CHAPTER IX
STRANGE DISAPPEARANCES
The further adventures of Mr. Hobbs on this memorable afternoon arequickly chronicled, notwithstanding the fact that he lived an age whilethey were transpiring, and experienced sensations that would still befresh in his memory if he lived to be a hundred.
He was scarcely well out of sight of the cabin when his conscience beganto smite him: after all, his patron might be in dire need of hisservices, and here he was, fleeing from an old woman and a whiff ofsmoke! Hobbs was not a physical coward, but it took more than a mile ofhard-ridden conscience to bring his horse to a standstill. Then, withhis heart in his mouth, he slowly began to retrace his steps, walkingwhere he had galloped a moment before. A turn in the road brought him inview of something that caused him to draw rein sharply. A hundred yardsahead, five or six men were struggling with a riderless bay horse.
"My Gawd!" ejaculated Hobbs. "It's _his_ horse! I might have known!"
He looked eagerly for his patron. There was no sign of him, so Hobbsrode slowly forward, intent upon asking the woodmen--for such theyappeared to be--to accompany him to the glen, now but a short distanceahead.
As he drew nearer, it struck him forcibly that the men were not what hehad thought them to be. They were an evil-looking lot, more like thestrikers he had seen in the town earlier in the day. Even as he wasturning the new thought over in his mind, one of them stepped out ofthe little knot, and, without a word of warning, lifted his arm andfired point blank at the little Englishman. A pistol ball whizzed closeby his head. His horse leaped to the side of the road in terror, almostunseating him.
But Hobbs had fighting blood in his veins. What is more to the point, hehad a Mauser revolver in his pocket. He jerked it out, and, despite asecond shot from the picket, prepared to ride down upon the party. Aninstant later half a dozen revolvers were blazing away at him. Hobbsturned at once and rode in the opposite direction, whirling to firetwice at the unfriendly group. Soon he was out of range and at leisure.He saw the futility of any attempt to pass them. The only thing left forhim to do was to ride as quickly as possible to the city and give thealarm: at the same time, to acquaint the police with the deliberateassault of the desperadoes.
His mind was so full of the disaster to Truxton King--he did not doubtfor an instant that he had been destroyed by the sorceress--that he gavelittle thought to his own encounter with the rascals in the roadway. Hehad come to like the impetuous young man with the open purse and theopen heart. Despite his waywardness in matters conventional to the lastdegree he could not but admire him for the smile he had and the couragethat never failed him, even when the smile met the frown of rebuke.
Riding swiftly through the narrow, sunless defile he was nearing thepoint where the road connected with the open Highway; from there on theway was easy and devoid of peril. Suddenly his horse swerved and leapedfuriously out of stride, stumbling, but recovering himself almostinstantaneously. In the same second he heard the sharp crack of afirearm, far down the unbroken ravine to his left. A second shot came,this time from the right and quite close at hand. His horse wasstaggering, swaying--then down he crashed, Hobbs swinging clear barelyin time to escape being pinioned to the ground. A stream of blood waspouring from the side of the poor beast. Aghast at this unheard ofwantonness, the little interpreter knew not which way to turn, but stoodthere dazed until a third shot brought him to his senses. The bulletkicked up the dust near his feet. He scrambled for the heavy underbrushat the roadside and darted off into the forest, his revolver in hishand, his heart palpitating like mad. Time and again as he fled throughthe dark thickets, he heard the hoarse shouts of men in the distance. Itdawned upon him at last that there had been an uprising of some kind inthe city--that there was rioting and murder going on--that these menwere not ordinary bandits, but desperate strikers in quest ofsatisfaction for grievances ignored.
Night came and he dropped to the soft, dank earth, utterly exhausted andabsolutely lost for the time being in the pathless hills.
At ten o'clock the next morning Colonel Quinnox and a company ofsoldiers, riding from the city gates toward the north in response to acall for help from honest herders who reported attacks and robberies ofan alarming nature, came upon the stiff, foot-sore, thorn-scratched Mr.Hobbs, not far from the walls of the town. The Colonel was not long ingrasping the substance of Hobbs's revelations. He rode off at once forthe Witch's hovel, sending Hobbs with a small, instructed escort to theCastle, where Baron Dangloss was in consultation with Mr. Tullis andcertain ministers.
The city was peaceful enough, much to the surprise of Hobbs. Nodisturbance had been reported, said the guardsmen who rode beside him.Up in the hills there had been some depredations, but that was all.
"All?" groaned Mr. Hobbs. "All? Hang it all, man, wot do you call all?You haven't heard 'alf all of it yet. I tell you, there's been the devilto pay. Wait till the Colonel comes back from Ganlook Gap. He'll havenews for you; take it from me, he will. That poor chap 'as gone up insmoke, as sure as my name's Hobbs."
They met Baron Dangloss near the barracks, across the park from theCastle. He was in close, earnest conversation with John Tullis and CountHalfont, both of whom seemed to be labouring under intense excitement.Over by the arsenal the little Prince, attended by his Aunt Loraine andCount Vos Engo--with two mechanical guardsmen in the background--wasdeep in conversation with Julius Spantz, the master-of-arms. If he hadbeen near enough to hear, he might have learned that Prince Robin'sair-gun was very much out of order and needed attention at once.
The arrival of Hobbs, a pitiful but heroic object, at once arrested theattention of every one. His story was heard by a most distinguishedaudience; in fact, Hobbs was near to exploding with his own suddenlyacquired importance. Not only were there dark, serious looks from themen in the party, and distressed exclamations from the most beautifulyoung lady in the world (he had always said that of her), but he had theextreme unction of bringing tears to the eyes of a prince, and ofhearing manfully suppressed sobs from the throat of the same augustpersonage.
The looks that went round at the conclusion of his disjointed andoft-interrupted story, expressed something more than consternation.
"There is nothing supernatural about King's disappearance," said Tullissharply. "That's all nonsense. He had money about him and it perhapsturns out that there really was a man at the crack in the door--a cleverbrigand who to-day has got the better of our vain-glorious friend. Theshooting in the hills is more disturbing than this, to my mind.Gentlemen, you shouldn't lose any time in running these fellows down. Itwill mean trouble if it gets under way. They're an ugly lot."
"This mystery coming on top of the other is all the more difficult tounderstand. I mean the disappearance of the Countess Marlanx," saidBaron Dangloss, pulling at his imperial in plain perplexity. "But wemust not stop here talking. Will you come with me, Mr. Tullis, to theTower? I shall send out my best man to work on the case of the lady. Itis a most amazing thing. I still have hope that she will appear inperson to explain the affair."
"I think not," said Tullis gloomily. "This looks like abduction-foulplay, or whatever you choose to call it. She has never left her father'shouse in just this manner before. I believe, Baron, that Marlanx hastaken her away by force. She told me yesterday that she would never goback to him if she could help it. I have already given you my suspicionsregarding his designs upon the--ahem!" Catching the eager gaze of thePrince, he changed the word "throne" to "treasury." The Baron noddedthoughtfully. "The Countess attended the fete at Baron Pultz's lastnight, leaving at twelve o'clock. I said good-night to her at thefountain and watched her until she passed through the gate between theBaron's grounds and those of her father adjoining. She would not permitme to accompany her to the doors. Her maid had preceded her and waswaiting just beyond the gate--at least, so she says to-day. It is lessthan two hundred feet from the gate to Perse's doorsteps. Well, shenever crossed that space. Her maid waited for an hour near the ferneryand then came to the Baron's. The
Countess has not been seen since shepassed through the gate in the wall. I say that she has been carriedaway."
"The maid will be at my office at eleven with the Duke of Perse and thehouse servants. I have detailed a man to look up this fellow Brutus youspeak of, and to ascertain his whereabouts last night. Come, we will goto the Tower. The Duke is greatly distressed. He suspects foul play, Iam confident, but he will not admit that Marlanx is responsible."
"But what about Mr. King?" piped up a small voice.
"Colonel Quinnox has gone to look for him, Bobby," began Tullis,frowning slightly. He was interested in but one human being at thatmoment.
"I want the old Witch beheaded," said the Prince. "Why don't you go,Uncle Jack? He's an American. He'd help you, I bet, if you were indanger."
Tullis flushed. Then he patted Prince Robin's shoulder and said, with nolittle emotion in his voice:
"Perhaps I deserve the rebuke, Bobby, but you must not forget that thereis a lady in distress. Which would you have me do--desert the lady whomwe all love or the man whom we scarcely know?"
"The lady," said Bobby promptly. "Hasn't she got a husband to look afterher? Mr. King has no friends, no relations, nothing. Aunt Loraine likeshim and so do I."
"He's a fine chap," asserted Hobbs, and afterward marvelled at his owntemerity.
Loraine, her merry eyes now dark with anxiety, her cheeks white withresolution, turned upon John Tullis. "You might leave the rescue of theCountess to the proper authorities--the police," she said calmly. "Ithink it is your duty as an American to head the search for Mr. King. IfCount Marlanx has spirited his wife away, pray, who has a better right?"
"But we are not sure that he--"
"We are sure that Mr. King is either dead or in dire need of help," sheinterrupted hotly. He looked at her in surprise, swayed by two impulses.
"Colonel Quinnox is quite competent to conduct the search," he saidshortly.
"But Colonel Quinnox has gone forth on another mission. He may be unableto give any of his time to the search for Mr. King. It is outrageous,John Tullis, to refuse help--"
"I don't refuse help," he exclaimed. "They may take the whole army outto look for him, so far as I am concerned. But, I'll tell you this--Iconsider it my duty as a man to devote what strength I have to theservice of a _woman_ in trouble. That ends it! Come, Baron; we will goto the Tower."
The amazed young woman looked at him with wide, comprehending eyes. Herlip trembled under the rebuke. Count Halfont intervened, hastilyproposing that a second party be sent out at once with instructions toraze the Witch's hut if necessary.
"I shall be happy to lead the expedition," said young Count Vos Engo,bowing deeply to the young lady herself.
"You shall, Vos Engo," said Halfont. "Prepare at once. Take ten men. Ishall report to General Braze for you."
Tullis turned suddenly to the resentful girl. "Loraine," he said gently,as the others drew away, "don't be hard with me. You don't understand."
"Yes, I do," she said stubbornly. "You are in love with her."
"Yes; that's quite true."
"A married woman!"
"I can't help it. I must do all I can for her."
She looked into his honest eyes for a moment.
"Forgive me," she murmured, hanging her head. "What is Mr. King to us,after all?"
"He is simply paying for his foolhardiness. Americans do that the worldover."
"Be careful that you do not pay for something worse than foolhardiness."
"I think you may trust me."
She smiled brightly up into his face. "Have your way, then. Rememberthat I am her friend, too." Then she hurried off after the Prince andVos Engo, who was already giving instructions to an attentive orderly.
"Poor Mr. King!" she said to the Prince, as they stood by watching thepreparations. "I am afraid, Bobby, he can't come to your circus thisweek. I sent the invitation this morning, early. He may never receiveit. Isn't it dreadful, Count Vos Engo?"
Count Vos Engo was politely concerned, but it should not be expectedthat, in his present state of mind regarding her, he could be seriouslygrieved by anything that might have happened to the rash American.
The guard about the Prince was doubled: orders requiring the strictestcare of his person were issued by Count Halfont. By this time, it may besuspected, the suspicions of John Tullis had been communicated to menhigh in the government; no small amount of credence was attached tothem. Baron Dangloss began to see things in a different light; thingsthat had puzzled him before now seemed clear. His office was the busiestplace in Edelweiss.
"It is not unreasonable to suspect that Marlanx, or some of his agents,having concluded that the Countess knew too much of their operations,and might not be a safe repository, decided to remove her before it wastoo late. Understand, gentlemen, I don't believe the Countess is insympathy with her husband's schemes--"
The Duke of Perse interrupted the doughty baron. "You assume a greatdeal, Baron, in saying that he has schemes inimical to the bestinterests of this country."
"I fancy that your Grace will admit that your venerable son-in-law--who,if I mistake not, is some ten years your senior--has no great love forthe reigning power in Graustark. We will pass that, however," said theBaron, pointedly. "We should be wise enough to guard against any move hemay make; it is imperative that we should not be caught napping."
"I don't believe he has taken my daughter away by force. Why should hedo so? She goes to him voluntarily at the end of each visit. There is nocoercion." He met John Tullis's stony gaze without flinching. "I insistthat she has been stolen by these brigands in the hills, to be held forransom."
The stories of the maid, the footmen, the groundmen were all to theeffect that the Countess had not returned to her father's home afterleaving the fete next door. There were no signs of a struggle in thegarden, nor had there been the slightest noise to attract the attentionof the waiting maid. It was not impossible, after all, that she hadslipped away of her own accord, possessed of a sudden whim or impulse.
The new man-servant, suspected by the Countess herself, passed throughthe examination creditably. Tullis, of course, had not yet told Danglossof the Countess's own suspicions concerning this man. They were a partof their joint secret. The American felt sure, however, that this manknew more of the night's work than he had told. He conveyed this beliefto Dangloss, and a close watch was set upon the fellow. More than onceduring the long afternoon John Tullis found himself wishing that he hadthat dare-devil, thoroughbred young countryman of his, Truxton King,beside him; something told him that the young man would prove a treasurein resourcefulness and activity.
Late in the afternoon, a telegram was brought to Tullis which upset allof their calculations and caused the minister of police to swear softlyin pure disgust. It was from the Countess Marlanx herself, sent fromPorvrak, a station far down the railway, in the direction of Vienna. Itwas self-explanatory: "I am going to Schloss Marlanx, there to end mydays. There is no hope for me. I go voluntarily. Will you not understandwhy I am leaving Edelweiss? You must know." It was signed "Ingomede."
Tullis was dumbfounded. He caught the penetrating glance of Dangloss andflushed under the sudden knowledge that this shrewd old man alsounderstood why she was leaving Edelweiss. Because of _him!_ Because sheloved him and would not be near him. His heart swelled exultantly in thenext moment; a brave resolve was born within him.
"We don't need a key to that, my boy," said the Baron indulgently. "ButI will say that she has damned little consideration for you when shesteals away in the dead of night, without a word. In a ball dress, too.Unfeeling, I'd say. Well, we can devote our attention to Mr. King, who_is_ lost."
"See here, Baron," said Tullis after a moment, "I want you to give me acouple of good men for a few days. I'm going to Schloss Marlanx. I'llget her away from that place if I have to kill Marlanx and swing forit."
At seven o'clock that night, accompanied by two clever secret servicemen, Tullis boarded the train for the West. A man who
stood in thetobacconist's shop on the station platform smiled quietly to himself asthe train pulled out. Then he walked briskly away. It was Peter Brutus,the lawyer.
A most alluring trap had been set for John Tullis!
The party that had gone to Ganlook Gap in charge of Count Vos Engoreturned at nightfall, no wiser than when it left the barracks at noon.Riding bravely, but somewhat dejectedly beside the handsome youngofficer in command was a girl in grey. It was her presence with thetroop that had created comment at the gates earlier in the day. No onecould understand why she was riding forth upon what looked to be adangerous mission. Least of all, Count Vos Engo, who had striven vainlyto dissuade her from the purpose to accompany the soldiers.
Now she was coming home with them, silent, subdued, dispirited--evenmore so than she allowed the Count to see.
"I was hateful to him yesterday," she said penitently, as they rode intothe city. Vos Engo had been thinking of something else: the remarkdisturbed him.
"He was very presumptuous-yesterday," he said crossly.
She transfixed him with a look meant to be reproachful.
"That's why I managed the ticket for Bobby's circus," she said, lookingahead with a genuinely mournful droop of her lip. "I was sorry for him.Oh, dear, oh, dear What will his poor mother say--and his sister?"
"We've done all we can, Loraine. Except to cable," he added sourly.
"Yes, I suppose so. Poor fellow!"
Colonel Quinnox and his men had been scouring the hills for bandits.They arrived at the Witch's cabin a few minutes after Vos Engo and hiscompany. Disregarding the curses of the old woman, a thorough search ofthe place was made. The forest, the ravine, the mountainside for a mileor more in all directions were gone over by the searchers. There wasabsolutely no sign of the missing man, nor was there the leastindication that there had been foul play.
The old woman's story, reflected by the grandson, was convincing so faras it went. She said that the young man remained behind in the kitchento puzzle himself over the smoke mystery, while she went out to herdoorstep. The man with the horses became frightened when she went downto explain the situation to him. He fled. A few minutes later thegentleman emerged, to find his horse gone, himself deserted. Cursing, hestruck off down the glen in pursuit of his friend, and that was the lastshe saw of him. Not long afterward she heard shooting in the Gap andsent her grandson to see if anything could have happened to her latevisitor, who, it seems, owed her one hundred gavvos as a forfeit of somesort.
The further prosecution of the search was left to Colonel Quinnox andhis men. Loraine, shuddering, but resolute, had witnessed the ransackingof the hut, had urged the arrest of the hag, and had come awaydisheartened but satisfied that the woman had told them the truth.Quinnox's theory was accepted by all. He believed that King had falleninto the hands of brigands and that a heavy ransom would be demandedfor his release.
In a warm-tinted room at the Castle, later on in the evening, thePrince, in pajamas, was discoursing bravely on the idiosyncrasies ofFate. His only auditor was the mournful Loraine, who sat beside theroyal bed in which he wriggled vaguely. The attendants were far down theroom.
"Never mind, Aunt Loraine, you can't help it. I'm just as sorry as youare. Say, are you in love with him?"
"In love with whom?"
"Mr. King."
"Of course not, silly. What an absurd question. I do not know him atall."
"That's all right, Aunt Loraine. I believe in love at first sight. He isa--"
"Bobby! Don't be foolish. How could I be in love with _him_?"
"Well, you can't help it sometimes. Even princes fall in love withoutknowing it."
"I suppose so," dreamily.
"It's mighty hard to make up your mind which one you love best, though.Dr. Barrett's daughter in New York is awful nice, but I think she's--"
"She is twenty years older than you, Bobby, if you mean to say you arein love with her."
"Well, but I'll grow up, auntie. Anyhow, Paula Vedrowski is not so oldas I. She is--"
"For heaven's sake, Bobby, do go to sleep!"
"Don't you care to hear about _my_ love affairs?"
"You are perfectly ridiculous!"
"All right for you, auntie. I shan't listen when you want to tell meabout yours. Gee, Uncle Jack listens, you bet. I wish he was here thisminute. Say, is he ever going to get married?" There was no answer. Hepeered over the top of the pillow. There were tears in his AuntLoraine's eyes. "Oh, say, auntie, darling, don't cry! I'll--I'll go tosleep, honest!"
She was not in love with Truxton King, but she was a fine,tender-hearted girl, who suffered because of the thing that had happenedto him and because she loved his sister.
Over in the Hotel Regengetz, on a little table in the centre of theroom, lay a thick envelope with the royal arms emblazoned in the uppercorner. It contained an invitation to the private circus that had beenarranged for the little Prince, and it bore the name of Truxton King.
Across the foot of the bed hung his evening clothes, laid out by afaithful and well-tipped house valet, snug and ready for instant use.
But where was Truxton King?