New-York tribune., 1906-06-24
| lie

so vital, was now gossip of the market place. He
was secure; but he also out of a situation
He walked somewhat forlorny into St Michae1's
Square, and as luck would have it-Lepage thought
it bad luck-the first be ran against Vas
Captain Markart. Uneasy in his conscience Lepape
tired to eVade the encounter; but the Captain was
of another mind. His head was sound again and
on the whole he was glad to have slept through the
events OF what StenoylcS proclamation had styled
the auSpclouS day. He seized little Lepage by
the arm, greeted him with cordialty, and carried
him off to drink at the Golden Lion.
Without imputing any serious lack of sobriety
ment not the first of which the good -humored
Captain had partaken that forenoon; his manner
was 50 cordial his talk free.
We'll, here we are!' he said. We did our
best, you and |, Lepage; ConsCienCes are clear
As loyal subjects, we have now to accept the exist
ing regime"
What is it," asked Lepage. I've been indoors
for a week"
It's Aexis-stin A1exisl Long live Alexisl"
said Markart, with laugh. You surely don't
take Baroness DObrava into account"
thoughtfully nd-er-Captain behind Alexis?
Guiding the youthful King: Countess Ellenburg?''
No doubt, no doubt Behind him his very
pious mother, Lepage."
And behind hers persisted Lepage.
M3rkart laughed, but cast glance round and
Come, come Captain, don't leave an old friend
IN the dark just where information would be use
full"
An old friend Oh when remember nv
aching head! You think very forgiving, NJ
If you knew the night l spent, you'd forgive
me anything" said Lepage, with a shudder of
"reminiscences
All, we'll" said Markart 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''
I'm quite of Your mind; but its so difficult to
be prudent when one doesn't know which is the
stronger side"
You wouldn't go to Voseni? laughed Markart
" Why. no; but there difficulties nearer home
Ii you went out OF this door and turned to the left
YOU would come to the offices of the Council of
Ministers. II you turned the right and thence
to the right again, and to the north wall Won
would come, Captain, to Suleiman'S Tower Now.
as | understand, Colonel Stafnitz-"
eh," anu INC ''eiier'i at the oihces'
Precisely Which do YOU mean to takea"
. Markart looked round again. 81 shall sit here
Tor a bit longer he said. He finished his liquor
thereby perhaps, adding just the touch of confidence
lacking to his advice and leaning forward touched
Lepage the arm. DO YOU remember the
tain HerculeS?"
Aye, Welt" said Lcpage.
They the river up at KolSkoi now
should keep my eve them. They are to he
brought to Savna Who do YOU think will bring
them: Keep your eve thatl"
They are both scoundrels said Lepage, rising
Markart shrugged his shoulders The fruit lies
on the ground tor the who can pick it up
Why not: There's nobody who's got anv right to
1t now
He expressed exactly the view of the two GREAT
neighbour; though by no means in the language
winch their official communications adopted. stem
owes knew their views we'll He had also re-
celNed pretty plain intimation from Stafnitz
that the Colonel considered the eSCorting of the
guns to Slavna purely military task appertain-
ing not to the Ministry of State but 10 the officer
commanding the garrison in the capital Stafnitz