Truxton King: A Story of Graustark

  CHAPTER XIII

  A DIVINITY SHAPES

  It was pitch dark when he awoke.

  "By heaven, it was a dream, after all," he murmured. "Well, thank Godfor that. She isn't in this damnable hole. And," with a quickening ofthe blood, "she hasn't said she was going to marry Vos Engo."

  The sound of light breathing came to his ears. He sat up. His hands werefree. It had not been a dream. She _was_ lying over there asleep. Thecandle had burnt itself out, that was all. He crept softly across thefloor; in the darkness he found her, and touched the garments shewore--and drew back enthralled. A strange joy filled him; she was hisfor the time being. They were equals in this direful, unlovely place;royal prejudice stood for nothing here. The mad desire to pick her up inhis arms and hold her close came over him--only to perish as quickly asit flamed. What was he thinking of?

  She stirred restlessly as he crept back to the door. The sharp, quickintake of her breath told him that she was awake. He stopped and uttersilence fell upon the room.

  A little moan escaped her lips: "Who is it? Why is it so dark? What--"

  "It is I," he whispered eagerly. "King. Don't be afraid. The candleburnt out while we were asleep. I did not intend to sleep. I'm sorry. Wecan't have a light now until some one comes in the morning. Don't beafraid."

  "I am afraid. Where are you?"

  "Here!" He hastened to her side. As he came up she touched his facewith her hand timorously. He caught the wayward fingers in his own andheld them, drawing quite close to her. "It's all right," he said.

  "Will they come soon?"

  "I hope not--I mean, yes; it must be morning."

  "I loathe the dark," she sighed. Presently her head dropped over againsthis shoulder and she was asleep again.

  "I don't give a damn if they never come," thought Truxton King,intoxicated with bliss.

  Afraid to move for fear of disturbing her, he sat there for an hour ormore his back twisted and uncomfortable, but never so resolute. He wouldnot have moved for all the world.

  All this time his brain was working like mad in the new-found desire toperform miracles for the sake of this lovely, unattainable creature. Wasthere no way to foil these triumphant conspirators? He was forgettingthe Prince, the horrors of the 26th; he was thinking only of saving thisgirl from the fate that Marlanx had in store for her. Vos Engo may havehad the promise, but what could it profit him if Marlanx had the girl?

  "I've got about as much chance as a snowball," he reflected, courage anddecision growing stronger each moment. "I might just as well die one wayas another. If I could only catch 'em napping for a minute, I might turnthe trick. God, that would be--" he was lost in ecstatic contemplationof the glory that such an event would bring.

  Footsteps in the outer room recalled him to the bitter reality of theirposition. He awoke her and whispered words of encouragement into herbewildered ears. Then he put on his coat and threw himself on the floor,first wrapping the rope about his wrists to deceive the guard.

  A key turned in the padlock and the bolt was raised. Old man Spantzstood in the doorway, peering in at them. In surly tones Truxton repliedto his sharp query, saying that the candle had gone out while he slept.

  "It is noon," said the old man irascibly. Then he came in and lighted acandle.

  "Noon of the 25th," said Truxton bitterly. "In twenty-four hours it willbe all over, eh, Spantz?"

  "At noon to-morrow," said Spantz grimly.

  There were half a dozen men in the outer room, conversing in low,excited tones; the fervent gesticulations which usually marked theirdiscussions were missing, proving the constraint that had descended uponthem. One of them--it was Julius Spantz--brought in the food for theprisoners, setting it on the floor between them.

  "It is usually the duty of our friend Julius to feed me," observedTruxton to his fellow-prisoner. "I dare say he won't mind if you relievehim of the task."

  "She can feed you if she likes," growled Julius.

  "Julius?" queried the girl from the Castle, peering at the man. "NotJulius Spantz, of the armoury?"

  "The same," said Truxton. Julius laughed awkwardly and withdrew. "Son ofour distinguished host here. Permit me to present Herr William--"

  "Enough," snarled William Spantz, with a threatening movement towardKing. His manner changed completely, however, when he turned to addressthe young lady. "I beg to inform you, madam, that your stay in thisunwholesome place is to be brief. Pray endure it for the remainder ofthis day. To-night you will be removed to more pleasant quarters, thata friend has prepared for you. I may say to you, however, that it willhe necessary to place a gag in your mouth before you depart. This is tobe a critical night in our affairs." He lifted an inspired gazeheavenward. "Let me assure you, madam, that the two gentlemen who are toconduct you to the Count's--to your new quarters, are considerate,kindly men; you need feel no further alarm. I am requested to tell youthis, so that you may rest easy for the balance of the day. As for you,my friend," turning to Truxton and smiling ironically, "I deeply deplorethe fact that you are to remain. You may be lonesome in the dead hours,for, as you may imagine, we, your dearest friends, will be off about acertain business that is known to you, if I mistake not in believingthat you have listened at the door these many nights. When we nextgather in the room beyond, a new dispensation will have begun. You maybe interested then to hear what we have to say--out there."

  Truxton was silent for a moment, a sudden, swift thought flooding hisbrain. Controlling the quiver of anticipation in his voice, he tookoccasion to say:

  "I only hope you'll not forget to come back. I should be lonesome,Spantz."

  "Oh, we'll not forget you."

  "I suppose not. By the way, would you mind telling me what has become ofyour niece?"

  Spantz glared at him. "She does not meet with us now. My niece isconsecrating her every thought to the task that lies before her. Youwill not see her again."

  "It's an infernal shame, that's what it is," exclaimed King, "to put itall upon that poor girl! God, I'd give ten years of my life to lead herout of this devil's mess. She's too good for--for that. It's--"

  "She will be out of it, as you say, to-morrow, my excellent Samaritan.She knows." There could be no mistake as to the meaning of the propheticwords.

  With a profound bow to the lady and a leer for King, he departed,bolting the door behind him. Instantly King was at her side.

  "An idea has come to me," he whispered eagerly. "I think I see a way. ByGeorge, if it should only happen as I hope it may!"

  "Tell me!" she insisted.

  "Not now. I must think it all out carefully. It won't do to get yourhopes up and then fail."

  Whatever the thought was that had come to him, it certainly had put newlife and hope into him. She nibbled at the unwholesome food, neverremoving her eyes from his tall, restless figure as he paced the floor,his brows knit in thought. Finally he sat down beside her, calmlyhelping himself to a huge slice of bread and a boiled carrot.

  "I've never liked carrots before. I love 'em now. I'm taking them for mycomplexion."

  "Don't jest, Mr. King. What is it you intend to do? Please tell me. Imust know. You heard what he said about taking me to the Count's. Hemeant Marlanx. I will die first."

  "No. I will die first. By the way, I may as well tell you that I wasn'tthinking altogether of how we are to escape. There was something else onmy mind." He stopped and looked at her puzzled face. "Why should I saveyou from Marlanx just to have you hurry off and get married to Vos Engo?It's a mean thought, I know," hastily, "and unworthy of a typical hero,but, just the same, I hate to think of you marrying some one--else."

  "Some one else?" she questioned, a pucker on her forehead.

  "Oh, I know I wouldn't have a ghost of a chance, even if there wasn't aVos Engo. It isn't that," he explained. "I recognise the--er--differencein our stations and--"

  "Are you crazy, Mr. King?"

  "Not now. I was a bit touched, I think, but I'm over it now. I dare sayit was caused by excessive
reading of improbable romances. Life rathertakes it out of a fellow, don't you know. It's all simple enough inbooks, but in--"

  "What has all this got to do with your plan to escape?"

  "Nothing at all. It merely has to do with my ambition to become a truehero. You see, I'm an amateur hero. Of course, this is good practice forme; in time, I may become an expert and have no difficulty in winning aduchess or even a princess. Don't misunderstand me. I intend to do all Ican toward rescuing you to-night. The point I'm trying to get at isthis: don't you think it's pretty rough on a hero to save the girl forsome other fellow to snap up and marry?"

  "I think I begin to see," she said, a touch of pink coming into hercheeks.

  "That's encouraging," he said, staring gloomily at the food he had putaside. "You are quite sure you promised Vos Engo that you'd marry him?"

  "No. I did not promise him that I'd marry him," she said, leaning backand surveying him between narrowed lids.

  "I beg your pardon. You said you had promised--"

  "You did not allow me time to finish. I meant to say that I had promisedto let him know in a day or two. That is all, Mr. King." There was asuspicious tremor in her voice and her gaze wavered beneath hisunbelieving stare.

  "What's that?" he demanded. "You--you don't mean to say that--Oh, Lord!I wonder! I wonder if I have a chance--just a ghost of a chance?" Heleaned very close, incredulous, fascinated. "What is it that you aregoing to let him know? Yes or no?"

  "That was the question I was considering when the brigands caught me,"she answered, meeting his gaze fairly. "I haven't thought of it since."

  "Of course, he is in your own class," said Truxton glumly.

  She hesitated an instant, her face growing very serious. "Mr. King, hasno one told you my name--who I am?" she asked.

  "You are the Prince's aunt, that's all I know."

  "No more his aunt in reality than Jack Tullis is his uncle. I thoughtyou understood."

  "Who are you, then?"

  "I am Jack Tullis's sister, a New Yorker bred and born, and I live notmore than two blocks from your--"

  "For the love of--" he began blankly; then words failed him, which wasjust as well. He gulped twice, joy or unbelief choking him. The smilethat crept into her face dazzled him; he stared at her in speechlessamazement. "Then--then, you are not a duchess or a--" he began again.

  "Not at all. A very plain New Yorker," she said, laughing aloud insudden hysteria. For some reason she drew quickly away from him. "Youare not disappointed, are you? Does it spoil your romance to--"

  "Spoil it? Disappointed? No! By George, I--I can't believe that any suchluck--no, no, I don't mean it just that way! Let me think it out. Letme get it through my head." He leaned back against the wall and devouredher with eager, disturbing eyes. "You are Tullis's sister? You livenear--Oh, I say, this is glorious!" He arose and took a turn about theroom. In some nervousness and uncertainty she also came to her feet,watching him wonderingly. He hurried back to her, a new light in hiseyes. She was very desirable, this slender, uncertain person in thecrumpled grey.

  "Miss Tullis," he said, a thrill in his voice, "you are a princess, justthe same. I never was so happy in my life as I am this minute. It isn'tso black as it was. I thought I couldn't win you because you--"

  "Win me?" she gasped, her lips parted in wonder.

  "Precisely. Now I'm looking at it differently. I don't mind telling youthat I'm in love with you--desperately in love. It's been so with meever since that day in the Park. I loved you as a duchess or a princess,and without hope. Now, I--I--well, I'm going to hope. Perhaps Vos Engohas the better of me just now, but I'm in the lists with him--with allof them. If I get you out of this place--and myself as well--I want youto understand that from this very minute I am trying to win you if itlies in the power of any American to win a girl who has suitors amongthe nobility. Will--will you give me a chance--just a ghost of a chance?I'll try to do the rest."

  "Are--are you really in earnest?" she murmured, composure flying to thewinds.

  "Yes; terribly so," he said gently. "I mean every word of it. I do loveyou."

  "I--I cannot talk about it now, Mr. King," she fluttered, moving awayfrom him in a sudden panic. Presently he went over to her. She wasstanding near the candle, staring down at the flame with a strangelypreoccupied expression in her eyes.

  "Forgive me," he said. "I was hasty, inconsiderate. I--"

  "You quite took my breath away," she panted, looking up at him with aqueer little smile.

  "I know," he murmured.

  Her troubled gaze resumed its sober contemplation of the flame.

  "How was I to tell--" she began, but checked herself. "Please, Mr. King,you won't say anything more to me about--about it,--just now, will you?Shall we talk of our plans for to-night? Tell me about them."

  He lowered his eyes, suddenly disheartened. "I only ask you to believethat I am desperately in earnest."

  "I cannot comprehend how--I mean, it is so very wonderful. You don'tthink me unappreciative, or mean, do you?"

  "Of course not. You are startled, that's all. I'm a blundering fool.Still, you must agree that I was frightfully bowled over when I foundthat you were not what I thought. I couldn't hold back, that's all. ByJove, isn't it wonderful? Here I've been looking all over the world foryou, only to find that you've been living around the corner from me allthese years! It's positively staggering! Why," with a sudden burst ofhis unquenchable buoyancy, "we might have been married two years ago andsaved all this trouble. Just think of it!"

  She smiled. "I do like you," she said warmly, giving him her hand. Hekissed it gallantly and stepped back--resolutely.

  "That's something," he said with his humblest, most conquering smile.

  "You won't leave me to my fate because you think I'm going tomarry--some one else?"

  He grew very sober. "Miss Tullis, you and I have one chance in athousand. You may as well know the truth."

  "Oh, I can't bear the thought of that dreadful old man," she cried,abject distress in her eyes.

  He gritted his teeth and turned away. She went back to the corner, dullyrearranging the coat he had given her for comfort. She handled it with atenderness that would have astonished the garment had it been capable ofunderstanding. For a long time she watched him in silence as he paced toand fro like a caged lion. Twice she heard him mutter: "An Americangirl--good Lord," and she found herself smiling to herself--the strange,vagrant smile that comes of wonder and self-gratification.

  Late in the afternoon--long hours in which they had spoken to each otherwith curious infrequency, each a prey to sombre thoughts--their door wasunlocked and Anna Cromer appeared before them, accompanied by two of themen. Crisply she commanded the girl to come forth; she wanted to talkwith her.

  She was in the outer room for the better part of an hour, listening toAnna Cromer and Madame Drovnask, who dinned the praises of the greatCount Marlanx into her ears until she was ready to scream. They bathedthe girl's face and brushed her hair and freshened her garments. Itoccurred to her that she was being prepared for a visit of theredoubtable Marlanx himself, and put the question plainly.

  "No," said Anna Cromer. "He's not coming here. You are going to him. Hewill not be Count Marlanx after to-morrow, but Citizen Marlanx--one ofthe people, one of us. Ah, he is a big man to do this."

  Little did they know Marlanx!

  "Julius and Peter will come for you to-night," said Madame Drovnask,with an evil, suggestive smile. "We will not be here to say farewell,but, my dear, you will be one of us before--well, before many days havepassed."

  Truxton was beginning to tremble with the fear that she would not bereturned to their room, when the door was opened and she came in--mostgladly, he could see. The two women bade him a cool, unmistakable_Good-bye_, and left him in charge of the men who had just come downfrom the shop above.

  For half an hour Peter Brutus taunted him. It was all he could do tokeep his hands wrapped in the rope behind his back; he was thankful whenthey returne
d him to his cell. The time was not ripe for the dash he wasnow determined to make.

  "Get a little nap, if you can," he said to Loraine, when the door waslocked behind him. "It won't be long before something happens. I've gota plan. You'll have your part to play. God grant that it may work outwell for us. You--you might pray if--if--"

  "Yes, I _can_ pray," she said simply. "I'll do my part, Mr. King."

  He waited a moment. "We've been neighbours in New York for years," hesaid. "Would you mind calling me Truxton,--and for Adele's sake, too?"

  "It isn't hard to do, Truxton."

  "Good!" he exclaimed.

  She rebelled at the mere thought of sleep, but, unfastening her collarand removing the jabot, she made herself a comfortable cushion of hiscoat and sat back in her corner, strangely confident that this strong,eager American would deliver her from the Philistines--this fightingAmerican with the ten days' growth of beard on his erstwhile merry face.

  Sometime in the tense, suffocating hours of the night they heard thesounds of many footsteps shuffling about the outer room; there werehoarse, guttural, subdued good-byes and well-wishes, the creaking ofheavy doors and the dropping of bolts. Eventually King, who had beenlistening alertly, realised that but two of the men remained in theroom--Peter Brutus and Julius Spantz.

  An hour crept by, and another, seemingly interminable King was fairlygroaning under the suspense. The time was slowly, too slowly approachingwhen he was to attempt the most desperate act in all this sanguinarytragedy--the last act for him, no doubt, but the one in which he was tosee himself glorified.

  There remained the chance--the slim chance that only Providenceconsiders. He had prayed for strength and cunning; she had prayed fordivine intervention. But, after all, Luck was to be the referee.

  He had told her of his plan; she knew the part she was to play. And ifall went well--ah, then! He took a strange lesson in the language ofGraustark: one sentence, that was all. She had whispered the translationto him and he had grimly repeated it, over and over again. "She hasfainted, damn her!" It was to be their "Open Sesame"--if all went well!

  Suddenly he started to his feet, his jaws set, his eyes gleaming. Thetelegraph instrument was clicking in the outer room!

  He had wrapped his handkerchief about his big right hand, producing asort of cushion to deaden the sound of a blow with the fist and toprotect his knuckles; for all his strength was to go into that onemighty blow. If both men came into the room, his chance was smaller;but, in either event, the first blow was to be a mighty one.

  Taking his position near the girl, who was crouching in real dismay, heleaned against the wall, his hands behind him, every muscle strained andtaut.

  The door opened and Julius Spantz, bewhiskered and awkward, entered. Hewore a raincoat and storm hat, and carried a rope in one of his hands.He stopped just inside the door to survey the picture.

  "Time you were asleep," he said stupidly, addressing King.

  "I'd put you to sleep, Julius, if Miss Tullis could have managed tountie these infernal bonds," said Truxton, with pleasant daring.

  "I don't tie lovers' knots," grinned Julius, pleased with his own wit."Come, madam, I must ask you to stand up. Will you put your ownhandkerchief in your mouth, or must I use force--ah, that's good! I'msorry, but I must wrap this cloth about--"

  He did not complete the sentence, for he had come within range. Thewhole weight of Truxton King's body was behind the terrific blow thatlanded on the man's jaw. Loraine suppressed the scream that rose to herwhite lips. Julius Spantz's knees crumpled; he lunged against the walland was sliding down when King caught him in his arms. The man wasstunned beyond all power of immediate action. It was the work of aninstant to snatch the revolver from his coat pocket.

  "Guard the door!" whispered King to the girl, pressing the revolver intoher hand. "And shoot if you have to!"

  A handkerchief was stuffed into the unconscious man's mouth; the longcoat and boots were jerked from his limp body before his hands and feetwere bound with the rope he carried; the bushy whiskers and wig wereremoved from his head and transferred in a flash to that of theAmerican. Then the boots, coat and hat found a new wearer.

  Peter Brutus was standing in the stairway, leading to the sewer,listening eagerly for sounds from either side.

  "Hurry up, Julius," he called imperatively. "They are below with theboat. They have given the signal."

  The new Julius uttered a single sentence; that was all. If Peter heardthe noise attending the disposal of his comrade, he was justified inbelieving that the girl had offered some resistance. When a tall,grunting man emerged from the inner room, bearing the limp figure of agirl in a frayed raincoat, he did not wait to ask questions, but rushedover and locked the cell-door. Then he led the way down the narrowstairway, lighting the passage with a candle. His only reply to King'sguttural remark in the Graustark language was:

  "Don't speak, you fool! Not a word until we reach the river."

  Down the steps they went to the opening in the wall of the sewer. There,before the bolts were drawn by Brutus, a series of raps were exchangedby men outside and the one who held the keys within.

  A moment later, the girl was being lowered through the hole into rough,eager arms. Brutus and his companion dropped through, the secret blockof masonry was closed, and off through the shallow waters of the sewerglided the party riverward in the noiseless boat that had come up toferry them.

  There were three men in the boat, not counting Truxton King.