Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1895-12-16

And when they heard that a woman's hand
! had coaxed them from me. what laughter
there would be at the mess table and at
campfire! I could have rolled upon the
ground in my despair.
But one thing was certain-all this affair
OF the fracas in the hall and the persecu-
OF acting from the beginning. This villain
GUS tnnkeeper must be in the plot. From
him l might learn vino she was and where
my papers had gone 1 snatched my sabsr
from the table and rushed out in search
of him. Bat the Scoundrel had guessed
what would do, and had made his prep
arations for me. 1t was in the corner of
the yard that 1 found him, blunderbuss
leash by his son. The two stable hands
with pitchforks stood upon each side. and
the wife held great lantern behind him
SO as to guide his aim.
Ride away, sir, ride awayr' he cried,
with a cracking voice. Your horse is at
the door and no one will NEEDLE with you
you go your way. but If you come
against us you are alone against three
brave men,"
l had only the dog to fear, for the two
FORKS and the blunderbuss We're shaking
about like branches in wind. Still con-
sidered that though l might force an an
sWer with my sword point at the throat of
this fat rascal, still should have no means
OF knowing whether that answer was the
trttn. II would be struggle then with
much to lose and nothing certain to gain.
looked them up and down, therefore, in
way that set their foolish weapons shaking
worse than ever and then throwing myself
upon my mare l galloped away with the
shrlll laughter of the landlady Earring upon
my ears.
had already formed my resolution. AL
tnough had lost my papers l could make
very good guess as to what their contents
would be, and this 1 would say from my
own lips to the prince of Saxe-Feistein as
though the emperor lad commissioned me
to convey it in that way. 1t was a bold
Rrti 7
TOO far l could afterwards be disavowed.
II was that or nothing, and when all Ger
many hung in the ba lance the game should
not be lost If the nerve of one man. could
save it.
1t was midnight when rode into Hof, but
every window was blazing, which was
enough IN itself in that sleep country
10 tell the Torment of excitement in
which the people We're. There was hooting
and Jeering as l rode through the crowded
streets. and once stone sang past my head;
Dut kept upon my way, neither slowing
nor quickening my pace, until had come to
the palace. 1t was lit from base to battle
ment and the dark shadows coming and
going against the yellow glare spoke of the
turmoil within. For my part, l handed my
mare to groom at the gate, and, striding
In, l demanded, IN such a tone an arnbaS-
sador should have, to see the prince instant
~ upon business which would brook no de-
lay.
The hall was dark but 1 was conscious
as 1 entered of buzz of innumerable voices
which hushed into silence as 1 loudly PRO-
claimed my mission. Some great meeting
was being held then-a meeting which, as
my instincts told me. was to decide this very
question of war ard peace 1t was possible
That might still be in time to turn the scale
for the emperor and for France AS to the
major domo, he looked blackly at ME; and
showing me into a small antechamber he
left me. A minute later he returned to say
that the prince could not be disturbed at
present but that the princess would take
my message.
The princess. What use was there in Civ
Ing 1t to her? Had not been warned that
she was German in heart ard soul, and that
1t was she who was turning her husband and
her state against us?
1T Is the prince that must see,' said /.
Nay. it is the princess said voice at
the door, and a woman swept into the cham
ber.. Won Rosep, you had best stay with
us. Now. sir. what is it that you nave to
say to either prince or princess of Sake
Felstein?"
At the first sound of the voice 1 had sprung
to my feet. At the first glance had thrilled
with anger. Not twice in a lifetime does one
meet that noble figure, that Queeniy head
those eyes blue as the Garonne, and as
chilling as her winter waters.
Time presses, sir!' she cried, with an i'm
patient tap of her foot. What have you to
say to me-
What have 1 to say to your I cried
What can say save that you have taught
ne never to trust woman more You have
ruined and dishonovel me forever