Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-05-27

a personal interview. At least he could go out
the servants were not prisoners Even conspirators
must stop somewhere pain of doing their own
cooking and the rest.
At half past eight in the evening having given
the King his dinner and made him comfortable for
the next two hours, Lepage sailed forth and took
the road to Slavna. He carefully dressed
wore flower in his buttonhole and in conversation
with his peers had dropped discreet hint about
lady. 1t ladies often demand excuses they may
furnish them too; present seriousness invoked aid
from bygone frivolity.
At teri o'clock he returned, still spruce and
orderly, and with well-satished air about him
He had found a purchaser for his suspicion and
his fact. His pocket was the better lined, and he
had received atering expressions of gratitude and
assurances of favor. He felt that he had raised
buttress against future assaults of fortune. He
entered the Kings dressing in his usual
noiseless and unobtrusive manner. He not
aware that General Stenovics had quilted it just
a quarter of an hour before, bearing in his hand
document which he had submitted for His Majesty's
signature. The King had signed it and Endorsed
"Ah, Lepage, where have you been?" asked the
King.
You look gayer than that" smiled the King
Evidently his anger had passed-perhaps he wished
to show as much to an old servant whom he liked
and valued
Conscence-stricken or so appearing, Lepage
tore the flower from his coat. Il beg Your Majes-
tvs pardon / ought to have removed it before
entering Your Majesty's presence. But was told
you wished to retire at once sir; so hurried here
Immediately.
The King gave a weary yawn Yes, III go
to bed once, Lepage; and let me sleep as long as
| This fag-end of life isn't very amusing"
He passed his hand YEARLY across his brow MY
head aches. Isn't the room very close, Lepage?
Open the window.
1t has begun to rain sir
81 Never mind, let's have the rain too. At least
it's fresh
Lepage opened window which looked over the
krath. The King rose. Lepage FASTENED to offer
his arm which His Majesty accepted. They went
together to the window sudden storm had
gathered; rain was peting down in big drops.
" 1t looks like being rough night" remarked
the King.
I'm afraid it does sir Lepage agreed.
Were lucky to be going our BEDS
Very, sir answered Lepage, wondering whose
opposite fate His Majesty plying
Il shouldn't care, even if l were young man
and sound one, to ride to Prasok tonight
ITO Prasok, Srf' There was surprise, in
it sounded natural to the King. 1t certainly
not night to ride ive-and- twenty miles and into
the hills, unless your business urgent.
Yes, to Praslok. I've had my breath of air
you may shut the window, Lepage."
The King returned to the fireplace and stood
warming himself Lepage closed the window, drew
the curtains, and to the middle of the room,
where he stood in respectful readiness, and under
meath that lively curiosity.
Yes, said the King slowly, Captain Markart
goes to Praslok tonight, with despatch for His
Royal Highness, you know. Business, Lepage
urgent business Everything must yield to that"
The King enunciated this virtuous maxim as though
it had been the rule of his life. No time to lose,
Lepage; the Captain goes tonight But I'm
afraid he'll have a rough ride-very rough.
I'm afraid So sir said Lepage and added
strictly in his thoughts: And SO will M. zerko-
witch.
Captain Markart was entirely of His Majestys
opinion as he set out on his journey to Praslok.
His ride would be rough, dark and solitary-the
last by Stenovcs order. Markart was not afraid
he well armed-but he expected to be
49, +1,o&1 .,x, he Nv