The Leon reporter. (Leon, Iowa) 1887-1930, 1902-05-15

Iue Loellng OIL suspense WAS 6Onop
and people NEW the worst-they could
talk openly now without getting into
trouble, and discuss the problem which
Bismarck had undertaken to so]- with
sword and bayonet after all manner
of diplomacy had failed.
Paul sailed forth.
So did the old veteran, cane and all.
There were many sturdy difficulties
in the way, but ingenuity, together
with well-directed supply of silver
groschens and an occasional interview
with successive persons in authority
at length gained him what he sought.
When he found himself in the pres
ence of the Crown Prince Frederick.
Paul was trifie awed.
There were many generals in the
room, men of stern mien, who seemed
consulting the plans which Bismarck
and Won Moltke explained
The Crown Prince, bearded and boot
ed, and looking every inch the soldier
he was by birth and breeding, came
toward the young man, holding out
his hand, and with smile of well
Paul proffered his request and Fred
erick at once assured the enthusiastic
young American that places should
be speedily found for both himself and
Karl, if be had to attach them person
ally to himself as aides.
That was enough for Paul.
He renewed his protestations of al
n ole Of Dr,1c.
STA, and went out from his interview
with the Crown Prince, his neart filed
with love and loyalty toward that sin
gularly attractive man who had once
been the boy friend Of his own father
in the days long since passed.
Paul knew he would receive his or
ders in good time, and meanwhile
there were several necessary things he
and Karl must attend to-
Thus the day wore on.
Paul was no longer worrying about
the designs of the countess. He did
not imagine Berlin held any dangers
for one who, like himself, carried the
personal autograph of the Crown
Prince, and was already in manner
identified with the army.
Still there were elements about the
existence Of which he knew nothing,
working for his downfall.
The knowledge was brought upon
him suddenly and with alarming
force.
Karl and himself had dlned at Spar
guapani's on Inter den Linden, and
separated upon leaving the famous
restaurant, each having some minor
business of Importance to transact.
Paul was enjoying a cigar as he
sauntered along and taking consider
able satisfaction from the weed, as
only man may who has dined we'll.
The hour had grown late, though
one would never suspect it, Judging
| from the streets, which were still
thronged with crowd consisting OF
citizens and soldiers. singing patriotic
songs and uniting in occasional hoarse
| cheers, as some we'll known military
man appeared upon the strasse hurry
ing to keep an appointment at some
night council.
While Paul was forcing his way
through one of these crowds, forming
a cheveux de frise with his elbows to
keep off boarders, he felt hand pluck
at his sleeve. The man made re-
spectful salutation.
Pardon, is it Herr Rhinelander l
address,"
Paul replied that he had certainly hit
| the mark.
Then he saw with satisfaction that
the other moved his hand toward his
inner pocket.
"Ah! have communication for
you, Herr Rhinelander," he said SOL
emily.
OF course-orders to report at once
and accompany the Crown Prince to
the border, where the hostile armies
faced each other like giants eager for
the fray.
Pauls blood tingled with expecta-
ton. The rustic of the paper seemed
to conjure up pictures of bivouac and
battle-at least, it aroused anticipa-
tons of speedy action, and this pros
pect pleased his restless spirit.
(To no continued