Part 35 (2/2)
”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 ill 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 answered ”Every ainst us, but we'll snarl 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, heaping fragateway, and driving in stakes, rudely fashi+oned frothen it Grigosie, by Ellerey's orders, did not assist in this work, but stood sentinel upon the plateau The boy had had asdusk in the pass belohen they had finished Daylight was still upon the suathered 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 together looking down upon their enemies, Ellerey told Stefan what had happened and the details of their escape
”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, colishman Is he there with you?”
”The Captain is here What of hi 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 fro, and carried the golden cross You knohat that means Throw hie and coood 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 e return There'll be little lishman Will you come with us?”
”I'm too old to run away,” shouted Stefan, ”and the co 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 ood to have a shot at theo,” said Ellerey ”We shall want every shot we have We are not without friends in the capital who ainst 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 sae Doith all lovers of the golden cross! Death to them who serve Maritza! Doith 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?”