The Democrat-sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1906-1935, 1907-05-30

in this bindly Steinbock we know to
have forged the name of the minister
of finance. We hold this sword above
his head And ii he should speak or
boast of 1t, your word would hold
greater weight than his. Do you un
| derstand now"
Yes, | understand. But l believe
that | am genuinely sorry to have
| blundered into this castle tonight"
"Oh, if you lack courage!" care
lessly
| laughed. Il am not afraid of 20
Steinbocks"
Her laughter echoed mine. Come,
Mr.. BY the way, l believe
do not know your name"
Warrington-Arthur Warrington"
THAT is a very good English name,
and gentleman possessing it will
| never leave two women in predica-
ment like this. You will understand
that we dare not trust any one at
court. Relative to her highness, the
duke succeeds in bribing ALL
But rascal like SteInbock!"
81 know,"--a bit wearily.
1T is pardonable to say that l be-
| lieve her highness has been very fool
ish"
The girl made a gesture which con-
ceded the fact. 1T is too late to re-
treat, as | have told you. Steinbock is
already on the way. We must trust
him. But you?'
After all, what does a consulate
amount to?"
This seemed to be answer enough.
She extended her hand in royal fash.
ion | took it in one of mine, bent aud
kissed it respectfully Apparently she
had expected the old-fashioned hand
shake familiar to our common race, for
/ observed that she started as my lips
came into contact with the back of her
hand. AS for me, when my lips
touched the satin flesh / knew that it
was all over
Your highness!" she called.
The princess returned. She looked
at me with mixture of fierceness and
defiance, humility and supplication. |
had always supposed her to be sort
of hobbledehoy; instead, she was one
of those rare creatures who possess
all the varying moods of the sex. l
could readily imagine all the young
fellows falling violently in love with
her; all the young fellows save one.
glanced furtively at the Honorable
Betty.
HE knows all?" asked her highness,
her chin tilted aggressiyely
Everything.
There was that in her highness tone
tone which dared me to express any
opinion that was not totally compli-
mentary.
Il am not sufficiently well-born to
pass an opinion upon your highness
actions" l replied, with excusable
irony.
Excellent" she exclaimed. 81 have
grown weary of sycophants. You are
not afraid of me at all"
Not in the slightest degree" de-
clared.
You will not regret what you are
about to do. / can make 1t very pleas
ant for you in Barscheit-or very un-
pleasant" But this threatening sup
plement was made harmless by the ac-
companying smile.
May | offer the advice of rather
worldly man."
"Well?"
when Steinbock comes bid him go
about his business"
The Honorable Betty nodded APPROX
ingly, but her highness shrugged.
Since you are decided" and l
bowed. Now, what time does this
fellow put in his appearance"
Her highness beamed upon the Hon
orable Betty. 81 like the way he says
this fellow 1t reassures me. He is
due at nine O'Clock; that is to say, in
half an hour / will give you these di-
rections. / do not wish Steinbock to
know of your presence here. You will
hide in the salon, close to the por-
there's, within call. Moreover, / shall
have to impose upon you the disagree
able duty of playing the listener. Let
nothing escape your ear or your eye.
| am not certain of this fellow Stein
book, though | hold sword above his
head"
but where are your men?" | asked.
She smiled. There is no one here
but Leopold"
Your highness to meet steinbock
alone?"
Il have no fear of him; he knows
who am"
Everything shall be done as you
wish" | secretly hoped l might have
the opportunity to punch Steinboek's
head
Thank you" The transition of her
moods always left me in wonder. "Play
something; II is impossible to talk"
She perched herself on the broad arm
OF the Honorable Betty's chair, and
her arm rested lightly but affection
ately on her shoulder.
Ii was something for a man to gain
the confidence, in SO short time, Of
two such women. / felt as brave as
Bayard. So | sat down before the
piano and played My two accomplish
ments are horseback riding and music
and | candidly tell you that | am as
reckless at one as at the other, had
a good memory. | played something
from Chaminade. as her fancies are
always airy and agreeable and unmel.
ancholy, | was attacking THE Flat
terer" when her highness touched my
arm.
'Hark!"
We all listened intently The sound