The National tribune., 1906-09-13
rs all safe ! here ?"

rs all safe here?"
Nothing's safe anywhere" said Sapt
but we can make it no safer"
Fritz now rejoined us in the uniform
OF Captain in the same regiment q!
that to which my dress belonged. Ir
, four minutes Sapt had arrayed himselt
in his uniform. Josef called that tbs
horses were ready. We jumped on theii
backs and started at a rapid trot. The
game had begun. What would the ISSUE
of it be?
The cool morning air cleared m,
head, and was able to take in all Sap
said to me. He WAS wonderful. Fritz
hardly spoke. riding like q man asleep;
but Sapt. without another word for tn:
King. began at once to instruct me most
minutely in the history of my past life
of my family. of my tastes. pursuits
weaknesses. friends, companions ami
servants. He told me the etiquet ol
the Ruritanian court. promising to he
constantly at my elbow to point ou.
everybody whom 1 ought to know and
give me hints with what degree of favor
to greet them.
by the way" he said. "you are a
Catholic, 1 suppose?"
/ Not /" answered.
| Lord, he's heretic"' groaned Sapt
and forthwith he fell to a rudimentary
lesson in the practices and observances
of the Romish faith.
| Luckily" said he, you won't be ex-
pected to know much. for the King,
notoriously lax and careless about such
matters. But you must be as civil as
butter to the Cardinal. We hope to win
standing quarrel about their prece-
dence."
We were by now at the station. Fritz
had recovered nerve enough TO explain
to the astonished station master that
the King had changed his plans. The
train steamed up. We got into a first
class carriage. and Sapt. leaning back
on the cushions. went on with his les
son. I looked at my watch-the Kings
watch 1t was, of course. 1t was just g..
Il wonder if they've gone to look for
u.s." said.
Il hope they won't find the King"
said Fritz nervously. and this time It
was Sapt who shrugged his shoulders.
The train travelled well. and at $50.
looking out of the window, I saw the
towers and spires of a great city.
Your capital. my liege," grinned old
Sapt. with wave of his hand, and.
leaning forward, he laid his finger on
my pulse. "a little too quick" said lie
in his grumbllng tone.
''I'm not made Of stone" I exclaim-
ed.
you'll do" said he. with a nod. "we
must say Fritz here has caught the
ague. Drain your flask. Fritz. for
Heavens sake. boy!"
Fritz did as he was bid.
Were an hour early" said Sapt.
"We'll send word forward of your Mai
esty's arrival. for there'll be no one
here to meet US yet. And meanwhile"
MEANWHILE" said I. "the King IL DO
hanged II he doesn't have some break
fast"
OLD sapt chuckled, and held out his
hand.
You're an Elphberg. every inch Of
looking at US, said quietly. God send
we may be alive tonight
"Amen!" said Fritz Won Tarlenheim.
The train stopped. Fritz and Sapt
leaped out. uncovered. and held the
door for me. ] choked down a lump
that rose in my throat. settled my he'll
met firmly on my head. and (Im not
ashamed to say tt) breathed short
prayer to God. Then I stepped on the
platform Of theJ station at Strelsau.
A moment later all was hustle and
confusion: men hurrying up, hats in
hand. and hurrying off again; men con-
Quoting me to the buffet; men mounting
and riding in hot9haste to the quarters
Of the troops. to the cathedral, to the
residence Of Dukel Michael. Even as I
swallowed the last drop Of my cup tfl
coffee the bells throughout all the city
broke out into joyful peal. and the
sound Of military band and of men
cheering emote upon my ear.
King Rudolf the Fifth was in his
good city Of Strelsau. And they shouted
outside:
"God save the King"
Old Sapt's mouth wrinkled into a |
smile.
God save 'em both" he whispered. |
Courage, lad" and I felt his hand
press my knee.