The San Francisco call., 1901-11-03

had been a pseudo art student for two
years. When at college he was a hail
fellow-well-m leader in athletics and
in matters upon which faculties frown.
He and Lorry were warm friends, al
though utterly unlike in temperament
To know either of these men was to like
him; between the two one found all that
was admirable and interesting in man.
The faults and virtues of each were along
such different lines that they balanced
perfectly when Jumped upon the scale of
personal estimation Their unexpected
meeting in Paris was an eXhilarating
pleasure to both, and for the next week
or so they were inseparable. Together
they slipped absinthe. at the cafes and
strolled into the theaters, the opera, the
dance halls and the homes of some of
Anguish's friends, French and American
Lorry did not speak to his friend Of
Graustark until nearly two weeks after
his arrival in the city. He had discussed
with himself the advisability of revealing
his plans to Anguish, fearing the latter's $
ridicule with all the cowardice of man
who knows that scoffing is, in a large
measure, justifable. Growing impatient
to begin the search for the unheard of
country, it's capital and at least one of its
inhabitants he was at last compelled to
inform Anguish, to a certain extent, of his
plans for the fueure. He began by telling
him of his intention to take run over
toward Vienna, Buda Pesth and some of
the Eastern cities, expecting to be gone a
couple of months. To his surprise and
CONSERVATION, Anguish enthusiastically
volunteered to take the trip with him.
having had the same project in view for
nearly a year.
There was nothing left for Lorry but to
make a clean breast of it, which he did
shamefacedly. expecting the laughter and
raillery of his light hearted friend as pay
ment for his commence Instead, however,
Anguish, who possessed a lively and
romantic nature, was charmed by the
story and proclaimed it to be1 the most
delightful adventure that had ever hap
pened outside of a story book.
Tell me all about her." he urged, his
eyes sparkling with boyish enthusiasm
And Lorry proceeded to give him per-
sonal description of the mysterious
beauty, introducing him in the same man
ner to the distinguished uncle and aunt,
adding all those details which had con-
founded and upset him during his own
investigations.
'"This is richv' exclaimed Anguish.
beats any novel written, I declare. Be-
gad, old man, don't blame you for hunt
ing down this wonderful bit of feminin1ty.
With curiosity and an admiration that
had been sharpened SO keenly as yours,
I'd go to the end of the world myself to
have them satisfied"
II may be able to satisfy but one-curi-
osity. And maybe not that. But who
knows of Graustark2'
Don't give up before you've tried. II
these people live in such a place, why, 1t
is to be found, of course. Any railroad
guide book can locate this land OF
mystery There are so many internal little
kingdoms and principalities over here that
it would take a lifetime to get 'em all
Strengthened out in ones head. To-mor-
row morning we will go to one of the big
railway stations and make inquiries. Wen
locate Graustark and then we'll go over
and pluck the flower that grows there.
All you need, my boy, is manager. I'll
do the arranging and your little act will
be the plucking."
Easier said than DONE"
"She threw a kiss to you, didn't she?"
Certainly, but, confound it, that was
because she never expected to see me
again.
Same reason why you threw kiss to
her, / suppose?"
II know why; I wasn't accountable"
well. if she did it any more Willingly
than you did, she is accountable, and I'd
hunt her up and demand an explanation. .
Lorry laughed at his apparent fervor.
but was glad that he had sconflded in his