The Holly chieftain., 1902-05-16


he had heard his father mutter a he
passed away.
He felt better whom be had ds4sr-
mined ON his step. and Rsessed Karl
for further news. Without further
preliminary the latter said:
"Hildegarde Is taking lessons to b.
q NURSE
"What?"
"A hospital nurse"
And go with the army to war?"
Just so. admire her for it, God
bless her brave heart" declared Karl.
Paul was visibly distressed.
ITO think of gentle girl like her
being exposed to the horrors Of bat
tleneld-it Is monstrous.'
She does not think s0-she Is will
ing to go wherever brave German SOL
diers hew way. 1t Is fate. my Paul,
and whether you fancy the idea or not
matters very little. II, by the kind
ness Of Providence. both OF you come
out OF the affair safe and sound, per-
haps may be permitted to dance at
your wedding"
But Paul only shook his head
The future looked too dark and for
bidding for him to think Of attaining
such happiness-he could not conceive
that 1t lay in store for him.
The next day marked an era In Ber-
lin.
The feeling of suspense was gone,
and people knew the worst-they could
talk openly now without getting into
trouble, and discuss the problem which
Bismarck had undertaken to solve with
sword and bayonet after ell manner
OF diplomacy had failed. M
| Paul sailed forth.
| So did the old veteran, cane and all.
There we're 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 a trifle 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 bisth and breeding, came
toward the young man, holding out
his hand, and with q smile of well
come on his. pleasant face.
| 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, II he had TO attach them person
ally to himself as aides.
That was enough for Paul
He renewed his protestations OF al
1egiance to the double eagles of Prus-
sia. and went out from his interview
| with the Crown Prince. his neart fill9d
with love and loyalty toward that sim
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 We're 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 a 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
guapanis on Inter den Linden, and
separated upon leaving the famous
restaurant. each having some minor
business of importance to transact.
Paul was enjoying cigar AZ he
sauntered along, and taking consider
able satisfaction from the weed, as
only man may who has dined well.
The hour had grown late, Enough
one would never suspect 1t, Judging
from the streets, which were still
thronged with q crowd consisting Of
citizens and soldiers. singing patriotic
songs and uniting In occasional hoarse
cheers. AZ come 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
cheveux de frise with his elbows to
keep OF boarders, he felt hand pluck