The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1901-01-24

/ Alb. WuO cyco mc CuIiOuSAys 0CCAA0
| that I wore a medal such as his chan
cellor gives to men who sometimes do
| his country service. he spoke to me and
inquired how had obtained it. 1t was
an affair similar to the Balkistan, only
there was not an army, but mob. The
princess was enchanting. l grew reck-
less and let her read my eyes more
than once, but she pretended not to see
what was in theIa. At dinner toast
was given to his majesty. 1t was made
with those stems | showed you, Jack.
The princess said softly to me, kiss
ing the rim of the stein she held, MY
toast Is not to the king but to the gen.
| tlemanw | had both stems bundled up
and left with the host together with
my address.
1t was not long after that the event
full moment for our fight arrived. I
knew that was basely to abuse the
hospitality of the king. But what is a
king to a man in love? Presently we
two were alone in the garden, the prin-
cess and myself. She was whispering
Instructions. telling me that l was a
man of courage.
ut is not too late to back out" she
said.
81 would face thousand kings rath-
err" replied.
We could see at the gate the carriage
which was to take US to the station.
Now came the moment when l was
tried by the crucible and found to be
dross. l committed the most foolish
blunder of my life. My love suddenly
overleaped its bounds. In a moment
my arms were around her 1.-THE body;
my lips met hers squarely. After it
was done she stood very still, as if in
capable of understanding my offense.
But understood. l was overwhelm d
with remorse, love and regret. l had
made impossible what might have
been.
"Your highness," l cried, Il could
not help it! Before God I could not!
anything in the world-you cannot be
of it-and all this is impossible, this
going away together
Her bosom heaved, and her eyes
flashed like heated summer sky.
81 will give you one minute to leave
this place." she said, her tones as even
and as cold as sudden repression of
wrath could make them. 81 trusted
you, and you have dared to take ad-
vantage of what seemed my helpless
ness. 1t is well indeed for you that
you committed this outrage before 1t
is too late. l should have killed you
then. l might have known. Could
ever a woman trust man?' She
laughed contemptuously. you would
have made me thing of scorn. and l
trusted your
''As God is my judge" cried. my
respect for you is as high as heaven
itself! love you. Is there nothing ia
that? l am but human. l am not a
stone image. And you have tempted
me beyond all control. Pardon what
| | have done. 1t was not the want of
respect
"Spare me your protestations. l be-
lieve your minute is nearly gone" she
Interrupted.
And then-there was a crunch on the
gravel behind us. The princess and l
turned in dismay. We had forgotten
all about the anonymous note. Two
officers were approaching us and rap
idly. The elder of the two came
straight to me. I knew him to be as
memorable as his former master, the
victor of Sedan. The princess looked
on mechanically.
Come" said the count in broken
English. 81 believe your carriage is at
the gate"
glanced at the princess. She might
have been of stone for all the life she
exhibited.
Come; the comedy is a poor one,"
said the count
followed him out of the garden. Ny
Indifference to personal safety was duo
to a numbness which had taken hold
of me.
Get in." be said when we reached
the carriage. l did so, and he got IN
after me. The driver appeared confus-
ed. 1t was not his fare, according to
the agreement. ''To the CITY," be was
briefly told. Your hotel?' turning to
me. l named it. "Do you understand
GermanY'
But indifferently." answered list
lessly.
1T appears that you understand mel,
Their the language nor the people. Who
are you"
THAT Is my concern" l retorted. I
was coming about and not unnaturally
became vicious.
ut concerns me Also" Was the gruff
reply.
Have your own way about it."
"How came you by that medal"
pointing to my breast.
Honestly" said I.
Honestly or dishonesty, it Is all the
same" He made q move to detach 1t.
and l caught his hand.
"Please don't do that. l am ex-
tremely irritable. and l might throw
you out Of the window. can get back
to my hotel without guidance"
81 am going to see you to your lodg-
ings." asserted the count, rubbing his
wrist. for I had put some power into
my grasp.
Still might take it into my head to
throw you out"
You'd better not try"