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"You are to carry that lance," he said, briefly Then he cautiously peered forth Atoward the distant stairway Lorry had been instructed to proceed without the least sign of timidity They passed several attendants in the hall and heard Count Halfont's voice in conversation with some one in an ante-roo down but Harry Anguish He saluted Quinnox and walked rapidly down the corridor, evidently taking his departure after a call on the Countess

"There goes your hostage," said the captain, grimly It had required all of Lorry's self-possession to restrain the cry of joyful recognition Up the staircase they went,down, and were soon before the apartuard stood in front of the boudoir door

"This is your relief, Bassot You lance at the strange soldier, the sick lad to seek his bed

"Is she there?" whispered Lorry, dizzy and faint with expectancy

"Yes This may mean your death and mine, sir, but you would do it Will you explain to her how I caood friend"

"After I have gone twenty paces down the hall, do you rap on the door She ive up If she bid you enter or asks your mission, enter quickly and close the door It is unlocked She may swoon, or scream, and you must prevent either if possible In an hour I shall return and you e"

"Never! I have come to save her and her country, and I intend to do so by surrendering ht"

"I had hoped to dissuade you But, sir, you cannot do so to-night You forget that this visit coo back with you, but to-morrow I am your prisoner, not your friend"

"Be careful," cautioned the captain as he moved away Lorry feverishly tapped his knuckles on the panel of the door and waited with motionless heart for the response It ca into his mind

"Well?" came from within, the voice he adored

Impetuous hasteinside and closed it quickly She was sitting before her escritoire, writing, and looked up, surprised and annoyed

"I was not to be disturbed--Oh, God!"