Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1898-09-18

Col. Carolet gasped. Was it possible
that the Emperor could hold him re-
SpOnstble for such a thing? He could
only stammer incoherently:
why, your majesty, HE"
Enough, enough" said the emperor,
impatiently, waving his hand. You
need not answer. as / know that it is
the truth. For certain reasons, with
which you have nothing to do, l re-
QuiTe some one to personate me IN an
adventure in which there may be some
danger I have heard Of this young
man, and I saw him yesterday for the
purpose of judging as to his fitness for
! the service that 1 need. If you can as
sure me that he is brave"
/; "As lion, SIRE
| Sand loyal"
(: Gas death, sire"
!: Sand can be silent"
[ GAS the grave, sire"
"AHe will do. Nothing further must
! be known of the affair. Nothing more
must be investigated. If he or any one
makes but the slightest move in that
direction he will sign his death war
! rant"
'sMight ask, sire
! ''Not one world" broke in the En-
peror, haughtily. II have given you
your orders. You can give me yes
or mo- to a question. Can you answer
for his Willingness to serve me in this
matter?"
with his life, sire. But"
''That will do" said the emperor,
rising. "You will bring him yourself
this evening to the little wicket at the
end Of the garden. No other soul
in the world will know of this, remem-
Der, but myself, the young man and
you. I bid you good-day, colonel"
With military promptness they
reached the palace that night, and the
heavy gate in the western wall swung
softly open the instant of their APP
preach.
The colonel delivered the young man
over to the charge of an unseen
watcher on the other side and depart
ed And Baret heard the gate again
closed and locked: then, in the heavy
darkness, his hand was grasped by an
other, and he felt that he was gently
but firmly drawn forward, though not
a word was spoken by his unknown
guide.
Closely skirting the court yard they
reached a couple of stone steps. A
massive, unguarded door swung softly
inward, giving entrance to a stone
passage, narrow and damp, where
tiny lantern on the floor only made the
surrounding darkness more visible
A narrow stair led to a small hall,
and, pressing a. spring to the left, his
guide drew him into a brilliantly light
ed room. The sudden glare so daZzled
the young solder that he did not at first
perceive his companion, who, putting
aside his cloak, had seated himself in
a deeply cushioned chair near the fire.
''Sire." he stammered. your par
don IL did not know 1.-The
honor
''There, there, my friend" said the
emperor, kindly "YOu are to do me
the honor tonight. I can depend upon
your fidelity, your obedience and
silence?"
'To the last drop of my blood sire"
"That will do said the emperor,
smiling. They may all be needed In
an hour l shall leave this ROOM to be
gone for two hours or more. I had
thought Of sending you in my place. but
prefer to go myself. You will remain
here till / return"
Baret waited.
SIS that all. sire?" he asked blankly.
THAT is all, except that on your alb
solute obedience to my orders will
hang your life and my happiness. For
the first hour or two there may be in
terruptions. Some one may knock or
ask a6mittance To all alike you are
to refuse an entrance, using such
words as | shall tell you. Alter IL or
you are not likely to be disturbed,
and you may even sleep on my bed in
the roCn yonder if you wish
"Your voice, in answering all in
Quiries." he continued must be abso-
luteiy calm and undisturbed. Not a
tone, not syllable must betMy agita-
ton. I am never agitated."
Il understand, sir. l am to person
ate
"You understand nothing. sir, but
what l say to you," said the emperor,
rising, and his eyes flashed angrily.
Baret bowed in silence. and the en-
peror, whose anger cooled as suddenly
as it had risen, gave him his hand to
kiss before he entered the bedroom
When he reappeared his dress was so
changed that Baret stared at his dis
guise in amaZement, and in turn the
emperor gaZed at him piercingly,
searchingly. Apparently satisfied at
last, he motioned to Baret to enter the
bedroom before he rang the bell
When the servant came he was back
in the inner room and called to the
man from there.
81 am not to be disturbed again to-
night for anything Laurent You I'M
derstand? For anything. Give orders
to that effect instantly. And,-stay,
You may return first with a light sup
per; may need it before sleep"
The door closed softly behind the
servant, and the emperor turned to the
young soldier, who stood near him in
respectful silence.
seThe supper is for you. Barrett" he
whispered. And before l go, l wish
you to speak to Laurent, that l may
determine your GOODNESS. When he
brings the dishes, say from within
this room: That will do for tonight,
Laurent
The young man hoped his voice did
not sound SO oddly in the ears of the
enipef4rsas it did in his own when he
rebsd the words, with an almost in
'vcl battalion Of the slight drawl.
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