The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-11-29

soul, I wish felt as sure Of my own
safety as / feel sure Of his AIajesty's."
True" Sir John said. When your
Highness arrest has been accomplish
ed, il may be too late to avert its prob
able consequences. 1t is but one step
from the prison to the scaffold.
My arlestE' the Prince stamered, fall
ing back in dismay. DO you mean -''
II your Highness will glance through
these papers. Sir John broke in, placing
a small bundle Of documents on the table
beside the Prince, 1T will save much
useless explanation and loss of valuable
time They are copies Of the Geographic
cipher dispatches that have been eX-
-changed between the Russian government
and the Balkauian Prime Minister since
/ had the honor Of an interview with
your Highness two days ago. Their con-
tents, ] take it, incriminate Count Sas-
trowitch sufficiently to Justify"
Great powers the Prince cried turn
ing pale as death as lie alighted upon
the message referring to his intended ar
rest, How have YOU obtained these
copies"
BY a very simple device sir, Sir John
replied, which is no doubt frequently
employed by Count Sastrowitch himself,
and is known to electricians as tapping
the telegraph wires. In short, these last
two days | have received all messages
that have passed beween Russia and Bal
kama by means of a recorder inter-
polated at a convenient spot for that
purpose. These dispatches, as your
Highness will observe, prove conclusiyely
that Sastrowitch is in completely with
Russia, and that he possesses guarantees
Of liberal payment for the services he has
treacherously agreed to render the Rus
sian government. What more, then, can
be needed to open the Kings eyes and
rouse him to actionY
The Prince paced the room in great
agitation.
But whom he said at last, can [
trust to place these documents in his
Majesty's hands|
"WhomY Sir John said in surprise.
"Assuredly no one but yourself, sir
Your Highness must present yourself at
the palace this evening, and demand adj
mittance to the King, when he confers
with his Minister and the Russian
Plenipotentiary."
but is it likely that his Majesty will
consent to receive pe?'
ut will be Imperative that your High
ness should proceed to the palace ac-
companied by a sufficient retinue to OBJ
tain access to the conference, If need be,
by force" sir John said calmly. Il would
counsel you, sir, to select for this pur-
pose men of such rank and dignity as will
render them unimpeachable witnesses
of that which may pass during the inter-
view"
"Aud what" the Prince said some
what coldly. Surprising l could enter
tain such a daring plan, would be gained
by it?'
First and foremost, the liberty, if
not tho life, Of his Majesty the King Of
Bahama" Sir John replied fixing his
grey eyes steadily upon the Prince.
Secondly, the seizure Of that arch villain
the Prime Minister, Count Sastrowitch.
Thirdly, and lastly, if your Highness so
wills, the saving Of your native country
from a calamity greater than even you
at this moment dream of.
The Prince impressed in spite Of him
self by the solemnity of the old diplo-
matists's manner. walked to the window
in evident agitation.
"You tempt me sorely," he said, in a
voice trembling with excitement. But