The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1903-03-05


Jake a. article from the breast of his
drugged visitor, and that article, he
was now persuaded, was morocco
lease.
you have lightg, inquired the
stranger.
Listen" replied Francis. II know
not what you are, but believe you 10
be worthy of confidence and helpful.
l find myself in strange waters. (
must have counsel and support, and
since you invite me shall tell you all"
And he briefly recounted his expert.
ences since the day when he was sum-
moned from the bank by his lawyer.
Yours is indeed remarkable his
tory" said the stranger after the young
man had made an end of his narrative,
"and your position is full Of difficulty
and peril. Many would counsel you to
seek out your father and give the dia-
mond to him, but I have other views.
Waiter" he cried. :t
The waiter drew near
"Will you ask the manager to speak
with me a moment?" said he And
francis observed once more, both in
his tone and manner, the evidence of
habit of command.
a moment with the manager, who
bowed with obsequious respect.
What" said he, "can I do to serve
your
"Have the goodness" replied. the
stranger, indicating Francis, Ito tell
this gentleman my name." g..
"You have the honor, sir" said the
functionary, addressing young Scrym-
occur, ito occupy the same table with
his highness Prince Florizel of Bohe-
mia"
Francis arose with precipitation and
made grateful reverence to the prince,
who bade him resume his seat.
II thank you,' said Florizel, once
more addressing the functionary Il
am sorry to have deranged you for so
small a matter"
And he dismissed him with a move
ment of his hand.
"And 1ow," added the prince, turn
ing to Francis, ''give me the diamond"
Without word the casket was hand
ed over.
"You have done right" said Florizel.
'"Your sentiments have properly in
spired you, and you will live to be
grateful for the misfortunes Of tonight.
"A man, Mr.. Scrymgeour, may fall into
a thousand perplexities, but if his heart
be upright and his intelligence uncloud-
ed he will issue from them all without
dishonor. Let your mind be at rest.
Your affairs are in my hand, and with
the aid of heaven I am strong enough
to bring them to a good end. Follow
me, if you please, to my CARRIAGE
So saying, the prince arose and, hay
ing left piece Of gold for the waiter,
conducted the young man from the
cafe and along the boulevard to where
an unpretentious brougham and a cou-
pie of servants out of livery awaited
his arrival.
'"This carriage" said he, "is at your
disposal. Collect your baggage as rap
idly as you can make it convenient,
and my servants will conduct you to a
villa in the neighborhood of Paris
where you can wait in some degree of
comfort until I have had time to ar
range your situation. You will find
there a pleasant garden, a library Of
good authors, cook, cellar and some
good cigars, which 1 recommend to
your attention. Jerome" he added,
turning. to one Of the servants, ''you
have heard what I say. I leave Mr..
Scrymgeour in your charge You will,
know, be careful of my friend"
Francis uttered some broken phrases
of gratitude.
ut will be time enough to thank
me-" said the prince, ..'when you are
acknowledged by your father and mar
ried to Miss Vandeleur."
And with that the prince turned
away and strolled leisurely in the d.
rection of Montmartre. He hailed the
first passing cab, gave an address, and
a quarter Of an hour afterward, having
discharged the driver some distance
lower, he was knocking at Mr.. Vande-
leur's garden gate.
1t was opened with singular precau-
lions by the dictator in person.
"Who are your he demanded.
'You must pardon me this late visit,
Mr.. Vandeleur," replied the prince.
"Your highness is always welcome"
returned Mr.. Vandeleur, stepping back.
The prince profted by the open space
and without waiting for his host
walked right into the house and opened
the door of the saloon. Two people
were seated there. One was Miss Van
deleur, who bore the marks of weeping
about her eyes and was still shaken
from time to time by sob. In the
other the prince recognized the young
man who had consulted him on liter.
AIRY matters about a month before in a
club smoking room.
"Good evening, Miss Vandeleur,'
said Florizel "You look fatigued. Mr..
ROLES, I believe? hope you have
| profted by the study of Gaboriau, Mr..
Rolles.''