The Montgomery advertiser., 1907-01-20

You do not like the Duke I,orde- | val because-well, for several reasons | t-Dut yaiI-ose GA~sierrfatI ~r'u VIII i'"t | lie. I ask you, nay, command you, as your Queen, to tell me why the Amer ican struck the Duke"
 Count Stephen appeared uneasy. Your Majesty, I did not hear all that was said." he replieI.
 Don't try to tell me all-tell me what you heard. Remember, I com mand you to speak"
 Well, the Duke had been drinking and he said some things about a wo- man that no man who Is favored and gentleman, would breathe. It was a foolish story of conquest, and l would have resented 1t myself, but the Amer ican was ahead of me. His words as he sprang at the Duke were: Duke or struck him full in the face. Then he was arrested. and it all ends at sum rise, according to our law"
 Who was the woman?" asked the Queen.
 "I prefer not to answer" was the re- ply.
 Was the woman your Queen? she asked, in a quick flash of anger.
 q cannot say-on my honor, I pre- fer not to answer, Your Majesty" said the Count Then as If making anew an old vow, he said vehemently: "As there's a God in heaven. Alicia-I ask your pardon--Your Majesty, I would have run the Duke through myself if the American had not interfered."
 The Queen bowed her head for a moment and stood in deep thought. When she looked up there was pain or humiliation in her eyes, and when as she spoke again in her voice was all the bitterness of the woman of her | kind, who at last learns the truth. l hn ir my country for defending the name of the Queen, and Americans must be her defenders. How droll!' and she laugh ed, but there was naught of mirth in her laugh. Count" she went on why did you not come and tell me this and save the end that comes al sunrise?"
 Count Stephen famed a fiery red Your Majesty please do not ask me why I could not voluntarily speak tc you of the Duke of Lordeval. I could kill him, yes, but could not, in honor complain or him to you, Your Majesty
 You are right. Count" was the thoughtful reply. But now Tor action Please wait for me here. I will return in five minutes.'
 The Queen went back to her cham Der and returned in a few minutes covered from head to foot in a cloak and Its hood
 
 the American Is improsined'
 They went silently across tht grounds to the left wing, but not with. out being challenged. in each case the Queen lifting her hood and showing her face.
 "It is not hattering. Count" sh' said with a shade of gravity in hel words. that the guards do not show surprise when they know what it Is. , The Count wisely remained silent. When they reached the prison tower , the Queen directed that they be takel to the Americans cell. When the doc was opened for their entrance, the, found the prisoner sitting on a stool , smoking a cirarette and writing by tn 7 light of a single candle. When he say i a woman's form he stood up, and wait
 ed for her to speak. The Queen threv back her hood.
 Have you been making your will n Sir American?" she asked. ! 'I have" said he, been writing t
 my firm that I shall probably take Sat a urday's steamer" and he stamped ou
 the half-s smoked cigarette. 'I hay e been waiting for word from our Con ' sul I presume. sir" he said, addres sing Count stephen, that you hay