered De Froilette in Ellerey's ear after the Ambassador 
 had passed. "He has already noted your presence, and 
 will know all about you before he sleeps if he ever does 
 sleep. We must be very frivolous to escape detection." 
 
 To be frivolous at the Court of Sturatzberg was no 
 difficult matter. Whether it was the report of what he 
 had said to the Queen had made him especially interest- 
 ing to women, or whether those steady blue eyes of his 
 were the attraction, Ellerey found it easy to make friends. 
 He studied to catch the trick of pleasing with a light com- 
 pliment or pleasant jest, and before many days had gone 
 had earned a reputation as an irresponsible cavalier; one 
 whom it would be dangerous to take too seriously or 
 believe in too thoroughly. Such a man was, for the most 
 part, after the heart of the feminine portion of the Sturatz- 
 berg Court, and that he played the part well the Queen's 
 smile constantly assured him. In one point, however, 
 Ellerey was peculiarly unsuccessful. He had been attracted 
 to Baron Petrescu, and went to some trouble to become 
 acquainted with him, but to no purpose. Either the 
 Baron avoided him intentionally, or a train of adverse 
 circumstances intervened. Not a single word passed 
 between them. 
 
 On several occasions the Queen made Ellerey repeat 
 his confession, and he did so with a smile upon his lips. 
 
 "I expected downcast eyes and a stammering tongue 
 to-night," she said one evening, and as Ellerey looked 
 at her, she glanced swiftly across the room toward a 
 small group, of which a woman was the centre a beautiful 
 woman, with a silvery laugh which had the spirit and
 
 46 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 joy of youth in it. By common consent, her beauty had 
 no rival in the Court of Sturatzberg. Men whose tastes 
 on all else were as wide asunder as the poles were at one 
 in praise of her, and even women were content to let her 
 reign supreme. Her dark eyes, fringed with long lashes, 
 were, perhaps, the most perfect feature of a perfect face. 
 They could persuade, they could reprove, and it was dan- 
 gerous to look into them too constantly if one would not 
 be a slave. Her hair, which had a wave in it, and was rich 
 nut-brown in color, was gathered in loose coils about her 
 head, a veritable crown to her, and her voice was low, 
 as if compelling you to listen to some sweet secret it had 
 to tell, a secret that was only for you. 
 
 " I can still make my confession, your Majesty," said 
 Ellerey, wondering whether his words were quite true, 
 for he had looked into this woman's eyes many times. 
 Then he went toward the group, quick to observe that 
 Baron Petrescu left it at his coming. 
 
 Ellerey understood that the Queen must have watched 
 him carefully. To this woman he had certainly paid more 
 attention than to any other. She was in close attendance 
 upon the Queen, was treated by her with marked favor, 
 and many envious and angry glances had been cast upon 
 Ellerey, because she seemed to find pleasure in being with 
 him. Ellerey could not deny that the time spent in her 
 company sped faster than all other hours, but he had an- 
 other reason for seeking her so persistently. He had seen 
 little of the face of the woman who had cried to him for 
 help that night at the corner of the Altstrasse, being more 
 concerned with what was required of him than with her 
 who petitioned, but somehow this woman always reminded 
 him of that night. Whenever she walked beside him, 
 he recalled that other woman who had run hand-in-hand 
 with him through the deserted streets. Was she the
 
 THE COURT OF STURATZBERG 47 
 
 woman, or, at least, was she aware of what had occurred 
 that night ? Why had she so easily given him her friend- 
 ship ? Why should she so obviously prefer his company 
 to that of others ? There was some reason, and yet she 
 had made no confession, had stepped into none of his 
 carefully prepared traps. Did she know Maritza ? Were 
 those Maritza's eyes which had looked through the silken 
 mask? 
 
 " You will dance with me, Countess ? " 
 
 She placed her hand upon his arm at once. 
 
 "You are ever generous to me," he said, as they went 
 toward the ball-room. "I wonder why?" 
 
 She looked up at him. He might have been laughed 
 at for not understanding such a look. 
 
 "A Captain of Horse is a small person in Sturatz- 
 berg," he said carelessly. 
 
 "Even if he is honored with her Majesty's friend- 
 ship ? " she asked. 
 
 "Is he?" 
 
 " Well, are you not ? I can judge by what I see, and 
 you seem welcome always." 
 
 " I have noticed that, Countess, and have thought 
 sometimes that you might tell me the reason." 
 
 " Of her Majesty's welcome, do you mean ? " 
 
 " Of her welcome, and of your own kindness to me," 
 Ellerey answered. 
 
 The woman laughed. 
 
 "I think Englishmen are slow of comprehension," 
 she said. 
 
 " But a Captain of Horse, Countess ? " 
 
 "Who may be of much higher rank to-morrow, and 
 in his own country may be Ah! you know, so many 
 come to Sturatzberg." 
 
 " Many vagabonds, Countess."
 
 48 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "Oh, yes, and others," and then she made a gesture 
 that they should dance, and they floated gracefully out 
 among the couples gliding over the floor of the ball- 
 room to the strains of a sensuous German waltz. El- 
 lerey danced well. He had earned the reputation in many 
 a London ball-room, and the Countess Frina danced as few 
 English women can, with the soul of the music in her feet. 
 
 "Those others are sometimes difficult to distinguish," 
 Ellerey said presently. 
 
 "Not to a woman," was the answer. "She has an 
 intuition which is denied to most men. Indeed, I only 
 know one man who has it in the fullest sense, in greater 
 measure even than most women, and he is an English- 
 man, curiously enough. Yonder!" 
 
 With a touch she directed Ellerey's attention to one 
 side of the room, where Lord Cloverton was standing 
 talking to two men. He seemed to be interested in the 
 conversation, but at the same time took notice of every 
 couple which glided by him. Ellerey thought the Am- 
 bassador's eyes rested upon him for a moment, although 
 he did not go near him. 
 
 "He, too, has noted you," the Countess whispered, 
 " and if you have aught to conceal, Captain Ellerey, take 
 care that the secret be well buried, or those small eyes will 
 spy it out." 
 
 "You do not like the Ambassador?" said Ellerey, as 
 he guided his partner to a deserted seat in an alcove. 
 
 "I admire him. It is not the same thing, but admira- 
 tion I cannot help. There would have been desperate 
 work for you soldiers long since had it not been for Lord 
 Cloverton." 
 
 " And that would have pleased you ? " 
 
 " It would have given my friends a chance of distinc- 
 tion," she answered.
 
 THE COURT OF STURATZBERG 49 
 
 "And turned some friends into enemies, Countess. 
 Surely you must know that. There are such conflicting 
 interests in Sturatzberg." 
 
 "I have taken great care in choosing my friends," 
 she answered. 
 
 "Ah, then, you have a very definite idea to which 
 interest you are attached." 
 
 " Of course." 
 
 "And which is it?" he asked in a whisper, leaning 
 toward her. 
 
 " The same as monsieur's," she said. 
 
 Ellerey was baffled. He had expected to surprise 
 her into a confession. He did not suppose he had sub- 
 jugated this woman so completely that she would make 
 her interests identical with his own, and he could only 
 explain her answer by presuming that she was sufficiently 
 in the Queen's confidence to know something of the mis- 
 sion to which he stood pledged. 
 
 "You seem very certain of me, Countess." 
 
 " Have I not said that I take great care in choosing my 
 friends?" 
 
 "I cannot conceive any reason for your faith in me, 
 unless " 
 
 " Well, you may question me." 
 
 " I had lately a strange adventure, Countess, in which 
 a woman was concerned. She found me after midnight at 
 the corner of the Altstrasse, and " 
 
 " Monsieur! monsieur! " she exclaimed, holding up her 
 hand. " Do you imagine I should visit the Altstrasse for 
 my politics, and after midnight, too ? " 
 
 " I confess that was in my mind." 
 
 " It pleases you to jest, Captain Ellerey, and I am in no 
 mood for such jesting." 
 
 She rose, and he was forced to take her from the ball- 
 4
 
 50 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 room. He had succeeded in making her angry, and had 
 gained nothing. He had been ill-advised to question her. 
 
 " You must pardon me," he said. 
 
 " You must earn your pardon, monsieur," was her an- 
 swer, as she turned away with another partner who had 
 approached, leaving Ellerey perplexed. 
 
 "A love quarrel, monsieur? I have noted several; 
 they are frequent here." 
 
 At the slight touch on his arm Ellerey turned to face 
 Lord Cloverton. 
 
 " Hardly a quarrel, my lord; certainly not a love one," 
 he said. 
 
 " I was mistaken then, or you think so, Captain Ellerey. 
 Love is a curious disease at all times, and in all places, diffi- 
 cult to diagnose sometimes. In the Court of Sturatzberg 
 one has ample opportunity of studying it. I may be right 
 after all, Captain Ellerey. I have more knowledge of this 
 Court than you have ; I have spent a longer time in it." 
 
 Lord Cloverton moved forward smiling, evidently ex- 
 pecting Ellerey to walk beside him across the room. 
 
 " I endeavor to fit myself to my surroundings," Ellerey 
 said, as he walked slowly by the Ambassador's side, striv- 
 ing in vain to accommodate his step to the mincing gait 
 of his companion. 
 
 " Quite so, but it is hardly the best atmosphere for a 
 young man to develop himself in." 
 
 "Perhaps not." 
 
 " You interest me, Captain Ellerey." 
 
 " Since when, my lord ? " 
 
 The small, deep-set eyes were turned upon him for a 
 moment, as though to gauge the full meaning of the ques- 
 tion, and they looked into steady blue eyes, which, perhaps, 
 made Lord Cloverton more interested than ever, although 
 he did not say so.
 
 THE COURT OF STURATZBERG 51 
 
 " You are thinking that I might have taken notice of a 
 countryman before this," he replied. "Well, perhaps 
 there is something in the thought. Still, you were not 
 brought to my notice at the Embassy. I heard no mention 
 of Desmond Ellerey as a friend of anyone connected with 
 the Embassy, nor, indeed, any remark that an English offi- 
 cer was serving his Majesty the King of Wallaria." 
 
 " No, my lord, my friendships are few, and, in truth, I 
 have no great desire to increase the number." 
 
 " I might, indeed, repeat your question since when ?" 
 laughed Lord Cloverton, " for lately surely you have made 
 many new acquaintances, and move in the sunshine of 
 Royal favor." 
 
 " I am afraid I have not been conscious of the fact," 
 Ellerey returned. "I must be more careful to study his 
 Majesty." 
 
 " I was speaking of the Queen." 
 
 Ellerey looked at Lord Cloverton in astonishment. 
 
 "Indeed, I think you are mistaken. Her Majesty is 
 very gracious to all. I do not think she has been especially 
 so to me." 
 
 " Another mistake of mine," said the Ambassador, with 
 a smile. " I am full of them to-night. They began imme- 
 diately after dinner. I dropped two lumps of sugar into 
 my coffee, instead of one. It made it abominable, and I 
 had to leave it. But there is another reason why I have 
 become interested in you lately. I heard that you were the 
 brother of Sir Ralph Ellerey. I know Sir Ralph." 
 
 "We are certainly sons of the same father; our rela- 
 tionship has got no further than that. If you know my 
 brother well enough to accept his opinion about me, you 
 have, doubtless, accorded me a very low place in your esti- 
 mation." 
 
 " I am supposed never to accept another man's opinion
 
 52 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 about anything," the Ambassador replied; "certainly, I 
 seldom do in judging men I come in contact with. Sir 
 Ralph, however, gives some prominence to the name of 
 Ellerey, and his brother can hardly hope to pass through 
 the world unnoticed." 
 
 "I am succeeding beyond my expectations," said 
 Ellerey. 
 
 "Are you?" 
 
 " Believe me, my lord, I am." 
 
 They were standing apart in a corner of one of the 
 rooms. There was no one near enough to overhear their 
 conversation. Lord Cloverton glanced over his shoulder 
 to make sure of this before he went on quietly : 
 
 " I have heard that Desmond Ellerey was obliged to 
 leave a crack cavalry regiment on account of his cheating 
 at cards and for other dishonorable practices. I took you 
 to be this same Desmond Ellerey." 
 
 "Yet another mistake to-night, my lord," Ellerey an- 
 swered, looking the Ambassador unflinchingly in the eye. 
 " The Desmond Ellerey you speak of was an unfortunate 
 English gentleman and honorable soldier, whose services 
 his King and country had no further need of. He was 
 foully murdered by a lie. The Desmond Ellerey who has 
 the honor to speak to you is a Captain of Horse in the ser- 
 vice of his Majesty Ferdinand IV. of Wallaria, and looks 
 for favor and reward only from the King and country he 
 serves." 
 
 He turned on his heel as he spoke, and the Ambassador 
 stood looking after him until his figure was lost in the mov- 
 ing crowd,
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 TWO VISITORS 
 
 LORD CLOVERTON sat in his private room at the Embassy, 
 a knitted brow and tightly-closed lips showing that he was 
 deeply occupied in a problem which either baffled him alto- 
 gether, or which, having been solved, gave him considerable 
 anxiety. He had pushed his chair back from the table, and 
 his attention was concentrated on the papers he held in his 
 hand. They had come during the past few days, and al- 
 though he had read each one carefully on its arrival, he had 
 put them aside until he could study them together. They 
 were all before him now, and he had spent the greater part 
 of the morning reading them, and in piecing together the 
 information they contained into one complete and intelli- 
 gible story. It was not an easy task, and the result he 
 arrived at gave him little satisfaction. 
 
 " This pestilential fellow will make trouble for us," he 
 said to himself, and then he went systematically through 
 the letters again. 
 
 "Absolutely no doubt of his guilt," he read slowly 
 from one of them. " He denied everything, of course, but 
 the evidence was exceedingly strong against him. That he 
 accepted the verdict and disappeared in the manner he did, 
 would seem to confirm the truth. That is what I cannot 
 understand," said the Ambassador, arguing the point to 
 the empty room. " Why did he accept it and disappear ? 
 Why didn't he stand and face the frowning world and beat
 
 54 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 it ? That is what I should have expected from such a man, 
 and with such eyes, too." 
 
 He took up another paper. 
 
 " The question can hardly be reopened, my lord, and 
 since it was closed nothing has transpired to suggest that 
 there was any error of justice in the matter. Of course he 
 might bring an action for slander in the civil courts, and for 
 this purpose be persuaded to return to England. " 
 
 The Ambassador shook his head; he had not much 
 faith in persuasion in this case. Then he turned to another 
 letter and read one paragraph in it more than once. It im- 
 pressed him. 
 
 " ' I feel convinced that Desmond Ellerey is an innocent 
 man. One has such convictions without being able to ex- 
 plain them. That he accepted the inevitable I think I can 
 understand, considering the weight of evidence against him ; 
 and although I endeavored to persuade him against his de- 
 termination to offer his sword to another country, I can 
 appreciate his point of view since his career had been ruined 
 in his own. If you think any good will come of my writing 
 to him, making on my own account the suggestion con- 
 tained in your letter, I will certainly do so, and shall, of 
 course, not mention that I have heard from you, or that we 
 are known to each other.' " The Ambassador looked at the 
 signature " ' Charles Martin.' An excellent man to have 
 for a friend, and I believe he is right." 
 
 He turned over another paper signed Ralph Ellerey. 
 
 " He does not count," said the Ambassador with a ges- 
 ture of contempt, and threw the letter aside without troub- 
 ling to read it again. Then he rang a bell upon his table, 
 and a man entered. 
 
 " Ask Captain Ward to come to me." 
 
 The Ambassador was pacing the room with little short 
 steps when the Captain entered.
 
 TWO VISITORS 55 
 
 " Do you know a Desmond Ellerey, who lodges by the 
 Western Gate, Ward ? " 
 
 " I know there is such a man, but I know nothing about 
 him." 
 
 " He is likely to be dangerous. I want you to keep an 
 eye upon his movements. He is friendly with Monsieur 
 De Froilette, and is in her Majesty's favor. I do not want 
 you to make Ellerey's acquaintance. I don't want him to 
 know who you are, for the present at any rate." 
 
 " I understand." 
 
 " I should be glad to see him turn his back upon Wal- 
 laria; failing that, I am uncharitable enough to hope he 
 may meet with an accident," said Lord Cloverton. 
 
 " That might be arranged," was the answer. 
 
 " Sturatzberg is having a bad effect upon your moral 
 sense. At least we will try persuasion first," and it was 
 difficult to tell from the Ambassador's smiling face whether 
 a sinister thought had entered his head or not. After a 
 moment's pause he added : " Will you also have a telegram 
 sent to Sir Charles Martin ? Just say, ' Please write, Clo- 
 verton.' He will understand." 
 
 The extent of the Ambassador's interest in him would 
 have surprised Ellerey considerably had he known of it. 
 After his interview with Lord Cloverton be had half-ex- 
 pected that he would seek to question him further, or, if he 
 had any reason to suppose he was in his way, might bring 
 pressure to bear upon the King to dismiss him from the 
 army. He certainly did not do the one, and Ellerey had 
 no reason to think he had attempted to do the other. At 
 Court the Ambassador had bowed slightly as he passed 
 him, and the flicker of a smile had been on his face for a 
 moment when he saw him crossing the room with Countess 
 Mavrodin, almost as though he wished him to remember 
 what he had said about a lovers' quarrel. Ellerey had
 
 56 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 made his peace with the Countess as speedily as possible. 
 He was likely to make so many enemies that he could not 
 afford to lose a friend, and he felt that this woman was a 
 friend. He had duly humbled himself and had been for- 
 given, and even when she questioned him about his advent- 
 ure in the Altstrasse, he refused to speak of it lest he should 
 again offend. He succeeded, as he hoped to do, in raising 
 her curiosity. 
 
 " But if this woman so resembled me, surely it would 
 be a satisfaction to me to know something more about her," 
 she said. 
 
 " It was dark, Countess, but she seemed to be pretty. 
 That misled me perhaps. I was foolish to imagine for a 
 moment that it could have been you." 
 
 Ellerey knew that such an explanation would not con- 
 tent her. Would it satisfy any woman ? He had only to 
 wait and she would ply him with further questions, and, if 
 she were not the woman, would not rest until she had dis- 
 covered who the other woman was. She would probably 
 help him to some explanation of his adventure in the long 
 run, her curiosity leading her to play the part of a useful 
 ally. 
 
 The days passed and no message came from the Queen, 
 neither did he see nor hear anything of De Froilette. The 
 Frenchman was not at Court, and Ellerey did not meet him 
 in the streets of Sturatzberg. He did not go to visit him in 
 the Altstrasse ; it had been agreed that he should not do so. 
 
 After consideration Ellerey had taken Stefan into his 
 confidence. He believed the rough soldier had some affec- 
 tion for him, so had told him something of his adventure in 
 thet Altstrasse, and of the mysterious mission he might be 
 called upon at any moment to perform. Such men as Elle- 
 rey wished to enlist in the enterprise were not easy to find. 
 There were plenty of adventurous spirits ready for any
 
 TWO VISITORS 57 
 
 service so they were well paid, but such men were quite 
 likely to desert him at the critical moment if they saw any 
 benefit to themselves in doing so. 
 
 " Now, Stefan, can we find the men we want ? " Ellerey 
 asked. 
 
 " A dozen of them ? " queried the soldier, thoughtfully. 
 " Twelve trusty comrades ? It's a large order in a world 
 where it's safest to trust nobody." 
 
 " There is adventure, there is good pay, two attractions 
 to the soldier of fortune." 
 
 " Yes, Captain ; but the soldier of fortune in Sturatzberg 
 is a scurvy sort of rascal. He's not over fond of his trade 
 when there's any danger in it. But I'll sound one or two I 
 know of, and you can see what you think of them. And 
 mark this, Captain, don't pay them too much until they've 
 earned it. A few coins to oil their courage is enough to 
 begin with." 
 
 The choosing of the men became Stefan's work, but 
 only half a dozen had been determined on when Ellerey 
 received an unexpected letter from Sir Charles Martin. 
 
 It was a pleasant letter of friendship, such a letter as 
 brings forcibly to the senses of the mind the sunlight and 
 shadow dappling an English lane, and the familiar sounds 
 and refreshing fragrances which linger about an English 
 home. Toward the end Sir Charles turned to a painful 
 subject, but wrote hopefully. " Let me urge you," he said, 
 " to return home. I am convinced that the time has come 
 for you to begin to slowly prove that you are innocent. 
 While the affair was fresh in people's minds you were at a 
 disadvantage, but that time is past. One thing I may tell 
 you. A person very highly placed has expressed his com- 
 plete belief in you. Come home, Desmond." 
 
 Ellerey was musing over this letter and the remembrance 
 it brought with it, when Stefan entered.
 
 58 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " A gentleman to see you, Captain." 
 
 Ellerey rose hastily. The one or two brother officers 
 who visited him stood on no such ceremony as this. He 
 bowed in silence as Lord Cloverton came in. Neither of 
 them spoke until Stefan had closed the door. 
 
 " You will pardon the intrusion, Captain Ellerey." 
 
 "I am honored, my lord," said Ellerey as he placed a 
 chair for his visitor. 
 
 " I am still interested in you, you see," said the Ambas- 
 sador, " but have not considered it wise to draw attention to 
 ourselves at Court. A man in my position labors under a 
 disadvantage of never being supposed to speak a word that 
 has not weighty matter behind it. Some people will find 
 a mystery in my simple utterance of ' Good-evening.' You 
 and I are both Englishmen, and to be seen often in intimate 
 conversation would start a small army of rumors on the 
 march." 
 
 Ellerey bowed. He intended to let the Ambassador 
 lead the conversation. 
 
 " Do you mind looking at me, Captain Ellerey ? " 
 
 Ellerey did so, and for the space of thirty seconds 
 the two men gazed into each other's eyes. 
 
 "No, I do not believe it." 
 
 " To what do you refer ? " Ellerey asked. 
 
 "To that card scandal of yours. I believe you are 
 an innocent man. Why don't you prove it ? " 
 
 Ellerey took up the letter which Tie had thrown on 
 the table when Lord Cloverton entered. 
 
 " Do you know Sir Charles Martin ? " he asked, hold- 
 ing the letter out to him. 
 
 "I have heard of him. Who that is interested in 
 English politics has not? I may live to see him Prime 
 Minister. What, do you wish me to read this ? " 
 
 "If you please."
 
 TWO VISITORS 59 
 
 Lord Cloverton read the letter through. 
 
 "Evidently an intimate friend of yours. You could 
 not have a better sponsor for your character. I think 
 he gives you excellent advice." 
 
 "You would give me the same, Lord Cloverton ?" 
 
 "Certainly." 
 
 "Why?" 
 
 "Because you are an innocent man. It is your duty 
 to fight for your character to the last ditch." 
 
 "Why should you suppose I am not fighting for my 
 character ? " Ellerey asked. 
 
 " Here in Sturatzberg ? " 
 
 "Why not? Words will never mend a broken rep- 
 utation; deeds may." 
 
 "Deeds done here will not count in England." 
 
 "And in England, or for England, I am debarred 
 from doing anything. A sorry position, is it not, my 
 lord?" 
 
 " I am advising you to alter it." 
 
 " But you have not told me why," said Ellerey. " Shall 
 I tell you the reason, Lord Cloverton ? You wish me to 
 leave Sturatzberg." 
 
 "Why should I?" 
 
 " That you must tell me." 
 
 "There is a candor about you, Captain Ellerey, that 
 compels straightforward treatment in return, and you 
 shall have it. I have a misgiving that your presence 
 here will tend to hamper my work, and by my work I 
 mean England's interests. I do not pretend to know 
 exactly in what direction you will hinder me, but I can 
 guess, and you are too good a man to be crushed while 
 striving against your own country. Go back to England. 
 I thoroughly believe in you, and you shall have my hearty 
 support in your endeavor to establish your innocency."
 
 60 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "You are very good, my lord, and I thank you; but 
 I regret that I cannot comply with your wishes. I shall 
 not leave Sturatzberg." 
 
 " You prefer to be crushed ? " 
 
 "Yes, in the service of my adopted country. We 
 fight with different weapons, Lord Cloverton." 
 
 " Then it is to be war between us ? " 
 
 "You seem to say so. I cannot leave Sturatzberg." 
 
 " Is it not possible that some sense of honor may exist 
 here, that officers here may not care to associate with one 
 who has been convicted of cheating, even though he be a 
 foreigner ? " 
 
 " I am not afraid that Lord Cloverton will spread such 
 a report of me." 
 
 "My country stands first with me, Captain Ellerey." 
 
 "But not to make you dishonorable. You are at-' 
 tempting to do yourself an injustice. Besides if I were 
 driven to use such weapons in self-defence, is it not pos- 
 sible that Lord Cloverton has some enemies in Sturatz- 
 berg?" 
 
 " Many, no doubt." 
 
 " I might suggest, for instance, that he had secretly 
 sought to alienate the loyalty of one of his Majesty's offi- 
 cers." 
 
 "Enough, Captain Ellerey," said Lord Cloverton 
 rising. "I see that we must unfortunately be enemies. 
 It is a pity. You will be crushed under the Juggernaut 
 of international politics." 
 
 "It may be so, it may not," said Ellerey. "Believe 
 me, I am not unmindful of your kindness ; but as I have 
 said, we fight with different weapons. You wield the 
 power of the politician; I have only my sword. We 
 cannot therefore meet in .hand-to-hand encounter. I 
 should hesitate to use my sword against my countrymen,
 
 TWO VISITORS 61 
 
 but until British soldiers hold the heights above Sturatz- 
 berg there is no need to consider that question; and your 
 work, I presume, lies in preventing any chance of such a 
 contingency. If you could forget that I am an English- 
 man, and remember only that I am a Captain of Horse, 
 subject to the commands of my superior officer, you would 
 understand my position better." 
 
 " You are a difficult man to deal with, but I rather 
 like you," said the Ambassador, holding out his hand. 
 " I regret that Fate makes us enemies, and if at the last 
 moment I can save you from being entirely crushed, I will." 
 
 "Thank you. I, too, may find an opportunity of 
 rendering you a service, my lord." 
 
 As Lord Cloverton went quickly away, a man who 
 had been sitting at a small table in a cafe opposite, who 
 had sipped two glasses of absinthe and smoked innumer- 
 able cigarettes, rose hastily and crossed the street. His 
 dress was travel-stained, and he had evidently ridden 
 through dirty weather, for his boots were thickly cased 
 with mud. Ellerey was almost as surprised to see De 
 Froilette as he had been to see the Ambassador. 
 
 " You have been away from Sturatzberg," he said. 
 
 "I have only just returned," De Froilette answered, 
 throwing out his arms to draw attention to his clothes, 
 " and before going to the Altstrasse came to prepare you. 
 I have been waiting at the cafe opposite until Lord 
 Cloverton came out." 
 
 " And wondering why he visited me ? " asked Ellerey, 
 smiling. 
 
 " Wondering, rather, how far you would be successful 
 in deceiving him." 
 
 "He was disposed to be friendly," said Ellerey, care- 
 lessly taking up Sir Charles Martin's letter from the table 
 and putting it in his pocket.
 
 62 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " Friendly! A trick of his, monsieur, a trick." 
 
 "Exactly. We have agreed to be enemies." 
 
 " Ah, but that was foolish," said De Froilette quickly. 
 "You should have played with him even as I do. He 
 believes that I am very friendly, while I hate him." 
 
 "That is your method; it is not mine. I am not an 
 adept at crawling, even to the British Ambassador." 
 
 "What does he suspect?" asked De Froilette after 
 a pause, during which he had seemed inclined to resent 
 Ellerey's words. 
 
 " Naturally, he did not say, and I am unable to guess, 
 which is hardly remarkable, seeing that I am entirely in 
 the dark myself." 
 
 " But why did he come ? " 
 
 " He used his knowledge of some friend* of mine in 
 England as an excuse for visiting me, but he had prob- 
 ably taken upon himself for the time being the office of 
 spy. As I had no information to give, he has returned 
 little wiser than he came. When am I to be fully trusted, 
 monsieur ? " 
 
 "You are fully trusted now, Captain Ellerey, but the 
 time for striking has not arrived. It approaches, how- 
 ever. Until the man in Sturatzberg was ready we could 
 not proceed. Look at me; I have come from a journey. 
 I have been doing my part, and I come to you and say, 
 Be ready. At any moment her Majesty may send for 
 you." 
 
 " I am waiting," said Ellerey. 
 
 "Not to-night, perhaps, nor to-morrow, but soon." 
 
 Knowing the Frenchman's secretive method, Ellerey 
 was convinced that the time was at hand. Were it not, 
 De Froilette would hardly have risked seeking him at 
 his lodging; he had been so careful to avoid all appear- 
 ance of intimacy with him. Ellerey was not inclined to
 
 TWO VISITORS 63 
 
 place implicit trust in De Froilette. He did not pretend 
 to a keen insight into other men's characters, but he 
 conceived that De Froilette would not be likely to lose 
 sight of his own interests, no matter whom he served, 
 nor how humbly such service might be tendered. Ellerey 
 was not even convinced that the Frenchman's support 
 of the Queen's schemes was whole-hearted, and be- 
 lieved him quite capable of giving just so much help as 
 would presently enable him to thwart her and reap 
 benefit for himself. Whatever the mission was which 
 he was about to undertake, Ellerey intended to do his 
 utmost to carry it to success; and if De Froilette by 
 chance stood in his way, it was not likely to be merely 
 a question of words between them. 
 
 More subtle, more given to abstract reasoning, a 
 successful student of character, it must be said for Mon- 
 sieur De Froilette that he fully trusted Captain Ellerey, 
 in so far that he believed he would do whatever task was 
 set him better, probably, than most men would. That 
 he would be a match for such men as Lord Cloverton, 
 with the weapons Lord Cloverton would use, he did not 
 expect, and that the Ambassador had visited Ellerey 
 troubled him not a little. That Lord Cloverton could 
 possibly suspect the true state of things he did not for a 
 moment believe; but every hour's delay now would be 
 in the Ambassador's favor, and the sooner the blow was 
 struck the better the more hope of success was there. 
 Everything was ready, and it was now that De Froilette's 
 anxiety was greatest. He was too complete a schemer 
 not to realize how often it was the small insignificant thing 
 which served to ruin great enterprises built up with so 
 much care and elaboration. Over and over again he had 
 tested every point in his plans, and had not succeeded in 
 finding any weak spot. There seemed to be no contin-
 
 64 
 
 gency he was not prepared to meet, for which he was not 
 ready; and yet a sense of misgiving, almost amounting 
 to a feeling of insecurity, oppressed him as he walked along 
 the Altstrasse. The people hanging about the door 
 saluted him, for the Frenchman had been liberal to his 
 poor neighbors, and had an excellent name for charity. 
 He had made many friends of this kind in Sturatzberg, 
 and since he had confessed to disliking unprofitable friends, 
 it must be assumed that he looked to reap some reward 
 from them in the future. He was not the man to pay merely 
 for respect and smiles. 
 
 He went to his room, the room in which he and Ellerey 
 had sat talking after dinner, the room to which the Queen 
 had come. A pile of unopened letters was upon the desk, 
 for Monsieur De Froilette employed no secretary, and he 
 turned over these letters without opening them before 
 ringing for Frangois. 
 
 " Well, Frangois ? " he said as the man entered. He 
 always asked the question in the same manner when he 
 had been absent for any time, and listened to the servant's 
 answer without interrupting him. The answer was usually 
 a long one, full details of the happenings during the mas- 
 ter's absence, not of those in the house only, but of those 
 in the city as well. To-day, however, there was no long 
 answer. Francois seemed fully aware of the essential 
 point. 
 
 "Monsieur, the Princess, she has left England!" 
 
 "My good Frangois, you are uninteresting. That 
 happened weeks ago. The Princess is cruising to the 
 British Colonies. It is known, indeed was arranged, by 
 the British Government." 
 
 "It was, monsieur, that is right it was; but the 
 Princess found a substitute for that voyage. She did 
 not go. She slipped away quietly, and no one knew."
 
 TWO VISITORS 65 
 
 De Froilette's face was suddenly pale. He did not 
 speak, but Frangois read the question in his eyes. 
 
 " It is so, monsieur," he said. " The Princess Maritza 
 is in Sturatzberg."
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 FRINA MAVRODIN'S GUEST 
 
 FOR some time Monsieur De Froilette remained silent. 
 The return of the Princess was a contingency he had 
 not provided for. 
 
 " Where is she ? " he asked suddenly. 
 
 "Alas, monsieur, I do not know," Francois answered. 
 " She has powerful friends in Sturatzberg, and they con- 
 ceal her well. I saw her for one moment in Konigsplatz. 
 She was alone, and entered a shop there. I followed her, 
 but she was gone. I called myssjf her servant, and in- 
 quired about her, making the sign that has so long been 
 used by her partisans to secure an answer. It had no 
 effect. I was told that I was mistaken, that no such lady 
 as I had described had entered. Do you not understand, 
 monsieur, the sign must have been changed ? " 
 
 De Froilette understood only too well. At his very 
 door were enemies, the more dangerous because they 
 had been partially admitted into his plans. He had 
 himself given them reason for watching him, and the 
 opportunity of doing so. That was past and beyond 
 reparation, but this arch schemer was not the man to 
 stand idly regretting a mistake. Even mistakes might 
 be used to advantage. 
 
 "I will dress, Francois," he said presently. "I had 
 not intended to go to Court to-night, but this news com- 
 pels me."
 
 MARITZA
 
 FRINA MAVRODIN'S GUEST 67 
 
 " And how shall we find the Princess, monsieur ? " 
 
 " We will not trouble. We will set others to do that. 
 Matters will be for our benefit in the end, Francois. 
 Quickly, I must dress." 
 
 De Froilette dined alone and dismissed the man who 
 waited upon him as soon as possible. A portrait of 
 Queen Elena stood on a side table, and he got up and 
 placed it beside him , contemplating it thoughtfully as he 
 sipped his wine. 
 
 "If we succeed," he mused, "there is high place and 
 distinction to be won. This Englishman may win it for 
 me. In a revolution a King's life is as other men's, de- 
 pendent on the hazard of a die. If I read her smile aright 
 I shall have my reward. And if we fail ? " he paused 
 to consider the course of events in such a case "who 
 knows ? My reward might come the easier. There 
 would be few shelters open to her. Only in defeat through 
 Princess Maritza's influence is there danger to me. Suc- 
 cess or failure otherwise, what does it matter ? I shall win. 
 The paths to mountain peaks are ever rugged, but men 
 reach the summits. Why should I fail ? The road to 
 
 power may be closed against me, but the road to love " 
 
 And he gazed into the eyes of the portrait, finding an 
 answer in them. This man of action was a dreamer 
 too. 
 
 When he entered the palace that evening, De Froilette 
 inquired whether Lord Cloverton had arrived, and being 
 answered in the negative, remained at the head of the 
 stairs, speaking a few words to this acquaintance and to 
 that, bowing a well-turned compliment to one fair lady, 
 or meeting another's pleasantry with an answering jest. 
 He was in excellent good humor. 
 
 Presently Lord Cloverton came mincing up the steps, 
 pausing half a dozen times to greet acquaintances. He,
 
 68 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 too, was in excellent humor; but then he seldom allowed 
 people to see him otherwise. 
 
 "How I hate the man," De Froilette said to himself, 
 going toward the Ambassador as he reached the vesti- 
 bule. " May I have a word with you, my lord ? " 
 
 "A thousand, my dear Monsieur De Froilette. Ah, 
 a private word is it?" he added as the Frenchman led 
 him aside. 
 
 "My lord, you have my greatest esteem, as you are 
 aware." 
 
 Lord Cloverton bowed. 
 
 "If, as a loyal Frenchman, I would see France pre- 
 dominant in the affairs of this country, that is natural, 
 is it not so ? " 
 
 "Most natural indeed, and, monsieur, I say frankly, 
 France is playing a very worthy part." 
 
 "No doubt, my lord," De Froilette answered. "I 
 am but a looker-on, with certain business interests which 
 politics might affect, and therefore I take some notice 
 of politics. Perhaps I see more clearly than some, my 
 lord the lookers-on often do; and I am convinced that 
 British policy is at the present moment the safeguard 
 of Wallaria." 
 
 "I rejoice to hear it, monsieur." 
 
 "And if you will allow me, my lord, I will add that 
 your presence in Sturatzberg is the great security." 
 
 "You flatter me," Lord Cloverton returned. "You 
 will be pleased to learn that I have received no notifica- 
 tion that I am likely to be removed from Sturatzberg." 
 
 " That would indeed be a disaster," said De Froilette. 
 "So, my lord, any small help, any little information I 
 can give you, I shall give gladly. Regard for yourself 
 and my business interests will prompt me. We have all 
 a vein of selfishness in us."
 
 FRINA MAVRODIN'S GUEST 69 
 
 "I am honored by your confidence, and you will be 
 welcome at the Embassy." 
 
 "I will give you the information now," said De Froi- 
 lette. And he lowered his voice as he leaned toward 
 the Ambassador: "The Princess Maritza!" 
 
 " Is in Australia at present, I believe." 
 
 " Exactly," said the Frenchman. " Making a tour of 
 the English Colonies. A delicate attention to an honored 
 guest and unfortunate exile, designed to keep her out of 
 the way while the present unsettled feeling in Wallaria 
 lasts ; is it not so ? ". 
 
 "Your political acumen is not at fault." 
 
 "No, my lord, but yours is. The lady at present in 
 Australia, or wherever she may be, is not the Princess, 
 but a substitute. It needs very powerful friends to carry 
 through such a deception as that." 
 
 Lord Cloverton turned sharply toward him, and, as 
 Francois had done, De Froilette answered the unasked 
 question. 
 
 "Yes, my lord; Princess Maritza is in Sturatzberg." 
 
 " Hiding where ? " 
 
 " That I do not know. You will doubtless take means 
 to find out. Command me if I can help you in any way." 
 
 "I thank you for the information. If you are not 
 mistaken, the wayward child has been very ill advised. 
 I gather, monsieur, that your business affairs would 
 suffer were such a thing as a rising in the Princess Ma- 
 ritza's favor to take place ? " 
 
 "Have I not said that there is a selfish vein in all of 
 us?" 
 
 Lord Cloverton smiled, and together they crossed the 
 vestibule. 
 
 Their short colloquy had not been overheard, nor had 
 their presence been particularly noticed there except by
 
 70 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 one person the Countess Mavrodin. She had reached 
 the head of the stairs as De Froilette had leaned con- 
 fidentially forward toward the Ambassador, and she 
 hastily greeted a friend, keeping her standing at the top 
 of the stairs while they talked. She had good reason 
 to be curious regarding such a confidence between two 
 such men, and while she laughed and talked she watched 
 them. She did not move until they had crossed the ves- 
 tibule, and when they separated she followed Lord Clover- 
 ton. 
 
 Desmond Ellerey met her and found her in a gracious 
 mood. 
 
 "Have I quite pardoned you for mistaking me for 
 another woman that night in the Altstrasse ? " she said gayly. 
 
 "I hope so; indeed, I thought so." 
 
 " I am sorry. I ought to have reserved some of my 
 displeasure." 
 
 "Why?" 
 
 " So that I might demand a favor." 
 
 "You have but to demand, Countess." 
 
 "Then stay with me and keep me near Lord Clover- 
 ton," she said. 
 
 "What! Has he incurred your displeasure, too?" 
 
 " Must I give reasons for my demand ? " 
 
 "No." 
 
 " Then you trust me ? " 
 
 "As I would trust any woman." 
 
 For a moment she seemed satisfied, and then she 
 turned toward him. 
 
 " Is there a meaning underneath that ? Do you trust 
 no woman?" 
 
 " I have learnt my lessons in a hard school, Countess. 
 I trust few, either men or women, and I have more knowl- 
 edge of men than women."
 
 FRINA MAVRODIN'S GUEST 
 
 71 
 
 They followed Lord Cloverton across the rooms, and 
 she noticed every one to whom he spoke. Presently he 
 stood to watch the dancing for a moment, but he seemed 
 to avoid any person who might detain him in conversa- 
 tion for any leng' ' 
 
 "I think the 
 the Countess sai 
 Ellerey? Willy 
 for me ? " 
 
 Ellerey went 
 was watching tl 
 some time to fir 
 met Lord Clovei 
 the Ambassador 
 
 " The Embas! 
 
 Countess Ma 
 Cloverton drove a 
 
 " I thank you 
 bering favors." 
 
 "I shall rem 
 answered. " Inc 
 this afternoon Loi 
 he looked upon : 
 anything which m 
 
 " He said you 
 in vain. Yes, I wi 
 You neither trus 
 warning is unneo 
 one Jules De Fro 
 
 " Did her Ma 
 Ellerey asked. 
 
 "No, monsieur; it is an original idea. I have ideas 
 of my own sometimes. I have one now. If you are 
 leaving the palace, I will drive you to the Western Gate."
 
 70 
 
 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 one person the Countess Mavrodin. She had reached 
 the head of the stairs as De Froilette had leaned con- 
 fidentially forward toward the Ambassador, and she 
 hastily greeted a friend, keeping her standing at the top 
 
 rood reason 
 Between two 
 the watched 
 ied the ves- 
 ord Clover- 
 
 of the stairs while thev 
 
 to 
 
 su< 
 
 th< 
 
 tib 
 
 tor 
 
 turne 
 
 no w 
 
 
 a gracious 
 
 ng me for 
 said gayly. 
 
 me of my 
 
 i Clover- 
 
 too? ! 
 
 icn she 
 
 m trust 
 
 lessons in a hard school, Countess. 
 I trust few, either men or women, and I have more knowl- 
 edge of men than women."
 
 FRINA MAVRODIN'S GUEST 71 
 
 They followed Lord Cloverton across the rooms, and 
 she noticed every one to whom he spoke. Presently he 
 stood to watch the dancing for a moment, but he seemed 
 to avoid any person who might detain him in conversa- 
 tion for any length of time. 
 
 "I think the Ambassador will leave early to-night," 
 the Countess said. "May I beg another favor, Captain 
 Ellerey ? Will you see that my carriage is ready waiting 
 for me ? " 
 
 Ellerey went to do her bidding, wondering why she 
 was watching the Ambassador so keenly. It took him 
 some time to find her servants, and as he returned he 
 met Lord Cloverton. With the slightest of recognitions 
 the Ambassador got into his carriage. 
 
 "The Embassy, quickly," he said. 
 
 Countess Mavrodin came down the stairs as Lord 
 Cloverton drove away. 
 
 " I thank you," she said. " I have a habit of remem- 
 bering favors." 
 
 "I shall remember that you have said so," Ellerey 
 answered. "Indeed, I can even now ask one. Only 
 this afternoon Lord Cloverton was pleased to tell me that 
 he looked upon me as an enemy. Should you discover 
 anything which might affect me, will you tell me ? " 
 
 " He said you were an enemy; then I am not suspicious 
 in vain. Yes, I will tell you if I can. One word, monsieur. 
 You neither trust women nor men, so perchance the 
 warning is unnecessary; but of all men at least distrust 
 one Jules De Froilette." 
 
 "Did her Majesty bid you give me that message?" 
 Ellerey asked. 
 
 "No, monsieur; it is an original idea. I have ideas 
 of my own sometimes. I have one now. If you are 
 leaving the palace, I will drive you to the Western Gate."
 
 72 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 She was pretty, and Ellerey was only human. Strictly 
 speaking, his duty was to remain, lest the Queen should 
 send for him; but he helped the Countess into her car- 
 riage and seated himself beside her. She refused to be 
 serious as they drove through the city, and when Ellerey 
 entered his lodging he was left to wonder at what point 
 the incidents of the evening touched his mission. Why 
 should the Countess become suddenly interested in the 
 movements of Lord Cloverton ? and since she was closely 
 attached to the Queen, why should she warn him against 
 De Froilette, who was also deep in her Majesty's confi- 
 dence ? The problem was beyond his power to solve. 
 
 Frina Mavrodin was a far more important person in 
 Sturatzberg than Ellerey imagined. It was not only at 
 Court that she was popular; she was besides the Lady 
 Bountiful to the poor. She was immensely wealthy, and 
 her beautiful home by the river, in the southwest of the 
 city, had been called the beggars' paradise, for those who 
 asked charity were seldom sent away empty. The gen- 
 eral criticism of her was that she was a pretty woman, 
 very adorable, a little frivolous perhaps, and possessed 
 of much more heart than head. She seemed to take delight 
 in such criticism, and to be at some pains to fully merit 
 it. But there was another side to her character which 
 few persons ever got even a glimpse of. Her profound 
 knowledge of current politics would have startled Lord 
 Cloverton, and her capacity for intrigue and scheming 
 would have astonished even Monsieur De Froilette into 
 admiration. There were few clubs and societies in 
 Sturatzberg, where discontent was fostered and secret 
 plans discussed, which were not known to Frina Mavro- 
 din. She was conversant with their secret signs, their 
 aims, and their means, and knew by sight most of their 
 influential members. A single word from her would have
 
 FRINA MAVRODIN'S GUEST 73 
 
 sent many a man to prison who walked the streets 
 freely. Perhaps, in all Sturatzberg, there was only one 
 person who gave her credit for such knowledge, and 
 who was content to be guided in some measure by her 
 advice. 
 
 This person, at present, occupied a suite of rooms in 
 Frina Mavrodin's house, and this evening she reclined 
 at full length among the cushions of a low couch, and 
 watched a door at one end of the room expectantly. Her 
 hand was stretched out to a bowl of flowers on a table 
 by her side, and she plucked a petal at intervals which 
 she crushed and let fall. Something of the girl's character 
 seemed to be in the action. She was not weary, not worn 
 out with the day's work or pleasure, whichever it might 
 have been, but was waiting anxiously, irritably even, for 
 news, or for someone's coming. Her hair had loosened 
 by contact with the cushions, and fell about her shoulders 
 in luxuriant copper-colored tresses. Presently the door 
 opened, and an elderly woman entered an English 
 woman, plain in feature and resolute in manner. 
 
 "You have been spoiling your flowers," she said, see- 
 ing the scattered petals on the carpet. 
 
 " Never mind them. Has Dumitru come, Hannah ? " 
 
 "Just come." 
 
 "Then bring him in, bring him in. Why do you 
 wait?" exclaimed the girl, half -rising from her reclining 
 position. "I cannot afford to have fools about me in 
 such times as these." 
 
 "You haven't," the woman answered bluntly, evi- 
 dently quite used to the petulant moods of her mistress. 
 " I was one when I came out of Devon to a heathen place 
 like this ; but that time is past." And she went to the door 
 and beckoned to a man to come in. As he entered she 
 went out, closing the door behind her.
 
 74 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 When she had gone the man dropped swiftly on one 
 knee by the couch. 
 
 "Well, Dumitru?" 
 
 "He returned to-day," said the man, rising and 
 standing erect. "He went straight to the lodging of 
 this English Captain." 
 
 "And then?" 
 
 "To Court, Princess." 
 
 "And his mission, Dumitru was it in my interests, 
 think you ? " 
 
 The man made a fierce clicking sound with his tongue. 
 
 "Ah, no, no, no; and again a hundred times, no. He 
 is for the Queen a little, and for himself very much. Have 
 you still a doubt, even now ? A sudden death should be 
 his reward." 
 
 "Patience, Dumitru." 
 
 "The English Captain had another visitor to-day 
 the British Minister." 
 
 " This English Captain is in great requisition, it would 
 seem," she said. 
 
 "Aye, he is a man, I grant you that strong, resolute, 
 and rides as though horse and rider were one piece." 
 
 "And honest, Dumitru. I have looked into his face 
 and thought him so." 
 
 "Can one judge so easily?" asked the man. "Be- 
 sides, honest or not, he is for our enemies." 
 
 "Our enemies must be swept aside," she said im- 
 periously, as though not only the will, but the power to 
 do so were hers. 
 
 "Thus, Princess," and the man's dark eyes gleamed 
 as he just showed the keen, thin blade of a dagger 
 which he carried in his cloak. 
 
 "Not without my command, Dumitru," she said 
 hastily.
 
 FRINA MAVRODIN'S GUEST 75 
 
 The man bowed low, disappointed perhaps that the 
 same spirit was not in her as was in him. 
 
 "We may use this English Captain for our ends," 
 she went on. "I have a way and you shall help me, 
 Dumitru, when the time comes. That Lord Cloverton has 
 visited him shows that some new pressure is to be brought 
 to bear upon him. We shall see how he stands in this, 
 whether firm or not, and may learn how to act ourselves." 
 
 "He is ready to act when the token is given him," 
 said Dumitru. "He has a few desperate men who are 
 pledged to his service." 
 
 " You are sure of this ? " 
 
 " Quite sure." 
 
 " Who will follow for love of him ? " she asked. 
 
 "They are of the kind who follow more readily for 
 money," answered the man. 
 
 The girl remained thoughtful for a few moments. 
 Something in the man's information had set her thoughts 
 running in a new channel, and while she mused Frina 
 Mavrodin entered the room hurriedly. 
 
 Dumitru bowed low before her. 
 
 "You are early," said the Princess. 
 
 Frina turned to Dumitru. 
 
 "Captain Ellerey has returned early to his lodging. 
 too; it would be well to watch. I do not think it will 
 happen to-night, but should any messenger seek him we 
 must know at once." 
 
 " Go, Dumitru," said the Princess, and when he had 
 gone she turned to her companion: "What has brought 
 you home so early ? " 
 
 "You, Maritza. I wondered whether you had re- 
 mained safely here, or whether you had again jeopard- 
 ized your cause by going so openly into the streets. 
 It is known that you are in Sturatzbcrg."
 
 76 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "By whom?" 
 
 "That lynx-eyed servant of De Froilette 's saw you, 
 as you know. You thought he would believe himself 
 mistaken, but I knew better. His master returned to-day, 
 and to-night I found Monsieur De Froilette and Lord 
 Cloverton in confidential conversation. When two men 
 who hate each other as they do, agree, it is time to prepare 
 for the storm. You must remain an absolute prisoner 
 here for a while." 
 
 " I am tired of inactivity." 
 
 "You will not have to wait long," Frina answered. 
 "Within an hour, I warrant you, there will be spies out 
 in every quarter of the city to try and find your hiding- 
 place. You are safe so long as you remain here. What 
 an advantage it is to have such a reputation for empty- 
 headedness as I have. No doubt De Froilette played a 
 trump card in telling Lord Cloverton of your presence 
 in Sturatzberg. The task of finding you will occupy 
 the Minister's attention for a little while, and if De Froi- 
 lette is ready, he will seize the opportunity to strike his 
 blow. That is why I offered to drive Captain Ellerey 
 to his lodging. If the token is to be given to-night he 
 will not be there to receive it." 
 
 " It may be sent to him," said the Princess. 
 
 " That is why Dumitru watches by the Western Gate." 
 
 "The moment the token is given I must know," said 
 Maritza. "I have a plan. I have had plenty of lonely 
 hours in which to mature plans. I am longing to put 
 them into action. We are too cautious, Frina." 
 
 " Your want of caution in going openly into the city 
 has nearly ruined us, Maritza." 
 
 '* I have many friends in the city." 
 
 "True, and many enemies; and it is the enemies 
 who happen to be in power. Do not be impatient."
 
 FRINA MAVRODIN'S GUEST 77 
 
 " Over-caution may be as fatal as impatience," Maritza 
 answered. "We should advance a step each day, each 
 night ; do we advance ? " 
 
 "So fast that we shall have to run quickly to keep 
 abreast of affairs shortly. A few weeks ago had you any 
 real hope of being in Sturatzberg? Yet you are here. 
 Had you even a suspicion that Jules De Froilette had 
 been working in his own interests for these two years 
 past, and not in yours ? " 
 
 "True, Frina, we have advanced. Heaven help De 
 Froilette when I touch power. Who knows what injury 
 he may not have done to my cause in these two years ? 
 And he has succeeded in drawing this English Captain 
 into his schemes." 
 
 "Captain Ellerey does not like De Froilette," said 
 Frina. " Tell me your plan, Maritza." 
 
 The Princess drew a flower carefully from the bowl 
 and held it to her face, as though she were absorbed for 
 a moment in its beauty and fragrance. 
 
 "Captain Ellerey left the Court with you, to-night," 
 she said. "That was wisely thought of. Did he come 
 willingly?" 
 
 Frina laughed, such a joy in the laugh that the Prin- 
 cess looked at her in astonishment. 
 
 "Yes, he came willingly, most willingly, I think." 
 
 " You hope to win him to my cause ? " 
 
 " He is a man, I am a woman; I shall try." 
 
 "And then?" 
 
 " Then, Maritza ah, we run on too fast. Tell me 
 your plan." 
 
 "It is strange," said the Princess slowly; "but in 
 England, as I told you, I once met Captain Ellerey. I 
 told him who I was, and promised him work for his 
 sword should he ever come to Wallaria."
 
 78 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " You told him that ! Why ? " 
 
 "I am a woman, and he is a man," the Princess 
 answered. 
 
 For a moment the two women looked into each other's 
 eyes. Then Frina looked down and straightened a fold 
 of her dress, while Maritza bent to inhale the perfume 
 of the flowers in the vase. The Princess did not tell her 
 plan, and Frina Mavrodin forgot to question her.
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 THE TIME ARRIVES 
 
 WITHIN a short time of Lord Cloverton's return to the 
 Embassy, spies and secret-service agents were abroad in 
 the city endeavoring to discover the whereabouts of 
 Princess Maritza. The Ambassador at once telegraphed 
 to the Foreign Office in London, and received the answer 
 that the report of her return to Wallaria was absurd, 
 that she was certainly on her way to Australia. This 
 confident answer, however, did not satisfy Lord Cloverton, 
 in spite of the fact that no news of the Princess was forth- 
 coming. That she could have returned to Sturatzberg 
 without his knowledge, more, without the knowledge of 
 any of those who were so eager to keep her out of the 
 country, seemed impossible; but then in diplomacy it 
 was often the impossible things which happened. He 
 was too astute a man to underrate the undoubted ability 
 of De Froilette. There were few men who probed more 
 accurately the likely trend of future events, or who were 
 quicker to recognize opportunities and seize them than 
 the Frenchman, and Lord Cloverton argued that he was 
 far too clever a man to tell such an unlikely story merely 
 to serve his own ends. He would know that the very 
 improbability of the tale would have the effect of drawing 
 attention to himself and his actions. No, whether the 
 report were true or not, De Froilette believed it, and evi- 
 dently saw danger to himself in the presence of Princess 
 Maritza. At the same time he might perceive a favorable
 
 80 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 opportunity in the state of affairs to exploit his own plans, 
 and Lord Cloverton took the precaution to have the French- 
 man under careful observation. 
 
 The unexpected information had also caused the 
 Ambassador to reconsider Captain Ellerey's position in 
 Sturatzberg. It was quite possible that he knew more 
 about the Princess than any one else. He was the kind 
 of man who would have nerve and determination enough 
 to attempt a desperate venture, and having little to lose 
 and all to win, might go far toward success. He and 
 De Froilette apparently held little communication with 
 each other; the characteristics of the two men were an- 
 tagonistic ; and the Englishman might be quite as capable 
 of playing a deep game as the Frenchman was. 
 
 It was a sleepless night for the Ambassador. This 
 was just such a complication as might embroil the nations 
 of Europe in strife, an excuse which might serve to snap 
 diplomatic relations and spread the lurid clouds of war 
 from the Ural range to the shores of the Atlantic. One 
 thing seemed certain, De Froilette had not repeated his 
 information broadcast. No intimation reached Lord 
 Cloverton that the report had even been whispered in 
 any of the other Embassies, and there was some conso- 
 lation in this. 
 
 No news came during the following day. Wherever 
 the Princess was, her secret was well kept, probably be- 
 cause only a few persons had been admitted into it, and 
 it seemed evident that no special movement had taken 
 place in her favor, or had even been arranged for. Some 
 bold coup d'etat might be in contemplation, and although 
 the many and diverse interests in the country were prob- 
 ably sufficient to render any attempt abortive in itself, 
 yet such an attempt might be the one thing needed to fan 
 the smouldering ashes into flame, starting a conflagration
 
 THE TIME ARRIVES 81 
 
 which would burn throughout Europe. Such fires never 
 die out they are always smouldering. 
 
 Any person who had watched Lord Cloverton closely 
 when he went to the palace that night, would have been 
 struck by his particular alertness. He was observant of 
 the composition of the different groups in the rooms, of 
 those who were chiefly about her Majesty, and of those 
 who danced together. The slightest confidential whisper 
 near him attracted his attention, and more than once he 
 caused a blush to mount to a pretty woman's cheeks by 
 suddenly surprising a murmured love passage meant for 
 no other ears but her own. To those to whom he spoke 
 he succeeded in giving the impression that he had only 
 a few moments to spare them, that he was purposely 
 keeping himself free, but he managed to suggest that 
 it was not business, but some pleasure he anticipated. 
 
 He glanced round all the rooms in search of Captain 
 Ellerey, who either had not yet arrived, or had already 
 retired into some quiet corner, probably with the Coun- 
 tess Mavrodin. The last conjecture was wrong, however, 
 for standing in a position which commanded the entrance 
 to the suite of state rooms, the Ambassador presently 
 saw Frina Mavrodin on the arm of an attach^ of the 
 Austrian Embassy, an offshoot of a princely house who, 
 rumor said, had already been twice refused by the fair 
 lady, and was only awaiting an opportunity to adventure 
 his case for a third time. He was evidently persuading 
 her to dance with him, and she was laughingly protesting, 
 perhaps promising to do so later in the evening. She was, 
 however, not averse to his company, for she palpably 
 kept him by her side, and they remained talking and laugh- 
 ing together, the man extremely happy, the woman watch- 
 ful and rather preoccupied, the Ambassador thought. 
 
 For half an hour or more she remained there, evi- 
 6
 
 82 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 dently using the Austrian's presence to keep herself free 
 from other companions. Several spoke to her, but since 
 the attach^ did not move away, the new arrivals were 
 obliged to leave her after exchanging a few words. At 
 last Lord Cloverton noticed that the expression of her face 
 suddenly changed. She looked at him, or rather beyond 
 him, and turning to discover the cause, he saw Desmond 
 Ellerey crossing the room toward her. He also became 
 aware that Baron Petrescu was standing close to him and 
 that he was watching Ellerey, too. 
 
 Frina Mavrodin spoke quickly to her cavalier, telling 
 him perhaps where he would find her for the promised 
 dance, but at any rate she dismissed him. For a few 
 moments Ellerey stood beside her, her smiling face raised 
 to his, and then they went slowly toward the ball-room. 
 
 " The little comedy interests you, my lord." 
 
 " Well, Baron, my white hair gives me credit for greater 
 age than does the feeling of youth which is still in me. I 
 am young enough, even now, to recognize love, and to take 
 an interest in it in others, of course." 
 
 Baron , Petrescu shrugged his shoulders rather con- 
 temptuously. 
 
 " The moth ever flits to the candle, and usually gets 
 burnt," he said. 
 
 " Would not the lodestone be the more apposite simile ? " 
 asked Lord Cloverton. "In that case the attraction 
 brings no hurt, Baron." 
 
 "Time will show which is the best simile," was the 
 answer. "He interests me, this Captain Ellerey." 
 
 "He interests the lady too, it seems," replied the 
 Ambassador. "Indeed, Captain Ellerey interests many 
 people." 
 
 "I trust his courage is equal to his ambition," said 
 the Baron with a smile. "There are others striving
 
 THE TIME ARRIVES 83 
 
 for the same prize, my lord, who do not easily accept 
 defeat, and are content to pin their honor to the sword's 
 point." 
 
 " Jealous," said Lord Cloverton to himself as the Baron 
 turned away, still with a smile upon his face, but with a 
 movement of his shoulders which suggested an angry bird 
 rufSing its feathers. "He means mischief. Ellerey may 
 find his hands fuller than he expects, if the Baron's weapon 
 is as ready as his tongue. Sentiment compels me to wish 
 my countiyman victory, but politically ah! a cunning 
 thrust which would lay him aside for a few weeks would 
 be very convenient to me, and perhaps not the worst thing 
 which could happen for him." And Lord Cloverton went 
 toward the ball-room. 
 
 The Countess and her cavalier had disappeared. 
 
 "Are you still watching the Ambassador ? " Ellerey had 
 asked, as she placed her hand upon his arm. 
 
 "No." 
 
 " Then let us get out of the crowd. Few people seem 
 to know of the alcove off the ball-room." 
 
 "And why such a desire for solitude, Captain Ellerey ?" 
 she said, seating herself in a corner and making room for 
 him beside her. 
 
 "Not solitude, Countess, but restful companionship. 
 I am not desirous of living perpetually under the eye of 
 Lord Cloverton, and, after what he said, I imagine he 
 watches me pretty closely." 
 
 "And is as closely watched," she replied. 
 
 " Have you found out anything which affects me ? " 
 Ellerey asked after a pause. 
 
 She hesitated. 
 
 " Not directly." 
 
 "Indirectly, then?" 
 
 "Perhaps, a little. It is a small matter, but it inter-
 
 84 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 ested me. It has nothing to do with Sturatzberg, but with 
 England." 
 
 Ellerey was silent. Could Lord Cloverton have re- 
 peated his story ? 
 
 " May I know the nature of the crime is it ? which 
 is imputed to me ? " 
 
 "It is no crime, Captain Ellerey rather a romance. 
 I should have repudiated the idea of a crime in connection 
 with you." 
 
 " Countess, that is the kindest thing you have ever said 
 to me." 
 
 She looked into his face, and the color came into her 
 own. 
 
 "Are we not friends?" she said, "and is it not the 
 elemental part of friendship to believe nothing ill? I 
 would hardly believe a confession of crime, though your 
 own lips spoke it. No, this information was about a 
 woman." 
 
 "Unknown women are a dangerous subject between 
 us, Countess," said Ellerey, with a smile. " I am barely 
 forgiven yet for the mysterious lady of the Altstrasse." 
 
 "This is not an unknown woman, but a very famous 
 one none other than Princess Maritza of Wallaria. You 
 have heard of her?" 
 
 " I have not only heard of her, but seen her and spoken 
 to her." 
 
 "And admired her ? " she asked. 
 
 " Yes, her beauty and her indomitable courage." 
 
 " That is what I heard, that you admired her." 
 
 " It is a very strange thing for you to hear. I only saw 
 her once, for ten minutes, perhaps. She was a school- 
 girl, and playing truant. We met upon the downs one 
 breezy morning, a hat blown away by the wind served for 
 introduction, and I have never seen her since."
 
 THE TIME ARRIVES 85 
 
 " It was not for her sake, then, that you came to Walla- 
 ria?" 
 
 "Ah! is that what Lord Cloverton thinks !" exclaimed 
 Ellerey. " Now I understand his attitude more clearly." 
 
 " You do not answer my question," she said. 
 
 " Her story of the state of affairs in Wallaria certainly 
 gave me the idea of seeking fortune in this country." 
 
 "And love ? " she said. 
 
 Ellerey looked at her quickly and wondered. He was 
 not one of those who believe that they have the power of 
 charming any woman, and his companion's sudden 
 question and attitude startled him. More than one 
 answer sprang to his lips ready to trip lightly and pleasantly 
 to her ears, but they were not spoken. Instead he laughed 
 gayly and said: 
 
 "A Princess and a poor Captain of Horse, Countess ? 
 Such a flight of fancy after ten minutes' conversation ! Oh, 
 you jest and laugh at me." 
 
 There was a further question in her glance and attitude, 
 but it was not asked, for a man appeared at the entrance 
 of the alcove. 
 
 " I have been seeking you, Captain Ellerey," he said. 
 " Her Majesty commands your attendance. Will you come 
 with me?" 
 
 Ellerey rose at once. 
 
 " You will pardon me, Countess. I must make another 
 opportunity of quarrelling with you for laughing at me. 
 Shall I take you back to the ball-room ? " 
 
 "No, thank you. I am tired, and will -stay here." 
 And with a low bow Ellerey left her. 
 
 The fact that he had been sent for and the probable 
 meaning of that interview, did not take first place in Frina 
 Mavrodin's thoughts for a time. She was considering 
 Ellerey 's answer to her question, trying to understand it
 
 86 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 when viewed in the light of the Princess's declaration. 
 Maritza could only have intended her to understand one 
 thing, and to-night she had endeavored to surprise the 
 truth from Captain Ellerey. Had she succeeded in learn- 
 ing anything ? Surely in such a casual meeting no lasting 
 impression could have been formed, and yet love works 
 in sudden and inexplicable fashion sometimes. The 
 Princess seemed to have treasured the memory of that 
 meeting; Ellerey admitted that it was the cause of his 
 coming to Sturatzberg. Frina Mavrodin remembered, 
 as though they had been noted down in one continuous 
 story, everything Captain Ellerey had ever said to her, 
 and the manner in which he had said it. She had allowed 
 herself to indulge in a dream, which had had naught but 
 pleasure in it until the Princess had looked into her eyes 
 in so strange a fashion ; and now that she had sought the 
 truth from Ellerey himself, she was still left in doubt, in 
 a half-Waking uncertainty, which had a sense of pain in it. 
 
 It was some time before the thought that Ellerey was 
 with the Queen came uppermost in her mind, urging her 
 to be on the alert. She was in the act of rising when a 
 shadow fell upon her, and Lord Cloverton stood in the 
 entrance. 
 
 "Alone, Countess 1 " he exclaimed. " What great event 
 has happened in Sturatzberg?" 
 
 " None that I am aware of, my lord." 
 
 "And yet you are alone. It is so rare a circumstance 
 that you must pardon my astonishment." 
 
 " Even such a frivolous person as I am welcomes soli- 
 tude sometimes," she answered. 
 
 " I would not allow my dearest friend to so malign you, 
 Countess," said the Ambassador, seating himself beside 
 her. " I expected to find Captain Ellerey with you." 
 
 " You wish to speak with him ? "
 
 THE TIME ARRIVES 87 
 
 "Yes, but it can wait," answered Lord Cloverton care- 
 lessly. " Success is the result of skilfully seizing opportu- 
 nities, and in finding you alone an opportunity comes to 
 me. Will you spare me a moment ? " 
 
 She bowed a smiling acquiescence as though the ques- 
 tion were unnecessary. 
 
 " Like me, Countess, I am sure you take little interest 
 in uninteresting people, therefore you must have found 
 this Captain Ellerey interesting. So have I so interesting, 
 indeed, that I have wondered why he came to Wallaria. " 
 
 " He has not given me so much of his confidence as you 
 appear to imagine, my lord." 
 
 " He has not told you ! Ah, then I will, in confidence, 
 Countess, in confidence." 
 
 "I understand, and I shall respect it," she answered, 
 eager to learn what explanation the Ambassador would 
 give. 
 
 " He had enemies in England who made certain charges 
 against him which were absolutely without foundation; 
 but so skilfully had they been manipulated that Captain 
 Ellerey was unable to prove them false. His nature is an 
 impatient one, and in anger he turned his back upon 
 England and came to Sturatzberg. In Wallaria there 
 were possibilities. I can understand his action, Countess; 
 it was a natural one in a man of his independent character, 
 but it was foolish. It gave credence to the tales which had 
 been circulated. Now, Countess, influential friends have 
 taken up his case, and he ought to go back to England." 
 
 " But why tell this to me, my lord ? " 
 
 "A woman's persuasion, Countess, is all-powerful." 
 
 She looked at him quickly. 
 
 " But you have told me this in confidence. How can 
 I approach the subject and yet keep confidence ? " 
 
 " You flatter me most delicately by asking my advice on
 
 88 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 such a matter. Is it not true that a woman can frame her 
 questions so that a man is compelled to answer ? " 
 
 "Some men, perhaps." 
 
 " Captain Ellerey, I think," said the Ambassador. 
 
 "Under certain conditions." 
 
 " Exactly," he answered. 
 
 "When the questions are asked by one particular 
 woman," she said. 
 
 " You have caught my meaning exactly, Countess." 
 
 " But as it happens, Lord Cloverton, I am not the one 
 particular woman." 
 
 The Ambassador turned a smiling countenance toward 
 her. 
 
 " My dear lady, you do yourself a gross injustice." 
 
 The look he expected to find in her face he did not see 
 there. He had believed himself possessed of one secret. 
 He suddenly perceived that he had possibly discovered 
 another one that might be even more certainly used to 
 his own advantage, and he made haste to turn it to account. 
 
 " If I am mistaken," he said slowly, " Captain Ellerey 
 sinks in my estimation as a stone in water. If I am wrong 
 your displeasure should urge his return to England, for he 
 is no fit cavalier for Countess Mavrodin. He would be a 
 mere adventurer to whom every woman is a pleasant play- 
 thing one whose honor is for barter to the highest bidder. 
 Such men may well be advised to return to their native 
 land." 
 
 "As I am not the one particular woman so am I not 
 a plaything, my lord. Has your philosophy no position 
 which a woman may occupy between the two ? " 
 
 " In this case I think not." 
 
 "Such a small position as friendship, for instance," 
 she said, rising. " Captain Ellerey and I are fast friends." 
 
 " 1 hardly know whether I can congratulate you," said
 
 THE TIME ARRIVES 89 
 
 Lord Cloverton, rising, too, and showing no sign of annoy- 
 ance or recognition of defeat. 
 
 "You will pardon me, but I fear I may have been 
 missed," and then as they passed into the ball-room he 
 went on, " I will respect your confidence, but may I suggest 
 that your knowledge of Captain Ellerey's affairs may be 
 useful to him ? Why not advise him yourself ? At present 
 he is with the Queen ; when I see him again I will tell him 
 that you wish to speak to him." 
 
 "I have already given him my advice, Countess. I 
 thought to do him a service by sending him a more power- 
 ful advocate." And the Ambassador left her and went 
 quickly toward the vestibule. As she turned, Monsieur 
 De Froilette bowed low to her; he too was hastening 
 toward the vestibule. 
 
 When Desmond Ellerey had followed the messenger 
 across the ball-room, his guide suddenly paused and said 
 in a low tone: 
 
 " Her Majesty is in her private apartment, and I am 
 instructed to take you there. Will you come with me this 
 way?" 
 
 He turned from the ballroom and led Ellerey along a 
 corridor and through a door, which he locked after him. 
 They passed up one corridor and down another for a little 
 distance, and then ushering him into an ante-room, his 
 guide left him there while he went to inform the Queen of 
 his arrival. In a few moments he returned, and, holding 
 open a door, bid him enter. 
 
 The Queen was alone, seated by a table at which she 
 had been writing. Ellerey approached her and bent over 
 her hand. 
 
 " The time has come, Captain Ellerey," she said. " You 
 are ready?" 
 
 " I am only waiting your Majesty's commands."
 
 90 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "You have been sent once or twice, Captain Ellerey, 
 to dislodge a certain brigand called Vasilici from his fast- 
 nesses in the mountains, and have experienced disappoint- 
 ment perhaps in not finding him." 
 
 "That is so, your Majesty." 
 
 "It was never intended that you should find him," 
 she answered. " For months past loyal subjects have been 
 gathering in the mountains with Vasilici, waiting for our 
 word to revolt against the thraldom this country is under 
 to foreign nations. In the future it is for us to dictate, 
 not to obey. His Majesty, watched as he is, cannot act 
 freely, so the duty devolves on me. It is for you to proclaim 
 that we in Sturatzberg are ready, by carrying a token to 
 Vasilici, which I will give you, and which you must guard 
 with your life, Captain Ellerey. The mission with which 
 you are intrusted is a hazardous one. Faction is rife in 
 the country, and spies lurk in every corner of it. Even 
 now there may be some setting out upon the road to bar 
 your way to Vasilici. But for the trusted bearer of this 
 token await high honor and great reward." 
 
 " Even for a foreigner ? " asked Ellerey. 
 
 "You are no more one, Captain Ellerey. This is the 
 land of your adoption, and by this service are you not 
 proving yourself a worthy son ?" 
 
 "Your Majesty commands. I am content to trust to 
 your Majesty for my reward; but one thing troubles me." 
 
 "What is that?" 
 
 " The revolution for such it must be will heat men's 
 blood against the foreigner. May I ask consideration for 
 Lord Cloverton and his staff at the British Embassy ? " 
 
 " You have our word that no harm shall come to them. 
 We are not fighting Embassies, but the riff-raff which 
 has come into our land the adventurers who bear them- 
 selves as though they were our masters. We have been
 
 THE TIME ARRIVES 91 
 
 under an iron flail from the palace to the hovel. It is 
 against this subjection that we rebel. You are prepared 
 to fight and win with us." 
 
 " I am waiting for the token, your Majesty." 
 
 " I love a man of few words," she said; " and as surely 
 as success will come, I pledge my word that the ribbon of 
 the Golden Lion of Sturatzberg shall be yours, Captain 
 Ellerey, and with it revenue sufficient to bear it fittingly. 
 This is the token," she went on, baring her arm, on which, 
 just above the elbow, was a bracelet of iron, a chain joining 
 together four medallions. "It is an ancient treasure of 
 Wallaria, worn, it is said, by savage kings in this country 
 before ever the Romans had trampled it with their all- 
 conquering legions. I will seal it in this box, which you 
 must guard with your life and bear to Vasilici. Seeing it, 
 he will welcome you as he would ourself . With him return 
 triumphantly to Sturatzberg, and if a rabble of rebellious 
 soldiery, led away by traitors who are among us, stand 
 in your way, I can trust Captain Ellerey's sword to cut a 
 path through it. Will you unclasp the bracelet for me ? 
 the fastening is difficult." 
 
 As she held out her arm the door opened, and the ser- 
 vant who had fetched Ellerey entered. 
 
 "Monsieur De Froilette, your Majesty, has just in- 
 formed me that his Majesty is on his way here." 
 
 For one moment the Queen stood undecided. 
 
 " Do not unfasten it, Captain Ellerey," she said, laying 
 a detaining hand upon his. " To-morrow, some time before 
 midnight, it shall be sent to you. Not to your lodging, 
 that might be dangerous. Wait for it at the Toison d'Or. 
 It is an inn of no repute in the Bergenstrasse, which runs 
 toward the Southern Gate. This same messenger who 
 came to you to-night shall bring it, sealed as I have said. 
 Then make all speed to Vasilici, who lies in the neighbor-
 
 92 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 hood of the Drekner Pass. Now go. Quickly. He will 
 show you the way." 
 
 It was by a different way they returned. 
 
 " The Toison d'Or about midnight," said his guide as 
 he stood to open a door, "and monsieur would do well 
 to leave his lodging by the Western Gate as soon as he has 
 prepared for the journey. This passage will take monsieur 
 to the vestibule." 
 
 As he went toward the staircase, determined to leave 
 the palace at once, Ellerey saw Baron Petrescu leaning 
 against the marble balustrade talking to one of his com- 
 panions. There were certain men at Court who appeared 
 to follow the Baron like his shadow. He was watching 
 all those who left the palace as carefully as on a former 
 occasion he had scrutinized all those who entered it, and 
 again Ellerey's appearance seemed to release him from 
 his labors. With a whispered word to his companion he 
 moved hastily among the people who were crossing to the 
 stairs, and contriving to jostle Ellerey, canie to a standstill 
 directly in front of him. 
 
 "I am waiting, monsieur," he said. 
 
 "For what?" 
 
 "Your apology." 
 
 " You jest with me. I have none to make." 
 
 " Monsieur is slow to appreciate," said the Baron, with 
 a curl of his lip. "He forgets that he has stared most 
 insufferably at me on many occasions, and that now he 
 attempts to bar my progress." 
 
 "I appreciate that you wish to quarrel with me," 
 Ellerey answered bluntly, " but I am in no mood for quar- 
 relling. Will monsieur oblige by standing out of my way, 
 or must I be at the trouble of throwing him down the 
 stairs?" 
 
 The answer came quickly and was to the point. With
 
 THE TIME ARRIVES 93 
 
 a sudden sweep of his arm Baron Petrescu struck Ellerey 
 sharply across the face with his glove. 
 
 Perhaps there was something in Ellerey's expression 
 which made the Baron's companion step hastily to his 
 side. Experience may have taught him that Englishmen 
 have a strange habit of punishing such insults on the spot 
 with a total disregard of all formalities. Perhaps it was 
 his action which prevented Ellerey carrying out his inten- 
 tion. He drew himself up to his full height, the air whist- 
 ling through his clenched teeth as he caught his breath, 
 and then he bowed slightly to the Baron, who turned away, 
 leaving his companion to settle the matter. 
 
 " Monsieur will give me the name of a friend, so that 
 we may arrange for this affair to-morrow." 
 
 " Why not to-night ? I never sleep upon my quarrels. " 
 
 "Impossible, monsieur." 
 
 " Is not the choice with me ? " 
 
 " Certainly, but 
 
 " Then I say to-night," Ellerey answered. " There was 
 a moon when I entered the palace." 
 
 The man shrugged his shoulders, disgusted at the utter 
 barbarity of these Englishmen. 
 
 " The name of your friend, then, monsieur ? " 
 
 Ellerey was in a difficulty. He could think of no one 
 to whom he was desirous of intrusting an affair of this kind. 
 Before he could reply, however, he felt a touch upon his 
 arm. 
 
 " Can I be of service ? " 
 
 The speaker was an Englishman and a stranger to him. 
 
 " You will be doing me a great favor, monsieur, and I 
 thank you." 
 
 The stranger at once went aside with the Baron's friend. 
 In a few minutes he returned. 
 
 " Come, Captain Ellerey. It is in half an hour's time.'*
 
 94 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 And with an assenting inclination of his head Ellerey went 
 slowly down the stairs with his companion. 
 
 As he did so a woman came from a corner, and leaning 
 over the balustrade, watched the descending figures. Her 
 face was pale, and her lips trembled. 
 
 "I have sought you for my promised dance," said a 
 voice behind her. "What is interesting the Countess so 
 much?" 
 
 " I was thinking that the moon will be setting shortly," 
 she answered absent-mindedly. " In an hour it will be dark 
 or very nearly." 
 
 "Well, Countess, what can that matter?" said the 
 Austrian attache. 
 
 She looked at him vaguely for a moment, thinking of 
 the man who had just descended the stairs. Then she 
 said with manifest effort and a faint smile as she laid her 
 hand upon the attache's arm : 
 
 " No, indeed; what can it matter to me ? "
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 THE IRON BRACELET 
 
 WHEN Lord Cloverton left Frina Mavrodin he hurried 
 to the vestibule and sent a message to the King, asking 
 for an immediate and private audience, and De Froilette 
 saw the Ambassador go to the King's private apartment 
 soon afterward. De Froilette knew that this sudden 
 audience could only relate to one of two matters either 
 Lord Cloverton had made some discovery respecting the 
 Princess Maritza, or else he was aware that Ellerey was 
 with the Queen and was about to make some move which 
 would defeat any conspiracy which might be in progress. 
 That the Ambassador had any idea of the real state of 
 affairs, De Froilette did not believe. He did not go at once 
 to warn the Queen. It was only as the King and the 
 Minister were leaving the private apartments that he real- 
 ized the danger. 
 
 Lord Cloverton was troubled. The various pieces of 
 the puzzle which he had fitted into places to his satis- 
 faction suddenly seemed inadequate to fill the places he 
 had assigned to them. To-night he had discovered a depth 
 in Frina Mavrodin the existence of which he had never sus- 
 pected. She had fenced him with his own weapons in a 
 manner he was little accustomed to, and he had signally 
 failed to make use of her in the way he desired. True, she 
 had told him that Ellerey was with the Queen, but she had 
 mentioned it as a circumstance of small importance. Was 
 it? Was the casual information meant to mislead him?
 
 96 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 This frivolous woman was beginning to take a new position 
 in the Ambassador's calculations, and he began, almost 
 unconsciously, to look for some large space in the intricate 
 puzzle which she might possibly fill. He had imagined 
 that love linked her to Desmond Ellerey, and he was appar- 
 ently mistaken ; it was only friendship, and such friendship 
 might mean anything. 
 
 He spoke to Captain Ward, telling him to be particu- 
 larly observant of Ellerey, and then went to the King. It 
 was unusual with him, but for once he had not determined 
 what course of action to take even when he entered the 
 King's room. 
 
 " What important twist have affairs taken, my lord ? " 
 asked the King. 
 
 " It is to prevent any twist that I ventured to ask for this 
 audience, your Majesty. I am forced to refer again to a 
 subject which, on a former occasion, gave you some dis- 
 pleasure. You must pardon my importunity, since I be- 
 lieve the danger is imminent." 
 
 "I am all attention," the King answered, conscious of 
 the slight embarrassment there was in Lord Cloverton's 
 manner. 
 
 " As you are aware," the Ambassador went on slowly, 
 " I have always considered many of the plots which from 
 time to time become apparent in Sturatzberg of small im- 
 portance. I have, on the other hand, consistently warned 
 your Majesty of the danger which might at any time mani- 
 fest itself in a sudden development of the tactics of the brig- 
 ands in the mountains. Their chief, Vasilici, may be a 
 chief only in name, and it is certain that during the past few 
 months many have joined him who are not brigands in any 
 sense of the word, and who, I conceive, are merely using 
 this outlaw as a convenient cloak to their wider and more 
 sinister intentions."
 
 THE IRON BRACELET 97 
 
 " Certainly you have always been an alarmist in this 
 matter," said the King, with a smile. " Whatever their 
 intentions may be, the fast remains that they have always 
 fled at the approach of a handful of troops." 
 
 " Which is rather unnatural, it seems to me," Lord Clo- 
 
 verton answered quickly. "Whatever else he may lack, 
 
 ! your brigand is not deficient in courage, and it must be 
 
 remembered that the troops sent against these men have 
 
 never succeeded in finding a trace of their spoils." 
 
 " Do you suggest that they have been warned of the ex- 
 peditions sent against them ? " 
 
 "I think it probable." 
 
 " By whom, my lord ? " 
 
 ** We might laugh at the danger, your Majesty, could I 
 answer that question," replied the Ambassador. " It must 
 be remembered that there are many in Sturatzberg who, 
 while personally loyal to you, are not satisfied with your 
 foreign policy ; who believe that Wallaria is too much under 
 the direction of the greater European Powers, and would 
 help you to emancipation in spite of yourself." 
 
 " A judgment which is the outcome of ignorance, Lord 
 Cloverton." 
 
 " I think so, but it is not reasonable to suppose that they 
 do," returned the Ambassador. "Such a feeling is preva- 
 lent in all grades of society in Sturatzberg, from her 
 Majesty Queen Elena, down to the beggars in the Alt- 
 strasse." 
 
 " The Queen, my lord ! " exclaimed the King sharply. 
 
 " I do not speak hastily, your Majesty, Queen Elena 
 has all those attributes which go to make a great ruler. She 
 has courage, diplomacy, tact, and deep in her heart lies a 
 living, beating interest in her country's welfare." 
 
 " Such praise seems merely the mask for an accusation, 
 my lord. I must request you to be more explicit." 
 7
 
 98 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " To be so, your Majesty, was my reason for asking for 
 this interview. I humbly protest, however, that I make no 
 accusation in the ordinary sense of the word. Her Maj- 
 esty's conception of her country's welfare is, I venture to 
 think, an erroneous one, although I imagine her desire is 
 only to help forward a policy which she believes is near to 
 your heart." 
 
 " Enough, Lord Cloverton, let us get to the root of the 
 matter quickly. Our absence will be remarked and occa- 
 sion comment." 
 
 The King spoke irritably, and the Ambassador felt the 
 delicacy and difficulty of the position. He was not quite 
 sure of his ground. He was rather in the position of one 
 who draws a bow at a venture, and yet he had a shrewd 
 suspicion in which direction the mark lay. Of one thing 
 he was certain the danger; and he felt justified in taking 
 any risk for the purpose of preventing trouble. 
 
 " To-night the Queen has given a special audience to a 
 countryman of mine, a Captain Desmond Ellerey in your 
 Majesty's service," said the Ambassador, speaking quietly 
 and concisely. " This Captain Ellerey is a man of courage 
 and resource, in a way an adventurer, prepared for any 
 hazardous enterprise if he is once convinced that it is in the 
 service of his adopted country. I believe the Queen in- 
 tends to send him upon some secret mission which, although 
 she may be ignorant of the fact, will militate against your 
 Majesty, and against your peaceful policy." 
 
 " An accusation of treason ! " exclaimed the King. " You 
 go too far, my lord." 
 
 " I make no such accusation ; I only fear an act which 
 may lead to treason in others, and seek to prevent it." 
 
 " Why not question Captain Ellerey ? " 
 
 " I have done so, but to no purpose." 
 
 " I will question him," said the King.
 
 THE IRON BRACELET 99 
 
 " Why not question her Majesty ? " Lord Cloverton sug- 
 gested. " Captain Ellerey is with her at this moment ." 
 
 " You shall go with me, Lord Cloverton," said the King. 
 "Since you have such suspicions it is no time for secret 
 questionings. Her Majesty shall hear your accusation and 
 shall answer it." 
 
 The Ambassador bowed. The King's decision pleased 
 him. If he had not succeeded in raising the King's suspi- 
 cion, he had raised his anger, which would serve the same 
 purpose, and Lord Cloverton still held the trump card in 
 his hand. 
 
 The moment Ellerey had left her, the Queen glanced 
 hastily around the room. She slipped the box she had 
 shown him underneath some papers in her drawer, and 
 then with a smile reseated herself, and, drawing paper 
 toward her, she rapidly began to write a note to Frina 
 Mavrodin. 
 
 She rose quickly with a little gesture of surprise when 
 the King and the English Ambassador were announced. 
 The King strode into the room, anger still in his face, but 
 Lord Cloverton came to a halt near the door. 
 
 " Your Majesty is welcome," said the Queen, " but you 
 look troubled. I fear I spend too little time helping to 
 share your Majesty's difficulties." 
 
 "To defeat intrigues is my hourly occupation, Elena, 
 but there are some intrigues, or whispers of them, which 
 call for special treatment ; they are not to be met by coun- 
 terplot, but by open speech and outspoken denial." 
 
 " Am I accused ? " the Queen asked. 
 
 " Lord Cloverton has seen fit to warn me." 
 
 " Of what ? " she asked innocently, looking toward the 
 Ambassador. 
 
 The King hesitated for a moment, almost as though he 
 wished Lord Cloverton would speak.
 
 100 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " To-night you have received Captain Ellerey in private 
 audience," he said after a moment's pause. 
 
 "I have." 
 
 " May I know for what purpose ? " 
 
 The Queen looked first at her husband, then at the 
 Ambassador, her glance lingering on the latter for a 
 moment. 
 
 " I cannot tell you why," she answered slowly. " It was 
 a matter of no great importance, but it was essentially pri- 
 vate. I would be unfair to Captain Ellerey to speak of it." 
 
 It may have been the flicker of triumph upon the Am- 
 bassador's face which urged the King on. 
 
 " We expected to find Captain Ellerey still with you." 
 
 " The audience was a short one," was the answer. 
 
 " I am afraid I must demand to know its purport," said 
 the King. " I do so in your own interests." 
 
 " You wish me to deny some accusation Lord Cloverton 
 has made against me. I tremble lest I may be unable to do 
 so. Of what frivolity do I stand accused ? " and she smiled 
 at the Ambassador with an innocent expression on her face 
 pleading for lenient judgment. 
 
 " Of no frivolity," said the King. " Lord Cloverton has 
 suggested that you have despatched this Captain Ellerey 
 upon some secret mission to the enemies of our country, 
 seeking to do us a service, but in truth jeopardizing our pol- 
 icy of peace, perchance our throne. In substance, my lord, 
 that is your accusation, I think ? " 
 
 " That is so," returned the Ambassador. 
 
 " To what enemies ? " asked the Queen, after a pause. 
 
 " Is there any need to particularize ? " said the King irri- 
 tably. " The accusation is either true or false." 
 
 "It is false." 
 
 The denial was quietly spoken, but an angry flush 
 glowed in her cheeks.
 
 THE IRON BRACELET 101 
 
 " By your Majesty's leave, such an accusation should be 
 definite, and again I ask, what enemies ? " 
 
 " I will be definite," said Lord Cloverton. " Doubtless 
 you have not considered well " 
 
 " Be direct, too, my lord ; what enemies ? " 
 
 " I will. I mean those enemies who are in communica- 
 tion with the traitors who have joined the brigand Vasilici 
 in the mountains." 
 
 "You accuse me of holding communication with 
 these men ? " 
 
 " Your Majesty must pardon my bluntness, I do." 
 
 " You are pardoned, and thanked also," she said lightly. 
 "Such bluntness comes more directly at the heart of the 
 matter than much diplomacy, and is more easily answered. 
 I deny the charge." And then, turning to the King, she 
 went on : " For my own protection I am constrained to tell 
 you the purpose of Captain Ellercy's visit to me. He has 
 quickly received the favor of one of the ladies of our Court, 
 a favor for which I am in some measure responsible. When 
 Captain Ellerey first came among us, he furnished us with 
 subject for jesting by declaring that no woman had ever 
 played a serious part in his life. I expressed a belief that 
 such a statement would rouse feminine enthusiasm in 
 Sturatzberg, and I have since often questioned him 
 whether he could truthfully repeat the declaration. It 
 was a jest, but seriousness has come of it. Captain Elle- 
 rey's ambition has flown high, even to the Countess Ma- 
 vrodin. Such an ambition must bring him bitter enemies, 
 in numbers like leaves in autumn; and if to-night I have 
 persuaded him against soaring so high, if I have made 
 Frina Mavrodin's position in Sturatzberg plainer to him 
 and endeavored privately to warn him against such an 
 ambition, have I done aught to pander to my country's 
 enemies or to jeopardize your Majesty's throne ? "
 
 10S PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 The question was asked in such a manner as to make 
 the King laugh. 
 
 "No, but by my faith, your interference may have 
 jeopardized the lady's happiness. Is she to have no 
 voice in the matter ? " 
 
 "I fear she is somewhat fascinated by Captain Elle- 
 rey," said the Queen with a smile, "but such a thing as 
 marriage is not to be thought of. Think of it. Frina 
 Mavrodin and a Captain of Horse ! You English place 
 no limits to your ambition," she added, turning to Lord 
 Cloverton. 
 
 " Love leaps over all obstacles," said the King. 
 
 But her Majesty was ready with arguments to prove 
 that the affair was no laughing matter. She even sug- 
 gested that such a marriage might have a political signifi- 
 cance, might lead to complications which would have 
 serious consequences, even to some revolution such as 
 Lord Cloverton had accused her of fostering. It was no 
 laughing matter as his Majesty would make it, and her 
 interference was not unnecessary, but intended to serve 
 the State. Even were Captain Ellerey to rise to great 
 distinction, she argued, such an alliance would still be 
 fraught with danger. The Countess Mavrodin with her 
 wealth, with her prestige, and her close connection with 
 the noblest houses in Sturatzberg, was not for a soldier of 
 fortune, as, at the best, Captain Ellerey was. She became 
 eloquent upon the subject, and the King watched the 
 Ambassador, a smile upon his lips, in anticipation of his 
 discomfiture. 
 
 " I had already begun a letter to the Countess," said 
 the Queen, taking up the paper on which she had written 
 a few lines. "I want to show her plainly the impossi- 
 bility of such a thing. Are you satisfied, Lord Cloverton ? " 
 
 The Ambassador had remained standing by the door
 
 THE IRON BRACELET 103 
 
 and had not taken his eyes from the Queen as she talked 
 rapidly. There was no tell-tale expression on his face to 
 indicate his thoughts. Now he advanced. 
 
 " Your Majesty thinks then that this folly, so far as 
 the Countess Mavrodin is concerned, is a serious matter ? " 
 
 " I want to find out." 
 
 " If I am any judge, it is," said Lord Cloverton, " more 
 serious with the lady than with the man. Her words went 
 far to confirm my ideas respecting Captain Ellerey, her 
 manner betrayed her own secret." 
 
 " You have spoken to her ! " 
 
 "Yes, only to-night. Your Majesty exaggerates the 
 political significance of such a marriage, I feel sure; it 
 would make enemies for Captain Ellerey, no doubt, but 
 he is the kind of man who is very capable of defending 
 himself. A greatly daring Englishmen is an awkward 
 man to encounter, and there seems to be a general desire 
 to enlist the sympathy of Desmond Ellerey. That has 
 made me suspicious, and using some knowledge which 
 I possess concerning him, I have endeavored to make 
 him apply for leave to return to England." 
 
 " To save him from the Countess ? " said the Queen. 
 
 "No, your Majesty; to prevent his being drawn into 
 a plot which seeks to overthrow the present government 
 of this country." 
 
 " Is there such a plot ? " she asked innocently. 
 
 " A dozen have existed ever since I came to the throne," 
 said the King. The Ambassador's persistency made him 
 angry. 
 
 "Hiding themselves in holes like hunted vermin," 
 Lord Cloverton returned sharply, "afraid to strike, 
 afraid to be seen, with no plan of action ready, and alto- 
 gether futile. I do not speak of such plots as these, but 
 of one particular plot, whose ramifications spread and
 
 104 . PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 grow from end to end of Wallaria, penetrating to the very 
 heart of the nation as surely as tree roots push their way 
 to water. The head of it looks up watchfully from the 
 hidden intrenchments on the mountains at intervals, waiting 
 for the moment to strike. Anxiously is it waiting now." 
 
 "For what?" cried the King. "In heaven's name, 
 for what, Lord Cloverton ? " 
 
 " For the token her Majesty delivered to Captain Elle- 
 rey to-night." 
 
 A profound silence followed this deliberate accusa- 
 tion. So unflinchingly was it made, so evident was it 
 that the Ambassador had some knowledge which he had 
 not divulged, that the King found no words to utter. He 
 looked helplessly at the Queen like a man who has received 
 a blow which has dazed him for the time being. The 
 Ambassador's knowledge startled the Queen, too, but she 
 did not shrink before his steady scrutiny. She was the 
 first to break the silence. 
 
 " I gave no such token," she said. 
 
 Lord Cloverton started slightly at being given the 
 lie so directly. What subterfuge was a woman not capable 
 of? 
 
 "You have your answer, my lord," said the King, 
 moving toward his wife. 
 
 The Ambassador bowed. He could hardly pursue 
 the matter further unless the King assisted him, and he 
 turned to leave the room. 
 
 " You are not satisfied ? " said the King sternly. 
 
 " No, your Majesty." 
 
 " What proof can you have ? What was the token ? " 
 
 Lord Cloverton turned quickly. It was the very 
 question he had hoped for. 
 
 "A sacred treasure of Sturatzberg, the iron bracelet 
 her Majesty is accustomed to wear upon her arm."
 
 THE IRON BRACELET 105 
 
 Again there was silence, and, set as his face was, the 
 mask was insufficient to hide the Ambassador's excite- 
 ment. The Queen stood for a moment quite conscious 
 of the dramatic effect of the silent pause, and then she made 
 three rapid strides toward the Ambassador. With a 
 sudden sweep of her right hand she ripped open the left 
 sleeve of her gown from wrist to shoulder and thrust out 
 her arm to him. 
 
 "I demand your apology, Lord Cloverton." 
 She stood imperiously before him, looking down at 
 him. Fire was in her eyes, an angry flush upon her 
 cheeks, triumph in look and gesture. It would have 
 gone hard with any subject who had dared to accuse her. 
 The Ambassador was obliged to murmur his apology, 
 for, tightly clasped upon the gleaming white and rounded 
 arm, was the bracelet of iron.
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 THE DUEL 
 
 THE aspect of the night had changed when Ellerey and 
 his companion left the palace. Fleecy clouds raced across 
 the sky, veiling the face of the moon at intervals, and mak- 
 ing her light fitful and uncertain. The air struck cold 
 after the warmth within, but beyond drawing his cloak 
 a little closer round him, Desmond Ellerey seemed indif- 
 ferent to the night and to the business he had in hand. 
 He asked no questions, and with his eyes bent on the ground 
 followed his companion mechanically. The cause of the 
 quarrel interested him more than the issue of it. Why had 
 Baron Petrescu drawn him into this duel? It had ob- 
 viously been carefully planned, and the insult deliberately 
 given at a moment when Ellerey was least desirous of 
 placing his life in jeopardy. He could only assume that 
 her Majesty's schemes were, to some extent at least, known 
 to the Baron, and that having other interests to serve, he 
 was bent on incapacitating him from performing the 
 mission he had undertaken. That the Baron had any 
 personal quarrel with him he did not believe. 
 
 Ellerey's companion, on the other hand, was inter- 
 ested in the night. Each time the moonlight grew pale, 
 or died out altogether for a moment, he looked at the 
 sky and glanced quickly at Ellerey. He was the more 
 excited of the two. 
 
 " This is a treacherous light for our work," he said,
 
 THE DUEL 107 
 
 presently. "We should have been wiser to have waited 
 until morning." 
 
 "I have other work for the morning," Ellerey an- 
 swered. 
 
 " Are you a skilful swordsman ? The Baron is." 
 
 "Is he ? " said Ellerey, indifferently. " I have some 
 reputation in my regiment, but doubtless I shall be a 
 better judge of my skill presently. Where do we go?" 
 
 "To tell the truth, I hardly like the rendezvous," 
 was the answer. "It is a stretch of sward behind an 
 obscure tavern in this part of the town. Did I not know 
 the Baron to be an honorable man, I should have refused 
 the meeting in such a place. Your decision to fight 
 to-night made our choice limited." 
 
 Ellerey stopped and looked about him. They had 
 turned from a side street into a narrow thoroughfare 
 with tall, dark houses on either side. The neighbor- 
 hood looked particularly uninviting. 
 
 " Where are we ? " he asked suddenly, remembering 
 that he knew nothing of his companion, and that by 
 accepting the service he had so readily offered he might 
 be quietly stepping into a trap. Such a thing would 
 agree very well with the rest of Baron Petrescu's behavior. 
 
 "Beyond knowing that we are in the purlieus of a 
 lower part of the town and on the outskirts of the city, 
 I am as puzzled as you are." 
 
 "You seem very credulous of the Baron's honesty, 
 monsieur, to agree so such a place as this. Which way 
 now ? " 
 
 "To the bottom of this street, where we are to wait. 
 The Baron's friend will meet us there." 
 
 "We will keep the appointment so far," said Ellerey 
 shortly. "I came to meet Baron Petrescu, but I am not 
 minded to step blindly into a nest of cut-throats."
 
 108 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 He strode on as alert now as he had been indifferent 
 before, and it was not until they had nearly reached the 
 end of the street that his companion spoke. 
 
 " One moment," he said. " By that light yonder we 
 are to wait. You do not trust me, Captain Ellerey?" 
 
 " I have not said so." 
 
 " That admits my statement," was the answer. " Until 
 a moment ago that aspect of the case had not presented 
 itself to me, but on reflection I can hardly wonder at your 
 distrust. The circumstances tell against me, but had I 
 been in any conspiracy against you, I should hardly have 
 called your attention to the strangeness of the rendezvous. 
 I have, however, a better guarantee of my honesty : I am 
 a countryman of yours, an Englishman. I like this affair 
 as little as you do; but if you are minded to see it through, 
 I have a sword and the will to fight beside you should there 
 be any attempt at treachery. There's my hand upon it." 
 
 It was not the words, but the manner in which they 
 were spoken that convinced Ellerey, and he took the 
 hand held out to him. 
 
 "Forgive my momentary suspicion," he said. "We 
 meet by the light yonder, you say." 
 
 The light came from a dim lamp in an upper window. 
 It might have been placed there as a signal, or some poor 
 seamstress, in the struggle for a livelihood, might be ruin- 
 ing her health and sight by it. It must, at any rate, 
 have been very constantly there, or it would not so readily 
 have been mentioned to mark a place of meeting. As 
 they went toward it, the figures of two men became 
 dimly visible standing in the shadow of the wall. One 
 advanced to meet them, and addressed himself to Ellerey 's 
 companion. 
 
 " I much regret this unusual mode of procedure, but it 
 is unavoidable under the circumstances and in view of your
 
 THE DUEL * 109 
 
 friend's decision to fight to-night. May I request that you 
 will follow us in silence ? " 
 
 The other man moved from the shadow. It was Baron 
 Petrescu; and going to the house which was next to that 
 in which the lamp shone, he knocked twice at the door 
 in a peculiar manner which was evidently a known sum- 
 mons to those within. Some considerable time elapsed 
 before the summons was answered, but the Baron showed 
 no impatience, and this manifest knowledge of the ways 
 of the establishment did not inspire Ellerey with confi- 
 dence. Once within, murder and concealment of the 
 crime might be easy. Who was there in all Sturatzberg 
 to know that he had ever entered this house ? And how 
 many were there in the wide world to care whether he ever 
 left it ? 
 
 Presently the door opened a little space, and a shaggy 
 head was thrust out in a truculent manner. Whether the 
 Baron spoke to him, or whether the man recognized his 
 visitor, Ellerey could not determine, but the door was 
 opened wide, and they were admitted into a small, ill- 
 lighted lobby. The entrance was a private one, not a 
 usual caf6 entrance, but the smell of stale liquor and smoke 
 and the reek of highly spiced dishes proved that the caj& 
 was under the same roof, and proclaimed it as a resort of 
 that lower stratum of society which loves its food pungent 
 and highly flavored. That there was such silence in the 
 house was surprising. 
 
 "A private visit, Theodor," said the Baron. "We 
 do not join the assembly to-night. Reassure them, and 
 let us have a word with you." 
 
 Theodor opened one of the folding-doors in the lobby, 
 and in a stentorian voice shouted some word, which Elle- 
 rey did not catch. Its effect was magical. Immediately 
 there arose a loud hum of voices, the clinking and clatter
 
 110 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 of innumerable glasses and plates, and the rattle of dice 
 and dominoes. Then Theodor let the door swing to again, 
 muffling the sounds of this living hive, and led the way into 
 a small bare room at the side. 
 
 The Baron's companion now became the spokesman. 
 
 " We have a little matter to settle, Theodor, a private 
 quarrel which does concern the good fellows yonder, and 
 of which they must know nothing. The grass alley in 
 the garden will serve our purpose. Let us out quietly, 
 and have a care that no one wanders that way to cool an 
 aching head until we have departed." 
 
 Theodor looked from the speaker to his companions, 
 each in turn, and Ellerey keenly watched the man's eyes 
 to note if any look of understanding were exchanged. He 
 could detect none. 
 
 " Of course, of course, it is a good spot for such matter, 
 but if one is killed ? " 
 
 "Well, Theodor, there is earth enough in the garden 
 for burial." 
 
 Theodor shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 "And you will call none to help you with that work ?" 
 
 " No. Have I not said that the matter is private ? " 
 
 "And there is no surgeon." 
 
 "I have sufficient skill for that," was the answer. 
 "Come, Theodor, time presses, and the moon will not 
 serve us long." 
 
 " Is it in the cause ? " 
 
 " No," said Baron Petrescu, sharply, as though he were 
 afraid some different answer would be given, but Ellerey 
 could not help believing that the cause, whatever it might 
 be, was at the bottom of the whole affair, that the Baron 
 had designedly insulted him that evening because of it, 
 and that his speedy removal was considered necessary to 
 the well-being of it. Theodor did not seem to believe the
 
 THE DUEL 111 
 
 Baron's statement either, but it was apparent that either 
 he had not the power or the desire to oppose the Baron, 
 for he answered quickly: 
 
 "I see. Will an hour be enough?" 
 
 "More than enough." 
 
 " Good. Then in one hour I will walk through the 
 garden, and shall find it empty. I shall know that anyone 
 with an aching head is free to cool it there, and if there be 
 a grave to trample on, what matter ? No one will know." 
 
 Without further words he led the way down a narrow 
 passage, at the end of which he quietly unbarred a door. 
 
 "Three steps down," he said by way of caution, as 
 he stood aside to let them pass. He watched them until 
 their figures were lost in the shadows of the garden, and 
 then he closed and barred the door again. 
 
 It was a garden of some extent, and little heaps of 
 chairs and small three-legged tables showed that on warm 
 nights the frequenters of the cafe drank their wine and threw 
 their dice there instead of within. The lights in the house 
 the cafe seemed to occupy only the back of it shone 
 through the shrubberies, and the murmur and clatter were 
 plainly audible as the four men crossed the lawn and went 
 toward the end of the garden along tortuous paths which 
 made the really short distance seem a long one. 
 
 At last they came out on to a level piece of turf sur- 
 rounded on all sides by high hedges, through which were 
 many openings leading to other parts of the garden, and 
 through one of which they had come. There were trees 
 here and there, the long shadows thrown across the turf, 
 and without absolutely obscuring the moonlight, they made 
 it extremely difficult to fight a duel by. Baron Petrescu 
 walked to one end of the lawn, and Ellerey to the other, 
 leaving the two seconds together to make final arrange- 
 ments. Once convinced that his adversary contemplated
 
 112 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 no treachery, Ellerey sank again into his indifferent state, 
 paying no attention to the choosing of the ground, taking 
 no note of the light, nor considering how he might best use 
 his position to the full advantage. The Baron, on the other 
 hand, was quick to observe exactly how the shadows fell, 
 and to calculate every chance which might help him. 
 
 "We are ready, Captain Ellerey." 
 
 Without a word Ellerey threw off his cloak and coat, 
 and taking his sword, weighed it in his hand, testing its 
 poise and balance. 
 
 " In case of accident is there anything you wish me to 
 do?" asked his companion; "anything to take charge of, 
 any message to send ? The affair has been so hurried that 
 there has been no time to make these small arrangements." 
 
 "Thank you, there is nothing," Ellerey answered. 
 " Under the circumstances I am fortunate in not possessing 
 a friend in the world who cares a snap of his fingers whether 
 I am living or dead." 
 
 " Nor a woman ? " 
 
 Ellerey hesitated for a moment. 
 
 " The Countess Mavrodin might be interested to learn 
 that I was dead. Yes, if anything should happen, please 
 tell her." 
 
 "But in England?" 
 
 " There is no one," Ellerey answered. 
 
 A cloud passed over the moon as the combatants faced 
 each other, and not until it had passed was the signal given. 
 Then steel rang on steel with a music which sounded 
 weirdly in the night. No other sound was there save a 
 rustling in the leaves now and again as though they trembled 
 in sympathy to some swift lunge or quickly parried thrust. 
 The moon shone clearly for a space, touching the swords 
 into two streaks of flashing light, and painting the men's 
 set faces with a cold hue, ghostly, and deathlike. The
 
 THE DUEL 113 
 
 Baron had a reputation as a swordsman, had stood face 
 to face with an antagonist many times before, and more 
 than once had seen his adversary turn sightless eyes to the 
 morning sky. It was therefore, perhaps, only natural 
 that he should have contemplated his encounter with the 
 Englishman with equanimity. At the same time Ellerey's 
 determination to settle the quarrel at once and by moon- 
 light may have had the effect of making him more cautious 
 than usual. Certainly his second, who had often seen him 
 fight before, marvelled at his deliberation to-night. The 
 well-known brilliancy of his attacks was wanting, and he 
 could only suppose that the Englishman was a more worthy 
 swordsman than he had imagined. Whatever delibera- 
 tion the Baron used, he at first pressed the fight far more 
 than Ellerey, whose whole attention seemed occupied in 
 defending himself. He was less attractive to watch than 
 the Baron, slower, it seemed, in his movements, and with 
 less invention and resource, yet Petrescu appeared to gain 
 no advantage. Every thrust he made was parried, if rather 
 late sometimes, still parried, and he found that his adver- 
 sary's wrist, if less flexible than his own, was of iron. He 
 changed his tactics, he pressed the fight less and less, hoping 
 to make the Englishman careless, and tempt him to attack 
 more vigorously. In a measure the device succeeded. 
 Ellerey's point began to fla,sh toward him with a persist- 
 ency he had not expected, but there was no less caution. 
 Twice, thrice, the Baron used a feint and thrust which had 
 seldom missed their intention, and had proved the undoing 
 of many an adversary ; but now they were met in the only 
 manner it seemed that they could be met successfully. 
 At the third failure the Baron's computation of the Eng- 
 lishman's skill underwent a rapid change. He had met 
 his match, a foeman worthy of his steel, as comsummate 
 a swordsman as himself; and if for a moment there was
 
 114 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 a sense of disappointment, it was quickly followed by one 
 of keen satisfaction not unmingled with a feeling of friend- 
 ship for his antagonist. There was that in Baron Petrescu 
 which he had received no credit for, even from his friends. 
 What contempt he had had for Ellerey disappeared, and 
 a desire to win for the mere sake of winning took possession 
 of him. All the thoughts which had prompted him to 
 this duel were forgotten ; he was no longer intent on killing 
 his adversary. Now to verify his superiority and to prove 
 it to this worthy foeman was his ambition, and it was in 
 this spirit he pressed the contest with increased energy. 
 The night became full of eyes for him, eager eyes, watchful 
 of his skill, and hushed in the silence a thousand voices 
 seemed ready to proclaim his victory. 
 
 There was no such complication of thoughts in Ellerey 's 
 mind. The Baron had grossly insulted him, had forced 
 this quarrel upon him, and he meant to punish him if he 
 could. Whether he killed him or not was of small con- 
 sequence so long as he thoroughly taught him a lesson. 
 Yet to him also the night had eyes, and the air a feeling of 
 movement in it, stealthy movement that walked on tiptoe 
 and held its breath. The steel sang, now high, now low, 
 distinct sounds and continuous. The breeze rustled the 
 leaves then and again, but something else was stirring in the 
 night, now behind him, now to his right, just where the 
 high hedges enclosed the lawn . Once he heard it like the 
 rustle of some startled animal among the dried and fallen 
 leaves, and again he heard it, less distinct perhaps but more 
 pervading, as when a crowd waits spellbound. 
 
 The Baron's attack grew fiercer again ; twice he nearly 
 broke through Ellerey 's defence just when the sounds were 
 audible in his ears. The Baron's most dangerous thrusts- 
 and the coming of the sounds seemed to synchronise, as 
 though there were a connection between them, as though
 
 THE DUEL 115 
 
 they were parts of some whole. Ellerey almost expected 
 to read a solution of the mystery in his opponent's eyes, 
 which glittered in his pale, moonlit face. But the solution 
 was not in the Baron's eyes it was behind him. For one 
 instant Ellerey glanced over the Baron's shoulder to the 
 thick-set hedge beyond, and in an alley there the moonlight 
 fell for a moment upon a pale face thrust forward a little 
 too eagerly. The night was alive with eyes. 
 
 " It is treachery, then, after all ! " Ellerey burst out sud- 
 denly, and as he spoke he used the Baron's own par- 
 ticular feint and thrust, and his sword point ran swiftly 
 and smoothly into soft flesh. 
 
 With a low cry his adversary staggered back and fell, 
 and in that moment the night was full of voices, too. Men 
 rushed with angry cries and gesticulations from every alley 
 of the garden, some to this side, some to that, to surround 
 the little party. In an instant the seconds had drawn 
 their swords and were beside Ellerey. 
 
 "Back, you fools! "came faintly from the wounded 
 man, but the eager crowd did not heed, even if they 
 heard, him as they rushed to the attack in overwhelming 
 numbers. 
 
 " On my oath, Captain Ellerey, this is no work of mine," 
 said the Baron, attempting to stagger to his feet, but falling 
 to the ground again. 
 
 His second, too, shouted to the crowd, using the Baron's 
 name to enforce his words, but he might as well have 
 shrieked forbiddance to the incoming tide. The mad 
 crowd rushed upon the three men from all sides, and 
 although the flashing swords kept them back for a few 
 moments, and harsh cries told that one blade or another 
 had done its work, it was certain that only in flight was their 
 safety against such odds. 
 
 As one ruffian staggered back with a yell of pain from
 
 116 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 the point of Ellerey's sword, the Baron's second whispered 
 in his ear: 
 
 " Make for the alley just in front of you, to the left, to 
 the right and then to the right again. There is a door in 
 the high wall of the garden. You are safe if you can reach 
 it. It is you they want, they will not harm the Baron. 
 Rush for it. I will keep them off as long as I can." 
 
 Ellerey whispered the same instructions to his second, 
 and then, waiting until the crowd had fallen back for a 
 moment, he suddenly rushed forward, using his sword 
 and his clenched fist to force himself a passage. The 
 crowd was taken by surprise, and a cloud hiding the moon 
 at that moment was in Ellerey's favor. Before they under- 
 stood his intention he had reached the alley. 
 
 "To the right, then left, then right!" he shouted to his 
 companion, who was running swiftly at his heels. 
 
 "To the door!" rose the shout behind him, and the 
 whole garden was full of rushing feet. 
 
 Ellerey gave a cry of triumph as he caught the latch of 
 the door and pulled it open, half turning to his companion 
 as he did so. Had he been an instant later that exultant cry 
 would have been his last, for at that moment a dagger 
 flashed down upon him, and only by a quick spring aside 
 did he avoid the blow. The man who had followed him 
 so closely was not his second. 
 
 Before his adversary could recover himself, he struck 
 him full in the face with the hilt of his sword and sent him 
 reeling back into the arms of the foremost of his compan- 
 ions. The next instant Ellerey had slammed the door 
 behind him, and was in a narrow lane on the other side of 
 the wall.
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 THE FOLLY OF A SOLDIER 
 
 IT was not until he had run some distance along the lane 
 that Ellerey stopped to listen, and fully to realize that his 
 companion was not beside him. There were no sounds 
 of hurrying feet in pursuit. He could not have out-dis- 
 tanced his enemies so completely in so short a time ; either 
 they had come no farther than the door in the wall, or had 
 turned in the opposite direction, perhaps following his 
 companion. 
 
 With his sword still in his hand, held ready for deadly 
 work at a moment's notice, he retraced his steps, his 
 senses sharp set to detect the slightest sound or movement 
 near him. Heavy clouds had engulfed the moon now, 
 the darkness was extreme, and the silence of the night 
 unbroken. He went forward carefully; the darkness 
 might hold a legion of foes, and the silence be a trap to 
 catch him. Ellerey found the door with difficulty, indeed 
 by chance, for it was cunningly hidden. Whatever the 
 danger, he must enter the garden again in search for his 
 comrade. The door was shut, and as he felt along it from 
 top to bottom, touching no latch nor handle, nor keyhole 
 even, he realized that entrance that way was barred. The 
 door only opened from within. He had stepped back to 
 consider how, and at what point, he could best scale the 
 wall, when a slight movement close beside him caused 
 him to stand on the defensive in a moment. 
 
 "Is that you, Ellerey?"
 
 118 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "You got out, then? Thank heaven!" 
 
 "Yes; I didn't speak because I thought you were 
 one of them, and just now I'm no match for a babe in 
 arms." 
 
 He was leaning against the wall a few feet from the gate. 
 Ellerey had supposed him farther off by the faintness of 
 his voice. 
 
 "Are you hurt?" 
 
 " Nothing serious, I think, but I've had a good deal of 
 blood let out of me. I should have occupied that grave 
 in the garden for a certainty had it not been for the Baron's 
 second, who stood over me when I fell, and, when the black- 
 guards retreated from the door, put me outside. This 
 wasn't the Baron's doing. " 
 
 " Perhaps not," Ellerey answered. " Can you manage 
 to walk?" 
 
 "Yes, if you'll let me hang on to you, and we don't 
 have to go far. When I was put outside something was 
 said about going to the left." 
 
 " We'll go to the left, then ; but I haven't an idea where 
 we are." 
 
 The wounded man was weaker than he imagined. 
 Before they had gone fifty yards he began to reel, and even 
 as he suggested that Ellerey should go on and get help, 
 he fainted. Ellerey took him in his arms and carried him. 
 His one idea was to get as far away from the scene of the 
 night's adventure as possible, but his progress was slow. 
 His comrade revived presently, but although he tried to 
 walk again, the task was beyond him. So Ellerey carried 
 him, resting at intervals, all through the night. As long 
 as darkness lasted and they were on the outskirts of the 
 city they were unlikely to be stopped and questioned, but 
 with dawn it would be different. Ellerey was without 
 his coat and cloak, there had been no tune to seize them
 
 THE FOLLY OF A SOLDIER 119 
 
 as he rushed from the garden, and he carried a grievously 
 hurt man in his arms. The first peasant, trudging to his 
 early toil, who caught sight of them would run and tell 
 the news as he went. Such publicity was to be avoided 
 at all costs, or there would be small chance of his being 
 at the Toison d'Or, in the Bergenstrasse, to keep his ap- 
 pointment. Already a long, thin streak of gray showed 
 low down in the east, and Ellerey pressed forward as quickly 
 as possible to find an asylum. He passed the first scat- 
 tered dwellings he came to, having no desire to knock up 
 some sleepy peasant and have to combat his inquisitive- 
 ness, as well as his annoyance, at being so unceremoni- 
 ously disturbed. Presently where two cross-roads met 
 he espied a small habitation, from which a thin wreath of 
 smoke was rising into the morning air, and decided to try 
 his fortune here. He had set his burden down by the gate 
 when an old woman came from the house with a pail going 
 to a well in the garden for water. 
 
 "Good mother," Ellerey called out, "I would claim 
 your hospitality." 
 
 The woman turned to look at him, then set down the 
 pail and came to the gate. 
 
 "What is it? Defend us, there's blood on him!" she 
 exclaimed, pointing at the prostrate man. 
 
 "An attack in the night by some ruffians who would 
 have murdered us, good mother. My comrade is wounded, 
 you see. Will you give him rest here while I go into the 
 city for help?" 
 
 " It is ill work assisting strangers," answered the woman. 
 
 " Look at me ; is there not honesty in my face ? " 
 
 "Aye, I quarrel not with your face, but there is that on 
 your tongue which does not greatly please me." 
 
 " The accent of a foreigner ? " asked Ellerey. " Shall 
 I tell you a secret ? The time is coming when you shall
 
 120 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 have little enough of such an accent through the length 
 and breadth of the land." 
 
 " For such a prophecy you are welcome," she answered, 
 opening the gate. "You may come in." 
 
 Ellerey carried his companion up the garden path, 
 and with the help of the woman and her grandson, who 
 stared in wonder at their coming, soon had him comfort- 
 ably placed on a pallet in the little room. 
 
 "Send Dr. Goldberg to me," said his companion; 
 "he lives close to the palace, and is a friend and dis- 
 creet." 
 
 The mention of the name caused Ellerey to look closely 
 at the man's face for a moment. He had been a true com- 
 rade, and Ellerey had given little thought to his identity ; 
 now he wondered, and a smile wrinkled the comers of his 
 mouth. 
 
 His companion in safe keeping, Ellerey began actively 
 to consider his own affairs. He knew Dr. Goldberg by 
 reputation, but he had no desire to visit him just now. 
 To invent a tale to satisfy the doctor would be difficult, 
 and might well be left to the wounded man. He took up 
 his companion's cloak he could hardly go into the city 
 as he was and then left the room, beckoning the woman 
 to follow him. 
 
 " I will send the doctor at once, good mother,-" he said, 
 "and there is something to help my poor thanks. Can 
 you give me a piece of paper and lend me a pencil ? " 
 
 The golden coins clinking in her hand would have 
 purchased a far greater service. The pencil and paper 
 were brought, and Ellerey wrote rapidly for a few moments ; 
 then tore the paper in half. He folded each portion care- 
 fully, placing one in his pocket, the other he kept in his 
 hand. 
 
 " If the lad would earn something, send him after me
 
 THE FOLLY OF A SOLDIER 
 
 quiekiy," he said, and then he went up the garden path and 
 took the road to the city. 
 
 In a few moments the boy y?teek hi~. ' 
 
 " Do you know the palace, my lad ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " To the right of it there is a large square." 
 
 "I know it," answered the boy; "the foreigners who 
 hate us live there." 
 
 "I would curb that young tongue of yours, or you'll 
 be using it squealing for mercy under the whip. Ask 
 there for Dr. Goldberg's house, and give him this paper. 
 Do you understand?" 
 
 The lad nodded. 
 
 " Run quickly then, and afterward come to me in the 
 Grande Place. You know the statue of King Ferdinand 
 there? I shall be beside it. Away with you. The 
 quicker you do your errand, the greater your reward." 
 
 The lad needed no second bidding. He started off at 
 a brisk trot, and Ellerey pursued his way to the city. 
 The gates were open, and there were few abroad in the 
 streets as yet; but the thought of the many hands which 
 had sought to despatch him in the garden last night made 
 Ellerey proceed with greater caution than he had ever 
 exercised. Only a few in the dim light could have seen 
 his face sufficiently to recognize him, but he drew the cloak 
 up to his chin and concealed his face as much as possible. 
 He avoided the larger thoroughfares, being undesirous of 
 meeting any acquaintances; and in the smaller streets 
 which he traversed he might at any moment come face 
 to face with one of that crowd he had so recently es- 
 caped from. He went warily, therefore, looking for the 
 slightest glance of recognition in the face of every man 
 he met. 
 
 In the neighborhood of the Grande Place he lingered
 
 122 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 in a side street until he saw the lad approaching the statue, 
 when he went to meet him. 
 w " You delivered the ietief ? " 
 
 " Yes. I was asked who gave it me, and I said a man 
 I did not know." 
 
 "That was true enough," Ellerey returned. "Here's 
 for your trouble. Would you earn more ? " 
 
 The boy's eyes glistened as his fingers closed on the sil- 
 ver. It was easy to buy faithful service in Sturatzberg so 
 long as no one was near to offer a higher price for unfaith- 
 fulness. Ellerey judged that such a messenger as this lad 
 would pass unchallenged and unnoticed. 
 
 " Take this to the Western Gate and ask for the lodging 
 of a Captain called Ellerey. He has a servant named Ste- 
 fan give him the paper." 
 
 "He shall have it." 
 
 " There is double payment, then. Run. I shall know 
 if your errand is quickly done, ahd woe-betide you if you 
 loiter." And having watched the lad disappear, Ellerey 
 went quickly down a side street, and by many turnings and 
 doublings on his track, sought to escape any spy who might 
 chance to be watching him. 
 
 K, At dawn Stefan stretched out his huge limbs upon the 
 settle, and awoke with a heavy grunt. No matter how 
 deep his potations on the previous evening, he always awoke 
 early; not fresh, perhaps, that were too much to expect, 
 but with his wits clear. Sitting up, he glanced round the 
 room for signs of his master's return, and, seeing none, 
 grunted again in wonder. A tankard was on the floor be- 
 side him, and he drank the flat remains from last night's 
 measure with a wry face. Then he pushed open the door 
 of his master's room and looked in. 
 
 "Empty!" he said, satisfied that his master had not 
 entered without being heard. "Here's another street
 
 THE FOLLY OF A SOLDIER 123 
 
 quarrel, maybe, and more torn clothes to sell to the 
 ragman." 
 
 Then Stefan made his morning toilet. It was a simple 
 process. His ablutions were taken at irregular intervals, 
 sometimes at long intervals, and this was not the time for 
 tJiem. He ran his fingers through his hair to take some of 
 the tangle out of it, shook his great frame to force his clothes 
 into comfortable position, tightened his loosened belt, and 
 took off his boots. For a few moments he sat on the settle, 
 his legs stretched out wide apart, then he drew his boots on 
 again, and stamping himself firmly into them, was ready 
 for whatever the day might bring forth. 
 
 The street was still silent and deserted as Stefan went 
 to the door and looked to right and left. The neighbor- 
 hood was one of the last in the city to stir itself. If Stefan 
 felt any anxiety regarding his master, there was no expres- 
 sion in his face to mark it. He was stolid and imperturb- 
 able; would have remained so probably had Ellerey been 
 carried up the street dead on a shutter. He grunted now 
 and then, walked half a dozen paces from the door and back 
 to circulate his blood, and then leaned with his shoulders 
 against the wall as though he were a fixture there until des- 
 perate necessity moved him. 
 
 The boy, who turned quickly into the street, and then 
 came along slowly, looking to this side and that, hardly 
 appeared the kind of visitor necessary to move the soldier. 
 Stefan looked at him because there was no one else in 
 the street to look at; but he was little interested. As the 
 lad came nearer, however, the soldier became aware that 
 the sleepy street was beginning to rouse itself. The blind 
 in a window of the house opposite was drawn aside for a 
 moment, and a face looked out. The aspect of the morn- 
 ing seemed speedily to satisfy, for the blind quickly fell back 
 into its place again. Without actually looking up, Stefan
 
 124 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 had seen those peering eyes, and curiously enough they had 
 him interested in the lad, who suddenly stopped in front 
 of him. 
 
 " Can you tell me where a Captain Ellerey lodges ? " 
 
 " Were you told to go into a street and bawl for infor- 
 mation like that until you found him ? " asked the soldier 
 gruffly. 
 
 " I spoke no louder than I always do," answered the 
 boy. 
 
 " Then it's a hale pair of lungs you've got concealed in 
 that body of yours. I'm nigh deaf with your shouting. 
 Come within the doorway, my lad, and whisper. Perhaps 
 I'll catch the meaning of your question when it does not 
 drum through me like the cry of a drunken crowd of 
 rioters." 
 
 Somewhat abashed, the boy did as he was told, and 
 repeated his question in a lower tone. 
 
 " By a strange chance he lives in this selfsame house, 
 but he's not abroad yet," said Stefan. " We do sometimes 
 sleep, and our day doesn't begin at cock-crow." 
 
 " I don't want him," said the lad, " I want his servant, 
 Stefan." 
 
 " By another strange chance he lives here, too. What 
 do you want with him ? " 
 
 "Is he abroad yet?" 
 
 " Aye, he never sleeps at all." 
 
 "I live too nigh the city for fairy-tales," said the boy. 
 " Will you bring me to this same Stefan ? I have a message 
 for him." 
 
 " Don't bawl it, lad, whisper. He's of a delicate con- 
 stitution, this Stefan I know, for I am he." 
 
 The boy looked doubtful for a moment. 
 
 "Is that truth?" 
 
 "I like your caution," Stefan returned. "You'll sue-
 
 THE F0LLY OF A SOLDIER 125 
 
 ceed, whether you deal with men or women, though the 
 women will bring out all your mettle, I warrant. Yes, 
 truth, I am Stefan." 
 
 " I was to give this paper to you." 
 
 The soldier opened it and read it, not without some dif- 
 ficulty, it seemed. 
 
 " Who gave you this ? " 
 
 " A man, I know no more of him." 
 
 " Good. Which way lies your home ? " 
 
 " On the road toward Breslen." 
 
 " Good again. Get you home quickly, and look you, 
 my lad, should any ask what errand you have been on this 
 morning, be a fool and forget. If your memory's too good, 
 it's like enough some friend of mine will be spoiling those 
 fine lungs of yours. Hast ever heard a man try to shout 
 with a sword thrust through him ? " 
 
 "No, sir." 
 
 " I have," Stefan answered. " It's a fearsome sound, 
 like a whisper bubbling up through water. I'd be sorry to 
 hear it from you . Off with you ." 
 
 Stefan watched the boy out of the street, then he went 
 in, and striking a match, burnt the paper, scattering the 
 charred fragments on the hearth. 
 
 " Here's news that's an excuse for wine," he said, pour- 
 ing out a liberal draught into the tankard. " A man gets 
 rusty as an old lock with waiting. This will grease the 
 action somewhat." 
 
 " It's early hours for such refreshment," said a voice 
 at the door. 
 
 Stefan winked one eye over the rim of the tankard at the 
 intruder, but did not pause in his drinking until three parts 
 of the liquid was gone. Then he drew the back of his hand 
 across his beard and mustache and sighed with satisfac- 
 tion.
 
 126 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " Never too early to drink thanks for good tidings, Mon- 
 sieur Francis." 
 
 The Frenchman, with a quick glance round the room, 
 stepped in, a smile upon his lips. He had told his master 
 more than once that this servant of Captain Ellerey's was 
 a drunkard and a fool, and that little was to be got out of 
 him because nothing was ever trusted to him. 
 
 " And what are the good tidings," he asked. 
 
 "You'll be laughing at me, because you don't under- 
 stand my disease, Monsieur Francois. I hate women." 
 
 "Hate them! Ma foi! Then is your disease very 
 lamentable." 
 
 " Well, there it is I hate them," said Stefan, " but there 
 was one woman who would not hate me, do what I would. 
 She was a bonny wench, so far as I am a judge, of bigger 
 girth than most you meet, and with an arm of muscle to 
 appeal to a soldier like me. At the street corner she'd wait 
 awhile to see me pass, and she'd remark on the cut of my 
 features and the stalwart looks of these legs of mine. I 
 took no notice, but her love was proof against a trifle of that 
 kind. She'd ' make a husband of me some day,' she said, 
 and those that heard her told me the saying. There's a 
 vein of superstition in my composition, and for months past 
 I've been expecting her to keep her word. When a wom- 
 an's set upon a matter, where 's the hole a man may find 
 safety in ? Tell me that, Monsieur Fra^ois." 
 
 The Frenchman shrugged his shoulders, thinking what 
 a fool his companion was. 
 
 " This morning there comes a lad looking up and down 
 the street to find me, and he says to me, ' Where lives Stefan, 
 he who is servant to that Captain Ellerey we hear so much 
 about ? ' And I answers cunningly, knowing the value of 
 caution in such times as these. At last I admit that I am, 
 and he says, ' There's a fat woman' that's what he called
 
 THE FOLLY OF A SOLDIER 127 
 
 her, Monsieur Francis 'There's a fat woman you're 
 afraid of because she's going to marry you.' I sweated 
 from every hole in my skin, thinking the time had come. 
 Then says he : ' You needn't be afraid any more. She was 
 married yesterday to a timber-cutter from Breslen way, 
 and he'll tame her fast enough like you might a hungry 
 sparrow in winter time.' Good tidings, Monsieur Fran- 
 9ois, believe me, though I doubt the taming and pity the 
 woodcutter. Why, the muscles in her arm wouldn't blush 
 to be seen by the side of mine, and a woodcutter would have 
 to cut deep into the forest before muscles stood out like 
 these." And with a great laugh Stefan bared his brawny 
 arms for the Frenchman's inspection. 
 
 " Very beautiful," said Fra^ois. 
 
 " I believe you. Too good to waste in fondling a wom- 
 an. Ugh! What brings you so early to the Western 
 Gate?" 
 
 " I have a message for the Captain." 
 
 " Ah, from Monsieur De Froilette ? " 
 
 " I only carry messages for my master." 
 
 " I'll deliver it. Tell me quickly, and you shall taste a 
 drop of real Burgundy, to keep the morning air out of your 
 return journey." 
 
 " I was to tell it to the Captajn personally." 
 
 " What ! " thundered Stefan, " am I not to be trusted, 
 then?" 
 
 " You know the value of caution in these times," said 
 Francois, " you spoke of it just now. Monsieur De Froi- 
 lette s over-cautious, Stefan; that is the truth." 
 
 "It is a weakness of all masters," the soldier replied, 
 " and so they overreach themselves. Give me a little con- 
 fidence, and I am content, but distrust me, and my ears are 
 ever on the stretch to catch news which I may use to my 
 advantage. But I have no quarrel with you. The Cap-
 
 128 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 tain is out, you must await his return, and while you wait 
 you shall taste his Burgundy." 
 
 "Out! So early!" 
 
 " Oh, he's in love, I think, for he walks under the stars 
 often, and on his return sighs like a gathering storm. I 
 hear things, Monsieur Fra^ois. I know." 
 
 The wily Frenchman nodded sympathetically. 
 
 " Perhaps I might find a market for what you know." 
 
 " That's been in my mind these many days," Stefan an- 
 swered. " It's the first word that sticks in my throat. I've 
 never let out secrets before, maybe because no man has told 
 me any. Come, the wine may loosen my tongue." 
 
 He took two tankards and a key from the shelf, and led 
 the way along a passage. The Frenchman followed ea- 
 gerly, laughing at his companion's simplicity. It would 
 be strange if Stefan could not tell him some news which 
 would be useful to Monsieur De Froilette. 
 
 " You have your wine in safe keeping," he said, as Ste- 
 fan went down into a cellar, bidding Francois to wait until 
 he had struck a light. 
 
 " Would you have us keep it in the doorway for every 
 thirsty throat in Sturatzberg ? Come down now. Sit you 
 on that empty barrel there. Here's wine should make you 
 dream to your heart's content. The Captain will think that 
 it has leaked somewhat. Scurvy treatment, Monsieur 
 Fran9ois, to have such wine in hiding and never ask a sol- 
 dier comrade to pass an opinion. So we help ourselves." 
 
 " To his wine and to his secrets, eh ? " 
 
 Stefan drowned his loud laughter in a copious draught, 
 while Fran9ois sipped with the air of a connoisseur. 
 
 " Fit for a king's palate," he murmured. 
 
 "Say rather for the gods. Nectar, monsieur, nectar! 
 My secrets bubble to my tongue as the wine bubbles to the 
 surface."
 
 THE FOLLY OF A SOLDIER 129 
 
 "Turn them into good money, Stefan. After all, what 
 is this English Captain to you ? " 
 
 The soldier set down his tankard and lowered his voice 
 into a confidential whisper. 
 
 " There are some who take me for a fool," he said, com- 
 ing nearer to his companion. " The Captain did not return 
 last night, and there have been watchers in the street." 
 
 "Watchers? Go on, Stefan, what else?" said the 
 Frenchman, eagerly. 
 
 " Aye, I saw one draw back a blind in the house oppo- 
 site not an hour ago. What do you make of that, Monsieur 
 Fra^ois ? " 
 
 The answer was a smothered gurgle, for a cloth had 
 been suddenly tied across the Frenchman's mouth. It was 
 in vain that he tried to free himself. He was no match 
 against the muscles Stefan had shown him a little while 
 ago; and before he had fully realized what had happened, 
 he was bound, gagged, and lying on his back on the 
 floor. 
 
 " You'll have ample time to find out how much of a fool 
 I am, Monsieur Fra^ois," said Stefan, " for unless a mira- 
 cle should happen you'll be sharp set for a meal before you 
 leave here. Never look so solemn, man; you won't die. 
 I'll send and release you as soon as it is safe to do so ; and if 
 it will save your character I'll let your master in the Alt- 
 strasse know that you did your best to carry out his instruc- 
 tions and make a fool of me. Should you be able to drag 
 yourself about presently you have my full permission to 
 hold your mouth under any tap there in the cellar, and 
 we'll never ask for payment of the score." And drinking 
 the wine which remained in his own tankard and also in 
 the Frenchman's he left the cellar, locking the door after 
 him. 
 
 A few minutes later he walked down the street with a 
 9
 
 130 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 self-satisfied smile, a strapped-up bundle under his arm, 
 and was soon lost to view in the lower purlieus of the city. 
 
 That night seven horsemen left Sturatzberg, riding 
 singly, and not all by the same gate. But, by whichever 
 gate they left, they halted when they had ridden out of 
 sight, and turned aside to reach the Breslen road. The 
 last to go was Stefan. He went by the Southern Gate, and 
 once free of the city, urged his horse forward toward the 
 forest which lies between Breslen and Sturatzberg.
 
 CHAPTER XI. 
 
 IN THE BOIS 
 
 THE Bois lay without the Northern Gate. The work of 
 planting gardens and cutting carriage roads through the 
 nearer stretches of the forest which touched the city on this 
 side was due to Ferdinand I, whose statue stood in the 
 Grande Place, the only useful action of which he had ever 
 been guilty, it was said. 
 
 Early in the morning men riding in the Bois had inquired 
 of one another whether the story concerning Baron Petrescu 
 were true. One had heard this, another that. It was 
 whispered that the Baron had been killed in a duel by a 
 member of the British Embassy, who had also been seri- 
 ously wounded ; and again, that he had wounded his adver- 
 sary and had then been nearly killed by his adversary's 
 partisans. Then one man inquired the name of the woman 
 and another where the duel had been fought, for there was 
 a law against duelling, although it was seldom enforced. 
 The true story did not become public property, but it was 
 presently known that the Baron's wound was a slight affair 
 after all, anrl that the duel had not been fought with a mem- 
 ber of the Embassy. Captain Ward had certainly been 
 injured, but that was the result of an accident; they had 
 Dr. Goldberg's word for it. It was then that the younger 
 wiseacres smiled. Baron Petrescu was an easy lover, and 
 had been punished for some indiscretion. Some townsman, 
 perhaps, with the luck on his side, had got the better of the 
 master of fence. No wonder the Baron wished to keep the 
 matter quiet.
 
 132 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 Lord Cloverton knew the true story. Captain Ward 
 had sent to him directly Dr. Goldberg had got him borne, 
 and the Ambassador shut himself in his room to consider 
 his course of action. After his failure to entrap Queen 
 Elena last night, and the King's anger consequent upon his 
 accusation, his position was an extremely difficult one. 
 The Queen had outwitted him, but the fact remained that 
 Captain Ellerey was not to be found at his lodging this morn- 
 ing. He had ascertained this fact. There was no doubt 
 that Ellerey had some understanding with her Majesty, 
 and might have already left the city on his mission. The 
 token might have been changed at the last moment. He 
 had failed to arouse the King's suspicion through the Queen, 
 but the interests at stake demanded instant action, and an- 
 other method must be used. So Lord Cloverton went to 
 the King and again apologized for the mistake his zeal had 
 led him into. Her Majesty had, of course, proved how 
 innocent her audience with Captain Ellerey had been, but 
 the fact remained that Ellerey was the moving spirit in a 
 rebellion. The sooner means were taken to obtain posses- 
 sion of his person the better. In this manner the Ambas- 
 sador quickly made his peace, and messengers galloped 
 hastily through the city from the palace. 
 
 The night had been a sleepless one for Frina Mavrodin. 
 From the moment she had seen those figures descending 
 the stairs, her thoughts had been fixed in one channel. She 
 knew the Baron's reputation as a swordsman, and her heart 
 went with the man who had met his insult with so swift a 
 demand for retribution. The cause to which she was 
 attached, for which she was prepared to squander her 
 wealth, to give her life even were that necessary, had com- 
 pelled her companionship with this adventurous English- 
 man. She had met him in a spirit of raillery, measuring 
 her woman's wit and beauty against his brusqueness, and
 
 IN THE BOIS 133 
 
 his resourcefulness and calm determination had won her 
 admiration. The cause was altogether forgotten some- 
 times in the mere pleasure she had in being with him. He 
 was not as other men, quick with a compliment, ever ready 
 to please. Not a word of love had he spoken to her, yet his 
 eyes had always sought her first in the throng, whether it 
 were in the Bois or at Court, and, having found her, he 
 looked no further. If she indulged in dreams sometimes, 
 they were shadowy visions, pleasant enough, but taking no 
 distinct shape, demanding no definite consideration. 
 
 The awakening had come when Princess Maritza had 
 spoken of him. She had said little, but Frina had read the 
 deeper meaning underneath her words. As a Princess, 
 Maritza had watched the man's career, believing that one 
 day he might prove useful to her cause; but as a woman 
 she had also remembered the circumstances of their meet- 
 ing, and had treasured them in her heart. Only with 
 this discovery had Frina Mavrodin become fully conscious 
 of all Captain Ellerey's companionship meant to her. The 
 flood-gates were suddenly opened, and the rushing torrent 
 of her emotions threatened to sweep away all thought of the 
 cause she had worked for, and loved, and believed in. Al- 
 most had she told him her secret to-night by her eager ques- 
 tions, and the blood mounted to her cheeks as she remem- 
 bered. How would he have answered her had he not been 
 summoned to- audience with the Queen ? Leaning at the 
 open window, looking at the heavy clouds which presently 
 obscured the moon, she passed a night of restless anxiety. 
 Somewhere, perhaps very near her, the man she loved had 
 faced death to-night, calmly, fearlessly ; even now he might 
 be lying with sightless eyes toward the coming day, the new 
 day which was so long in coming. 
 
 It came at last, and with her eyes bathed to remove all 
 traces of the night's vigil, she went as usual to breakfast
 
 134 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 with the Princess, who was always an early riser. Since 
 the night they had spoken of Captain Ellerey there had 
 arisen a subtle difference in their relations toward each 
 other. It hardly amounted to restraint, but the Countess 
 was more reserved, and the Princess talked little of her hopes 
 and plans. She made more show of taking her companion 
 into her confidence, but told her less. For this difference, 
 perhaps, Frina was chiefly responsible. Maritza felt that 
 she had grown lukewarm, not to her personally, but toward 
 the cause which took so few and such trifling steps toward 
 its end. She did not wonder at it. No day passed in which 
 she herself had not a period of despair, a passionate long- 
 ing to drive things to a speedy conclusion, though the end 
 brought failure. To her, her cause was paramount, and 
 she would not allow herself to think of Desmond Ellerey 
 apart from it; yet when Frina had in a manner claimed 
 him, she remembered that morning on the downs, every 
 hue of land and sky, every sound that had sung in her ears, 
 every perfume the air held, and the centre of all was 
 this man, who seemed then to be her possession. He had 
 come to her country, not at her bidding, perhaps, but at her 
 suggestion surely, and she had a right to his allegiance. 
 It was a woman's argument, and a weak one, yet her heart 
 seemed to excuse her. 
 
 They were still at breakfast when Dumitru was ush- 
 ered in. 
 
 " Pardon, Princess, but I have news important news. 
 It could not wait." 
 
 "You are welcome, good Dumitru. Does the news 
 mean action ? Such is the only news I long for now." 
 
 "Yes," was the answer. "This English Captain is 
 about to move. Whether he has the token or not I do not 
 know, but Baron Petrescu believes he has. Last night he 
 picked a quarrel with him, and they fought, and "
 
 IN THE BOIS 135 
 
 " Fool that he is ! " exclaimed the Princess, starting from 
 her seat. " Does not the Baron know that I had work for 
 this Englishman ? and now he has killed or maimed him in 
 .a useless quarrel." 
 
 "But it was not so, Princess; it was the Baron who 
 fell." 
 
 Frina Mavrodin had also risen from the table, her hands 
 clasped firmly together in her excitement, and a little sigh 
 of relief echoed Dumitru's words. 
 
 " A new experience for Baron Petrescu," she said calmly. 
 
 "Ah, Countess, this Englishman is a devil," the man 
 went on rapidly. "I had it from one who watched the 
 fight. There was little moon, and the light was dancing 
 and treacherous. The Baron used all the art which before 
 has brought death when he willed, but this English Cap- 
 tain cared not. He knew all the Baron's art, and besides 
 something which the Baron knew not. The Baron would 
 have been killed had not those who were watching saved 
 him." 
 
 " They interfered ? " said the Princess. 
 
 "Yes, to save the Baron." 
 
 " They did not stop at that ? " said the Countess eagerly. 
 "Tell me what happened." 
 
 " Have I not said he is a devil ? " answered Dumitru. 
 "They rushed upon him and he fought them all. A 
 sword thrust here, a blow with his fist there, a savage 
 breaking through them, and he escaped unhurt." 
 
 " Splendid !" exclaimed Frina, her face aglow. 
 
 "Splendid, Frina? Is not the Baron our friend?" 
 Yet there was a glow in Maritza's eyes, too. 
 
 " And is not Captain Ellerey the man you have work 
 for? You should rejoice." 
 
 The Princess looked at her for a moment, and then 
 she smiled.
 
 136 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "Yes, it was splendid, as you say. What more, 
 Dumitru ?" 
 
 "The friend of the Englishman was killed, I think. 
 He was of the Embassy. There will be much question- 
 ing over the affair." 
 
 " The Baron's folly is likely to ruin us," said the Prin- 
 cess. 
 
 " There is still Captain Ellerey," said Frina. 
 
 Dumitru looked at the Princess, the slightest flicker 
 in his eyes attracting her attention. 
 
 "I am not sure the other man is dead," he said. 
 " Might I suggest that the Countess should drive as usual, 
 and hear what is said in the Bois ? Then to-night we 
 can plan and arrange. The time has surely come." 
 
 "Will you, Frina?" 
 
 " I will, and you may rest assured that I will have the 
 whole story by to-night." 
 
 When she had left the room Princess Maritza turned 
 hastily. 
 
 "What more, Dumitru?" 
 
 " Much more, Princess ; but it is only for your ears." 
 
 Frina Mavrodin had sped along the corridor so swiftly 
 that she did not hear the door locked after her to prevent 
 her sudden return or the intrusion of others. For a while 
 she had no thought but a half-barbaric satisfaction that 
 Baron Petrescu had justly suffered for his unprovoked 
 insult ; but this was succeeded by fears for Ellerey's safety. 
 He had escaped last night, but he had other enemies 
 besides those who had attempted to assassinate him in 
 the garden more dangerous enemies, perhaps. She de- 
 termined to know nothing, to school her face to indiffer- 
 ence, while she eagerly learned all she could. 
 
 She lunched with a friend, the wife of a member of the 
 Austrian Embassy who had often quite unconsciously
 
 IN THE BOIS 137 
 
 given her valuable information, but she could add nothing 
 to her knowledge to-day. She knew Baron Petrescu had 
 fought a duel and had been wounded, but she did not 
 know who his opponent was. Later, in the Bois, Frina 
 heard many versions of the story, but not in one of them 
 was Captain Ellerey's name mentioned. She did not 
 understand it. There was some undercurrent of intrigue 
 going on of which she was ignorant. Her carriage was 
 drawn up to the side of the road, where she was holding 
 a small court of pedestrians, when she caught sight of 
 Lord Cloverton. It was seldom that he walked in the 
 Bois, but that he should be there in confidential colloquy 
 with Monsieur De Froilette was nothing short of marvel- 
 lous. 
 
 Lord Cloverton saw the Countess, and stopped a little 
 distance away. He wanted to speak to her, but had no 
 desire that De Froilette should be a third at the interview. 
 
 "I am exceedingly obliged to you, monsieur," he said 
 to his companion. "Any information respecting Captain 
 Ellerey's whereabouts just now will be of immense advan- 
 tage to me that is, to the country. He is one of those 
 reckless young men who, while winning our admiration, 
 do not blind us to the fact that they are dangerous." 
 
 "Ah, I have admired him and seen the danger for a 
 long time," De Froilette answered. "The commercial 
 interests I have in this country force me to keep pace with 
 its politics. I am not an expert, and it is sometimes very 
 difficult." 
 
 " I can quite believe it," said the Ambassador, looking, 
 however, wonderfully incredulous. "I do not fancy I 
 have ever heard in which direction your commercial 
 interests lie." 
 
 "Timber, my lord." 
 
 "A profitable business."
 
 138 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " I hope so in the future. At present there is too much 
 unrest. With the Princess Maritza in Sturatzberg " 
 
 "In that I think you are mistaken, monsieur." 
 
 "No, my lord. Mine was trusted information. 
 Through the same channel I shall learn where Captain 
 Ellerey is." 
 
 "A spy, monsieur ?" 
 
 "He would be hurt to hear himself called so. He is 
 a servant of mine, interested in my business, and a valua- 
 ble fellow. He has known Captain Ellerey's movements 
 for months past, and even now, I warrant, is at his heels. 
 You shall hear from me, my lord, the moment he returns." 
 
 "A thousand thanks, monsieur; you will place me 
 under an obligation. And the value of the news will 
 depend on the state of the timber trade," he added to 
 himself as he turned away. "Something has frightened 
 Monsieur De Froilette; I wonder what it is." 
 
 Joining the little crowd round the Countess Mavrodin, 
 he entered into the conversation with the heartiness of a 
 man who hasn't a care in the world; and one by one the 
 others withdrew, it was so evident that the Ambassador 
 intended to remain. Frina Mavrodin desired nothing 
 better. Lord Cloverton could doubtless tell her the truth, 
 and although she did not for one moment expect him to 
 do so, she thought she could probably draw it from him 
 with the help of the knowledge she already possessed. 
 
 "My horses are getting rather restive, they have been 
 standing so long. Will you drive with me, Lord Clover- 
 ton?" 
 
 He thanked her and got in beside her. 
 
 " One seldom sees you in the Bois," she said. 
 
 " No. I will be honest. I sometimes sleep in the 
 afternoon, Countess." 
 
 " And to-day ? " she queried, with a laugh.
 
 IN THE BOIS 139 
 
 " To-day business brought me. I hoped to see you." 
 
 "Surely you flatter me. Since when have you con- 
 sidered me capable of being business-like ? " 
 
 "I am all seriousness, Countess. Politics in Sturatz- 
 berg are as dried wood stacked ready for burning, and a 
 torch is already in the midst of it. Until now the torch 
 has been moved hither and thither, giving the wood no 
 time to catch; but now I fear the flame is held steadily. 
 I seem to hear the first sounds of the crackling." 
 
 "I seem to have heard the beginning often," she 
 answered, "but a swift hand has always saved the situa- 
 tion." 
 
 " The danger has never been so imminent as it is now, 
 Countess." 
 
 "Are you not still in Sturatzberg to cope with the dan- 
 ger ? " she asked, turning to him with a radiant smile. 
 
 "I stand alone, Countess; what can one man do? I 
 wonder whether you can credit me with disinterestedness, 
 whether you can believe that I have the welfare of this 
 country at heart while carrying out the policy of my own ? " 
 
 " Is not that the position of every Ambassador ? " 
 
 "Nominally, perhaps. I was asking you to believe 
 something more definite in my case," he returned. "Do 
 I ask too much? In a measure, you and I are drawn 
 together in this crisis. We should be allies." 
 
 "Are my poor wits of service either way ? " 
 
 "A woman is always a valuable ally, and the Countess 
 Mavrodin knows her power. No, I am beyond turning 
 pretty speeches to-day," he went on quickly; "the times 
 are too serious for them. You know, Countess, what 
 occurred last night?" 
 
 "I left the palace somewhat early," she said; "but 
 there was an air of constraint about. What caused it, 
 Lord Cloverton?"
 
 140 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "I was referring to Baron Petrescu's affair. No one 
 has talked of anything else to-day." 
 
 "And you can tell me the truth of it," she exclaimed. 
 "I am glad. I have heard many stories since I entered 
 the Bois." 
 
 "I was expecting to hear the real truth from you," 
 said the Ambassador, fixing his eyes upon her. 
 
 "From me! Am I the wife of some bourgeois in the 
 city to inflame the Baron's susceptibilities into indiscre- 
 tion ? It is some such tale I have heard." 
 
 " But which you knew to be untrue, Countess." 
 
 "I have thought more highly of Baron Petrescu than 
 that, I admit." 
 
 " Naturally, seeing that Captain Ellerey is not a bour- 
 geois of the city, and has no wife as far as I know. My 
 young countryman is no boaster beyond his worth, it would 
 seem. The Baron has found his match." 
 
 " Is that the truth of it ? " she asked innocently. 
 
 "I congratulate you upon your champion," returned 
 the Ambassador. "You look surprised, Countess; but 
 in the inner circle of such a Court as we have here in 
 Sturatzberg such secrets will find a tongue." 
 
 "You have changed your serious mood, my lord, it 
 appears, and I am at a loss to understand the pleasantry." 
 
 "Believe me, Countess, I was never more serious. 
 Something of the Baron's political leanings are known to 
 his Majesty, and the affair has assumed a political signifi- 
 cance in his eyes. The law has lain dormant, it is true, 
 but duelling is an offence against the crown, and the King 
 has seen fit to set the law in motion. Captain Ellerey is 
 sought for in Sturatzberg. I would do my countryman, 
 and you, a service if I could." 
 
 " How am I concerned ? I may thank you for your 
 courtesy if you will tell me that."
 
 IN THE BOIS 141 
 
 " Is it not true that you were the cause of this quarrel ? " 
 
 " It is absolutely false." 
 
 " Stay, Countess, it may be that you are unaware of the 
 fact, but I have the best reason for knowing that such is 
 the case." 
 
 " Captain Ellerey had no cause to draw sword on my 
 behalf, Lord Cloverton; neither of his own wish, nor at 
 my bidding, did he do it." 
 
 "Strange," mused the Ambassador. "It is evident 
 that he thought of only one person last night. He left 
 instructions with his second that you were to be imme- 
 diately informed if any harm befell him. He left no other 
 message or remembrance to anyone." 
 
 She was not sufficient mistress of herself to prevent the 
 Ambassador noting that the information was pleasant to 
 her. 
 
 "It may have been presumption on his part," he went 
 on slowly; "still such thought can hardly be without 
 some interest for you. No doubt you would render him 
 a service if you could." 
 
 " My friendship would prompt me to do so." 
 
 "Then urge him, Countess, to withdraw from Sturatz- 
 berg. The torch now put to the dried wood is in his hand. 
 What is he to me ? Nothing; but I would save him if I 
 could. What he is to you, I do not know. I am not 
 skilled with women ; but for your country's sake urge his 
 departure. It must be done promptly, for I warn you the 
 fire has already caught hold, and not all, even now, shall 
 escape the burning." 
 
 "Your appeal to my patriotism might stir me, Lord 
 Cloverton, did I know where to find Captain Ellerey." 
 
 " In that, Countess, I cannot help you. I had hoped 
 you would know. Have I your permission to stop the 
 carriage ? "
 
 142 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 She inclined her head. They had returned close to 
 the spot from which they had started. There were fewer 
 carriages in the Bois, and hardly any pedestrians now. 
 Lord Cloverton had, however, seen a man standing close 
 to the roadway, and he beckoned him to the carriage. 
 
 " What news ? " he asked sharply. 
 
 "Every gate is closely watched, my lord. By the 
 King's orders Captain Ellerey is to be stopped if he attempts 
 to leave the city." 
 
 "I fear we are too late to render any service," said 
 the Ambassador, turning to the Countess. " It is a pity. 
 The hand that holds the torch can hardly escape." 
 
 "It is not thought that the Captain has already left, 
 but all efforts to find him have failed," said the man, and 
 then at a sign from Lord Cloverton he withdrew. 
 
 " I believe we are allies at heart, Countess ; it is a pity 
 we have no power to act." 
 
 "Perhaps you exaggerate the danger." 
 
 " I fear not," he answered, as he stepped from the car- 
 riage. "I foresee evil days for Sturatzberg. Good-day, 
 Countess; if I can save the situation, it must be by the 
 sacrifice of my countryman, I fear. It is a pity." 
 
 He stood bareheaded until the carriage had driven 
 away, and then went quickly toward the Embassy. If 
 Frina Mavrodin knew where Captain Ellerey was, as Lord 
 Cloverton was convinced she did, she would warn him. 
 Whatever interests Ellerey had at heart, he would not 
 chance disaster by attempting to leave the city until the 
 watch upon the gates was relaxed to some extent. There 
 must, therefore, be delay in whatever plot was in hand, 
 and a few days now were of priceless value. 
 
 Politics had little place in Frina Mavrodin's thoughts 
 as she drove homeward through the city. She had denied 
 that Desmond Ellerey had drawn sword in her cause, and
 
 IN THE BOIS 143 
 
 yet might he not have done so after all ? What she had 
 seen might only have been the end of a quarrel. Baron 
 Petrescu may have spoken some light word concerning 
 her which Ellerey had resented. If Lord Cloverton had 
 spoken the truth, Ellerey 's last thought had been of her. 
 She was quite content that her fair fame should rest in 
 his keeping. Now he was in danger. Whatever Lord 
 Cloverton's aims might be, one thing was certain the 
 city gates were closed against Ellerey 's departure. With- 
 out warning he would almost certainly be taken. How 
 could she help him? 
 
 There was confusion at her door when the carriage 
 stopped. Servants were in the hall expectantly awaking her. 
 
 " What is it ? " she asked. 
 
 "In your absence, Countess, we were powerless," 
 answered her major-domo, pale even now with indigna- 
 tion. "The order was imperative." 
 
 "What order?" 
 
 " The order to search the house." 
 
 The Countess started, but was self-possessed again 
 in a moment. Not all her servants knew of the identity 
 of the Princess. 
 
 " For whom were they looking ? " 
 
 "For an English Captain named Ellerey," was the 
 answer. " I said that no such person visited here at any 
 time, but they would not believe me, and searched the 
 whole house." 
 
 "And found 
 
 "No one, Countess." 
 
 The man was wise; he said no more before) the other 
 servants. 
 
 " I will complain to his Majesty," Frina answered, and 
 then she went quickly to the apartments occupied by the 
 Princess Maritza. Hannah met her on the threshold.
 
 144 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " Has she not returned, my lady ? " 
 
 "Where is she? How did she have warning?" asked 
 Frina. 
 
 " She had gone long before. She went without a word 
 to me. When they came asking for some Englishman, 
 I had just wit enough to answer that I was your ladyship's 
 servant, and knew no Englishman; but it was hard work 
 not to ask them what had become of my Princess." 
 
 "AndDumitru?" 
 
 "Gone, gone. I always took him for a cut-throat 
 with that naked knife hidden in his shirt. I believe he 
 has made away with her." 
 
 "Peace, woman. Say nothing. A word may ruin 
 her. You can go." 
 
 "But, my lady- 
 
 " You can go, I say." 
 
 There was a tone in the command that brooked no 
 disobedience. The woman left the room hastily, leaving 
 the Countess alone. 
 
 Alone. A wild rush of thoughts overwhelmed her. 
 The hope and joy that had budded in her heart were 
 suddenly blighted. The world seemed to slip away from 
 her, leaving her alone indeed.
 
 CHAPTER XII 
 
 GRIGOSIE 
 
 THE Toison d'Or was an ancient inn standing back from 
 the Bergenstrasse and reached by a narrow court. It 
 did not advertise itself, was not easily found, and its fre- 
 quenters were few. Those who used it seemed to use it 
 often, for the landlord welcomed them like old friends. 
 They were of the poorer sort, and the want of comfort in 
 the place did not disturb them ; perhaps the quality of the 
 liquor made amends. 
 
 It presented a narrow front to the court, the great 
 walls on either side appeared to have squeezed it. The 
 two little windows above, the signboard flat against the 
 wall, and the single door rather suggested a face; and 
 the door, out of the perpendicular, looked strangely like 
 a mouth awry uttering a cry of pain. The building was 
 deep, however, and there was a long, narrow, low-pitched 
 room at the rear, of which all the frequenters of the place 
 were not aware. This room, even in broad daylight, 
 was dim, and it grew dark there early. It was still light 
 in the wider streets of the city, but in this room a candle 
 was burning on the corner of a table, beside which a man 
 sat. He had pushed back the remains of a meal, and his 
 fingers played reflectively with the tankard which the 
 landlord had replenished a few moments before. 
 
 The landlord had asked no questions, had attempted 
 no conversation. When Desmond Ellerey had entered 
 and called for liquor, he had made a sign to the landlord 
 10
 
 146 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 as he had been instructed, and which was perfectly under- 
 stood. Two men were drinking in the doorway at the 
 time, and when they had gone the landlord led Ellerey to 
 the long room. 
 
 "There will be inquiries for me, landlord. Whoever 
 gives the sign bring him in at once, but no one else, mind." 
 
 The landlord nodded. 
 
 " Let me have food and drink. I care not what so there 
 is plenty of it. I have not broken fast since yesterday." 
 
 Throwing aside one cloak which he carried over his 
 arm, and loosening the one he wore, Ellerey disclosed 
 the fact that he was well armed, and booted and spurred 
 for a journey. Earlier in the day Stefan had met him at 
 a tavern in the city, bringing these clothes with him as 
 directed in the note which the boy had delivered. The 
 remains of the Court uniform which he had worn last 
 night had been hidden away, and there was nothing now 
 in Ellerey's dress to mark him as a King's officer. 
 
 He had already waited three hours, or more, and began 
 to grow impatient. The men who had been chosen for 
 this desperate service were already on their way to the place 
 of rendezvous, and men of this description were wont to 
 fret at delay and inactivity. He wanted to be away him- 
 self, and until he had the Queen's token safely in his 
 possession he could not put aside his fears that it would 
 not come, that something had happened to prevent her 
 sending it. The King's sudden interruption last night 
 might have forced her to change her plans, might possibly 
 have caused her to sacrifice him to save herself. At the 
 best, delay must be dangerous, and he chafed at his en- 
 forced idleness, which made the minutes drag. 
 
 At last the door opened and a man entered. It was 
 the same man who had come to summon him to the audi- 
 ence last night.
 
 GRIGOSIE 147 
 
 " You are welcome," Ellerey said. " I began to think 
 some circumstance had intervened." 
 
 " We have only just escaped such a calamity," was the 
 answer. " By some means Lord Cloverton had received 
 information of our plans. In the presence of the King, 
 immediately after your departure, he accused her Majesty 
 of trafficking with the brigands in the hills, and challenged 
 her to show the bracelet. It was fortunate that the Queen 
 could do so, and indignantly demand apology. The 
 first move is much in our favor, for the accusation made 
 the King extremely angry, and the British Ambassador 
 is in ill favor to-day. His hands are tied for a little while, 
 at any rate." 
 
 " That I would believe if I saw the knotted cords about 
 his wrists, but not otherwise," Ellerey answered. " My 
 worthy countryman is not so easily beaten." 
 
 "It is true her Majesty bid me warn you, but without 
 the King what can he do ?" 
 
 " He is capable of anything, and has the English vice, 
 or virtue it depends on the point of view of never know- 
 ing when he has got the worst of it." 
 
 "Her Majesty is fortunate in also having an English- 
 man for her messenger. " 
 
 "Thank you, monsieur. I think there is something 
 of the same spirit in me." 
 
 "There is the token, Captain Ellerey," and the man 
 handed him a small sealed box. "The streets are yet 
 full, so it would be wise to delay your departure for a while. 
 Her Majesty also bid me give you this, an earnest of what 
 shall fall to the share of her successful messenger." 
 
 In Ellerey's palm lay a ring, the jewel in it catching 
 light even from the feeble ray of the candle. For one 
 moment Ellerey was disposed to refuse the gift until he 
 had earned it, the independence of the Englishman rising
 
 148 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 in him; but a brief hesitation gave the spirit of the ad- 
 venturer opportunity to rise uppermost. He might fail, 
 and for his life be compelled to leave Sturatzberg. It 
 would be some consolation not to go altogether empty- 
 handed. 
 
 "I thank her Majesty," he said. "I shall keep it as 
 a key to win her further favor should I deserve it." 
 
 "Then I will leave you, Captain Ellerey. Fortune 
 smile on you and on the cause." 
 
 As the door closed upon his visitor, Ellerey secured 
 the sealed box and the ring about his person in such a 
 fashion that the treasure lay close to the skin. While 
 life was in him no one should rob him of it. Then he sat 
 down to possess his soul in patience until the streets should 
 grow dark enough and empty enough for his departure. 
 
 It was market day, and he had elected to go by the 
 Southern Gate at the hour when many would be leaving 
 the city on their homeward journey. He had no desire 
 to be recognized, and he hoped to pass unnoticed in the 
 crowd. Stefan had arranged to have his horse waiting 
 for him at a forester's cottage off the Breslen road, a mile 
 from the city. By making the meeting-place in the forest 
 toward Breslen, precaution was taken that should riders 
 be seen going in this direction their real destination would 
 never be suspected. The brigands lay in the mountains 
 near the Drekner pass, in exactly the opposite direction 
 to Breslen, and a wide detour round Sturatzberg would 
 have to be accomplished when the united band set out in 
 earnest upon its expedition. The token was at last in 
 his possession, his comrades awaited him, and Ellerey 
 was anxious to be gone. But he was not the man to fail 
 by being too precipitate. None knew better the value of 
 deliberate caution, and with Lord Cloverton fully alive 
 to the danger, there might be many obstacles to face which
 
 GRIGOSIE 149 
 
 had not entered into his calculations. So Ellerey sat there 
 waiting, while the candle burnt lower, casting, as the room 
 darkened, a sharper outline of his figure upon the wall. 
 
 "Time, surely, now!" he exclaimed at last, starting 
 to his feet. "Landlord." 
 
 The door opened so suddenly that the handle must 
 have been turned even as Ellerey shouted. But it was 
 not the landlord who entered. Two figures came in 
 swiftly and closed the door. 
 
 "Pardon, Captain Ellerey." 
 
 "Well, sirs, what would you with me? I have little 
 time to waste. I have already called the landlord to pay 
 my reckoning," and as he spoke Ellerey raised the candle 
 above his head to see what manner of men his visitors 
 were. 
 
 "Friends, Captain," said the foremost of the two, 
 making the same sign which had gained admittance for 
 the bearer of the token. 
 
 He was a man of set features with a pair of keen eyes 
 deeply sunken. His figure was lithe and sinewy, his 
 movements quick and not ungraceful. His dress was of 
 the better peasant class, a short knife was sheathed in 
 his girdle, and one hand rested lightly on the hilt of it as 
 he stood motionless under the Captain's scrutiny. He 
 might have been a forester. His companion stood silently 
 in the shadows behind him. 
 
 "By that sign you should know the business I have 
 in hand, and that I have no time to waste in words." 
 
 "True, Captain. We are from her Majesty, and 
 know that the token has been delivered into your keeping 
 here to-night. You have comrades waiting for you, but 
 too few, such is the Queen's opinion, and she bid us join 
 your company." 
 
 "I do not like the arrangement," Ellerey answered.
 
 150 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "My comrades are picked men that I know the muscles of. 
 I know nothing of you." 
 
 "It's a poor welcome, Captain, but it must serve. I 
 have other news for you which may increase our value." 
 
 " You run on too fast, my friend," said Ellerey. " Your 
 coming at this eleventh hour ill fits with my precaution." 
 
 "We have horses without the city, Captain; we are 
 not ill conditioned for the enterprise." 
 
 "You may pass muster for a man. What is your 
 name ? " 
 
 "Anton." 
 
 "You have muscle enough to strike a good blow on 
 occasion, but I know naught of your courage. And your 
 companion there, what of him ? Step into the light and 
 let me look at you. How are you called ? " 
 
 " Grigosie, if it please you, Captain." 
 
 He stepped out of the shadow as he spoke, and with 
 his arms folded across 'his breast, threw back his head 
 defiantly, as though such inspection were little to his taste. 
 He was a lad in figure and in voice. His face was innocent 
 of even the down of dawning manhood. His limbs were 
 clean cut and supple, but they looked too young for stern 
 endurance. His dress was similar to his companion's save 
 that it was green in color, and he wore a cap of green drawn 
 down to his brows. 
 
 " You're a good-looking boy enough," laughed Ellerey, 
 " but Heaven forgive her Majesty. Does she think I am 
 bent on some summer picnic that she sends a child to bear 
 me company?" 
 
 "We are wont to go together, Captain. Grigosie is 
 a good scout, and I warrant is likely to prove useful," said 
 Anton. 
 
 " For cooking and bedmaking maybe. We shall have 
 little opportunity for either one or the other."
 
 "YOU WILL PARDON ME, COUNTESSI
 
 GRIGOSIE 151 
 
 "Nor should I do either of them except of my own 
 will," said the lad. 
 
 "A stroke or two of the whip would make you tell a 
 different tale," said Ellerey; "and you may thank your 
 lucky fortune that I will not take you, for the whip would 
 certainly follow." 
 
 " I have heard of Captain Ellerey," said the boy, " but 
 never that he was a bully." 
 
 Ellerey looked at him quizzically. 
 
 " Well, lad, I did not mean to hurt your feelings. You 
 do not lack courage, and you'll grow into a stout man for 
 rough work some day. In this expedition I cannot use 
 you." 
 
 " I can use a sword and am a master of fence, and the 
 sword is not the only weapon which victory hangs upon." 
 
 " Peace, Grigosie ; I will give the Captain an excellent 
 reason for taking you." 
 
 "Peace, yourself, Anton. Am I to be taken out of 
 charity ? Set me to prove my worth, Captain." 
 
 "I have no time, lad," said Ellerey, picking up his 
 cloak. " Anton may come since we are few, but " 
 
 " There is a fly on the wall, Captain." 
 
 " Well, what of it ? You are a strange lad. " 
 
 "It is gone, I warrant; but in case I have missed 
 darkness." 
 
 Two revolver shots cracked in quick succession as he 
 spoke, and the room was in darkness. Then the land- 
 lord rushed in. 
 
 "The candle is out; light it again, landlord," said the 
 boy, and then when it had burnt up he pointed with the 
 revolver to the spot where the fly had been and where now 
 there was a hole. " I do not think I missed." 
 
 "Leave us, landlord," said Ellerey. "It was the de- 
 ciding of a foolish boast."
 
 152 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 The lad slipped the revolver into his pocket again and 
 refolded his arms. 
 
 " That was a foolish jest, youngster," Ellerey said. " Do 
 you think such boastfulness fits you for such work as ours ?" 
 
 "There are few who could have done it," was the 
 answer. 
 
 "True." 
 
 "Such precision might serve you were your enemies 
 three to one." 
 
 "True again." 
 
 "Then ask me to go with you," was the prompt 
 reply. 
 
 " May I not even take you out of charity ? " 
 
 The lad shook his head with a smile, and there was 
 something very winning in his smile. 
 
 " Very well. Will you come with me ? " asked Ellerey. 
 "To the death." 
 
 " Your hand on that bargain." 
 
 " I'll earn the grip of comradeship before I take it, 
 Captain. Until then it is for you to order, be it to cook- 
 ing or to bedmaking." 
 
 " You'll serve for sport and as a relief to monotony, if 
 for nothing else," said Ellerey. " Orders, then. We must 
 be starting." 
 
 "You have not heard my further news," said Anton. 
 " It is not time to start yet." 
 
 ? Ellerey turned upon him angrily. Was his authority 
 so soon to be questioned ? 
 
 " Every gate is closed against Captain Ellerey by the 
 King's orders," said Anton. " It has been so since noon 
 to-day." 
 
 " Is the scent so hot already ? " 
 
 "We shall leave the city, but not yet. The lad here 
 will show us the way," Anton answered.
 
 GRIGOSIE 153 
 
 " You see I am to be of some service quickly, Captain,'* 
 said Grigosie. "Trust me. My way is clear enough, 
 and no King's order has power to bar it. We must wait 
 a little. I have some money in my pouch; may I pay for 
 liquor?" 
 
 "You're doing me good, youngster," laughed Ellerey. 
 "Order your drinks, and tell me who they were who 
 fathered and mothered you that you have such wit. You 
 are not fashioned after the usual breed in Wallaria." 
 
 " I am of the pure breed which is being forgotten in the 
 bastard race. I am of the old stock reared without the 
 city walls. Anton can answer for me." 
 
 "That I can." 
 
 The drinks were brought, but the lad drank sparingly. 
 Ellerey liked him none the worse for that. If wine were 
 found upon the journey, one sober comrade, though he 
 were a lad, might be more profitable than half a dozen 
 boasters. The boy talked brightly, and his air of boast- 
 fulness fell from him. There was a tone of deference to 
 the Captain in his manner which sat gracefully on his young 
 shoulders. 
 
 "Were it not that they brought your favor, I should 
 regret the fly and the candle," he said presently. " I crave 
 your pardon." 
 
 "Say no more of it. We'll give you better marks 
 before long, maybe." 
 
 "You carry two cloaks, Captain. How is that?" 
 
 " One my own, one I borrowed this morning. I am 
 going to leave it with the landlord to be returned." 
 
 " Wear it until we are free of the city. It may conceal 
 you from some prying eyes. I warrant you are well looked 
 for to-night." 
 
 " Have we far to travel to this exit of yours ? " 
 
 " Some distance, and by narrow ways. If there should
 
 154 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 be prying eyes we must close them quickly. We want no 
 shouts to raise a rabble. Is it not time, Anton ? " 
 
 "Yes, the gates have been closed for half aa hour." 
 
 "Come, then," said the lad. "Must we go through 
 the court ? " 
 
 " There is no other way," Anton answered. 
 
 "Then Captain, will you permit that Anton and I go 
 first?" said Grigosie. "Follow close upon our heels; 
 but should we stop, do not you; overtake us and push 
 us roughly aside, and we will overtake you again in a 
 moment. Your pardon that I seem to lead in this matter, 
 but I know the road we must take." 
 
 Ellerey returned a gruff assent to the arrangement. 
 He had looked into the boy's eyes and seen honesty there, 
 but he was not going to walk carelessly, for all that. 
 
 The inn was empty, so was the court, and there were 
 few people abroad in the Bergenstrasse. Grigosie and 
 Anton, leading the way by scarce a dozen paces, turned 
 almost directly from the main thoroughfare into a side 
 street, and had soon turned to left and right so often 
 that Ellerey would hardly have found his way back to the 
 Toison d'Or. Not once did they stop, and if they looked 
 back to see that their companion was following them, 
 Ellerey was not aware of the fact. He kept close upon 
 their heels, ready to stand on the defensive at the first sign 
 of treachery, but he took little notice of where they led 
 him. 
 
 Suddenly a street corner struck him as familiar, and 
 the next moment the truth flashed upon him. It was the 
 street he had traversed last night. At the bottom there 
 they had met Baron Petrescu. Even now the light was 
 dimly burning in the upper window as it had been then. 
 Grigosie and Anton stopped, but when Ellerey reached 
 them he did not push them aside ; he stopped, too.
 
 GRIGOSIE 155 
 
 " And now which way ? " he asked. 
 
 " Toward the light yonder," Grigosie answered. 
 
 " My lad, there is a point beyond which I trust no one," 
 said Ellerey. " I know that light." 
 
 "It marks our point of safety." 
 
 " Yours, perhaps ; not mine." 
 
 " I do not understand, Captain." 
 
 "If you are innocent, how should you? If you are 
 false, why should you ? Last night I had an appointment 
 beneath that dim lamp. With difficulty I escaped with 
 my life." 
 
 " But you did escape ; you know how. To-night there 
 will be no duel. We shall go direct to that door in the 
 wall." 
 
 Who was this youngster that he knew so much ? 
 
 "It seems to me a desperate chance even if you are 
 honest in advising it," said Ellerey. "Look you, lad, 
 I give you warning. My life I am prepared to give, but 
 if by treachery it is taken, I'll see that you bear me com- 
 pany on that journey, even as you have sworn to follow 
 me to the death on the other." 
 
 " I am content," was the short answer. " Muffle your 
 cloak about your face and leave me to speak." 
 
 They went together toward the light, and Grigosie 
 knocked at the door as Baron Petrescu had done. There 
 was the same delay, the self -same shaggy head was thrust 
 out to the intruders. Silence reigned again until the 
 stentorian voice had shouted, and then the clattering and 
 the voices started instantly. 
 
 The man led them aside into the same room. 
 
 "Pass us out through the garden and ask no ques- 
 tions," said Grigosie. 
 
 " Who have we here ? " asked the man, pointing to 
 Ellerey.
 
 156 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "Neither ask questions nor answer any," Grigosie 
 returned. 
 
 " That's too pert a tongue to satisfy me," growled the 
 man. "Signs and passwords are easily stolen. I'd 
 sooner let some one bear witness with me after last 
 night." 
 
 In an instant the lad was beside him. What he said 
 was in so low a tone that Ellerey could not catch a word, 
 but the effect was magical. The surly brute became alert 
 and obsequious. He led them quickly down the passage, 
 and opened the door leading into the garden. Perhaps 
 Grigosie did not altogether trust him, for he caught him 
 by the arm, saying that he should see them safely through 
 the garden, and Ellerey noticed that Anton was particular 
 to keep close to the man. 
 
 At the door in the wall the boy stopped. 
 
 "Your cloak, monsieur," he said, turning to Ellerey 
 "You wish it returned, do you not ? " 
 
 Ellerey gave it to him and nodded, but did not speak, 
 
 Grigosie gave the cloak to the man. 
 
 "Theodor, see that this is returned to Captain Ward 
 at the British Embassy. Send it by a trusted messenger, 
 and let him say that he had it from Captain Desmond 
 Ellerey to-night, an hour before midnight mark the time 
 when he met him in the Konigplatz. Good-night." 
 
 The man bowed low as he opened the door for them. 
 When it had closed upon them Grigosie turned to Ellerey. 
 
 " Are you satisfied, Captain ? " 
 
 The boy's knowledge astonished Ellerey. 
 
 "You have reproved me twice to-night, youngster; 
 first for being a bully, now for doubting you." 
 
 "My anger is forgotten," laughed the lad. "The 
 cloak was a good thought. They will know that you were 
 in the city to-night, and they will search Sturatzberg for
 
 GRIGOSIE 157 
 
 you aH day to-morrow. So we gain time. Our horses 
 await us on the Breslen road ; and yours, Captain ? " 
 
 "Also on the Breslen road." 
 
 " Then, Captain, will you order the march ? My brief 
 command is over."
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 THE CASTLE IN THE HILLS 
 
 THE first light of a new day awoke a chorus of blended 
 voices within the depths of the forest. The early matin 
 praise of the birds rose high and clear above the low- 
 hummed hymn of the insects. The trees shook out their 
 rustling garments, glorious autumn robes of color, scat- 
 tering the dewy tears of night before the smiling day. 
 Among the fallen leaves were hasty rushes to and fro, 
 while rabbits flashed across the narrow open tracts. 
 
 There was stirring, too, in a dry hollow securely hidden 
 by dense undergrowth from any traveller who chanced to 
 pass that way. The whinnying of a horse sounded on 
 the morning air, the rough rubbing of leather trappings, 
 and the sharp click of steel. There were gruff laughter 
 and gruffer oaths, man's salutation to the new day, and 
 some low spoken words of discontent. 
 
 The addition to their number was not pleasing to them. 
 The more they were, the less would each man receive as 
 reward, they argued. Last night they were half-asleep, 
 and had barely roused at Ellerey's coming. The men who 
 had come with him, they supposed, were soldiers of fortune 
 like themselves, men they knew, and even they were not 
 not welcome; but with morning discontent broke out. 
 The new arrivals were not soldiers, were strangers to them, 
 and one at least was a mere lad. What good was he in 
 their company? 
 
 Stefan did not complain. He noted Anton from head
 
 THE CASTLE IN THE HILLS 159 
 
 to foot, and did not like him. He looked at Grigosie and 
 he laughed aloud. He turned to find Ellerey close beside 
 him. 
 
 " This is the first day of the festival, then, Captain ? " 
 
 "Festival?" 
 
 " Surely since we have such company. Some of these 
 fellows might have brought their sweethearts with them 
 had they known the kind of expedition they were engaged 
 for. You bid me^ choose carefully, picked men who held 
 life and death in such easy balance that they would take 
 whichever happened without a murmur; and now you 
 bring us a lean forester who is good for naught but felling 
 trees, and a lad whose mother might still whip him without 
 offence." 
 
 "The lad is well enough, Stefan, and served me well 
 last night." 
 
 " Thank him, then, and send him home again. I have 
 a message to send into the city. It will be employment 
 for him to take it." 
 
 "No, he goes with us." 
 
 " There'll be much grumbling, Captain. These fellows 
 like comrades they know the stomach of." 
 
 " I'll answer for the boy." 
 
 " You'd best do it quickly, then, or there'll be one or 
 two riding back into Sturatzberg as yesterday they rode 
 out." 
 
 " If that is their spirit I'd sooner have lads like yonder 
 beside me in a tight place," Ellerey answered angrily. 
 Then he went to the men who were looking to their saddle 
 girths preparatory to mounting. " Comrades, we have a 
 journey before us which may run smoothly, but which 
 may bring us hard knocks. The reward is generous to 
 those who win through. Are we prepared to take our 
 chances one and all ? "
 
 100 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 He paused, but only a grunt of tardy consent answered 
 him. 
 
 " Last night I brought two others to join in our enter- 
 prise." 
 
 " What need of them ?" growled one man, " and one of 
 them a boy." 
 
 "They go with me whoever else stays behind," said 
 Ellerey, turning quickly to the man who had spoken. 
 " Haven't you faith enough in me to trust my discretion ?" 
 
 There was no reply. 
 
 "It must be tacit obedience, swift action to my com- 
 mand from every man who bears me company. Mount." 
 
 In a moment every one was in his saddle excepting 
 Ellerey himself, who stood with his horse's bridle over 
 his arm. 
 
 "Yonder lies the Breslen road, an easy morning's 
 canter into Sturatzberg. Who likes may ride that way 
 and free himself from my authority." 
 
 No man spoke or moved. 
 
 "Then are we comrades, and do not growl among 
 ourselves," said Ellerey, springing into his saddle. " For- 
 ward ! You must find some other carrier for your message, 
 Stefan." 
 
 "And soon, or I'll have murder on my soul," was the 
 answer, as the troop rode singly out of the hollow and 
 picked its way along a forest track. 
 
 It was high noon before they chanced upon a wood- 
 cutter and his boy. 
 
 "Give me leave, Captain," said Stefan, bringing his 
 horse to a standstill. " Here's one may take my message. 
 Aye there, how far is it to Sturatzberg by the shortest 
 road?" 
 
 "Five miles by foot, but riding you'll scarce do it in 
 ten," answered the woodcutter.
 
 THE CASTLE IN THE HILLS 161 
 
 " Will you or the lad carry a message there ? " 
 
 " To-morrow I would. I go with a team there, taking 
 timber." 
 
 "To-morrow," mused Stefan. "Why not? He'll 
 last until then. Well, then, to-morrow. Here's a key. 
 Take it to the Altstrasse. Do you know the Altstrasse ? " 
 
 "Surely. I have a brother living there." 
 
 " To the Altstrasse thirteen to the house of Monsieur 
 De Froilette." 
 
 " I have heard of him." 
 
 "Then you will do him this service," said Stefan. 
 " Give him the key, and say that if he has lost his servant, 
 this key fits a certain cellar door in a certain lodging by 
 the Western Gate. He will guess which lodging. His 
 servant, loving wine too much, lies behind that cellar door, 
 howling for his liberty." 
 
 " I'll take the message." 
 
 " Here's for refreshment by the way," said Stefan, toss- 
 ing him the key and a coin. " Monsieur De Froilette will 
 reward you liberally, I warrant." 
 
 "And who shall I say gave me the key ?" 
 
 " Say a woman you met by the road, if your conscience 
 will sanction the lie ; if not, say a man, and word my picture 
 as you please so that you make it handsome enough. But 
 do not fail to deliver the message, for the man behind that 
 door is slowly dying, and, if you do not go to his rescue, 
 will surely curse you from his grave." 
 
 " What does this mean, Stefan ? " Ellerey asked, as the 
 troop rode on, laughing at their companion. 
 
 "Francois was watching us, and saw the boy who 
 carried your message to me yesterday. He came to 
 question me, thinking me a fool, and went with me to the 
 cellar to hear my story and to drink your wine. He got 
 no story, and little wine for that matter, unless the ropes 
 11
 
 162 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 have slipped from his wrists and ankles. I tied him se- 
 curely before I made him free of all the cellar contained. 
 He'll be wanting food badly by to-morrow, when his 
 master finds him." 
 
 "It was well done, Stefan. We want no spies about 
 us; but why should Monsieur De Froilette spy upon me ?" 
 
 " For the same reason that a hawk watches its prey; it's 
 his nature. You may snatch chestnuts out of the fire 
 for monsieur, but it's only the charred husks will be your 
 portion if the dividing is left to him." 
 
 All that day they kept to the forest, making a wide 
 detour round Sturatzberg. Progress was slow along the 
 narrow tracks, and they went singly for the most part, 
 careful of their horses' steps. That night they lay within 
 a circle of trees, deep hidden in the woods and far from the 
 road. For two days they were able to hold to the forest, 
 and had no expectation of being surprised. They met 
 no one save an occasional woodcutter or charcoal-burner, 
 and once they disturbed some robbers who were perhaps 
 near the place of their hidden booty. On the third day 
 they were on the edge of the forest, and much open country 
 lay between them and the mountains. The utmost caution 
 was necessary now. 
 
 Ellerey called Grigosie to him. 
 
 " Anton said that you would be useful at scouting work." 
 
 "Yes, Captain." 
 
 " You will go forward with Stefan. Use your eyes and 
 ears well." 
 
 The lad saluted, and presently rode out with Stefan. 
 Anton asked to go with them, but this Ellerey would not 
 allow. He was glad of the opportunity of separating 
 Grigosie from his companion for a little while. He had 
 no reason to suspect them, but keeping them apart was a 
 precaution. Ellerey had instructed Stefan to use the lad
 
 THE CASTLE IN THE HILLS 163 
 
 well, and with a grim smile upon his face the soldier rode 
 with his youthful companion, keeping silence for a time. 
 
 "You're a slip of a lad for such work as we have on 
 hand," he said presently. " How came your mother to part 
 with you so early ? " 
 
 " Rest her soul, she's dead." 
 
 "Your father, then?" 
 
 " Dead also," answered Grigosie. 
 
 " Well, you knew them, and understand whether their 
 loss was a big one or not," said Stefan. " Parents haven't 
 counted for much in my case,so I'm not qualified to speak 
 of their usefulness. You've managed to grow into a likely 
 sort of lad. Who's had the training of you ? " 
 
 "I'm my own manufacture for the most part," an- 
 swered Grigosie, "but I'm not too proud to learn from 
 an old campaigner like you, Stefan." 
 
 The soldier drew himself up in his saddle, and looked 
 knowingly at his young comrade. 
 
 " There's sense in you. Maybe I can teach you a few 
 things. My experience has been wide and peculiar, and 
 if you listen to my advice and model your fighting on mine, 
 you'll make a soldier, not of my girth, perhaps, for that's a 
 gift of nature and not to be had for the asking." 
 
 "No; I shall always be of the lean sort, I fear," said 
 Grigosie. 
 
 " Don't you be discouraged, lad. There's often good 
 stuff in the lean ones. It's deep potations that give a man 
 breadth sometimes, and his habit of growling strange oaths 
 that gets him credit for valor." 
 
 Grigosie plied him with questions, and heard many a 
 strange tale of fighting in which Stefan had done marvellous 
 things. 
 
 "Is there no reward for bravery in Wallaria?" said 
 Grigosie at last. " How is it that no great distinction has 
 come to you ? "
 
 164 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 Stefan turned toward him and shut one eye. 
 
 "Dodge the distinctions, lad, as you would the devil. 
 They lead to Court and the society of women, two things to 
 be avoided." 
 
 "Why so, Stefan?" 
 
 " Court fetters a man as a chain does a dog, and is un- 
 natural, while a woman is the keenest weapon in all the 
 devil's armory." 
 
 " I have heard some well spoken of," said Grigosie. 
 
 "And they are the most dangerous," said Stefan. 
 " Why do you suppose women were made pretty and fash- 
 ioned to wear pretty clothes ? " 
 
 " Indeed I cannot tell." 
 
 " To conceal their natural defects, lad. Whenever you 
 see a pretty woman, look at the next harridan you meet, 
 and remember that the difference between them is only on 
 the surface." 
 
 "You are too hard, Stefan," said Grigosie, laughing 
 heartily. 
 
 "Wisdom, youngster the ripe wisdom of experience.'* 
 
 " I wonder whether the Captain is of your way of think- 
 ing, Stefan." 
 
 " I have seen him pause in the midst of his drink some- 
 times, which has made me anxious." 
 
 " The fetters of the Court, perhaps," said Grigosie. 
 
 "Seemed to me it was more like a woman," was the 
 answer. 
 
 That night they encamped between two spurs of the 
 lower hills. Two hours before sunset they had begun to 
 ascend from the plain. It was among the hills they would 
 be looked for as soon as the object of their mission were 
 known ; and having chosen a camping-ground which could 
 easily be defended against odds, Ellerey placed sentinels to 
 prevent any surprise.
 
 THE CASTLE IN THE HILLS 165 
 
 The camp-fire was pleasant to draw close to, for the 
 night was cold. Ellerey lay in a half-reclining position, 
 his feet stretched toward the blaze ; and at some little dis- 
 tance on the opposite side the men were sitting in a circle 
 playing cards, Grigosie and Anton standing beside them, 
 looking on. 
 
 " There, boy, what did I tell you ? " he heard Stefan say 
 as he turned to Grigosie. " A woman again plays me false, 
 and it's the queen of hearts, too." 
 
 The boy laughed. Evidently he and Stefan had be- 
 come fast friends during their day's ride together. It was 
 a merry laugh, pleasant, Ellerey thought, after the gruffer 
 tones of the soldiers. 
 
 Presently the boy left Anton's side and threw himself 
 down by the fire near Ellerey. 
 
 " Are you tired, Grigosie ? " 
 
 " A little. Lately I have not been used to so many hours 
 in the saddle. What point do we make for to-morrow ? " 
 
 " The Drekner pass. Do you know it ? " 
 
 " I was quite a youngster when I last crossed it," was 
 the answer. " There used to be a castle there, perched on 
 the hill-side like an eagle's eyrie." 
 
 " So many years cannot have passed since then that the 
 castle should have crumbled away," said Ellerey, with a 
 smile . "I expect it is still there. ' ' 
 
 " You do not know the pass, then ? " 
 
 "No." 
 
 Grigosie lapsed into silence, and then after a while he 
 said suddenly : " Some day I hope to be an honored soldier 
 like you are, Captain." 
 
 " Wish better things for yourself, Grigosie." 
 
 " Are you not honored, then ? " 
 
 " Enough to be given a dangerous post." 
 
 " And to receive good reward if you succeed. The
 
 166 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 Queen will load you with gifts and, perhaps, greater hap- 
 piness still, some other woman will smile on you." 
 
 " You begin to think of such things over early," Ellerey 
 answered. " You'll have your troubles soon enough that 
 way, no doubt." 
 
 " Already, Captain." 
 
 " So soon ? " 
 
 " This is a southern country, and we begin early. Are 
 you a woman-hater, as Stefan is ? In the back of my mind 
 there is a reverence for women." 
 
 "Keep it, lad, if you can; it may bring you to much 
 good. For my part, I hardly know my position in the 
 matter." 
 
 " Would telling the tale to me help your judgment ? " 
 inquired the lad. 
 
 " A man does not speak of such things often, Grigosie." 
 
 " Ah, your love tale has advanced some way, then. It 
 was not a glance and a passing word, and a thorn left in the 
 heart to hurt terribly at times. That was my case." 
 
 " There is a woman I deeply respect and honor," said 
 Ellerey. " To love her would be much to my advantage." 
 
 " Why not, then ? " asked the boy. 
 
 " Because of a memory, the memory of another woman. 
 With her it was a passing word and a look; but they came to 
 me when life was at its darkness, and I have never forgotten 
 them. It was an early morning in England, a morning that 
 has no equal in the whole world, full of sunshine and breeze 
 and perfume ; and she came into it suddenly and unexpect- 
 edly. She would not choose to remember me if she thought 
 such a memory lingered in my heart. She was out of my 
 reach even then, and in those days I was something more 
 than a Captain of Horse." 
 
 "But after this enterprise you will be something 
 more."
 
 THE CASTLE IN THE HILLS 167 
 
 " I cannot become a Prince, Grigosie, and my lady of 
 the breezy morning was a Princess." 
 
 " Really, or is that your fanciful name for her ? " 
 
 "Really a Princess," Ellerey answered. "I wonder 
 why I should be telling this story to you ? " 
 
 " Is there not sympathy between all who love ? " Grigo- 
 sie answered. " It is the one common bond there is in the 
 world, knowing no difference of creed or nationality." 
 
 For two days the little band journeyed in the moun- 
 tains, keeping to the lower track on account of the horses. 
 Progress was slow, for the going was rough, and the horses 
 often had to be led. The track lay between the lower hills 
 and the main mountain range, and they had lost sight of the 
 open country, which lay below them. It was late in the after- 
 noon of the second day that they crossed a spur which jut- 
 ted out toward the plain, and from its vantage ground 
 Grigosie was the first to point out the head of the pass, a pre- 
 cipitous opening in the mountains to their left. At the 
 same time Stefan, looking across the open country, pointed 
 out a cloud of dust on the horizon. 
 
 " That means a moving body of men," he said. 
 
 " In the pass lies our greatest security until we are pre- 
 pared to meet the enemy," Ellerey answered. "If that 
 castle of yours has not crumbled to dust, Grigosie, it will 
 make excellent quarters for us." 
 
 The Drekner pass^ had long ago ceased to be used. 
 Once, doubtless, it was the highway into Wallaria from the 
 north, but that was long ago, not within the memory of the 
 oldest man. Nature herself had closed the way by casting 
 a great spur of the mountain into the deepest and narrow- 
 est part of the defile. It was still possible to climb this, but 
 it had effectually closed the pass for all useful purposes ; and 
 the castle, which in old times had been used to guard the way, 
 had fallen into decay. It stood gaunt against the hillside
 
 168 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 upon a natural plateau, the pathway to it, long and zig-zag, 
 cut out in the hillside. Vegetation had taken root in the 
 crevices of its broken walls, and some of the stonework, 
 shivered by the lightning stroke perhaps, lay in the road- 
 way at the foot of the hill. Silence reigned, and an eagle 
 hovering on the heights above doubtless had his eyrie there. 
 A thin stream of water trickled down the hillside, finding 
 its way from the snow on the mountains, which reared 
 white-hooded heads here and there above their humbler 
 brethren. 
 
 " My castle in the hills ! " cried Grigosie enthuisastically 
 as a turn of the track brought it in view. 
 
 "Peace, Grigosie, and take that child's chatter of 
 yours to the rear," said Ellerey. Then turning to Stefan, 
 he directed him and another of the men to climb up care- 
 fully to the plateau. " Some outpost of Vasilici's may hold 
 it," he remarked. 
 
 Leaving their horses, Stefan and his companion went 
 up the zig-zag way and were lost to view. It seemed a long 
 time before their figures stood on the edge of the plateau 
 and waved to their comrades to ascend. 
 
 "My castle, Anton," whispered Grigosie. "It was I 
 who told them that it stood here." 
 
 " They liked not your claiming it so." 
 
 " They will forgive much to my youth, even if I am put 
 to cooking and bedmaking to-night as punishment," 
 laughed the boy. "You shall be snug, Anton, and know 
 that the gods are with us." 
 
 The incline of the zig-zag way had been carefully grad- 
 uated so that it was possible to lead horses up, and they all 
 dismounted and went singly. At the top of the path a stone 
 gateway, broken and of small service now, shut in the pla- 
 teau. This was the only means of reaching the castle, and 
 in old times formed the first point of defence.
 
 THE CASTLE IN THE HILLS 169 
 
 "Empty, but an airy perch to spend the night," said 
 Stefan, meeting them at the gateway. " Here's a trysting 
 place for every wind that blows, and holes enough for them 
 to whistle through." 
 
 This was evident. The walls were broken in every 
 direction, and heaps of stonework lay scattered on all sides. 
 
 " The tower yonder seems to have held together," said 
 Ellerey. 
 
 " Aye, there's fine sleeping room there, and you may see 
 the stars through the roof." 
 
 But the tower had much to commend it. The door 
 that closed it still hung upon its hinges, and in the lower 
 chamber, at least, there were no rents in the wall save the 
 window holes, narrow slits in the outside, but widening 
 inward through the thickness of the walls. On one side 
 stone steps, unprotected in any way, led to the floor above, 
 which was entered through a trap door still in place 
 and capable of being bolted down. Here the walls were 
 broken in places, and part of the roof had fallen. More 
 steps, which mounted to the roof, ended abruptly and were 
 pen to the sky. A turret had been displaced at some time 
 and had crashed through, breaking part of the stairs away. 
 
 " We can make shift to stable the horses between some 
 of the walls outside, and ourselves in the tower," said El- 
 lerey. " It might be worse, Stefan, and with fortune our 
 stay will be short." 
 
 "It must be if we're to live. There is no food for a 
 siege," Stefan answered. 
 
 Meanwhile the men had unsaddled, and a fire was 
 already crackling on the old hearth. There was promise 
 of comfort for the night, and they were not disposed to 
 grumble. While some looked to the horses, others made 
 haste to prepare a meal. A kid caught earlier in the day 
 suggested a feast. Others, finding a broken door, made
 
 179 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 shift to set it on four stones, improvising a table, on which 
 they set out the wine flasks and the food they carried with 
 them, while one man paced up and down the edge of the 
 plateau watching the mountains opposite and the pass 
 beneath. 
 
 Kid's flesh, even when roasted over a wood fire, may 
 not be to the taste of all who can choose their viands, but 
 it is honest food for all that, and no one round that impro- 
 vised table uttered a word against it. More logs had been 
 piled on the fire, and the blaze threw dancing shadows on 
 the stone walls and lit up the rough faces of the men. They 
 were silent for a while, their sharp set appetites fully occu- 
 pying them, but a draught of wine set the tongues wagging 
 again. 
 
 " A song, Stefan : I've heard you roar a good stave ere 
 this." 
 
 " Not a love song, surely ? " said Grigosie. 
 
 "No, of wine." 
 
 " In all the verse I ever heard love and wine strangely 
 go together," said the boy. 
 
 " Proving that the joys of both are transitory, perhaps," 
 said Ellerey, who sat beside him. He spoke only to Grig- 
 osie, but Stefan heard him. 
 
 "Love, Captain a snap of the fingers for love; but 
 wine's the very heart of life. There's wisdom and truth in 
 wine, there's valor in it, and it's powerful enough to make 
 even good sound men fall in love. There's a stave I've 
 heard which you may have if you will." And with much 
 sound but little music Stefan broke into song. 
 
 It was a tavern ditty, and not too nice in its sentiments, 
 as, indeed, why should it be, to please its hearers ? There 
 was a lilt in its chorus which even Stefan's unmusical voice 
 could not hide, and it set the men's heads nodding in time 
 as they roared it out together, waking the echoes with the 
 declaration that
 
 THE CASTLE IN THE HILLS 171 
 
 "The eye of a maid may sparkle, 
 And tke fools may for love repine, 
 But the wise man knows 
 As his road he goes 
 That the best of life's gifts is wine." 
 
 " That isn't true, is it, Captain ? " whispered Grigosie. 
 " We know better than that." 
 
 Ellerey laughed, but he was not displeased to keep the 
 lad in low conversation. The song had let loose a flood of 
 jest and anecdote which lost none of their ribaldry in the 
 telling. They were ill suited for a boy to hear and batten 
 on. 
 
 " Yes, lad ; we know better, you and I," he said. " Let 
 them talk, we need not listen." 
 
 " I suppose it is natural in youth to shudder at some 
 things they talk of, and much I do not understand." 
 
 "Keeping such ignorance you will be the happier. 
 And do not drink much wine to-night, Grigosie ; you must 
 take your turn at sentry duty. It is share and share alike 
 in an enterprise like this." 
 
 "Grant, then, there be stars to-night. I never feel 
 lonely under the stars," the lad answered. " It was good 
 wine that was poured into my flask at starting; I have 
 hardly tasted it until now. Is yours good ? " 
 
 " It might be worse, and I was never a heavy drinker." 
 
 "Taste mine." 
 
 " No, lad ; why should I rob you ? " 
 
 " Indeed, it will be no robbery. If you do not take it I 
 shall offer it to Stefan presently. It is too strong for me." 
 
 " I'll taste it before I sleep, if you will. The air is close 
 kere. Let us go and fill our lungs with mountain breezes." 
 
 The boy sprang to his feet at once, careful to take his 
 wine flask with him, and followed Ellerey on to the plateau. 
 
 There were stars in the clear sky, and a crescent moon 
 that seemed to be poised on a sharp edge of the higher
 
 172 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 mountains. The air was keen, tingling in throat and 
 nostrils. 
 
 "... the wise man knows 
 
 As liis road he goes 
 That the best of life's gifts is wine," 
 
 came again the lilting chorus from the tower. It was the 
 only sound that disturbed the silence the silence of a 
 world. 
 
 "A night for regrets, Captain, yet one to speed ambi- 
 tion," said Grigosie. 
 
 " Yours has been too short to accumulate regrets." 
 
 "They get heaped together very rapidly sometimes," 
 was the reply. " How long shall we stay here ? " 
 
 "Only until we have seen Vasilici and delivered our 
 message." 
 
 "And then back to Sturatzberg with our demands 
 backed by an army of patriots," said Grigosie. "And 
 for the success of the scheme how do you reckon the 
 chances ? " 
 
 " If I expected failure I should not be here." 
 
 " Your own ambition supplies the motive, then ? 
 There is no love for a cause behind ? " 
 
 "Hush, lad; those are dangerous questions to ask a 
 soldier. If I know that reward awaits success, it is as cer- 
 tain that failure means death. Those who employ my 
 sword would not hesitate to sacrifice me to save the situa- 
 tion; so you see, Grigosie, you set out on a venturesome 
 enterprise when you joined my company." 
 
 " Yes, we may fail and die, and yet other nights will be 
 just as full of stars as this is. I wonder how it is that such 
 a beautiful world is cursed to go so awry." 
 
 " Chiefly, my lad, because most of us care nothing about 
 the beauty, but think only of using it as a plaything. Let 
 us go in again. You should sleep before you go n duty."
 
 THE CASTLE IN THE HILLS 173 
 
 Some of the men had already stretched themselves out 
 in sleep, and there was weariness in the slow speech of the 
 others. Only Anton seemed really awake, and he did not 
 speak as the two entered the tower. 
 
 "Here is the wine," Grigosie whispered, handing the 
 flask to Ellerey. " Drink to success in it, to success in war 
 and love."
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 THE TOKEX IS DELIVERED 
 
 THE logs burnt low upon the hearth, and only a feeble light 
 was in the tower. Anton saw Ellerey drink the wine and 
 then cast himself down not far from Grigosie; but it was 
 too dim for him to see whether all his companions were 
 asleep. Some certainly were, for they snored, and others 
 were restless, for they shifted their positions at intervals 
 and sighed heavily. Where Ellerey and Grigosie were 
 there was deep shadow, growing deeper as the fire died 
 down. One sleeper there was restless for a little while, 
 and then his breathing proclaimed that his sleep was heavy. 
 Once Anton thought there was a darker shadow within the 
 shadow, which moved quite silently, but he did not speak; 
 he only listened very eagerly and raised himself on his elbow 
 a little. Presently Anton slept too. 
 
 Ellerey awoke with a start. Some shock in a dream 
 seemed to wake him, and as he raised himself his hand went 
 to his breast, as it constantly did on waking. The token 
 lay there safely. Then he leaned over toward Grigosie 
 and stretched out his arm. The lad's place was empty. 
 He was startled for a moment, as men may be on awaking 
 suddenly from a dream, but he quickly recovered himself, 
 remembering that the lad was sentry part of the night. 
 
 He lay down again, being heavy-eyed, but could not 
 sleep. The air was oppressive, and a dull pain was in his 
 head as though a steel band were clasped tightly round 
 his forehead. The dream was still surging unpleasantly
 
 THE TOKEN IS DELIVERED 175 
 
 through his brain, and at last his restlessness prompted him 
 to go out on to the plateau. 
 
 The stars were still bright, but the crescent moon had 
 gone. At the edge of the plateau, resting upon his gun, 
 stood the motionless figure of the sentry. Ellerey did not 
 wish to startle him, so coughed slightly to let him know of 
 his presence. 
 
 The boy did not turn. 
 
 " Grigosie." 
 
 " Is that you, Captain ? I was just coming to call you. 
 Watch the mountain opposite, and tell me if my eyes are 
 deceiving me. There is nothing for the moment, but wait, 
 and look steadily." 
 
 The top of the opposite side of the pass stood out clearly 
 against the sky, but below was darkness. Grigosie pointed 
 to that part which lay rather below the level of the plateau 
 on which they were standing. 
 
 " They must be good eyes to see anything there," said 
 Ellerey. 
 
 " Wait," whispered the boy. 
 
 Even as he spoke there shone for a moment a wisp of 
 light like a firefly in the darkness, and then another, mov- 
 ing a little below it. Several times this was repeated in 
 different places in the darkness, the point of light gleaming 
 for a moment only and then suddenly going out. 
 
 " They have followed us, Captain, and by morning will 
 have climbed high enough to command this position." 
 
 " When did you first see the lights, Grigosie ? " 
 
 " Not ten minutes ago." 
 
 " Get to the gate at the top of the zig-zag pass quickly ! 
 I will call the others." 
 
 The boy ran to his post at once, and in a few moments 
 the whole of the little company was upon the plateau watch- 
 ing the points of light which came and went on the moun-
 
 176 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 tain opposite. There was no more sleep that night, only a 
 waiting for dawn ; and as daylight crept slowly down them, 
 the mountains looked innocent enough. The sunlight 
 bursting suddenly over the eastern ridges glinted upon no 
 points of steel betraying hidden men in the hollows of the 
 hills. Ellerey and Stefan stood together looking for such 
 a sign, or the thin curl of smoke from a camp-fire. 
 
 "There's no army from Sturatzberg yonder, Captain," 
 said the soldier. "Whoever climbed there last night 
 showed lights only to guide their fellows, either not expect- 
 ing us to see them, or not knowing that we are here." 
 
 " The brigands, perhaps," said Ellerey. 
 
 " The same thought was in my mind," Stefan answered. 
 
 Sharp eyes watched from the plateau during the early 
 hours of the morning. Weapons were looked to, and the 
 horses saddled ready for any emergency; but no attempt 
 was made to conceal their presence there. Sharp eyes 
 doubtless had also watched their movements from the 
 mountains opposite, for three men presently appeared in 
 the pass below. By what path they came there the watchers 
 on the plateau could not tell. No sign of them had they 
 perceived until they suddenly stood in full view. 
 
 " To travel in such fashion those must be born moun- 
 taineers," said Stefan. " Shall I signal to them, Captain ? " 
 
 " Yes. Let them come up the path ; we will meet them 
 at the top. Grigosie, you stand on the rising ground there, 
 and if there be any sign of treachery see you repeat the 
 marksmanship you boast of." 
 
 The three men came up the zig-zag path fearlessly. 
 They did not pause when they saw the soldiers waiting for 
 them at the ruined gateway, but came on until they halted 
 some five paces in front of them. 
 
 "We are sent to know your mission in the hills," said 
 one, stepping slightly in advance of his companions.
 
 THE TOKEN IS DELIVERED 177 
 
 " From whom do you come ? " inquired Ellerey. 
 
 " From a friend, if we make no mistake, one whom you 
 are sent to seek near the Drekner pass. Are you from. 
 Queen Elena?" 
 
 " I am the bearer of a message to Vasilici." 
 
 " You are welcome, then. We will bring you to him." 
 
 " Is he far from here ? " 
 
 The man turned and pointed up the pass : " An hour's 
 journey." 
 
 " We will come. The message I carry will need prompt 
 action, for across the plain there are troops watching the 
 road to Sturatzberg." 
 
 "There are more ways than one to the capital, and 
 many men in those troops perchance who will welcome 
 the sight of us." 
 
 " I do not doubt it," Ellerey answered. " Is the way 
 passable for horses ? We shall not want to return here." 
 
 "Yes, to the entrance of the chief's resting-place. 
 How many are you ? " 
 
 "Ten in all." 
 
 "Your numbers guarantee a friendly message," was 
 the smiling answer. "We will await you at the foot of 
 the path." 
 
 As the men departed Grigosie lowered the rifle which 
 he had held ready for use, his finger resting lightly on the 
 trigger; but he did not move from his post until Ellerey 
 called him. 
 
 " Ready, lad; we march at once." 
 
 " You are satisfied with the embassy ? " 
 
 " Quite. In an hour's time the first stage of our mis- 
 sion will be accomplished." 
 
 "And then?" 
 
 " The result lies on the knees of the gods," said Ellerey. 
 
 " Do we all go ? " asked the boy. 
 12
 
 178 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 " And leave none to keep this refuge ? " 
 
 ''What should we want with a refuge? We have 
 come too far for that. If success does not lie in the road 
 before us, the only refuge we can hope for is in death." 
 
 "I have a strange liking for life, Captain, just 
 now." 
 
 The men led their horses down the zig-zag path, 
 Ellerey and Stefan bringing up the rear. Grigosie 
 turned to look back at the ruined walls, and the tower 
 standing gaunt against the mountain-side. He had enthu- 
 siastically called it his, and in the desertion of it there 
 may have been some regret. From the castle the lad's 
 eyes followed the shape and direction of the ridges which 
 lay about it, as though to impress the picture on his mind, 
 but he spoke no word, and studiously avoided Anton's 
 eyes, which questioned him. He was in no mood to reduce 
 the thoughts which surged through his brain to any order. 
 They raged and beat against the unknown shores of the 
 future as a wind-swept ocean will against a rocky coast, 
 carrying with them his hopes and ambitions, which were 
 driven to and fro like brave craft struggling against ship- 
 wreck. There was some reason why he should regret the 
 comparatively quiet haven of that castle in the hills. 
 
 In silence he mounted with the others at the foot of the 
 path, and the little band of horsemen proceeded at walk- 
 ing pace, so that the envoys from Vasilici, who were on foot, 
 might keep up with them. Ellerey and Stefan rode side 
 by side, and at a sign from the former fell a few paces far- 
 ther in the rear. 
 
 " It is evident that we shall presently have to leave the 
 horses, Stefan ; you and Anton shall stay with them while 
 the rest of us go forward to deliver the token. While you 
 wait keep a keen lookout on the hillsides and on "
 
 THE TOKEN IS DELIVERED 179 
 
 " On Anton," Stefan suggested. " I need no bidding, 
 Captain. I do not trust him. I should trust him still less 
 had I not taken a liking to his companion, Grigosie." 
 
 " The boy is stanch, I think, but it is perhaps as well 
 to have them separated," said Ellerey; "that is why I 
 leave Anton to you." 
 
 " He'll be in strict company, Captain, have no fear." 
 
 " I see no reason to doubt success," said Ellerey, after 
 a pause, almost as if he had misgivings and wanted to be 
 laughed out of them. 
 
 "There are many who have looked upon success, and 
 yet have not had arm long enough to grasp it," said Stefan. 
 " It's as well not to smack the lips until the liquor is run- 
 ning in the throat." 
 
 Their way lay up the pass toward the narrow defile 
 which nature had closed long ago. There was an upward 
 incline, but it was quite easy for the horses. The pass 
 gradually narrowed as they went, and the mountain-sides 
 grew more precipitous, shutting them in like great walls 
 on either side. Little foothold was there for a lurking 
 enemy, and there were no deep gorges where an ambus- 
 cade might hide. To defend this part of the pass in the 
 old days must have meant a hand-to-hand struggle in 
 the narrow way. Ellerey noted this as he went. His life 
 in Sturatzberg had made him observant. 
 
 Presently the leading horseman stopped. 
 
 "It is difficult work for horses from here," said one of 
 the brigands. " They can be fetched afterward to the place 
 the chief directs." 
 
 "You, Stefan and Anton, will stay with them," said 
 Ellerey. " I will send Grigosie back with orders presently. 
 Take orders from none but Grigosie." 
 
 Stefan saluted and gathered the bridles together, smil- 
 ing to see that Anton was not pleased at being left behind.
 
 180 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 He looked at his youthful comrade, who took no notice of 
 him, and obeyed with an ill grace. 
 
 " Why should he leave us ? " he asked, when the others 
 had gone, climbing the slope in front of them. 
 
 " Why not ? " asked Stefan laconically. 
 
 "It is the business of servants and lackeys to mind 
 horses.'* 
 
 "But we have neither." 
 
 "At least we are given no honorable service." 
 
 "For my part, I do as I am told," sard Stefan, "and 
 you'll be wise to do the same. That young comrade of 
 yours is capable of looking after himself." 
 
 Anton looked at the soldier curiously for a moment, 
 but Stefan's thoughts were always difficult to read. His 
 face never showed a sign of any meaning beyond the words 
 he uttered. 
 
 Following the three brigands, the others climbed up 
 the slope of the landslip which had filled up the pass. It 
 was uneven ground, and they were soon hidden from 
 their companions with the horses. Descending presently 
 into a ravine, the brigands stopped. 
 
 " As a careful Captain, you will appreciate the caution 
 of our chief," said the spokesman, turning to Ellerey. 
 " We were ordered to bring you no farther than this. He 
 will come to you here." 
 
 " We are only eight ; let him come with no larger fol- 
 lowing," Ellerey answered. "There shall be precaution 
 on both sides." 
 
 " I will give your message, but " 
 
 " Unless he fulfils my terms I depart the way I have come, 
 and make my terms in the shadow of the castle yonder." 
 
 "I will tell him so," said the man, and the brigands 
 went quickly up the ravine and disappeared. 
 
 " This is their vantage ground," said Ellerey. " Stand
 
 THE TOKEN IS DELIVERED 181 
 
 apart, all of you, near enough to help each other, but not 
 in each other's way should a rush come. Grigosie, stand 
 there, carelessly as it were, but with ready fingers. We 
 have no knowledge of the honor of these men." 
 
 They had not long to wait. From the bend in the 
 ravine came three men, the central figure a man of great 
 stature. He walked proudly, with long, swaggering 
 strides and swinging arms. His long black hair, bearded 
 chin, and beady eyes set under heavy eyebrows, gave a 
 ferocity to his appearance which Ellerey did not find 
 attractive. He looked like a man in whom the barbarian 
 was still active, whose laws of right and wrong and honor 
 were likely to be of his own fashioning one in whom it 
 would be dangerous to trust too implicitly. Yet he was 
 a striking and a handsome figure, and his dress gave him 
 distinction. A scarlet feather was in his hat, and he wore 
 a scarlet cloak which the weather had stained. A heavy 
 knife was stuck in his belt, and it was obvious that his com- 
 panions treated him with marked respect. 
 
 " Is this bravado, or does he know that a hundred pairs 
 of eyes are watching us ?" said Ellerey. 
 
 Grigosie did not take his eyes from the three men. 
 He stood in a careless attitude, one hand resting on his 
 hip, the other thrust into his breast, and his fingers were 
 upon a revolver. No gesture of the men escaped him, 
 and long before they came to a standstill in front of Ellerey 
 he had learned their features thoroughly. 
 
 The big man gave a short salute rather as acknowledg- 
 ing an inferior than answering an equal. 
 
 "You have a message for me, Captain." 
 
 " I can answer that question when I know who you are," 
 said Ellerey. 
 
 The big man laughed, with a glance at his companions, 
 who laughed too, pleased to humor him.
 
 182 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "You are a stranger in these hills, or you would know 
 me. I am Vasilici." 
 
 He did not call himself great, but his manner easily 
 filled the omission. He glanced at Ellercy, and at the 
 soldiers, to see the effect of his words. 
 
 " Then I have a message for you from Queen Elena." 
 
 "It has been so long in coming that I have almost 
 grown tired of waiting," Vasilici answered. " I presume 
 she would have done without my help if she could." 
 
 "I am only the bearer of one message," Ellerey said 
 shortly. The fellow's insolent manner came near to rais- 
 ing Ellerey 's temper. This was a dangerous ally the 
 Queen had chosen. "Do you know the nature of the 
 message I bring?" 
 
 "Aye, as I know the price to be paid for my help. 
 The Queen has not dared to question my terms, has she ?" 
 
 " I know nothing of the price. I might find it too high 
 if I did." 
 
 " Nor were you sent to argue, Captain, but to deliver 
 the token," said Vasilici, holding out his hand. 
 
 Ellerey swallowed his rages a best he could, with a 
 determination to take the pride out of this boaster some 
 day ; and drawing out the sealed box containing the brace- 
 let of medallions, handed it to the brigand. 
 
 "At last the great day dawns for me and for Wallaria ! " 
 Vasilici exclaimed. "The kindgom of the hills comes to 
 power and honor." 
 
 " Did they tell you that an army lies in wait between 
 here and Sturatzberg ? " asked Ellerey. 
 
 " Fifty armies will not stop me and those I lead when 
 I elect to strike," cried the brigand, snapping his fingers. 
 "The puppets in Sturatzberg will either bow to me or 
 squeal at their punishment when I enter the city." 
 
 "You'll find the gates shut and some good men to
 
 THE TOKEN IS DELIVERED 183 
 
 guard them," Ellerey answered. "I am in a position to 
 know that." 
 
 " We may use you, Captain, and for good service there 
 is something more than thanks." 
 
 Ellerey laughed loudly; it was the only way he could 
 prevent himself from cursing this insolent scoundrel. He 
 almost despised himself for being even in the same cause 
 with this swaggerer. For a moment Grigosie glanced 
 at him, understanding something of what was in his mind, 
 but the next instant he had turned again to watch Vasilici. 
 The man was a swaggerer through and through, although 
 if the tales told of him were true he did not lack courage. 
 He had for a long time impressed his followers with his 
 bluster and attitudes, playing a carefully studied part 
 before them, appealing to that vein of romance which 
 life in the mountains had fostered in them ; and he played 
 the part now for the benefit of Ellerey and his comrades. 
 Falling into a pose, he turned the box this way and that, 
 as though the opening of it were a supreme thing which 
 a little delay would materially add to. Then with a flour- 
 ish he drew the knife from his belt and broke the seals, 
 pausing again to carefully replace the knife. 
 
 " Freedom to this wretched land at last," he said, " and 
 so I open the Queen's token." 
 
 The box fell to the ground with the packing it had 
 contained, and then with an oath Vasilici drew himself 
 to his full height, one hand upon the haft of his knife in 
 a moment. 
 
 "Is this how her Majesty attempts to fool me!" he cried. 
 
 Ellerey took a step forward to look, and an oath burst 
 from his lips, too. It was not the iron bracelet of medal- 
 lions which Vasilici held up, but a cross of gold, curious 
 in shape and workmanship, upon which the sun glinted 
 as it swung by its little chain in the brigand's hand.
 
 CHAPTER XV 
 
 THE RACE FOB LIFE 
 
 THE action a man will take in a crisis is exceedingly 
 difficult to gauge beforehand. As a rule, such moments 
 happen from a chain of circumstances which the man 
 has not foreseen, and therefore has made no preparation 
 to meet, and his conduct is likely to be guided entirely 
 by the attitude of those about him, without any question 
 of right or wrong, without a thought of what has occurred 
 in the past or what may happen in the future. This was 
 Ellerey's position. He had expected to see the bracelet 
 of medallions ; instead he saw a golden cross. He knew 
 that in some manner he had been deceived, and who 
 but the Queen could have placed this unexpected token 
 in his keeping ? By his manner he knew that the golden 
 cross held some meaning for the brigand, a meaning of 
 which Ellerey was absolutely ignorant; and under other 
 conditions he might have admitted his ignorance and entered 
 into explanations. As it was, the whole bearing of Vasilici, 
 his bluster and his swagger, had roused Ellerey's anger. 
 He had felt that the man was a crafty enemy even at the 
 moment of delivering what he supposed to be a friendly 
 message, and the keen desire to show his contempt for 
 him had made his tongue smart with unspoken words, 
 and his hands tingle to be clenched and to strike. He had 
 forced himself to decent speech and attitude, but now his 
 anger asserted itself. No question of duty or expediency 
 seemed to bind him; only a boastful enemy was before
 
 THE RACE FOR LIFE 185 
 
 him to be answered in the same fashion as he questioned, 
 and if that did not suffice, to be punished as he merited. 
 
 " That is the token as I received it," said Ellerey. 
 
 As the brigand had held up the token Grigosie had 
 leant forward to see it, the color mounting into his cheeks. 
 Now his enthusiasm appeared to get the better of his 
 prudence, and he cried out: 
 
 " Long live our country ! Down with all who dishonor 
 her! The golden cross gleams in the light of God's good 
 sun ; it is a benediction on this day, a promise of brighter 
 days to follow. Summon your legions, Vasilici, and on to 
 Sturatzberg where the hornets are nesting ready for de- 
 struction." 
 
 The brigand glanced at the boy contemptuously. 
 
 "What bantam is this you have brought to crow for 
 you?" 
 
 " The boy speaks well enough," said Ellerey. " There 
 is the token, where is your answer ? " 
 
 " Here, and here," was the quick answer, as he hurled 
 the cross high into the air behind him, and at the same 
 time blew a shrill whistle. "That is Vasilici's answer 
 to liars, and this his swift punishment." 
 
 The man's movements were so lithe and quick, so 
 utterly unexpected, that he had sprung upon Ellerey before 
 the words had fully left his lips. The long blade of his 
 knife caught the sunlight, even as the golden cross had 
 caught it a moment ago, and Ellerey's upraised arm alone 
 protected his breast from the downward thrust. But the 
 swift stroke did not come. A revolver shot awoke the 
 echoes of the hills, and with a howl the great brigand leapt 
 backward, his knife falling harmlessly to the ground, and 
 his arm useless to his side. 
 
 "The bantam's answer," cried Grigosie. "To me, 
 Captain ! "
 
 186 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 It was at once evident that Vasilici had not ventured 
 to the interview without support. The hills in front of 
 them were immediately alive with men scrambling down- 
 ward to the very ground the little band occupied. Men 
 were in the ravine behind them rushing up to cut off retreat 
 that way. Cries and shouting were! on every side, some 
 calling for surrender, others shouting that the soldiers 
 had been deceived by their Captain. In the sudden con- 
 fusion Ellerey gave quick commands, as, with sword in 
 hand, he sprang to the rising ground where Grigosie stood ; 
 but his orders were either not heard or came too late for 
 obedience. Before the soldiers could come to him, the 
 brigands were between them. 
 
 "It is madness to stay," whispered Grigosie. "The 
 hill behind us is clear." 
 
 The boy fired twice in quick succession at men who 
 had raised their rifles ready to fire at them, and although 
 in answer a dozen bullets sang past them, the aim was 
 faulty in the excitement. 
 
 " Shoot them both!" was the shout. 
 
 "Shoot them! " thundered Vasilici. 
 
 "Come," whispered Grigosie. 
 
 They scrambled upward together, the unevenness 
 of the hillside protecting them for a moment from the flying 
 bullets. 
 
 "I marked our direction," said Grigosie. "We can 
 keep to this kind path for a little way, and with luck cross 
 the open presently toward the horses." 
 
 They ran on, crouching lest their heads should be 
 seen and mark the direction they had taken. Grigosie 
 refilled the empty chambers of his revolver as he went, 
 and Ellerey put up his sword and took his revolver instead. 
 Behind them the firing had ceased, but they could not 
 doubt that they were being swiftly followed; and spread
 
 THE RACE FOR LIFE 187 
 
 over the open which they must needs cross, a hundred 
 men probably barred their way. 
 
 " Unless they were already there when we passed, they 
 will hardly have time to intercept us," was Grigosie's 
 answer to this fear. 
 
 " Probably they were there, lad," said Ellerey. " We've 
 about an equal chance with the hare that is being coursed." 
 
 " He gets away sometimes," was the answer. 
 
 They ran swiftly, mounting higher and higher as 
 they went. Once they caught sight of men running in 
 the path below them, and presently of others climbing 
 the hillside to reach the summit before them, but no shout 
 told them that they themselves had been seen. 
 
 " Don't fire, Grigosie, unless it is absolutely necessary," 
 said Ellerey. "It would betray our whereabouts, and 
 we shall want all our cartridges to stop them across the 
 open." 
 
 The boy nodded and ran on. 
 
 " The top at last ! " he exclaimed. " That height yonder 
 is our mark. If we can reach it we shall be in sight of the 
 horses. How far behind have we left them ? " 
 
 He stood for a moment to look back along the ridge 
 under which they had come. Some distance away men 
 were coming into view. 
 
 " Quick, Grigosie; it's speed now," said Ellerey. 
 
 The way before them was clear, and they ran side by 
 side, careful of their steps lest a hole might mean a fall 
 and a sprained ankle. Presently a bullet passed between 
 them, and they began to run in zig-zag fashion to puzzle 
 the marksmanship. Ellerey constantly turned to look 
 back. There were many pursuers, some widely straggling, 
 but a few of them were gaining rapidly. These did not 
 pause to fire; they ran, judging their pace and distance 
 to a nicety. Long before the point for which the fugi-
 
 188 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 lives were making could be reached these men would be 
 upon them. 
 
 " We must stop them, Grigosie." 
 
 The lad looked back. He was beginning to pant 
 heavily. 
 
 "Not yet," he said; "they are not close enough." 
 
 So they ran on. It was evident to Ellerey that the 
 boy's pace was palpably slackening, and there was yet 
 some distance to cover to the height, to say nothing of 
 the final dash for the horses. The men behind were 
 rapidly overtaking them. Ellerey could hear the dull, 
 rhythmic pad of the running feet. 
 
 "Twelve paces, Grigosie," he murmured, ''then turn 
 sharply. Do not kill, lame them; their companions may 
 stop to help them." 
 
 Ellerey counted the twelve paces aloud, and then 
 they both turned. Four shots rang out sharply, and 
 three of the foremost runners stumbled and fell. An 
 answering bullet cut through Ellerey's coat sleeve, and 
 there was the pain as of a hot skewer laid for a moment 
 on his flesh as he and Grigosie ran on again. 
 
 "Every step lessens the distance, lad," he said encour- 
 agingly. "That will teach them to keep a little farther 
 in the rear." 
 
 Still Ellerey turned constantly to watch their pursuers. 
 One or two had stopped by their wounded companions, 
 but the rest held on their way, undeterred by the fate 
 of their comrades. Twice again did Ellerey count twelve 
 paces, and he and Grigosie turned together and fired. The 
 foremost runner on the last occasion was Grigosie's mark, 
 and he missed him. The man had bounded forward to 
 make his capture when Ellerey's revolver sounded again. 
 It was not the moment to hazard a shot, to aim at the swiftly 
 moving limbs. The man leapt into the air and fell sprawl-
 
 THE RACE FOR LIFE 189 
 
 ing on his face, and with one spasmodic kick lay still. 
 Grigosie turned and ran on again without a word. They 
 were close to the height now. It was to their left, and the 
 boy pointed to a depression which lay between it and 
 another elevation. The way was narrow, which was in 
 their favor, and if only the brigands were not in force on 
 the other side, and Grigosie had made no mistake in the 
 direction, there was a chance of escape. 
 
 Ellerey let Grigosie enter the narrow way first, and then 
 paused in the entrance. Only two men followed them, and 
 seeing Ellerey stop, they fired. Ellerey fired twice in an- 
 swer, and without waiting to see if the shots had taken effect 
 dashed after Grigosie. 
 
 The boy had made no mistake. They had come out 
 half-way down the rising ground which they had climbed 
 directly after dismounting. Below them stood Stefan and 
 Anton with the horses, and higher up the slope above them 
 more of the brigands were hastily descending. Some of 
 the men had gone this way to cut off their retreat, and the 
 fugitives had not a moment to waste in their final dash for 
 freedom. 
 
 Ellerey fired into the air to put Stefan on the alert, and 
 seizing Grigosie's arm for the boy was nearly beaten he 
 dashed down the steep incline. Stefan saw them and spoke 
 quickly to Anton, who for a moment seemed inclined to lose 
 his head. The soldier's sharp command steadied him, and 
 the moment Grigosie was beside him he lifted him bodily 
 into the saddle and then sprang to his own. 
 
 " No others ? " Stefan shouted, wheeling Ellerey 's horse 
 round toward him. 
 
 "No." 
 
 Without a word Stefan cast loose the reins of the otner 
 horses, and the next instant the four riders were galloping 
 for dear life up th pass, Ellerey and Grigosie in the centre,
 
 190 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 Anton and Stefan on either side. Knee to knee they gal- 
 loped, their bodies low upon their horses' necks. Several 
 shots followed them, but went wide of the mark, and a bend 
 in the pass soon covered them. Still they held on their way, 
 speaking no word. There was only the sound of the rap- 
 idly beating hoofs and the rough purring of the leather as 
 the legs rubbed the saddles. 
 
 Ellerey thought that along the pass any surprise or am- 
 bush was impossible. He had taken careful notice of the 
 mountain walls which shut them in, but he was not so satis- 
 fied that they would find the castle open to them. Those 
 who occupied it, if any were there, could hardly have heard 
 of the failure of the meeting yet, and he therefore hoped that 
 he might gain possession of it by stratagem. To ride out 
 of the pass would be madness, with the armies fromSturatz- 
 berg guarding the plain. The castle was their only hope 
 their place of refuge, as Grigosie had prophetically called it. 
 
 Ellerey drew rein presently. 
 
 " We have distanced them," he said. " What do you 
 think, Stefan will the castle be empty ? " 
 
 The soldier shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 "If any brigands still occupy the hills about it, they 
 cannot know that our mission has failed." 
 
 "These fellows manage to signal very quickly to one 
 another," Stefan answered. 
 
 " Then we must fight for its possession. It is our only 
 chance." 
 
 " Our chance is a poor one if it comes to fighting," said 
 Stefan. 
 
 " We will try strategy first," Ellerey said. '* Let us ride 
 easily." 
 
 " What happened ? " queried Stefan. 
 
 " The box did not contain the right token, and they 
 attacked us without a word of warning."
 
 THE RACE FOR LIFE 191 
 
 "What of the others?" 
 
 " Heaven knows. They hardly seemed to strike a blow 
 after we were surrounded. It was Grigosie who thought of 
 the way across the hills, and we've had to run for it like 
 hunted rabbits, eh, lad ? " 
 
 Grigosie smiled faintly, but did not speak. He was still 
 panting after his tremendous exertion. Anton had stretched 
 out a hand to support him in his saddle as they galloped. 
 
 " They are dead then, those others ? " said Stefan. 
 
 "I fear so." 
 
 " And we've been deceived, sent into a trap like a lot of 
 rats. There's a reckoning to be paid." 
 
 " Time enough to think of that, Stefan. Let us secure 
 the castle first," said Ellerey. 
 
 " I'm fearing the reckoning must be left for others to 
 pay," growled the soldier. "It's putting our trust in a 
 woman that's been the curse of us." 
 
 No one contradicted him, and they rode on in silence 
 until the castle came in view. It looked gaunt enough, as 
 silent and deserted as when they had first seen it. There 
 was no movement on the plateau, no sign that any living 
 creature except themselves was near it. 
 
 " Look ! " exclaimed Stefan suddenly. 
 
 He pointed to the hillside on which the lights had shone 
 mysteriously last night. Here and there were moving fig- 
 ures descending the slopes. Whether they had caught 
 sight of the riders and jumped to the conclusion that some- 
 thing was wrong, or whether they had learnt of the escape 
 from signals across the hills, it was impossible to say. At 
 any rate they were descending rapidly, and there was no 
 time to lose. 
 
 " Once in the zig-zag path the odds will be more evt *ly 
 balanced," said Ellerey. " Forward ! Gallop ! " 
 
 " It seems to me they are making for a point beyond the
 
 192 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 castle," said Stefan. " They are expecting us to ride out 
 of the pass." 
 
 " So fortune favors us," said Ellerey. " Rein up alto- 
 gether at the entrance to the path, dismount, and up to the 
 plateau quickly." 
 
 Even as they stopped with exact precision, a loud chal- 
 lenge came from the opposite hill, and, no answer being 
 given, several shots whistled across the pass and struck 
 close to the entrance of the zig-zag way. 
 
 " Up with you quickly ! " shouted Ellerey, who brought 
 up the rear. " There is little harm in such firing, and they 
 will think twice before they follow us." 
 
 " Careful in front, lad," Stefan called out to Grigosie, 
 who led the way. " Keep sharp eyes, the plateau may be 
 occupied." 
 
 The boy nodded, but he had been looking out keenly 
 before the soldier's warning, leading his horse in such a 
 manner as to cover himself as much as possible. The pre- 
 caution proved unnecessary ; the castle was empty. Stefan 
 was right. The brigands had not expected the fugitives to 
 make for their old resting place, and when they saw them 
 go up the path they shouted as though victory were already 
 won, nor did they attempt to follow them. Why should 
 they ? Their foes were caught surely as birds netted by the 
 fowler. 
 
 " See to the horses, Grigosie," said Ellerey. " Put them 
 as far back in the ruins as possible. Now, Stefan, Anton, 
 we'll heap stones across this broken gateway at the head of 
 the path. It shall be our first line of defence, and if it is 
 taken we will see to it that it is dearly bought." 
 
 " It is not the fighting that frightens me, it's the empty 
 condition of the larder," said Stefan. 
 
 "Truly we are pariahs on God's earth," Ellerey an- 
 swered. "Every man's hand against us, but we'll snarl
 
 THE RACE FOR LIFE 193 
 
 and bite awhile in our stronghold, and then make a dash 
 out and die in the open." 
 
 They toiled with a will all through the afternoon, heap- 
 ing fragments which had fallen from the ruins across the 
 gateway, and driving in stakes, rudely fashioned from any 
 planks they could find, behind the stonework to strengthen 
 it. Grigosie, by Ellerey's orders, did not assist in this work, 
 but stood sentinel upon the plateau. The boy had had as 
 much as he could stand for one day. 
 
 It was growing dusk in the pass below when they had 
 finished. Daylight was still upon the summit of the moun- 
 tains, but twilight had gathered in the deep valleys and 
 ravines. The brigands still hung about the pass, watching 
 the castle, but keeping out of range. It did not appear that 
 they had any intention of attacking it. As they stood to- 
 gether looking down upon their enemies, Ellerey told Stefan 
 what had happened and the details of their escape. 
 
 " These fellows will do little until Vasilici comes," said 
 Stefan, after a thoughtful pause; " but Grigosie's bullet has 
 raised all the savage in him, I warrant. He will not be con- 
 tent to sit down until we are starved out. He will want to 
 be at our throats." 
 
 " And we are ready for him." 
 
 " Four of us ? " Stefan asked quietly with a lift of his shoul- 
 ders. " It is a strange mistake about the token, Captain." 
 
 " Since the moment I saw the golden cross dangling in 
 Vasilici's hand I have had little time to think about the 
 meaning of it." 
 
 " Maybe I can help you to that." 
 
 " What does it mean ? " asked Ellerey. 
 
 A shot in the pass below stopped any answer to the 
 question. In a few moments riders came into view, fol- 
 lowed by a crowd of brigands who, seeing that the castle 
 was occupied, howled angry threatenings against it.
 
 194 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "Surely those are our fellows, Captain." But there 
 was no tone of pleasure at the escape of his comrades ; no 
 note of welcome in the soldier's voice. 
 
 " This looks like desertion," said Ellerey. 
 
 One of the soldiers below called out in a stentorian 
 voice which carried clearly in the quiet air. 
 
 "Ho there, Stefan!" 
 
 "Well, comrade?" 
 
 "We're betrayed by that devilish Englishman. Is he 
 there with you ? " 
 
 " The Captain is here. What of him ? " 
 
 "Throw him down to us along with the boy," was the 
 answer shouted back. " He's tricked us all, and that imp 
 of Satan has helped him. The token he carried was not 
 from her Majesty. Re's a conspirator against the King, 
 and carried the golden cross. You know what that means. 
 Throw him down." 
 
 " It were easier for you to show your courage and come 
 and fetch him." 
 
 " Our good friends here will do that. We have other 
 work in hand. We ride back to Sturatzberg to tell our 
 story, and heaven help you if you are alive when we return. 
 There'll be little mercy for the companions of that devilish 
 Englishman. Will you come with us ? " 
 
 "I'm too old to run away," shouted Stefan, "and the 
 company of cowards is not to my liking. May they cut 
 your throats on the plain yonder and ask for your story 
 afterward." 
 
 The brigands yelled with rage, and the soldiers shouted 
 back coarse oaths. 
 
 "It would do my soul good to have a shot at them,'* 
 said Stefan. 
 
 " Let them go," said Ellerey. " We shall want every 
 shot we have. We are not without friends in the capital
 
 THE RACE FOR LIFE 195 
 
 who may hear of our need. Against their will these fellows 
 may help us." 
 
 The soldiers below moved on. It was evident that here 
 they were to part with the brigands. 
 
 " Hold them fast for punishment," cried the same sten- 
 torian voice. " We shall return with the true message. 
 Down with all lovers of the golden cross ! Death to them 
 who serve Maritza ! Down with Maritza ! " 
 
 " What is that they shout ? " said Ellerey. 
 
 The answer came loudly, borne upward on the air, as 
 the soldiers put their horses into a canter and rode down the 
 pass. 
 
 " Death to the Princess Maritza ! " 
 
 " You hear, Captain. Some one has fooled us all." 
 
 "Princess Maritza!" Ellerey exclaimed. "What has 
 she to do with us ? " 
 
 " Sufficient to give us a violent ending," Stefan answered. 
 " The golden cross is the sign of her house, her token; and 
 you, Captain, have been her messenger."
 
 CHAPTER XVI 
 
 THE TRAITOR 
 
 A SMILE wrinkled Stefan's face, not of amusement at the 
 deception which had been practised upon them, but in 
 expectation of disappointed rage from Ellerey. With diplo- 
 macy and the fine points of strategy Stefan the soldier had 
 little to do. His business was fighting. It was his liveli- 
 hood, and some day, near or far in the future as fate de- 
 creed, it would be his death. His respect for his fellows 
 was measured by their power of withstanding him, and the 
 man he had the greatest affection for, perhaps, was a sol- 
 dier, now incapacitated, who had once in a melee succeeded 
 in knocking him from his saddle. At the same time he 
 believed in his own astuteness, not without some reason be 
 it said, and in the back of his mind there was always a 
 certain admiration for the man who could get the better of 
 him. It is more than possible that if he ever married he 
 would thoroughly respect his wife on account of her clever- 
 ness in having hoodwinked him into marrying her. 
 
 But the burst of anger did not come. Ellerey 's eyes 
 were fixed on the point in the pass round which the sol- 
 diers had disappeared, and for some minutes he did not 
 speak. 
 
 "What is done must remain as it is," he said at last. 
 " We have only ourselves to consider now. We must watch 
 two and two, one on the plateau, one at the path. Anton 
 and you, Stefan ; Grigosie and I. It's short rations for us 
 and careful use of cartridges. We must understand how
 
 THE TRAITOR 197 
 
 our enemy is going to conduct this siege before we calculate 
 our chances. What ammunition have we ? " 
 
 It was little enough that the four of them could display. 
 If every cartridge accounted for a man, small damage 
 would be done to their foes. 
 
 " I flung a belt of cartridges in a corner of the tov. or 
 before we left," said Grigosie. 
 
 They all turned to look at him. 
 
 " Did you fling some food into a corner, too ? " asked 
 Stefan. 
 
 " No, but I marked that birds used the plateau in the 
 early morning," Grigosie answered. 
 
 " They'll be coming in larger numbers presently, and, 
 maybe, get a good picking off the four of us," said Stefan. 
 "You haven't happened upon a fountain of wine, have 
 you?" 
 
 " That, too, is supplied, Stefan; you can hear it leaping 
 down the mountain-side, and see it too," and the boy pointed 
 to a corner of the plateau which was within reach of the 
 narrow stream which, from the heights, fell with many a 
 cascade into the pass beneath. 
 
 Stefan looked at him for a moment, and then said in 
 disgust: " Water and birds ; fairies' fodder." 
 
 " It might be worse," said Anton. 
 
 "Wait a day or two, comrade, and you'll be crying a 
 different tale," said Stefan, "although, for that matter, the 
 food will doubtless last our time. Had we, in our small 
 circle here, half a dozen taverns filled from cellar floor to 
 garret ceiling, those fellows yonder would give us little 
 chance of visiting them. Keep watch here, Anton ; I'll go 
 to the gate." 
 
 " We'll rest, Grigosie," said Ellerey. 
 
 The boy turned and entered the tower, but Ellerey did 
 not follow him at once. He paced in and out the ruined
 
 198 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 walls, his hands clasped behind him, deep in thought and 
 troubled. 
 
 Who had deceived him ? It could only be the Queen, 
 or the man who had brought him the token, or perhaps De 
 Proilette. Indeed, they might all be in a conspiracy to 
 deceive him. Yet why should the Queen desire to deliver 
 the token of Princess Maritza's house to the brigands ? 
 Hov could it serve her ends ? De Froilette's position and 
 political aims were less clear. Ellerey had never believed 
 him heart whole in his devotion to her Majesty ; yet surely 
 he would have taken the precaution to find out how such a 
 token would be received before sending it. He was not the 
 man to risk the work of years without some real hope of 
 success. Then Ellerey's thoughts turned to the woman 
 who had craved his help in the Altstrasse, the manner in 
 which he had been searched for the token, the masked wom- 
 an who had come to look upon him, and the warning she 
 had given him. Baron Petrescu, too, had probably forced 
 the duel upon him because of the token, believing that it 
 had been delivered to him that night by the Queen. At his 
 interview with her Majesty, the token which had been de- 
 cided upon was the bracelet of medallions; it was hardly 
 likely that it would be suddenly changed. Somehow the 
 bracelet had been filched from the sealed box, and the 
 golden cross placed there instead. Ellerey decided that 
 the power to effect this change lay only with the man who 
 had brought him the token, and on this man he fixed the 
 blame. 
 
 Whoever was responsible for it, the scheme had failed 
 miserably, and it was difficult to see how success could ever 
 have been hoped for. On the other hand it could hardly 
 be supposed that all those who followed the fortunes of the 
 golden cross were fools, acting upon sudden impulse, court- 
 ing disaster. They must have had some reason for believing
 
 THE TRAITOR 199 
 
 that the token would receive some consideration from the 
 brigands and those who had gathered to their standard. 
 Possibly they had themselves been deceived, even as they 
 had attempted to deceive. Ellerey could not doubt that 
 Princess Maritza had a considerable following in Sturatz- 
 berg, that the seeds of the rebellion were widely scattered. 
 The soldiers now riding toward the capital would spread 
 the news of failure, and the rebellion in self-defence might 
 be forced to break into open conflict at once. Even then, 
 would Maritza's followers give a thought to the remnant of 
 the band who had carried [the message ? If [Countess Ma- 
 vrodin had a voice in their councils, as surely she must have, 
 they might. The chance of rescue was a slender one, but 
 a hope did exist. 
 
 Strange to say, anger at the trick which had been played 
 upon him did not assert itself in any great degree, in spite 
 of the fact that all hope of honor and advancement was now 
 at an end. Vasilici's attitude had doubtless something to 
 do with Ellerey's state of mind, personal antagonism rising 
 above ambition; but this would not have been the case 
 probably had Ellerey been forced against his will into any 
 other service than that of Princess Maritza. There was a 
 charm for him in her name, the memory of her had dwelt 
 with him and lent a halo of romance to his present position. 
 He saw her again with her hair streaming in the breeze, and 
 felt again the subtle strength and vigor that were in her. 
 Had he not thought then that it would be good to fight in 
 her cause? Why should he rage at the circumstances 
 which had forced him into it ? 
 
 When he entered the tower Grigosie was asleep, and he 
 lay down to snatch what rest he could before relieving An- 
 ton and Stefan. 
 
 When they went on duty, Grigosie watched by the path, 
 Ellerey on the plateau.
 
 200 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "They will wait for Vasilici," Stefan said, when he re- 
 ported that all had been quiet so far. 
 
 Ellerey paced up and down, pausing at short intervals 
 to listen. Not a sound broke the deep silence. The great 
 world seemed to lie still and motionless under the glow of 
 the moonlit night and the pale glimmer of the stars. It 
 wa as time to dream of life and realized ambition, not to 
 ponder on lurking death and failure. He walked pres- 
 ently to the head of the zig-zag path. 
 
 "Your castle has proved a refuge after all, Grigosie. 
 How came you to be prophetic ? " 
 
 " I did not believe my own prophecy." 
 
 " Yet you hid the cartridges." 
 
 " Believing, perhaps, that they would never be wanted," 
 Grigosie answered. "I am full of strange thoughts and 
 superstitions to-night, Captain, and cannot talk." 
 
 " It is the moon and the stars, Grigosie." 
 
 " Madmen's time, when everything is distorted," an- 
 swered the lad. 
 
 " And lovers' time too, Grigosie." 
 
 " Which are you, madman or lover ? " 
 
 " A little of both, I think," Ellerey answered. 
 
 " And below us death is waiting," said Grigosie. 
 
 " I don't think death is coming to us this time," replied 
 Ellerey. 
 
 The boy did not answer. Several times during those 
 watching hours Ellerey went to the head of the path, but 
 Grigosie never spoke, never turned to him. His thoughts 
 and superstitions occupied him ; and with the light of day 
 Ellerey noticed that there was something in his face which 
 was new. He had changed during the night. Something 
 was it his courage ? seemed to have left him, but in its 
 place there had come an addition to him, to his expression, 
 almost to his character, Ellerey fancied. He watched the
 
 THE TRAITOR 201 
 
 lad enter the tower, saw him cast himself wearily into his 
 corner, and would have followed him had not Stefan de- 
 tained him. 
 
 " I was right, Captain. Vasilici is coming. They are 
 gathering in the pass waiting for him." 
 
 A little later a shout proclaimed the arrival of the chief, 
 and Ellerey saw his huge frame in the midst of his followers . 
 His right hand was swathed in a handkerchief and rested 
 in a sling, and savage ferocity was in his face as he looked 
 up toward the castle. His orders, and he appeared to give 
 many, were promptly obeyed, and he struck one man vi- 
 ciously, perhaps because he dared to offer advice unasked. 
 It was evidence of his power among them that no one inter- 
 fered, nor did the victim himself retaliate. Men began to 
 climb the opposite slopes, while others massed themselves 
 at the foot of the zig-zag pass. 
 
 "They are going to attack us at once, Captain," said 
 Stefan. " It is to be hot work for us to-day." 
 
 At the head of the path the little band of defenders 
 waited. 
 
 "Every shot must tell," Ellerey whispered, "and keep 
 well behind the stonework, all of you." 
 
 The path was narrow with deep sides. The brigands 
 came up it boldly enough until the last bend in it showed 
 them the stone-barred gateway. Then they halted, and 
 the foremost leaned back upon those behind who pushed 
 them on and shouted : " Forward ! " Two men fired blindly 
 at the stone wall, and then rushed upon it, never to reach 
 their goal. Only two shots rang out, but both men threw 
 up their arms and staggered backward upon their com- 
 panions. Not more than two abreast could come up the 
 narrow way, and twice again a speedy death crowned the 
 temerity of those who rushed to the attack. Those behind 
 shouted to be let up to the front, and those before made
 
 202 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 every effort to let them come. The spirit of the brigands 
 seemed to die out of them as their eyes fell upon their dead 
 companions and that silent death-dealing barricade. Then 
 one fellow suddenly picked up a corpse, and holding it be- 
 fore him as a shield, dashed forward with a shout. 
 
 " Let him come," whispered Ellerey. " Shoot at those 
 who follow." 
 
 The man rushed to the wall until the dead body struck 
 the stonework. Success for a moment seemed to be his. 
 He had plugged one narrow slit through which the bullets 
 came, and he cheered his comrades on. They came, but 
 only to have their leader fall back into their arms. Through 
 the slit Ellerey had driven his sword with all his strength, 
 piercing the living through the dead. It had been an ugly 
 rush, but for the present it was the last. 
 
 " They'll try some other plan before attempting this way 
 again," said Stefan. 
 
 " Is there any other way ? " Grigosie asked. 
 
 " For mountaineers there may be. These fellows can 
 walk in places where we should never venture and only 
 expect to find flies." 
 
 From the opposite mountain a desultory fire was main- 
 tained upon the plateau, which could only do harm if the 
 defenders were careless. For the rest of the day the bri- 
 gands held aloof, standing or sitting in parties in the pass 
 and watching the castle. Vasilici strode from one group 
 to another, but no movement followed. There was no 
 sleep for the defenders that night, and at dawn, in spite of 
 Stefan's forecast, another attack was made upon the gate. 
 It was as unsuccessful as the first, nor was it made with 
 such determination. The obedience to orders was only 
 half-hearted. 
 
 Later in the day it became evident that a council of war 
 was being held. The murmur of the men's voices reached
 
 THE TRAITOR 203 
 
 the plateau, but no words could be distinguished. An oath 
 from Vasilici sounded clearly now and again, but that was 
 all. Some persuasion was apparently pressed upon the 
 chief which he jeered and laughed at, but there was a shak- 
 ing of heads when he pointed to the zig-zag way. His fol- 
 lowers were not inclined to try that road to victory again. 
 They had had their surfeit of it. Vasilici was quick-witted 
 enough to see that he must listen to counsel, and with lower- 
 ing visage he turned first to one and then to another as they 
 spoke. Presently one speaker seemed to please him, for 
 his features relaxed into a grim smile. A movement ran 
 through the whole assembly, men turned to one another 
 and nodded their satisfaction. Some definite conclusion 
 had been arrived at. 
 
 " They seem to have hit upon another way of getting 
 at us," said Stefan. 
 
 " Is there another way ? " asked Grigosie, repeating the 
 same question he had asked before. No one answered 
 him, nor did he seem to expect an answer. He stood 
 watching the now moving mass below, little interest in his 
 eyes. His alertness had departed. 
 
 Vasilici had disappeared into some pathway at the foot 
 of the opposite slope, and then the crowd fell aside for one 
 man, who, standing alone, took off his neckcloth and waved 
 it toward the plateau. 
 
 "A parley, Captain. Shall I answer?" said Stefan; 
 and then, having permission, he shouted : " Hallo ! " 
 
 " I would speak with your Captain," came the answer. 
 
 " I'm a mouthpiece, comrade, same as you are. Speak 
 on." 
 
 " I am commanded to offer you your lives and freedom 
 on one condition." 
 
 "And the condition?" Stefan shouted, prompted by 
 Ellerey.
 
 204 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " You are free to leave the pass unmolested if you will 
 deliver up the youth who is of your company." 
 
 " We'll see you " Stefan began, without any prompt- 
 ing. 
 
 "Word it as you will," said Ellerey, "the coarser the 
 better, perhaps, for such a devilish suggestion." 
 
 "Wait!" exclaimed Grigosie. "Ask for time to con- 
 sider." 
 
 " Who wants to consider such a thing as that ? " growled 
 Stefan. 
 
 "We gain time," said Grigosie, turning to Ellerey. 
 " Say you will consider the suggestion and answer them to- 
 morrow. W T e sorely need rest; what does it matter how 
 we gain it ? " 
 
 " My gorge revolts against their even fancying that we 
 should consider such a thing," said Stefan. 
 
 "Command him, Captain," pleaded Grigosie. "In 
 war and love everything is fair." 
 
 Ellerey gave way and Stefan shouted the answer. 
 
 "Until to-morrow," came the answer. "The youth 
 once in our hands, you are free to depart. If he is not given 
 up to us we will have our revenge, though half the sons of 
 these mountains fall in the gaining it ; and the longer that 
 revenge is delayed the fiercer shall it be when it does come. 
 Until to-morrow. There shall be peace between us until 
 then." 
 
 " But we'll keep watch by the gate for all that," growled 
 Stefan, who was not in the best of tempers at having to an- 
 swer the brigands in this fashion. 
 
 " There is another way, you see, " said Grigosie. " I 
 have got an answer to my question." 
 
 "Well, lad, when you alone are in their hands, the rest 
 of us will have said his last prayer, or growled his last oath, 
 whichever pleases him best at the hour of departure."
 
 THE TRAITOR 205 
 
 " The question is not so easily settled, Stefan," Grigosie 
 said. " Send Anton to the gate, Captain, while we dis- 
 cuss it." 
 
 Ellerey laughed at the lad's strange mood as he entered 
 the tower with him. Stefan followed them and stood in 
 the doorway. 
 
 " The question is worth consideration, though you may 
 not think so," Grigosie began. " You have been deceived, 
 Captain, and also those who served with you." 
 
 " Enough of that, lad. It is past, and the present is our 
 concern. If we come out of this with our lives we may talk 
 of punishing those who deceived us." 
 
 " Should it not be a bitter punishment ? " queried the 
 boy. 
 
 " As bitter as the death to which they have brought us 
 face to face," said Ellerey fiercely, his whole being roused 
 for a moment at the thought of the outrage practised upon 
 him. 
 
 " But that revenge seems out of your power," Grigosie 
 went on. "For you and Stefan there is almost certain 
 death to-morrow or a week hence, it may be." 
 
 " It is very likely. I have looked death in the face be- 
 fore, and so has Stefan there. When we look into his eyes 
 for the last time I warrant we shall not change color." 
 
 " Except with the heat of our final struggle," said Stefan 
 from the doorway. 
 
 "Your comrades have gone. You two stand alone,'* 
 said Grigosie. 
 
 " With you and Anton," said Stefan. 
 
 "And we wish for no better companions," added El- 
 lerey. "Vasilici's knife would have written finis to my 
 history had it not been for you, Grigosie." 
 
 The boy colored a little with pleasure. 
 
 " Still you forget, Captain, that Anton and I were not
 
 206 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 of your choosing. We forced ourselves into your com- 
 pany." 
 
 "What of it ? I am glad, I " and then the look in 
 
 Grigosie's eyes stopped Ellerey suddenly. Stefan, too, 
 started from his leaning position and stood upright in the 
 entrance, looking straight at the boy. 
 
 " By your leave, I would become the hostage for your 
 safety," said Grigosie. " I asked you to take me with you; 
 now I ask you to give me up." 
 
 "Plague upon you, lad, you almost anger me. You 
 are beyond my understanding," was Ellerey's answer, but 
 he still looked fixedly at him. 
 
 " Since I have deceived you it is fitting that I should pay 
 the penalty," said the boy quietly. " I would sooner meet 
 death at their hands than at yours. Grant me this much, 
 and make an end of it." 
 
 "You!" exclaimed Ellerey. "You deceived me! I 
 do not believe it." 
 
 " It is the truth. Stay, I would not have you think too 
 ill of me. It was not done wantonly. Those who made 
 me believe that there was a good chance of success misled 
 me, but if I thought you too would reap the benefit, it is 
 none the less true that I deceived you. I came not from 
 the Queen; I came to work this very thing that has hap- 
 pened, the delivery of the golden cross instead of the brace- 
 let. I have played my hand and lost. Mine should be a 
 bitter punishment; you yourself have said it. Grant me 
 this only, that I receive it from the brigands yonder, and not 
 from you." 
 
 Ellerey hardly seemed to hear the boy's latter words. 
 The sudden confession was all his brain seemed to have the 
 power to take in. Stefan remained motionless, statue-like, 
 still staring at Grigosie. For a space there was silence in 
 the tower.
 
 THE TRAITOR 207 
 
 Then Ellerey turned sharply upon the boy and laid his 
 hand roughly on his shoulder, so roughly that he winced 
 a little, but showed no sign of fear. 
 
 "You lie, Grigosie, confess that you lie. The box con- 
 taining the token has never left me, night or day. As I re- 
 ceived it from her Majesty so it has always been, so I deliv- 
 ered it. Of course you are lying. " 
 
 " You slept soundly, Captain, the night you drank from 
 my wine flask." 
 
 " Was it then, you scoundrel ? " 
 
 "It was then." 
 
 Deep down in every man is the instinct of the savage, 
 the acceptance of the law which demands an eye for an eye 
 and a tooth for a tooth. Given occasion great enough, it 
 may rise even in the man who has all his life studied to curb 
 his passions, and in his judgments to be merciful. Ellerey 
 was of the rough and readier sort. He was a disappointed 
 man, one who nursed the thought of revenge against those 
 who had injured him. He was a soldier among soldiers 
 who had much of the barbarian in them. He was an ad- 
 venturer among adventurers. If the youth of this de- 
 ceiver and betrayer appealed to him for a moment, the 
 thought was sternly crushed. If the thought of what they 
 had come through together came into his mind, there also 
 came the knowledge that he had committed the unpardon- 
 able sin. He had betrayed his comrades. 
 
 " Heaven forgive you for making me your judge," El- 
 lerey cried ; " but what is there except death for the traitor ? " 
 and his sword rang from its scabbard as he spoke. 
 
 He paused a moment and looked toward Stefan. 
 
 " It's hateful, but it's just," muttered the soldier in his 
 beard, and he did not move from the doorway. He only 
 lowered his head so that he might not see. 
 
 " I admit the justice," said Grigosie ; " but will you not
 
 208 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 grant my request and deliver me to the brigands ? So you 
 shall escape." 
 
 " Escape ! " cried Ellerey. " For what ? Is there any 
 truth and honor in the world ? I have not found them, and 
 the end may come when it will. It is an easier death 
 you shall have from my hands than you would have from 
 theirs." 
 
 The sword was ready, and Stefan turned in the doorway 
 just in time to see Anton and to catch his uplifted arm as 
 he attempted to rush past him toward Ellerey. Not a 
 word spoke the soldier, but he fiercely twisted Anton's arm, 
 and the knife he held rattled to the floor. 
 
 "As my fathers faced death, so can I, unflinchingly," 
 Grigosie cried. " Strike, Captain ! God knows it was not 
 such work as this I thought to find for the strong arm of 
 Desmond Ellerey." 
 
 As he spoke, he tore his shirt open at the throat to xe- 
 ceive the blow. His cap fell from his head, and curls, the 
 hue of copper, slipped loosely down upon his forehead, 
 while the open shirt just revealed the curve of a white 
 bosom. 
 
 " A woman ! " exclaimed Stefan, letting go of Anton in 
 his 1 blank astonishment. 
 
 Slowly Ellerey's sword was lowered, and for a moment 
 he did not speak. Then almost in a whisper he said : 
 
 " Maritza ! Princess Maritza."
 
 CHAPTER XVII 
 
 THE TRUE WORTH OF BARON PETRESCU 
 
 THERE was excitement in Sturatzberg. Rumor flies fast, 
 and the moment it was whispered that the city gates were 
 watched, that Captain Ellerey, of his Majesty's Horse, was 
 to be arrested, men began to stop and gossip at street cor- 
 ners, and women to stand upon their thresholds ready to 
 give, or to receive, information. Strange stories grew cur- 
 rent in this manner, which served to keep the excitement 
 alive until more definite news were forthcoming. There 
 was unwonted stir in the secret societies and clubs, Sympa- 
 thy being with Ellerey, since he had in some manner of- 
 fended the Government. They did not stay to inquire 
 what he had done, or, indeed, to think whether his action 
 would tend to further any scheme of their own; it was 
 enough that he had shown defiance to the powers that be. 
 Every hour fresh rumors were started and eagerly discussed 
 and as eagerly denied. Only two things were definite: 
 there was much coming and going at the palace, and Cap- 
 tain Ellerey was not to be found. 
 
 Those who lead rebellion, or pull the wires of conspir- 
 acies, are seldom open with those they lead, any more than 
 the policy of King's Ministers is wholly spread before the 
 people. There were leaders in Sturatzberg who knew 
 many things, who shrewdly guessed at more, and their 
 knowledge was not reassuring. 
 
 Lord Cloverton did not expect the immediate arrest of 
 Ellerey after the failure to discover him at the Countess 
 14
 
 210 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 Mavrodin's. He had fully believed that he was there, and 
 had purposely kept the Countess driving in the Bois until 
 such time as the search should be accomplished. The fail- 
 ure was disappointing, but his interview with the Countess 
 would bear fruit. Ellerey would have to move cautiously, 
 and time was therefore gained. The gates were closed 
 that night, and no Captain Ellerey had passed through 
 them. Countess Mavrodin's house was watched, and no 
 one had left it. So the Ambassador met the morning with 
 a smile ; so far his prompt action had saved the situation. 
 A few hours were destined to bring him surprises. First 
 came the news of the return of Captain Ward's cloak. The 
 messenger who brought it was promptly taken before the Am- 
 bassador and sharply questioned. He had received it from 
 Captain Ellerey himself an hour before midnight, he said. 
 
 " Why were you chosen as a messenger ? " asked Lord 
 Cloverton. 
 
 "I cannot say. I brought it because I was paid to 
 do so." 
 
 "You seem very certain of the time. Did Captain 
 Ellerey tell you the hour ? " 
 
 " No, sir; the clocks were striking the hour as he spoke 
 tome." 
 
 " What is Captain Ellerey like ? " 
 
 The description given seemed satisfactory until after 
 the man had been dismissed, and then Lord Cloverton 
 recognized that it would fit many men. The cloak was 
 Captain Ward's, but there was no certainty that Ellerey 
 was the man who had given it to the messenger. To-day 
 the city was being searched ; the return of the cloak went 
 to prove that Ellerey was still in Sturatzberg; had that been 
 the intention in returning it? The smile of satisfaction 
 slowly faded from the Ambassador's face, and he began to 
 grow feverish for further news.
 
 TRUE WORTH OF BARON PETRESCU 211 
 
 Later he was with the King when the Countess Mavro- 
 din begged for an audience. 
 
 "She may unwittingly enlighten your Majesty," said 
 Lord Cloverton. He could not believe that his cleverness 
 would not be sufficient, sooner or later, to make the Coun- 
 tess betray herself, although the past was utterly barren of 
 result. 
 
 So Frina Mavrodin was admitted. The presence of 
 the British Ambassador did not disconcert her. She went 
 to the point at once. 
 
 " Is it true, your Majesty, that my house was searched 
 yesterday by your instructions ? " she asked. 
 
 " Countess, how can you think that ? " said the King. 
 " It is true that I commanded the arrest of Captain Ellerey, 
 and that command may have been used to open your doors, 
 as it would serve to open any door in Sturatzberg." 
 
 " I have heard of no other house being entered by force," 
 the Countess answered. " Naturally, I seek to know why 
 I am suspected." 
 
 She puzzled Lord Cloverton more than ever. This 
 was a bold stroke to disarm suspicion. 
 
 " My dear Countess," said the King, blandly, " would 
 you hold me responsible for the actions of my officers ? Be- 
 lieve me, the city is being searched in every corner for this 
 rebel Captain. It is pardonable if in the search some an- 
 noyance is given to innocent persons, is it not ? Their loy- 
 alty should overlook the offence." 
 
 "True; but your Majesty, I would humbly submit, 
 overlooks one fact of the gravest importance to me. That 
 my house is searched for a rebel is nothing; but when it is 
 searched for a man who, at Court, has been somewhat in 
 my company, the action affects me curiously. It is not a 
 question of loyalty, but one which concerns my fair fame." 
 
 " Surely, Countess, you exaggerate."
 
 212 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "Indeed, your Majesty, I do not, as Lord Cloverton 
 can prove. Only yesterday, in the Bois, he made it evident 
 that Court gossip linked my name with Captain Ellerey's, 
 and even suggested that I might render service to my coun- 
 try and this Englishman at the same time by saying all I 
 knew. Is it not so, my lord ? You were very anxious to 
 save your countryman and get him out of the city ? " 
 
 This was more than the Ambassador had bargained for 
 and an answer did not come readily to his lips. 
 
 " Is it not so, my lord ? " the Countess repeated. 
 
 " I admit, Countess, that, fancying there was some ten- 
 der understanding between you and my countryman, I was 
 willing, if possible, to render you a service. I seem to have 
 heard that love has been accountable for strange, and even 
 foolish actions. This is the beginning and the end of my 
 offence." 
 
 " Are you sure of that ? " she said. " Forgive me if I am 
 mistaken, but the searching of my house was strangely 
 timed with our drive in the Bois." 
 
 " Oh, Countess ! " the Ambassador exclaimed. " Surely 
 you forget that I only availed myself of your courteous in- 
 vitation." 
 
 " Which I could do no less than give since you explained 
 that you had foregone your afternoon sleep to meet me 
 there," she replied quickly, and smiled, the smile of a very 
 charming woman of the world, as most people considered 
 her; but Lord Cloverton seemed to catch some meaning 
 behind the smile, and the King felt that he ought to come 
 to his rescue. 
 
 " We have both fallen under the Countess's displeasure ; 
 how can we prove how unjustly ? I will reprimand my too 
 zealous officers, and they shall make you an apology." 
 
 "Your Majesty is good," she answered. " For myself 
 it is no great consequence, but had you witnessed the con-
 
 TRUE WORTH OF BARON PETRESCU 213 
 
 sternation of my servants, you would have understood how 
 serious a matter it was in their eyes." 
 
 "Subjects and servants alike, Countess, are our mas- 
 ters," said the King. 
 
 Frina Mavrodin departed full of thanks and wreathed 
 in gracious smiles. When she had gone, the King and the 
 Ambassador looked inquiringly at each other. 
 
 "I think your suspicions were unfounded, my lord," 
 the King said. 
 
 " I missed the centre of the target, your Majesty, but I 
 believe I aimed at the right mark. She is a clever woman ; 
 I admire her more every day." 
 
 Lord Cloverton spoke the truth; he did admire her. 
 Like all great men, he was quick to recognize the sterling 
 worth of his adversaries, and it was borne in upon him more 
 and more that in this crisis he had a clever and beautiful 
 woman to deal with, and what antagonist could be more 
 powerful ? He began to rearrange his thoughts upon this 
 basis, passed in review all the seemingly trivial incidents 
 with which Frida Mavrodin had been connected, and found 
 many new meanings in them. The possibility that her in- 
 fluence might be paramount in Sturatzberg dawned upon 
 him. Such a subtle power at work would explain many 
 things, and the Ambassador determined to watch her more 
 closely than ever. 
 
 All that day search was made for Captain Ellerey 
 throughout the city. Many places, known to be haunts of 
 the dissatisfied, were entered, but were innocent of even 
 the appearance of evil. There were too many ready to 
 bear warning for such places to be taken unawares. But 
 no other houses of such importance as the Countess Mav- 
 rodin's were disturbed. There was no result. No one had 
 seen Captain Ellerey ; indeed, few people appeared to know 
 him, or to have heard of him. This Lord Cloverton did
 
 214 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 not believe. He thought he recognized Frina Mavrodin's 
 influence at work in such ignorance. 
 
 It was on the following day that Monsieur De Froilette 
 called at the Embassy, and was shown into Lord Clover- 
 ton's room. With this new train of thought in his mind, 
 the Frenchman's importance in the politics of Wallaria ap- 
 peared to sink into insignificance. 
 
 "You are welcome, monsieur. Is this a friendly visit 
 > 
 
 "Friendly, certainly, but something more," De Froi- 
 lette answered. He had not come to the Embassy without 
 due deliberation. He had had an audience with the Queen 
 that morning, and there was something in her tone which 
 decided him to make his own interests doubly secure 
 by giving help to the British Ambassador such help that 
 might count for much when the time for settling ac- 
 counts came, but which should not materially hasten that 
 time. 
 
 " I had begun to think you had forgotten your promise,' ' 
 said Lord Cloverton, " News of Captain Ellerey would be 
 very useful to to the Government of this country. You 
 had a servant watching him, I think." 
 
 There was something resembling the Queen's tone in the 
 Ambassador's a want of appreciation of his position 
 and importance. 
 
 "That is so," replied De Froilette quietly. "I under- 
 stand you that is, the Government have done your ut- 
 most to find this Englishman, and have failed." 
 
 " At present, monsieur, at present." 
 
 "Which is hardly wonderful," continued De Froilette. 
 " I have so constantly observed that you the Government, 
 I should say concentrates its energies in the wrong direc- 
 tion ; is it not so, my lord ? " 
 
 " An opinion which may observe, I do not say which
 
 TRUE WORTH OF BARON PETRESCU 2L5 
 
 does, but which may arise from an entirely wrong con- 
 ception of the Government's aims." 
 
 " Ma foi, that is so! "laughed the Frenchman, conscious 
 that the Ambassador was annoyed. "Of course, in my 
 ignorance I have supposed that the Government, in search- 
 ing for this Captain Ellerey, really wanted to find him. 
 Foolish of me ! It was a mere blind, a strategy, to mislead. 
 The Government is really looking for some one else. Par- 
 don me, my lord, for taking up your time." And De Froi- 
 lette rose to go. 
 
 "You are too hasty, monsieur; pray be seated again, 
 It is Captain Ellerey we want." 
 
 "Ah! Then I am not deceived," said De Froilette, 
 sitting down again. " Tell me, why do you so persistently 
 look for him in the wrong place ? " 
 
 " Can you show us the right one, monsieur ? " 
 
 " Send your troops out by the Southern Gate and bid 
 them march toward Breslen, and let sharp eyes watch 
 the depths of the forest. They may be rewarded by seeing 
 men gathering to a centre there. Find that centre and 
 you shall find Captain Ellerey." 
 
 " Is it your timber business which teaches you so much ? " 
 inquired Lord Cloverton with a smile, some contempt 
 looking out from behind it. 
 
 "You laugh at my trade, but it may prove useful 
 even to you. You watch the city gates, you search every 
 street and corner of Sturatzberg, and behold your bird 
 is flown and is many hours upon his journey before you 
 even start in pursuit." 
 
 " This is most interesting, monsieur, but " 
 
 " But you do not believe it," interrupted De Froilette. 
 "I have had a message from this Captain Ellerey. My 
 servant watched his lodgings. Early in the morning a 
 boy brought a message to the Captain's servant Francois,
 
 216 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 my man, entered the house and got into conversation with 
 this servant, a rude soldier with small understanding, but 
 with stanch love for his master. Put upon his guard by 
 Ellerey, doubtless, he conceives the possibility that Francois 
 may be playing the spy, and falling upon him unawares 
 he gags and binds him and locks him in a cellar. The 
 next day Captain Ellerey, a band of horsemen with him, 
 meets a woodman in the forest toward Breslen, and by 
 him sends me word that my servant is gradually starving 
 behind his cellar door, of which the woodman gives my 
 the key. I go to the Captain's lodging, and there is Fran- 
 cois. Pauvre gargon, he was hungry, my lord; and, ma 
 foi, he will be very terrible the next time he and that soldier 
 meet." 
 
 " On the Breslen road, you say," Lord Cloverton re- 
 marked thoughtfully. He had made up his mind quickly. 
 
 " Probably in Breslen itself by this time. I understand 
 there is much dissatisfaction there." 
 
 "And Captain Ellerey's object, monsieur?" 
 
 The Frenchman shrugged his shoulders as though such 
 a consideration had not occurred to him. 
 
 '* Is my opinion worth anything, my lord ? I am not 
 in the councils of the Government. I know little of the 
 State's difficulties, the plots which threaten, the particular 
 points of danger; but as a private person I should incline 
 to the belief that it has to do with the Princess Maritza. 
 I have already told you that she is, or was, in Sturatzberg. 
 You do not believe it. That is a pity." 
 
 "lam beginning to believe it, monsieur," the Ambassa- 
 dor answered, " and I thank you for coming here to-day. 
 The gates of Sturatzberg are not so well guarded as they 
 should be." 
 
 " That is not my affair," said De Froilette with a smile. 
 " I have given my information to you because I know the
 
 TRUE WORTH OF BARON PETRESCU 217 
 
 prestige of Lord Cloverton and his value to the peace of 
 Wallaria." 
 
 With these parting compliments the Frenchman bowed 
 himself out, feeling that he had established his position 
 with the Ambassador, and put him off the real scent at 
 one and the same time. The pleasant security of the 
 latter feeling was destined to be quickly and rudely dis- 
 pelled. Some troops certainly did leave the city and go 
 toward Breslen, but many more set out in the opposite 
 direction and stretched across the country which lay 
 between Sturatzberg and the mountains. Lord Clover- 
 ton, in advising the King, was still convinced that the most 
 imminent danger threatened from the brigands in the hills. 
 
 The despatch of the troops did not surprise Frina 
 Mavrodin. That they should go chiefly toward the hills 
 seemed only natural, seeing that the brigands lay there. 
 The time since she had returned to find that her home 
 had been searched had passed in a whirl of conflicting 
 emotions. For a few moments after dismissing Hannah 
 she had stood upright, immovable, with a sense of being 
 alone in the world. All the interests and hopes of her 
 life seemed to slip from her and fall into a heap of dead 
 ashes at her feet. The Princess had gone. Doubtless 
 she had meant to go when Frina had left her that morning, 
 and had got her out of the way on purpose. It was 
 Dumitru who had suggested her going into the Bois; it 
 was Dumitru, probably, who had persuaded Maritza 
 that the time to act had come. Not for a moment did 
 Frina suppose that Dumitru was cognizant of the fact 
 that her house would be searched; she did not believe 
 that they had gone to escape discovery. If such had been 
 the case she would have been taken into their confidence. 
 No; the departure had taken place for the furtherance 
 of plans in which she had no part, and which she promptly
 
 218 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 linked with the disappearance of Captain Ellerey. It 
 never occurred to Frina to set watches to warn the Princess 
 should she return. She would not return. For good 
 or ill she had begun the final move toward her goal. 
 What were her plans ? What chance had they of success ? 
 Frina knew what secret societies nursed the cause of Prin- 
 cess Maritza in the city. She knew to a unit what support 
 could be depended upon, knew the exact value of it, the 
 strength and the weakness of it. The cause had looked 
 to the hills for support, not without reason, perhaps. 
 Were not the men gathered there rebels, ready to strike a 
 blow at the Government ? This had always been Maritza's 
 argument, and there had been some signs that she was 
 right. Frina knew that the material for revolt was to 
 hand, but a resolute leader had been lacking. Now this 
 want had been supplied by Captain Ellerey. It was 
 round Ellerey that the whirl of Frina's emotions centred. 
 Her relief that the Princess had gone before the house was 
 searched gave place to the apprehension that she had gone to 
 join Captain Ellerey. She saw only a rival in her late guest. 
 It washer love for the man which ruled Frina Mavrodin's 
 actions, not her love for the cause. It was in this spirit that 
 she made her complaint to the King, for the time might 
 come when her house would prove the only safe refuge 
 for Ellerey. It was in this spirit that,with her maid in 
 attendance, she presently went to visit Baron Petrescu. 
 
 The Baron's wound had not proved serious, but it had 
 kept him to the house. The Countess found him lying 
 on a sofa, from which he half rose as she entered. She 
 hurried forward to prevent him. 
 
 " This is good of you, Countess," he said. " Strangely, 
 you were in my thoughts when you were announced." 
 
 She inquired about his wound and expressed her 
 regrets in a few prettily turned sentences.
 
 TRUE WORTH OF BARON PETRESCU 219 
 
 "It was nothing," said the Baron. "The greatest 
 hurt was to my pride." 
 
 "And, of course, you long for an opportunity of wiping 
 out the defeat ? " said Frina. 
 
 " Curiously enough, that idea has not risen uppermost 
 in my thoughts," Petrescu answered. " I owe the English- 
 man an apology for the attack which was made upon him 
 directly he succeeded in wounding me. He is a gentle- 
 man and a gallant swordsman, and I writhe under the 
 fear that he believes that attack was of my contriv- 
 ing." 
 
 There was the genuine ring of truth in the Baron's 
 words. Frina Mavrodin was not surprised. She believed 
 that she thoroughly understood him, or would not have 
 visited him. 
 
 " You would befriend Captain Ellerey were it in your 
 power ? " she questioned. 
 
 "Gladly, for his own sake and for yours. Pardon 
 me, Countess, if my own confession slips out with these 
 words. Those who love recognize love quickly." 
 
 "Was that in your mind when you forced this duel 
 upon Captain Ellerey ? " she asked. 
 
 " I have tried to believe that love for the cause stood 
 first, Countess. Please question me no further. I take 
 refuge behind the punishment I have received. That I 
 have not forfeited all your esteem is proved by your 
 presence here. Tell me how I can serve you." 
 
 " Like many others, Baron, you jump to a conclusion 
 too quickly; but let it pass. There is weightier business 
 in hand," and then she told him all that was known about 
 Ellerey, and of the disappearance of Princess Maritza. 
 "Knowing that the Princess always had it in her mind 
 to use Captain Ellerey when the time came," she went 
 on, "I have little doubt she has joined him in whatever
 
 220 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 mission he has undertaken. What art she will, or can, 
 use to turn him to her service, I do not know." 
 
 " He is not the man to be lightly turned from the cause 
 he has espoused," said the Baron thoughtfully, "and that 
 cause is not ours." 
 
 " Love might prove incentive enough," said Frina. 
 
 Petrescu turned to her quickly. The look in her 
 eyes told him her secret plainly enough, but her words 
 were sufficient to have a quickening influence on the hopes 
 which had died within him. 
 
 " I may be jumping to a rash conclusion," Frina went 
 on hastily, "but if I am right indeed, whatever art is 
 used, what hope is there of success ? " 
 
 "None, unless those in the hills are with us," replied 
 the Baron decisively. "Here in Sturatzberg we have 
 much enthusiasm, much talk, much jealousy; but I doubt 
 the fighting temper behind it. The Princess has moved 
 too soon." 
 
 " Is there any chance of her being able to persuade 
 the brigands?" 
 
 " Where men are concerned I dare not limit the power 
 of a woman," he answered; "but since the Princess has 
 moved, we are bound to be on the watch. Failure will 
 be disastrous to you and me, Countess." 
 
 "It will probably mean death to Princess Maritza, 
 to Captain Ellerey certainly." 
 
 "I understand," said the Baron. The hope that was 
 in him died, and it is doubtful if the woman ever gave 
 him full credit for what his words cost him. "I under- 
 stand. To-morrow I shall be out again. Command me 
 and trust me. There shall at least be one arm to strike 
 a blow in the Englishman's defence, and back to back, 
 Countess, he and I would render no mean account of 
 ourselves."
 
 TRUE WORTH OF BARON PETRESCU 221 
 
 She had taken the hand he held out in token of her 
 thanks and the compact between them when the door 
 was suddenly opened and a man entered hurriedly. He 
 stopped abruptly, seeing that his master was not 
 alone. 
 
 "I have no secrets from this lady," said the Baron. 
 "You may speak freely." 
 
 "The city is in excitement," said the man. "Some 
 horsemen have ridden in saying that Captain Ellerey is 
 in the hills surrounded by the brigands. Instead of 
 being on the King's service, as the men supposed, he 
 carried the token of Princess Maritza's house. The 
 brigands immediately attacked the party." 
 
 "Yes, and then?" exclaimed Frina. 
 
 "These men deserted, my lady, and left the Captain 
 and two or three companions to their fate. These 
 fellows are boasting loudly of their loyalty to the 
 King." 
 
 "And the others, are they dead or captured ? " asked 
 the Baron quickly. 
 
 " It seems they managed to gain some ruin in the hills, 
 and are there making a last stand." 
 
 The Baron dismissed the man, and then turned sharply 
 to the Countess. 
 
 "You must go quickly and learn all the news," he said. 
 "My wound shall be made to serve a useful purpose. It 
 shall be sufficient to keep me free from visitors for some 
 days to come, but it will not prevent my leaving Sturatzberg 
 to-night. I have a few men I can rely upon. We may 
 not turn failure to success, but we may effect the es- 
 cape of Captain Ellerey and those who are with him. 
 Have you a trusted messenger you can send to 
 me?" " 
 
 "Yes."
 
 222 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "Learn all you can, then, and send word to me here 
 before nine to-night. At that hour you may know that 
 I have departed, and what a man may do, rest assured 
 Countess, I will."
 
 CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 SIX LOYAL MEN 
 
 FROM the Northern to the Southern, from the Eastern to 
 the Western gates Sturatzberg was in an uproar. Excite- 
 ment was in every face, and the wildest rumors were 
 given credence. When the guards at the gates were 
 doubled and companies of soldiers were met in the streets, 
 it was firmly believed that the brigands were marching 
 in overwhelming numbers upon the city. Comparatively 
 few had heard the news from the returned horsemen's 
 own lips, and from much reporting the tale had grown 
 out of all knowledge. After the excitement caused by 
 the search for Captain Ellerey the city was ready to believe 
 anything. 
 
 As the Baron's servant had related, the horsemen 
 were loud in their boasting of loyalty. They had followed 
 Captain Ellerey because they believed they were on the 
 King's service, they said, and never for a moment had 
 they supposed otherwise until they had seen the golden 
 cross in Vasilici's hands. This was the story they told 
 the King when they were taken to the palace, with much 
 more concerning their own valor when the brigands 
 rushed upon them. They disagreed somewhat concern- 
 ing one another's valour, each one striving to impress the 
 King in his own favor; but they were of one voice re- 
 garding Ellerey's treachery and the deceit which had been 
 practised upon them.
 
 224 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "What message or token could you suppose I was 
 sending to the brigands ? " asked the King. 
 
 "It was not for us to inquire, your Majesty," they 
 answered. "We knew Captain Ellerey, and we obeyed 
 him." 
 
 In the main their story was true. If Ellerey had 
 mentioned the Queen as their employer they had con- 
 sidered the King and Queen as one, and no question was 
 put to them to make them differentiate between them. 
 
 They were dismissed, and the King was for some 
 hours closeted with one or two of his prominent Ministers. 
 They were men the King trusted, but it was doubtful if 
 their opinion ever weighed with him to the same extent 
 that Lord Cloverton's did. The news astonished the 
 Ambassador, but was reassuring. Whatever the cause, 
 the Queen's plans at any rate had miscarried, and the 
 brigands were evidently not to be tempted into the service 
 of Princess Maritza. For the moment there was no danger 
 to be apprehended from them. 
 
 "I think we may leave this turbulent Captain and 
 his companions to Vasilici's tender mercies, my lord," 
 said the King. "All we have to guard against is a riot, 
 among the dissatisfied in Sturatzberg." 
 
 Perhaps the Ambassador felt sorry for Ellerey, but 
 there was nothing he could do. 
 
 "Has your Majesty ever supposed that Princess 
 Maritza is, or has been lately, in Sturatzberg ? " he asked 
 after a pause. 
 
 "It is impossible. Your Government has sent her 
 visiting your colonies, a delicate attention, which, no doubt, 
 she appreciates." 
 
 " Just so, and yet I had a strange story brought to my 
 notice. I heard that she had managed to escape the 
 delicate attention of my Government and had returned
 
 SIX LOYAL MEN 225 
 
 to Wallaria. Needless to say, I did not believe the story, 
 but the deliverance of her token certainly lends credence 
 to it." 
 
 "She might send her token," said the King; "she 
 would not venture herself in the country, much less in 
 Sturatzberg." 
 
 " That was my opinion," answered Cloverton. 
 
 " Do you mean that it is not your opinion now ? " 
 
 " I am in a transitional stage, your Majesty, and have 
 not yet decided." 
 
 So there were troops of soldiers in the streets lest rioters 
 should gather together and do damage. No one imagined 
 there was enough power behind them to really menace 
 the city. A few men talked together excitedly in side 
 streets, but these dispersed quietly after a little while 
 without any interference from the soldiers. 
 
 The Countess Mavrodin drove in the Bois as usual. 
 She held a little court, her carriage drawn up to the side- 
 walk, and she listened to and laughed at all the news. 
 What could it all matter to her so long as she could laugh 
 and chatter and be happy ? 
 
 "My horses will not stand still if you talk politics," 
 she said to one man. "They know their mistress is of 
 the nature of a butterfly." The man was one who was 
 likely to be well informed, and she did not say it until he 
 had told her all he knew. 
 
 This butterfly nature of hers caused her to drive about 
 a great deal that day. She had shopping to do in the 
 Konigplatz, in the square out of which the Altstrasse 
 ran. and in the Bergenstrasse nearly as far down as the 
 Southern Gate. More than once she caught sight of a 
 group of excited men at a street corner, and once or twice 
 she noticed that a man would walk leisurely toward them, 
 pause a moment, and then pass on. Whenever this hap- 
 15
 
 226 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 pened the little crowd dispersed immediately as though 
 some urgent business had suddenly occurred to each mem- 
 ber of it. It was late in the afternoon when the Countess 
 returned home, and before she retired to her private 
 rooms she gave instructions for certain servants, whom 
 she mentioned by name, to be in readiness, as she would 
 require them presently. She had a small reception that 
 evening and was the most brilliant, as she was the most 
 frivolous, among her brilliant and frivolous guests. 
 Yet before nine o'clock Baron Petrescu had received 
 some closely written sheets in her handwriting, and 
 knew much of what had happened in Sturatzberg that 
 day. 
 
 But not all ; that was, of course, impossible. In dark 
 corners of the city through which it was dangerous to 
 travel after nightfall, there were dismal houses, behind 
 the fast-closed doors of which ready orators held the 
 attention of eager listeners. The tune was near. The 
 emancipation from their slavery was at hand. What 
 they had heard in the city to-day was proof of it. Be 
 ready! It was the same story wherever men were gathered 
 together. And in the constant coming and going at the 
 palace, the keenest eyes might easily have failed to notice 
 some who entered and left; and within there were many 
 passages known only to the initiated. One man passed 
 in unnoticed, and in a side room was met by another who, 
 without a word, beckoned him to follow. 
 
 " No further news ? " asked the first. 
 
 " None," was the answer. 
 
 Along the same passage which Ellerey had once trav- 
 ersed was De Froilette taken, and ushered into the Queen's 
 presence. He bowed low, but she had no thought of ceje- 
 mony just now. 
 
 " Can you read this riddle, monsieur ? "she asked.
 
 SIX LOYAL MEN 227 
 
 "All kinds of solutions come to me, madam, but none 
 that seem to entirely fit the case." 
 
 "One thing only stands clear," said the Queen: "this 
 Captain Ellerey is a traitor. You were a fool, monsieur, 
 to bring him to my notice." 
 
 " I may have been mistaken." 
 
 " May ? Indeed you have," she answered. " Heaven 
 help him if he returns to Sturatzberg; he will sorely need 
 it." 
 
 " I say I may have been mistaken, your Majesty, and 
 that is what I mean," said De Froilette calmly. "Fran- 
 cois has seen these men who have come back, and I am 
 convinced that Captain Ellerey was as astonished to see 
 the token as any one." 
 
 "How could he be?" 
 
 "Are you certain of the man who delivered it to him ?" 
 
 "As I am of myself. Do you still trust this English- 
 man ? " 
 
 "If he wished to deceive us he could have done so 
 in a much more effectual way," said De Froilette, "and 
 served his own ends better. Men like Captain Ellerey 
 do not join themselves to such a cause as ours for the love 
 of it, but in their own interests. I have put down his 
 somewhat off-hand treatment of me to his feeling of 
 security in being your Majesty's trusted messenger." 
 
 "So Monsieur De Froilette, ever so suspicious, has 
 lived to become weakly confiding." 
 
 " I have another reason to urge," the Frenchman went 
 on. " I believe Princess Maritza has been in Sturatzberg." 
 
 " Have you seen her ?" 
 
 "No, but Francois says he did. He may have been 
 mistaken, but the delivery of her token goes to confirm 
 Francois. Now, your Majesty, one of Ellerey's com- 
 panions may be a partisan of the Princess, and may have
 
 228 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 changed the token. The fact that I have led the Princess, 
 while she has been in England, to believe that I have 
 worked in her cause, might induce her to think that the 
 golden cross would be acceptable to the brigands, that 
 they would welcome the message it held." 
 
 "Had she trusted you in any degree, monsieur, she 
 would have made her presence known to you." 
 
 " She may have come to watch me, and even then she 
 could hardly discover my real object. I have worked in 
 your service too secretly. Even Lord Cloverton trusts 
 me." 
 
 " I would Lord Cloverton were removed from Wallaria 
 either by his Government or by " 
 
 "Ah, madam, death seldom strikes where we would 
 have it. If heaven were pleased to remove him we should 
 have one obstacle the less in our way; but many would 
 still remain. Death would have to be busy to make our 
 enterprise sure." 
 
 "Lord Cloverton stands by most of those obstacles 
 to give them strength," answered the Queen, her hands 
 tightening a little. "The King would be pliant in my 
 hands were this man not beside him to stiffen him. Is 
 there any other man in the world who would have dared 
 to put me to the test he did ? I hate him." 
 
 "It is fortunate he has done so; he will not dare to 
 repeat the offence," said De Froilette. 
 
 " I am not sure of that." 
 
 " If he does, the bracelet is mislaid," said De Froilette. 
 "The mere fact that it has not been delivered will prove 
 that you never sent it. For the moment we are powerless 
 to act, but another token will be sent presently, another 
 messenger found to take it. Have we not the assurance 
 of Russia that the moment the standard of revolt is raised 
 she will find plausible excuse to cross the frontier? Has
 
 SIX LOYAL MEN 229 
 
 not your Majesty rather hoped to succeed without the 
 help of Russia?" 
 
 " The possibility may have occurred to me," answered 
 the Queen. 
 
 " These rebels who would help you to occupy the throne 
 of Wallaria alone would be difficult to rule without an 
 army at your call to cow them into submission." 
 
 " We are looking to the future; it is the present which 
 concerns us, monsieur." 
 
 "We can only wait and watch events," said De Froi- 
 lette. " These deserters declare that they rode out with 
 Captain Ellerey in the belief that they were upon the King's 
 service. Your Majesty is not mentioned by them. We 
 are safe so far." 
 
 "Some one, monsieur, holds my token; until that is 
 in my possession again there is no safety." 
 
 "It is mislaid," said the Frenchman; "if that will not 
 suffice, it has been stolen; if that is not enough, pick out 
 some servant you can spare and accuse him of the theft. 
 The sufferings of one man must not count beside the safety 
 of a cause involving many lives." 
 
 "You seem to forget that Captain Ellerey knows the 
 truth," said the Queen. 
 
 "You were alone when you told him of his mission. 
 You have told the King that your conversation related to 
 the Countess Mavrodin hold to that story. Is the word 
 of a traitor, struggling to shield himself, to be taken 
 against yours ? " 
 
 " I act more readily than I lie, monsieur." 
 
 "Pardon, madam, a lie is a vulgar cowardice; we 
 are dealing with secrets of the State." 
 
 " I am woman enough to find small difference between 
 them." 
 
 "And Queen enough to forget the woman when the
 
 30 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 sovereign must use diplomacy," answered De Froilette. 
 "Besides, we rush far out to meet trouble. What can 
 three or four men accomplish against an army of moun- 
 taineers fighting in their own hills ? By this time Cap- 
 tain Ellerey lies food for the preying vultures. We are 
 quite safe, your Majesty." 
 
 De Froilette left the palace unnoticed as he had come, 
 and returned quickly to the Altstrasse. Fra^ois hast- 
 ened to attend him. 
 
 "There is nothing to report, monsieur," he said, in 
 answer to his master's look of inquiry. "The city is 
 quieting down. Is monsieur in any danger ? " 
 
 "Perhaps, Fra^ois, but it does not trouble me. I 
 have been in danger before. Many channels of infor- 
 mation are open to a timber merchant, and those in 
 authority find me useful." 
 
 " We can wait, monsieur, but those who are expecting 
 us to speak the word, will they wait ? " 
 
 " I think so, Fra^ois ; still, you may have everything 
 ready for a hasty departure. And if by any chance cir- 
 cumstances should necessitate our leaving separately, you 
 must look for me in London at the old address." 
 
 Such instructions caused the servant no surprise. 
 His master had usually managed to steer successfully 
 through the troubled waters he encountered, but on 
 many occasions such preparations for rapid flight had 
 been made. 
 
 " Did you call to inquire after Baron Petrescu, Fran- 
 9ois?" 
 
 "Yes, monsieur; his wound is giving him increased 
 trouble." 
 
 "I rejoice to hear it. We can well dispense with his 
 crowing in Sturatzberg just now. A walk through the citj 
 in an hour or so, Fra^ois, might be good for your health."
 
 SIX LOYAL MEN 231 
 
 The servant smiled, falling in with his master's 
 humor, and went out. The streets were quiet when he 
 traversed them an hour or two later. A few soldiers 
 were in the Konigplatz and at the top of the Bergen- 
 strasse, but, except where some entertainment was going 
 forward, and carriages and servants were congregated 
 without, the city was unusually lifeless. Perhaps the 
 presence of the soldiers drove law-abiding citizens home 
 early lest they might come under suspicion, and the law- 
 less were evidently not inclined to run risks. Fra^ois 
 stood for a few moments outside the Countess Mavro- 
 din's watching the arrivals, among whom he recognized 
 many notabilities, including the British Ambassador; 
 and then he went for some distance down the Bergen- 
 strasse before returning home. Had he traversed this 
 street farther he would probably have been convinced 
 that the exciting news of the day was already forgotten, 
 for he would hardly have heard the laughter and songs 
 which came from the Toison d'Or unless he had actually 
 gone up the narrow court in which it stood. 
 
 The door was shut, but the light shone dully through 
 the red blinds which were drawn across the windows. 
 They were like two huge eyes bleared with strong drink, 
 and as a late comer pushed open the door at intervals 
 and disappeared within, a watcher might have had the 
 sensation of seeing an ogre swallowing his victim. An- 
 other thing might have struck him. There were many 
 late arrivals, and they all came singly, entering swiftly 
 and letting the door swing quickly to behind them. The 
 tavern was, surely, fast becoming overcrowded, for no 
 one came out. 
 
 But there was much room in the Toison d'Or, and 
 the chamber in which Ellerey had waited for the token 
 was thrown open to-night. It was crowded with men
 
 232 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 eager to listen to the horsemen who had ridden into 
 Sturatzberg that day. They were the centre of attrac- 
 tion, and had long ago become talkative and more than 
 ordinarily boastful. They shouted answers to every 
 question, and were regaled with tankard after tankard 
 of liquor. They drank deep healths to the King, and 
 swore to their unswerving loyalty with many a strange 
 oath. They sang snatches of ribald songs at the bidding 
 of any man who had the wherewithal to pay for wine 
 snatches only, which became less coherent as the evening 
 advanced. They cursed the traitor Ellerey, and made 
 jests upon Maritza, " who was called ' Princess ' by some 
 fools and vagabonds." 
 
 "Down with her, and all who have a word for her!" 
 cried one of them, trying to rise to give vehemence to his 
 words, but falling back helpless into his seat. 
 
 "Curse her again, comrade," said a thin, morose- 
 looking man in his ear. " Don't go to sleep yet. Curse 
 her again. We like to know the true ring of your 
 minds." 
 
 It was beyond the soldier's power to reply, but the 
 other soldiers did it for him, vying with one another in 
 their language. 
 
 "That's right," said the thin man. "You are all 
 agreed. She is a pest in the land, this Princess, an evil 
 to be trodden down, one to be killed if opportunity occurs, 
 and the fact of her being a woman shall win her no mercy. 
 You are all agreed on that ? " 
 
 "No mercy!" shouted one soldier. 
 
 " Less because she's a woman," growled another. 
 
 " Down with her," said a third in a drunken whisper. 
 
 "One more drink round, landlord," said the morose 
 man. "We'll drink it standing. Those who cannot 
 -stand, let their comrades hold them up. This is a loyal
 
 SIX LOYAL MEN 233 
 
 and sacred toast for the last. Not a man shall sit down 
 to it. Tankards round, landlord ! " 
 
 The soldiers struggled to their feet obediently, but 
 each of them had to be held up on either side, and they 
 laughed at their drunken inability. Seizing a tankard, 
 the thin man sprang upon a chair. 
 
 "See that none fail to honor my toast!" he cried. 
 " Let it tell its tale to Sturatzberg before the dawn. Here's 
 to our Sovereign Lady, Princess Maritza!" 
 
 Too drunk to understand the purport of the words, 
 the soldiers raised their tankards to drink, and then let 
 them fall to the ground with a clatter, the untasted liquor 
 splashing upon the floor. Each man jerked forward 
 where he stood, and, when those who held him let him go, 
 fell down with a thud. A groan or two, a convulsive 
 movement, and then they lay still, while something mixed 
 with the spilt liquor and dyed it to a darker hue. The 
 six men who had stood immediately behind them wiped 
 their keen long knives and sheathed them again in silence. 
 
 " Go quickly ! " shouted the man, still standing on 
 the chair. "See that the Bergenstrasse is clear. They 
 shall rest there to-night, and Sturatzberg may find them 
 there presently and read the lesson as it will." 
 
 In the early hours of the morning, when the guests 
 were leaving the Countess Mavrodin's a man rushed past 
 them into the hall. 
 
 " Is Lord Cloverton still here ? " 
 
 The Ambassador came forward at once. 
 
 "What is it?" 
 
 "The men who returned to-day the soldiers." 
 
 "What of them?" 
 
 "They have just been found lying side by side in 
 the Bergenstrasse, dead murdered ! "
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 
 IN DESPERATE STRAITS 
 
 DESMOND ELLEREY stood with his sword lowered and 
 his head bowed. As he spoke her name a flush came 
 into his cheeks. His anger at Grigosie's deceit had been 
 great, stern, cold, and judicial only in such a spirit 
 could he take vengeance on the lad; now it was shame 
 which flamed into his cheeks. He had drawn his sword 
 against a woman in another moment the blade would 
 have been dyed in her blood the very thought of it was 
 horrible. 
 
 In Maritza's face there was no look of triumph. If 
 for a moment it had lightened her eyes, if the woman's 
 power over the man defiantly proclaimed itself as she 
 tore open her shirt to reveal the truth, it was gone more 
 quickly, more completely, perhaps, than Ellerey's anger. 
 
 The Princess was the first to break the silence. 
 
 *' You will not strike ? " she said, closing the shirt 
 again with hasty fingers. "Regrets are useless. I had 
 hoped to succeed. I will tell you why when you choose 
 to listen to me. To-morrow you can deliver me to the 
 brigands; until then I am Grigosie again." 
 
 As she picked up her cap and drew it over her curls 
 Ellerey looked up. It was a relief to see the lad before 
 him as he had always known him. 
 
 "And Grigosie talks folly," he said. "I would far 
 sooner take his life myself than deliver him to the tender 
 mercies of the brigands."
 
 IN DESPERATE STRAITS 235 
 
 A cry from Stefan, which was half an oath, startled 
 them, and in an instant Ellerey had sprung to the soldier's 
 side. Anton at the same moment seized his knife, and 
 all three men were in the doorway slashing and thrusting 
 furiously at those without. For a moment there were 
 only two or three, who had approached silently, but 
 their shouts upon being discovered brought a crowd rush- 
 ing to their assistance. 
 
 When Anton had deserted his post to come to Grig- 
 osie's help, the temptation to secure an easy victory 
 had been too great for those who watched the plateau. 
 Vasilici may have given no orders that the truce should 
 be thus flagrantly broken, but those who had seized the 
 opportunity knew well enough that success would win 
 easy forgiveness. 
 
 As it had been at the gate guarding the zig-zag path, 
 those in front, wounded or dying, were thrown back 
 upon their companions, impeding the rush which must 
 have effected an entrance. Perhaps there was still a 
 desire among most of them to let any comrade who 
 would force himself into the forefront of the attack. 
 The prowess of the defenders had already taught them a 
 salutary lesson. 
 
 "Quick, Stefan; see that the door will close and 
 fasten," whispered Ellerey. "When it is ready, shout; 
 give us a moment to thrust back the foremost of them, 
 and a moment to get in, and then we'll shut them out, 
 if we can." 
 
 Stefan made a sharp cut at the first man within reach 
 of him, and then slipped back into the tower. He shouted 
 almost immediately, for Grigosie was already at the 
 door, and had seen that it was in working order. At 
 the shout Ellerey and Anton made a dash out as if in a 
 last attempt for freedom. A slash to right and left, a
 
 236 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 cringing back of those in front gave them the opportunity 
 and the time they wanted. In another instant they were 
 within the tower, the door was shut, and the great bolts 
 in it shot home. 
 
 "It's not likely we'll be using this way out for a 
 while," said Ellerey, "so we'll pile everything against 
 it we can to strengthen it." 
 
 They worked with a will, and while the brigands 
 beat at the door without, they barricaded it within; 
 and having heaped up against it everything they could 
 lay their hands on, they drove in some wooden stakes 
 at an angle to hold the obstruction in its place and resist 
 the pressure. 
 
 " That will stop them for a little while, " said Ellerey. 
 
 No one answered him. As soon as the work was 
 accomplished Grigosie turned away, and Stefan, wiping 
 the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, looked 
 with unutterable fierceness at Anton. 
 
 "You you " And then he burst out with a 
 
 mighty oath. "There's no word in devil's or man's 
 vocabulary to call you by. You're to thank for this. 
 Weren't you ordered to keep guard by the barrier 
 yonder?" 
 
 "Let him be, Stefan," said Ellerey, laying his hand 
 on the soldier's arm. " He did rightly in leaving it. He 
 came to protect his mistress." 
 
 Stefan glanced at Grigosie, whose back was toward 
 him, and muttered something deeply; oaths they may 
 have been, but the words seemed to lose themselves in 
 his beard. Anton said not a word. He looked at Ellerey, 
 and it was a look of which it was difficult to read the 
 meaning. It was one of wonder rather than of grati- 
 tude. Perhaps he was trying to understand the real 
 character of this strange Englishman.
 
 IN DESPERATE STRAITS 237 
 
 The brigands still continued to hammer at the door, 
 but it showed no sign of giving. 
 
 " It will hold for a time," said Ellerey, " but we must 
 see what can be done to interrupt their attentions as 
 much as possible. A shot or two from the chamber 
 above might help them to become quieter. Come, 
 Stefan, and let us see what we can do." 
 
 In the chamber above there were narrow slits in the 
 walls, and the top of the zig-zag was commanded from 
 this vantage place, but those immediately below were out 
 of danger. Some men were standing by the broken- 
 down barrier, and Stefan wanted to fire at them, but 
 Ellerey stopped him. Their ammunition was too valu- 
 able to throw away. A cartridge presently might be 
 worth much more to them than one man's life just now. 
 
 "Those at the door below are the danger," said 
 Ellerey. 
 
 " There's a good deal of loose stonework on the roof,'* 
 said Stefan. "A piece of that heaved over at intervals 
 might give them something to think about besides ham- 
 mering at that door." 
 
 "They shall have a lesson at once," said Ellerey, 
 climbing carefully up the broken stairway which led to 
 the roof. It has been said that a turret had fallen in, 
 breaking part of the stairs away, but the roof could 
 easily be reached. There were many fragments, some 
 large, some small, lying there, and one piece of consider- 
 able size Ellerey and Stefan managed to get on to the 
 wall of the parapet immediately over the door. The 
 manoeuvre was apparently unnoticed, for there came no 
 warning shout to those below. 
 
 "Over with it," said Ellerey. 
 
 It did its work effectually. There were groans and 
 execrations, and several bullets struck harmlessly about
 
 238 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 the stonework from whence this message had been hurled, 
 but the hammering at the door ceased, and the besiegers 
 retired to a safe distance. 
 
 "We must keep watch from here, Captain," said 
 Stefan. " Help me to mount another piece upon the wall. 
 It can rest there until they get courageous again and ask 
 for it to be thrown upon them." 
 
 Ellerey did so, and, leaving Stefan there for the present, 
 returned to the basement of the tower. 
 
 Anton was standing in exactly the same place as 
 when Ellerey had mounted the steps, but the expression 
 on his face had changed. It was quite evident that in 
 the interval some words had passed between him and 
 Grigosie, and that, whatever the subject of the conversa- 
 tion, Anton disapproved of it. Grigosie was leaning 
 against the wall counting the cartridges he still had in 
 his possession. 
 
 "We have stopped their hammering for a while," 
 Ellerey said. " While the loose stones on the roof last, 
 we have another weapon of defence." 
 
 " Do I relieve Stefan ? " asked Grigosie. 
 
 "No; Anton. Rest while you can. There will be 
 little enough sleep for any of us." 
 
 "And little enough food, too," said Grigosie, when 
 Anton had cast himself down in a corner. 
 
 "We are truly in a sad case, Princess." 
 
 "Grigosie, please; let me remain Grigosie. It will 
 be easier for both of us." 
 
 She crossed over to the steps which led to the upper 
 chamber and sat down. 
 
 " As you say, our position is hopeless," Grigosie went 
 on. "In Sturatzberg there are some who would strike 
 a blow for Maritza, but no one knows of Grigosie. It 
 is a poor end to make, Captain. I have had my moments
 
 IN DESPERATE STRAITS 239 
 
 of despair, but whenever I have thought of failure, I 
 have never pictured such a miserable failure as this. I 
 was prepared to face death and disaster, but if death 
 came, I meant that it should be glorious, that it should 
 come in a fashion to set Europe ringing with the news. 
 It was a magnificent setting I had arranged for myself 
 the going down of a sun in purple and red and gold." 
 
 "Even as it is we make a mountain legend of it," 
 said Ellerey, with a short laugh; "and legend lives long, 
 longer than fame, often. You have a fair chance of being 
 remembered by the generations to come." 
 
 "I have brought you to this, so it is your privilege 
 to laugh at me," she said. 
 
 "At least, we can be honest with each other now," 
 said Ellerey. "At the best we can only keep these 
 wolves at bay for a few hours. Though these old walls 
 stand, we have little food, little ammunition. Death has 
 no very great terrors for me. I seem to have lived my 
 life for the express purpose of showing how a man can 
 fail, and, having been unjustly robbed of my honor, you 
 succeed in robbing me of my self-respect by making me 
 lift my hand against you a woman." 
 
 " I am sorry. Question me as you will." 
 
 "How could you hope for anything else but failure 
 from such a mad enterprise ? " he asked. 
 
 " Captain Ellerey, do you remember what I said when 
 we met on the downs that day?" 
 
 "Every word." 
 
 " That I spoke truly you now know. You know how 
 my claim stands, and whether you love my cause or 
 not, you must recognize the justice of it. While I was 
 in England, kept there to be out of the way, my friends 
 were working in Sturatzberg. My adherents, my well- 
 wishers, are in every grade of society there, but there
 
 40 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 was one man on whom I thoroughly depended. He was 
 in constant communication with me, and one of his 
 great schemes, a plan which he swore was ripening every 
 day, was getting the brigands to espouse my cause. To 
 these hills have flocked all the malcontents of the country. 
 They are not robbers; they are political outcasts many 
 of them, and should welcome one who is by right their 
 ruler. So said this man, so he swore they were ready 
 to do, but constantly advised a little further delay. You 
 cannot understand what this waiting day after day, month 
 after month, meant to me. Impatient in heart, I was 
 yet patient in action. I might still be quietly waiting 
 but for two things. First I learnt that to be put further 
 out of the way I was to visit England's colonies, a pleas- 
 ure trip graciously arranged for me by your Government ; 
 secondly, I was informed that the man I trusted was 
 scheming for his own ends more than for mine. It was 
 the parting of the ways, Captain Ellerey, and I had to 
 choose. Another stepped on board the vessel placed 
 at my disposal in my stead, and while she was taken to the 
 colonies I came secretly to Sturatzberg. There I have 
 since lived, watching and waiting, in the house of the 
 woman who devised and helped me to carry out this plan." 
 
 " A woman ! " Ellerey exclaimed. 
 
 " Countess Mavrodin, whose power is only the greater 
 because no one has any idea of its existence.. My first 
 work was to watch the man whom I believed had been 
 working for me. I quickly found that my interests were 
 not first in his consideration, but I learned also that he 
 feared his own schemes would fail should some unlucky 
 chance bring me to Sturatzberg. In this fear I saw my 
 hope. Was this unnatural ? " 
 
 " Is this man De Froilette ? " asked Ellerey. 
 
 "He is the man. Unconscious of my presence in the
 
 IN DESPERATE STRAITS , 241 
 
 city he continued to work against me. Queen Elena 
 had now become his dupe. The men in the hills would 
 help to set her alone upon the throne in Wallaria, and 
 the King once got rid of and the country in insurrection, 
 De FroHette would have sold it to Russia more, would 
 have aspired to the hand of the Queen. Perhaps he 
 loves her, perhaps he only loves the power he would 
 gain. His conspiracy was well laid, and he only wanted 
 a man to lead, to bear the brunt of the fight, to pay the 
 penalty should failure come, while he remained an un- 
 interested citizen ready to be the first to cry out against 
 the rebellion if necessary. His choice fell upon Desmond 
 Ellerey." 
 
 Ellerey did not answer. This recital was making 
 many things clear to him. 
 
 "I knew something of this Captain," the Princess 
 went on. "In my heart I had long ago chosen him to 
 lead my cause. I tested his courage on the night I be- 
 lieved he had received the token. It was I, Captain 
 Ellerey, who ran with you along the deserted streets 
 from the Altstrasse that night; it was I who, when only 
 numbers had succeeded in binding you, came and looked 
 into your eyes and was satisfied." 
 
 "Yet you didn't trust me enough to whisper your 
 name," said Ellerey. 
 
 "At Court you came under the influence of Frina 
 Mavrodin," she went on hastily. "Perhaps, even with 
 her, my cause took second place then. You were stanch 
 to the mission you had undertaken; she could not turn 
 you from that, although she influenced you in another 
 way." 
 
 " What do you mean, Princess ? " 
 
 "I have heard her speak of you, I have noted the 
 
 light in her eyes ; do you think I could be deceived ? " 
 16
 
 242 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "And do you think, Princess, that I have no memory ? 
 Since that morning on the downs " 
 
 "Her success did not help my cause, therefore what 
 was it to me!" cried Maritza, suddenly starting to her 
 feet. "It was time for me to act. You know the rest. 
 There are spies everywhere, and I knew when the token 
 was given, how it was sent, and enclosed in a similar 
 fashion I had my own. De Froilette was afraid of me, 
 therefore it was possible that the brigands, or some of 
 them, at least, were ready to take up my cause. The 
 wine that night made you sleep heavily, and I changed 
 the tokens. There is a loose brick in yonder corner, 
 under it lies the Queen's bracelet of medallions. So, 
 Captain Ellerey, you have me in your power. I brought 
 you to this strait the remedy is in your own hands. 
 Deliver me and the Queen's token into Vasilici's hands, 
 and who knows, you may yet win place and power in 
 Sturatzberg." 
 
 With an impatient gesture, Ellerey walked across the 
 chamber, and as he did so Anton raised his head. 
 
 "What, old watch-dog, so you think as basely of me 
 as your mistress does," he said, noticing the sudden 
 movement. 
 
 Anton did not answer, but waited, resting on his elbow. 
 
 "No man loves being fooled, Princess," Ellerey went 
 on, turning round hastily, "and that I have been by the 
 Queen, by De Froilette, and by you, but of them all you 
 only have insulted me. What contempt must you have 
 for me to think even of such a thing! Let me be as 
 short and brutal. If by the sacrifice of a dog to those 
 wolves without I could purchase my freedom, I would 
 not buy it at the price. I will wake you presently, Anton. 
 You, at least, I can understand," and Ellerey mounted 
 the steps and disappeared into the upper chamber.
 
 IN DESPERATE STRAITS 243 
 
 He went no farther for a time, but sat on some fallen 
 stones to think, and his thoughts were not of how to escape 
 from his enemies, nor even how to hold them at bay as long 
 as possible, but of two women. One, a woman of the 
 world, for so she seemed, the centre of attraction, beauti- 
 ful, witty, frivolous, shimmering in silk and lace and jew- 
 els, jewels that were no brighter than her eyes. He had 
 not mentioned her among those who had fooled him. 
 She had not done so. She had been a pleasant companion, 
 a true comrade, perhaps; indeed, was ready to give him 
 even more than friendship. He might have loved her but 
 for the other woman, whom he saw again as in a vision, 
 standing on the summit of the downs, talking of empire and 
 power, stirring his soul from its lethargy and bidding him 
 play the man. If she had stirred him then, how much 
 more did she make his pulses throb now, now that she had 
 shared his dangers and braved so much! Had she any 
 memory such as his, of that breezy morning long ago ? 
 And then the horror of the present overwhelmed him for a 
 time. He was powerless to help her. 
 
 "There is no future for us beyond to-morrow, or the 
 day after," he murmured. " Fate has strangely linked me 
 with these two women, and made sport of me. One might 
 have loved me perchance, and will regret me; the other I 
 love, and she cares not, and I am likely to lay down my life 
 in a last endeavor to save her. Thank God for such a 
 death! A man could scarcely die a better one, although 
 Stefan would hardly think so," and he climbed to the roof 
 to talk to the soldier there. 
 
 Princess Maritza stood for some time where Ellerey had 
 left her. She too, perhaps, forgot the present for a little 
 while, and her thoughts sped to Frina Mavrodin. Then 
 she crossed the chamber quickly. 
 
 " Dumitru, are you asleep ? "
 
 244 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " No, Princess," the man answered, starting up. 
 
 " Lie down again, Dumitru, and listen. If he comes, 
 be asleep, as I shall feign to be; but listen, and if you do 
 not understand, question me until you do." 
 
 " You distrust this Captain, Princess ? " 
 
 " No ; he may yet do good work for us." 
 
 For a long time she continued to speak in a whisper. 
 
 " It is madness," murmured the man. 
 
 "Wise men would call all I have done madness," she 
 answered. " Listen, Dumitru, there is more." 
 
 When she had finished there was silence. 
 
 " You would have me play the traitor," said the man, 
 slowly. 
 
 " He is never a traitor who obeys the word of his sov- 
 ereign," she answered. 
 
 " But, Princess 
 
 " Am I your sovereign, Dumitru ? " 
 
 " My beloved Princess, indeed." 
 
 " Then obey, Dumitru. Act promptly when I give the 
 word. It shall be soon. Perhaps to-night."
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 TREACHERY OR SACRIFICE 
 
 ALL that night the stone, menacingly balanced on the wall 
 above the door, remained in its place. The brigands had 
 no desire to court a useless death, and they could afford to 
 wait. 
 
 At dawn Ellerey ascended to the roof of the tower and 
 found Anton pacing its narrow limits to keep the warmth 
 in his limbs. 
 
 " Nothing happened, Anton ? " 
 
 "Nothing, Captain." 
 
 " You have helped your mistress into a desperate strait. 
 How could you hope for anything else but failure ? " 
 
 " The Princess has told you, Captain ? " 
 
 " Aye, man, but that was a woman's hope a brave one 
 if you will, but there was no weighing of chances, no count- 
 ing the cost in it. Was there nothing more than this despe- 
 rate hope at the back of your mind, no sane man's reason- 
 ing to see the peril of it ? " 
 
 " I am but a servant to obey," Anton answered. " Yet 
 desperate ventures have succeeded, and we had honesty on 
 our side, Captain. Ours is the just cause, and that counts 
 for something." 
 
 " No wonder Princess Maritza's history is one of failure 
 if her counsellors have advised after this manner," said 
 Ellerey. 
 
 "Are you certain she has failed, Captain?" Anton 
 asked, turning quickly toward him.
 
 246 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 The earnestness of the question, added to its seeming 
 absurdity, was startling. Could there be any doubt of the 
 failure ? 
 
 " Can your eyes penetrate beyond the spur of the hills 
 yonder and see an army marching to our rescue, or your 
 ears catch the welcome sound of tramping feet ? " Ellerey 
 said, pointing to the head of the pass. 
 
 "No, Captain." 
 
 " Is there any hope that a single man has set out from 
 Sturatzberg to help us ? " 
 
 " I know of none," was the answer. 
 
 " And about us the plateau is full of men, and below us 
 in the pass men wait enemies all. Outside this tower 
 there is certain death for us, and within there is food enough 
 to satisfy one man for a day perhaps." 
 
 " I know, Captain, and yet the Princess may not have 
 failed." 
 
 Ellerey did not answer. He leant against the parapet 
 watching the day grow brighter, and Anton resumed his 
 quick pacing to and fro. 
 
 The men on the plateau and below in the pass were be- 
 ginning to stir. Sentries were changed. There was the 
 murmur of voices, and presently rising curls of faint blue 
 smoke from fires cooking the morning meal. There was 
 sunlight on the higher slopes, and the song of birds in the 
 air, a welcome new day to myriads of creatures on the earth. 
 To the man looking out across the panorama of mountain 
 peak and gorge everything seemed a mockery. There was 
 something cruel in gladdening the eyes with the beauty of 
 earth and sky when in a few short hours those eyes must 
 close forever. In the full possession of his life and strength 
 the man rebelled against his fate. It was the end of a rat 
 in a trap ignoble, inglorious. That he would fall in strik- 
 ing a last blow for a woman who cared naught for him had
 
 TREACHERY OR SACRIFICE 247 
 
 little attraction for him just now. If he could save her, if 
 his death could bring some good thing to pass, it would be 
 different. 
 
 Once or twice Anton stopped in his pacing backward 
 and forward to look steadily toward the head of the pass. 
 
 " Can you hear the tramping feet ? " Ellerey asked when 
 he stopped again. 
 
 "No, Captain." 
 
 " Can you see anything ? " 
 
 " No, Captain ; but it is too good a morning to accept 
 failure." 
 
 " The sun doesn't put on mourning for every miserable 
 dog that dies." And then, as Anton resumed his walk 
 without a word, Stefan's voice was heard calling Ellerey to 
 breakfast. 
 
 All the stones which had once served for seats and a 
 table had been piled up against the door, and the food was 
 spread in a little circle in the centre of the floor. It was 
 Stefan's arrangement. He had refused all help from the 
 Princess, gruffly but firmly, although the gruff ness may 
 have been something less than his usual manner and in- 
 tended for courtesy. Maritza stood with her hands behind 
 her watching him, a smile upon her lips. 
 
 "There's more table than breakfast, Captain," he said 
 as Ellerey came down ; " but it's as well to have things or- 
 derly. There's little enough to say grace for, but there's a 
 lesson in the display, for all that. It represents all that 
 stands between us and starvation." 
 
 "With care, Stefan, we can live for " And then 
 
 Ellerey paused. 
 
 " Quite so, Captain. I've been trying to fix a limit my- 
 self and failed." 
 
 Ellerey looked at the scraps of food. At any other time 
 he would have spurned them as a meal of any sort; but in
 
 248 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 such a case as theirs was, morsels of food bulk large with 
 possibilities. 
 
 " To-day and perhaps to-morrow," he muttered. 
 
 " Yes, we'll be quite ready to welcome a change of diet 
 by to-morrow night," said Stefan, "and for my part I 
 shouldn't quarrel with any kind of food and drink which 
 happened to arrive sooner. There's no drawing from the 
 mountain stream now and the flasks hold little." 
 
 " Much may happen in two days," said Maritza quietly. 
 
 "True. They may storm the tower suscessfully and 
 put us beyond the want of food before to-morrow night," 
 Ellerey answered. 
 
 They ate their small portions in silence, and having 
 eaten them remained silent. Each one was conscious that 
 there was something to be said, yet each one waited for the 
 other to say it. 
 
 " Captain." It was a relief to hear Stefan's voice, and 
 Ellerey looked up. " Captain, I make no claim to be much 
 of a man at giving advice. I've seldom been asked for it, 
 and I've usually been in a large enough company for it to be 
 done without; but as we are, I take it each one of us be- 
 comes of more importance than under ordinary circum- 
 stances." 
 
 Ellerey nodded. 
 
 " Well, then, my case is this : Years ago someone found 
 me in the streets, and for some reason known only to them- 
 selves decided that I should live. I may have been hungry 
 then I don't remember but I've never been hungry since. 
 I may have had to steal my victuals, but anyway I've got 
 them. It follows, therefore, that in fighting hunger I'm not 
 to be depended on. The weapons in use for such a fray 
 are new to me, and I don't know how to handle them. I'm 
 afraid of the enemy." 
 
 "Well, Stefan?"
 
 TREACHERY OR SACRIFICE 249 
 
 " Now death, I suppose, is as certain within the next few 
 hours as anything well can be, and I should like to meet the 
 kind of death I understand. Let us fix a time for hauling 
 down the barricade, and then make a dash for it. We'll get 
 as far as the path, perhaps there is just a chance that some 
 of us may get farther; but anyhow, we die in the open." 
 
 " Have you thought of the Princess ? " Ellerey asked. 
 
 " The circumstances don't make it easy to forget her," 
 Stefan answered. 
 
 " Nor difficult to hate her," said Maritza. 
 
 "I took a kind of liking to Grigosie which somehow 
 keeps me back from hating her," Stefan went on, speaking 
 to Ellerey and not looking at the Princess. " I don't sup- 
 pose, however, that she knows much more about starvation 
 than I do, and dying in the open may suit her case as well as 
 mine." 
 
 " But a woman, Stefan ? " 
 
 " I've naught to do with women, Captain, and I see none 
 in our company. I only see two good comrades before me, 
 one lacking a bit of muscle it may be, but lacking no cour- 
 age. He shall go between us, and Anton shall cover our 
 rear. There's such pleasure in the thought of striking an- 
 other blow that there's even a hope in it that we may win 
 though." 
 
 '"Stefan is right," Maritza said. "Let us make the 
 attempt to-morrow." 
 
 " Why not to-day ? " Stefan asked. 
 
 " The food is not all gone," she said; " besides, the day 
 holds possibilities. Let us wait a day, Captain." 
 
 " If the attempt is to be made, why not make it to-night ? 
 The darkness will help us," said Ellerey. 
 
 " I prefer dying in the sunlight," said Stefan, " but so 
 long as I die in the open the stars will serve." 
 
 " In the night if you will, but not to-night," pleaded Ma-
 
 250 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 ritza, laying her hand on Ellerey's arm. "Let it be to- 
 morrow night." 
 
 " Hope dies hard with you, Princess." 
 
 " I have a fancy to look upon another dawn," she re- 
 turned. " Perhaps to-morrow is the anniversary of some 
 great event in my history, and that is why I long to see it. 
 I do not know, but in us all there is a vein of superstition. 
 I will go and relieve Anton." 
 
 Stefan watched her as she went up the stairs and disap- 
 peared into the upper chamber. 
 
 " If anyone could make me change my opinion of wom- 
 en, she would," he said; but Ellerey took no notice of the 
 remark. He had commenced walking up and down, deep 
 in thought. 
 
 The day passed quietly. The brigands made no 
 attempt to storm the tower, and the huge stone above the 
 doorway remained balanced on the wall. But to those 
 within the hours dragged heavily. Stefan spent his time 
 feeling the edge of his sword and seeing that the revolvers 
 were in good order and loaded. The occupation seemed to 
 bring him nearer to his emancipation. Ellerey walked 
 from wall to wall, turning with the regularity of a wild beast 
 in a cage. A dozen times or more he climbed to the roof, 
 but hardly spoke a word to whoever happened to be sentry 
 there. Maritza lay down and appeared to sleep a good deal 
 when her duty on the roof was over, for she demanded to 
 take her turn with the rest ; and Anton was restless and ner- 
 vous. He lay down, but he did not sleep; his eyes were 
 constantly on the Princess. 
 
 " You know what we have decided ? " said Ellerey to 
 him during the day. 
 
 "Yes, Captain." 
 
 " You have no better plan ? " 
 
 " No, Captain, so that I die with her I am content."
 
 TREACHERY OR SACRIFICE 251 
 
 The day drew slowly to its ending. A camp-fire blazed 
 upon the plateau, and two in the pass below, around which 
 the besiegers gathered. Still there were no signs that an 
 attack was meditated, and Ellerey watched the moving 
 figures for a long time and marked the position of the 
 sentries. Such knowledge might prove useful to-mor- 
 row night. And he determined which direction to take 
 should Providence so far favor them as to allow them to 
 gain the pass. It was a relief to find even this employment 
 to occupy his mind. 
 
 After the weary day the night was almost welcome. 
 First Stefan, then Ellerey, had watched through the early 
 hours; now Anton paced the roof restlessly while Maritza 
 still slept. She was to go on duty at dawn, so might she see 
 the new day break as she wished. When Ellerey came 
 down, Stefan was sleeping heavily, and the Princess lay in 
 her corner with her arm under her head, a picture of grace- 
 ful repose and rest. The thought of the certain death that 
 awaited her made Ellerey sick almost, and with a shudder 
 and a curse at his own impotence, he cast himself down. 
 For a time he tossed and turned restlessly this \vay and that 
 until, utterly wearied out, sleep fell upon him and held him 
 fast, smoothing the care from his face with pleasant dreams. 
 Now he climbed a stretch of sunny, wind-swept downs, the 
 song of a lark and the sighing sound of the long waving 
 grass in his ears ; now he heard the rustle of silk beside 
 him and a sweet low voice and pleasant laughter answered 
 him, a little foot stepped out bravely beside his own, and 
 a little hand rested confidently in his. There was music 
 and laughter about him, and then a sudden pause, and 
 darkness, and out of it a sharp crackling sound. 
 
 "What was that?" 
 
 Ellerey had started up only half awake. It was Stefan's 
 sudden question which thoroughly aroused him. The
 
 252 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 dawn had come and a dim light was in the chamber, 
 strangely dim and sombre after the light and movement in 
 his dream. He looked across at Maritza's corner and saw 
 that it was empty. 
 
 "We have slept soundly, Stefan," he said, springing to 
 his feet. " The Princess has gone on duty. " 
 
 "It sounded like revolver shots to me," the soldier an- 
 swered as he followed Ellerey quickly to the roof. They 
 stepped from the broken stairs into the open, and then stood 
 still, turning to look at each other. There was no one 
 there. The stone still rested on the wall, and a rope which 
 had been in the lower chamber lay sprawling over the roof, 
 one end of it hanging a few feet over the parapet. Both 
 men ran to the wall together. The plateau was empty, not 
 a man remained there. No sentry paced along the edge of 
 it, no one stood there at the head of the zig-zag path. 
 
 " Gone ! " Ellerey exclaimed. It was not of the brig- 
 ands he was thinking, and Stefan knew it. 
 
 " By that rope. And Anton, too. Maybe we woke 
 none too soon, Captain." And then, as Ellerey turned 
 questioning eyes to him, he added: "There's the look of 
 treachery in this." 
 
 Ellerey did not answer, but the question asked a mo- 
 ment later showed the direction his thoughts were taking. 
 
 " Have they really gone ? " he said, pointing to the pla- 
 teau. 
 
 The soldier shook his head doubtfully and then suddenly 
 leant forward, his hand stretched out toward the pass 
 before them. " Look yonder ! " 
 
 The light was growing stronger every moment, and the 
 moving figures in the valley could be seen distinctly. There 
 was more going f orward there than the awakening of a camp 
 to a new day. The men were moving in orderly groups, 
 and there was no curling smoke from newly-lighted fires.
 
 TREACHERY OR SACRIFICE 253 
 
 "They are on the march, Captain: and look, is not 
 the lad in the midst of them ? " 
 
 Ellerey's eyes might not have served him to pick out the 
 slim figure, but thus directed he had no doubt it was the 
 Princess in the midst of the men who marched quickly 
 along the pass for a little way and then turned aside and 
 seemed to be swallowed up in the foot of the mountain 
 opposite. 
 
 "She could not have gone of her own accord, Stefan. 
 They must have found means to capture her." 
 
 " Anton may have helped them, perhaps." 
 
 "No; he was faithful my life on that. Great heav- 
 ens! She is in their power, in Vasilici's power, and we 
 stand here doing nothing." 
 
 " She may have gone willingly," said Stefan, as Ellerey 
 rushed toward the steps ; " besides, what can we do ? " 
 
 " Come or stay as you will ! " Ellerey shouted as he dis- 
 appeared. 
 
 " She went willingly," Stefan murmured, lingering be- 
 hind for a moment to look at the rope. "At least, she 
 climbed down to them, not they up to her. I never trusted 
 Anton. If I hadn't taken a liking to Grigosie I shouldn't 
 trust the Princess. She's a woman." 
 
 Although only a few moments had elapsed, Ellerey was 
 already throwing down the barricade at the door in the 
 ower chamber of the tower. Stefan first looked at his weap- 
 ons and then went across to the corner which the Princess 
 had occupied. Ellerey did not notice him, and he rose 
 from his knees there only as Ellerey had sufficiently thrown 
 down the stones to draw back the bolt and open the door 
 wide enough to get out. 
 
 "One moment, Captain. I am with you, but be pre- 
 pared for attack." Ellerey, sword in one hand, revolver 
 in the ether, rushed out on to the plateau, Stefan at his
 
 254 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 heels. No shout rang out, no man sprang from his hiding- 
 place among the ruins to bar their way. Even the valley 
 was empty. The last of the men who had encamped there 
 had been swallowed up by the mountain opposite. 
 
 "Captain, the token which the Princess said was hid- 
 den under the loose brick yonder is gone." 
 
 The sword which Ellerey held ready to defend himself 
 fell suddenly, almost as it had done when he recognized 
 that he had raised it against a woman. Shame had sent 
 the color to his cheeks then, and the color came into his face 
 now, anger bringing it there. Had she deceived from first to 
 last, played carelessly with all the finer feelings that were in 
 him, using them boldly and deliberately for her own end ? 
 These were the thoughts which ran swiftly through his 
 mind, and well might they stir him to anger. Then came 
 the reaction, suddenly, swiftly. No, she could not have 
 deceived him in this manner. There was some reason for 
 her going, something unforeseen had happened. After all 
 they had come through together, she could not be guilty of 
 treachery. 
 
 " You found nothing else ? " he asked hoarsely. . 
 
 " Yes, this. A piece of stone lay upon it to keep it in its 
 plae close to where she slept last night." 
 
 Ellerey seized the scrap of paper Stefan held out to him. 
 
 " I have brought you to this," .he read, written faintly in 
 pencil; " I have thought of a plan to save you. At dawn 
 I shall have gone, but so will the brigands. You will be 
 free to go to Sturatzberg, if you will, or across the moun- 
 tains northward to safety. I wonder which way you will 
 take ? Mine is a desperate venture. If I fail, think of me 
 sometimes, for to me also there has often come the mem- 
 ory of that breezy morning in England. Maritza." 
 
 " Look, Captain ! " Stefan cried. 
 
 On the slope of the opposite hills, where the path
 
 TREACHERY OR SACRIFICE 255 
 
 over a spur, a party of the marching brigands had come into 
 view. The sunlight had come, and it touched the men as 
 they went. The distance was too great to distinguish the 
 slim figure in the midst, but one spot of white showed clearly, 
 quivering as the sunlight touched it. For a moment it dis- 
 appeared, then it fluttered again, and, as Ellerey looked, a 
 crowd of conflicting thoughts and emotions were in his 
 brain. This was not treachery, but sacrifice. 
 
 " A waving handkerchief, Captain ; a signal of farewell," 
 Stefan murmured in a low. gruff voice.
 
 CHAPTER XXI 
 
 i 
 
 THE RESCUE 
 
 THE white signal had gone, but Ellerey's eyes remained 
 fixed upon the moving black line until a fold in the hills hid 
 it from sight. Something seemed to have gone out of his 
 life, suddenly as a candle is blown out in a room. Then he 
 turned and held out the paper to the soldier. 
 
 Stefan read the pencilled lines, turned the paper over 
 meditatively, and then read them again. The words 
 seemed to burn their way into his brain as they had burnt 
 into Ellerey's, but the effect was somewhat different. 
 
 " It is not like a woman, is it ? " said Stefan. 
 
 "Very like, I think." 
 
 Stefan shook his head, as though he regretted his com- 
 panion's ignorance. 
 
 "I took a liking to Grigosie," he said. "I saw the 
 making of a grand comrade in Grigosie. I can understand 
 his doing this kind of thing, but not a woman." 
 
 " The fact remains that she is a woman," said Ellerey. 
 
 " Wonderful," answered the soldier, as he handed back 
 the paper. " It would appear that the making of a man 
 rests much in his clothes. I've never known good come 
 from a petticoat. Grigosie didn't wear one. Maybe he 
 recognized that he was a man, hidden by a cruel mistake 
 in the shape of a woman. Ah, Captain, women have had 
 the spoiling of many a good man I've drunk with and 
 fought beside. I wish you a better fate than theirs."
 
 THE RESCUE 257 
 
 
 
 " This does not look like treachery," said Elierey. It 
 was evident that he had not been attending to his compan- 
 ion, but had been following out a train of thought of his 
 own, and now put his decision into words. 
 
 "We're standing here like two fools, at any rate," 
 Stefan said. " We ought to know the value of precaution 
 by this time. WTiat is to be done, Captain? Are you 
 for Sturatzberg, or for crossing the mountains northward ? 
 It's a speedy making up our minds that is needed if we 
 are not to starve." 
 
 Elierey was still following his own thoughts. 
 
 " W T hat can her plan be ? " he said. " What hope for 
 her cause is there in these hills ? What mercy can she 
 expect from Vasilici ? " 
 
 "As Grigosie, none; as a woman, she may persuade 
 these men to anything," Stefan answered. " Some power 
 she has, or why did they not kill Grigosie at once ? " 
 
 "It is a terrible thought, Stefan, but may they not 
 have reserved her for Vasilici's vengeance? Did they 
 not cry to us that we might go free if the lad were given 
 up ? She heard that ; she argued with us, you remember. 
 She has sacrificed herself for us." 
 
 "Well, Captain, shall we follow? Give me but leave 
 to kill something on the way and get on friendly terms 
 with my stomach. I care not which road we take, nor to 
 what it leads us." 
 
 " We will follow her," said Elierey. 
 
 " I'd never leave so good a comrade as Grigosie in a 
 tight place," murmured Stefan. "Keep watch, Captain, 
 while I gather up what we take with us, and fill our flasks 
 at Grigosie's fairy fountain yonder." 
 
 When Stefan returned, he found Elierey standing on 
 the edge of the plateau looking down into the pass. 
 
 " What is it, Captain ? " he called out as he came. 
 17
 
 58 ^PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "They have not kept their promise, Stefan, that is 
 all," Ellerey answered, pointing down into the valley. 
 
 A savage oath burst from Stefan's lips. "They've 
 played the lad false in this, they'll play him false in all," 
 and the tone in which he said it revealed for a moment 
 the real heart of the man hidden deep down under this 
 rough exterior. 
 
 From a hidden pathway at the foot of the hills the 
 brigands came out singly, fourscore of them at least. 
 Each man looked up at the plateau as he issued from the 
 path, and the manner in which his eager steps gave way 
 at once to an easier and more slouching gait showed plainly 
 enough that the object of their coming had been attained, 
 that no further hurry was necessary. Some went to the 
 places where the fires had been, and kicked the ashes 
 together; while others stacked their arms, and sat down 
 in twos and threes along the pass. 
 
 "Those were revolver shots that woke us, Captain," 
 said Stefan thoughtfully. "I expect Grigosie meant to 
 rouse us as soon as we could no longer prevent his going, 
 and intended us to make the best of our chances." 
 
 "And we've missed them," said Ellerey. "I fancy 
 this is meant to be our last adventure, Stefan." 
 
 "They'll come up the path presently, and the sooner 
 the better," was the answer. "A few of them shall finish 
 their adventures along with us; but we'll fight our last 
 fight here, Captain, not in the tower yonder." 
 
 "I have a sudden lust for life, Stefan, a longing to 
 be face to face with Vasilici once more," whispered Ellerey, 
 as though he imagined the men in the valley below might 
 hear his secret. " If we wait until sundown we might get 
 through them in the darkness." 
 
 "Our original plan," Stefan answered. "I am with 
 you, Captain, and if you will watch those blackguards
 
 THE RESCUE 259 
 
 yonder, I'll turn my attention to a bird that's hovering on 
 the mountain above. Heaven grant he comes within 
 range, and an empty stomach does not put my eye out." 
 
 But the bird seemed to have no more intention of 
 serving two hungry men for food than the brigands meant 
 to throw away their lives by an attempt to win the plateau. 
 They posted sentinels, one near the foot of the zig-zag 
 path, and one beyond the camp-fire toward the head of 
 the pass ; the rest sat or stood at their ease between these 
 two points, and, unless they changed their plan at night, 
 Ellerey perceived that, if the sentry at the foot of the path 
 were once silenced without being able to give warning, 
 the road to the way taken by the Princess and her captors 
 would be clear. He studied the shape of the hills and the 
 distance carefully, so that he might the more easily find 
 that road, and he noticed how long a time elapsed between 
 the relief of the sentries. If they attacked the man soon 
 after his coming on duty, so much the longer start would 
 they obtain. 
 
 The day wore on, and he and Stefan finished the 
 scraps of food which were left, and thanked their good 
 fortune that they had not the terrors of thirst to face. 
 Stefan still watched the mountains above for a bird, and 
 Ellerey planned the work of the night in every detail, 
 explaining some new point to the soldier every time he 
 approached him. He had paid little attention to the men 
 in the valley below for some time, when he was startled 
 by a single shot, which rang out clearly in the still air. 
 For a moment he thought that Stefan had got his bird at 
 last, but the next instant the soldier was beside him, as 
 startled as he was. It was the sentry toward the head of 
 the pass who had fired, and he now came rushing toward 
 his companions, who quickly seized their weapons. 
 
 " Do I hear horses ? " exclaimed Stefan excitedly. " By
 
 260 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 the father and mother I never knew, there are horses gal- 
 loping up the pass. There are several of them, and they 
 come quickly." 
 
 The brigands were evidently unprepared for such an 
 attack, and did not appear to have a capable leader 
 among them. They had not come there to fight, only 
 to starve two men into surrender, and as they ran together 
 there was a general movement toward the path they had 
 come. 
 
 Into the pass galloped some two dozen horsemen, 
 who, at a sign from their leader, drew rein upon seeing 
 the brigands, and turned to shout to others who had not 
 yet come into view. 
 
 "An advance guard only," muttered Stefan. 
 
 The brigands evidently thought the same, and those 
 who could not reach the mountain path in time began a 
 hasty retreat up the pass, firing in a desultory manner as 
 they went. They had no intention of attempting to hold 
 their position; safety was all they cared about. The 
 horsemen paused a moment to fire a volley, and then 
 charged, but there was little fighting. Two or three of 
 the brigands were cut down, and one horseman pitched 
 forward suddenly as a bullet brought his horse to the 
 ground, but that was all. The brigands scrambled into 
 the mountain paths or up the mountain slope out of reach, 
 and the leader of the troop checked any pursuit of those 
 who were fleeing rapidly up the pass. 
 
 " Is this a rescue, or have we only changed our enemy ? " 
 said Ellerey. 
 
 " They are dismounting, and will come up the zig-zag 
 way; we had better meet them at the top of it," said Stefan. 
 
 Only one man came up to them. 
 
 " There is not much distinction to be had from routing 
 such an enemy, Captain Ellerey," he said.
 
 THE RESCUE 261 
 
 "Baron Petrescu!" 
 
 "At your service, although barely recovered from the 
 effects of our last meeting. Time pressed, so I did not 
 wait for a doctor's certificate of fitness." 
 
 "I thank you, but I hardly understand the situation, 
 Baron," said Ellerey. 
 
 "And that is not to be wondered at," was the answer; 
 "but there will be time to explain presently. Enough 
 that we can shake hands over a past quarrel for which I 
 have paid the penalty, and know that we stand together 
 now." 
 
 Ellerey took his outstretched hand without a word. 
 
 "The Princess is with you? " Petrescu asked. 
 
 " She was until this morning." 
 
 "Killed!" cried the Baron. 
 
 " No ; and yet I do not know that worse has not hap- 
 pened to her." 
 
 "While you explain, Captain, have I your leave to 
 go down and make the acquaintance of our new comrades ? " 
 said Stefan. "My stomach yearns toward them, and 
 their victuals and drink." 
 
 "I had forgotten," said the Baron hastily. "You 
 can explain while we eat and drink, Captain." 
 
 "A few moments will make no difference, Baron," 
 said Ellerey, nodding a consent to Stefan, who went down 
 into the pass quickly. Then he went on : " Do you know 
 the Princess's plans, Baron ? " 
 
 " I thought I did, but her sudden disappearance from 
 Sturatzberg was unexpected by me; still, I know enough 
 of your mission to guess her reason for joining you." 
 
 "Then, Baron, you know my position. It was not 
 Princess Maritza's cause which brought me to these hills. 
 I am the victim of a conspiracy; but at the same time, 
 my only thought now is for the safety of the Princess."
 
 262 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 The Baron nodded, and glanced swiftly at his com- 
 panion. 
 
 "I understand, Captain." 
 
 Shortly Ellerey told him what had occurred since 
 Princess Maritza had joined him at the Toison d'Or, 
 reserving nothing, not even his own anger at the deceit 
 which had been practised upon him. 
 
 " It was a desperate enterprise, doomed to failure from 
 the beginning," he went on; "but as it was, only one 
 course was open to me, to protect the Princess to the best 
 of my ability. Our food was gone, and we had determined 
 to make a dash for safety after dark to-night. That we 
 did not do so last night was by the Princess's desire. Her 
 going must have been in her mind then." 
 
 "She took the bracelet of medallions with her? " said 
 Petrescu thoughtfully. 
 
 " She told me it was in the tower yonder; it is not there 
 now, so I presume she took it." 
 
 " It may possibly secure her safety." 
 
 "Vasilici is a truculent villain," Ellerey answered. 
 " He is not likely to forget, or forgive, that shot which saved 
 my life." 
 
 " Then you would follow her r" 
 
 " Stefan and I had decided to do so when those fellows 
 stole back to prevent us. We should have taken our 
 chance after dark to-night." 
 
 Petrescu was thoughtful for a time. 
 
 " I hardly know what course to advise," he said presently. 
 " We may not be able to help her much in these hills, while 
 in Sturatzberg we might stir up the people in her cause." 
 
 "At least I have small power in the city," said Ellerey, 
 with a smile. "Those who trusted me very naturally 
 think me a traitor, and I should quickly be delivered over 
 to enemies who would make short work of me."
 
 THE RESCUE 863 
 
 "Yet you have powerful friends there." 
 
 "Indeed?" 
 
 "When the men who deserted you rode into the city 
 with stories of your treachery, Captain Ellerey's name 
 suddenly became known to hundreds who had never 
 heard it before, and to each one of them he became a friend, 
 since his fate was linked with Princess Maritza's." 
 
 "Would such friendship protect me from my ene- 
 mies ? " 
 
 "At least many a hiding-place in the city would be 
 open to you, and some men might sooner give up their 
 lives than betray you. There is one proof of the truth 
 of what I say. The men who deserted you all died a 
 violent death that night. They were found lying side 
 by side in the Bergenstrasse, in spite of the fact that the 
 city was patrolled by troops." 
 
 Ellerey looked at him inquiringly. 
 
 " No, Captain, I was not privy to their assassination, 
 although I might make a shrewd guess in what quarter 
 the plot originated." 
 
 " Then Sturatzberg is in uproar ? " 
 
 "No; it is strangely quiet, all things considered that 
 quiet which presages a storm. The King would strike 
 if he knew where to strike, but he hardly knows who are 
 his enemies." 
 
 " The sight of me would give him some idea where to 
 aim a blow," said Ellerey. 
 
 "Yes; and yet he might think twice before striking 
 it. You have powerful friends, one very powerful friend 
 one very powerful friend." 
 
 " You do not mean her Majesty ? " 
 
 "I think you know I do not, Captain Ellerey," the 
 Baron answered. "It was the Countess Mavrodin who 
 bid me come."
 
 264 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " I know that the cause of Princess Maritza is dear to 
 her," said Ellerey quietly. 
 
 "It is, and to me," said the Baron; "and yet we are 
 probably not doing the best for it by bringing two dozen 
 horsemen into the hills. There are no more behind. Our 
 calling back as though there were was a strategem to strike 
 greater terror into the brigands. No, Captain, the Coun- 
 tess bid me come to rescue the Princess, and you, to aid 
 your escape out of Wallaria if need be, and her command 
 is my law. Do we understand each other, Captain El- 
 lerey?" 
 
 They looked into each other's eyes for a moment. 
 
 " Do you understand why I forced a duel upon you ? " 
 Petrescu went on. "I might tell you that I believed the 
 Queen's token was in your possession; it would be true; 
 but that was not uppermost in my thoughts when we 
 stood face to face. Therefore, when I come to you 
 at her bidding, you may well trust me, since I have little 
 to win by it." 
 
 " Only partly do I understand you, Baron." 
 
 "You Northmen, in spite of your many virtues, are 
 slower to understand than we Southerners are. Would 
 you have me pluck the fruit for you as well as show you 
 the tree ? Sturatzberg may be in open rebellion before 
 a week is out, and Frina Mavrodin may have to leave it. 
 I will say no more. Even my generosity has a limit." 
 
 Ellerey could not fail to understand his meaning. 
 
 "You had better read that, Baron," he said, handing 
 him Maritza's letter. 
 
 Petrescu took the scrap of paper and read it carefully. 
 
 "I met Maritza long ago in England," he said as 
 Petrescu looked at him. "She has remembered it, you 
 see, and I I came to Sturatzberg." 
 
 " Then the Countess is "
 
 THE RESCUE 265 
 
 "My friend, but Maritza We waste precious 
 
 time, Baron; I must follow Maritza." 
 
 "I understand. Come and eat. We must lose ne 
 time," 
 
 It was arranged to leave some of the men in charge 
 of the tower and of the horses. They were to wait there 
 six days, and if by that time Baron Petrescu and his party 
 had not returned, they were to go back to Sturatzberg, 
 taking a circuitous road to avoid the soldiers encamped in 
 the plain. Stefan was left in command of these men, 
 since he had had experience how the plateau could best 
 be defended in case of need. That the brigands would 
 attack them, however, seemed unlikely, for they had evi- 
 dently fled in the belief that the men they had seen were 
 only an advance guard. 
 
 Night was falling when the party, well armed and full 
 of excitement, set out. There was a silver light behind 
 the distant heights, herald of the moon, so there was little 
 need to wait for the dawn; besides, one of the brigands 
 had only been slightly wounded, and was pressed into 
 their service as guide. He loudly declared that he had 
 no idea where his chief was hiding, until the Baron held 
 a revolver to his head, and gave him half a minute to find 
 whether his memory could not be jogged sufficiently to 
 serve him better. Before the thirty seconds had passed, 
 it had worked to good effect, and he set out with a man on 
 either side of him who had strict injunctions to see that 
 he should be the first to pay for any treachery which might 
 happen. 
 
 "Some of the brigands cannot be far in front of us," 
 said the Baron; "and this fellow will know their likely 
 haunt and give us warning in time. If he forgets to do 
 so, the sun will rise in vain to-morrow for him." 
 
 They tramped silently through the night, often in sin-
 
 266 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 gle file, for the way contracted often to the narrowest of 
 defiles. That they had started right Ellerey knew, and 
 he was inclined to think that so far their guide had not 
 misled them. There seemed to be no other way by which 
 they could have come. 
 
 Just before dawn the brigand stopped; his memory 
 had been excellently aroused. 
 
 " We approach an open space where my people some- 
 times halt," he said. 
 
 Two men were sent forward to reconnoitre, but found 
 the place empty, and here they halted. 
 
 "How much farther to where Vasilici is?" asked 
 Petrescu. 
 
 "We should reach the place by noon," the brigand 
 answered; "but he may have moved. My comrades 
 will have told him of your coming to the pass." 
 
 "I dare say you will remember where he is likely to 
 have removed to," the Baron returned, " since your misera- 
 ble life depends upon it." 
 
 They were just preparing to continue their journey 
 after a short rest and hasty meal, when they heard the 
 sound of falling footsteps coming rapidly toward them. 
 Only one man, and he was running with that easy, meas- 
 ured stride which a runner falls into when his journey is 
 likely to be a long one. A moment later he ran into the 
 midst of them. 
 
 "Stop!" cried several voices. 
 
 The man, with a glance to right and left of him for a 
 way of escape, stood still; but in an instant a knife 
 gleamed in his hand, and in that moment Ellerey recog- 
 nized him. 
 
 "Anton!" 
 
 The man turned toward him and lowered the knife 
 at once.
 
 THE RESCUE 267 
 
 '* The Princess, Anton, where is she ? " 
 "Yonder; alive," Anton answered. "Give me a 
 moment and some drink. I have a message." 
 "Forme?" 
 ** For all, Captain, who love her.'*
 
 CHAPTER XXII 
 
 ALTHOUGH Anton had declared to Ellerey that there was 
 no certainty that the Princess had failed, he did not believe 
 in his own optimism. True, death seemed certain in the 
 tower, but it had been kept at bay until now almost mirac- 
 ulously, it seemed to him, and a faith in Captain Ellerey 
 had grown up in him. The Princess's resolution to deliver 
 herself to the brigands appeared little short of madness to 
 Anton ; he even considered whether he would not be acting 
 in her best interests by disclosing the plan to Ellerey; 
 and he felt a traitor even when he carried out her commands. 
 During his long hours of watching on the roof, it had 
 been comparatively easy to communicate with the brig- 
 ands on the plateau. Having attracted their attention, 
 he dropped a paper, wrapped round a piece of stone, 
 telling them who the youth really was, that she was ready 
 to go with them to Vasilici, on condition that her com- 
 panions were allowed to leave the hills unmolested; that 
 she had in her possession the token which Vasilici expected 
 and was, moreover, the bearer of a message which those 
 who were with her would not allow her to deliver. The 
 brigands accepted the terms, and although they broke 
 faith and came back to secure the two men in the tower 
 if possible, they made no attempt to injure the Princess 
 when she climbed down the rope after Anton and stood 
 in the midst of them. She was not wrong in thinking
 
 IN VASILICI'S STRONGHOLD 269 
 
 that she was far too valuable a prisoner not to be taken 
 with all speed to Vasilici. As the brigands surrounded 
 her, Anton caught the rope, and, with a quick, dexterous 
 turn of his arm, sent the end of it flying upward to the roof. 
 
 " You may trust us/' said one man, trying to keep the 
 anger out of his voice. 
 
 "I do," Maritza answered; "but nothing was said 
 about the rope, and a small matter may make a difference 
 in such a treaty as ours." 
 
 As they descended the zig-zag path, Maritza fired 
 three times into the air, causing the men near her to start 
 back. 
 
 "They are sleeping," she said, nodding toward the 
 tower. "That is to w r ake them, and let them know of 
 the treaty." 
 
 "I must ask you for that weapon," said the leader, 
 but in spite of himself he spoke with a certain deference. 
 " It is a dangerous plaything in your hands." 
 
 " It is empty and of no further use to me," she answered, 
 with a smile, handing him the revolver. "Keep it, my 
 friend. It has my initials engraved on it, and may serve 
 you as a boast some day when you entertain your fellows 
 with tales of your adventures." 
 
 Having arranged which men should gradually fall 
 out in twos and threes and presently return to the pass, 
 the brigands made haste to march, and they did not inter- 
 fere when Maritza waved her handkerchief to the two 
 solitary figures standing on the plateau. It would show 
 that the Princess was safe and allay any suspicions they 
 might have ; they would probably not hurry their depart- 
 ure, and were likely to fall into the hands of the men 
 returning to the pass. Nor did they make any objection 
 to Anton walking beside the Princess; there was so evi- 
 dently no idea of attempting to escape.
 
 270 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " How long a march have we before reaching Vasilici ? " 
 Maritza asked, turning to a man who walked near her. 
 
 " We shall reach him to-night," was the answer, " unless 
 \re make a long halt on the way." 
 
 The man did not look at her as he spoke. He had 
 been specially told off to keep near her and to listen should 
 she talk secretly with her fellow-prisoner. His compan- 
 ions immediately near straggled a little as they marched, 
 and presently he drew nearer to Maritza, and she no- 
 ticed it. 
 
 "Take no heed of me and do not look at me," he 
 said. " Have you a hope of winning over Vasilici ? " 
 
 " I have a message for him." 
 
 " A doubtful protection," was the answer. 
 
 "Perhaps so, but I have friends in his company." 
 
 "You were ill-advised to make this journey; I have 
 warned you." And still keeping his even pace, the man 
 moved farther from her side. 
 
 This whispered conversation set many thoughts 
 surging through Maritza's brain not new thoughts 
 exactly, for there were few contingencies she had not 
 provided for when she determined to place herself in 
 the hands of the brigands, but thoughts which began to 
 cut deeper, as it were, into a channel already made. 
 This man's action proved that he was not altogether 
 indifferent to her, and it was hardly likely that he was 
 the only one among Vasilici's followers who might be 
 ready to speak a word for her, perhaps even strike a 
 blow for her, could she stir them sufficiently. Brigand- 
 age was not the natural calling of many who had flocked 
 to Vasilici's standard, nor were they likely to rest con- 
 tented with Vasilici's leadership for long. Were they 
 not even now waiting for a message from the Queen, to 
 whom in the future they would look for favor ?
 
 IN VASILICI'S STRONGHOLD 271 
 
 At noon, when a halt was called, this same man saw 
 that Maritza had sufficient to eat, and replaced the flask 
 of wine given her by another, saying that it was better 
 and that she would want all her strength. He took no 
 notice of Anton, who, by the Princess's instructions, 
 spoke to no one unless he were spoken to. She wanted 
 to draw as little attention to him as possible, and sought 
 by various means to show that he was a servant only, 
 and not a very highly valued one. She felt that his 
 insignificance might render him trebly valuable under 
 certain conditions. So utterly absorbed was she by her 
 thoughts that the length of the march did not greatly 
 fatigue her. She failed to recognize that the way was 
 often rough and difficult, and that the pace of the whole 
 band had slackened somewhat as the day advanced. 
 
 It was late in the afternoon when they entered a 
 narrow defile between two precipitous mountain walls, 
 which looked as though some huge giant had cut out 
 one slice from the top to the bottom of the mountain. 
 Perhaps through many ages a rapid narrow torrent had 
 rushed here cutting slowly but surely deeper. There 
 was no water now, but the way was paved with loose 
 pebbles, which made progress slow and tiring. It was 
 not a way one would choose, and since near the entrance 
 there were other paths more inviting, Maritza concluded 
 that they were nearing the end of the journey. For a 
 moment on entering the defile her heart sank within her. 
 It was like leaving the open world and the sunlight to 
 creep into the dark unknowable, where some horrible 
 fate might await her. Would she ever step freely into 
 the open light of day again? Her thoughts sped back- 
 ward to the tower standing above the pass and to the man 
 she had left there. Which road had he taken the way 
 to Sturatzberg, or the path across the mountains north-
 
 272 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 ward which led to safety? If to Sturatzberg, why had 
 he gone there ? Her hands clenched a little as an answer 
 came quickly to her question, but she murmured to her- 
 self : " What is it to me ? I am Maritza, the lawful ruler 
 of this land. What is anything to me but the memory 
 of my fathers and the battle for my rights ? " The thought 
 brought back her courage, and made her calm. 
 
 They had not proceeded far along the narrow defile 
 before they were challenged by a sentry posted upon a 
 narrow pathway which seemed to have been scooped 
 out of the solid rock above the rough road they were 
 traversing. The challenge was a mere form, for he 
 could not fail to recognize many of his companions, but 
 his gun was not lowered until the pass-word had been 
 shouted back. This was evidently the brigand's strong- 
 hold, and it was well guarded. In a retreat so defended 
 by nature, the brigands could defy any army sent against 
 them, and for the first time Maritza understood why no 
 effort had been successful in dislodging them. 
 
 At the end of the defile they were challenged again, 
 this time by a small body of men on guard there, and 
 having answered and been allowed to pass, they emerged 
 into a large circular hollow in the hills. On every side 
 it was enclosed by precipitous walls in which, here and 
 there, were narrow openings, evidently paths similar to 
 the one they had travelled. The hollow was covered 
 with tents and wooden huts, the latter put together with 
 a solidity which showed that they were permanent struct- 
 ures, and suggested that whatever enterprise the brigands 
 entered upon, this stronghold was never left undefended. 
 
 The party was evidently expected. The news that 
 Princess Maritza had determined to place herself in his 
 hands had been quickly carried to Vasilici, and with a 
 few of his leading men he was seated in front of a long
 
 IN VASILICI'S STRONGHOLD 273 
 
 wooden shed when his captive was brought into the 
 hollow. His arm was still in a sling, and his expression 
 was morose and fierce, although a grin of satisfaction 
 lightened his face for a moment when he saw the trim, 
 youthful figure and knew that the cause of his bandaged 
 arm was now in his power. Perhaps in the back of his 
 mind he had already begun to devise fitting tortures for 
 his enemy. During the long march Maritza had pictured 
 this moment, and had determined how to act; but the 
 real scene was rather different from the picture she had 
 imagined. As the men who had brought her fell back, 
 leaving her alone, with Anton a few paces behind her, 
 she glanced round at the crowd and said: 
 
 " Which among you is Vasilici ? " 
 
 His appearance sufficiently marked him out from his 
 companions, but Maritza was quick to perceive that 
 there was a half-concealed smile on the faces of some of 
 the men near him when she pretended not to recognize 
 him. Perhap Vasilici saw the smile, too, for, although 
 his face darkened, he answered the question without 
 any sudden outburst of anger. 
 
 "Greeting," said Maritza. "I would be seated while 
 I talk. The journey which I have undertaken into these 
 hills has been a hurried one over a rough road; and, 
 besides, it is not usual for a sovereign to stand in the 
 presence of her subjects." 
 
 Vasilici burst into a loud laugh, which found an echo 
 among many of his followers, but not all. Even while 
 he laughed, and before he could say a word to prevent 
 it, one man had stepped forward and placed a rough 
 stool beside Maritza. 
 
 "Carry it nearer, Anton; that will do." And then 
 she seated herself, Anton standing behind her. 
 
 "Thus we can talk more easily," she said after a 
 18
 
 274 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 pause. "Are all your leading men here, Vasilici all 
 those who form your council? for what I have to say 
 concerns all. " 
 
 " In these hills my will is law," was the answer. 
 
 "So long as you please your followers, or the majority 
 of them; I understand," Maritza said quickly. "Abso- 
 lute power lies in the pleasure, or the fear, of the majority." 
 
 "Not here," said the chief, raising his voice angrily. 
 " I alone am the law." 
 
 "Then indeed are you great among the kings of 
 the" earth." 
 
 Her question had forced him to exalt himself, and 
 this was not pleasing to all those who stood about him. 
 
 "What you have to say, say quickly," Vasilici went 
 on. "The death of good comrades lies at your door, 
 and punishment is swift here. We move too rapidly to 
 burden ourselves with prisoners.* 
 
 " I will be brief," said Maritza. " For a long time you 
 have been intriguing with Queen Elena, through a servant 
 of hers, one Jules de Froilette. By him you have been 
 told to expect a certain token from her Majesty, upon the 
 receipt of which you were to sweep down upon Sturatz- 
 berg, join yourselves with those who espoused her cause 
 in the city, and set her alone upon the throne of Wallaria. 
 That token was brought to you by Captain Ellerey." 
 
 "It is a lie," Vasilici burst out, "and you know it. 
 He delivered the golden cross, the sign of your house, 
 if indeed you be the Princess Maritza as you say." 
 
 "Captain Ellerey brought the Queen's token," Ma- 
 ritza went on quietly, as though there had been no inter- 
 ruption, "and delivered it as he supposed. He was as 
 astonished to see the golden cross as you were." 
 
 "Then you 
 
 "Yes, I changed them. There is the proof." And
 
 IN VASILICI'S STRONGHOLD 275 
 
 she tossed the sealed box carelessly into Vasilici's hands. 
 He cut it open quickly, while dead silence reigned around 
 him, and then held up the bracelet of medallions that 
 everyone might see. 
 
 "By this message you accuse yourself," cried the 
 brigand, standing at his full height. "Now, hear your 
 punishment." 
 
 "Wait!" said Maritza; "there is more to tell." 
 
 Absolute as he had proclaimed himself to be, Vasilici 
 nevertheless glanced at those about him and, seeing that 
 they were inclined to hear all the Princess had to say, 
 waved his hand for her to continue. The fact that the 
 chief was not quite so strong as he said was not lost on 
 Maritza. 
 
 "It is true that I changed the token," she went on, 
 not addressing herself especially to Vasilici, "and if I 
 had a hope that there might be men loyal to me in these 
 hills, for so this miserable scoundrel De Froilette has 
 told me, that was not my only reason for changing it. 
 De Froilette never told you that there was a time when 
 he espoused my cause ; he has never said how he would 
 come fawning to me to-morrow were it in his own interests 
 to do so; he has never explained what is to follow your 
 devotion to the Queen. Rewards, place, honor, he has 
 promised them all; yet on the frontier at this moment 
 lies a Russian army only waiting this De Froilette 's word 
 to enter Wallaria and secure every benefit which you have 
 pledged yourselves to fight for." 
 
 " The proof ! The proof ! " shouted many voices. 
 
 "What proof can I carry of such a scheme? Send 
 for De Froilette on some pretext or other and question 
 him, or send to the frontier and spy upon the army that 
 waits there. You have the Queen's token; I have 
 delivered it. Go out and meet the King's army, which
 
 276 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 lies ready to contest your way to Sturatzberg, if you 
 will, but remember this : if you win your way to the city, 
 if you succeed in overthrowing the present Government 
 and setting Queen Elena alone upon the throne, you will 
 not have advanced the cause of your country one step. 
 You will be forgotten as soon as your work is done, and 
 be under the firm hand of the Muscovite. You will have 
 fought your enemies' battle for them and sold yourselves 
 into slavery. You will have played into the hands of 
 this Frenchman, De Froilette, who is serving his own 
 ends only, who cares nothing for Wallaria, whose reward 
 lies ready for payment in Russian coffers, who is as 
 false to Queen Elena and to you as he has been to me." 
 
 There was a low murmur among the eager crowd 
 as Maritza stopped abruptly, and those sitting and 
 standing near Vasilici turned to one another and whis- 
 pered together. Whatever hopes lay in the hearts of 
 these men, selfish hopes for the most part, perhaps, yet 
 with some patriotism in them, too, it was evident that 
 the accusation against De Froilette was not entirely a 
 surprise. There were men there who had never trusted 
 him, and Maritza recognized that her words were not 
 without weight. While they still whispered, and even 
 grew quarrelsome over their opinions, she rose from her 
 seat. 
 
 "For a long time I have been in Sturatzberg watch- 
 ing events," she said, raising her voice a little and obtain- 
 ing instant attention. "There are many there who love 
 my cause, some because of my right, some because they 
 have learnt that Wallaria is merely the plaything of the 
 nations. Are there not here about me many who love 
 their country, who have fled from tyranny to the freedom 
 of these hills, not to defy just laws, but to withstand 
 oppression ? I tell them that Queen Elena's promises
 
 IN VASILICFS STRONGHOLD 277 
 
 are valueless. I tell them that every move the Queen 
 has made is known in Sturatzberg, discounted and 
 guarded against by the Ministers of foreign powers who 
 rule the King. I tell them that the token of the bracelet 
 of medallions has no power to help them to freedom, 
 that from first to last they have been deceived. I might 
 point to the golden cross and tell them that it is the sign 
 of this country's salvation; but Vasilici, who stands for 
 chief among you, has spurned it. I might stand here and 
 cry to you that he is no chief worthy to lead an army of 
 patriots, that there is another now among you whose 
 right it is to lead, who has the power to win success; 
 but men who bow to windy words are no countrymen of 
 mine, and I scorn to tempt them to such false loyalty. 
 Judge for yourselves and choose. There stands Vasilici, 
 a brigand, King of these hills ; and here stand I, Maritza, 
 Princess, daughter of Wallarian kings, come among you 
 of her own free will. I promise you not success, that 
 knowledge is in the mind of God only; but this I do 
 promise: I will lead you toward success, and, if we fail, 
 die fighting in the midst of you. Choose, therefore, 
 Maritza or Vasilici." 
 
 The stroke was a bold one. Brave men could under- 
 stand the daring of flinging down such a challenge to a 
 man like Vasilici, here in his own stronghold. It appealed 
 in a manner that nothing else she could have done would 
 have appealed, and she enhanced the force of her words 
 by her apparent indifference as to what their decision 
 might be. She resumed her seat as abruptly as she had 
 risen from it, and beckoned Anton to approach her. 
 
 " Princess ! " There was reverence in his tone as he 
 bowed before her. 
 
 " Listen," she said quickly. " You marked well the 
 way we came ? "
 
 278 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "Yes, Princess." 
 
 " There is division among them, and for the present 
 we are safe, perhaps, but the issue is doubtful. If they 
 decide to hold me prisoner for a while, if their decision 
 be anything short of making me their leader, take the 
 first opportunity to escape back to Sturatzberg as swiftly 
 as you can, and tell them what has happened in the hills. 
 Wherever there is a man who loves me, tell him the story, 
 tell Cou-ntess Mavrodin, tell Captain Ellerey if he be in 
 the city. Give me but a score of men to shout my cause, 
 and there are many here who will gladly add their voices 
 to such an acclamation. Tell them that." 
 
 No shout, not a murmur, even, had followed Maritza's 
 challenge. Those who hated her most were astonished 
 into silence. Vasilici's face grew a shade more savage, 
 but he was quick to note that the Princess had not ap- 
 pealed altogether in vain. He did not turn to those 
 about him at once and mock her pretensions. It was not 
 the moment to assert an authority which he well knew 
 some of those with him in the hills resented. For a 
 time he made no effort to suppress the whisperings on 
 all sides; he had to determine on some counter-stroke. 
 Suddenly he turned toward Maritza 
 
 "Princess," he said, "I love a courageous foe. All 
 here shall be your judges, not I." 
 
 " I am content," she answered. 
 
 At a sign from the chief, food and wine were brought 
 to her, while the brigands gathered together and listened 
 eagerly to this counsel and to that. There were many 
 who, like Vasilici, had taken to the hills merely to swoop 
 down upon the defenceless for pillage and for ransom, 
 who cared nothing who might sit upon the throne in 
 Sturatzberg, and among these there was a certain re- 
 sentment that latterly there had come a change into the
 
 IN VASILICI'S STRONGHOLD 279 
 
 councils, that the organization was in danger of growing 
 into a political one. What rewards in the city could 
 compensate for the loss of their freedom in the hills ? 
 This faction was strong, but hardly strong enough to 
 make it possible for Vasilici to break with his other 
 followers. The chief knew it was the time for plausible 
 arguments rather than domineering demands, and these 
 he well knew how to use. He listened to the counsel of 
 others, and he advised, and gradually there arose a large 
 majority in the camp to whose decision the minority 
 bowed because their opinions were subtly provided for. 
 
 There was a smile upon Vasilici's face as he stood 
 forward to speak from which Maritza argued no good. 
 
 "Princess, I am but the mouthpiece, not the judge," 
 he said. "It is true that there are many political refu- 
 gees among us to whom you appeal personally, even 
 if your cause does not ; but chiefly we are not political. 
 We are against all kings and the laws which make men 
 either rich or poor, and we have set up in these hills a 
 kingdom of our own of which I am at present the head. 
 We take our living where we find it. Such a leader as 
 you would make should draw men to your cause; but 
 are they drawn ? Is there any real force in Sturatzberg 
 to rise and fight at your bidding ? We doubt it. We are 
 not patriotic enough to throw our lives away upon a 
 dream. Yet you may be right, and the time may come 
 when the golden cross will send us to fight your battles; 
 but that time is not yet. We want more certainty before 
 we espouse so desperate a venture. Those friends you 
 have in the city yonder should, however, be strong enough 
 to insure your safety if their loyalty is as you say, and 
 for them the time has come to prove that loyalty. For 
 us, we have to live. It has been decided, therefore, to 
 hold you to ransom. We shall despatch messengers to
 
 280 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 the troops which lie in the plain, and for a price we shall 
 deliver you to them. I doubt not you will receive as 
 great courtesy from them as from us." 
 
 Maritza did not answer. 
 
 " You are content, Princess ? " said Vasilici. 
 
 " I am disappointed," she returned. " I perceive that 
 they were only the cowards who fled from Sturatzberg 
 to these hills; the brave hearts remain in the city." 
 
 "We move to-night," said Vasilici, turning to those 
 about him. " Let the messengers start at once." 
 
 " Remember, Anton : to Sturatzberg with all the speed 
 you may. Now leave me alone," whispered Maritza. 
 
 To the good offices of the man who had shown kind- 
 ness to the Princess, Anton owed his ability to slip past 
 the guards as soon as night had fallen, and he had trav- 
 elled a long way when he fell in with Ellerey and Baron 
 Petrescu's party at dawn. He told his tale quickly. 
 
 "Only in Sturatzberg can we help her," Anton de- 
 clared. " It is useless going forward. She will certainly 
 be delivered to the soldiers." 
 
 His counsel prevailed, and they returned as quickly 
 as possible to the castle in the hills, taking the brigand 
 who had been their guide with them. They could not 
 let him go and divulge their plans. Before another dawn 
 came they were riding as swiftly as the rough way would 
 permit in the direction of Sturatzberg.
 
 CHAPTER XXIII 
 
 THE TEMPTATION OF FRINA MAVRODIN 
 
 LORD CLOVERTON pushed his chair back from the table, 
 and with his arms folded gazed abstractedly at the ceiling. 
 Captain Ward sat opposite to him, turning over a pile of 
 papers, noting their contents, and placing them in order. 
 
 "De Froilette was right after all, Ward. Princess 
 Maritza has been in Sturatzberg." 
 
 "And will be again almost immediately, now that 
 the brigands have delivered her up. She is likely to be 
 brought into the city to-morrow, I understand." 
 
 "Yes, and lodged in the palace under safe keeping, 
 and then then, Ward?" 
 
 " She must bear the consequences of her folly," Ward 
 answered. "Has England any part to play in whatever 
 treatment she may receive ? " 
 
 "No, I think not. One may pity the woman, but 
 even a woman must pay the penalty of her actions. Still 
 the death or banishment of the Princess may do little 
 to relieve the situation; indeed, may only intensify it. 
 There have been other influences at work, and we are 
 as ignorant of them as ever we were." 
 
 "I see you have some scheme maturing, my lord," 
 Ward said with a smile. 
 
 "It might mature at once did I know what had be- 
 come of Captain Ellerey. Would he seize the opportunity 
 and escape out of Wallaria, think you ? "
 
 282 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "Not if he thought anyone who had a right to his 
 help needed it. He is the kind of man who would 
 return, no matter what the danger might be," answered 
 Ward. 
 
 " I believe some friendship of the sort does bind him 
 to Sturatzberg," said Lord Cloverton, "and I should be 
 happier if he were in Princess Maritza's company. I 
 should know how to act then." 
 
 The door opened and a servant brought in a card. 
 
 "Ah, now we may hear news," said the Ambassador. 
 " De Froilette, the timber merchant. Show him in. You 
 need not go, Ward." 
 
 De Froilette came in quickly and was cordially greeted 
 by the Minister. 
 
 " My secretary, Captain Ward ; you may safely speak 
 before him, monsieur." 
 
 " It is no secret information I have to give," said De 
 Froilette. "I came rather impudently to give myself 
 the pleasure of laughing at your lordship." 
 
 "You have seen fit to praise me so often, monsieur, 
 that I can no doubt bear your ridicule with the same 
 equanimity as I accepted your praise." 
 
 "A witty retort to my pleasantry, my lord. You did 
 not believe me when I said Princess Maritza was in 
 Sturatzberg. You see I was right." 
 
 "Monsieur, I grant your information was valuable; 
 my policy might have suffered considerably by my dis- 
 belief. I have learnt a lesson and wish to profit by it. 
 Can you tell me where Captain Ellerey is ? " 
 
 " No, my lord ; but I can tell you where to watch for 
 him." 
 
 " You will help me by doing so," said Cloverton. 
 
 "In Sturatzberg, my lord," said De Froilette. 
 
 " Do you imagine he will return to the very centre of
 
 TEMPTATION OF FRINA MAVRODIN 283 
 
 his danger ? I am inclined to think he has crossed the 
 hills and taken the quickest way out of Wallaria." 
 
 "You do not know the man, and you forget he is 
 an Englishman," said De Froilette. "They are des- 
 perate fellows, these English adventurers. They have 
 no eyes for danger, and are lacking that diplomacy 
 which makes men feel that it is honorable to retreat 
 sometimes. He is one of those who love their sword 
 and would fain die with their boots on. Besides, he is in 
 love." 
 
 "Ah, now you interest me, monsieur," Cloverton ex- 
 claimed. "I have been wondering whether he had not 
 some weak spot." 
 
 "I heard him once speak of Princess Maritza," De 
 Froilette went on. "He had met her in England; and 
 I read the story behind his careless words. Here in 
 Sturatzberg the Princess must have seen him, and for 
 love of her he espoused her cause. She is being brought 
 to the city, and he will surely follow her. Seize him, my 
 lord, and you nip the rebellion in the bud." 
 
 "You think so," said Cloverton reflectively. 
 
 "I am certain of it," was the answer. "I am even 
 bold enough to give advice. The King can afford, to 
 treat the Princess leniently. She has no strong person- 
 ality to guide and counsel her; alone she is no danger, 
 or the brigands would not have given her up. But this 
 mad Englishman has the power to keep her cause alive. 
 The King cannot afford to pardon him. Kill him, my 
 lord, as quickly as you can. With her lover dead, the 
 Princess will have no heart to plot." 
 
 " I think you are right, monsieur. I shall advise the 
 King." 
 
 "And I will do my part in watching for Ellerey," said 
 De Frcilette.
 
 284 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "You will be serving the State, monsieur," said the 
 Ambassador ; " but are there no others who are dangerous ? " 
 
 The Frenchman was thoughtful for a moment. 
 
 "No, I think not," he answered. "There are some 
 who talk loudly in the back streets, but their talk serves 
 them instead of fighting, and does no harm." 
 
 "Quite so, monsieur; but I was not thinking of them," 
 Lord Cloverton returned. "There is one curious feature 
 in the situation. The brigands, it is true, have played into 
 the hands of the State, but there seems little doubt that 
 they were waiting for a message from Sturatzberg and 
 were prepared to act upon it. They did not receive the 
 message they expected, and so became revengeful. Now 
 what message did they expect, and from whom was it to 
 come ? " 
 
 De Froilette shrugged his shoulders. 
 
 " Perhaps Captain Ellerey betrayed his trust and deliv- 
 ered the wrong message," suggested the Ambassador. 
 
 De Froilette looked at him in astonishment. 
 
 "By doing so he may have unconsciously served the 
 State," Lord Cloverton continued, "and perhaps of 
 course, monsieur, one has to guess rather wildly some- 
 times perhaps balked the intentions of those Russian 
 troops which, for no apparent reason, have been gathering 
 on the frontier." 
 
 Then De Froilette laughed. 
 
 "You are prepared for all emergencies, my lord; it is 
 wonderful, your foresight ; but I conceive that you are mak- 
 ing something out of nothing. The diplomatic brain is so 
 fertile it surpasses me." 
 
 "It is a soil which so many persons throw seed into, 
 monsieur," was the answer. "Those who deal in timber 
 are not the only merchants who scent danger to their inter- 
 ests in the political ferment of the times. But your advice
 
 TEMPTATION OF FRINA MAVRODIN 285 
 
 is good; I shall advise the King. When Captain Ellerey 
 comes he may tell us more." And the Ambassador rose, 
 putting an end to the interview. 
 
 When the door had closed upon the Frenchman he re- 
 sumed his scat and smiled benignantly. The smile invited 
 comment from his companion. 
 
 " Personal enmity as regards Ellerey," said Ward, " and 
 astonishment at your accurate knowledge." 
 
 The Ambassador nodded. 
 
 " He should be watched," said Ward. 
 
 " That is no longer necessary," was the quick answer. 
 " Whatever power he may have had is gone. He is chiefly 
 concerned about his own skin nowadays, and it would not 
 surprise me to hear that business had suddenly called him 
 away from Sturatzberg. Still, I thank him for giving me 
 an idea. I shall see the King." 
 
 De Froilette went quickly back to the Altstrasse, and it 
 would appear that Captain Ward's estimate of his attitude 
 was near the truth. He sent for Fra^ois at once. 
 
 ' The net is being drawn in, Fra^ois," he said. 
 
 " Are we within it ? " 
 
 " We shall easily escape," was the answer. " Is every- 
 thing ready to depart at a moment's notice ? " 
 
 "Yes, monsieur." 
 
 " Good. You carry a revolver, Fra^ois ? " 
 
 The man showed it to him. 
 
 " Good again. Captain Ellerey will return to Sturatz- 
 berg may have done so already. That he has played 
 us false we know, that he can give evidence against us is 
 certain. Revenge and safety, therefore, lie in the same di- 
 rection. Watch for him, Fra^ois, as I shall, and silence 
 him. 
 
 " And his servant ? " asked the man. 
 
 " If your private quarrel with the servant leads you to do
 
 286 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 so, no harm will be done." And with a wave of the hand 
 he dismissed him. 
 
 The news that Princess Maritza was in the hands of the 
 .King's troops and was being brought to Sturatzberg had 
 reached the city early that morning, but the news was not 
 immediately known to Frina Mavrodin. It was being con- 
 veyed to her by a trusted messenger who had much to do on 
 his way, and the fact that she had lately kept much at home 
 accounted for her not hearing it from any other source. 
 
 The days of waiting are ever the longest days to live 
 through, and the hours had dragged heavily for Frina Ma- 
 vrodin since Baron Petrescu had started for the hills . Hard- 
 ly anyone saw her except Hannah, and the old serving wom- 
 an pitied her, judging her distress by her own. She little 
 knew the terrible struggle which raged in the breast of this 
 beautiful woman, how all that was good and bad in her, all 
 those latent forces which lie in the heart of everyone, sprang 
 into life and fought equally for the mastery. It was not the 
 Princess who was first in her thoughts from dawn to dark, 
 or whose image passed incessantly through her restless 
 dreams. It was the man who was beside the Princess, who 
 had fought desperately for her whether he loved her cause 
 or not, who was hourly under the spell of her enchantment. 
 The potency of that spell seemed to grow the more she 
 thought of it, and all the charm which some had professed 
 to find in herself seemed to sink into insignificance. It was 
 not sufficient to win the love of this man. And those wait- 
 ing hours, too, are hours of danger. Troubles or desires, 
 or whatever thoughts assail at such a time, lose their pro- 
 portion, and idleness lends vitality to the evil lying dormant. 
 Was there no way to win her desire ? Between it and her 
 stood only the Princess, an enemy to the State. Might she 
 not be swept out of the way? How easy such a thing 
 seemed to be. She had only to speak a few words to dash
 
 TEMPTATION OF FRINA MAVRODIN 287 
 
 to the ground all Maritza's hopes of success. Why not 
 speak them ? In love and war all means are fair. And 
 then arose the good in her, and she turned away in horror 
 from the very thought of such treachery. 
 
 It was in a fierce moment of her struggle that the mes- 
 senger arrived. Dumitru, travel-stained yet unweary, 
 more keenly alive now perhaps than he had even been as 
 Anton in the hills, came to her. 
 
 " What news ? What news ? " she cried, springing up. 
 
 " The worst, Countess." 
 
 "Dead?" 
 
 " No; the Princess lives." 
 
 " Yes, yes ; and those who are with her ? " 
 
 "Are on their way to the city," Dumitru answered. 
 " We could not enter openly ; we had to delay, and exercise 
 the greatest care. Baron Petrescu will come to-night if 
 possible, but extreme caution is needed. I came on. I am 
 of no importance and pass unnoticed. I have visited a 
 score of places in the city already, and I have much more to 
 do before sunset." 
 
 " Does Captain Ellerey return to Sturatzberg ? " asked 
 Frina thoughtfully. 
 
 " Aye ; and he is a man whose equal these eyes are never 
 likely to see again. He is fit to be a king." 
 
 "A king!" 
 
 " Yes, a king, and though he be a foreigner, I for one 
 shout for him." 
 
 " A king, Dumitru ; tell me, does he love the Princess ? " 
 
 " Surely he must, since for her cause he has shown no 
 great affection. He will be here to strike one more good 
 blow for her, and, loving her, may learn to love her cause 
 too. We may yet triumph, Countess. But listen. The 
 Princess has been delivered by the brigands," and Dumitru 
 told her the whole story quickly.
 
 88 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " To-night she will be brought back to Sturatzberg," he 
 went on, " although it is given out that she will not come 
 until the morning. The gates will be shut, and when the 
 streets are quiet they will be opened again. Not many sol- 
 diers are with hr, and those within the gates will hold all 
 danger cheap. The city will be hushed and still, but there 
 are many w T ho will not sleep. A signal will blaze forth in 
 the darkness and a few may fall in the streets, but the 
 Princess will be free. You will be ready to receive her, 
 Countess ? " 
 
 "Here?" 
 
 " Is it not the safest refuge in Sturatzberg ? " asked Du- 
 mitru. " There arc hiding-places here, and you are not a 
 suspect in the city." 
 
 " And afterward ? " said the Countess. 
 
 "I know not. A small success in the city would per- 
 haps raise the country; the afterward is for the Princess 
 to decide. She will have to consider the welfare of those 
 who strike to-night. You will be ready to receive her, 
 Countess ? " 
 
 " Yes," Frina answered, and Dumitru went to pursue 
 his way through the city, calling men to arm and prepare, 
 little dreaming what thoughts troubled the beautiful wom- 
 an he had left. 
 
 The frail little hopes she had found consolation in van- 
 ished at Dumitru's words. Desmond Ellerey loved Ma- 
 ritza. Dumitru had said it, and had he not had ample 
 opportunity of judging? Now Maritza was to come a 
 fugitive to her house ; her very life perhaps lay in her hands. 
 How easy it would be to speak the few words which would 
 tell her enemies where she was hidden, and who would 
 know, who would guess, that it was the Countess Mavrodin 
 who had betrayed her ? Such specious arguments did the 
 evil that was in her whisper in her ear, and she could not
 
 TEMPTATION OF FRINA MAVRODIN 289 
 
 shut the whisperings out. All day long her restlessness 
 increased. Her solitude became unbearable. She longed 
 for the world of men and women, hungered to hear laugh- 
 ter and the sound of voices anything to distract her from 
 her thoughts. That evening she went to Court, beautiful, 
 reckless, heartless to all seeming, ready to be flattered and 
 to flatter a dangerous mood for such a woman to be in. 
 
 So, all unconsciously, she was driven forward by destiny. 
 She was in a mood to be tempted, and the greatest tempta- 
 tion of all was lying in wait for her. 
 
 She had shown such marked preference for Captain 
 Ellerey when he came to Court that a host of her admirers 
 had perforce to stand sullenly aside. To-night they gath- 
 ered round her, each one in his turn receiving some little 
 favor which buried in oblivion all past disappointments; 
 such virtue lies even in the least of a beautiful woman's 
 favors. Frina Mavrodin had always had the subtle power 
 of making her companion of the moment believe that he 
 was the one person in all the world she would wish to have 
 beside her, and this power she exercised to the full to- 
 night. 
 
 Lord Cloverton, covertly watching her, was constrained 
 to admire her, and even his old blood tingled with a remem- 
 brance of youth as he did so. But he did not approach her. 
 It was not his part to play the tempter to-night. He had 
 arranged otherwise. Presently he saw the King enter the 
 room alone, and look round in search of some one. His eye 
 fell upon Frina Mavrodin, and he went toward her. Per- 
 haps, too, in his veins the blood tingled a little. 
 
 " An hour of ease which so seldom falls to me renews my 
 strength to-night, Countess, and youth and beauty draw 
 me like a lodestone," said the King. 
 
 " Your Majesty is pleased to flatter me," she answered 
 with a sweeping curtsey.
 
 90 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "That would indeed be impossible. I am honored, 
 doubly so, if you will take my hand in the dance." 
 
 It was a set dance, stately in its measure, and those who 
 watched remarked how the grace of the woman seemed to 
 lend grace to the King's movements, who danced but sel- 
 dom, and that, in truth, somewhat awkwardly. 
 
 The King thanked her as he led her to a seat when the 
 dance was over. It was in the alcove where she had so 
 often sat with Ellerey, and the coincidence impressed 
 her. 
 
 " There should be brighter times at hand for Wallaria, 
 Countess," said the King. "The Princess Maritza will 
 enter Sturatzberg a prisoner to-morrow." 
 
 " So I have heard, your Majesty." 
 
 " And you loyally rejoice with us, Countess ? " 
 
 The question was so marked in the intonation of the 
 King's voice that Frina Mavrodin was on her guard in a 
 moment. 
 
 " She is a woman, your Majesty, and, since I am no poli- 
 tician, I pity the woman." 
 
 "I am not without pity, either, Countess," was the an- 
 swer. "The Princess has been ill-advised, and the onus 
 lies with those who have advised and supported her. It is 
 upon them punishment should rightly fall." 
 
 " Aad who are they ? " asked the Countess. 
 
 " That is a question to which there is no complete an- 
 swer," said the King. " There is only one I can name defi- 
 nitely. But there is one person in Sturatzberg who could 
 answer the question, so I am informed, and so I believe." 
 
 " And he will not answer ? " 
 
 " She has not yet been asked," the King returned. 
 
 " A woman, your Majesty ? " 
 
 " A very beautiful woman ; yourself, Countess." 
 
 Perhaps Frina Mavrodin was prepared for the King's
 
 TEMPTATION OF FRINA MAVRODIN 291 
 
 words. She did not start, the color did not rise to her 
 cheeks. She remained silent for a few moments, feeling 
 that the King's eyes were fixed upon her. 
 
 " I can guess who was your Majesty's informant," she 
 said quietly. "Lord Cloverton. He has always credited 
 me with a power I do not possess, and has often set traps 
 for me. They were subtly hidden, well devised to catch a 
 schemer; but, being innocent, they failed to ensnare me." 
 
 "We ourselves have eyes, Countess; it is not necessary 
 that the British Ambassador should see for us." 
 
 " No, your Majesty ; but we, the Court, sometimes fancy 
 that he attempts to take that duty upon himself," Frina 
 answered. 
 
 " Then you will not help me, Countess ? " said the King 
 with a smile. 
 
 " In any way I can, your Majesty." 
 
 " But not in the way I want. It is a pity. You will 
 force me to harsh measures. There is one other I may con- 
 strain to tell me, unless he values his secret more than life." 
 
 Frina looked at him, a question in her eyes, but her lips 
 gave it no words. 
 
 "A brave man," said the King, "although circum- 
 stances have made him my enemy. You might save him." 
 
 Still Frina was silent. 
 
 " Probably Captain Ellerey will not speak, therefore it 
 is certain that Captain Ellerey must die," said the King 
 slowly. 
 
 " Is he in Sturatzberg ? " 
 
 "Ah, Countess, you must not try and surprise my 
 secrets; but rest assured he must die unless you choose 
 to save him." 
 
 " How can I save him ? " she asked. 
 
 The King suddenly laid his hand on hers, which were 
 folded in her lap.
 
 *92 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "To-morrow, early, send me by a trusted messenger 
 the names of those who are foremost in Maritza's cause, the 
 names of the societies whose plans and aims they govern, 
 and, so far as is in your knowledge, the plans which they 
 have formed. On my royal oath, none shall know from 
 whom I received this information, and Captain Ellerey shall 
 be free to leave Wallaria." 
 
 " He is a brave man, and I would help him if I could," 
 she said. 
 
 " You can, Countess ; if you love him, you will." 
 
 "Your Majesty is strangely at fault; Captain Ellerey 
 is nothing to me." 
 
 " I have touched your hand, Countess, as you asked a 
 question concerning him, and felt the quiver in your frame. 
 Your heart would not answer as your lips do. Remember 
 this: he dies unless you save him." 
 
 " But I am powerless, your Majesty." 
 
 "Then, Countess, his case is hard indeed. There are 
 some hours before to-morrow ; use them to understand how 
 powerful you are in this matter." 
 
 " So far I will obey your Majesty." 
 
 "Always remembering, Countess, that if you cannot 
 save him no power on earth can;" and, with a bow, the 
 King left her alone. 
 
 Here was the opportunity she had dreamed of. No 
 one would ever know. What to her were Princess Ma- 
 ritza and all her followers in comparison with Desmond 
 Ellerey ? There. was a look of determination in her face as 
 she left the alcove quickly. The few hours before to- 
 morrow seemed all too short for her.
 
 CHAPTER XXIV 
 
 HOW MARITZA ENTERED STURATZBERG 
 
 IT was a dark night without a moon, and only a faint star 
 or two glimmered in the sky. The smell of rain was in the 
 air, and there was a closeness in the atmosphere which 
 made the effort of breathing a conscious one. It was still 
 early as Frina Mavrodin was driven rapidly homeward. 
 She left the palace immediately after her conversation with 
 the King. The few hours before to-morrow were best 
 spent alone. A wild confusion of thoughts surged through 
 her brain, but one thought was ever dominant how could 
 she save Desmond Ellerey without betraying others ? For 
 while the King's suggestion was a subtle and potent temp- 
 tation, it had the effect of steadying the Countess. Such 
 an idea as a wholesale betrayal of those who had trusted 
 her had never occurred to her; her only thought had been 
 how to raise a barrier between Maritza and Desmond El- 
 lerey, how to act so that they might be effectually separated 
 forever. Such plans as had come into her mind may have 
 been mean and unworthy, but the circumstances had ex- 
 cused them. The King's words had robbed them of all 
 excuse, had shown her that base treachery belonged to 
 them as surely as to the larger scheme which he had sug- 
 gested. It did not occur to her to blame him for the sug- 
 gestion; politically, perhaps, he was justified; but that he 
 could believe her capable of such treachery showed her 
 that, between her private jealousy and her political posi-
 
 294 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 tion, there was no room to draw even the finest of lines. So 
 the few hours before to-morrow were not to be used, as the 
 King supposed, in a struggle between her honor and her 
 desire, but in concentrated thought of how his Majesty 
 might be outwitted. Desmond Ellerey must be saved, but 
 neither the Princess nor her followers must be sacrificed to 
 save him. Her own desire must stand aside, whatever the 
 suffering might be. Thus, through the fierce fire of temp- 
 tation Frina Mavrodin came forth a stronger woman, a 
 keener slave to duty, because that duty must cost her so 
 much. And having shaken herself free from the fetters of 
 selfishness, her thoughts and conceptions became more 
 acute. 
 
 It was hardly possible that Desmond Ellerey had yet 
 returned to Sturatzberg. No one could know his move- 
 ments better than Dumitru, and he had shown no fear con- 
 cerning him. Even if the King possessed information 
 which might point to the probability of his arrest, Ellerey's 
 courage and resourcefulness were factors to be reckoned 
 with before his arrest could become an accomplished fact. 
 That in Maritza's defence he might prove reckless was true, 
 but he would hardly do so until every other means had 
 failed. No; the King had played upon her fears, and she 
 had fallen a victim to his cunning. She had plainly shown 
 that Ellerey was dear to her, that she was prepared to sac- 
 rifice much to secure his safety; she had, moreover, given 
 the impression that she could betray many in Sturatzberg 
 if she would, and therefore, should the rescue of Maritza 
 prove successful, she herself, and her house, and all who 
 belonged to her would be closely watched. She had, in 
 fact, undone what she had so persistently taken pains to 
 accomplish; she had given cause for suspicion; she had 
 rendered her house by the river an unsafe place of refuge. 
 How was she to retrieve the position ?
 
 HOW MARITZA ENTERED STURATZBERG 295 
 
 Entering her house she gave rapid instructions to cer- 
 tain of her servants, and then went to her own rooms and 
 sent for Hannah. The old serving woman came quickly, 
 and to her Frina made her first confession. 
 
 "I have been cross, Hannah, sometimes," she said; 
 "forgive me." 
 
 " Oh, no, my lady, you have only been troubled. We 
 all have our own way of showing grief." 
 
 "True, Hannah, and I have had troubles which you 
 cannot know of. Your quick pardon teaches me a lesson." 
 
 " O my lady ' 
 
 " Listen, Hannah, there is much to do and little time to 
 do it in. To-night, perhaps, the Princess will return." 
 
 " Here ! " Hannah exclaimed. 
 
 "Yes; but she will be a fugitive from her enemies, and 
 how long this house may be a safe refuge for her I can- 
 not tell. Come with me. I will show you a means of 
 escape should the worst happen a stout door which will 
 hold back pursuers for a long time. It opens from a room 
 which shall be yours for the time. The key shall be in your 
 possession. Study to look innocent, Hannah, when you 
 are questioned, and in a crucial moment you may prove a 
 far better defence than a dozen armed men. Come. " 
 
 As Frina Mavrodin had driven through the city there 
 were many people in the streets. The cafes were still full, and 
 there were no signs of any unusual excitement. A few may 
 have discussed Princess Maritza over their coffee, liquor, 
 or syrup, but in most cases it was with casual interest, or 
 with a remark that, if they" were abroad early enough, they 
 might walk down to the Southern Gate to see her enter." 
 What had her fate to do with them ? Though the times 
 were troublous they would go their way to-morrow as they 
 had done to-day, as they would every day until their 
 own small circle of interest were touched. They had as
 
 296 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 little sympathy with the agitator as they had with the Gov- 
 ernment; neither the one nor the other did anything to 
 affect them materially. So these law-abiding citizens, law- 
 abiding only because there was no temptation to be other- 
 wise, perhaps, finished their coffee and went home, and the 
 streets of Sturatzberg grew quieter, and, with the closing of 
 the cafes, darker. The city gates were shut, and if a few 
 soldiers appeared at the corners of streets, they caused 
 little interest to the people going home. Since the mur- 
 dered bodies had been found lying in the Bergenstrasse, it 
 was only right that the city should be well guarded. 
 
 The soldiers themselves grumbled somewhat. Fight- 
 ing was their trade, and they were discontented at being 
 made a city watch. Beyond a late reveller or two no one 
 was out after midnight. What was the use of all this pre- 
 caution? In the smaller streets there was even greater 
 silence. Where one might have expected to find whatever 
 dissatisfaction existed in the city, there was only the greater 
 peace. Hardly a light shone out from any of the dark 
 buildings, no one lurked in shadowy corners, and although 
 the soldiers had been ordered to be especially careful to- 
 night, there seemed to be even less than usual to demand 
 their attention. They believed that the Princess Maritza 
 was to enter the city at dawn. 
 
 At the guard-house of the Southern Gate the men were 
 alert. An hour ago their officer had told them what was to 
 happen, and the news was presently conveyed to the sol- 
 diers at the corners. The officer of the guardroom kept a 
 steady watch upon the slowly passing minutes, while out- 
 side the city a small army had approached under cover of 
 the darkness. 
 
 Without and within there was silence. Yet wakeful 
 and watching men may be as silent as those who sleep. 
 Throughout the day a man had passed from one narrow
 
 HOW MARITZA ENTERED STURATZBERG 297 
 
 street to another with quick and stealthy steps. Into 
 this house he went, mounting the stairs swiftly, and dis- 
 appeared for a few moments into some upper room ; then 
 as swiftly he came down again, and, gliding up alleys and 
 half -deserted streets, entered one little cafe after another, 
 and mounted to many a room whose occupants listened 
 eagerly to his words and made a sign that they were under- 
 stood. Long before darkness had fallen upon Sturatzberg 
 there were many cafes doing little business to all seeming, 
 which, nevertheless, were crowded with men hidden away 
 and waiting. 
 
 Such a crowd waited in the long room at the rear of the 
 Toison d'Or. The men who composed it had gathered 
 there one by one, as they had done that night when they 
 came to drink with the soldiers who had been found dead 
 in the Bergenstrasse next morning. Many of the same 
 men were in the crowd, many also of those who had once 
 chased Ellerey so furiously through the garden of that 
 other tavern where was the door in the wall. They 
 greeted each new arrival with a nod, and for the most part 
 were silent or spoke only in whispers. 
 
 "At what hour ? " asked one. 
 
 " Two hours after midnight." 
 
 "Are our numbers sufficient ?" 
 
 "Quite sufficient," answered another. "At a dozen 
 places I have had our brothers gathered, close to the spot 
 from which they will make their rush upon the troops. 
 The attack will come from all sides at once, and the soldiers 
 will be taken by surprise. We cannot fail." 
 
 "Does the Princess know, Dumitru?" 
 
 "Not certainly, but she will be expectant and ready. 
 You understand whose command you have to obey, and 
 the signal ? " 
 
 The men about him nodded and smiled with quiet
 
 298 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 confidence, while Dumitru passed on to others to answer 
 similar questions. He was of much importance among 
 them to-night. They felt that he was but the mouthpiece 
 of the Princess, that she was their real leader, that the 
 time they had waited for and plotted toward had really 
 come. A few nervous ones there were among them 
 who calculated what the price of failure would be, and 
 had planned what they might do for their own safety in 
 such an event ; but the majority of them were enthusiasts 
 who rejoiced that the hour of action had arrived at last. 
 
 "After to-night, Dumitru, there will be no turning 
 back," whispered one man, who, standing on a chair, had 
 called for the toast to Maritza on that night fatal to the 
 deserting soldiers. "The next few days will make the 
 name of Sturatzberg ring through the world, and our deeds 
 strike terror into the heart of the nation." 
 
 Dumitru nodded and passed on, but he too kept eager 
 watch upon the time, even as did the officer at the guard- 
 house. 
 
 The crowd became more excited and restless as the 
 hands of the clock crept farther and farther from midnight. 
 " Surely it is time now," they whispered at intervals. And 
 the leaders had some difficulty in restraining them. As 
 it was in the Toison d'Or, so it was in many a dark 
 house where men lay hidden and waiting. 
 
 From the watchman over the gate word was sent to 
 the officer that the prisoner had come, and at his com- 
 mand the gates silently swung back upon their hinges. 
 It was a large body of men that entered, having in their 
 midst a slim boyish figure mounted on a charger. So 
 Maritza entered Sturatzberg. 
 
 The men at the word of command halted to right and 
 left, and only a few, comparatively, continued their silent 
 march along the Bergenstrasse. With the city full of
 
 HOW MARITZA ENTERED STURATZBERG 299 
 
 troops what chance of escape had that lonely prisoner, 
 who spoke no word, yet furtively glanced to this side and 
 that, and studied the attitude of the men nearest to her? 
 She noted that soldiers stood at attention at street corners, 
 a few here, a few there ; that of all other signs of life the 
 streets were empty. She realized that she had been 
 brought in at an unexpected hour, and the silence over 
 the city fell upon her soul. Hopelessness and despair 
 seized her, and a wild thought prompted her to make a 
 sudden dash for freedom. Death might come, but such 
 a death was preferable to the fate which must await her 
 at the end of this journey. Her fingers had tightened on 
 the reins, when the silence was suddenly broken, and, 
 with a swift hiss, a streak of light cut through the darkness 
 skyward, paused a moment, and then, with a muffled 
 detonation, burst into globes of light which floated down- 
 ward. The foremost of the troop reined in their horses 
 sharply at the unexpected flight of the rocket, causing 
 some confusion among those behind. Then came a 
 quick command from an officer which was half lost in the 
 great shout which rent the air on every side 
 
 "For Grigosie! Grigosie!" 
 
 Had the cry been for Maritza the soldiers might possi- 
 bly have understood better what this sudden stopping 
 of their progress meant; but, as it was, a black, rushing 
 mass was upon them before they had time to draw their 
 weapons. The attack was so fierce, so sudden and over- 
 whelming, that when the meaning of it had thoroughly 
 dawned upon the soldiers, they had enough to do to pro- 
 tect themselves without giving much thought to their 
 prisoner. There was hardly a trooper w r ho was not in a 
 moment separated from his fellows by a swaying mob, 
 whose one object seemed to be to force the soldiers apart 
 and prevent any concerted action. The ring of steel and
 
 300 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 the crack of revolvers mingled with groans and curses 
 and sharp cries which blades thrust home drew forth. 
 Here a horse fell prostrate on its knees, bringing its rider 
 head foremost into the arms of his assailants; and there 
 some plunging charger, dexterously managed, beat down 
 and trampled on a writhing mass of limbs. Shouting 
 came from a distance, as the soldiers from the various 
 street corners came running into the Bergenstrasse to the 
 assistance of their comrades, and, since they ran compactly 
 and with bayonets fixed, the mob gave way before them. 
 An officer, whose plunging horse cleared a path before 
 him, slashed right and left as he came, and shouted : " To 
 the prisoner! Secure the prisoner!" and desperately he 
 struggled toward the slim figure carried this way and that 
 by the swaying, fighting crowd. At his shout the crowd 
 threw itself more savagely upon him. The greatest danger 
 seemed to centre in this man, and bullets sang about him, 
 and steel struck at him from every side. 
 
 "Quickly, Princess!" 
 
 A strong arm was about her and drew her swiftly 
 from her horse. In a moment a ring of men had formed 
 about her as they pushed their way through the crowd. 
 Two soldiers who sought to stop them fell back groaning, 
 and were trampled under foot; and then the little band 
 with the slim figure in the midst of it was outside the mob, 
 and at the entrance to a narrow, dark street. 
 
 "Hold this street with your lives!" cried one. "This 
 way, Princess," and with half a dozen men to guide and 
 guard her she ran forward, the din of the struggle in the 
 Bergenstrasse growing fainter and fainter as they went. 
 
 Another rocket hissed skyward, and then tactics 
 changed. The crowd knew what the signal meant, and 
 instead of throwing themselves fiercely on the soldiers, 
 they began to draw back to side streets, fighting despe-
 
 HOW MARITZA ENTERED STURATZBERG 301 
 
 rately at corners for a few moments and then fleeing, 
 breaking up into small knots and turning by twos and threes 
 into alleys and dark passages into which the soldiers did 
 not deem it wise to follow them. Fully an hour passed 
 before the Bergenstrasse was cleared, and many a dark 
 form lay stretched in the roadway, and not a few who wore 
 the King's uniform. Some lay quite still, their troubles 
 and ambitions over; some attempted to crawl away and 
 hide themselves ; while others, too hurt to move, groaned 
 and cried piteously for help. The inhabitants of the Ber- 
 genstrasse had been rudely a, /aliened, but for a long time 
 none ventured out to render any help to the wounded, 
 lest the soldiers should attack them. 
 
 Meanwhile, running feet woke the echoes of the quieter 
 streets and distant parts of the town men speeding 
 toward safety. More troops would march from the 
 castle presently, and it would be dangerous to be found 
 in the streets to-night. Doors in dark streets opened and 
 quietly closed again; weapons were carefully hidden 
 away under loose boards, and their owners became harm- 
 less citizens again. 
 
 One little band of men held together, running lightly, 
 and certain of every corner they turned. Some of them 
 were those who had guided the Princess to safety, and 
 now they were bent on carrying the good news to others 
 who were waiting eagerly to hear it. The foremost stopped 
 at a door and gave a peculiar knock. It was opened 
 immediately, and the custodian asked no questions as 
 the men filed in and went quickly to the rooms looking on 
 to the garden, where, not so long ago, they had helped to 
 put an end to a duel. As they entered the long room, 
 which was only dimly lighted, they paused. It was easy 
 to see that there was consternation among the men gath- 
 ered there, and strangers were present.
 
 302 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "Well?" cried a dozen voices. 
 
 "She is safe." 
 
 " Safe ! Gone to her death and destruction," was the 
 answer. "The Countess is a traitor." 
 
 "It's death to the first man who repeats that accusa- 
 tion," thundered one of the strangers, his hand upon his 
 sword hilt, and as the men drew back before such sudden 
 fury, they noticed that the other stranger, a bearded soldier 
 of huge proportions, grasped his sword hilt too. 
 
 The men who had run from the Bergenstrasse waited 
 for an explanation. 
 
 "Are we not all friends here?" exclaimed Baron Pe- 
 trescu hastily. "There is some mistake. Tell us your 
 story again," and he turned to a man who had only ceased 
 speaking as the newcomers had entered. He had come 
 in breathless haste at the very moment that Petrescu had 
 brought Desmond Ellerey and Stefan through the garden. 
 Willing hands had opened the low door in the wall for 
 them, forewarned of their coming by Dumitru. Ellerey 's 
 fame had run before him, and eagerly was he looked for 
 and recognized as the leader of the rebellion which must 
 quickly follow the work going forward in the city to-night. 
 He had come ; the conspirators had succeeded in rescuing 
 Princess Maritza; and now came this man with a tale 
 which filled their hearts with consternation. 
 
 " I had it from one who fills a chief servant's place in 
 the palace, and who is one of us," said the man, speaking 
 rapidly. " He was delayed in coming to me, or I should 
 have been here earlier. The King sought out the Countess, 
 danced with her, and then, seated in an alcove, behind some 
 curtains of which this man was hidden, the King per- 
 suaded her to betray those who favored the cause of the 
 Princess, and the Countess was tempted, and promised. 
 Early to-morrow she is to send the information to the
 
 HOW MARITZA ENTERED STURATZBERG 303 
 
 King by a trusted messenger, and the King has given his 
 oath that no one shall know from whom it comes." 
 
 "I do not believe it," said the Baron. "She may 
 have promised, but she had some reason for doing so." 
 
 "She had, Baron. The King persuaded her that her 
 act of betrayal should be the salvation of a rebel." 
 
 "What rebel? Princess Maritza?" asked Petrescu. 
 
 " No, Baron; Ccptain Ellerey." 
 
 "It was indeed a subtle temptation," and Petrescu 
 turned slowly to look at his companion. 
 
 "The truth shall quickly be put to the test," said 
 Ellerey. "Give me wine, a full measure, to put new 
 strength in me. Is mine to be the only voice raised in 
 her defence ? Are you all so ready to believe evil of the 
 woman who has served your Princess so well ? I stake 
 my honor that with her Maritza is safe." 
 
 "True; but speak less harshly, Captain," whispered 
 Petrescu. "These men are our friends; do not anger 
 them." 
 
 " He from whom I had the news ever speaks the truth," 
 said the man who had told the story. "He has never 
 failed us in the past." 
 
 " Has the Countess ever failed you in the past ? " Ellerey 
 cried. " Shame on you all for the thought. Her loyalty 
 shall be proved on the instant." 
 
 " You can do nothing to-night," said Petrescu. 
 
 " Soldiers are in every street," said a chorus of voices. 
 
 "Therefore give me wine to renew my strength,*' 
 Ellerey cried, and he seized the tankard held out to him. 
 
 " It is madness to go now," said Petrescu. 
 
 " For you, perhaps, for you, but not for me. Man 
 man, do not you understand ? Besides the woman whose 
 truth I would vindicate, is not Maritza there ? She once 
 gave me life yonder in the hills ; even less than love would
 
 304 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 repay such a debt as that. To-morrow, comrades, we 
 may fight side by side in the streets of Sturatzberg, but 
 this hour is my own. Let me pass. It is death to rebel 
 or soldier who seeks to stay me to-night." And throwing 
 down the empty tankard, he went quickly to the door, 
 followed by Baron Petrescu and Stefan.
 
 CHAPTER XXV 
 
 'TWIXT LOVE AND PITY 
 
 LONG before midnight Frina Mavrodin had completed 
 her work of preparation. The servants who were in her 
 confidence had been told of the coming of the Princess. 
 Some were at the main entrance ready to admit her if 
 she came that way; others were waiting at a small door 
 which opened from the garden into a side street. They 
 were instructed to show surprise, but not consternation, 
 should any officer of the King demand admittance, and 
 servants were stationed on the stairs and in the corri- 
 dors, a signal arranged between them, so that news of 
 any such demand might be immediately conveyed to the 
 Countess silently, and without any man rushing to her 
 and causing suspicion to those who entered. 
 
 "If Captain Ellerey comes, let him pass to me at 
 once," she said. "And at the usual hour put out all 
 lights that shine upon the street. This house must seem 
 to sleep, no matter how wakeful it may be." 
 
 Only a dim light burned in her own room, which 
 looked toward the garden, and here the Countess paced 
 up and down with slow, thoughtful steps. She had 
 changed the dress she had worn at Court that night for 
 a sott, loose gown of delicate rose color, caught in at 
 the waist by a silken girdle of a deep shade of the same 
 color. A filmy cloud of lace was about her throat, and 
 fell over her shoulders and from the short loose sleeves.
 
 306 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 Once or twice she stopped before a glass to set a way- 
 ward tress of her hair in its place, or to arrange the falling 
 folds of the lace, and perhaps lingered for a moment in 
 contemplation of her own reflection, half conscious that 
 she looked fairer dressed as she was than in Court attire 
 of costly silks and flashing jewels. 
 
 Many times she paused at the open window, drawing 
 aside the curtains to listen for footsteps in the garden, 
 and she listened often for footsteps in the corridor. Prin- 
 cess Maritza was coming; perhaps Desmond Ellerey 
 would come, too. 
 
 How to outwit the King should Desmond Ellerey fall 
 into his hands, she did not know. She thought of little 
 else as she paced the room, but no solution of the problem 
 came to her. If he should be taken, it seemed as if he 
 must suffer for the cause into which he had been pressed. 
 If by her betrayal of others he only could be saved, she 
 knew now that he must perish. There was no thought 
 in her mind of writing out a list of names to send to the 
 King to-morrow. She put her hands before her eyes 
 to shut out the hideous vision which rose before her 
 Ellerey standing with folded arms, facing a dozen loaded 
 muskets waiting for the order to fire; but even in her 
 vision the face of the so-called traitor, firm, resolute, 
 determined, in this supreme hour, as it had been through- 
 out his life, as it would be in reality when such time came, 
 thrilled hei soul and made him only tht greater hero. 
 
 "Oh, to be at his side then!" she exclaimed in a low 
 voice. " What would I not give to share that death with 
 him?" 
 
 But Ellerey was not yet in the King's hands, that 
 seemed certain. She felt convinced that soine time before 
 the dawn she would see him; that he would enter the 
 house to stand by Mantza's side to the last. Had she
 
 'TWIXT LOVE AND PITY 307 
 
 not power to save him then ? There was a way of escape 
 for the Princess ; that same way could Desmond Ellerey 
 go. He and Maritza should go together to find in some 
 other land a quiet haven of happiness. 
 
 "Yes," she murmured, her little hands clasped so 
 firmly behind her that the rings cut into the flesh, though 
 she hardly noticed it ; "yes, that is how it shall be. Even 
 if my life pays the forfeit, they shall go together. Perhaps, 
 when his happiness is greatest, he will sometimes think 
 of the woman who helped him to it." 
 
 There were hurried steps in the corridor, and the next 
 moment Princess Maritza and Dumitru entered. 
 
 " So far the fates are with us, Frina," said the Princess, 
 taking the Countess's hands in hers and kissing her; 
 " but I little thought to use your house again as a refuge." 
 
 "It may prove an insecure retreat," Frina answered. 
 "There is no escape from this room. I have arranged 
 another place for you. Come, and come quickly." 
 
 "Are you suspected, Countess ? " asked Dumitru anx- 
 iously. 
 
 " I fear so, but they will hardly trouble me to-night. 
 Still, I do not feel that you are safe in this room, Maritza." 
 
 Frina led the way down several corridors and up and 
 down short flights of steps until she came to the room 
 where Hannah waited. The old serving woman came 
 hurriedly forward as the door opened. For a moment 
 she did not recognize Maritza in her boy's dress, and it 
 was not until she spoke that the old woman's arms were 
 stretched out with trembling eagerness toward her, and 
 her joy found its expression in tears. 
 
 "O my Princess! O my dear lady!" was all she 
 could say. 
 
 "Dumitru has brought her back, you see, Hannah," 
 said the Countess. "You owe Dumitru some apology
 
 308 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 for the hard thoughts you have had of him. Go with 
 him while I speak to your mistress a moment." 
 
 "Gladly, now she has come back," said Hannah; 
 "and then I'll be looking out decent garments for you, 
 Princess. I should not wish all the world to see you as 
 you are." 
 
 " This is a safer retreat for me, is it ? " said Maritza, 
 glancing round the room when Hannah had closed the 
 door. " It is a corner of your house I do not know, Frina. 
 Thanks for your great care of me. It is not long that I 
 shall trouble you." 
 
 " What do you mean ? " 
 
 "Mean! Why, that the days for sitting idly down 
 to wait are over. There has been deadly work in the 
 Bergenstrasse to-night, and to-morrow the King will 
 seek to avenge it! Do you suppose I shall leave them 
 without a leader? Before dawn, those who love me 
 w r ill be preparing for the final struggle. To-night's work 
 will convince many who until now have wavered. Rest 
 assured, there will be a goodly host about me when the 
 King sends to take me." 
 
 "It is madness, Maritza!" exclaimed the Countess. 
 "What can these men, untrained, undisciplined as they 
 are, do against the troops which even now doubtless are 
 pouring into every street ? Wait." 
 
 " My dear Frina, you are a woman; I, in heart at least, 
 am a man. Hundreds are in jeopardy because of me 
 to-night ; would you have me desert them ? You were 
 wont to be of better courage." 
 
 " But wait wait for counsel and advice." 
 
 "From whom?" asked Maritza. 
 
 "From Desmond Ellerey." 
 
 The two women were looking into each other's eyes; 
 neither fully understood the struggle in the other's heart,
 
 'TWIXT LOVE AND PITY 309 
 
 yet each' of them knew something of the other's secret. 
 For some moments there was silence. 
 
 "Is Desmond Ellerey here?" asked Maritza pres- 
 ently. 
 
 "No; but he will come. Something tells me that 
 he will come. Wait until then, Maritza. That door," 
 Frina went on, pointing to one which was hardly dis- 
 cernible from the panelled walls of the room, "opens 
 into a passage which leads to a small building by the 
 river, where there is only rubbish. No one is likely to 
 search there. Hannah has the key, and it is a way of 
 escape if they come to this house. I implore you to wait 
 for Captain Ellerey. Has he not struggled for you ? Is 
 he not returning to Sturatzberg to stand beside you in 
 the hour of your need, rather than take the road to 
 safety as he might have done ? Have you not a hundred 
 times in your heart chosen him the champion of your 
 cause ? " 
 
 "If he comes to-night he may help me, but I cannot 
 wait," was the answer. "The people call for me; they 
 shall not call in vain." 
 
 "Maritza! Maritza! I tell you it is madness. Be 
 persuaded. Think of your love for him; think of his 
 love for you. Ah, you must be ruled by me in this," 
 the Countess went on desperately. "I might let you 
 go to your death. I have been tempted to let you go. 
 Yes, it is true, look at me as you will. Mine has been 
 the waiting part, and temptation comes easily then ; more 
 than once it has nearly conquered me. Only to-night 
 the King persuaded me to betray his enemies to him; 
 I am to send a list of them to-morrow; no, it is to-day 
 in a few hours." 
 
 "You have promised to do this?" said the Princess, 
 laying her hand sharply on her companion's arm.
 
 310 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "I promised to think of it aye! and when I made 
 the promise I meant to think of it. Shall I tell you why ?" 
 And Frina looked straight into Maritza's eyes. "The 
 King made me believe that Desmond Ellerey was already 
 in his hands, and he swore to spare him if I would do his 
 bidding. It was the keenest temptation he could have 
 assailed me with. Do you understand, Maritza?" 
 
 "And you will send that list ? " repeated the Princess. 
 
 " Can you ask the question now ? No, I have fought 
 my battle and won. What is to come will be easy after 
 the stress of that fight. But that the King should so tempt 
 me shows that I am suspected; therefore you are here 
 in this room with the means of escape at hand. Wait 
 for Captain Ellerey, Maritza. For the present, at least, 
 I believe your cause is lost ; but a way of escape, desperate 
 though it be, still lies open, and you will take it with the 
 man you love to defend you. Wait, Maritza." 
 
 The hand that had rested on Frina's arm stole slowly 
 round her, and the Princess kissed her. 
 
 "I understand," she whispered. "I have had my 
 struggle, too. I have never forgotten that meeting long 
 ago in England, and now now I love him. Ah, Frina, 
 you may pity me. Many a time in the hills I longed to 
 cry out to him to take me northward into safety, to give 
 me love instead of helping me to a kingdom. And then 
 would surge into my soul the memory of my fathers, and 
 I felt myself a coward. If you have been tempted to 
 treachery, so have I. I have my mission to fulfil, my 
 work is before me, and there is no place for love in it. If 
 ever I call any man husband, he must be a king who will 
 satisfy the State." 
 
 " But he loves you, Maritza." 
 
 " Do not make it harder for me, sistei of mine. Fate 
 deals ungently with us both. If Desmond comes before
 
 'TWIXT LOVE AND PITY 311 
 
 daybreak, bring him to me, and he shall give me counsel. 
 Should I taste failure, should I should I never see him 
 again, say to him " 
 
 "Maritza!" 
 
 "Yes, speak my name and say that you loved me, 
 too. If I understand him he will love you for that. I 
 am very weary and have much to do to-morrow. Send 
 Hannah to me and let me sleep." 
 
 In silence the two women kissed each other, and 
 then Frina returned to her room while Maritza threw 
 herself on a couch, Hannah watching beside her. Du- 
 mitru stood sentinel outside her door. 
 
 For Frina there was no sleep, only a restless pacing 
 to and fro, and a longing for to-morrow the end, surely 
 the end would come to-morrow. 
 
 The dim light in her room grew dimmer, paling 
 before the coming day. A bird in the garden whistled 
 a long note, and after a silence it was answered from 
 another part of the garden, and then quickly from an- 
 other. A star gleamed low in the ever-lightening purple 
 of the east, the herald of the dawn, and from her window 
 Frina watched it, wondering. There was mystery in 
 the breaking of a new day; would her eyes behold its 
 setting? What thoughts would be in her brain as the 
 golden light faded once more into the black pall of night ? 
 
 She turned from the window sharply as she heard 
 quick footsteps in the corridor. Long hours had she 
 waited for them, and now they had come. Her heart 
 seemed to throb violently to a sudden standstill, and 
 having taken one hurried step toward the door, she 
 paused as it opened, and Desmond Ellerey stood before 
 her. 
 
 Looking forward to this meeting it had seemed to 
 Frina Mavrodin that in it her life must reach a crisis;
 
 312 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 but the reality fitted none of her preconceived notions 
 of what this meeting would be like. Ellerey's dress was 
 travel-stained; there was a rent in his sleeve, and he 
 looked as though he had come through some struggle. 
 She noted all this, but it was the expression on his face 
 which fixed her attention. It was stern, unyielding, 
 desperate; and her frame stiffened, and a flash came 
 into her eyes as though she were angry at his intru- 
 sion. 
 
 "The Princess, Countess?" said Ellerey 
 
 "Is sleeping," she answered. 
 
 "I would see her." 
 
 " She has need of your counsel. Come." 
 
 She swept past him without another word, without 
 looking at him even, and led the way. 
 
 Dumitru stood at the door, doubly alert at the sound 
 of approaching footsteps. One hand was thrust inside 
 his cloak, and it was easy to guess what his fingers played 
 with there. He smiled as he saw who the newcomer 
 was, 
 
 "Welcome, Captain," he whispered. 
 
 "Is all well?" 
 
 " Sleeping," was the low answer. 
 
 Frina opened the door softly, and then she motioned 
 Ellerey to enter; but he came no farther than the thresh- 
 old. The Princess lay on a couch sleeping peacefully, 
 dreaming pleasantly it may be, for her lips were half 
 parted in a smile. One arm was thrown above her head, 
 her fingers thrust through her bright curls, and over her 
 feet Hannah had spread a leopard-skin rug. A lamp 
 was still burning on a table, and the glow from it lit up 
 the graceful figure. For some moments Ellerey gazed 
 upon the sleeper, taking in the whole picture. 
 
 "Shall I wake her?" asked Frina.
 
 'TWIXT LOVE AND PITY 313 
 
 "No, let her sleep awhile," said Ellerey, as he went 
 back into the corridor. Then he turned to Dumitru. 
 " Is there a way of escape open ? " 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "When will you go?" 
 
 "When the Princess commands, unless it should be 
 necessary suddenly," Dumitru answered. "There are 
 servants watching who will let me know. The Countess 
 has arranged." He knew nothing of the tale which had 
 been told concerning the Countess. 
 
 Frina had closed the door and stood beside them, 
 but she did not speak. As Ellerey turned and showed 
 that he had no other question to ask Dumitru, she led 
 the way back, but at the door of her room she paused. 
 
 "You have come to protect the Princess, Captain 
 Ellerey. You are welcome. Use my house and my 
 servants as you think fit." 
 
 "Countess, will you give me leave to speak to you 
 a few moments ? You must." 
 
 He followed her into the room and closed the door; 
 then Frina turned, facing him, and waited. 
 
 "To-night, Countess, I entered Sturatzberg by a 
 way you know of, doubtless, to hear two things. One 
 that Princess Maritza had been rescued and brought to 
 your house; the other that you were a traitress." 
 
 Frina started, but Ellerey went on quickly 
 
 "Hear me to the end. Heaven knows I am in no 
 mood to take you unawares. The man who brought this 
 tale of you came from the palace. Why you should have 
 been spied upon I neither know nor care; but every 
 word you said to the King last night was heard, and out 
 of them came this story, that you had agreed to betray 
 to his Majesty all those who favor the cause of Princess 
 Maritza. No; hear me out, Countess; I swore it was a
 
 314 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 lie. Petrescu, Stefan, and I came together. Do you 
 know, Countess, that this house is surrounded, watched 
 by the King's troops ? Every way of entrance that the 
 Baron knew of was guarded, and only after long waiting 
 have we managed to scale the garden wall and get in 
 unseen. What does it mean ? Is the Princess trapped ? 
 If she is, who has betrayed her?" 
 
 She was silent, but her eyes did not fall before his. 
 
 " For heaven's sake, speak, Countess ! " 
 
 "The tale is untrue," she said in a low voice, "and 
 
 yet- 
 
 "Yes, yes; tell me. I have pledged my honor; tram- 
 ple on it if you will, only tell me the truth now." 
 
 "I have been tempted," she said. "Yes, you shall 
 hear the truth. I have been tempted, perhaps even I 
 have stumbled, but I have not fallen. I am a woman 
 first, then a conspirator, and I have had many idle hours. 
 Look into my eyes, read my secret if you can and judge 
 me. I was tempted, and the King's words seemed for 
 a moment to help my decision. I did not promise to 
 betray, but I did promise to think of betraying." 
 
 "To gain time, that was it, merely to gain time," 
 said Ellerey. 
 
 "No; I think when I promised I had almost decided 
 to act." 
 
 "Ah, how could you!" Ellerey exclaimed. 
 
 "You have heard the story; were you told the bribe 
 the King offered?" 
 
 Ellerey did not answer, but Frina understood in a 
 moment that he did know. 
 
 "Yes, Captain Ellerey, that tempted me; but with it 
 came a clearer knowledge, and I saw that for me only 
 one road lay open. I have taken it. Maritza is in a 
 room from which there is an escape. The King suspects
 
 'TWIXT LOVE AND PITY 315 
 
 me. He has surrounded my house with soldiers; pres- 
 ently they will hammer at my closed doors, and I shall 
 stay to face them; but Maritza will have gone, and you 
 will go with her. She would stay in Sturatzberg to fight 
 with those who love her cause; only you can persuade 
 her to go. Do you understand, only you ? Go now and 
 wake her. Hannah has the key of that secret way. If 
 in my temptation I have been trapped into showing that 
 I have power in Sturatzberg, that I have knowledge of 
 this conspiracy and the conspirators, I have opened the 
 way of escape too. I am prepared to meet the King's 
 wrath. Go to Maritza, and think less hardly of me." 
 
 Ellerey stood with lowered head, his hands pressed 
 before his face. 
 
 ** What can I say, Countess ? God has brought into 
 my life two noble women. I am powerless to help the 
 one; to the other it seems I have only given sorrow." 
 
 "You must not say that," she said softly. "You are 
 powerful to help her and to counsel her. As for me, I 
 am a weak woman; if fault there was it was mine. Go 
 now now that I am forgiven to Maritza. She expects 
 you. I told her I would send you." 
 
 The door was suddenly burst open and Stefan entered. 
 
 " Quick, Captain. They demanded admission, which 
 was refused, and they are breaking in. The Baron and 
 those with him will hold them as long as possible." 
 
 " The Princess ! " Ellerey exclaimed. 
 
 "She has been warned," said Stefan. 
 
 " She will get away. She will have time," said Frina. 
 "They will not find her room easily." 
 
 "Whatever is done must be done quickly," said 
 Stefan from the door. " Even now they drive the servants 
 up the stairs, and the good fellows fight every inch of 
 the way."
 
 316 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "By the river is a house," exclaimed Frina "only 
 rubbish is in it. Maritza will come that way. Go to 
 her. The window. You can easily drop into the garden." 
 
 "And you?" 
 
 "I shall stay here." 
 
 "You cannot; you must not." 
 
 "Quickly, Captain," said Stefan. 
 
 "Go, go!" Frina cried. "You must be with her. 
 She will need all your love and courage to-day." 
 
 " But you what will you do ? " 
 
 " I, too, may find a way to help her." 
 
 He caught her hand and raised it to his lips. 
 
 " God keep you," he whispered. 
 "And you, Desmond." 
 
 Then he sprang to the window. 
 
 "Do I come ?" asked Stefan. 
 
 " No," Ellerey answered. " The Countess is in your 
 keeping. Guide her to safety." 
 
 "I will do all a man may do," Stefan answered, as 
 Ellerey swung himself free by the stout branch of a 
 creeper near the window, and dropped into the garden.
 
 CHAPTER XXVI 
 
 REBELLION 
 
 THE servants, heartened by Baron Petrescu, contested 
 the stairs step by step. With all the odds against them 
 not one turned to fly. They were fighting for the mistress 
 they loved, and were staunch to a man. Some fell, 
 staining the thick carpet with their blood, yet even in 
 dying struck one more blow as the soldiers trampled 
 over them. Meeting with such unexpected resistance 
 made the soldiers savage, and there was no quarter given 
 or asked for. In the forefront of the battle Petrescu's 
 sword did deadly work, for so mixed up were besieged 
 and besiegers that those behind dared not fire. It was a 
 hand-to hand struggle, steel to steel, and although there 
 could be no real doubt of the issue, the Baron knew that 
 the longer he could hold the soldiers in check, the more 
 time would the Princess and the Countess have to get 
 away. 
 
 Stefan was silent until the sound of Ellerey's quick 
 steps in the garden had ceased. 
 
 " Where does that lead to, Countess ? " he said, point- 
 ing to a door at the other end of the room. 
 
 "To my bedroom." 
 
 "And from there?" 
 
 "There is a door on to a landing seldom used," she 
 answered. 
 
 "That is our way, then," said Stefan.
 
 318 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 "I shall stay here. I am safe from them. It is only 
 the King who would dare " 
 
 "The gentlemen fighting yonder are in no tender 
 mood; I know them. Besides, the Captain left me in 
 command, and you must obey, Countess. This is war 
 time, and I am only doing my duty. So we'll lock this 
 outer door, and we'll put as many more between us as 
 possible. Is this your cloak?" 
 
 "Yes," Frina answered. 
 
 In a moment Stefan had ripped a piece from the 
 edge of it and stuck it in the creeper at the window, and 
 thrown the cloak into the garden below. Then he tore 
 down one of the curtains. 
 
 "They'll think we've gone that way, maybe. Come, 
 Countess, you can get another cloak as we pass through 
 your room." 
 
 There was strength in this great bearded soldier, and 
 besides, Desmond trusted him, so Frina Mavrodin 
 obeyed. 
 
 At every point the servants were driven back, and 
 the soldiers spread through the house, cutting down 
 anyone who opposed them, but not making any particular 
 effort to pursue those who got out of their way. They 
 were there to take the Princess Maritza and the Countess 
 Mavrodin. Such were the orders the officers had received. 
 But long before the servants had given way on the stairs, 
 Hannah had opened the door leading to the passage, and 
 the Princess and Dumitru had gone together swiftly, while 
 Hannah waited for the coming soldiers, her heart growing 
 the lighter the longer that coming was delayed. She had 
 locked the door again, but kept the key lest others should 
 want to use that way of escape presently. The soldiers 
 rushed in at last, and Hannah's face assumed an astonished 
 look as if they had roused her from sleep.
 
 REBELLION 319 
 
 " Who are you ? " demanded one man sharply. 
 
 " I might as well ask that question of you," she replied 
 curtly. " What's come to the city that a band of ruffians 
 break into an old serving woman's room before she's 
 scarce awake ? " 
 
 "Do serving women sleep on couches only in this 
 house, and are they pampered with leopard skins for 
 covering ? " 
 
 "How they sleep, and what they're covered with is 
 none of your affair," Hannah said. 
 
 "A soft tongue will serve you best," replied the man. 
 "Tell me who slept on that couch during the night?" 
 
 "And how she slept and what she dreamt about, I 
 suppose. Well, I had no dreams of such a rough awak- 
 ening as this." 
 
 Other men were turning over the things in the room, 
 and presently one espied the door. He called the atten- 
 tion of the others to it at once. 
 
 " Open it," they cried. 
 
 "It's locked." 
 
 "The key, woman quickly," said one who seemed 
 to command. 
 
 "It's likely I shall let you pry into my cupboards, 
 isn't it?" 
 
 "This is no cupboard. Give me the key." 
 
 " I haven't got it," said Hannah, and with a sudden 
 swing of her arm she sent the key flying through the open 
 window with unerring aim. 
 
 " Curse you ! " cried the man. 
 
 " In the time you take to find it you may learn better 
 manners," said Hannah defiantly. 
 
 Brave, staunch old soul, full worthy of that far-off 
 Devon county which gave her birth. The man followed 
 his curse with a blow a heavy blow, striking with the
 
 320 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 hand which held his sword, and the woman fell with a 
 thud to the ground, to lie there until Stefan and the 
 Countess, stealing from the house presently, covered the 
 dead serving woman with the leopard skin. 
 
 To find the key was hopeless, and the door was a 
 stout one. It resisted the soldiers' efforts for a long 
 while. When at last it yielded they rushed along the 
 passage to the small house by the river, but, save for 
 rubbish, it was empty. No boat lay upon the water. 
 There was no sign of the fugitives. 
 
 "They must have come this way," said one man. 
 "Had not that old beldame resisted us we should have 
 caught them." 
 
 "Back to the house, comrades," shouted another; 
 "there should still be something there worth laying 
 hands on." 
 
 Until now Ellerey had waited, hidden by the river 
 house. He had reached it almost directly after the 
 Princess and Dumitru had left it; but ignorant of this 
 fact, he had waited for them. From the soldiers' words 
 he learnt the truth. Soldiers were in the garden now, 
 and as only a little while since he had sought to enter it 
 unseen, he now sought to leave it, crouching from tree 
 to tree and from shrubbery to shrubbery. His life was 
 too valuable to be uselessly thrown away. He succeeded 
 presently in scaling a wall and dropping into a side lane, 
 to fall in later with a band of conspirators, some of whom 
 were present when the tale of the Countess's treachery 
 was told last night, and who were now quietly making 
 their way to an arranged meeting place. 
 
 "But the Princess, comrades?" said Ellerey. "My 
 place is beside her." 
 
 "Fear nothing, Captain. She will come and help us 
 to make this day a glorious one in Sturatzberg."
 
 REBELLION 321 
 
 The morning was advancing, but people who respected 
 the law kept within their houses, and left their doors 
 fast barred. From early dawn the soldiers were in the 
 streets, and is was evident that to-day the ordinary busi- 
 ness of life must be suspended. As the hours passed 
 there were sounds of fighting on every side, the fierce 
 rattle of musketry at street corners, flying men charged 
 by the soldiers, turning sometimes into every alley and 
 place of refuge which offered, turning sometimes at the 
 shout of one determined leader to withstand the charge, 
 to be cut to pieces or to bear the soldiers back, leaving 
 many a King's man and King's enemy lying dead or writh- 
 ing with their wounds, their enmity forgotten in their 
 common suffering. 
 
 In one side street, soon after such a skirmish had 
 swept it from end to end, a dark figure glided from door 
 to door. He had not fought; he seemed unwilling to 
 do so, for at the sound of approaching conflict he was 
 in readiness to retreat and hide himself. More than one 
 wounded man in the roadway pleaded for help, or cried 
 for water, but he was deaf to their entreaties. He was 
 making all speed to some point, and would allow nothing 
 to hold him back. Now he ran forward a few paces, 
 now stopped and turned hastily into an alley and went 
 quickly on again. He came at last to the house of Frina 
 Mavrodin, when it was close on noon. The door at 
 the chief entrance had been torn from its hinges, there 
 was nothing to bar his entrance. The servants who 
 had escaped death had fled, or lay hidden in secret places 
 in the house. The soldiers had deserted it, finding their 
 quarry gone, to go and help their comrades in the streets. 
 At the moment the street was empty, and the man slipped 
 across the threshold, stepping over the dead which lay 
 in the hall, grim witnesses of the fierceness of the fight 
 21
 
 322 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 there. The man passed from room to room rapidly, 
 his ears intent to catch every sound. It was clear that 
 robbery was not his object, for there was none to stay him 
 taking whatever he would. He passed on, touching 
 nothing, and, by the way he glanced down this corridor 
 and that, it was evident that the house was not familiar 
 to him. Chance directed his footsteps and brought 
 him to the room where Princess Maritza had been. 
 The broken door at the further end attracted his notice 
 and he entered the room, stopping for a moment to 
 look into the face of Hannah. The leopard skin had 
 not been thrown over her yet. She was the first woman 
 lying dead he had come across, and he grew excited. 
 She had been killed because she stood in the way, and 
 she would not have stood in the way unless she had had 
 someone in imminent danger to defend. She must have 
 been with the Princess, he argued, and if so, this must 
 be the way they had taken. He went quickly along 
 the passage and up to the house by the river. Someone 
 had certainly been there, but which direction had they 
 taken afterward ? He glanced to right and left, and 
 stood for some time looking across the river. 
 
 " He would not leave the Princess, and he would take 
 her as far as possible from these fighting madmen in the 
 streets," he mused. "Surely he cannot escape such a 
 day as this." 
 
 The man went slowly back along the passage again, 
 and then he stopped suddenly. The sound of voices 
 reached him distinctly. 
 
 " Brave woman," he heard one say. It was a woman's 
 voice and the man's heart beat high. 
 
 "Cowards to treat her thus," came the muttered 
 answer in a man's lower tone. 
 
 There was a moment's silence.
 
 REBELLION 323 
 
 "Help me to cover her," said the woman. 
 
 There was a turn in the passage, and the man stand- 
 ing waiting there could not see into the room. But the 
 passage was dark, and if those in the room came that 
 way they were not likely to see him, and his mouth wi- 
 dened into a malicious smile. Would they come ? He 
 had hardly whispered the question to himself when it 
 was evident that they had entered the passage and were 
 approaching. The waiting man drew back against the 
 wall, a knife in his hand, and if this failed his other 
 hand grasped a revolver. They came slowly, cautiously, 
 and just before the turn paused. It was clear that they 
 meant to be careful, for the man said, after a moment's 
 hesitation 
 
 "It is clear." 
 
 Then he came, but alone and swiftly, with his sword 
 in his hand. The waiting man had not recognized 
 Stefan's voice, nor, had he done so, would he have feared 
 detection. Stefan's eyes and ears were quick, however, 
 and in that pause he had held up a warning finger to 
 his companion and had then sprung forward. 
 
 "I took you for your master," cried the waiting man 
 when he saw that he was discovered, " but " 
 
 The cruel blade flashed swiftly down, but fell on 
 Stefan's sword only, and then before his fingers could 
 pull the trigger of his revolver, the sword point was 
 thrust through his throat, and the man, who had so stealth- 
 ily waited for his victim, fell back against the wall, up- 
 right for a moment, and then collapsed, only a gurgled 
 sigh sounding in the silent passage. 
 
 " My ancient friend of the cellar," said Stefan, bend- 
 ing over him. "Waiting for the Captain, eh? Well, 
 you did your best, Master Fra^ois, and so I will report 
 to your master, should I find him. Come, Countess, the
 
 324 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 light is too dim to see the unpleasant sight," and the 
 soldier held out his hand to her. 
 
 Frina shuddered a little as she stepped past the 
 fallen man, and she and Stefan went slowly out of the 
 passage together. The soldier's eyes were searching and 
 keen as they went. The servant was dead, but the 
 master might not be far off, and he would be even a 
 more dangerous enemy. They passed stealthily from 
 street to street, much as Fra^ois had done a little while 
 since. Stefan had a plan, a goal to win, but he did not 
 speak of it to the Countess. 
 
 Suddenly Frina stopped. They were at the end of 
 a deserted alley, but the roar of voices came from a dis- 
 tance; then the sudden rattle of musketry, the harsh and 
 discordant music of battle. 
 
 " Which way now ? " she asked. 
 
 "To safety," said Stefan. 
 
 "While others fight and fall?" she said. 
 
 " So the Captain willed it." 
 
 "I will go no further toward safety not yet. Time 
 for that when the day is lost. Our way lies there." And 
 she pointed in the direction from which the roar of battle 
 came. 
 
 " Countess, I have my orders." 
 
 " And have obeyed them ; now listen to mine. Yonder, 
 where they fight, lies the Grande Place. Lead me there by 
 the quietest way we can travel." 
 
 " That is to go to your death." 
 
 " Listen, Stefan and look ! " She pointed to the street 
 into which the alley opened. Some men were running 
 swiftly to the battle. " I have but to cry my name and they 
 will come to me. Shall I cry ? " 
 
 " For heaven's sake, Countess " 
 
 " Then lead me as I say."
 
 REBELLION 325 
 
 " I cannot. I dare not. The Captain " 
 
 "Follow me then if you will." And before he could 
 stop her she had darted from him. 
 
 "Stay!" cried Stefan, rushing after her. "Stay! If 
 you will go, let me lead you." 
 
 " Show me the quiet ways if you can, but come." And 
 though Stefan argued, though he tried to deceive her at 
 every corner they came to, she would not be turned from 
 her purpose. Ever, as they went, the roar of battle grew 
 louder in their ears, and there was fear in the heart of Stefan 
 the soldier because of the woman who walked beside him. 
 
 Fran9ois was dead. That was one enemy the less, but 
 of the master there was no sign. It had been as wakeful a 
 night for Jules de Froilette as it had been for Frina Mav- 
 rodin, but he had spent it in no restless pacing up and down, 
 nor in listening for expected footsteps. Fra^ois he knew 
 was prowling about the streets. In the early hours of the 
 morning the servant had come hastily and told his master 
 of the rescue of Princess Maritza. De Froilette had turned 
 pale and dropped back in his chair, dumbfounded at the 
 news, but he quickly recovered himself. Her freedom 
 could be only temporary. There might be some street 
 fighting, but her re-capture was certain. Fra^ois had 
 neither heard nor seen anything of Captain Ellerey, but he 
 was sure to come, and the servant had gone out to roam 
 about the city again in search of him. Jules de Froilette 
 spent his time in busily destroying papers, now and then 
 placing an important one aside, sometimes reading one 
 with greater care and hesitating over it. At intervals he 
 leaned back in his chair and remained buried in thought for 
 awhile, and once he got up and went to a side table on 
 which stood the portrait of Queen Elena. 
 
 " If Ellerey were out of the way we might win through 
 yet," he mused. " I wonder what has become of the brace-
 
 326 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 let of medallions. If it were in my hands I might save the 
 situation, or the Queen might have to leave Sturatzberg, 
 and then who is there to protect her but me ? " 
 
 The dawn found him still sorting and destroying. He 
 expected Fra^ois to return with further news, but the ser- 
 vant did not come. The Altstrasse began to wake, and 
 grew noisy at an earlier hour than usual. The fact made 
 De Froilette lean back in his chair in thought again. The 
 news that the Princess had escaped was spreading that 
 was natural, and with the town in an uproar, rebellion in 
 the air, there were many who would look to him for a sign. 
 They had been waiting for it and expecting it hourly dur- 
 ing the last few days. Had he not for a long time been 
 fostering rebellion, a revolt that should set him in high 
 place, that should bring him riches from Russian coffers, 
 that should bring him love ? Was not his house at this mo- 
 ment full of men to whom he had promised much men 
 who should presently help the brigands to seize the city, 
 and then in their turn be quelled and crushed by Russia, 
 whose army on the frontier was only awaiting the word 
 from him ? His scheme had failed through this cursed 
 Englishman, but De Froilette had not dared to tell the wait- 
 ing men so, had not dared to tell them at any moment he 
 might be compelled to fly for safety. They were rebels, and 
 would be quick to see treachery in any failure when they 
 had not even been given the chance to strike a blow for 
 success. 
 
 Presently a servant brought him coffee and some rolls. 
 
 " The city is noisy," De Froilette said. 
 
 " Yes, monsieur." 
 
 " Where is the rioting chiefly ? " 
 
 "Toward the Southern Gate they say, monsieur; but 
 the-soldiers are everywhere." 
 
 " What about the Northern Gate and the Bois ? "
 
 REBELLION 327 
 
 " It is quieter that way, monsieur, I am told." 
 
 De Froilette nodded and the servant went out. 
 
 The Altstrasse became quieter presently. The men 
 had gone to swell the crowds in the Bergenstrasse, not to 
 fight perhaps, but to hang about in side streets and seize 
 whatever loot they could. With dead and dying men lying 
 in the roadway, there would be much to be picked up. 
 Many of the women had gone too, for in the Altstrasse 
 much of the human refuse of the city had its home, and sex 
 counted for little. 
 
 It was toward noon that De Froilette's door opened 
 suddenly, and a tall figure, cloaked to the eyes, glided in, 
 closing the door. In an instant De Froilette was on his feet, 
 and then as the man let the cloak fall apart, he exclaimed 
 
 "Vasilici!" 
 
 " Yes, Vasilici," was the answer. 
 
 " They are not your men who are fighting in the streets, 
 are they ? " asked De Froilette, a ray of hope in his eyes. 
 
 " No ; my men remain in the hills." 
 
 "We have been overreached," said De Froilette; "but 
 only for a little while. It was a good move of yours to de- 
 liver up the Princess, although it might have been wiser to 
 shoot her. There will be many lives lost through her to- 
 day. She escaped last night. Do you know that ? " 
 
 "I have heard nothing else since I entered the city," 
 returned the brigand. 
 
 " It was bold of you to enter it at all just now," said De 
 Froilette. 
 
 " I am used to dangers," said the brigand, grandilo- 
 quently, " and I had business with you." 
 
 "With me?" 
 
 " With you and with one other," Vasilici answered. " It 
 was fortunate this Princess came into our hands ; we learnt 
 many things. We were to do the fighting, monsieur, but
 
 328 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 to have little of the reward ; that was for the Russians lying 
 on the frontier. It was a pretty plot you and the Queen 
 had arranged." 
 
 " Whose tale is that, Vasilici ? You are easily de- 
 ceived if you believe it." 
 
 " We learnt the truth when we received this, monsieur." 
 And the brigand held up the bracelet of medallions. 
 
 "Whoever your messenger was, he lied to you," said 
 De Froilette. " Her Majesty shall presently convince you 
 of that. I will return the bracelet to her. " 
 
 Vasilici burst out laughing. His quick eyes had taken 
 in every detail of the room, had noted what lay upon the 
 table, had keenly scanned his companion from head to foot. 
 
 " We are not all fools in the hills, monsieur. I am going 
 to deliver this to her Majesty myself. She is the other I 
 spoke of with whom I have business in Sturatzberg. Ah, 
 you are clever," he went on, replacing the bracelet in his 
 pocket, "but you have failed. We are not to be sold to 
 Russia just yet, and by a foreigner, too. Exterminate the 
 foreigners, monsieur, that has been your cry. It is a good 
 one. Tell me, why should you go free ? " 
 
 He did not wait for an answer. With a sudden spring, 
 his glittering dagger raised to strike, he was upon his adver- 
 sary. But the blow fell limply, and his fingers relaxed, 
 letting the knife fall with a clatter upon the table. The 
 brigand's swaggering courage had risen as he contemplated 
 his defenceless enemy. From the moment of his entrance, 
 however, the Frenchman understood that he came in no 
 friendly mood, and was prepared. As Vasilici sprang for- 
 ward, two shots in quick succession startled the echoes of 
 the room, and the tall figure swayed for a moment, then 
 fell sideways on to the table, and slithered to the 
 ground. 
 
 In an instant De Froilette was at the door and had
 
 REBELLION 329 
 
 locked it. There were running feet in the passage without, 
 and cries of " Monsieur ! Monsieur ! " 
 
 " It is nothing," De Froilette shouted. " The weapon 
 was loaded and I had forgotten the fact. I am not hurt. 
 Dejeuner at once." 
 
 As the servants departed, De Froilette bent over the 
 dead body. 
 
 " Fool ! Canaille! To think to make an end of me so 
 easily," and he took the bracelet from the dead man's 
 pocket. " In bringing this you have served me, and I 
 thank you, I would give you decent burial had I the lei- 
 sure, but time presses. You must rest here until they find 
 you." 
 
 De r Toilette hastily put some papers in his pocket, and 
 reloading the two chambers of his revolver, slipped that too 
 into his pocket. 
 
 " Now if I can only see Ellerey as silent as this brute, I 
 can laugh at them all. With the bracelet in my possession 
 I am safe. It will buy. the King's courtesy, or, if it suits 
 better, the Queen's obedience. I thank you, friend Vasi- 
 lici," and with a mocking bow to the lifeless brigand, De 
 Froilette took up his hat and cloak, and left the room by a 
 door concealed in the wall behind his writing table.
 
 CHAPTER XXVII 
 
 IN PURPLE AND RED AND GOLD 
 
 THE attack upon the Countess Mavrodin's house had com- 
 menced soon after daybreak. At that early hour few per- 
 sons were abroad in the streets except the soldiers, who had 
 been hastily marched to all points of vantage in the city as 
 soon as the escape of the Princess became known: but it 
 was not until an hour or two later that the news of the 
 attack, and the desperate resistance the soldiers had met 
 with, began to circulate. 
 
 When the riot, which had resulted in Maritza's rescue, 
 had been quelled, and the rioters had melted away before the 
 onslaught of the troops, it was hoped that a salutary lesson 
 had been administered which would prevent any recur- 
 rence of open rebellion. That the Princess could not long 
 elude recapture seemed certain, and her brief triumph had 
 been dearly paid for. Citizens lying dead in the streets 
 were a grim reminder of the reality of law and order. 
 
 The strenuous defence of the Countess Mavrodin's 
 house had come as a severe blow to the complacency of the 
 authorities. It seemed probable that Princess Maritza had 
 found shelter there, that she was actually in the house when 
 the attack was made, and her defenders had succeeded in 
 holding the soldiers back until she had escaped. But this 
 was not all. It was evident that it was not only upon the 
 rabble that the Princess could depend. Her cause was 
 espoused by Frina Mavrodin, and those who had consid-
 
 IN PURPLE AND RED AND GOLD 331 
 
 ered her only a beautiful, frivolous woman awoke to the 
 fact that she had power and unlimited wealth. She had 
 played a part, she had become a Lady Bountiful in Sturatz- 
 berg, and it was easy to understand how far reaching her 
 commands might be at this crisis. Baron Petrescu, too, 
 had been a prominent figure in the resistance which had 
 been made, and was still unharmed; it was impossible to 
 foretell how many others, from one cause or another. 
 
 That the attack had been successfully resisted, in so far 
 that the Princess had been able to escape, gave an enormous 
 stimulus to the courage of the rebels. The death of com- 
 panions last night had had a sobering effect upon some; 
 they were inclined to argue that they had done what they 
 had set out to do, and that for the present enough had been 
 accomplished; but the news of the morning raised fresh 
 passions within them, and their leaders were not slow to add 
 fuel to the furnace. These enthusiasts declared that it was 
 only necessary to seize the advantage already gained, to 
 win the city and to force their will upon the country. Was 
 not their Princess among them ? Had not important per- 
 sons already declared for her ? Were there not hundreds 
 of others ready to do so, only that fear of the people's fickle- 
 ness and half-heartedness held them back ? 
 
 So the carefully secreted arms were taken out again. 
 There were stir and determination in every corner of the 
 city. The word had gone forth that the day so long looked 
 for had indeed come; that before nightfall Sturatzberg 
 would be in their hands; that Maritza, their sovereign, 
 would most surely come amongst them in the Grande Place 
 to lead them, and that by noon all loyal men must win their 
 way there. It was no mere rabble to whom this command 
 was given. Some organization, at least, had been proceed- 
 ing for a long time. Points of meeting were known. Lead- 
 ers had been chosen and accepted, men who knew every
 
 332 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 alley and byway of the city, and had made a study of street 
 fighting, the cover to be had and taken advantage of, and 
 the narrow ways where the soldiers would manoeuvre at a 
 disadvantage, being compelled to fight singly and hand to 
 hand. 
 
 As the morning advanced, separate bands traversed the 
 meaner streets , avoiding conflict for the present as much as 
 possible. Here and there sharp skirmishes took place, but 
 no determined effort was made to rush the soldiers, nor 
 were the soldiers successful in dispersing those with whom 
 they came in conflict, except, perhaps, to make them change 
 their route. The rebel leaders had no wish to make boldly 
 for the Grande Place before noon, that would only be to 
 make known what their objective was. When the time came, 
 their numbers would be overpowering, and when once the 
 soldiers saw that they were hemmed in, many of them 
 would be fighting with them instead of against them. Was 
 it not common knowledge that among the troops there 
 was dissatisfaction ? 
 
 Desmond Ellerey had fallen in with one of these bands 
 when he escaped from Frina's garden. The leader, a lusty 
 enthusiast, who had already looked forward to the rewards 
 which must accrue from this day's victory, could tell him all 
 that was to happen, but of Maritza's whereabouts at that 
 moment he knew nothing. All he was sure of was that she 
 would be in the Grande Place at the appointed time. He 
 was a skilful leader. He took his followers by a multitude 
 of back streets, avoiding every point where soldiers were 
 likely to be. Every man was valuable, and to lose even 
 one in a skirmish which could achieve nothing was to 
 jeopardize the success of the rebellion to that extent. He 
 constantly turned aside to avoid some particular corner 
 which the scouts sent on before reported occupied; but 
 although this often necessitated returning for some distance
 
 IN PURPLE AND RED AND GOLD 333 
 
 along the way they had come, he managed gradually to 
 approach the place of rendezvous, until a little before noon 
 he had brought his band into an alley opening out of one of 
 the streets which led directly into the Grande Place. 
 
 " An excellent battle ground for us," he said, turning to 
 Ellerey. " The space is confined, narrow streets abound 
 for us to fight in, which will prevent the soldiers rushing us 
 or bringing guns into action." 
 
 Ellerey nodded, but his heart was heavy. Enthusiasm 
 might accomplish much, but he did not believe in the ability 
 of the rebels to withstand the military force which would be 
 opposed to them. After last night, Sturatzberg was not 
 likely to be caught asleep. What was this day to bring to 
 the woman he loved ? If he could have known that she 
 was in safety, he could have drawn his sword with a lighter 
 heart, and struck boldly for her cause died for it, if need 
 be. But she was not safe. Unless she had already fallen 
 into the hands of her enemies, she was coming to the Grande 
 Place. She had promised, and that promise was the main- 
 spring of the enthusiasm which was on every side of him. 
 He knew her too well even to hope that she would not come. 
 And her coming must mean death. His love made him 
 afraid. He could not see even the barest possibility of 
 victory, nor had he any hope that she could escape now. 
 Love made him a coward his vital force seemed numbed, 
 and his hand shook. He had been an entire stranger to 
 such a sense of fear until this moment, and it was only with 
 a great effort that he was able to throw off the paralyzing 
 effect it had upon him. 
 
 From the tower of the Hotel de Ville the hour of noon 
 sounded clear and musically over the city. 
 
 " Ready ! " said the leader. 
 
 " But the Princess ? " said Ellerey. 
 
 " She will come," was the answer.
 
 334 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 Would she ? The striking of the hour was evidently 
 the signal. The last stroke had not died away when the 
 men moved out from the alley into the street, and went 
 quickly towards the Grande Place. Similar bands of men 
 came from other alleys, and from every street they poured 
 impetuously into the Square. 
 
 No place had been assigned to Ellerey, no duty had 
 devolved upon him, and as the forward rush was made, he 
 contrived to keep at the side of the street, so that he might 
 not be forced to the front of the crowd. Once in the Square 
 he stepped aside, sheltering himself in the angle of a wall, 
 and no one noticed his movements as they rushed past him. 
 
 There were comparatively few soldiers in the Grande 
 Place, and for them the striking of noon had had no warn- 
 ing. The sharp rattle of musketry came swiftly, but in a 
 moment the soldiers were swept back or beaten down. 
 There was a triumphant shout at this success, but the men 
 were well in hand. They did not attempt to follow the 
 enemy into the side streets into which they were driven, but, 
 having in the first onslaught seized every entrance to the 
 square, took up their positions to hold them. For a few 
 moments there was silence, save for the quick commands of 
 rebel leaders, and the hurrying feet of men taking their ap- 
 pointed places. They were heartened and enthusiastic. 
 They had only to hold the Grande Place for a while com- 
 rades were marching from every quarter of the city and 
 the soldiers would be between two fires. So the leaders 
 encouraged, and the men believed and were content. 
 
 Ellerey still remained in the angle of the wall, endeavor- 
 ing to attract as little attention as possible. Were he seen 
 and recognized, some position of command was likely to be 
 thrust upon him, and this he was most anxious to avoid. 
 His place was beside Maritza when she came. One man 
 spoke to him, asking him what orders he had received.
 
 " To protect the Princess," he answered. 
 
 The man gave him a friendly nod. and Ellerey con- 
 ceived that to certain men some such command had been 
 given, and that his answer was a happy one. 
 
 From the opposite side of the square came the crack of 
 rifles again, quickly answered. The rebels were well 
 armed, and, whatever the issue, the struggle was to be a 
 desperate one. Here was no loose rabble to turn and flee, 
 but enthusiasts bent on disputing every inch of the way. 
 
 " Charge ! " came an order from the distance, and there 
 followed the sudden growling of conflict. Yonder the bat- 
 tle had begun in earnest, and a moment later a roar of tri- 
 umph proclaimed that the soldiers had been thrust back. 
 There was wisdom in making them fight in narrow streets. 
 
 It was difficult for Ellerey to remain where he was. 
 Fighting was going forward, and the spirit of the soldier in 
 him made him restless to take his part in it. His hand 
 was upon his sword, when suddenly a great roar of voices 
 from every side seemed to shake the Square. Again and 
 again it rose swelling and breaking like storm waves lash- 
 ing a shore. There was quick movement round the statue 
 of Ferdinand, a frantic waving of arms, and then the 
 mighty roar became articulate. 
 
 " Maritza ! Maritza ! " 
 
 She had come among them a warrior, even as her 
 fathers wene : it was fitting that her name should resound 
 over Sturatzberg. 
 
 "Charge!" 
 
 Again the distant command, again the fierce cries and 
 groaning of conflict, and still the rebel ranks remained un- 
 broken; again the soldiers were beaten down and driven 
 back. Maritza had come, and that meant victory. The 
 belief was deep seated in the heart of every man. 
 
 From what point she had entered the square, Ellerey
 
 336 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 could not determine, but in a few moments he saw her. 
 She was standing on the steps of the statue, a pathetic, yet 
 an heroic figure. She was still in her boy's dress, her bright 
 curls falling loosely from under her cap. She said some- 
 thing which Ellerey could not hear, and then the shouting 
 broke out again. Men ran to join their comrades, impa- 
 tient only for opportunity to strike a blow at the foe, leaving 
 the Princess in the midst of a little band, evidently a picked 
 bodyguard, among them Baron Petrescu and Dumitru. 
 
 For a moment Ellerey watched her. She had come. 
 There was no sign of fear in her face ; how should there be ? 
 Did he not know her courage ? When had Maritza ever 
 failed when the time for action arrived ? Had he not full 
 reason to know what a splendid comrade she was in a tight 
 place? All these who shouted her name were her com- 
 rades; was it likely she would desert them in the hour of 
 their need ? And this was the woman he loved, the woman 
 who loved him yes, in that instant all doubt seemed to 
 fade into knowledge. Almost he fancied that her quick 
 glance sought him in that striving crowd, and, not finding, 
 that disappointment touched her heart. Oh, it was good 
 to be loved, even for one short hour, by such a woman as 
 this. 
 
 His sword was naked in his hand as he went swiftly 
 across the square and shouldered his way to her. 
 
 "Desmond Ellerey! "she cried, a wondrous light glow- 
 ing in her eyes as she stretched out her hand to him. 
 
 " At your service and command, Princess," he answered. 
 
 In her glad cry at his coming he heard the confession of 
 her love; he read it in her eyes, yet he did not call her Ma- 
 ritza. To-day, indeed, she claimed the address of sov- 
 ereignty. 
 
 " I thought perhaps you would not come," she said in a 
 lower voice. " You do not love my cause."
 
 " To-day I stand or fall for it, Princess," he said aloud; 
 "because " 
 
 "Desmond!" 
 
 " Because I love you," he whispered. 
 
 It was said. It had to be said now, lest she should never 
 know, for this day was a day of battle, and, before evening, 
 ears might be deaf and lips silenced forever. 
 
 For a moment longer she held his hand in hers, and 
 then, fearing, perhaps, that others about her might see 
 some preference in her welcome, she cried aloud : 
 
 " Ah, God must surely destine me for victory. He has 
 given me so many brave and true men ! " 
 
 The roar of conflict was not confined to one side of the 
 Square now. Street after street took up the fight. The 
 soldiers were attacking from every quarter. The sharp 
 command to charge rang out more often, and the sudden 
 growl of the hand-to-hand struggles was fiercer and longer 
 and more continuous. Here and there was an ominous 
 bending inward of a mass of defenders, but it was straight- 
 ened again by mere force of numbers. 
 
 "They want more men there," said Ellerey, pointing 
 with his sword to one place. 
 
 Maritza gave a quick order to a man near her, and im- 
 mediately other men were hurrying to strengthen the posi- 
 tion. 
 
 " Who commands ? " asked Ellerey, turning to the 
 Baron. 
 
 " The Princess," was the answer. 
 
 "A dozen leaders fight for me," said Maritza; "but I 
 look to you and the Baron to advise me." 
 
 " What forces have you in the city beside these ? " El- 
 lerey asked, turning to Petrescu. 
 
 " Many are hurrying to join us," he answered. 
 
 " And will have to fight their way to us," said Ellerey. 
 22
 
 338 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " We must hold the Square at all costs, for I see no line of 
 retreat." 
 
 " Retreat ! " exclaimed Maritza. " There is no retreat 
 for me. To-day makes me Queen in Wallaria or nothing." 
 
 "Still, Princess, a momentary retreat might save the 
 day." 
 
 "We have no way of retreat, Captain," said Petrescu, 
 and the look in his face told Ellerey plainly enough that, 
 loyal as he was, he had little hope of success. " Circum- 
 stances have forced matters to an issue, and we must stand 
 or fall as the fates decide." 
 
 The rattle of musketry was now continuous on all sides, 
 and for those who fell there was little help or thought, 
 friend and foe alike trampling them to death in the struggle. 
 More than once soldiers, thrust forward by those behind 
 them, had broken through the ranks of the defenders, only 
 to be shot or stabbed before they could recover themselves. 
 Again the rushes were stopped and repulsed, but still they 
 were made with unabated fury, and Ellerey saw that each 
 one was more determined, more difficult to meet than the 
 last. Constantly that ominous bending inward was only 
 straightened with great effort. 
 
 Presently he touched the Baron on the shoulder, and 
 pointed to one street where, in the distance, mounted men 
 could be seen. 
 
 " I have been wondering why they did not use them," 
 said Ellerey. 
 
 " The streets are narrow for them," said Petrescu. 
 
 " True ' but if only a dozen break through there will be 
 confusion." And then, lowering his voice, Ellerey went 
 on : " Is there no way of escape for her ? " 
 
 "We may carve one lor her, Ellerey, you and I; it is 
 the only way I know of." 
 
 They had spoken in a low tone, but, had their voices
 
 been louder, it is doubtful whether Maritza would have 
 heard them. She was absorbed in watching the deadly 
 struggle which raged around her. She was unconscious of 
 the bells above her, which told quarter after quarter, sound- 
 ing musically over the city. Perhaps the thought came to 
 her that these men were dying in her cause, at her bidding; 
 but how could she blame herself ? Had not thousands be- 
 fore them died for her fathers ? Were her rights less than 
 those of her fathers ? And was she not among her sub- 
 jects to cry victory with them, or to die in their midst ? She 
 asked from them no sacrifice which she herself was not pre- 
 pared to make. 
 
 "Will those others who are coming never fight their 
 way to us ? " she said turning to Ellerey suddenly. 
 
 " If they can, Princess." 
 
 It was a vain hope. In every street which led to the 
 Grande Place there had been desperate struggles. In the 
 roadways lay the dead and dying, while others fled to find 
 safety if they could. There was no help to come, and El- 
 lerey did not expect it. 
 
 "Charge!" 
 
 The command rang out simultaneously from all sides, 
 and there was the jingle of harness and the thud of horses' 
 hoofs. 
 
 Here the attack was hurled back, horses riderless, here 
 horse and man pitched forward to be shot and stabbed; 
 and here the same, and here ; but yonder the defenders had 
 been driven in, and there too. A dozen horsemen were in 
 the square, and although they fell, confusion had begun. 
 The defense was weakened at several points, more horse- 
 men fought their way in, and with them foot-soldiers gained 
 an entrance. Step by step the rebels were driven back- 
 ward toward the statue where Maritza stood.
 
 340 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " Will those others never fight their way to us ? " she 
 cried in almost piteous tones. 
 
 " You cannot stay here," said Ellerey. " Come ! " 
 
 Men were already rushing past them. Once beaten 
 back, hopelessness came quickly, and many of those who 
 had been foremost in the fight now shouted to their com- 
 rades to escape if they could. The soldiers, resistlessly 
 pressing forward, were closing in on them when Ellerey 
 spoke. Maritza did not answer. 
 
 " Come ! " he said again, his hand on her arm. 
 
 The touch roused her. 
 
 "I have brought you to this; forgive me, Desmond," 
 she said. Her whole ambition was forgotten for a moment 
 in the thought of the man beside her. 
 
 Ellerey did not answer. There was no time. The sol- 
 diers were upon them. With Petrescu on one side and Du- 
 mitru on the other Ellerey threw himself before the Prin- 
 cess. The final struggle had commenced, and so fierce was 
 the resistance of these three men that the soldiers hesitated 
 and fell back a pace. 
 
 " Fly, Princess, while there is time," Ellerey shouted. 
 
 " Victory or death, I stay " (and her voice rang clear 
 above the uproar) " with you, Desmond." 
 
 The last words were spoken almost in a whisper, and 
 they maddened him. Here was death, butchery, and she 
 was in the midst of it. 
 
 "Maritza! Go, dear! Go! "he cried. "Let me hold 
 them back for a moment. I will follow. Petrescu ! Du- 
 mitru ! " 
 
 So determined was the struggle round the steps of the 
 statue that the tide of battle seemed to have turned again, 
 and some of the rebels dashed fiercely back into the fray. 
 
 "Take her, Dumitru," Ellerey whispered. "We'll 
 hold them while we can."
 
 IN PURPLE AND RED AND GOLD 341 
 
 Suddenly from a corner of the Grande Place, rushing 
 swiftly through the ranks of the flying rebels, came a wo- 
 man. 
 
 " Are you cowards or men ? " she cried aloud as she 
 came, and some turned at that cry and met death with a 
 shout of defiance, while others stood irresolute until fear 
 overcame them. 
 
 Ellerey saw her as she reached Maritza's side, and then 
 he was conscious that a stalwart arm was raining heavy 
 blows upon the foes which seemed to surround him. 
 
 " She would come. I could not stay her," said Stefan 
 between his deeply panted breaths as he struck again and 
 again. 
 
 "Fly, Maritza!" 
 
 "Frina! You!" 
 
 " Fly, Maritza ! " The salvation of Maritza seemed her 
 one thought. The hope that she might accomplish it, even 
 at the last moment, had drawn her hither. How it was to 
 be done she had not asked herself. Yet now she appeared 
 to have found the way. 
 
 Even as she spoke Dumitru seized the Princess. 
 
 " Come ! " he said, as he threw a cloak about her to con- 
 ceal her identity. " To-day we fail ; to-morrow Ah ! " 
 
 It was a short, sharp cry, a cry with finality in it. What- 
 ever to-morrow might bring forth, he should have no part 
 in it. His hand still grasped the cloak as he fell backwards, 
 and Maritza was dragged down with him. 
 
 " Grigosie, " said Ellerey to the soldier beside him as he 
 saw Dumitru fall. He used the name that Stefan might 
 understand to the full. Was there anything that Stefan 
 would not do for Grigosie ? 
 
 Frina Mavrodin stood for a moment alone above the 
 surging, fighting mass. She had shuddered when she had 
 passed the dead body of Francois in the passage, now she
 
 342 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 drew herself to her full height and looked down upon the 
 battle. She stood there that all men might see her, that 
 Maritza might escape, and then she saw Ellerey with the 
 sweat and grime of the conflict upon him. For an instant 
 their eyes met, her lips whispered his name, and then she 
 threw up her arms, and with a low cry fell prone upon the 
 steps of the statue. 
 
 Maritza, who was bending over Dumitru, turned swiftly 
 and made one step towards her when Stefan stopped her. 
 
 " Come," he said. And this time he waited for no plead- 
 ing. Drawing the cloak tightly round her, he caught her 
 in his arms, and, in the midst of those who fled, rushed 
 from the Square. The plan he had made earlier in the day 
 when the Countess walked beside him he would carry out 
 now. He had ears for no entreaty, for no threat, 
 
 "We'll win through, Grigosie," he said over and over 
 again as he turned now into one alley, now into another, 
 leaving the flying rabble further and further behind. 
 " We'll win through, Grigosie. It's the Captain's orders." 
 
 Ellerey heard that cry too, and knew its meaning. 
 There was a shout of triumph from the soldiers pressing 
 forward, a swaying back of the rebels, and he was carried 
 along with them unable to use his sword in the seething 
 mass of friends and foes. 
 
 "She is dead!" someone cried; and the effect was in- 
 stantaneous. Men took up the cry and shouted that Ma- 
 ritza was dead, and the soldiers may have thought it was so 
 seeing a woman fall. Every rebel was at once struggling to 
 fight his way out of the crowd, his own safety his only 
 thought. The day was lost, it was the time to seek safety 
 if it were to be found. The Baron and Ellerey were still 
 side by side, and together they were forced back toward a 
 narrow street. 
 
 " There is still a chance for you," Petrescu whispered.
 
 IN PURPLE AND RED AND GOLD 343 
 
 And the next moment he was striving madly to force his 
 way back to the statue, to the side of the woman he had 
 loved. Then he was cut down and trampled under foot as 
 Ellerey was carried away in a rush of pursued and pursuers. 
 Suddenly the pressure relaxed, the open street was before 
 him. 
 
 " Ellerey ! No matter who else escapes, seize Ellerey ! " 
 He had been recognized, and for him there was no hope of 
 mercy. He swung round one sweeping blow of his sword 
 and sprang forward. The way seemed clear, when a fig- 
 ure suddenly dashed from a doorway and fired at him point 
 blank, twice in quick succession, crying his name to those 
 who appeared to have lost him for a moment. 
 
 A pain like the running in of a red-hot skewer was in 
 Ellerey 's arm, but not his sword arm, and the weapon 
 flashed high in the air and fell with relentless force. 
 
 " Quits, you devil ! " he cried as De Froilette reeled back- 
 wards, cut with deadly depth downward from the shoulder. 
 Then Ellerey rushed on again, one among hundreds seek- 
 ing safety, followed by their conquerors, who showed no 
 mercy. Suddenly an arm was outstretched from an alley 
 and seized him. The impetus of being thus turned in his 
 headlong flight carried him some yards down the narrow 
 way. 
 
 " Quickly ! " said a voice in his ear. " To the right, now 
 to the left." 
 
 A guiding hand and a supporting arm urged him for- 
 ward. Ellerey asked no question, never turned toward 
 the man who ran beside him, but went on mechanically. 
 His brain was full of a whirling nightmare. Then a door 
 was slammed heavily, there was the sensation of rapid 
 movement, the quick beating of galloping horses, and then 
 faintness and oblivion. 
 
 The red sun sank westward, glowing on the roofs and
 
 344 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 spires of the city. The minutes passed swiftly, and the 
 hours. Still in the smaller streets and the narrow alleys 
 there were flying feet, and now and again a shriek as some 
 poor wretch pitched forward, shot or stabbed by his relent- 
 less pursuers. Resistance there was none; that was over. 
 The dead and dying lay in the roadways where they had 
 fallen, the only cry now was for mercy, and that was seldom 
 granted. The soldiers were savage too, and rebellion must 
 be stamped out. 
 
 By the statue of Ferdinand a squad of soldiers was 
 halted, and on the steps, just as she had fallen, lay Frina 
 Mavrodin. She was beautiful in death, and there was a 
 pathos in that prostrate form which appealed even to these 
 rough soldiers. Had she not been the Lady Bountiful in 
 that city ? They were silent for the most part, or if they 
 spoke, hushed their voices to a whisper, and used no oaths. 
 She had sacrificed her life for the man and woman she loved. 
 Here in the Grande Place of Sturatzberg, where a little 
 while since fierce conflict raged; here where Maritza's 
 cause had been fought for and lost; here where so many 
 turned sightless eyes to the deepening sky, Frina Mavrodin 
 had found her rest. No tramping, struggling feet had 
 touched her, and only the blood staining the brown hair 
 where the bullet had struck showed that this was death and 
 not sleep. The minutes passed, and the hours, the bells 
 sounding musically at short intervals over the city, and the 
 sun slowly sank lower and lower into his bed of purple and 
 red and gold.
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII 
 
 THE DIPLOMACY OF LORD CLOVERTON 
 
 DESMOND ELLEREY recovered consciousness slowly and 
 gradually. After the sensations of movement and gallop- 
 ing horses, there was utter oblivion for a time, followed by 
 sharp pain which seemed to be caused by someone bending 
 over him a shadowy figure whose attack upon him he was 
 powerless to resist, Then he heard voices, and more than 
 one shadow flitted vaguely across his vision. Presently he 
 realized that he was stretched out at full length, and that he 
 was in a room which had an intricate pattern on the ceil- 
 ing, the lines and curves of which his eyes were trying to fol- 
 low. 
 
 "Well, Doctor?" 
 
 "Nothing serious," was the answer. "A bullet has 
 torn the fleshy part of the arm, but it would hardly account 
 for his collapse. The man is thoroughly played out, and 
 has had no sleep for some nights probably, and has been at 
 high tension for a long time." 
 
 " But will he be able to travel ? " 
 
 *' He would be better for twenty-four hours' sleep first." 
 
 " That is out of the question," was the answer. 
 
 " Is it a long journey ? " asked the doctor. 
 
 " Yes ; but he will be well cared for, and will have noth- 
 ing to do." 
 
 "It will pull him down a bit, but he will stand it all 
 right," the doctor returned. " His is the sort of constitution 
 which stands anything."
 
 346 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 At first Ellerey had only been conscious of voices, now 
 he partly understood what was said, and half raised him- 
 self. 
 
 " Where am I ? " he asked faintly. 
 
 " Ah, that's better," said the doctor; " drink this, it will 
 start you toward recovery. No, leave that arm alone, it 
 will be all right presently." 
 
 "It hurts a bit," Ellerey answered. "I remember; 
 De Froilette did it. I think I struck him down; I forget 
 what happened after that," and he drank from the glass 
 handed him. 
 
 "Well, Goldberg, he looks better already," said the 
 other man, coming forward and standing by the couch. 
 ** Do you know me, Ellerey ? " 
 
 "LordCloverton!" 
 
 " I told you I would pluck you from under the wheels of 
 Juggernaut's car if I could, and so far I have succeeded." 
 
 " I don't know how you have done it, but I thank you." 
 
 " I will leave you for a little while," said Dr. Goldberg. 
 " How long before he starts ? Delay it as long as you can." 
 
 " A couple of hours," said Cloverton. 
 
 "Very well. I will come in and see him comfortably 
 packed up." 
 
 " I cannot go," said Ellerey as the door closed upon the 
 doctor. 
 
 " Listen to me," said the Ambassador, sitting down on 
 the end of the couch. " I am not going to criticize your 
 actions, and that you are here in the Embassy proves that I 
 still feel some interest in you. I hardly expected to save 
 you, but Captain Ward was fortunate in choosing the right 
 spot to rescue you, and he managed to get you here without 
 anyone knowing. You are still being eagerly sought for." 
 
 " I should like to thank Captain Ward," said Ellerey. 
 
 " You shall before you go."
 
 DIPLOMACY OF LORD CLOVERTON 347 
 
 " I cannot leave Sturatzberg," said Ellerey. 
 
 " You can understand that under the circumstances I 
 have run some risk in having you brought to the Embassy," 
 Lord Cloverton went on. " It is quite impossible for you 
 to remain here, and to go into the streets of the city would 
 be to go to your death." 
 
 " Still, I must go, Lord Cloverton. You do not under- 
 stand." 
 
 " Perhaps not ; but I have myself to think of as well as 
 you. For both of us it is necessary that you cross the fron- 
 tier as soon as possible. In two hours we start. I am go- 
 ing as far as Breslen on my own affairs, and, in case of acci- 
 dent, an escort is to accompany my carriage, which will be 
 closed. I have made the most of the dangers to myself, and 
 have demanded that my person shall be well guarded. You 
 will go with me, and for your journey from Breslen I have 
 made further arrangements. You are unlikely to be 
 stopped." 
 
 "But, my Lord " 
 
 " You owe no further allegiance to the cause you have 
 striven for. You can depart in all honor. The cause is 
 annihilated." 
 
 "I know, my Lord, I know; still, I cannot leave Stu- 
 ratzberg." 
 
 " Somehow I expected to find you difficult to persuade," 
 said Lord Cloverton, rising. " I have no time to argue with 
 you; I will send someone else to do that. I hope to find 
 you more tractable when I return." 
 
 He went out of the room, closing the door gently behind 
 him. Ellerey raised himself on the couch, wincing with 
 the pain his arm gave him, but determined to balk the Am- 
 bassador while he had the opportunity. It was evident 
 that if he remained there Lord Cloverton would force him 
 to this journey, and he was too weak to offer any real resist-
 
 348 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 ance, but once in the streets he could hide and wait, and 
 seek Maritza in every corner of the city until 
 
 The door opened again, and closed. Ellerey's back 
 was toward it, and he did not turn. It was only a servant, 
 probably, who would go away presently. 
 
 "Desmond!" 
 
 A few hurried steps, the quick rustle of a dress, and then 
 a figure was kneeling by the couch, and a head was pillowed 
 on his breast. 
 
 " Desmond ! " 
 
 For a moment he did not speak; he could not. His con- 
 fusion returned , and seemed to overwhelm him. Surely he 
 was still dreaming ? 
 
 " Maritza ! You ? Is it really you ? How wonderful 
 it is, this waking ! Is it you, Maritza ? " 
 
 " Yes , dear. Thank God for bringing you to me again. " 
 
 " It is wonderful," Ellerey murmured. " Red blood is 
 before my eyes still, and in my ears shouting and groaning. 
 We have lived through it all, you and I " 
 
 "And so many are dead, Desmond, have died for me. 
 My heart is heavy and full of tears, only only there is you, 
 and you are here, and, God forgive me, there is joy in my 
 soul because of this." 
 
 It was a strange, new thing for him to see Maritza weep. 
 
 " And Frina. Frina gave her life for mine, Desmond," 
 she whispered. 
 
 He did not speak, but his fingers closed over hers, and 
 they were both silent. 
 
 " They are looking for us in every corner of the city," 
 she said presently. 
 
 " How did you escape ? " he asked. 
 
 "I hardly know. Stefan caught me up and ran with 
 me. I strove to free myself in vain. I pleaded, I threat- 
 ened, but it was of no use. I was a child in those great
 
 DIPLOMACY OF LORD CLOVERTON 349 
 
 arms of his. He brought me here. Lord Cloverton was 
 very kind." 
 
 " Where is Stefan now ? " 
 
 " Here still. He is going with us. Lord Cloverton says 
 that you will not go ; but you will, Desmond, won't you ? I 
 want you to take me away, anywhere, Desmond anywhere 
 away from Sturatzberg." 
 
 " I would not go, my darling, because you were not with 
 me. When you came in I was making up my mind to drop 
 from the window that I might look for you ; but now " 
 
 " My poor love, you are weak ; how could you ? " 
 
 "My sword arm is whole still, though it is tired very 
 tired." 
 
 " It shall rest now," she said, taking it and pressing it to 
 her breast. " Desmond." 
 
 "Yes, dearest." 
 
 " Only once have you said to me : ' I love you.' Never 
 yet have I been in your arms. Put this one this strong 
 one round me now. Say 'I love you.' Tell me. Oh, 
 how often have I longed to hear those words from your 
 lips." 
 
 "I love you, Maritza,my Princess," he whispered, and 
 he kissed her lips as a little contented sigh escaped them. 
 
 " How beautiful you are ! " he went on, after a moment's 
 pause. " It is strange, Maritza, but since that morning on 
 the downs I have never seen you dressed as a woman." 
 
 " Once, Desmond." 
 
 " Ah, then you wore a mask." 
 
 " And looked through it with eyes of love, Desmond." 
 
 "Even then?" 
 
 " Yes, even then. These are borrowed clothes. Lord 
 Cloverton persuaded someone to lend them. He was ner- 
 vous until I became a woman. Grigosie is dead, Des- 
 mond."
 
 350 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " Is there no regret in your heart ? " 
 
 " None," she answered. 
 
 " You lose a kingdom, Maritza." 
 
 " It is well lost for love, Desmond. I have found my 
 king." 
 
 She was kneeling beside the couch when Lord Cloverton 
 entered. 
 
 " Well, Captain Ellerey, are you ready to go ? " 
 
 " How can I thank you, my Lord ? " 
 
 " By going," the Ambassador answered, with a smile. 
 " Sight of the Princess is evidently good medicine for you. 
 You have both given me many anxious hours." 
 
 " You must forgive us," said Maritza. 
 
 "Princess, I am an old man; I envy my countryman 
 his youth. But for all that, I shall find my work in Stu- 
 ratzberg easier when I know you two rebels are safely over 
 the frontier." 
 
 Dr. Goldberg came in, and with him Captain Ward. 
 
 " I owe you much," said Ellerey, grasping the latter's 
 hand. "Thank you." 
 
 " It is but repaying the debt I incurred on the night of 
 the duel, Captain Ellerey." 
 
 "The carriage is waiting," said Lord Cloverton. "It 
 is in the inner courtyard. We must be silent, for the escort, 
 which waits without, has no knowledge that I am accom- 
 panied. Now, Doctor, wrap up your patient, and help him 
 out. Here is a cloak for you, Princess. You travel with 
 light luggage, but that, I am afraid, cannot be helped." 
 
 " And Stefan ? " asked Ellerey. 
 
 " Goes with us. He is waiting. Come ! " 
 
 The travelling carriage was large and roomy, and they 
 entered it in silence in the inner courtyard. Stefan was 
 waiting, and saluted Ellerey, but neither of them spoke 
 then. The windows were drawn up, the blinds closed, and
 
 DIPLOMACY OF LORD CLOVERTON 351 
 
 then they moved out. There was a sharp word of com- 
 mand as they passed into the street, and so, escorted by the 
 King's troops, the man and woman who were being searched 
 for in every corner of the city passed out by the Northern 
 Gate and through the Bois, and were presently driving along 
 the Breslen road. 
 
 Lord Cloverton's arrangements had been very carefully 
 and completely made. In Breslen the carriage drove into 
 an inn yard, the escort remaining without, and in the yard 
 another carriage was waiting. The driver was in possession 
 of the papers necessary for the journey, and, unless some- 
 thing unforeseen should happen, nothing could prevent the 
 fugitives reaching the frontier in safety. 
 
 " Wait until I have gone," said Lord Cloverton, " and 
 then start. Bon voyage," he whispered, as he raised Ma- 
 ritza's hand te his lips. " I hope we shall meet again under 
 happier circumstances in England, it may be. Your 
 marriage will render a very charming Princess powerless to 
 disturb the peace of Europe." 
 
 " Thank you a thousand times," said Ellerey. " You 
 have given me more than life happiness." 
 
 When the Ambassador had gone, Ellerey turned to 
 Stefan. 
 
 " What can I say to you, old comrade ? " 
 
 " Better say nothing, Captain. I'm nearer to tears just 
 now than I ever was in my life." 
 
 "I had forgotten," said Ellerey; "you are leaving Stu- 
 ratzberg." 
 
 " Oh, they're not tears of that kind," said Stefan. " I 
 think they're happy ones, but having shed so few I'm a poor 
 judge. I only know, Captain, it's good to be beside you 
 again. I know it's good to have served you, and and 
 Grigosie, the name will slip out and if you want to say 
 anything, just promise that you won't send me packing as
 
 352 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 soon as we get free. I can turn my hand to other things 
 beside soldiering." 
 
 " You shall stay with us, Stefan," said Maritza. 
 
 "I don't think I could have known any real woman 
 before," the soldier muttered. 
 
 Ten minutes later they had passed out of the inn yard, 
 and were galloping toward the frontier. 
 
 And in the midst of his escort, Lord Cloverton was rid- 
 ing back to Sturatzberg. So far he had succeeded, but he 
 knew how often some little thing destroyed the best-laid 
 scheme. He drove direct to the palace, and was admitted 
 to the King. Queen Elena was with him. 
 
 " Do you bring us news of this countryman of yours, my 
 Lord ? " said the King, and he spoke somewhat curtly. 
 
 " Or of Princess Maritza ? " said the' Queen. " It is very 
 strange that neither of them can be found." 
 
 " So they have not been found yet ? " said the Ambassa- 
 dor. 
 
 "No, my Lord; but they will be. I have it on good 
 authority, only a moment ago, that they are even now be- 
 tween Breslen and the frontier. It was cleverly conceived, 
 Lord Cloverton, but it is not too late to stop them," and the 
 King's hand was raised to strike a gong to summon a mes- 
 senger. 
 
 " One moment, your Majesty." 
 
 "Why delay?" exclaimed the Queen impatiently. 
 "Every moment is of value. Five minutes have slipped 
 away already since this news was brought to you. Tele- 
 graph to the frontier at once. I shall not rest until Maritza 
 is taken." 
 
 " And De Froilette, your Majesty ? " said the Ambassa- 
 dor quietly. 
 
 "He is dead." 
 
 "I know," was the answer. "Had he been alive, he
 
 DIPLOMACY OF LORD CLOVERTON 353 
 
 too would have been hurrying toward the frontier. Your 
 Majesty should rejoice in his death. He was not a man to 
 be trusted." 
 
 " My Lord, you tell us only what we know," said the 
 Queen. 
 
 " A little more, I think, your Majesty," was the quiet 
 answer. "A servant of mine saw Monsieur De Froilette 
 struck down by Captain Ellerey, and, knowing the man, 
 searched him. He carried much that was incriminating 
 upon him." And then, turning to the King, he added: 
 " Would it not be well to let Captain Ellerey and the Prin- 
 cess go ? " 
 
 " What do you mean ? " asked the King angrily. 
 
 "Lord Cloverton only seeks to delay that message," 
 said the Queen. "Send it. Some of your enemies are 
 dead, but these two escape." 
 
 " And must be allowed to escape," said the Ambassador. 
 
 " Do you threaten, my Lord ? " said the King. 
 
 " I ask the Queen to support me with regard to these 
 fugitives." 
 
 " And I refuse," she answered. " Send the message." 
 
 " Will your Majesty show the King the bracelet of me- 
 dallions ? " said Lord Cloverton. 
 
 The King rose angrily. 
 
 " Once before, my Lord " and then he stopped. 
 
 " Send the message," cried the Queen. 
 
 " And then look to your own safety," said Lord Clover- 
 ton, turning sharply to the King. "Russia has plotted 
 against you ; her troops lie still on the frontier, and treach- 
 ery has been beside you. By a strange chance the plot mis- 
 carried, but it was near to success. This was found in Jules 
 de Froilette's possession," and he held up the bracelet. 
 
 The King looked at it. The Queen drew in her breath 
 sharply, and bit her lip until the blood came.
 
 354 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 " What is the meaning of this ? " said the King, turning 
 to her after a pause. 
 
 " At a fitting time I will answer," she said. 
 
 The King sat down heavily in his chair. 
 
 " I will send no message," he said. 
 
 Lord Cloverton bowed, and placing the bracelet care- 
 fully on the table, silently left the apartment.
 
 CHAPTER XXIX 
 
 AFTER WAR PEACE 
 
 PEACEFUL times had fallen upon Wallaria. It is whispered 
 sometimes that the relations between the King and the 
 Queen are not of the happiest ; but who that would publish 
 such a statement can possibly know the truth with any cer- 
 tainty. It is a fact that the country is better governed. 
 At nights the streets of Sturatzberg are far safer than they 
 were formerly, and the brigands in the hills have been dis- 
 persed. Some political malcontents among them have 
 been banished, but many have been pardoned, and go im 
 and out cf the city unmolested. The Court is still a bril- 
 liant one, but in these days there is no woman there as beau- 
 tiful as Frina Mavrodin, and Lord Cloverton is no longer 
 British Ambassador. He has been transferred to Paris, 
 and this fact alone is sufficient to show that the Powers are 
 more agreed concerning Wallaria. A less experienced man 
 than Lord Cloverton is now at the Embassy, and has had 
 no such troublous times to steer through as fell to his pre- 
 decessor. 
 
 Yet Princess Maritza is not forgotten in Sturatzberg, 
 and for a small bribe many a man will tell the traveler her 
 romantic history, and will perhaps whisper in his ear, as 
 though the spirit of revolution were not altogether dead in 
 him: 
 
 " I was among those who fought that day in the Grande 
 Place."
 
 356 PRINCESS MARITZA 
 
 So long as they live, Desmond Ellerey and his wife will 
 not forget that day, but they seldom speak of it. It is quite 
 certain that Maritza has never regretted the kingdom she 
 lost. Love has crowned her life, and she is satisfied. 
 
 Long since has it been known that the story which drove 
 Ellerey away from his country was a lie, told and substan- 
 tiated by the real culprit to shield himself. By this man's 
 tardy confession, Ellerey's character was cleared, and many 
 expected him to return to England at once, but he did not 
 do so. When his brother died, and he became Sir Desmond 
 Ellerey, he did return for a while, however, staying for some 
 time with his old and staunch friends, Sir Charles and Lady 
 Martin, and his beautiful wife caused a sensation. She 
 visited her old school, and she stood with her husband upon 
 the downs on the very spot where they had first met. But 
 England was not for them, they decided, and their perma- 
 nent home is in Italy, in sight of dancing blue waters and 
 under a blue sky. 
 
 And in this Italian home is Stefan, whose chief duty 
 seems to consist in worshipping Ellerey's small son, who is 
 going to be a soldier when he grows up and win a wife like 
 his mother, just as his father did. It is Stefan who tells 
 him stories of the past, Stefan who fashions wooden swords 
 for him, and who would willingly lay down his life for his 
 father, mother, or son. 
 
 u Once I didn't care for anybody," Stefan said to the lad 
 one day. 
 
 " You didn't know father then." 
 
 " No ; and for a long time after that I hated women." 
 
 " Until you met my mother ? " asked the boy. 
 
 " Yes ; and until I knew Grigosie." 
 
 " Grigosie ? Who was Grigosie ? " 
 
 " She was a Princess." 
 
 " My mother is a Princess. Father says so."
 
 AFTER WAR PEACE 357 
 
 " And some day, when you are old enough, he will tell 
 you all about Grigosie, too, and how it is you are not a 
 king." 
 
 " Mother sometimes calls me her little king," said the 
 boy. 
 
 " I don't wonder. Now it's time to mount and charge 
 home." 
 
 So the little warrior is quickly lifted on Stefan's shoul- 
 der, and with waving wooden sword, and with curls flying,, 
 is whirled off on his willing charger.
 
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 A record of rambles in England, relating largely 
 to Warwickshire and depicting not so much the Eng- 
 land of fact, as the England created and hallowed 
 by the spirit of her poetry, of which Shakespeare is 
 the soul. Profusely illustrated. Price, seventy-five 
 cents, postpaid. 
 
 THEODORE ROOSEVELT THE CITIZEN, by 
 Jacob A. Riis. 
 
 Should be read by every man and boy in America. 
 Because it sets forth an ideal of American Citizen- 
 ship. An Inspired Biography by one who knows 
 him best, A large, handsomely illustrated cloth 
 bound book. Price, postpaid, seventy-five cents. 
 
 GKOSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS 
 52 DUANE STREET :: NEW YORK
 
 THE GROSSET AND DUNLAP SPECIAL 
 
 EDITIONS OF POPULAR NO VELS THAT 
 
 HA VE BEEN DRAMATIZED. 
 
 BREWSTER'S MILLIONS: By George Barr 
 
 McCutcheon. 
 
 A clever, fascinating tale, with a striking and un- 
 usual plot. With illustrations from the original New 
 York production of the play. 
 
 THE LITTLE MINISTER : By J. M. Barrie. 
 
 With illustrations from the play as presented by 
 Maude Adams, and a vignette in gold of Miss Adams 
 on the cover. 
 
 CHECKERS : By Henry M. Blossom, Jr. 
 
 A story of the Race Track. Illustrated with scenes 
 from the play as originally presented in New York 
 by Thomas W. Ross who created the stage character. 
 
 THE CHRISTIAN : By Hall Caine. 
 THE ETERNAL CITY : By Hall Caine. 
 
 Each has been elaborately and successfully staged. 
 
 IN THE PALACE OF THE KING: By F. Marion 
 Crawford. 
 
 A love story of Old Madrid, with full page illustra- 
 tions. Originally played with great success by Viola 
 Allen. 
 JANICE MEREDITH : By Paul Leicester Ford. 
 
 New edition with an especially attractive cover, 
 a really handsome book. Originally played by Mary 
 Mannering, who created the title role. 
 
 These books are handsomely bound in cloth, are 
 well-made in every respect, and aside from their un- 
 usual merit as stories, are particularly interesting to 
 those who like things theatrical. Price, postpaid, 
 seventy-five cents each. 
 
 GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHEBS 
 52 DUANE STREET :: NEW YORK
 
 2 'HE GROSSET AND DUNLAP SPECIAL 
 
 EDITIONS OF POPULAR NOVELS THAT 
 
 HA VE BEEN DRAMATIZED. 
 
 MISTRESS NELL, A Merry Tale of a 
 Merry Time. (Twixt Fact and Fancy.) By George 
 Hazelton. 
 
 A dainty, handsome volume, beautifully printed 
 on fine laid paper and bound in extra vellum 
 cloth. A charming story, the dramatic version 
 of which, as produced by Henrietta Crosman, 
 was one of the conspicuous stage successes of 
 recent years. With a rare portrait of Nell Gwyn 
 in duotone, from an engraving of the painting by 
 Sir Peter Lely, as a frontispiece. 
 
 BY RIGHT OF SWORD, 
 
 By Arthur W. Marchmont. 
 
 With full page illustrations, by Powell Chase. 
 This clever and fascinating tale has had a large 
 sale and seems as popular to-day as when first 
 published. It is full of action and incident and 
 will arouse the keen interest of the reader at the 
 very start. The dramatic version was very suc- 
 cessfully produced during several seasons by 
 Ralph Stuart. 
 
 These books are handsomely bound in cloth, 
 are well made in every respect, and aside from 
 their unusual merit as stories, are particularly in- 
 teresting to those who like things theatrical. 
 Price, postpaid, seventy-five cents each. 
 
 GEOSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHEBS 
 52 DUANE STREET :: NEW YORK
 
 THE GROSSET AND DUNLAP SPECIAL 
 
 EDITIONS OF POPULAR NOVELS THAT 
 
 HA VE BEEN DRAMATIZED. 
 
 CAPE COD FOLKS: By Sarah P. McLean Greene. 
 
 Illustrated with scenes from the play, as originally 
 produced at the Boston Theatre. 
 
 IF I WERE KING : By Justin Huntly McCarthy. 
 
 Illustrations from the play, as produced by E. H. 
 Sothern. 
 
 DOROTHY VERNON OF HADDON HALL: 
 
 By Charles Major. 
 
 The Bertha Galland Edition, with illustrations from 
 the play. 
 
 WHEN KNIGHTHOOD WAS IN FLOWER: 
 
 By Charles Major. 
 
 Illustrated with scenes from the remarkably suc- 
 cessful play, as presented by Julia Marlowe. 
 
 THE VIRGINIAN : By Owen Wister. 
 
 With full page illustrations by A. I. Keller. 
 Dustin Farnum has made the play famous by his 
 creation of the title role. 
 
 THE MAN ON THE BOX:~By Harold MacGrath. 
 
 Illustrated with scenes from the play, as originally 
 produced in New York, by Henry E. Dixey. A piquant, 
 charming story, and the author's greatest success. 
 
 These books are handsomely bound in cloth, are 
 well-made in every respect, and aside from their un- 
 usual merit as stories, are particularly interesting to 
 those who like things theatrical. Price, postpaid, 
 seventy-five cents each. 
 
 GEOSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS 
 r 52 DUANE STREET :: NEW YORK
 
 HERETOFORE PUBLISHED AT $1.50 
 
 BOOKS BY JACK LONDON 
 
 12 MO., CLOTH, 75 CENTS EACH, POSTPAID 
 THE CALL OF THE WILD : 
 
 With illustrations by Philip R. Goodwin and Charles Living- 
 ston Bull. Decorated by Charles Edward Hooper. 
 "A big story in sober English, and with thorough art in the 
 construction . . . a wonderfully perfect bit of work. The dog 
 adventures are as exciting as any man's exploits could be, and 
 Mr. London's workmanship is wholly satisfying." TheJU&io 
 York Sun. 
 THE SEA WOLF : Illustrated by W. J. Aylward. 
 
 " This story surely has the pure Stevenson ring, the adven- 
 turous glamour, the vertebrate stoicism. 'Tis surely the story 
 of the making of a man, the soulptor being Captain Larsen, 
 and the clay, the ease-loving, well-to-do, half-drowned man, 
 to all appearances his helpless prey." Critic. 
 
 THE PEOPLE OF THE ABYSS : 
 
 A vivid and intensely interesting picture of life, as the au- 
 thor found it, in the slums of London. Not a survey of im- 
 pressions formed on a slumming tour, but a most graphic ac- 
 count of real life from one who succeeded in getting on the 
 " inside." More absorbing than a novel. A great and vital 
 book. Profusely illustrated from photographs. 
 
 THE SON OF THE WOLF : 
 
 " Even the most listless reader will be stirred by the virile 
 force, the strong, sweeping strokes with which the pictures of 
 the northern wilds and the life therein are painted, and the in- 
 sight given into the soul of the primitive of nature." Plain 
 Dealer, Cleveland. 
 
 A DAUGHTER OF THE SNOWS : 
 
 It is a book about a woman, whose personality and plan in 
 the story are likely to win for her a host of admirers. The 
 story has the rapid movement, incident and romantic flavor 
 which have interested so many in his tales. The illustrations 
 are by F. C. Yohn. 
 
 GEOSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHEBS 
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 THE JUNGLE, BY UPTON SINCLAIR: 
 
 A book that startled the world and caused two hemi- 
 spheres to sit up and think. Intense in interest, the 
 dramatic situations portrayed enthrall the reader, while 
 its evident realism and truth to life and conditions have i 
 gained for it the title of " The ' Uncle Tom's Cabin ' of 1 
 the Twentieth Century." | 
 
 " I should be afraid to trust myself to tell how it affects 
 me. It is a great work ; so simple, so true, so tragic, so 
 human." David Graham Phillips. 
 
 Cloth, 12 mo. Price, seventy-five cents, postpaid. 
 
 NEW POPULAR PRICED EDITIONS OF IM- 
 
 PORTANT BOOKS ON SOCIAL AND 
 POLITICAL ECONOMY. 
 
 BENJAMIN KIDD, 
 
 SOCIAL EVOLUTION, 
 
 PRINCIPLES OF WESTERN CIVILISATION. 
 
 Two volumes of special interest and importance, in 
 view of the social unrest of the present time. 
 
 HENRY GEORGE, JR. 
 
 THE MENACE OF PRIVILEGE. 
 
 A study of the dangers to the Republic from the exist- 
 ence of a favored class. 
 
 ROBERT HUNTER, 
 
 POVERTY. 
 
 An exhaustive study of present day conditions among 
 the poorer classes. 
 
 JAMES BRYCE, 
 
 SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS OF THE UNITED STATES. 
 
 The author's recent appointment as the representative 
 of the British Empire at Washington will lend additional 
 interest to this timely and important work. 
 
 RICHARD T. ELY, t 
 
 MONOPOLIES AND TRUSTS. 
 
 A masterly presentation of the Trust Problem, by a 
 most eminent authority. 
 
 Price, seventy-five cents each, postpaid. 
 
 GBOSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS 
 52 DUANE STREET :: NEW YORK
 
 THE GROSSET & DUNLAP EDITIONS 
 OF GARDEN BOOKS. 
 
 Each volume in cloth binding. Price, postpaid, 75C. each. 
 
 GARDEN MAKING, by PROFESSOR L. H. BAILEY, 
 
 Professor of Horticulture, Cornell University. 
 
 Suggestions for the Utilizing of Home 
 
 Grounds. 12 mo., cloth, 250 illustrations. 
 
 Hers is a book literally "for the million" who in broad 
 
 America have some love for growing things. It is useful alike 
 
 to the owner of a suburban garden plot and to the owner of a 
 
 " little place " in the country. Written by the Professor of 
 
 Horticulture at Cornell University it tells of ornamental gar- 
 
 dening of any range, treats of fruits and vegetables for home 
 
 nse, and cannot fail to instruct, inspire and educate the reader. 
 
 THE PRACTICAL GARDEN BOOK, by C. E. 
 
 HUNN AND L. H. BAILEY. 
 
 Containing the simplest directions for growing the common- 
 est things about the house and garden. Profusely illustrated. 
 12 mo., cloth. Just the bock for the busy man or woman who 
 wants the most direct practical information as to just how to 
 plant, prune, train and to care for all the common fruits, flowers, 
 vegetables, or ornamental bushes and trees. Arranged alpha- 
 betically, like a minature encyclopedia, it has articles on the 
 making of lawns, borders, hot-beds, window gardening, lists of 
 plants for particular purposes, etc. 
 
 A WOMAN'S HARDY GARDEN, by HELENA 
 
 RUTHKRFURD ELY. With forty-nine illustra- 
 
 tions from photographs taken in the author's 
 
 garden by Prof. C. F. Chandler. 1 2 mo. , cloth. 
 
 A superbly illustrated volume, appealing especially to the 
 
 many men and women whose love of flowers and ail things 
 
 green is a passion so strong that it often seems to be a sort of 
 
 primal instinct, coming down through generation after genera- 
 
 tion from the first man who was put into a garden " to dress it 
 
 and keep it." The instructions as to planting, maintenance, 
 
 etc., are clear and comprehensive, and can be read and prac- 
 
 ticed with profit by both amateur and professional. 
 
 GEOSSET & 
 
 52 DUANE STREET :: NEW YORK
 
 THE POPULAR NOVELS OF 
 
 A. w. MARCHMONT 
 
 NOW OFFERED IN HANDSOMELY MADE 
 CLOTH BOUND EDITIONS AT LOW PRICES 
 
 tew writers of recent years have achieved such a wida 
 popularity in this particular field as has Mr. Marchmont. 
 For rattling good stories of love, intrigue, adventure, 
 plots and counter-plots, we know of nothing better, and 
 to the reader who has become surfeited with the analyti- 
 cal and so-called historical novels of the day, we heattily 
 commend them. There is life, movement, animation, 
 nn every page, and for a tedious railway journey or a 
 dull rainy afternoon, nothing could be better. They will 
 make you forget your troubles. 
 
 The following five volumes are now ready in our 
 popular copyright series: 
 
 BY RIGHT OF SWORD 
 
 With illustrations by POWELL CHASE. 
 
 A DASH FOR A THRONE 
 
 With illustrations by D. MURRAY SMITH. 
 
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 With illustrations by CLARE ANCELU 
 
 THE PRICE OF FREEDOM , 
 
 With illustrations by CLARE ANGILX* 
 
 THE HERITAGE OF PERIL 
 
 With illustrations by EDITH LESLIE LAN*. 
 Large xzmo in size, handsomely bound in cloth, 
 
 uniform in style. 
 Prict 75" cents per volums t postpatJ. 
 
 GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS 
 
 52 Duane Street t; ;; NEW YORK
 
 No Field Collection is Complete 
 Without this Book 
 
 A LITTLE BOOK of 
 TRIBUNE VERSE 
 
 By EUGENE FIELD 
 
 Compiled and edited by JOSEPH G. BROWN, formerly 
 city editor of the Denver Tribune, and an intimate friend 
 and associate of the poet during the several years in which 
 he was on the staff of that paper. 
 
 This volume resurrects a literary treasure which has 
 been buried for many years in the forgotten files of a 
 newspaper, and it is, as nearly as it has been possible to 
 make, an absolutely complete collection of the hitherto 
 unpublished poems of the gifted author. 
 
 These poems are the early product of Field's genius. 
 They breathe the spirit of Western life of twenty years ago. 
 The reckless cowboy, the bucking broncho, the hardy 
 miner, the English tenderfoot, the coquettish belle, aod all 
 the foibles and extravagances of Western social life, are de- 
 picted with a naivete and satire, tempered with sym- 
 pathy and pathos, which no other writer could imitate. 
 
 The book contains nearly three hundred pages, in- 
 cluding an interesting and valuable introduction by the 
 editor, and is printed from new type on fine deckle edge 
 paper, and handsomely bound in cloth, with gilt tops. 
 
 Retail price, 75 cents 
 
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 POPULAR PRICED EDITIONS OF BOOKS 
 BY 
 
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 I2mo, cloth, 75 cents each, postpaid 
 
 Books that make the nerves tingle romance and ad- 
 venture of the best type wholesome for family reading 
 
 THE PILLAR OF LIGHT 
 
 " Breathless interest is a hackneyed phrase, but every 
 reader of ' The Pillar of Light ' who has red blood in 
 his or her veins, will agree that the trite saying applies to 
 the attention which this story commands. New York Sun. 
 
 THE WINGS OF THE MORNING 
 
 Here is a story filled with the swing of adventure. 
 There are no dragging intervals in this volume : from the 
 moment of their landing on the island until the rescuing 
 crew find them there, there is not a dull moment for the 
 young people nor for the reader either." New York 
 Times. 
 
 THE KING OF DIAMONDS 
 
 '* Verily, Mr. Tracy is a prince of story-tellers. His 
 charm is a little hard to describe, but it is as definite as 
 that of a rainbow. The reader is carried along by the 
 robust imagination of the author. San Francisco Exam- 
 iner. 
 
 GROSSET & DUNLAP, PUBLISHERS 
 
 52 DUANE STREET :: :: NEW YORK
 
 NEW EDITIONS IN UNIFORM BINDING 
 
 WORKS OF 
 
 F. MARION CRAWFORD 
 
 i zmo, Cloth, each 75 cents, postpaid 
 
 VIA CRUCIS : A Romance of the Second Crusade. 
 
 Illustrated by Louis Loeb. 
 
 Mr. Crawford has manifestly broughj his best qualities 
 os a student of history, and his finest resources as a master 
 af an original and picturesque style, to bear upon this story. 
 
 MR. ISAACS : A Tale of Modern India. 
 
 Under an unpretentious title we have here one of the 
 most brilliant novels that has been given to the world. 
 
 THE HEART OF ROME. 
 
 The legend of a buried treasure under the walls of the 
 palace of Conri, known to but few, provides the frame- 
 work for many exciting incidents. 
 
 SARACINESCA 
 
 A graphic picture of Roman society in the last days of 
 the Pope's temporal power. 
 
 SANT' ILARIO ; A Sequel to Saracinesca. 
 
 A singularly powerful and beautiful story, fulfilling every 
 requirement of artistic fiction. 
 
 IN THE PALACE OF THE KING : A Love Story 
 
 of Old Madrid. Illustrated. 
 
 The imaginative richness, the marvellous ingenuity of 
 plot, and the charm of romantic environment, rank this 
 novel among the great creations. 
 
 GROSSET & DUNLAP, NEW YORK
 
 THE GROSSET & DUNLAP 
 ILLUSTRATED EDITIONS 
 OF FAMOUS BOOKS a e> a 
 
 The following books are large izmo volumes 5^x8^ inches in 
 size, are printed on laid paper of the highest grade, and bound in cloth, 
 with elaborate decorative covers. They are in every respect beautiful 
 books. 
 
 UNCLE TOM'S CABIN By Harriet Beecher Stowe. 
 
 A new edition, printed from entirely new plates, on line laid paper 
 of extra quality, with half-tone illustrations by Louis Betts. 
 
 PILGRIM'S PROGRESS By John Bunyan. 
 
 A new edition of Bunyan's immortal allegory, printed from new 
 plates on fine laid paper, with illustrations by H. M. Brock. 
 
 THE WIDE, WIDE WORLD By Susan Warner. 
 
 Printed from entirely new plates, on fine laid paper of superior 
 quality and illustrated with numerous drawings by Fred Pegram. 
 
 THE LITTLE MINISTER (Maude Adams Edition) 
 By J. M. Barrie. 
 
 Printed on fine laid paper, large itno in size, with new cover de 
 sign in gold, and eight full-page half tone illustrations from the play. 
 
 PROSE TALES By Edgar Allan Poe. 
 
 A large izmo volume, beund in cloth, with decorative cover. 
 Containing eleven striking drawings by Alice B. Woodward, a biog 
 raphy of the author, a bibliography of the Tales, and comprehensive 
 notes. The best edition ever published in a sing-le volume. 
 ISHMAEL ) By Mrs. E. D. E. N. Southworth. 
 
 SELF-RAISED ) The two vols. in a flat box, or boxed separately 
 r .;idsome new editions of these two old favorites, with illustrations 
 by Clare Angell 
 
 THE FIRST VIOLIN By Jessie Fothergill. 
 
 A fine edition of this popular musical novel, with illustrations by 
 
 Clare Angeli. 
 
 EACH VOLUME IN A BOX. PRICE ONE DOLLAR EACH 
 
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