Omaha daily bee., 1899-08-06

Fl, stately deliberation and walked slowly UP
to the count.
With a sudden hoarse shout Of triumph
Sagan flung his great arms about the dukes
body.
"By st. Anthony, Gustave, no man shall
stop our conversation now!"
The duke made no attempt to release him
self from the rough hug that held him pris-
oner. He merely raised his hood with one
hand. so that Sagan, his coarse mouth still
wide in laughter, could stare into the coun-
%tenance not four inches from his own.
CONSERVATION and fury swept over the
counts features. From under the hood a
red, challenging face, a big white moustache
and shaggy-browed, humorous eyes met his
gaze. The sight held him gaping. But only
for a second. Then he whipped out his
pistol.
"An English plot, by heaven!"
But Hollywood was quicker still. A sharp
knock on the counts wrist sent the bullet
into the ceiling.
'Have a care, my lord" Counsellor said
authoritatively. "You cannot do as you will
even In this lonely and remote room in your
lonely castle of Sagan. since England and
with a low bow toward Elmur-"Germany
are looking on"
Sagan still threatened Counsellor with
the revolver.
"Can you see any reason why ] should not
kill you as a traitor to my country al this
moment, Major COUNSELLOR" he shouted.
"Only one. my lord. Russia also, in the
person of M. Blivinski, knows where / am
and Is awaiting my return to arrange for
our journey to Revonde-which we propose
to make in each others company" replied
Counsellor, pointedly.
Sagan burst into his habitual storm of
curses.
'"Your nation has well been called per-
fdious, Major Counsellor. A stab In the
back"
"Why, no, my lord. said Counsellor;
''our greatest vice is admittedly that we are
always well in 'front.'"
Come, baron, have you nothing to say to
this?" Sagan asked, ready to spring at his
friends in his torment of bafied rage.
Nothing, my lord. You will remember
/ am here tonight entirely at your request"
Sagan's laugh was not altogether a pleas
ant one.
put it how you like, monsieur. I should
not have been here, either, but for you!"
Elmur stood with folded arms. To stoop
to recriminations before the common enemy!
The cause was lost for the moment, but
tnclc was Al iuLulc anu II MAJ iuhuiS t"O
fool who figured as his ally should become
his slave! Germany had. after all, gained
something in gaining the knowledge Of
British designs afoot.
''Then his highness refuses to see me, al
though he can give audience to-you?" the
count at length broke the silence.
ION the contrary. my lord, he looks for
ward to the pleasure OF meeting you to-
morrow. That is the message with which
/ am charged. Captain Hollywood, his
highness wishes Lieutenant Unfair to at
tend him."
Count Simon made a sign to his men and
a moment later Unfair stalked into the
room, maddened by the outrage put upon
him.
my sword. Count sagan." he said.
huskily.
Your sword! Is 1t lost ?" returned the
count, with an angry sheer. I'm my day
it was not the custom of the guard to lose
their swords"
when saw II last 1t was sticking in
your cheek. my lord" said the young man
with studied insolence, pointing to a bleed
ing cut on the counts face.
One OF the men, coming forward, laid the
sword upon the top Of the barricade, Unfair
grasDed 1t and thrust 1t back into the
scabbard.
1T was lost by treachery!" he flung out.
And ! leave it 10 these gentlemen 10 say
where the shame lies"