Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-03

seemed to have much influence, sir, TOTO hold
very high position in the Princes regard; to-to
be in his confidence"
''Yes!" struck in the Countess She wears
the uniform of his artillery Isn't that comph-
ment usually reserved for ladies of royal rank? |
appeal to you, Colonel Stafnitz!"
I'm most services it is so, l believe, Countess -
the Colonel answered gravey.
But | should never allow it; and without my
consent"
1T might be invalid sir; though there's some
doubt about that But it would be fatal bar to
German project. Even an influence short of
actual marriage
She means marriage I say, marriage!" The
Countess was rudely impatient OF her ally, which
woman! She has taken advantage of the favor the
King showed her
And if l died?" asked the King
Stenovics shrugged his shoulders "Of course
there would be no control then, said he
The King looked round. I'VE must get her
away from Praslok."
viii she Gomez" jeered the Countess. Not
shel VIII he let her go? Not he!"
The King passed his hand weakly across his brow.
Then he rang bell on the table. Lepage entered,
and the King babe him bring him the draft which
Natcheff had prescribed for his nerves. Well
might the unfortunate man feel the need of it,
less formidable calm Of Stenovics and Stafnitz!
And all his favorite dreams in danger.
She won't leave him, he'll follow her. The
has infatuated him, the Countess per-
Pray madam, let me think, said the harassed
and sick King We must open communications
May l suggest that the matter might prove
urgent sir" said StenoviCs.
Every hour is full of danger" declared the Count
The King held up his hand for silence. Then
he took paper and pen and wrote with his
hand some lines. He signed the document and
folded it. His face was firm and calmer.
The peril to his greatest hopes-perhaps sense of
the precarious tenure of his power-seemed to
impart to him new promptness decision alien
to his normal character. Colonel Stafnitzl he
said in tone of command.
The Colonel rose to his feet and saluted. From
an adviser in council he became in moment a
soldier duty.
Il am about to intrust to YOU a duty of great
delicacy. l choose you because short of General
Stenovics himself, there is in whom | have
such confidence. Tomorrow morning you VIII
90 to PraslOk and inform His ROYAL Highness that
YOU have communication from me for Baroness
Dobrava. If the Prince is absent, you will see the
Baroness herself If she is absent, you will follow
her and find her. The matter is urgent You
will tell her that it is my request that she at
accompany you back here to the Palace, where |
shall receive her and aCquaint her with my further
wishes. If she asks of these, say that you not
empowered to tell her anything; she must learn
them from myself. If she makes any demur about
accompanying you Immediately, if demur is
made delay suggested from any quarter, you will
say that my request is command. If that is not
sufficient you will produce this paper. 1t is
order under my hand, addressed to you and direct
ing you to arrest Baroness Dobrava and escort her
here to my presence Notwithstanding any objec
ton resistance, which any person whatever will
offer at his peril. You will be back here by to-
evening, with the Baroness in your charge.
Do it without employing the order for arrest if
possible; but do it anyhow and at all costs Do
you understand"
Perfectly, sir Am I to take an escort?"
The answer to that question was anxiousy con-
sidered and awaited anxiously.
Yes" said the King You will The precise
force leave to your discretion. 1t should be large
enough to make you secure from hndrance by any
act short of open and armed resistance to my
mands"
Stafnitz saluted again and at a sign from the