The Holly chieftain., 1902-05-23
CHATTER xv.-lco.t:.aed.l

seo the Iofm4l character OF the order
which gave him footing among the
soldiers of the King, and directed him
how to reach the front
He was therefore never more sur
prised in his life than when, upon
opening the letter, he discovered that,
instead Of the printed form hes had ex-
pected, he saw femininS chirography.
He looked up, frowning.
You have made mistake" he said.
Surely not. Look on the other side, 4
returned the messenger, eagerly.
Here was his name beyond a perad-
venture:
Herr Paul Rhinelander,
Hotel Royale."
With a feeling of astonishment he
again whipped the paper over, and
this time his eye ranged from the
Dear Friend" at the top to the sig
nature that he discovered below.
Then IT was an electric snock per-
meated his whole system.
For that name was "Hildegarde!"
He somehow or other forgot all abou.
the important order he had been ex-
pecting-love takes preference even
above the ambitions of martial glory.
When Paul read the contents of the
note he was stirred, and for the time
being reason gave way to impulse.
Hildegarde was in Berlin-unexpect-
cd trouble had come upon her and she
needed friends advice and assistance
could she presume upon his courtesy
to assist her in solving q psrplexing
dilemma. and. IL thus inclined, would
he speed without delay to the house at
which she was stopping, since to-mor-
row might be too late?
Would he go? Well-it must be
something very unusual that could stop
him.
But where-the note failed to men
tion the name and number of the
strasse where she awaited him.
Again he turned to the messenger.
The lady gave you this letter her
self!"
With her own charming hand, myn-
hesf."
You can take me to her at once"
That is what l am here for, myn-
heer."
Lead me to her, friend, said Paul,
endeavorfng to still the exultant strain
In his voice.
AT once, mynheer. Pray follow"
came the reply.
They set of.
The messenger seemed fully at home
In the great German capital, and led
Paul hither and thither with the ut
most freedom.
Indeed, IL his movements had been
especially intended to confuse the
American, and make him lose all sense
of his bearings. they could hardly have
been better arranged.
Those numerous bridges over the
Spree seemed 80 much alike that
Rhinelander found himself utterly un-
able to declare which side Of the river
he stood upon.
A stranger In Berlin can easily be
lost in some OF the districts that COM
pare with London's Whitechapel.
Paul was not paying much attention
to these things, his mind being upon
facts that seemed Of more importance
to him. facts that concerned the writer
of that note. fs
Why had Hildegarde come to Ber-
lin?
There must be some mystery back Of
It. some story which she was desirous
Of confding to him.
This thought increased his eagerness
to reach her side.
She spoke Of peril-how gladly would
he throw himself into the breach to
ward OF any impending disaster it
was blessed privilege for which he
could not be too thankful.
Finally his guide led him into q
house.
Paul had = vague feeling that the
neighborhood was hardly up to the
standard Of respectability he might
have set, but such minor matters
should not bs allowed TO disturb his
pleasant frame Of mind, a. he antici-
pated speedy interview with the OBJ
Ject Of his regard. /,
Az he sat In stuffy little parlor and
awaited the coming Of Hildegarde, he
remembered the occasion in Heidelberg
when he had last seen her. when she
blushed 50 beautifully under his COM
plimsnts, and aroused within his heart
80 furious . holy passion that the very
thought Of 1t still had power to cleo
trify him.
He could not sit, still longer, but,
thrilled With eager anticipation, began
n vvaik ax~ffAdlv rrn and Aov,vn. tha nv, !