Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-08
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he says the old man must have had the morphine
habit or he could not have survived 80 long.
lie will be taken ashore, however, and everything
That medical skill can do will be done to help
him. His is very sad case, for even should he
recover he will probably be either paralyzed OF
permanently insane"
How horribel And Madame?" inquired Cres-
slngham; lis che to escape scot-free"
1 think not; her fate WILL however, be de-
termined this evening. By the way, my Lord,
have to thank you for the manner in which you
have recently acquitted yourself of the duties
allotted you. You have hitherto obeyed me with
out question, trusting almost blindly to my
word 1t is time that requited your confidence
to some extent. Tonight shall endeavor to Sc
cure your admission to the council Of my coad-
tutors, amongst whom are numbered some of
the great ones Of the earth. / think, moreover,
IT all goes well, that can promise you a COM
plete rehabilitation in the career which you had
chosen for yourself, and which was 80 unfortun-
atey interrupted. That, however must largely
depend upon your own energy and perseverance,
Ii you continue to show yourself worthy you
Will find many powerful men willing to assist you
and anxious to become your friends"
You are very good, SIR said Cressineham
gratefully, but fear that what you suggest
is beyond the bounds of possibility I'm afraid
COmpleColy.
British Government would never give me another
chance"
Perigord surveyed the young man with a
strange smile. eve shall see; we shall see. Wait
a little, my Lord. But you have finished your
dinner; your friend Oeltjen will be waiting for
us on the Piazza Reale. Let us CO."
FIVE minutes walk took them to Maraschi's
corner, where they found the Count Won Oeltjen,
who cordially shook hands with Cressingham.
The three gentlemen then entered facre and
drove northwards, Perigord giving the driver an
address that completely astonished Cressinehan.
At 10 O'Clock they drew up before the gateway
OF the Palace of King Humbert Of Italy, and
they were all permitted to pass in to the Royal
grounds
Perigord led the way to side entrance. de
Tended by porch, within which stood a dozen
soldiers, an officer, and about twenty black
clad gentlemen To the officer he simply an
nounced his name, and instantly they were usher.
ed with the greatest courteousness through spa
cious hall into an ante-chamber. Proceeding
with the officer they found themselves in a large
and stately apartment decorated with all the or
nate extravaganza Of the early Italian renais-
sance. A large table occupied the centre of the
room, and about this were seated seven gentle
men, six Of whom were attired in ordinary din
ner. suits The seventh wore the richly-colored
state robe of Cardinal. He occupied the head
Of the table; on his left hand sat King Humbert,
expression cold and impassive. The other five
gentlemen were unrecognizable behind heavy vel
vet masks
Mr.. Perigord stood at the foot of the table
Immediately opposite the Cardinal. The eight
gentlemen stared for some space at Cressineham
and Oeltjen without speaking
Cressingham who recognized King Humbert
and thought that he could also recognize the
Kings visa-vis, made las well Oeltjen) rev.
erent obeisance. He was profoundly moved at
finding himself in such august company.
Perigord broke silence whose intensity was
growing painful. Gas I said before, your Emf
nence and your Majesties," he began gravely,
speaking in French, his deep powerful voice fill
ing the room with heavy waves Of sound; 'T
shall personally answer for these gentlemen Lord
Francis Cerssingham" (Cressingham involuntarily
stepped forward) "has already rendered our cause
important services Ludwig Count Won Oeltjen,
has for the past two weeks been my private Sec
retary, his trustworthiness / have amply proved"
He looked slowly round the table. King Hum
bert for slightly nodded, and the six mask
ed gentlemen Immediately removed their masks.
Cressingham stood petrified to meet the open gaze
of five regning monarchs and the Crown Prince
of Italy, who sat beside the King, his father As
well as the Prince, the Cardinal, King Hum
bert and Perigord, the council was composed
of the Gar Nicholas of Russia, Kaiser Wilhelm
Of Germany, the Emperor of Austria and the
King of Sweden.
They all slightly bowed to the two astonished
intruders; then, apparently dismissing the matter
from their thoughts, glanced inquringly towards
the Cardinal, who seemed to act as president
"The Archduke-is now twenty minutes late"
said his Eminence; doubtless he has been de-
tanned. think we need not wait further. but
proceed to business"
Cressingham heard the name then uttered with
start, for he had at last rightly guessed the
identity of Prince Carlos
The Others all signifed approval
ataI,x Aao 4
and. pointing to mass of papers on the table
at his left hand. gave some direction.
The Count selected certain document. which
he handed to his master and fell back a stem.
''Your Eminence, your Majestics" he presently
began. "Three months ago / informed Won that
had at last discovered key to the mystery
which has baffed us so long. By the expenditure
of large sum Of money, was able to purebase
from dying and repentent man, who. wishing
to provide for his children, was thus induced 10
partially betray his trust, a priceless piece az
information regarding the three iniquitous chiefs
of Nihiism-"
Here he was interrupted, for the door onened
and Prince Carlos entered the apartment. He
made long apology for his delay to the pres
dent, and provided with a seat
On seeing Cressingham he started up with
scowl and seemed about to speak The Others
regarded him expectantly, but he changed his
mind and resumed his chair
Perigord, when silence again obtained nro
ceeded "I discovered that a close connection
subssted between the three chiefs of that dread
ful society and a woman | refer TO the woman
Katherin Viyella sol disant Countess of Hoben.
stein. With the approval of your Eminence and
your Maiesties. then undertook the task of as
certainng Madame Yiyella's parentaqe. regret