Part 48 (2/2)
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 coled a little as they marched, and presently he drew nearer to Maritza, and she noticed it
”Take no heed of me and do not look atover Vasilici?”
”I have a e for him”
”A doubtful protection,” was the answer
”Perhaps so, but I have friends in his company”
”You were ill-advised tohis even pace, the man moved farther frohts surging through Maritza's brain--not new thoughts exactly, for there were few contingencies she had not provided for when she deterhts which began to cut deeper, as it were, into a channel already ether indifferent to her, and it was hardly likely that he was the only one aht be ready to speak a word for her, perhaps even strike a blow for her, could she stir the of many who had flocked to Vasilici's standard, nor were they likely to rest contented with Vasilici's leadershi+p for long Were they not even noaiting for a e from the Queen, to whom in the future they would look for favor?
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 hiht by various hly valued one She felt that his insignificance ht render him trebly valuable under certain conditions So utterly absorbed was she by her thoughts that the length of the nize that the as 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 iant had cut out one slice frohslowly but surely deeper There was no water now, but the as paved with loose pebbles, whichIt was not a way one would choose, and since near the entrance there were other pathsthe end of the journey For athe defile her heart sank within her It was like leaving the open world and the sunlight to creep into the dark unknowable, where soht await her Would she ever step freely into the open light of day again? Her thoughts sped backward 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 , why had he gone there? Her hands clenched a little as an answer came quickly to her question, but she murmured to herself: ”What is it to me? I a to hts?” The thought brought back her courage, andthe narrow defile before they were challenged by a sentry posted upon a narrow pathhich seeh road they were traversing The challenge was a nize un was not lowered until the pass-word had been shouted back This was evidently the brigand's stronghold, and it ell guarded In a retreat so defended by nature, the brigands could defy any arainst them, and for the first time Maritza understood why no effort had been successful in dislodging theain, this ti answered and been allowed to pass, they ee 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 holloas covered with tents and wooden huts, the latter put together with a solidity which showed that they were perested 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 leadingwooden shed when his captive was brought into the hollow His ar, and his expression was htened his face for a ure and knew that the cause of his bandaged arm was now in his power Perhaps in the back of histortures for his ene march Maritza had pictured this moment, and had determined how to act; but the real scene was rather different froht her fell back, leaving her alone, with Anton a few paces behind her, she glanced round at the crowd and said:
”Which a 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 sonize hih 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 ahed, and before he could say a word to prevent it, one h stool beside Maritza
”Carry it nearer, Anton; that will do” And then she seated herself, Anton standing behind her
”Thus we can talkmen here, Vasilici--all those who form your council? for what I have to say concerns all”
”In these hillsas you please your followers, or the majority of them; I understand,” Maritza said quickly ”Absolute power lies in the pleasure, or the fear, of thehis voice angrily ”I alone as of the earth”
Her question had forced hi to all those who stood about him