Part 25 (2/2)

The Countess started, but was self-possessed again in a moment Not all her servants knew of the identity of the Princess

”For ere 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 ise; 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 ”Has she not returned, ?” asked Frina

”She had gone long before She ithout a word to lishh to answer that I was your ladyshi+p's servant, and knew no Englishman; but it was hard work not to ask them what had becoone I always took him for a cut-throat with that naked knife hidden in his shi+rt I believe he hasA word o”

”But, o, I say”

There was a tone in the command that brooked no disobedience The wo 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 see her alone indeed

CHAPTER XII

GRIGOSIE

The Toison d'Or was an ancient inn standing back froenstrasse and reached by a narrow court It did not advertise itself, was not easily found, and its frequenters 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 areat walls on either side appeared to have squeezed it The two little s 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 awas deep, however, and there was a long, narro-pitched room at the rear, of which all the frequenters of the place were not aware This roorew dark there early It was still light in the wider streets of the city, but in this roo on the corner of a table, beside which a man sat He had pushed back the reers 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 n to the landlord as he had been instructed, and which was perfectly understood Twoin the doorway at the tione the landlord led Ellerey to the long rooives 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 ar the one he wore, Ellerey disclosed the fact that he ell armed, and booted and spurred for a journey Earlier in the day Stefan hadthese clothes with him as directed in the note which the boy had delivered The reht had been hidden away, and there was nothing now in Ellerey's dress to 's officer

He had already waited three hours, or row impatient