Los Angeles herald., 1906-06-17

s@H&&l Finchley Road London, and it was
easy to discover that they were strang-
ers to each other
The gentleman nearest the gate, was wrapped
in heavy fur greatcoat. His cean-shaven face
was type unmistakably English, and he wore
eyeglass.
The second was of a short but sturdy build
and his bristlng moustache, proclaimed him OF
Teutonic origin. He wore an imposing military
cloak of foreign cut and manufacture.
The third, whose tightly-ftting black frock
coat was shiny and threadbare seemed to be of
excessively nervous disposition. No man might
confidently predicate his place of origin, but he
resembed most Austrian.
A wearisome half-hour passed and the English
man swearing softly.
AN hour past the appointed time," he NUT
tered
The German turned to him. LESS five min
utes. my Lord; it is five minutes to twelve"
What, you know me?" cried the Englishman.
"I you once not long ago, at the Court of
the Car; you are Lord Francis Cressingham."
You have at disadvantage then
The German bowed. my name lis Ludwig
Oeltjen."
What Count Ludwig Oeltjen, chief attache
to the German Ambassador in London?"
Not now, my Lord; ] have retired"
The third gentleman here broke in, May l
offer YOU of my cigarettes, messeursW
Lord Francis curtly shook his head; Count
Oeltjen shrugged his shoulders. "No, thank
you, SIR"
The eyes of the Austrian swept burning
glance over the pair, but he proceeded 1T was
that might beg from you a match, wish very
much to smoke"
Lord Cressingham handed him box without
speaking. The Austrian struck a light and
turned the box with low bow.
During deep silence, clock by
tolled midnight and second after the iron gate
opened. then clanked behind them and an elder
ly gentleman in evening dress emerged from the
shadow. "Ths way he said, and without turn
ing his head stalked towards the dark porch of
a gloomy stone house.
The figure of vaguely perceptible
standing in the open doorway silhouetted against
artificial twilight within.
''Have all arrived?'' he demanded, his voice
grave and richly sonorous.
Three" replied the man in evening dress.
'"Ther names?"
"Lord Francis Cressingham, Count Karl Won
Oeltien, and the Archduke Of"
"Silence!" cried the Austrian suddenly
The man in the doorway stepped aside, dis
closing the entrance to wide and spacious, but
dmly lighted hall. 'Welcome to my house. gen
tlemen; may it please you, enter!" he said po-
litey
The master Of the house entered last carefully
fastened the door behind him, then strobe down
the hall to an archway defended with heavy vel
vet curtains. These he threw aside. Behind the
arch stretched a stately and magnificent apart
ment full thirty feet square, which was, however,
poorly furnished.
"Here we shall be free to converse unreserved-
w." he explained, ''the world may see us, for
aught care, but / do not wish the world to over
hear u.s."
The three visitors regarded him with curiosity.
They beheld man neither old nor young, a man
of heavy mask-like countenance.
The Austrian was the first to speak "You-I
don't know your name, sir, he said affectedly,
"have kept us standing in the cold an hour"
The master Of the house slightly smiled. "My
name is for the present Perigord It is true that
by an accident [ have kept you waiting sixty
minutes; well-the more reason that get to
business at once"
Mr.. Pergord made peculiar gesture with his
hands, holding them aloft in an attitude of ad
miraton; thereafter he placed three fingers of
his right hand upon his lips. His guests each
Immediately fell upon one knee, the left, their
arms upfted to heaven, their hands inclined to
the right shoulder
Mr. Perigord slowly stood erect, "Heleniham!"
he said impressively,
On a common impulse the others rose to their
feet, then fell on both knees.
Arise, gentlemen, and seat yourselves" said
Mr. Pergord This time he was obeyed without
question and in deepest silence, the silence of
speechless astonishment. Mr.. Perigord surveyed
q
period 30 extended that the stillness became al
most nsupportable. Finally Mr.. Perigord ad-
dressed them in low tones;
"Afost worshipful knights of the Ninth Arch
You were summoned hither this evening for a
solemn purpose which ] shall presently disclose
to you II is better first, however that as broth.
ers you be made acquainted with each other"
Here the Austrian rose abruptly from his chair
but Mr. Perigord frowned him down.
"Fear, not, sir, names are as nothing save as
symbols; yours shall be respected Well then;
YOU first Uncle of a monarch, heir perhaps to
a crown, YOU shall be called Prince Carlos" "You
have an enemy, who has already twice narrowly
failed in accomplishing your destruction. Once
death essayed to clutch you lurking in the green
denths of a pond. A trespasser rescued you at
the risk of his own life since he could not swim
Once again death faunted in your face this time
hid in the honeyed poison of woman's scarlet
lips. You received a warning, and for the mo
nent escaped Had you disobeyed the summons
which explains your presence here tonight, to-
morrow would have seen Europe in mourning
Madame Viyella murderess!
On mention of that name Lord Francis and
Count Won Oeltien uttered cries of dismay, but
the effect on the prince was more startling he
fell back on his chair limp and nerveess, his
cheeks lvid. his eyes glowing like Goals.
Mr.. Perigord went unheeding "You, Lord
Francis Cressngham, three months ago secretary
10 The Ambassador at the Court of the Gar, We're
obliged to resign because the solicitation of a
woman. for whose smile you had already forgot
ten ties which bound you in all honor to wom
an of greater beauty, you carried a letter to one
high in Office but traitor to his salt letter
which hut for the vigilance OF my agents might
have ACCOMPLISHED It's neiarlous OBJECT snail
state that objectE
rd Ir,a,,ois (,ressinqham who was neryouslv