"And if I refuse," cried the girl, trying desperately to gain time.

"I will drive my blade through your heart and tell the world it was the

deed of your lover."

Baldos groaned. His adversary, encouraged by the change in the

situation, pressed him sorely.

"Don't you dare to touch me, Count Marlanx. I know you!" she hissed." I

know what you would do with me. It is not for Graustark that you seek

his life."

The sword came nearer. The words died in her throat. She grew

faint. Terror paralyzed her. Suddenly, her heart gave a great thump of

joy. The resourcefulness of the trapped was surging to her relief. The

valor of the South leaped into life. The exhilaration of conflict beat

down all her fears. "Take away that sword, then, please," she cried, her

voice trembling, but not with terror now; it was exultation." Will you

promise to spare his life? Will you swear to let him go, if I--"

"No, no, never! God forbid!" implored Baldos.

"Ha, ha!" chuckled the man in the cloak. "Spare his life! Oh, yes; after

my master has revelled in your charms. How do you like that, my handsome

goathunter?"

"You infernal scoundrel! I'll settle you yet!" Baldos fairly fumed with

rage. Gathering himself together for a final effort, he rushed madly on

his rapidly-weakening antagonist.

"Baldos!" she cried hopelessly and in a tone of resignation. "I must do

it! It is the only way!"

The man in the cloak as well as Baldos was deceived by the girl's

cry. He immediately lowered his sword. The lantern dropped from

Beverly's hands and clattered to the floor. At the same instant she drew

from her pocket her revolver, which she had placed there before leaving

the castle, and fired point blank at him. The report sounded like a

thunder clap in their ears. It was followed quickly by a sharp cry and

imprecation from the lips of her persecutor, who fell, striking his head

with a terrible force on the stones.

Simultaneously, there was a groan and the noise of a limp body slipping

to the ground, and, Baldos, victor at last, turned in fear and trembling

to find Beverly standing unhurt staring at the black mass at her feet.

"Thank God! You are safe!" Grasping her hand he led her out of the

darkness into the moonlight.

Not a word was spoken as they ran swiftly on until they reached a little

clump of trees, not far from one of the gates. Here Baldos gently

released her hand. She was panting for breath; but he realized she must

not be allowed to risk a moment's delay. She must pass the sentry at

once.

"Have you the watchword?" he eagerly asked.

"Watchword?" she repeated feebly.

"Yes, the countersign for the night. It is Ganlook. Keep your face well

covered with your hood. Advance boldly to the gates and give the word.

There will be no trouble. The guard is used to pleasure seekers

returning at all hours of night."




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