Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-10-09
SYNOPSIS.

| reigning grand duke had tried TO. fine
Prin usssnd f1r his rebelIions niece: ths
that she wed the Prince of Doppekinn
an ugly old widower. ruler of the neigh
boring principally. Though he had beer
in the country for six months the Ameri-
,an consul had never seen the princess
| While horseback riding In the country
night overtakes him. and hes seeks accom-
mediation In dilapldated old castle. In
| II 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 witness TO a
| mock marriage OF the Princess TO Stein
book, disgraced military officer. as a
means OF escaping the marriage with
American consul. is hidden behind the
portiers when Steinbock arrives.
CHAPTER lII.-Continued.
heard the crackle OF parchment
The certificate was being unfolded
ct occurred To me that while she was
about 1t 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.
IL 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 young
woman anything, when she is a prin-
own way. Ii 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. / saw Steinbock
poise the pen, then scribble on the
parchment IL was done. l stirred
restlessly.
"There!" cried Steinbock. His voice
did not lack 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 a gentleman; did not
always accept money for aiding in
shady transactions"
Neither your sentiments nor your
opinions are required. Now, observe
me carefully" continued her highness.
Il shall give you "a hours to cross the
frontier in any direction you choose.
II after that time you are found in
promise to hand you over
to the police"
1T 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.
Il never expected so great an honor. |
To wed princess. when that princess |
Is your highness! Faith, It is fine!"
You may go at once" interrupted |
her highness, her voice rising a key. |
II o., hnr
between you and prison. You waste
time"
What! you wish to be rid of me so |
soon? Why, this is the bridal night. |
One does not part with ones wife at |
his rate"
Leopold. the caretaker, made a warn
ng gesture.
Come, Leopold, must have my
est" laughed Steinbock.
Within certain bounds" returned
he old man phlegmatically. ut is
lign time you were off. You are fool.
hardy to match your chances with
ustice. Prison stares you in the face"
BAH DO you believe it?"
1T is positive fact" added the
But to leave like this has the pang
# DEATH" Steinbock demonstrated
What! shall | be off without having
wen kissed the bride?"
The bargain is concluded on all
ides; you have your thousand
rowns."
But not loves tribute. must have
hat. II is worth a thousand crowns.
BESIDES" with a perceptible change in
lis manner. shall forget the con.
empt with which you have always
ooked upon me. even in the old days
hat were fair and prosperous? Scarce
y, Opportunity is a thing that can
ot be permitted to pass thus lightly"
hen | observed his nose wrinkle; he
'as smiling. Tobacco / did not
now that you smoked, Leopold"
BE gonel" cried the old fellow. his
ands opening and shutting.
Presently" With a laugh he
prang toward her highness, but Leo
old was too quick for MIN.
There was short struggle, and I
aw the valiant old man reel. fall and
trike his head on the stone of the
earth. He lay perfectly motionless.
o unexpected was this scene to my
yes that for time was without any
articulaf sense of movement. l stood
Ike stone. With an evil laugh Stein I
ock sprang toward her highness !
gain. Quick as light she snatched up {
~ crop. which lay on the table, aad
.ruck the rascal full across the eyes, s
gain and again and again. following I