The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1897-01-23


ure caught a glimpse of familiar but
somewhat pale and emaciated face. 1t
was undoubtedly that of the poor cap
tive king.
Madame" said I, taking of my hat,
"your house is on fire. The flames are
even now coming through the roof.
This Is the new chemical engine. Get
together at once your valuables and
Jewels, as we are about to flood the
house."
A moment she was irresolutc. Then
she turned and rushed into the back of
the house / opened the door OF the
coupe, made dash into the hallway
for his majesty, and dragged him
toward the entrance. To my surprise,
he resisted my good Offices, so that was
obliged to use considerable force. He
now began TO fight and struggle like a
mailman, and at the same time showed
such strength that begnn to despaiG
of getting him out before Cunigunde's
return. The crowd and the tumult out
side were increasing.
There was no help for IL. / Mt once
put into execution the famous tackle,
for which i was so renowned when 1
played in our eleven ut college. 1
squeezed the breath out OF his body,
doubled him up, flung him over my
shoulder. made a rush for the street,
md flung him, almost senseless into the
depths OF the vehicle.
To slam the door shut. mount the box
md turn the lever was the work of n
moment 1t was none too soon. Sew
eral of the bystanders caught hold OF
the wheels. Two or three of them
turned complete somersaults by doing
60, and the coupe passed on, like the
:ar of Juggernaut.
OF course, regretted exceedingly the
| having 10 use such heroic measures with
| the Lords annointed. But what could
do? My business was to- rescue him,
and l had done IL In spite of himself.
Muller had done nothing but laugh
from tho very commencement OF the
melee. Even. when we arrived at tho
| palace ne was still so convulsed with in
ward merrimcpt that could get abso-
lutely nothing out OF him In the way OF
counsel. It was really quito aggravat-
Ing, and i was much annoyed by it.
l had Muller get down and enter the
palace, by the front and main portico.
~ l wished him 10 see so il that every
thing was in readiness for his majesty's
reception, and that there were no loitcr-
/ .rs in the rear passage way--so that we
might bring him into the palace incog-
| nito and without occasioning any pub
licity or scandal.
then ran the carriage around TO the
! private entrance, and waited for Muller
to come down. Several minutes passed
and he did not appear. Igot down from
the box and looked into the window OF
the coupe. l could not SEQ very dis
tiactly; SO I opened the door. To my
astonishmcnt. the vehicle was empty.
His majesty had jumped from the car
riagc. while IL was in trnnsit. and had
escaped. This then, was the outcome oi
all my heroic cndeavors.
While | was thinking how foolish he
had bgen several forms closed around
me out OF the darkness. Two mer
seized my arms. and orc Of them cred'
"in the name Of the king"
"Whai alm arrested for2" / asked.
For high treason" said he
! They now took me into the passage
led me up several stairways aud through
any number OF cofridors. and at las
brought me into n large and brilliantly
lighted chamber. 80 the further en-,
~ II were several officers. in gorgcou
uniforms. One man alone. among them
was seated.
"Your majesty" spoke tho officer wh'
had arrested me. "this IA The man."
let everyone withdraw" said th
gentleman who was sitting. II woul'
be alone with the prisoner
now knew that he who spoke wa
the king. To say that ! was astonished
confoundeJ and Lumbfounded, does no
do justice 60 II. For the Ling was M
other than my qucndam Secretary Mul
Ter.