Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-04-24

Black Michael IL you disappeared.
With you gone the old game that we
stopped would be played-or he'd have
shot at it."
M 81 can take care OF myself"
a ''De Gautet, Bersonin and Detchard
are in-Strelsau, and any one of them.
lad, would cut your throat as readily
as readily as l would Black Michaers
and deal more treacherously. What's
the letter."
] opened il and read II aloud:
If the king desires 10 know what II
deeply concerns the king to know let him
do as this letter bids him. AT the end of
the New avenue there stands a house in
large grounds. The house has a portico,
with a statue Of a nymph in IL. wall
incioses the garden there is gate in the
wall at the back. At II O'Clock tonight.
n the king enters alone by that gate.
turns 10 the right and walks twenty
yards. he will find summer house, ap-
preached by a fight of six steps. II he
mounts and enters he will find some one
who will tell him what touches most
dearly his life and his throne. This is
written by a faithful friend. He must
be alone. II he neglects the invitation
his life will be I'm danger. Let him show
this to one. he will ruin a woman
pardon.
"No," observed Sapt as ended "but
he can dictate very pretty letter"
had arrived at the same conclusion
and was about 10 throw the letter away
. when | saw there was more writing on
>the other side.
'Hello There's some more"
consult Colonel Sapt-
"Eb?" exclaimed that gentleman, gen
timely astonished. "Does she take me
for a greater fool than your
waved TO blm to be silent.
ASK him what woman would do most
10 prevent tie duke from marrying his
cousin and therefore most to prevent his
becoming king? And ask II her name be-
gins with-A.
sprang to my feet Sapt laid down
his pipe.
"Antolnette de Mauban, by heavenw
cried.
"How do you known asked Sapt
told him what knew of the lady
and how knew IT. He nodded
> ITS SO far true that she's had
great row with Michael" said he
thougbtfully.
eff she would, she could be useful"
said.
IL believe. though, that Michael
wrote that letter."
$50 do I, but mean TO know for GER
tain. / shall go, Sapt"
mo, shall GO" said he
you may go as far as the gate"
II shah 90 to the summer house."
I'm hanged If you shall"
i rose and leaned my back against
the mantelpiece.
''Sapt, / believe in that woman, and
] shall 60"
IL don't believe in any woman" said
Sapt, land you shan't co.
II either go to the summer house or
back TO England" said I.
Sapt began to know exactly how far
he could lead or drive and when he
must follow.
Were playing against time" add
ed. Every day we leave the king
where he Is there is fresh risk. Every
day l masquerade like this there is
We must force the game"
$50 he IT," he said, with a sigh.
To cut the story short, at half-past
IL that night Sapt and | mounted our
horses. Fritz was again left on guard,
our destination not being revealed %
him. 1t was very dark night.
wore no sword, but | carried revolv-
er, a long knife and bullseye lam
tern. We arrived outside the gate.
dismounted. Sapt held out his hand.
Il shall wait here" he said. "1f !
hear shot. Tlr'-
stay where you are. It's the kings
only chance. You mustn't come to
grief too"
you're right. lad. Good luck"
y / pressed the little gate II yielded.
md j found myself IN wild sort of
'shrubbery. There was a grass grown
path, and, turning TO the right as
had been hidden, | followed Il eau
tiously. My lantern was closed the
revolver was in my hand. heard not
sound. Presently n large dark OBJ
ject loomed out of the gloom ahead Of
me. II was the summer house. Reach
lnt tiAC TA'lfn. ibOulttO tntli anu
found myself confronted by weak.
rickety wooden door which hung upon
the latch. ! pushed ii open and walk
ed In. A woman flew to me and seized
my hand.
''Shut the door" she whispered.
! obeyed and turned the light OF my
lantern on her. She was I'm evening
dress. arrayed very sumptuously. and
her dark striking beauty was marvel
ously displayed in the glare of the
bulIseye The summer house was a
bare little room. furnished only with
n couple of chairs and a small iron
table. such as one sees in tea garden
OF an open air cafe.
Don't talk" she said. We've no
time Listenl ] know you, Mr. Ras-
- sendyll. I wrote that letter at the
Ftiuke's orders"
$50 thought" said l.
'1n twenty minutes three men will
be here TO kill you
ssThree-the fhreeT"