The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1896-11-29
A MIistery of the Balkins.
BY PERCY Andrea.
tcopyrisnt. 1895. by Percy Andrea

|
John replied quietly.
Sir Richard Arson looked up in sur
prise.
You have seen the King2' he said
| Il do not understand YOU. 1t is but two
hours since you arrived in Metropolis
| 1T il two hours since | arrived in Me.
| tropolis for the second time, Sir Richard
Yes" the willy old diplomast answered
his keen grey eyes twinkling with pleas
ure at the evident perplexity of his host
recent instructive little lecture on the
art of intrigue he had evidently not for
gotten. II apprehended that you would
do me the honor OF receiving me in person
nj the station, and having reason to
know that his Highness's gracious invita-
ton passed through other hands before
| ii reached mine, | deemed it expedient to
arrive here four-and-twenty hours earlier
than announced. In the interval l have
been enabled. among other things, both to
see and speak with his Majesty"
Sir Richard Arson looked somewhat
abashed
Then you were present at yesterday 5
public audience? asked the Prince
Il was present, aud had the honor.
among many others, of presenting n petit
ton to his Majesty" replied Sir John.
Il there saw and heard enough to con-
vince me that the life of his Majesty,
the King is in imminent danger, and that
nothing but the promptest action can
avert the catastrope that threatens
him."
The Kings life threatenedT' the
Prince murmured But by whom? BY
Sastrowitch? Nay my friend" he went
on with smile, for once your wisdom
has deserted you. My brothers death,
which Heaven avert, would place me on
the throne of Bahama. Ask, yourself If
the exchange would answer his yillainous
purpose"
Notwithstanding, Sir John said. my
Judgment is indeed much at fault if the
life of the King Of Bahama is not in
danger, and from this very Sastrowitch,
who appears to govern his will.
But the RESULT" the Prince asked, still
incredulous. What course do you pro
pose to adopt?'
with your Highness's permission we
viii discuss that question later. For
the present / gather that your Highnesa
has. at least. no doubt whatever Of the
dishonest designs OF the Prime Minister {:
And it has. no doubt, occurred to your
Highness that he may be in the paid ser
vice Of Russian"
at has"
And assuming that proofs Of this fact
can be adduced, which | conceive to be
very simp. matter, is it your Highness's
opinion that such proofs would alter his
Majesty's views as to the prudence Of the
policy he has so unaccountably en-
braced?'
Can any one doubt IL? But how will
you obtain such proofs as you speak Of
by the same means by which Count
Sastrowitch obtained knowledge OF my
presence in the Balkanian capital" Sir
John answered. The difficulty, | think,
however, will lie not so much in obtaining
proofs Of the Prime Minister'S duplicity
as in bringing them TO the knowledge of
his Majesty the lang"
Give NE the proofs, the Prince ex-
claimed resolutely. and, if need be,
viii force my way into his Majesty's pres
ence. sword in hand. he the consequences
what they may"
Il will take the liberty Of reminding
your Highness of this promise when the
occasion arises, as it doubtless WILL" Sir
John said For the present all | would
ask is that two expert telegraph clerks,
whose loyalty and trustworthiness are be-
yond doubt, be placed at my disposal,
with instructions to carry out such orders
as l shall give them, blindly and without
question"
1.-THE Director Of the Posts and Tele-
graphs is one of my staunchest friends,
the Prince said "You shall have what
you require. But tell me, when do you
expect to be in possession of these
proofs? Time is precious The King
may be induced at any moment to give his
signature to the Russian treaty. and once
signed, no power can revoke it.
1T will be your Highness's fault" Sir
John said, .'if the King signs the treaty