Princess Maritza

contrary to the oath which he had taken to the King. The scheme to enlist his help had evidently been carefully considered and prepared, with the result that he had pledged himself to some h

ed the Altstrasse at midnight? That she had done so for the purpose of speaking to him proved to Ellerey that her need for

oyment for my wits also. At least, I have my wish: a part to play which holds possibilities. A Queen, a designing

m to England. He had become that unenviable member of a family-the black sheep. He had run deeply into debt; a fact that had grievously told against him when he had to face the accusations which had ruined his career. In withdrawing from England he had probably left only two friends, Sir Charles and Lady Martin, who would ever trouble to send a kindly thought after him. His going had aroused the keenest satisfaction in the breast of his brother, Sir Ralph Ellerey, tenth baronet of the name, who was quite ready to believe the very worst that

f heavy rain before morning if the wind dropped. Ellerey walked quickly, his ears alert, and his eyes keenly searching every shadow on either side of him. Attacks in the street for

, with a faint cry, started back in fear. A cloak was gathered tightly round her, showing nothing of her dr

eath, which came in spasmodic pants after he

n I ser

ak he wore. "Quick! There is no time to de

he

ards, and only attack defenceless women!" And she plucked him by

hat he might help her pace, he ran with her, th

ich white skirt beneath, and there was the rustle of silk. She kept up bravely with him, seeming to gain new courage in his company. She led him round two c

t she might not detain him from dashing to the rescue, and, as he touched t

she cried

had closed. Not a sound came from the rooms above, as Ellerey went up

every nerve to free himself from this assailant and to get his back to the wall, striking out right and left, now hitting a man's neck or shoulder, now landing a heavy blow between eyes he could not see, anon beating the air only. How many his adversaries were he could not determine. The air was full of panting breaths and growling imprecations, of swaying bodies, and heavy blows, which were, for the most part, wide of the mark. Every moment Ellerey expected to be his last; expected to feel the sharp thrust of a blade, or to fall into sudden oblivion before the sound of the revolver shot had time to reach his ears. Yet he still lived; fighting, struggling, being slowly spent by the odds against him. Why did these murderers not end it? Were they fearful of injuring a comrade in the darkness, or were they desirous of not injuring him too severely? Indeed, it seemed so. Had he fallen into a tra

e in your cursed carcass,"

u to do so," said Eller

don't

y Heaven, I don'

re I don't,"

re?" said a

wered. "Then drag him in. Perhaps we'll

as dragged by his feet across the floor into a room. T

vage flushes that would blacken to-morrow, and blood on lips. He looked from one to the other, but saw no face he recognized, yet they were not such a murderous set of scoundrels as he had expected to see, and although more than one of them,

ognized the voice which had ordered him to be dragged into the room: "and there are one

d Ellerey, with a smile. "I suppose it's no use asking y

bit o

e in this way? I should like to se

en la

and this one's finished her part of the business well enough. Now our part

any token I received

it me,

ceived none,"

lie," sa

oot," said Ellerey quietly. "If I remember you

eceived to-night. Once it is in my hands, y

eceived no token to-ni

and at a gesture from their leader,

rn open; rough hands were thrust into his pockets, and even his under-garments w

feet one by one. The last man knelt a moment

he said. "An accident would be forgi

and Ellerey doubted whether the chief's word would have power to save him; whether

ing to his feet, and made Ellerey turn his head. "You would dare to

figure, which the mean light of the lantern revealed; a woman's figure, closely cloaked from head to foot, while an ample scarf was wound round her head, and her face hi

it?" she demande

any rate, it is not upon him," answered

carried it, and, as she held it up, saw mo

ble, it seems. You bea

t of

rs who have not yet

s enterprise," and the woman bent down, holdin

he Altstrasse; he did not know whether they were the same. This woman seemed taller; yet there was a familiar ring in her voice. She gazed at him for some moments in silenc

is man?" she asked, tu

wled one. "A soldi

rd, "and better put out of

re," she answered sharply. "Have a care. I shall kn

ng he recognized something familiar in her manner. Was this h

en?" she said, a

mad

ecret mission to the

nt op

To visi

es in the Altstrasse

raciously e

both food and drink seemed

after

talk

e Froilette

the matter of the token surprises me. I

" she answered. "You have not

picture at the moment, I fear, but my ragged and hardly respectable appear

ay have need

me better," said Ellery. "I am not rich enough

inly have made less h

," she

of his name

ous promises, but small fulfilment. Beware of the lady who visited the Altstrasse to-night. Hesitate to do her bidding. Unle

ted, and di

y," and she stampe

unfastened the cords, and, stretching his limbs to t

y of these men, you must consent to be blind

ho brought me here?

y be to her likin

bound with a scarf, and in a few minut

one of his guides, presently.

he breathing of the man beside him. Then he understood the ruse, and tore the bandage from his eye