The independent., 1907-01-24

dismiss him.
who was with the duke when the
American struck him." she asked.
mo one, ! understand, your majes-
ty."
who else was in the cafe?'
II do not remember, your majesty
and he mopped his brow, though it
was singularly cool and pleasant
afternoon.
Think, Colonel Freers, think" The
queen looked at him with her eyes Of
steel.
The colonel went through the process
of thinking, then said: 'It seems to
me / heard that Major Braillers was
there, and Captain Vezner and"-he
stopped again.
"Think harder Colonel Freers."
"And perhaps ! heard the name OF
Count Stephen Of Blentner mentioned"
"Ah, Stephen, too," mused the queen.
THANK you, Colonel Freers. Your
memory grows better every day-with
little pricking," she added with
gleam of malice. You may retire
now" and as he was leaving, Queen
Alicia turned to Lady Louise and asked
innocently: How would you like to
see this American. A man should be
interesting ten hours before he is shot"
Lady Louise endeavored to appear
unconcerned. II suppose he Is some
common fellow, who cares little what
becomes Of him. / would respectfully
advise your majesty not to see the
creature"
I'VE have not heard that even COM
mon foreigners are entirely uncon-
cerned when it comes to question OF
their sudden taking-off," said the
queen, pursuing her point. 1--WE shall
see for ourselves, Louise" She lightly
tapped her hand and an officer Of the
household came forward. Captain,
send for the American who is to be
shot tomorrow, and have him appear
before me at once
Turning to Lady Louise, who was
nervously toying with the leaves of
book, which she had been reading, the
queen said: 'And now Louise we shall
have the man tell us his own story,
just to amuse us. have heard that
Americans can be very entertaining at
times" She smiled, but Lady Louise
did not reply.
| In few moments there was sound
Of trampling feet outside the window.
! The queen looked out.
"By my SOUL" she said. eff did not
know the criminal l should say that
one honest man was bringing in a half
dozen rogues." The door opened and
the American, with a soldier on either
side, and with two in front and two
behind, was marched in.
LET the prisoner approach" said the
queen. He was released and stepped
confidently before her
Young, handsome and evidently no
coward" thought the queen.
80, sir" she said, you are the for
eigner who has come into our little
mountain kingdom and struck one of
our most illustrious officers" She
looked sternly upon him.
The American, not at all disturbed.
replied: II would do the same thing
again. If the cause were the same''
"You see, your majesty, he acknowl-
edged his guilt?" said Lady Louise
Il did not say I was guilty of any
thing" corrected the American. II
merely said what I repeat would do
the same thing again were the cause
the same"
well said, no matter what the
cause" said the queen. under her
breath. Then aloud "But tell me.
prisoner, what was the cause, though
that has little to do with it In our
SOuiitly, lol tuc uttu IL iLSelI nelnOuS.'
She looked severe and judicial.
That | cannot tell" replied the
American.
But insist said the queen,
stamping her feet. The American said
nothing.
Are all Americans SO stubborn
when death stares them in the face p"
she asked impatiently.
II do not expect to die" said the
American. II have sent word 10 the
who at last learns the truth.
And So" she said. ''men are shot
IN my country for defending the name
OF the queen, and Americans must be
/ her defenders. How droll." and she
/ laughed, but there was naught OF
] mlrth in the laugh. Count" she went
ON, why did you not cone and tell me
4 this and save the end that comes az
sunriso?"
! Count stephen famed fiery red.
"Ynur majesty. please do not ask me
f why l could not voluntarily speak 10
4 xsnu nf fhxa Dt4ka A nrl4Nul a ,xull H.att