Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1903-08-07

1t is the gray light of dusk. The sun is
out Of sight. Tonight, if possible, I shall
come to you. Perhaps shall approach
you without disguise if you are in the
throneroom and my father does not OBJ
ject to my entertaining you, but for the
present we must separate. Adieu"
He bowed low as she turned away and
Joined the throng that was passing
along outside. An officer approached
him. It was Captain Tradmos, who
bowed and smiled pleasantly.
II congratulate you," he said, with
suave politeness
Upon WHAT" Thorndyke was ON
his guard at once.
Upon having pleased the king SO
thoroughly. No stranger. in my men,
DRY, has ever been treated SO courteous.
ly. Every other newcomer is put under
surveillance, but you are left unwatch-
ed"
HE is easily pleased, said the Eng
lishman. "for have done nothing to
crafty him."
Il thought he would like you, and I
felt that your friend would have to sui.
fer. but could not help him."
'He shall not suffer If I can prevent
it"
"Sh-be cautious Those words, I'M
plying an inclination to treason, if spo-
ken to any other officer, would place
you under immediate arrest. I like you;
therefore want to warn you against
such folly. You are wholly in the kings
power. Another thing would special
~ warn you against
"And that is?''
mot to allow the king to suspect
your admiration for the Princess Ber-
nardino. 1t would displease the king.
She is much taken with you. I saw it
in her eyes when she danced for your
entertainment
Thorndyke made 20 reply, but gazed
searchingly into the eyes Of the officer.
Tradmos laughed.
"You are afraid of me''
"No. l am not. trust you wholly.
know that you are honorable. never
make mistake along that line"
Tradmos bowed, pleased by the COM
pliment.
II shall aid you all I can with my
advice, for I know you will not betray
me, but at present am powerless to
give you material aid. Every subject Of
this realm is bound to the autocratic
will of the king. It is impossible for
any one to get from under his power. {"
"Why?''
1.-The only outlet to the upper world
Is carefully guarded by men who would
not be bribed."
lis there any chance for my friend?"
None that I can see But l must
walk Oh. There comes one of the kings
attendants"
1.-The king has asked to speak to
you," announced the attendant to
Thorndyke.
II will go with you," was his reply.
And he followed the man through the
crowded corridors into the throneroom
Of the king. Thorndyke forced smile
a. he saw the king smiling at him as he
approached the throne.
what do you think of my palace?"
asked the king after Thorndyke had
kutlC DeIOro MIN.
ut is superb, answered the English
man. recalling the advice Of Bernar-
dino. II am dazed by its splendor, its
architecture and its art. I have seen
nothing to equal it on earth"
The king rose and stood beside him.
His manner was both pleasing and SYM
pathetic. II am persuaded" said he,
that you will make good subject and
have the interest Of Alpha always 40
heart, but have often been mistaken
in the character Of men and think it
best to give you timely warning. An
attendant will conduct you to a cham
Der beneath the palace, where it will be
your privilege to converse with a man
who once planned to get up rebellion
among my people.
There had come suddenly q stern
harshness into the kings tone that
aroused the fears of Thorndyke. He was
about to reply. but the king held up his
hand. wait till you have visited the
dungeon of Nordeskyne. Then am sure
that you will be convinced that strict
obedience in thought as well as deed is
best for an inhabitant of Alpha"
Speaking thus, he signed to an attend
ant, who came forward and bowed.
Conduct him to the dungeon Of Nor
deskyne and return to me-" ordered the
king.
Thorndyke's heart was heavy. and he