Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1902-07-10

Another hearty Anglo-Saxon hand
shake, then the youngster dropped
into the hole
Charlie made as comfortable seat
as was possible from some OF the old
planks and kept the fire going with
fragments.
| BY degrees his thoughts came
around again to his late companion.
| Then he remembered that as yet he
did not even know the Others true,
name.
Where was the card? All, just where
he had thrust it, and, bending down,
he read the name by the pickering
light of his fire.
Then it dawned upon him why he
had felt such singular interest in
the young fellow, and why he had
deemed his features familiar, yet
could not grasp the tangible substance
for the name, written boldly, was.
ALEXANDER BRAND.
Here then was the most remarkable
coincidence in the whole course of his
varied experiences.
| There could be no mistake.
This young fellow bore some rela-
tionship-that of brother or cousin,
| perhaps-to Airline.
He had her name, and there was
strong family resemblance in their
faces.
There must be a sense of awe in
the realization that one is mere pup
pet in the hands of destiny-that the
| power which sends unnumbered
worlds whirling through space in their
exact orbits, without danger of col
lision, or of the slightest change in
their course, can condescend to super
intend such a small thing as the well
| fare of one puny human life.
Charlie pondered upon the matter a
long time
| Then, before he knew 1t, he fell
asleep. despite his hard seat and his
| determination to remain on guard.
When he awoke he was stiff and
sore
| A light cleaned in his eyes-it was
the warder making the rounds with
bread and water.
When the gruff man held up the
light in order to view the confines of
of the dungeon, and beheld only
! Charlie seated there and blinking like
an OWL he was much amazed.
He demanded to know where the
other prisoner had hidden himself.
Charlie calmly pointed to the hole
still uncovered by the slab of stone
ooh! he's gone out for walk he
said, coolly.
The man began to grasp the situa-
| ton, and when he could move, he
sprang to the door of the dungeon to
bawl for assistance.
Several other vardens came
tumbling into the cell.
Then ensued great powwow OF
Dutch phrases, while Charlie yawned
and stretched himself
| Then came the commandant.
"How did this happen?" he de-
manded.
well. you see, he had an appoint
ment, and did not wish to break his
engagement"
But you, mein herr; how is it you
remain? Do you like this residence SO
well?" grimly.
81 told you last night, or attempted
to, that / was an innocent party-that
Baron Peterhoff was my friend-that
my arrest, under the circumstances,
was an outrage; and hence | utterly
refused to leave this place until you
and the baron had humbly begged my
| pardon. Indeed, | am not sure but
that | will insist on remaining here
until the English consul comes to see
me and takes action against your mis-
cradle government for treating me. a
British subject, in this disgraceful
way"
Just as he had expected, his manner
awed the fiery commandant, who
| feared trouble.
He began to whine at once, and ex-
pressed his rgret that any mistake
! should have occurred. Surely meln
herr must hold him blameless, since
he had only done his duty in the prem
Uses. 1t was not given to him to in
vestigate when the all-powerful Baron
Peterhoff brought in political prisoners
with orders to hold them securely.
Would mein herr be pleased to go
with him to his office. where he could
be more comfortable. and there await
the coming of the baron. who would
with a word set him free?
| But mein herr was obstinate.
The baron must come to him. AS
Paul and Silas, in days Of yore. made
the governor unbend his dignity and
come to plead with them to go away
SO Charlie meant to keep hold Of his
advantage.
So the commandant went away.
Charlie was still smoking. with one
of the keepers for company. and the
door OF his cell wide open, when voices
were heard in the corridor
Then entered the baron.
The great man looked both disturbed
and amused. He had heard the amaz-
ing story of the commandant, and
sifted the wheat from the chaff. so that
he had a pretty fair idea as to the
truth.
He marched straight up to Charlie
and stretched out his hand.
my most abject apologies, my dear
boy. for what has happened. II was a
miserable mistake, on my part. / trust
you will forgive me-" he said.
Charlie saw he was sincere, and as
his indignation passed away he unbent
his dignity.
Then you know it was Miss Airline
Brand, and not the Countess Isolde
whom l assisted into carriage at
the Steen?" he asked. eagerly. deter
mined to put his fears to the test.
yes; she has assured me she never
saw you. save at distance" returned
the baron.