Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-24

secure but he also out of a situation
He walked somewhat forlornly into St. Michael's
Square, and as luck would have it-Lepage thought
it bad luck-the first be ran against was
Captain Markart, Uneasy in his conscience, Lepage
tried to eVade the encounter; but the Captain was
of another mind. His head was sound again and
on the whole he glad to have slept through the
events of what Stenovics proclamation had styled
the suspicious day. He seized little Lepage by
the arm, greeted him with cordiaty, and carried
him off to drink at the Golden Lion.
Without imputing any serious lack of sobriety
to his companion, Lepage thought that this refresh
ment was not the first of which the good-humored
Captain had partaken that forenoon; his manner
was so cordial his talk SO free.
We'll, here arei" he said. I'VE did our
best you and l. Lepage; our consciences are clear.
AS loyal subjects we have now to accept the exist
ing regime"
What is it ?" asked Lepage I've been indoors
It's Alexis-still Alexisl Long live Alexsl"
said Markart, with a laugh. You surely don't
take Baroness Dobrava into account"
Il just wanted to know, >" said Lepage drinking
thoughtfully. And er-Captain, behind Alexis?
Guiding the youthful King? Countess E1lenburg?"
NO doubt, no doubt. Behind him his very
Pouss mother, LePage."
And behind her." persisted Lepage.
Markart laughed, but cast glance round and
shook his head.
Come, come, Captain, don't leave an old friend
in the dark, just where information would be use
full"
An old friend! Oh when I remember my
aching head You think me very forgiving, NJ.
LeP2 2f ~, ,..o-. .,o .:.,. .. ., -.
me anything" said Lepage, with shudder of
Renaissance.
All we'll" said Marzart after another draft,
I'm soldier shall obey my orders"
Perfect Captain! And who will give them to
you, do you Think
That's exactly what I'm waiting to see Oh,
I've turned prudent! No more adventures for mel;
Pm quite of your mind but it's so difficult to
be prudent when one doesn't know which is the
stronger side"
You wouldn't 90 to Volsen?' laughed Markart.
why, no; but there are difficulties nearer home.
If you went out of this door and turned to the left
you would come to the offices of the Council of
Ministers. If you turned to the right, and thence
to the right again, and on to the north wall, YOU
would come, Captain to Suleiman's Tower. Now,
as | understand, Colonel Stafnitz-"
Is at the tower, and the General at the offices,
eh?"
Precisely. Which turn do you mean to take?"
Markart looked round again. Il shall sit here
for a bit longer" he said He finished his liquor,
thereby perhaps adding just the touch of confidence
'LePage on the arm. Do you remember the
Princes guns-the guns for which he bartered Cap
tain Hercules?"
Aye WE'LL" said Lepage.
They are on the river, up at Kolskoi, now. 1
should keep my eye them. They are to be
brought to Slavna. Who do you think will bring
them? Keep your eye that"
They are both scoundrels said Lepage rising
to 60,
the ground for the man who can pick it up
Why not? There's nobody who's got any right to
it now
He expressed exactly the view of the two great
neighbor;, though by no means in the language
which their official communications adopted Stem
OWES knew their views well. He had also re-
ceiVed pretty plain intimation from Stafnitz
that the Colonel considered the escorting of the
guns to Slavna purely military task appertan-
ing not to the Ministry of State but to the officer
commanding the garrison in the capital. Stafnitz
was that officer and he proposed himself to go to
Koskoi Suleiman's Tower he added would be
he nv of Ca