Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1901-03-16

How? | will tell you how. Prince
Ernst marries Gretchen for her dowry
alone. II the woman believe to be
her sister can be proved 80. the prince
will withdraw his claims to Gretchen's
hand Do you understand? He will
not marry for half the revenues of
Hohenphalia. 1t Is all or nothing.
Now. will you produce those proofs
Will you help me?" The minute hand
of the clock was moving around with
deadly precision.
"Are you lying to me?" be asked,
breathing hard.
"You fool. can't you see that 1t means
everything to Gretchen H you have
those proofs? She will be free, free!
VIII you get those proofs. Or shall your
godchild live to curse your"
This was the most powerful weapon
I had yet used.
"Live to curse meT' he said, not
speaking to me, but to the thought He
sat down again and covered his face
with his hands. The minute which
passed seemed very long He flung
away his hands from his eyes With IL
movement which expressed despair aud
resignation. Eyes. ! will get them
1t is years and years ago" he mused
absently. 80 long ago that had
thought 1t gone and forgotten But 1t
was not to be. will get the proofs. -
turning to me as he left the chair
"Wait here" He unbolted the door
and passed forth. 1t was full con-
fesslon Of the deception written by the
mother herself and witnessed by her
physician. the innkeeper and his wife.
Not even the king could contest its
genuineness.
"Where is this DR.. Salzberg"
The innkeeper leaned against the
side Of the fireplace. staring into the
flames.
"He is dead" briefly.
"Who was heT
"Hel late highness' court physician.
Oh, have no fear. herr. this new found
princess of yours will come into her
own" with bitter smile.
"And why have you kept silent all
these years." asked.
"WhyY' He raised his arms, then let
them fall dejectedly. Il loved the Prin-
cess Hlldegarde. was jealous that
my should share her greatness. have
kept silent because carried her in my
arms till she could walk, because her
| father cursed her and refused to be-
lieve her his own, because she grew
around my heart as q vine grows
around a rugged oak. And the other?
She was nothing to me. l had never
seen her My wife spirited her away
when it was night and dark. took the
proofs of her existence as q punish
ment to my wife. who, without them.
would never darestos return to this
country again. Herr, when man loads
you with ignominy and contempt and
ridicule for something you are not to
blame, what do you seek? Revenge.
The prince tried to crush this lonely
child of his. 1t was | who brought her
up. 1t was l who taught her to say her
prayers. 1t was who made her what
she Is today, a noble woman. with a
soul as spotless as yonder snowdrift.
That was my revenge
"Who are you?" cried. For this inn.
keepers affection and eloquence seem.
ed out of place.
"Who am IY The smile which lit his
face was wistful and sad. 1.-THE law of
man disavows me-the bar sinister. In
the eyes Of God. who Is accountable for
our being, | am Gretchen's uncle, her
| fathers brother"
"You" | was astounded.
a."
land who knows Of this"
"rhe king. the prince-and you."
| thrust a hand toward him. "You
are man."
"Wait. Swear to God that her high
ness shall never know"
"On my honor"
Then he accepted my clasp and look
ed straight into my eyes.
."And all this to you"
81 love her"
"And she"
ut Is mutual. Do you suppose she
would have put her life before mine if
not? She knew that the lieutenant
would have killed me-"
"Ach 1t never occurred to me In
that light. understood it to be
frolic of hers. Will you make her hap
py"
"If an honest mans love can do it."
said l. "Now, get on your hat and
coat. You must 60 to the capital with
me. The king would send for you in
any case. The next train leaves at ..
and to save Gretchen these proofs must
be in the chancellor's hands tomorrow
morning"
Eyes. my presence will be necessary
Perhaps have committed crime.
Who knows" His head fell In medi-
tation. Herr, and this other sister
has she been happy"
Happier than ever Gretchen
"You have known this sister," ask
ed the innkeeper.
"For many years." said |.
And those were the only words which
passed between us during that five
| mile drive. At the station | at once
wired the chancellor that the proofs
had been found and requested him to
inform the king and Prince Ernst.
And then another eight hours dragged
themselves out of existence. But Gret'
chen was mine!
TO BE CONTINUED.
| The Trunk Strap.
"No good" said baggage man,
| toucb,np ne he spoke q rope that was