The copper country evening news. [volume] (Calumet, Mich.) 18??-1907, 1897-06-05
cop1RIoHI. 1917. ~ IHE MERRIAM COMPANY.

! come TO you. Perhaps / shall approach
you without disguise if you are in the
/ throneroom and my father does not OBJ
/ ject to my entertaining you, but for the
present we must separate. Adieup
He bowed low as she turned away and
joined the throng that was passing
along outside. An officer approached
him. 1t was Captain Tradmos, who
bowed and smiled pleasantly.
Il congratulate you" he said, with
suave politeness.
upon what?" Thorndyke was ON
his guard at once.
Upon having pleased the king so
thoroughly. No stranger, in my men,
DRY. has ever been treated so courteous
ly. Every other newcomer is put under
surveillance, but you are left unwatch-
ed
He is easily pleased. said the Eng
lishman, "for l have done nothing to
crafty him."
Il thought be would like you, and /
felt that your friend would have to suf-
fer, but l could not help him. ~
He shall not suffer if l can prevent
it,"
"Sh-be cautious. Those words, i'm
plying an inclination to treason, if spo-
ken to any other officer, would place
you under immediate arrest. / like you !;
therefore | want to warn you against
such folly. You are wholly in the kings
power. Another thing l would special
ly warn you against
And that is?''
'Not TO allow the king to suspect
your admiration for the Princess Ber-
nardino. 1t would displease the king.
She is much taken with you. saw it
in her eyes when she danced for your
entertainment. F"
Thorndyke made no reply, but gazed
searchingly into the eyes of the officer
Tradmos laughed.
You are afraid of me- "
No, | am not. | trust you wholly.
| know that you are honorable. / never
make a mistake along that line. -
Tradmos bowed, pleased by the COM
pliment.
Il shall aid you all l can with my
advice, for l know you will not betray
me, but at present | am powerless to
give you material aid. Every subject Of
this realm is bound to the autocratic
will of the king. 1t is impossible for
any one TO get from under his power. "
"Why?"
The only outlet to the upper world
is carefully guarded by men who would
not be bribed. -
rs there any chance for my friend?"
None that / can see. But must
walk on. There comes one of the kings
attendants. -
90 The king has asked to speak to
you" announced the attendant to
Thorndyke
II will go with you," was his reply.
And he followed the man through the
crowded corridors into the throneroom
of the king. Thorndyke forced a smile
as he saw the king smiling at him as he
approached the throne.
" What do you think of my palace?"
asked the king after Thorndyke had
knelt before him.
ut is superb, answered the English
man, recalling the advice of Bernar-
dino. Il am daZod by its splendor, its
architecture and its art L have seen
nothing TO equal it on earth. ;"
The king rose and stood beside him.
His manner was both pleasing and SYM
pathetic. 81 am persuaded" said he,
that you will make good subject and
have the interest of Alpha always at
heart, but | have often been mistaken
in the charaiter of men and think it
best to give you timely warming An
attendant will conduct you to cham
Der beneath the palace, where it will be
your privilege to converse with man
who once planned to get up rebellion
among my people.
There had come suddenly stern
harshness into the kings tone that
aroused the fears of Thorndyke. He was
about to reply, but the king held up his
hand. "Wait till you have visited the
dungeon of Nordeskyne. Then am sure
that you will be convinced that strict
obedience i'll thought as we'll as deed is
best for an inhabitant Of Alpha.
Speaking thus, he signed to an attend
ant, who came forward and bowed.
Conduct him to the dungeon of Nor
deskyne and return to me-" ordered the
king
Thorndyke's heart was heavy, and he
was filled with strange forebodings, but
he simply smiled and bowed, as the at
tendant led him away. The attendant
opened door at the back of the throne
room, and they were confronted by
darkness. They went along q narrow
corridor for some distance, the darkness
thickening at every step. There was
no sound except the sound of the guides
shoes on the smooth stone pavement.
Presently the man released Thorndyke's
arm, saying:
1T is narrow here; follow close be-
hind, and do not attempt to go back. ("
Il shall certainly stick to you" re-
piled the Englishman dryly. They turn
ed sharp corner suddenly and were
going in another direction when Thorn
dyke felt soft, warm hand steal into
his from behind and knew intuitively
M "a \