Idaho Springs siftings., 1902-07-19
CHAPTER L.

HNAPs anu Nhol AA6 ohheAAl lOuhu AN6
son to believe that seldom in romance
or history had more singular ad-
venture befallen a pilgrim from Lon
don than chanced to his lot on this
same day.
The morning was half spent and
Stuart found himself somewhat at a
loss to know what he should turn to
next for amusement. He had idled in
the markets, discovering new and at
tractivs features constantly; had
been through the various museums
and picture galleries-in short, ex-
hausted the sights of old Antwerp,
and was on the point of considering
his exodus, which would occur just as
soon as he could make up his mind
where his next objective point on the
map of Europe or the world would be.
Then it was that Fortune, tickle
jade, took the pilgrim from London
by the throat as it were, and radically
changed the whole course of his exist
ence.
AS he stood there idly twisting his
blonde mustache, he became aware of
the fact that someone was bearing
down upon him at a swift pace, some
one whose quick, energetic move
ments reminded him irresistibly of "a
hawk pouncing upon its prey-some-
one who held out a hand in eager
greeting and seemed bubbling over
with animal spirits.
Stuart welcomed him eagerly. His
name was Barnaby-Artemus Wych-
Il. l.. l,.. nv.I f-
sion that of an amateur dramatic
novelist. 1t was simply astonishing.
the weird fancies generated in that
erratic brain of his, each of which
exceeded all others in phantasma-
gorie and, it must be confessed, some
times ludicrous splendor.
Just the man of all England l
wanted to see. Consider it a lucky
omen, by Jove, to run across you in
this manner. I'm going to enlist your
sympathy and cooperation in a little
scheme l have on foot, my boy, and
you can depend upon it, l won't take
no for an answer so consider your
self engaged as the second conspira-
tor"
We'll, | don't know about that; but
what wild, hair-brained scheme have
you on foot at present."
Charlie, I've run across the noblest
theme for a startling drama that ever
bobbed up in anybody's path. Why,
1t actually opens an opportunity for
fame and fortune to the gifted genius
who has boldness enough to grasp the
chance"
You have, of course, visited the
Steen, that great castle down the
street yonder. once a prison Of the
Inquisition, now a museum. Did
you take a guide with lighted fam
beaus and explore the frightful dun
geons under the castle, each cell and
corridor of which seems to exhale
hideous memories of the tortures in
ficted upon unfortunate prisoners in
the Dark Ages, when Spanish cruelty
ruled this country with an iron
hand?"
Stuart replied in the negative. His
artist soul had feasted on the treas
ures which lay Uttered about the
courtyard of the onetime palace; but
the musty dungeons he had but hast
lily surveyed, being naturally averse
to the contemplation of such horrors.
oh, l am glad of that" said Arte
mus, eagerly, for you will be better
prepared to accompany me to those
same dungeons now"
THE deucei" exclaimed Charlie,
taken aback; but. not in the least dis
concerted, the other went on:
Tell me, have you heard the story |
or rUreor that is circulated here and |
there through certain circles about a
modern man in the Iron Mask sup
posed to be incarcerated in the Steen
dungeons?"
Il remember hearing some little |
talk about such a thing, but really
never pursued the subject"
Briefly. then, it has long been
whispered that there was recently, |
and may still continue to be- secret |
prisoner confined in a lonely dungeon |
under yonder massive pile of ma
sonry-a man whose face is forever |
hidden behind an iron mask that is
secured by a paddock. have reached |
the conclusion that this man of mys-
terry might be some troublesome heir |
to the German throne, or else a son |
of Louis Napoleon. Think for a |
minute what wonderful possibilities |
this vista opens to the dramatist! 1t |