New-York tribune., 1906-06-03
l o

stamnered and suffered. Ihe-the Baroness
seemed to have much influence, sir, tO-to hold a
very high position in the Princes regard; to-to
.'Yes!" struck in the Countess. She
the uniform of his artillery Isn't that compli
rnent usually reserved for ladies OF royal rank: |
appeal to YOU, Colonel Stafnitz!
In most services it is So l believe, Countess,
the Colonel answered gravely.
But should never allow it; and without my
consent"
doubt about that. But it would be fatal bar to
German project Even an influence short OF
actual marriage 49, ~
She means marriage, l say, marriagel" The
Countess was rudey impatient of her ally, which
was very artistic. An ambitious and dangerous
woman. She has taken advantage OF the favor the
King showed her.
And il l died" asked the King. oe
Stenovics shrugged his shoulders. "Of course
The King looked round We must get her
away fror Fraslok."
''Will She Gomez" jeered the Countess. Not
shel Will he let her go: Not he!'
The King passed his hand weakly across his brow
t...d the King bade him bring him the draft which
Natcheff had prescribed for his nerves. Wen
might the unfortunate man feel the need OF It,
less formidable calm OF Stenovics and Statnltz!
And all his favorite dreams in danger.
She won't leave him, or 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
with Baroness DObrava.
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 with his
hand lines He signed the document and
folded it. His face now firm and calmer.
The peril to his greatest hopes-perhaps a sense of
the precarlous tenure of his pOwer-seemed to
impart to him new promptness, decision alien
to his normal character. Colonel Statmtz! he
said in a tone of command.
The Colonel rose to his feet and saluted. From
adviser in council he became in a moment
soldier on duty.
Il am about to intrust to YOU a duty of great
deiCacy. | choose YOU because short of General
StenOViCs himself there is in whom have
such confidence. Tomorrow morning YOU will
go to Prasok and inform His Royal Highness that
YOU have a communication from for Baroness
Dobrava. If the Prince is absent YOU Will see the
Baroness herself If she is absent you viii follow
her and find her. The matter is urgent You
will tell her that 1t 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 are not
empowered to tell her anything; she must learn
them from myself. If she makes any denur about
accompanying you Immediately, if denur is
made delay suggested from any quarter, YOU will
say that my request is command. If that IS
sufficient, YOU will produce this paper. 1t is an
order under my hand addressed to YOU and direct
ing YOU to arrest Baroness DObraVa and escort her
here to my presence Notwithstanding objec-
ton or resistance, which any person whatever will
offer at his peril You will be back here by to-
morrow 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 | to take an escort."
The answer to that question anXiousy con-
sdcred and awaited anXouslv.
NGs; SAID the King, YOU will. The precise
force leave to Your dlSCretIOn 1t should be large
enough to make YOU secure from hindrance by any
act short OF open and armed resistance to my COM