The National tribune., 1906-10-18

tarily travelling toward the castle. "She
arrived in Ruritania about the same
time as this Rassendyll'
caught the projects glance; he was
regarding me with inquiry writ large
on his face.
"Sapt," said j, "I must speak word
to the prefect. Will you ride on a few
PAGES with the Princess?" And / added
to the prefect, rCome, sir, what do you
mean?''
He drew close to me, and bent in
the saddle.
IF he were in love with the Iady?'
he whispered Nothing has been
| heard of him ffor two Months" and
this time 1t was the eye of the prefect
which travelled toward the castle.
Yes, the lady is there" said quiet
ly. But don't suppose Mr.. Rassen-
dyll-is that the name ?-is.'
The Duke" he whispered, "does not
like rivals, sire
You're right there" said T. with all
sincerity. But surely you hint at a
very grave charge"
He spread his hands out in apology.
l whispered in his ear:
This is a grave matter. Go back
to Strelsau-''
But, sire. if I have clew here?"
go back to Strelsau,' i repeated.
Tell the ambassador that You have a
clew, but that you must be left alone
for a week or two. Meanwhile I'll
charge myself with looking into the
natter
The ambassador is very pressing,
sire"
You must quiet him. Come, sir;
you see that, if your suspicious are
correct, it is an affair in which we
must move with caution. We can have
no scandal. Mind YOU return tonight -
He promised to obey me, and rode
nm to ntntvx
easier in my mind. Inquiries after me
must be stopped at all hazards for a
week or two; and this clever official
had come surprisingly near the truth.
His impression might be useful some
day, but if he acted on it now it might
mean the worst to the King. Heartily
did l curse George Featherly for not
holding his tongue.
"Well,' asked Flavia, have you fin
ished your business?"
Most satisfactorily" said I. Come,
shall we turn round? We are almost
trenching on my brothers territory"
We were, in fact, at the extreme end
of the town. just where the hill begins
to mount toward the castle. We cast
our eyes up. admiring the massive
beauty of the old walls, and we saw
cortege winding slowly down the hill.
On it came.
Let us go back" said Sapt.
81 should like to stay" said Flavia,
and reined my horse beside hers.
We could distinguish the approach
ing party now. There came first two
m ounted servants in black uniforms.
relieved only by q silver badge. These
were followed by n car drawn by four
horses: on it under a heavy pail lay
a coffin: behind it rode man in plain
black clothes, carrying his hat III his
hand. Sapt uncovered, and re stood
ttt,ty I,trf. l. 4
ing her hand on my arm.
1T is one of the gentlemen killed in
the quarrel, / expect" she said.
] beckoned to groom.
Ride and ask wh om they escort"
I ordered.
He rode up TO the servants. and
saw him pass OH to the gentlemen who
rode behind.
It's Rupert of Hentzar," whispered
Sapt
Rupert it was. and directly after
ward. waving to the procession to stand
still. Rupert trotted up to me. He was
in n frock coat. tightly buttoned. and
trousers. He wore an aspect of sad
ness. and he bowed with profound re-
spect. Yet suddenly he smiled. and
smiled, too. for old Sapts hand lay in
his left breast pocket, and Rupert and
| both guessed what lay in the hand
inside the pocket.
Your Majesty asks whom we es-
cort,'' said Rupert. ''It is my dear
friend. Albert of Lauengram."
Sir said I. mo one regrets the
unfortunate affair more than l. Ny
ordinance, which / mean to have obey
ed. is witness to it,
Poor fell ,w!" said FlaYia softly, and
saw Rupert's eyes flash at her
Whereat / grew red for if / had my
way Rupert Hcntzau should not have
II. lad
he did it. and dared to let admiration
be seen in his look.
Your Majesty's words are gracious"
he said. II grieve for my friend. Yet.
sire. others must soon lie as he lies
now
ut is a thing we all do well to re-
member, my lord" / rejoined.
Even Kings, sire" said Rupert in
moralizing tone; and old Sapt swore
softly by my side.
1T is true" said 1. How fares my
brother. my lord?
He is better, sire"
II am rejoiced."
HE hopes soon to leave for Strelsau
when his health is secured"
He is only convalescent, them"
"There remain one or two small
troubles" answered the insolent fellow
in the mildest tone in the world.
Express my earnest hope" said
Flavia. that they may soon cease to
trouble him.
your Royal Highness's wish is.
humbly. my own" said Rupert with a
bold glance that brought a blush to
Flavia's cheek.
/ bowed; and Rupert. bowling lower,
backed his horse and signed his party
to proceed. With "A sudden impulse
rode after him. He turned swiftly.
fearing that. even in the presence OF
the dead and before Iady's eyes, I
meant mischief.
"You fought as brave man the
other night" I said. Come. you are
young. sir If you will deliver your
prisoner alive to me you shall come
to no hurt"
He looked at me with mocking
smile; but suddenly he rode nearer to
me.
I'm unarmed " he said, "and our old
SaDt there could pick me off in min
ute"
I'm not afraid" said I.
mo. curse you," he answered. Look
here, I made. you q proposal from the
Duke once"
"I'lI hear nothing from Black
Michael" said i.
Then hear one from me-" He low-
cred his voice to whisper. Attack
the castle boldly. Let Sapt and Tar
ienheim lead"
go on said l.
Arrange the time with me-
81 have such confidence in you, my
lord"
Tut, I'm talking business now.
Sapt there and Fritz will fall; Black
Michael will fall"
What"