CHAPTER XIX
TRUXTON EXACTS A PROMISE
Truxton King had been in a resentful frame of mind for nearlyforty-eight hours. In the first place, he had not had so much as asingle glimpse of the girl he now worshipped with all his heart. In thesecond place, he had learned, with unpleasant promptness, that Count VosEngo was the officer in command of the House Guard, a position asgravely responsible as it was honourable. The cordon about the Castlewas so tightly drawn in these perilous hours that even members of thehousehold were subjected to examination on leaving or entering.
Truxton naturally did not expect to invade the Castle in search of thecrumb of comfort he so ardently desired; he did not, however, dream thatVos Engo would deny him the privilege of staring at a certain windowfrom a rather prim retreat in a far corner of the Plaza.
He had, of course, proffered his services to Colonel Quinnox. TheColonel, who admired the Americans, gravely informed him that there wasno regular duty to which he could be assigned, but that he would expecthim to hold himself ready for any emergency. In case of an assault, hewas to report to Count Vos Engo.
"We will need our bravest men at the Castle," he had said. Truxtonglowed under the compliment. "In the meantime, Mr. King, regain yourstrength in the park. You show the effect of imprisonment. Youradventures have been most interesting, but I fancy they invite rest forthe present."
It was natural that this new American should become an object oftremendous interest to every one in and about the Castle. The story ofhis mishaps and his prowess was on every lip; his timely appearance inRegengetz Circus was regarded in the light of divine intervention,although no one questioned the perfectly human pluck that brought itabout. Noble ladies smiled upon him in the park, to which they nowrepaired with timorous hearts; counts and barons slapped him on the backand doughty guardsmen actually saluted him with admiration in theireyes.
But he was not satisfied. Loraine had not come forward with a word ofgreeting or relief; in fact, she had not appeared outside the Castledoors. Strangely enough, with the entire park at his disposal, he choseto frequent those avenues nearest the great balconies. More than once hevisited the grotto where he had first seen her; but it was not the same.The occasional crack of a rifle on the walls no longer fired him withthe interest he had felt in the beginning. Forty-eight hours had passedand she still held aloof. What could it mean? Was she ill? Had shecollapsed after the frightful strain?
Worse than anything else: was she devoting all of her time to Count VosEngo?
Toward dusk on Monday, long after the arrival of the refugees, he sat ingloomy contemplation of his own unhappiness, darkly glowering upon theunfriendly portals from a distant stone bench.
A brisk guardsman separated himself from the knot of men at the Castledoors and crossed the Plaza toward him.
"Aha," thought Truxton warmly, "at last she is sending a message to me.Perhaps she's--no, she couldn't be sending for me to come to her."
Judge his dismay and anger when the soldier, a bit shamefaced himself,briefly announced that Count Vos Engo had issued an order againstloitering in close proximity to the Castle. Mr. King was inside thelimit described in the order. Would he kindly retire to a more distantspot, etc.
Truxton's cheek burned. He saw in an instant that the order was meantfor him and for no one else--he being the only outsider likely to comeunder the head of "loiterer." A sharp glance revealed the fact that notonly were the officers watching the little scene, but others in thebalcony were looking on.
Resisting the impulse to argue the point, he hastily lifted his hat tothe spectators and turned into the avenue without a word.
"I am sorry, sir," mentioned the guardsman earnestly.
Truxton turned to him with a frank smile, meant for the group at thesteps. "Please tell Count Vos Engo that I am the last person in theworld to disregard discipline at a time like this."
His glance again swept the balcony, suddenly becoming fixed on a couplenear the third column. Count Vos Engo and Loraine Tullis were standingthere together, unmistakably watching his humiliating departure. To saythat Truxton swore softly as he hurried off through the trees would beunnecessarily charitable.
The next morning he encountered Vos Engo near the grotto. Twounsuccessful attempts to leave the Castle grounds had been made duringthe night. Truxton had aired his opinion to Mr. Hobbs after breakfast.
"I'll bet my head I could get away with it," he had said, doublyscornful because of a sleepless night. "They go about it like a lot ofchumps. No wonder they are chased back."
Catching sight of Vos Engo, he hastened across the avenue and caught upto him. The Count was apparently deep in thought.
"Good morning," said Truxton from behind. The other whirled quickly. Hedid not smile as he eyed the tall American. "I haven't had a chance tothank you for coming back for me last Saturday. Allow me to say that itwas a very brave thing to do. If I appeared ungrateful at the time, I'msure you understood my motives."
"The whole matter is of no consequence, Mr. King," said the otherquietly.
"Nevertheless, I consider it my duty to thank you. I want to get it outof my system. Having purged myself of all that, I now want to tell youof a discovery that I made last evening."
"I am not at all interested."
"You will be when I have told you, however, because it concerns you."
"I do not like your words, Mr. King, nor the way in which you glare atme."
"I'm making it easier to tell you the agreeable news, Count Vos Engo;that's all. You'll be delighted to hear that I thought of you nearly allnight and still feel that I have not been able to do you full justice."
"Indeed?" with a distinct uplifting of the eyebrows.
"Take your hand off your sword, please. Some other time, perhaps, butnot in these days when we need men, not cripples. I'll tell you what Ihave discovered and then we'll drop the matter until some other time. Wecan afford a physical delay, but it would be heartless to keep you inmental suspense. Frankly, Count, I have made the gratifying discoverythat you are a damned cur."
Count Vos Engo went very white. He drew his dapper figure up to its fullheight, swelled his Robin Redbreast coat to the bursting point, andallowed his right hand to fly to his sword. Then, as suddenly, he foldedhis arms and glared at Truxton.
"As you say, there is another and a better time. We need dogs as well asmen in these days."
"I hope you won't forget that I thanked you for coming back lastSaturday."
The Count turned and walked rapidly away.
Truxton leaned against the low wall alongside the Allee. "I don't knowthat I've helped matters any," he said to himself ruefully. "He'll notlet me get within half a mile of the Castle after this. If she doesn'tcome out for a stroll in the park, I fancy I'll never see her--Heigho! Iwish something would happen! Why doesn't Marlanx begin bombarding? It'sgetting devilish monotonous here."
He strolled off to the stables, picking up Mr. Hobbs on the way.
"Hobbs," he said, "we've got to find John Tullis, that's all there is toit." He was scowling fiercely at a most inoffensive lawn-mower in thegrass at the left.
"I daresay, sir," said Mr. Hobbs with sprightly decisiveness. "He's verymuch needed."
"I'm going to need him before long as my second."
"Your second, sir? Are you going to fight a duel?"
"I suppose so," lugubriously. "It's too much to expect him to meet mewith bare fists. Oh, Hobbs, I wish we could arrange it for bare knucks!"He delivered a mighty swing at an invisible adversary. Hobbs's hat felloff with the backward jerk of surprise.
"Oh, my word!" he exclaimed admiringly, "wot a punch you've got!"
Later on, much of his good humour was restored and his vanity pleased bya polite request from Count Halfont to attend an important council inthe "Room of Wrangles" that evening at nine.
Very boldly he advanced upon the Castle a few minutes before theappointed hour. He went alone, that he might show a certain contempt forCount Vos Engo. Notwithstand
ing the fact that he started early enoughfor the Chamber, he was distressingly late for the meeting.
He came upon Loraine Tullis at the edge of the Terrace. She was walkingslowly in the soft shadows beyond the row of lights on the lowergallery. King would have passed her without recognition, so dim was thelight in this enchanted spot, had not his ear caught the sound of awhispered exclamation. At the same time the girl stopped abruptly in thedarkest shadow. He knew her at a glance, this slim girl in spotlesswhite.
"Loraine!" he whispered, reaching her side in two bounds. She put outher hands and he clasped them. A quick, hysterical little laugh camefrom her lips. Plainly, she was confused. "I've been dying for a glimpseof you. Do you think you've treated me--"
"Don't, Truxton," she pleaded, suddenly serious. She sent a swift glancetoward the balconies. "You must not come here. I saw--well, you know. Iwas so ashamed. I was so sorry."
He still held her hands. His heart was throbbing furiously.
"Yes, they ordered me to move on, as if I were a common loafer," hesaid, with a soft chuckle. "I'm used to it, however. They ran me out ofMeshed for taking snapshots; they banished me from Damascus, and theyall but kicked me out of Jerusalem--I won't say why. But where have youkept yourself? Why have you avoided me? After getting the Prince toparade me in front of your windows, too. It's dirt mean, Loraine."
"I have been ill, Truxton--truly, I have," she said quickly, uneasily.
"See here, what's wrong? You are in trouble. I can tell by your manner.Tell me--trust me."
"I am worried so dreadfully about John," she faltered.
"That isn't all," he declared. "There's something else. What promise didyou make to Vos Engo last Saturday after--well, if you choose to recallit--after I brought you back to him--what did you promise him?"
"Don't be cruel, Truxton," she pleaded. "I cannot forget all you havedone for me."
"You told Vos Engo to ride back and pick me up," he persisted. "He toldme in so many words. Now, I want a plain answer, Loraine. Did youpromise to reward him if he--well, if he saved me from the mob?"
She was breathlessly silent for a moment. "No," she said, in a lowvoice.
"What was it, then? I must know, Loraine." He was bending over her,imperiously.
"I am very--oh, so very unhappy, Truxton," she murmured. He was on thepoint of clasping her in his arms and kissing her. But he thought betterof it.
"I came near spoiling everything just now," he whispered hoarsely.
"What?"
"I almost kissed you, Loraine,--I swear it was hard to keep from it.That would have spoiled everything."
"Yes, it would," she agreed quickly.
"I'm not going to kiss you until you have told me you love Vos Engo."
"I--I don't understand," she cried, drawing back and looking up into hisface with bewildered eyes.
"Because then I'll be sure that you love me."
"Be sensible, Truxton."
"I'll know that you promised to love him if he'd save me. It's as clearas day to me. You _did_ tell him you'd marry him if he got me to a placeof safety."
"No. I _refused_ to marry him if he did not save you. Oh, Truxton, I amso miserable. What is to become of all of us? What is to become of John,and Bobby--and you?"
"I--I think I'll kiss you now, Loraine," he whispered almosttremulously. "God, how I love you, little darling!"
"Don't!" she whispered, resolutely pushing him away after a sweet secondof indecision. "I cannot--I cannot, Truxton dear. Don't ask me to--to dothat. Not now, please--not now!"
He stiffened; his hands dropped to his sides, but there was joy in hisvoice.
"I can wait," he said gently. "It's only a matter of a few days; andI--I won't make it any harder for you just now. I think I understand.You've--you've sort of pledged yourself to that--to him, and you don'tthink it fair to--well, to any of us. I'm including you, you see. I knowyou don't love him, and I know that you're going to love me, even if youdon't at this very instant. I'm not a very stupid person, after all. Ican see through things. I saw through it all when he came back for me.That's why I jumped from his horse and took my chances elsewhere. He dida plucky thing, Loraine, but I--I couldn't let it go as he intended itto be. Confound him, I would have died a thousand times over rather thanhave you sacrifice yourself in that way. It was splendid of you,darling, but--but very foolish. You've got yourself into a dreadful messover it. I've got to rescue you all over again. This time, thank theLord, from a Castle."
She could not help smiling. His joyousness would not be denied.
"How splendid you are!" she said, her voice thrilling with a tone thatcould not be mistaken.
He put his hands upon her shoulders and looked down into the beautiful,upturned face, a genuinely serious note creeping into his voice when hespoke again.
"Don't misconstrue my light-heartedness, dearest. It's a habit with me,not a fault. I see the serious side to your affair--as you view it. Youhave promised to marry Vos Engo. You'll have to break that promise. Hedidn't save me. Colonel Quinnox would have accomplished it, in anyevent. He can't hold you to such a silly pledge. You--you haven't by anychance told him that you love him?" He asked this in sudden anxiety.
"Really, Truxton, I cannot discuss--"
"No, I'm quite sure you haven't," he announced contentedly. "Youcouldn't have done that, I know. Now, I want you to make me a promisethat you'll keep."
"Oh, Truxton--don't ask me to say that I'll be your--" She stopped,painfully embarrassed.
"That will come later," he said consolingly. "I want you to promise, onyour sacred word of honour, that you'll kiss no man until you've kissedme."
"Oh!" she murmured, utterly speechless.
"Promise!"
"I--I cannot promise that," she said in tones almost inaudible. "I amnot sure that I'll ever--ever kiss anybody. How silly you are!"
"I'll make exception in the case of your brother--and, yes, the Prince."
"I'll not make such a promise," she cried.
"Then, I'll be hanged if I'll save you from the ridiculous mess you'vegotten yourself into," he announced with finality. "Moreover, you're notyet safe from old Marlanx. Think it over, my--"
"Oh, he cannot seize the Castle--it is impossible!" she cried in suddenterror.
"I'm not so sure about that," he said laconically.
"What is it you really want me to say?" she asked, looking up withsudden shyness in her starry eyes.
"That you love me--and me only, Loraine," he whispered.
"I will not say it," she cried, breaking away from him. "But," as sheran to the steps, a delicious tremor in her voice--"I _will_ considerthe other thing you ask."
"Darling--don't go," he cried, in eager, subdued tones, but she alreadywas half way across the balcony. In a moment she was gone. "Poor,harassed little sweetheart!" he murmured, with infinite tenderness. Fora long time he stood there, looking at the window through which she haddisappeared, his heart full of song.
Then, all at once, he remembered the meeting. "Great Scott!" in dismay."I'm late for the pow-wow." A twisted smile stole over his face. "Iwonder how they've managed to get along without me." Then he presentedhimself, somewhat out of breath, to the attendants at the south doors,where he had been directed to report. A moment later he was in theCastle of Graustark, following a stiff-backed soldier through mediaevalhalls of marble, past the historic staircase, down to the door of thecouncil chamber. He was filled with the most delicious sensation of aweand reverence. Only in his dearest dreams had he fancied himself inthese cherished halls. And now he was there--actually treading the samemosaic floors that had known the footsteps of countless princes andprincesses, his nostrils tingling with the rare incense of fivecenturies, his blood leaping to the call of a thousand romances. The allbut mythical halls of Graustark--the sombre, vaulted, time-defyingcorridors of his fancy. Somewhere in this vast pile of stone was thegirl he loved. Each shadowy nook, each velvety recess, seemed to glowwith the wizardry of love-lamps that had been lighted wi
th the buildingof the Castle. How many hearts had learned the wistful lesson in theseaged halls? How many loves had been sheltered here?
He walked on air. He pinched himself--and even then was not certain thathe was awake. It was too good to be true.
He was ushered into a large, sedately furnished room. A score of menwere there before him--sitting or standing in attitudes of attention,listening to the words of General Braze. King's entrance was the signalfor an immediate transfer of interest. The General bowed most politelyand at once turned to Count Halfont with the remark that he had quitefinished his suggestions. The Prime Minister came forward to greet themomentarily shy American. King had time to note that the only man whodenied him a smile of welcome was Count Vos Engo. He promptly includedhis rival in his own sweeping, self-conscious smile.
"The Council has been extolling you, Mr. King," said the Prime Minister,leading him to a seat near his own. Truxton sat down, bewildered. "Wemay some day grow large enough to adequately appreciate the invaluable,service you have performed in behalf of Graustark."
Truxton blushed. He could think of nothing to say, except: "I'm sorry tohave been so late. I was detained."
Involuntarily he glanced at Vos Engo. That gentleman started, a curiouslight leaping into his eyes.
"Mr. King, we have asked you here for the purpose of hearing the fullstory of your experiences during the past two weeks, if you will be sogood as to relate them. We have had them piecemeal. I need not tell youthat Graustark is in the deepest peril. If there is a single suggestionthat you can make that will help her to-night, I assure you that it willbe given the most grateful consideration. Graustark has come to know andrespect the resourcefulness and courage of the American gentleman. Wehave seen him at his best."
"I have really done no more than to--er--save my own neck," said Truxtonsimply. "Any one might be excused for doing the same. Graustark owes agreat deal more to Miss Tullis than it does to me, believe me, my lords.She had the courage, I the strength."
"Be assured of our attitude toward Miss Tullis," said Halfont in reply."Graustark loves her. It can do no more than that. It is from MissTullis that we have learned the extent of your valorous achievements.Ah, my dear young friend, she has given you a fair name. She tells us ofa miracle and we are convinced."
Truxton stammered his remonstrances, but glowed with joy and pride.
"Here is the situation in a nutshell," went on the Prime Minister. "Weare doomed unless succor reaches us from the outside. We have discusseda hundred projects. While we are inactive, Count Marlanx is gainingmore power and a greater hold over the people of the city. We have nomeans of communication with Prince Dantan of Dawsbergen, who is ourfriend. We seem unable to get warning to John Tullis, who, if giventime, might succeed in collecting a sufficient force of loyal countrymento harass and eventually overthrow the Dictator. Unless he is reachedbefore long, John Tullis and his combined force of soldiers will beambushed and destroyed. I am loth to speak of another alternative thathas been discussed at length by the ministers and their friends. TheDuke of Perse, from a bed of pain and anguish, has counselled us to takesteps in the direction I am about to speak of. You see, we are takingyou into our confidence, Mr. King.
"We can appeal to Russia in this hour of stress. Moreover, we may expectthat help will be forthcoming. But we will have to make an unpleasantsacrifice. Russia is eager to take over our new issue of railway bonds.Hitherto, we have voted against disposing of the bonds in that country,the reason being obvious. St. Petersburg wants a new connecting linewith her possessions in Afghanistan. Our line will provide a most directroute--a cut-off, I believe they call it. Last year the Grand DukePaulus volunteered to provide the money for the construction of the linefrom Edelweiss north to Balak on condition that Russia be given theright to use the line in connection with her own roads to the Orient.You may see the advantage in this to Russia. Mr. King, if I send word tothe Grand Duke Paulus, agreeing to his terms, which still remain open tous, signing away a most valuable right in what we had hoped would be ourown individual property, we have every reason to believe that he willsend armed forces to our relief, on the pretext that Russia is defendingproperties of her own. That is one way in which we may oust CountMarlanx. The other lies in the ability of John Tullis to give battle tohim with our own people carrying the guns. I am confident that CountMarlanx will not bombard the Castle except as a last resort. He willattempt to starve us into submission first; but he will not destroyproperty if he can help it. I have been as brief as possible. LieutenantHaddan has told us quite lately of a remark you made which he happenedto overhear. If I quote him correctly, you said to the Englishman Hobbsthat you could get away with it, meaning, as I take it, that you couldsucceed in reaching John Tullis. The remark interested me, coming as itdid from one so resourceful. May I not implore you to tell us how youwould go about it?"
Truxton had turned a brick red. Shame and mortification surged withinhim. He was cruelly conscious of an undercurrent of irony in thePremier's courteous request. For an instant he was sorely crushed. A lowlaugh from the opposite side of the room sent a shaft to his soul. Helooked up. Vos Engo was still smiling. In an instant the American'sblood boiled; his manner changed like a flash; blind, unreasoningbravado succeeded embarrassment.
He faced Count Halfont coolly, almost impudently.
"I think I was unfortunate enough to add that your men were going aboutit--well, like amateurs," he said, with a frank smile. "I meant nooffense." Then he arose suddenly, adjusted his necktie with the utmost_sang froid_, and announced:
"I did say I could get to John Tullis. If you like, I'll startto-night."
His words created a profound impression, they came so abruptly. The menstared at him, then at each other. It was as if he had read theirthoughts and had jumped at once to the conclusion that they were baitinghim. Every one began talking at once. Soon some one began to shake hishand. Then there were cheers and a dozen handshakings. Truxton grimlyrealised that he had done just what they had expected him to do. Hetried to look unconcerned.
"You will require a guide," said Colonel Quinnox, who had been studyingthe _degage_ American in the most earnest manner.
"Send for Mr. Hobbs, please," said Truxton.
A messenger was sent post haste to the barracks. The news already wasspreading throughout the Castle. The chamber door was wide open and menwere coming and going. Eager women were peering through the doorway fora glimpse of the American.
"There should be three of us," said King, addressing the men about him."One of us is sure to get away."
"There is not a man here--or in the service--who will not gladlyaccompany you, Mr. King," cried General Braze quickly.
"Count Vos Engo is the man I would choose, if I may be permitted thehonour of naming my companion," said Truxton, grinning inwardly with amalicious joy.
Vos Engo turned a yellowish green. His eyes bulged.
"I--I am in command of the person of his Royal Highness," he stammered,suddenly going very red.
"I had forgotten your present occupation," said Truxton quietly. "Praypardon the embarrassment I may have caused you. After all, I think Hobbswill do. He knows the country like a book. Besides, his business in thecity must be very dull just now. He'll be glad to have the chance topersonally conduct me for a few days. As an American tourist, I mustinsist, gentlemen, on being personally conducted by a man from Cook's."
They did not know whether to laugh or to treat it as a seriousannouncement.
Mr. Hobbs came. That is to say, he was produced. It is doubtful if Mr.Hobbs ever fully recovered from the malady commonly known as stagefright. He had never been called Mr. Hobbs by a Prime Minister before,nor had he ever been asked in person by a Minister of War if he had afamily at home. Moreover, no assemblage of noblemen had evercondescended to unite in three cheers for him. Afterward Truxton Kingwas obliged to tell him that he had unwaveringly volunteered toaccompany him on the perilous trip to the hills. Be sure of it, Mr.Hobbs was not in a mental condition
for many hours to even remotelycomprehend what had taken place. He only knew that he had been invited,as an English _gentleman_, to participate in a council of war.
But Mr. Hobbs was not the kind to falter, once he had given his word;however hazy he may have been at the moment, he knew that he hadvolunteered to do something. Nor did it seem to surprise him when hefinally found out what it was.
"We'll be off at midnight, Hobbs," said Truxton, feeling in his pocketfor the missing watch.
"As you say, Mr. King, just as you say," said Hobbs with fineindifference.
As Truxton was leaving the Castle ten minutes later, Hobbs having gonebefore to see to the packing of food-bags and the filling of flasks, abrisk, eager-faced young attendant hurried up to him.
"I bear a message from his Royal Highness," said the attendant,detaining him.
"He should be sound asleep at this time," said Truxton, surprised.
"His Royal Highness insists on staying awake as long as possible, sir.It is far past his bedtime, but these are troublesome times, he says.Every man should do his part. Prince Robin has asked for you, sir."
"How's that?"
"He desires you to appear before him at once, sir."
"In--in the audience chamber?"
"In his bedchamber, sir. He is very sleepy, but says that you are tocome to him before starting away on your mission of danger."
"Plucky little beggar!" cried Truxton, his heart swelling with love forthe royal youngster.
"Sir!" exclaimed the attendant, his eyes wide with amazement andreproof.
"I'll see him," said the other promptly, as if he were granting theaudience.
He followed the perplexed attendant up the grand staircase, acrossthickly carpeted halls in which posed statuesque soldiers of the RoyalGuard, to the door of the Prince's bedchamber. Here he was confronted byCount Vos Engo.
"Enter," said Vos Engo, with very poor grace, standing aside. Thesentinels grounded their arms and Truxton King passed into the royalchamber, alone.