Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-06-10
10

Sterkoff was to be his. Under the most civil and
considerable form, he was made close prisoner
as the man he guarded Evidently Stenovlcs had
come to the conclusion that he could not ask
Markart to put too great strain on his conscience
The General however seemed kindly disposed
toward him. and was indeed almost apologize.
Il have every hope that this responsible and, |
fear, very irksome duty may last only the lew
hours l mentioned. You put me under per-
sonal obligation by undertaking it, my dear
Markart"
In the absence of any choice, Markart saluted
and answered. Il understand my orders, General
Stafnitz nterposed: Captain Sterkof is also
aware of their purport?
Stenovics looked vexed Eyes, yes; but I'm sure
Markart himself is quite enough 1t seems odd
that in the midst of such transaction as that IN
which he engaged, Stenovlcs should nave
found leisure, or heart, to care about Markarts
feelings. Yet so it was-a cur1ously human touch
creeping in. He shut Markart up only under the
strongest sense of necessity and with great reluct-
ance Probably Stafntz had insisted in the private
conversation which they had held together-Markart
had shown such evident signs OF J1bbng over the
Job proposed for Captain Hercules.
LepaPe's heart was wrung but his spirit not
broken Stafnitzs ironica1 smile called an answer
ing one to his lips " 1t would console my feelings
if | also were put in charge of somebody, General,
he said. Shall I, in my turn, keep an eye on Dr.
Natchef report if the Captain here is rem1ss IN
the duty of keeping himself a Prisoner! ,
4 don't think YOU need trouble yourself, M.
Lepage. Captain Sterkof will relieve you OF re-
sponsbility' To Lepage, too, Stenovics was gentle,
urbane almost apologize
And how long am l to live, General?
You in the enviable position, NJ Lepage
of being able, subject to our common NOR,
taity to settle that for yourself. Come, come!
We'll discuss matters again tomorrow night
or the following morning. There are many
men who prefer not to do things, but VIII
accept thing when it's done. They are not
necessarily unwise l have done no worse to
you than give you the opportunity of being d
one of them. l think you will be prudent to i
take it. Anyhow, don't be angry; you must
remember that you have given us good deal OF
trouble.
Between us we have killed the King!"
Stenovics waved his hands IN com
1niserating way, Practical men mustn't
spend time in 1anenting the past he said
Nor in mere conversation however pleasant,
Stafntz broke in with laugh Captain Markart'
march your prisoner to his quarters!
His smile made the order mockery. Markart
felt it, and hatred OF the man rose IN HIM But
he could do nothing He did not lead Lepage to
his quarters but followed sheepshly in his prisoners
wake. They went together into the little room
where Lepage slept.
Close quarters, too Captain, said the valet.
There is but one chair-let me put 1t at your
service" He himself sat down on the bed, took
his tobacco and began to roll himself cigarette
Markart shut the door, and then threw himself on
the solitary chair in a heavy dependency OF spirit
and a confused conflict of feelings. He was glad
to be out of the work. yet he resented the manner in
which he was put aside There were things going
on in which it was well to have no hand. Yet was
there not a thing going in which every ought
to have hand on one side or the other!-not to do
it. but to be ready to accept it when done! He was
enough of soldier to feel that there lay the worst,
the meanest thing of all Not to dare to do 1T, but
to profit by the doing Stenovics had used the
words to Lepage his prisoner. By making him IN
effect a prisoner too, the General showed that he
applied them to the Captain also. Anything
seemed better than that-aye it would be better
to ride to Praslok behind Captain Hercules In
that adventure a man might at least risk his life.
An odd world" said the valet, putting out his
cigarette smoke. Honest men for prisoners, and
murderers for jailers. Are you prisoner or a
jaier Captain Markart?"