Beverly distinctly saw the guard and the beggar exchange bits of
paper, with glances that meant more than the words they were unable to
utter.
Baldos pressed into Ravone's hand a note of some bulk and received in
exchange a mere slip of paper. The papers disappeared as if by magic,
and the guard was remounting his horse before he saw that the act had
been detected. The expression of pain and despair in Beverly's face sent
a cold chill over him from head to foot.
She turned sick with apprehension. Her faith had received a stunning
blow. Mutely she watched the vagabonds withdraw in peace, free to go
where they pleased. The excursionists turned to the main road. Baldos
fell back to his accustomed place, his imploring look wasted. She was
strangely, inexplicably depressed for the rest of the day.
CHAPTER XVII
A NOTE TRANSLATED
She was torn by conflicting emotions. That the two friends had
surreptitiously exchanged messages, doubtless by an arrangement
perfected since he had entered the service--possibly within the
week--could not be disputed. When and how had they planned the
accidental meeting? What had been their method of communication? And,
above all, what were the contents of the messages exchanged? Were they
of a purely personal nature, or did they comprehend injury to the
principality of Graustark? Beverly could not, in her heart, feel that
Baldos was doing anything inimical to the country he served, and yet her
duty and loyalty to Yetive made it imperative that the transaction
should be reported at once.
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