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About Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922 | View Entire Issue (Aug. 20, 1899)
modern mercenary. . . . E. & II. HERON. ( Copyright , 1S93 , Doubleday & MeClure Co.l Sjimiinln iif I'rciM'ilhiK Cliniitrrn , Mnn , iu , a little duchy In Kuropc , which nan maintained Iti Independence because of the Jealousies of the Inrgo surrounding countries , seems about'to -wallowed up. Oormnny Is r nrowntPrt at Ki-vond'1. the capital , by the shrewd statesman , Baron von lyfmur. Kngland' Inlluencc Is strong tind Major Counsollor'H presence nientm much. Franco and Uussla are nlso playing tlio diplomatic tf.imo. At the time the story oiKinn John nallywood , a young nnRllsn- inan , who hns served seven years In tlio Miuutau frontier cavalry. Is about to resign Ms commission , when Selpdorf , the chan cellor nnd "man of the hour , sends for him ami makes him a Gentleman of the Ouard. Itollywood meets Valerie Selndorf. the chancellor's daughter. The Gentlemen of the Guard object to the appointment or tlio Entflfiiinuui , Unzlar , ft leader and a Riiltor for Valerie's hand , arranges for the nITatr of honor Involved , mlwes his shov imd , with his companions , la overcome by the manly bearing of Rnllywood. The Kuoata at the palace boll overwhelm the young Englishman with congratulations , CountcRi Safran takes a great Interest In Hallywood nnd Invite * him to Castle Sagan with a party. Von Elmur plots with Belp- rtorf In behalf of Germany to disband the Guard. At the castle Valerie offends the duko. Sagnn , fearlnc that the women will npoll the plot , wishes to cause the death of Valeric nnd his wife. Von Elmur will not consent because he wishes to marry Vnlcrle. nnd U11 believes ho can carry out his plan with Selpdorf. Meantime , the Guards , Unzlar , Colondorp nnd nallywood , must bo dlspopod of. Von IQlmur , Unzlar nnd Rallywood woo Valerie. Countess Hagnn foresees the danger of the young J'ngll"hmnn nnd warns him. Colcndorp re fuses to bo a traitor to he duke and Is murdered by Kapan In the presence of von Klmur. The followers of Sag n attack the Guard In the castle. Rallywood and un- r.lnr are overpowered , but Major Counsellor In dlsguls ? as the duke appear * nnd the whole nffnlr IB hushed up. Sacan dnca not dare to carry out hli present plot , elnco Germany , Russia nnd England would know the facts. Countess Sagan and Valerie es cape drain from a pre-arranged runaway find Rallywood llnds them badly frightened nt a frontier fort. Here the countess at tempts to hum bin Valerie , but Rallywood turns the tables by declaring his love for itho young girl and then hastens away to Tlevonde before rtn explanation can no made. Von Elmur nnd Selpdorf plan to withhold the English proposals from MaasHU. Kallywood Is sent to Kofn Ford < to take charge of a prisoner. The un known prisoner turns out to be atajor Coun sellor. CHAPTER XXV. A ( liipnUnn of TITO Mornlltlen. The road toward the blockhouse ran along the river bank past the Kofn ford. They went elowly on together through the starry , .windy nlcht , Rally-wood with his hands on the ibrldla and the wounded man holding limply to the saddle. , Counsellor , with tin unaccustomed warfare dn his heart rage nnd the pity of It work ing together stared Into space across the loaplnc river. As the two men draw near the ford they Raw the dim flcuro of a horseman riding tlown the ( bank on the opposite side , with the evident Intention of crossing. The approaches preaches to the ford were flooded , for the nnsry water fretted out Its ( banks at such times and deepened into dangerous swirls over the crossing place. ( Rallywood chucked the horse to shout nnd signal to the man that the ford was impas- Cable , but his voice was drowned by the ( harsh-throated noises of the night. Weak as was the starlight , something of the loose , reckless swing In the saddle told Rallywood that the rider was Anthony Unzlar. It was now evident that Unlzlar saw Ral lywood for In answer to the lattor's signs that ho must make for the shallows lower down. Unzlar waved some object over his head as if to call attention to It. The suck of tfco current was fast drawing him away , hut with another strong effort ho got the horse's head round ; they heard hisfaint Bhout upon the wind , then the words came moro clearly : "Carry them on Selpdorf 1" He flung uomcfhlng forward ; the gale caught nnd hurled It on the rocks at Uallywood's feet. When they looked ncain Unzlar had dis appeared. Hurrying to the blockhouse , Rallywood ecnt off some troopers to Unzlar's assistance ; then with some difficulty got his prisoner , iwho was stiff nnd dizzy , on his feet nnd sup ported him to the room where Mme. do Bacon nnd Vnlerlo had rested on the night of the snow storm. But ho scarcely yet know the worst. Pres ently Counsellor spoke. "This thin ; ? has gone beyond a Joke , " he Bald. "What does It mean ? " The glance from under the overhanging gray brows had regained Its flro. "My orders are simple enough. I am to Jt < > ep ynu hero until tomorrow afternoon at 3 o'clock. " "fly doing so you will ruin Maasau as a free state and "bring " a moat serious defeat upon British policy. " Counsellor's voice wan rasping. "Aro you prepared for that ? " Noth men were strenuous , and bred deep into the bone of each wore the same domi nant qualities. "I nm prepared to carry out my orders , " answered Rallywood ; "I had them practi cally from the duke himself. " "Tho duke Is of the same mind In which I found him nt tlio castle , though ho may bo forced to dissemble , " assorted Counsellor ; then with a twist ho sat up ns Ills glance fell upon the square dork object lying on the tnblo between them. "John Rallywood , do you know what that Is' " "Tho dispatches thrown to mo by Unzlar. " "That case la mlno ; It contains my private instructions ; you can guess something of their Importance from tlio fact that I liavo been robbed of them. You must give them back to mo ! As an Englishman and an honcbt man I call upon you to give them back to mo , " Hollywood's long , nervous fingers cloned o\cr the packet , "It Is Impossible ! " hn said. "As an Ens- llehman , yrs , but ns mi honest man , well , It It Is hard to say. " "Aro > ou mad ? " cried Counsellor. "I have not had lone to think It out nnd It Is a tangled question , " replied Rallywood wearily. "A tangled question ? I take It you are first of all an Englishman ? " "In my private capacity , and that deals with my private honor , but I have undertaken - taken another responsibility from which I cannot withdraw at pleasure. I am n sworn Digests what you eat. It artl llclally digests the food nnd aids Mature in strfcnutiionlntf nnd recon structing tha exliuustcd digestive or- guns. It is the lut st discovered digest- ant anu toulc. ! Nu other preparation can approach it in ctllclency. It in- Bluntly relieves and permanently cure * . Dyspepsia , Indigestion , Heartbura , Flatulence , Sour Stomach , Nausea , Bickneadache.Gastralt'la.Cramps.and allotherresultsorimperfectdluestion. Brcoarcd by E. C. OeWItt 6CoCblcoaa. . rolcllcr of IMtastui and as nuch my public honor has first claim. " U was a simple rendering of a tremend ous problem , but It eerved for Rallywood. "Then " Bald Counsellor. There was a rush and a scuffle , but nally wood wne young and strong and more ac tive than the major. "Confound you ! " Counsellor fell back a step or two , brcathlnc hard. There are some nltuatlons which by their elemental force destroy all other emotions. The situation nt Kofn guardhouse was one of these. The point at Issue between these two men pierced to the bedrock of national loyalty. Perhaps Bllvlnskl was right. L/ove of coun try woo part of their physical equipment , yet by the Irony of circumstances they were pitted against each other. ' "Will you give mo your parolot" anked Rallywoodwith his back to the door. Counsellor drew out a big watch. "For fifteen minutes , " he said. "It IB now half-paat 9 ; at forty-five minutes past I nhall hold mjtvalf once more free to do what I can. You understand ? In the meantime W4 will talk. " Counsellor < put his watch back Into hli pocket. Rallywood stood up. "I cannot argue , " he said , "but major , yon will bellovo mo when I say that I see my duty plainly. I refuse ! " "I have had a great regard for you , " re plied Counsellor , slowly , "but If you were my own son , by heaven , I'd blow your brains out tonight ! Give mo those dis patches. " There wa a rapid movement , and the gloain of a pistol barrel In his hand. "Thank God ! " It was not more than the faintest whisper from Rallywood as ho sprang at his companion. But there was no report , only an ominous click as Counsellor flung the unloaded re volver In Rallywood's faoewith a bitter word. "It was not loaded. " Hardly had they closed when the door -was opened and a couple of men aupported Unzlar Into the room. The water ran In streams from his clothes to the floor , while he stood and stared at the two combatants , who had fallen apart. "I suppose they sent you to meet mo , Rallywood , " he said In English. "It Is luoky , for I'm done ! You must carry thoae dis patches on without dertty , for they must reach the chancellor at the earliest possible moment. Go ; there Is no time to IOBO ! " Rallywood pointed to Counsellor. "This gentleman Is my prisoner. You will keep him here until further orders. Mean time I will rldo on with these to Rovonde. " Counsellor and Unzlar remained together , but no word paesed between them till out In the windy night they heard the beat of hoof a as Rallywood rode away on his mission. CHAPTER. XXVI. Love's Handicap. As Rallywood galloped eteadlly through the night under the Shrinking moon , with the tea ibchlnd him and the pearl-gray road withering away Into the level distance ahead , It happened that the two women of Whom ho must have had some thoughts during that lonely ride met and spoke to gether. "Valerie , I called for you to go with mete to the Abenfeldts' reception , because I have a question to ask you , " * egan Isolde at once when the door of the carriage was closed. The passing lamps slione varylngly upon their faces as they passed through the lighted streets and Mme. de Sagan looked at her companion. "Where Is Captain RallywoodI" she added abruptly. His name had not passed between them slnco the Interview at the blockhouse. "I cannot tell you. I don't know , " said Valerie , coldly. " 0 , my dear child , all Is fair In love and war ! Why be so dreadfully cross with me still ? " "Is It necessary to recur to the subject nt all ? " "Will you never forgive me , I wonder ? " Valerie looked steadily back Into the lovely face , where the underlying spirit of mockery was transmuted Into an innocent playfulness like a child's. "On the contrary , I thank you. " "Why for liumbllng him ? Valerie , you " ore "Happy ! " Valerie could not forego the very womanly triumph , "very happy ! And you made me so. " "Hut , " said Isolde with some perplexity , "you would have It that he did not mean what ho said. " In her heart she thought Valerie a great goose for making any such disclaimer. Van ity has knowledge of no tongue whereby to Interpret pride , "No , but It showed mo what he was. " "I wonder how Baron von Klmur would llko to hear that his future wlfo was not ashumed to declare her love for another man , " retorted Isolde. "I mean to tell him. " "No , no , Valerie , don't ! " exclaimed Mme. de Sagan , whose weakness exuded very often in a sort of kind-heartedness. "I should not tell him. Such a confidence la apt to turn sour In a husljand'i memory. You may trust me I will keep your secret. " Valerie smiled scornfully. "Hut I can keep a secret ! For Instance , I want to hear where Captain Rallywood 'Is , because I know the count hates him , and also , " aho nodded her 'head ' slowly , "ami also our dear friend Daron von Elmur. " Valerie was startled. "Ilaron von Elmur ? " she repeated , "O , you qulto mistake the matter. The Ill-feeling has nothing to do whatever with you or with me. The count and von Elmur hate him on very different grounds. Every thing appears to Interest men nowadays but ourselves ! " she ended sadly. "I3ecau e he Is English , perhaps ? " "Well , yes , it has something to do with it. You remember that last night at the castle ? I conclude It was Jack who spoiled their plans \\hra Simon and the baron went to the duke's apartments. " "Tho count and Daron von Elmur to- geiner ? What did they go for ? " The question dried up the little stream of babble. "How should I know ? But there was a fight I'd buck Jack against most people ! That Is one reason I liked him. We heard the shots , and though I was horribly frightened I told you none of the particulars , yet I knew all. Speak to mo , Valerie ! What are you thinking of ? " "I was thinking of Captain Rallywood. " answered the girl at last , offering tbo ex cuse Isolde would be most likely to accept ns true. "I did not know he had so many enemies. But ho is not In Revonde ? " "No , ho has not been at the barracka since yesterday afternoon , I sent him an InUtatlon. You never give mo credit for Blurerlty. but I am steady In iny friendships. I do not mean to drop him because he talked all that nonsense at Kofn Ford. You boasted about M. Sclpdorfs power make him use it now to save Rallywood. I begin to be lieve that you are really na cold as you pre tend to be , Valerie , you care to little ! Whereas I , In spite of all that has happened , would serve him If I could. " " 1 shall see my father when I return to night , I promise you. " Isolde buttoned her clove thoughtfully. "You must 'be ' careful not to let him sus- rcct that you have any special Interest In Jack , " who said , " .for that would bo merely an additional reason for letting Rallywood -co. " Valerie could not misunderstand the euph emism. "Isolde , my father is not a savagcl" she exclaimed , "Perhaps not , " said Mmo. do Sagan simply. "Ho Is , I know , a very chtirmlne man In Bocloty , but my experience goes to show that every man Is a savage au fond. " Words which embody the opinion of more women than one cares to number. It was 3 o'clock when an ofllcer of the gtinrd. leavlnc the 'wlnd-s-wcpt ' darkness of the country behind him , rode through the north sate of Rovondo Into the vivid black and white perspective of the city , whore cloio outsldo the brilliant line of electric lights night herself seemed to stand Incar nated , a jealpus Intensity of blackness. Rallywood had picked up Unzlar's relays of horses at certain points , and on the whole had made Kood time of the ride. Now ho crossed the bridge that lies opposlto to the gate of the palace and mounted the curving streets toward the Chanccllerlo. He swung from his horse at the foot of the broad flight of granite steps under Its overhanging portico as a carriage dashed up on the other side. The high doors nbovo wore flung oucn and a roll of rod cloth dropped Ing , and thcro Is something I must say to you before he comee. " She clasped her hands nervously , the bare shapely hands with their gleaming rings , and Rallywood watched her and felt as If ho were dreaming , "Captain Rallywood , I want to thank you. I can never thank you enough for that night at Kofn Ford. I understood pray believe I understood It and I think you are Uho noblest gentleman alive ! " Rallywood did not hesitate. There was ono thing Valerlo should know and bo cer tain of In the uncertain future. "Give mo a moment , mademoiselle , " ho exclaimed , detaining her. "I see you do not qulto understand. I could not expect you to understand. But now now Uiat I am leaving 'Maasau ' , I must toll you the truth. Perhaps you will bcllevo It some day. I car"I proud " "I knew It , and yet you O , say no morel For my sake you stooped to say It. It was not true ! But I knew that. " Ho took her hand between his own in a firm , strong clasp. "Listen , mademoiselle. It was true ! Since first I saw you It always lias been true. " "I " . She remember ! she said , breathlessly. could not heli > saying It. "Do vou ? " he answered. The temptation to wander a little was too sweet. "You wore this cloak" ho touched It softly with his flngors , then laid his hand over hers do- llberatnly , In the quiet , confident wny In which ho did everything , and which she had grown to love "and over slnco I have car- "I , too , am proud , " she whispered. And the door closed upon her. CII.U'TKH XXVII. Tlio .Mnn of < ! IP Honr. "Selpdorf Is the man of the hour , " Coim eellor once said to Rallywood , and the ma jor's sayings had a trick of lingering in the memory. With the chancellor there still re mained the key to the situation. Ho was Implicated in the conspiracy , but ho had less to gain and far more to lee than the others. A dangerous condition nnd ono possible of development. All this passed in a flash through Rally- wood's mind ns the opposlto door opened to admit M. Selpdorf , who replied stiniy to Rallywood's bow. "I was not prepared to see you this evenIng - Ing , " began Solpdorf. "I have brought the dispatches , your ex cellency , " replied Rallywood , inking the packet from his pocket , but continuing to hold It In his hand. Selpdorf eyed him. "From whom ? " "Lieutenant Unzlar. " "From Lieutenant Unrlar ? " Selpdorf re peated tentatively. "And your prisoner ? The man whom I ordered you to keep at the blockhouse ? " The chancellor half expected to hear that Counoellor was also in Rcvondc , nnd that Hnllywood with an unassuming , but un speakable effrontery had called to explain his own view of the matter. "Unrlar is with him with Major Coun seller at Koln Ford. Unzlar was unable to "RALL YWOOD STEPPED INSIDE AND LIT A MATCH. " from stci ) to step down to the cavement. a couple of footmen placing it with the quick deftness of uso-until It reached the carriage. As ehe alishted Mile. Selpdorf recognized the tall flEuro in the travel-stained riding cloak. "Captain Rallywoodwhore have you come from ? " she asked almost Involuntarily. "From the frontier , mademoiselle. " "Will you give mo your arm ? What has happened ? Has Major Counsellor came back ? " ehe whispered as they went up the steps. "Ho Is at the ford. He has met with an accident. " Valerlo said no more , but as she entered the hall she read Rallywood's face. "Has his excellency returned ? " she asked of an attendant. "Then place refreshments In the small library. Captain Rallywood , I will Join you In a few moments. M. Selp dorf will be homo very soon. Ho Is anxious to see you. " It was a little necessary mako-belleve be fore the numerous servants. How far it de ceived them may bo faintly guessed when one considers any one's secrets In relation to any one'a servants. "Man designs his own game , " thought Rallywood as ho followed the servant into whcse charge ho was given , "or he Is forced to stand out and circumstances play It for him. In the years all Is one. " Whichever way the Issueof this night's work turned , Mnnsau and Valerie must both pass from his life forever , The ono supreme obstacle which lurks always beside the mercenary's path had arisen to bar his ad vance at last. Valerlo opened the door poftly. She waa trembling and afraid , but she would not be outdone in generosity by Rallywood. She had determined to thank him for the word * spoken at Kofn Ford , and to show him bow entirely she comprehended their chivalrous Intention , But when her cyea fell upon him all thought of self faded. Ho was standing midway between the gleaming wine and glass of the side tnblo and the flickering glow of the open stove , upright and stately , as ho ever appeared to her , but In his now atti tude her sharpened senses perceived a sug gestion of dleboartenment and solitude. Swept away by the fooling of the moment , ube cressed the room to bis side and laid her bond upon his arm. "What Is It ? Something has happened , " she said. Rallywood looked down at her. The beau tiful eyes llko starlit darkness , her clear- hued loveliness , the soft , dusky curls above her brow , her girlish reserve and petulances , all her sweet , unapproachable personality enhanced to pain the knowledge that ha was looking his last upon them , "Nothing to distress you , mademoiselle , because M. Selpdorf knows all about it. " "Then tell mo ; I know so much already , " "I wish I could , but I think his excellency might prefer to tell you himself , " "Is it good news , then ? Major Counsellor has succeeded ? Then why are you so sad ? " "Sad , mademoiselle ? " he answered with a smile. "Men often look sad when they are only hungry and dog-tired. " "Then eat , " she said , "Let me give you como wine. " She drew him to a table and poured out a glass of wine. "To the success of Maacau and of Eng land , " she said. Th6n touching It with her lips In < he graceful fashion of Maasau , ehe handed It to him. "Harkl I think I hear my father orriv I ried the glove you despised. And , though this is jny goodbye , I will carry It always. " "But but " "Oh , I don't ask you to believe me now , " ho said , bitterly , "I am not noble , mad emoiselle. I was only too proud to say I loved you that night , as" with another little smllo "I was only too proud not to say It before. " Valerie raised her face , and her eyes were full of light. "Then It was true thank God ! " But Rallywood , though he saw tbo purpose of her speech , would not understand its sig nificance. Ho led her toward the door by which ehe had entered. "You must go , mademoiselle. I dare not keep you with me longer. Goodby , end may God bo with you , Valerie ! " She stopped suddenly and kissed the hand tlr.it held hers. rldo on at cnco after crossing the river , which Is In flood. Therefore I have come. " Was It possible Rallywood had merely shirked facing the difficulty In this way ? thought Selpdorf. "Ah , Major Counsellor ? And these are the dispatches ? " "Theso are Olajor Counsellor's private dis patches , which were stolen from him within the frontier of Maasau ! " said Rallywood. Selpdorf's round eyes showed their lids In an odd Dicker. The attack was sudden. Ho tirufhed his moustache upwards -with a thoughtful movement of the finger and thumb , regarding Rallywood as he did so. "Then why have you brought thorn tome mo ? " ho said at last. "Because a soldier should see no further than the point of his sword , your excellency , " replied Rallywood slowly. "Good ! And how do you come to know what the packet contains ? " "Tho persons who robbed Major Coun- Bdlor did not even take the precaution of placing 11 under another cover. Ho recognized It at the blockhouse. " "It seems to me- then that yovi had ft decision to make at the blockhouse ? " "Yes , " nald Rallywood simply. But it was not a subject to bear discus * slon. "An a soldier of Maasau you decided rightly. " Selpdorf misjudged Rallywood for the moment ; It crossed his mind that this was a mercenary after all and to bo bought. "Dut as n nian I now wish to resign my commission. " Selpdorf raised his brms. "Hut why ? At the very moment when you have proved your faithfulness and your zeal ? When we one you a recognition of those high qualities ? " "I want nothing , your excellency , but to go out from this house a tree man , " re turned Rallywood coldly. "Reconsider your wordi , Captain Rally- wood. " "Even If other difficulties had not arisen , " went on Rallywood , "I may remind your excellency that a soldier's oath docs not cover robbery and assassination. " Selpdorf was , and looked , astonished. "I don't understand you , " he said gravely. "Pray tell mo "what you mean " "I found Major Counsellor alone and un conscious In a single carriage that had been sent rolling down the Incline on the line where the outgoing -mall train could not fall to collide with It. The Inference Is clear. Porno one wished to make an end of him In a railway accident. But the plan was n curiously stupid one , for noth ing could satisfactorily explain Major Coun sellor's preeouco there , since It was well known to the British legation in Rovondo that hewas entering , not leaving Maasau. " Selpdorf stood silent. Hero was another Ill-devised amendment born of Count Sa- gan'a blundering brain. "It is a very strange story , " ho said at length. "Had the train como Into collision with the carriage iwhlch you assert was on the down line " "The troops from Kofn and the railway people at Alfau can prove that. " "Tho mall might have been derailed , with no one can tell what loss of life. " "Count Simon holds llfo cheap , " said Rallywood. "No llfo that stands in his way can ho safe. Not oren the llfo of Mile. Selpdorf ! " The chancellor -was moved for once. "You are out of your eengw ! " he said sternly. "It is true ! " Both men looked round. Valerie had en tered. "Father , you must hear me ocfore you before you " She glanced at Rallywood and stopped. "Go , Valerie ; you have nothing to do with these things. " Solpdorf met her ns she came toward him. "You must hear me tonight , father. You are mistaken ; I have had a great deal to do with thorn. I know all that Captain Rallywood has said to you yeo.I had a right to know. For it was I who brought Major Counsellor to the duke's apartments at the castle , 'because ' I knew there was a plot against his highness. But I did not know It was a German , plot In which Baron von Elmur Tvas using Count Sagan. O , you must bo on your guard against them ! " "Who has been frightening you with all this nonsense ? " asked Selpdorfwith cold suspicion , "You don't understand me ! Father , I know how Captain Colendorp died. I aw It the struggle and his fall over the cliff. Then I guessed his highness was In dan ger , and Iwont to warn him. Captain Rallywood , tell my father of Count Sagan's visit to the duke's rooms In the middle of the night with Baron , von Elmur. I we , Isolde and I heard the shots. You do not know It , but there was a plot. Your llfo Is not safe. Captain Rallywood Is right ; no life that stands In Count Sagan's way is safe ! And you onwhom the state de pends you who alone can uphold her lib erty you are the first they will try to de stroy ! Ho hates you , clso why should he try to kill me ? " She was clinging to his arm. "To kill you ? If I thought that was true if I could believe ho meant to Injure you " The chancellor raised his eyes. At this moment diplomatically he ivas superb. Ho had an air of sagacious decision , an air of holding a master stroke In reserve , -whereas ho was In reality merely retiring1 to a negative position to wait upon events. "Toll mo the Btory , " he said. "There is nothing further to tell , " replied Rallywood. "Mademoiselle has given you the main facts. But for her Maasau would today bo a province of Germany , In fact if not in name. " "I have been misinformed and deceived In an Incomprehensible manner , " the chan cellor said emphatically. There -was still the matter of Counsellor's dispatches. Noth ing -was now to be- gained by keeping them , whereas , 'by giving them back to the old diplomatist , Maasau was sure to profit for the Umo at least. The difficulty -was to got rid of the packet without loss of prestige to himself. "Now as to Major Counsellor's dispatches , " ho added doubtfully. "You will send them back to him , " eald Valerlo eagerly. "You cannot see the difficulty of my posi tion. " The chancellor laid his hand upon BRACES BQDYJND BRAfflJ Whnt Marian ! Wino Does to Stlmulato , Strengthen and Sustain the System. Vln Mnrlanl ( MarUnl Wino ) Is recom * mended ns a tonic by the medical profession nil over the 'world. ' It has received wrltteft recomniciulatlonfl from more than 3,000 American physicians. MarUnlVlnc stimulates , strengthens And sustains the system and .brace . * body and brain. It glvca strength and Is an Aid to hcnlth nnd longevity. .Makes the old young ; keeps the young strong. Mnrlntil Wino Is specially Indicated for nil malarial fevers. It gives a sense of buoy- nncy and vigor. Mnrlanl Wino Is furthermore * of espMlal value In cases of Neuralgia , Nervous Debil ity , Muscular Relaxation , Mcntnl and Physi cal Depression and Exhaustion , Overwork or Overstrain , Insomnia , Headache , Nervous Dyspop'la , Loss of Appetite , Emaciation and Consumption. It builds up the vital forcet awl Is a powerful rejuvenator. It given Hrmncsg and clnittlclty to the muscles and richness to the blood. iMarlanl Wine Is palatable and suited to the most delicate stomach. In cases of p Je , l uny , sickly children It Is used with great benctlt. For overworked men and delicate woraea Marian ! Wine gives excellent results. To ovcrcomo summer complaints me Via Marlanl. For heat prostration try Via MarUnl , taken with cracked Ice. Marlanl Wine Is sold br all drugrfsts. Try it and you wilt Hnd that It will well sustain Its reputation. Ono word of cau tion , howox'or lot no representation or x- planatlon Induce you to accept a substitute , and thus avoid disappointment. To every one writing to ' .Marlanl & Co. , G2 West 15th Street. Now York City , will bo sent , free , If this paper In mentioned , an Interesting little < book containing portraits and autographs of Kmpcrors , Empress. Princes , Cardinals , ( Archbishops and othur distinguished personages , endorsing Via Mnrlanl. her shoulder. "To bo frank with you , and In confidence , Captain Rallywood , I &avo not been Ignorant that an understanding existed between Count Sagan and the Barou voa Elmur. I 1mvo even 'boon ' obliged to countenance It to a certain extent. As you know , they are aware that these dispatches have been sent to me. If I use them aa my daughter suggests , I need scarcely point out that trouble must ensue , slnco I , moro or less , represent Maasau. Now we ) cannot afford to offend Germany. It only awaits a pretext to hurl down its nrmy of occupation upon us. Had I never bad those dlspatchm the way might have been easier. " His glance at Rallywood hold a largo r > proach. "But , father , In honesty and Justice. " "It Is a case of private justice am opposed to national necessity. If Captain Rallywood had sacrificed his public to his private honor , If ho bad chosen to prefer his country's causa to his oath of fealty " Rallywood understood. ' "No one knows I am here , " lie said. , t "Ah , true ! " "No one need over know "where " the dli- patches have ( been. In four hours they shall bowith Major Counsellor at the Brit ish legation. " "If you , Captain Rallywoodwill bear the whole responsibility that would simplify the matter. Otherwise It Is war. " SeVpdorf looked meaningly at Rallywood as he ejx > k . But Valerie -was not deceived. "Not that ! Not that ! " she cried. "It must bo that or nothing : . " Selpdorf did not look at her , and ho spoke almost brusquely. "I know what It means. Thejr will BIT So was false to his oath. O , father , Ik there no other -way ? I cannot let him go ! " Rallywood's face changed. Fata Tma crushing her two strange gifts Into his hands , love and death at the lama moment. Ho crossed to Valerie's side , and drawing her to him his gray eyas looked tfcelt cour age and their happiness Into hers. "My darling , this makes It easy , whaterer comes ! " "It may ibe death ! It may he death I" Ho winced at the low , agonized whisper. She turned back to her father. "Father , you have power to do anything you please In Maasau. You will save him for mo. You can save him. Promise mo that or I cannot let him go ! " Solpdorfwas touched. He liked Rally- wood. There -was much In the single- hearted soldier that appealed to his sympa thies. But "I will not deceive you , Valerie , at suqh a time as this , " ho aunwered gently ; "I cannot 'foresee what may happen , I may not be able to prevent the worst. Captain Rallywood holds the dispatches. Ho oftera to sacrifice himself for the state , and the decision rest * -with you. " Valerie burled her face In her hands. The clock moved noiselessly on and on , and the very air scorned to throb In the alienee. Then the girl raised her head and looked steadily nt Rallywood. "It would not bo love If I said otherwise. You would not love mo If I said otherwise. You must go , John ! " ( To Be Continued. ) CASCARETS are a sure cure for tape worms and those other pests of worms that make the lives of children and their mothers miserable. Any variety of parasites that live in the human stomach or bowels , and feed on the substance which should properly nourish the body , are dislodged by Cascarets Candy Cathartic , and expelled. One or two tablets usually drive them out , and persistent use is sure to do away with the unwelcome intruders. Many children and older people suffer from worms without knowing it , and get thin and weak , although their appetite is good. The best way to find out is to take Cascarets. Never accept a substitute ! j calie. , " ) j\ them of tnehou.-i" u. Brooklyn Citiz..i. to thrt. "A tape worm eighteen foot long ; t - ' - least came ou the scene after my taklne two pi-- CASCAUETS , This I am Euro has caused set , my bad health for the past tlireo years. I am cru1 Btlll talilne Cttscareti , tbo only cathartic in t. worthy of notice by sensible people. " GKO. Vf. BOTTLES , Ualrd , tilts. by i retu The judge bep n to understand , and bo- ANNUAL SALES. 5.OOO.OOO BOXES. THIS IS lOc. 25c. 50c * THE TABLET DRUGGISTS CASCARETS re absolutely hannloti , a purely vegetable compound , Ho mercurial or other mineral plll-poliou IB Caicareti , Caicareti promptly , cfftctirely and permanently cure every disorder of the Stomach , Urn and Inteitintt. They not only cure constipation , bat correct any and every form ol Irregularity of the boweli , Including dUnhcta and dysentery. Pleaiact , palatable , potent. Taste coofl , do jood. Herer ilckeu , weaken or trip * . Be sure you cet the eenalne t Beware of Imitations and eubjtitutes | Buy a box of CASCAJLKT3 to-d y , and If not pleased in every respect , eet your money tack I Write ui for booklet and free wunple I Address STBStlKO HBMKDT COMPANY , CHICAGO or HEW TOBK. 379