The sun., 1903-08-02
4 SER1IAN TABLEAC
Descrtbed by the Principal Figure. Hing
Milan.

From me Chicago fimes-Heraid
One Of the most dramatic stories Of royal
life | ever heard was told me by Moreton
Frewen. the English traveller and economist.
shortly before he sailed for home. a few weeks
ago. Mr. Frewen 10 4 good deal OF sports
man, and has visited many countries in search
OF big game. Some years ago he was one OF
party that occupied hunting lodge In the
depths of a Hungarian forest. Among the
other sportsmen there was King Milan Of
Servia. One evening. while they were all
gathered about the supper table In the hunt
ing lodge, Milan told this story.
Il had not been long upon the throne of
servia," said the King. before my secret
agents brought me the details Of Il plot that
had been formed against my life. The con-
splracy embraced so many men In military
and civil life that my advisers were very much
alarmed and wanted me to cause them all to
be summarily removed. replied that II was
not the business Of king TO depopulate his
kingdom, and il j executed every man who
joined plot against me 1t would not be long
before had no people to rule over
According to the plans Of the cOnsprators,
! was to be put ut Of the way by means OF
poison. An annual ceremonial banquet was
soon to be held, an d one OF my aides de- camp
Col. Blank. who Sc duty IL was to hand me u
contained the proper d0so. Declining to accept
the advice Of my Ministers to luaks immediate
arrests, and telling them 10 leave the whole
matter In my hands, ] went TO the banquet. At
the proper moment in the ceremonies the aide
goblet and made very, pretty speech. COM
mending my reign ~ blessing TO the Servian
people and wishing me many years more Of
"'a"n n took the goblet, continued Milan. and
held Il aloft a moment while ga7ed about the
anaast hall bs, You ay axTs FSHa'%nnn n1
| of the people in the room knew that the wine
4 was poisoned. many, OF the consplrators being
p,esent O. wen as tnose o. p I'm my Se, fusd people
| into the eyes OF the hundred men who sat
watching na, y seemed TO me could dlstin-
guish the friends from the foes though it was
not dirioult TO tell which we're In the majority
| Probably was tho calmest man Of them all
| for knew all that they knew. and something &
'''""' 'Nobles and gentlemen Of Servia,' I ex-
| CLAIMED IT gives me great pleasure 10 receive
| this marx OF affection and support OF my peo
ple. II IL with the happiest feelings OF good
| Will to all and love fqr our dear country that
| | drink TO your to0st;
al this iuncture touched my lips to the
golden goblet and watched with Keen interest
| room, Pausng then, without having tasted
] the vine you may be sure, resumed;
lyon second thought. WIZ not di'nk This
! to tst myself ! see around me scores Of IN!
| loyal ofhCrrR Ministers and friends. There
is one among them who Las gwen me such
! marked proof Of his devotion that now pro
: pose to pay him the unusial honor OF asking
| him 10 be my deputy aHl " dlMk this toast
| in my stead
f, so saying. J turned TO Col. BLANK. the dido
! M side. and handed tho goblet TO him. ] shall
never forget thp look upon his face. ~ hls
i,nyCa } could read ha thoughts: He hnd been
! bctrGycd his plot was known to me. he had
! his choice between drinking his own poison
or being executed by my orders before day
| light He hcstated moment. but only for a
| moment. then he bowed to me end to the oonl-
| puny, and dra med the cup 20 the last drop. A
few moments later be fell dead at my feet
And that, concluded the King. lis what
| call the death OF gentleman He took his own
medicine with a bravery worthy Of Q better
| cause"