The Grit-advocate. (Julesburg, Colo.) 1899-1907, 1907-10-25
Copyright, l9O6. Bobbs-MerriuC Coz
SYNOPSIS.

reigning grand duke had tried to find
Princess Hildegarde, finally decreeing
that she wed the Prince Of Doppcllinn,
an ugly old wtdower ruler Of the neigh
in the country for six months the Ameri-
can consul had never seen the princess.
While horseback riding in the country
night overtakes him. and he seeks accom-
mediation in dilapidated old castle. In
It he finds an old servitor and two
women. the Princess Hildegarde. and a
friend. the Hon. Betty Moore Of England.
They detain him to be Il witness to
mock marriage of the Princess to Stein
Prince Doppekinn Warrington, the
American consul is hidden behind the
portiers when Steinbock arrives.
CHAPTER discontinued.
heard the crackle Of parchment.
The certificate was being unfolded.
ut occurred to me that while she was
about it the princess might just as
well have forged the rascal's name and
wholly dispensed with his services.
The whole affair struck me as being
ineffective; nothing would come of it.
If she tried to make the duke believe
that she had married Steinbock, her
uncle would probe the matter to the
bottom, and in the end cover her with
ridicule. But you can not tell a young
woman anything, when she is prin-
cess and in the habit of having her
own way. It is remarkable how stupid
clever women can be at times. The
Honorable Betty understood, but her
highness would not be convinced. Thus
she suffered this needless affront. Par
don this parenthesis, but when one
talks from behind curtain the par
enthesis is the only available thing.)
There was silence. l saw Steinbock
poise the pen, then scribble on the
parchment. 1t was done. I stirred
restlessly.
! 'There!" cried Steinbock. His voice
did not lack a certain triumph. And
now for the duplicated"
Her highness stuffed the document
into the bosom of her dress. There
will be no duplicate" The frigidity Of
her tones would have CONCEALED the
blood of an ordinary rascal. But Stein
book was not ordinary.
But suppose the duke comes to me
for verification?" he reasoned.
You will be on the other side of
the frontier. Here are your thousand
crowns"
The barb of her contempt penetrated
even his thick epidermis. His smile
hardened.
Il was once gentleman; l did not
always accept money for aiding in
shady transactions
Neither your sentiments nor your
opinions are required. Now, observe
h,e carefully" continued her highness
Il shall give you "a hours to cross the
frontier in any direction you choose
If after that time you are found in
Barscheit, promise to hand you over
to the police"
ut has been a great day." said the
rascal, with a laugh. "a thousand
crowns!"
l separated the portieres an inch.
He stood at the side of the piano, upon
which he leaned an elbow. He was
certainly handsome, much sought after
by women of low class. The princess
stood at Steinbock's left and the Hon
\ orable Betty at his right, erect, their
faces expressing nothing, SO forced
was the respose.
II never expected so great an honor.
To wed princess, when that princess
is your highness! Faith, it is fine!"
You may so at once" interrupted
her highness, her voice rising key
Remember, you have only "a hours
between you and prison. You waste
valuable time"
What! you wish to be rid Of me SO
to hriI al ,i,rI
One does not part with ones wife at
this rate"
Leopold, the carctaker, made warn
ing gesture.
Come, Leopold, must have my
jest" laughed Steinbock.
within certain bounds" returned
the old man phlegmatically. ut is
high time you were off. You are fool
hardy to match your chances with
justice. Prison stares you in the face"
Bah! Do you believe it,"
ut is a positive fact" added the
princess.
But to leave like this has the pang
Of DEATH" Steinbock demonstrated.
What! shall l be OFF without having
even kissed the bride?"
1.-The bargain is concluded on all
sides; you have your thousand
Crowns
But not loves tribute. I must have
that 1t is worth a thousand crowns.
Besides" with a perceptible change in
his manner, shall l forget the con-
Tempt with which you have always
booked upon me, even In the old days
hat were fair and prospero".s S"srca-