"Yes."

"And you were hurt in defending one who is of much consequence in

Graustark. Sit down, my good fellow." Baldos' eyes gleamed coldly for an

instant. Then he sank into a chair. "While admitting that you have done

Graustark a great service, I am obliged to tell you that I, at least,

know you to be other than what you say. You are not a goat-hunter, and

Baldos is not your name. Am I not right?"

"You have had instructions from your sovereign, Baron Dangloss. Did they

include a command to cross-question me?" asked Baldos

haughtily. Dangloss hesitated for a full minute.

"They did not. I take the liberty of inquiring on my own

responsibility."

"Very well, sir. Until you have a right to question me, I am Baldos and

a goat-hunter. I think I am here to receive surgical treatment."

"You decline to tell me anything concerning yourself?"

"Only that I am injured and need relief."

"Perhaps I know more about you than you suspect, sir."

"I am not in the least interested, Baron Dangloss, in what you know. The

princess brought me into Ganlook, and I have her promise of help and

protection while here. That is all I have to say, except that I have

implicit faith in her word."

Dangloss sat watching him in silence for some time. No one but himself

knew what was going on in that shrewd, speculative mind. At length he

arose and approached the proud fellow in rags.

"You have earned every consideration at our hands. My men will take you

to the hospital and you shall have the best of care. You have served our

princess well. To-morrow you may feel inclined to talk more freely with

me, for I am your friend, Baldos."

"I am grateful for that, Baron Dangloss," said the other simply. Then he

was led away and a comfortable cot in the Ganlook hospital soon held his

long, feverish frame, while capable hands took care of his wounds. He

did not know it, but two fully armed soldiers maintained a careful guard

outside his door under instructions from the head of the police.

Moreover, a picked detail of men sallied forth into the lower pass in

search of the goat-hunter's followers.

In the meantime Beverly was conducted to the home of the Countess

Rallowitz. Her meeting with the princess was most affectionate. There

were tears, laughter and kisses. The whole atmosphere of the place

suggested romance to the eager American girl. Downstairs were the royal

guards; in the halls were attendants; all about were maidservants and

obsequious lackeys, crowding the home of the kindly countess. At last,

comfortable and free from the dust of travel, the two friends sat down

to a dainty meal.

"Oh, I am so delighted," murmured Beverly for the hundredth time.




readonlinefreebook.com Copyright 2016 - 2024