The National tribune., 1906-09-27

Michael will at once arrest all your
friends-Col. Sopt and Capt. Won Tar
ienheim first-proclaim a state of siege
IN Strelsau, and send a messenger to
Zenda. The other three will murder
the King in the CASTLE and the Duke
will proclaim either himself or the
Princess-himself II he is strong
enough. Anyhow. he'll marry her. and
become King in fact. and soon in name.
Do you see?"
ITS pretty plot. But why, madame.
do you"
Say I'm a Christisn-or say I'm
jealous. My God, shall see him mar
ry her? Now go; but remember--this
is what I have to tell you-that never
by night or by day are you safe. Three
men follow you as a guard. Is it not
so? Well, three follow them. Michaers
three are never 200 yards from you.
Your life is not worth moment il ever
they find you alone. Now go. Stay.
the gate will be guarded by now. Go
down softly, go past the Summer house,
on for 100 yards. and you'll find a lad
der against the wall. Get over 1t and
fly for your life"
"And you?" asked.
II have my game to play, too. II he
finds out what 1 have done we shall not
meet again. If not. I may yet But
never mind. Go at once"
That you never came-that you saw
! through the trick"
| 1 took her hand and kissed It.
Madame" said I. you have served
the King well tonight. Where IL he in
| the castle?"
| She sank her voice to fearful whis-
per. / listened eagerly.
ACROSS the drawbridRe you come to
heavy door; behind that lies Hark!
| What's that?"
There were steps outside.
They're coming! They're too soon!
Heavens! they're too soon!" and she
turned pale as death.
''They seem to me-" said I. ito be in
the nick of time"
chink in the door. Can you see them ?"
I put my eye to the chink. On the
lowest step I saw three dim figures. 1
cooked my revolver. Antoinette hastily
laid her hand on mine.
You may kill one" said she. But
| what them"
A voice came from outside-a voice
that spoke perfect English.
"Mr. Rassendyll." 1t said.
made no answer.
I'VE want to talk to you. Will you
promise not to shoot till we've done?"
Have I the pleasure Of addressing g
Mr. Detchard ?" I said.
Never mind names"
''Then let mine alone"
"All right, sire. I've an offer for
you"
still had my eye to the chink Tho
three had mounted two steps more;
three revolvers pointed full at tho door.
will you let US in? We pledge our
honor to observe the truce"
Don't trust them," whispered An
toinette.
I'VE can speak through the door,"
said I.
But you might open It and fire."
objected Detchard. "and though we
should finish you, you might finish one
of us. Will you give your honor not to
fire while we talk?"
Don't trust them," whispered An
toinette again.
A sudden idea struck me- eonsld-
cred 1t for a moment. It seemed feas-
ible.
II give my honor not to fre before
you do." said I; but won't let you in.
Stand outside and talk"
That's sensible" he said.
The three mounted the last step. and
stood just outside the door, I laid my
ear to the chink. I could hear no
words. but Detchard's head was close
to that of the taller Of his companions
Ode Gaatet. I guessed).
HIN! Private communication" +"
thought I. Then I said aloud:
well. gentlemen. what's the offer ?"
"a safe conduct to the frontier and
1000 pounds English"
mo. no." whispered Antoinette in
the lowest Of whispers. '"They are
treacherous."
THAT seems handsome" said T, re-
connoitering through the chink. They
were all close together. Just outside the
door now.
had probed the hearts of the ruff
hans, and did not heed Antoinette's
warning. They meant to rush" me as
soon as was engaged In talk.
'"Givs me q minute to consider" said