Part 40 (1/2)
she asked
”I have tried to believe that love for the cause stood first, Countess
Please question e 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 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 htly turned frohtfully, ”and that cause is not ours”
”Love h,” said Frina
Petrescu turned to her quickly The look in her eyes told hih, but her words were sufficient to have a quickening influence on the hopes which had died within hi to a rash conclusion,” Frina went on hastily, ”but if I aht--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 hting temper behind it The Princess hasable 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 hiave him full credit for what his words cost hiain Command me and trust me There shall at least be one arlishman's defence, and back to back, Countess, he and I would render no mean account of ourselves” 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 athat his master was not alone
”I have no secrets from this lady,” said the Baron ”You may speak freely”
”The city is in excite 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 co loudly of their loyalty to the King”
”And the others, are they dead or captured?” asked the Baron quickly
”It seeain so a last stand”
The Baron dismissed the man, and then turned sharply to the Countess
”You o 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 so Sturatzberg to-night I have a few men I can rely upon We may not turn failure to success, but we may effect the escape of Captain Ellerey and those who are with hier you can send to me?”
”Yes”
”Learn all you can, then, and send word to ht 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