Part 58 (2/2)

The ave him a friendly nod, and Ellerey conceived that to certain iven, and that his ansas a happy one

Froain, quickly answered The rebels ell arle 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!” carowling of conflict Yonder the battle had begun in earnest, and a moment later a roar of triumph proclaimed that the soldiers had been thrust back There isdoht in narrow streets

It was difficult for Ellerey to re 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 froain it rose swelling and breaking like stor a shore

There was quickof arhty roar became articulate

”Maritza! Maritza!”

She had co the that her naain the distant co of conflict, and still the rebel ranks reain 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 could not deter 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 fro which Ellerey could not hear, and then the shouting broke out again Men ran to join their comrades, impatient only for opportunity to strike a blow at the foe, leaving the Princess in thethem Baron Petrescu and Dumitru

For a n 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 knohat a splendid coht place? All these who shouted her name were her comrades; was it likely she would desert them in the hour of their need? And this was the woman he loved, the woman who loved hie Alht hi, that disappointood to be loved, even for one short hour, by such a woman as this

His sas naked in his hand as he went swiftly across the square and shouldered his way to her

”Des in her eyes as she stretched out her hand to him

”At your service and colad cry at his co he heard the confession of her love; he read it in her eyes, yet he did not call her Maritza To-day, indeed, she claiht 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 ht be deaf and lips silenced forever

For a , perhaps, that others about her ht see some preference in her welcome, she cried aloud:

”Ah, God iven 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 fro out les was fiercer and longer andinward of a ain by mere force of numbers

”They wantwith his sword to one place