Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-03-14
he Could lead or drive and when he v,,v,ok A,llrv,, ts

day I masquerade like this there Is fresh risk. Sapt, we must play high. i We must force the game"
 'So be it." he said, with sigh. To cut the story short, at half-past ii that night Sapt and mounted our horses. Fritz was again left on guard, our destination not being revealed to him. It was very dark night wore no sword, but I carried revolv- CT, long knife and bullseye lan- tern. We arrived outside the gate. dismounted. Sapt held out his hand. "I shall wait here.' he said. If I hear shot, rlr'- "Stay where you are. It's the kings | only chance. You mustn't come to grief toe" "You're right, lad. Good luck" pressed the little gate. It yielded, and found myself in a wild sort of shrubbery. There was grass grown I path, and, turning to the right as l had been bidden, followed 1t eau tiously. My lantern was closed, the I revolver was in my hand. I heard not a sound. Presently large dark ob- ject loomed out of the gloom ahead of me- It was the summer house. Reach l ing the steps. mounted them and found myself confronted by weak, rickety wooden door which hung upon the latch. I pushed 1t open and walk ed in. A woman flew to me and seized my hand.
 l '"Shut the door," she whispered. I obeyed and turned the light of my lantern on her. She was in evening dress, arrayed very sumptuously, and her dark striking beauty was marvel ously displayed in the glare of the bullseye. The summer house was a bare little room, furnished only with a couple of chairs and small iron table, such as one sees in tea garden or an open air cafe. sDon't talk" she said. "We've no time. Listen! I know you, Mir. Ras- sendyll. l wrote that letter at the dukes orders"
 "So thought" said I.
 'In twenty minutes three men will be here to kill you"
 "Three-the three?"
 "Yes. You must be gone by then. If not tonight you'll be killed'-
 "Or they will"
 "Listen, listen! When you're killed your body will be taken to low quar- | ter of the town. It will be found there. Michael will at once arrest all your friends-C Colonel Sapt and Cap tain von Tarlenheim first-proclaim q state of siege in Strelsau and send q messenger to Zenda. The other three will murder the king in the castle. and the duke will proclaim either himself or the princess himself If he Is strong enough. Anyhow, he'll marry her and become king in fact and soon in name. Do you see?"
 Its a pretty plot. But why, ma dame, do you
 "Say I'm a Christian-or say I'm jealous. My God, shall I see him mar " her? Now go, but remember-this is what I have to tell you-that never by night or by day are you safe. Three men follow you as a guard. Is it not 70? We'll, three follow them. Michaers three are never 200 yards from you. Your life is not worth moment If ever they find you alone. Now go. Stay-the gate will be guarded by now. Go down softly, go past the summer house, on for hundred yards, and you'll find ladder against the wall. Get over it and fly for your life"
 "And you?" asked.
 q have my game to play too. If he finds out what have done, we shall not meet again. If not, I may yet but never mind. Go at once"
 b"But what will you tell hlm?"
 That you never came-that you saw through the trick"
 | took her hand and kissed 1t.
 Madame" said I, you have served the king well tonight. Where Is he ir the castle?"
 She sank her voice to fearful whis per. listened eagerly.
 .Across the drawbridge you come tt a heavy door. Behind that lies-hark What's that?"
 There were steps outside.
 They're coming. They're too soon Heavens. they're too soonw And sh' turned pale as death. "They seem to me-" said I, ito be il the nick of time" "Close your lantern. See, there's : chink in the door. Can you see them ? I put my eye to the chink. On tn lowest step saw three dim figures. cooked my revolver. Antoinette hastl ly laid her hand on mine.
 "You may kill one." said she, "bu what then:"
 A voice came from outside-a voic that spoke perfect English.
 "Mr. Rassendyll." 1t said.
 Imade no answer. "we want to talk to you. Will yo
 promise not to shoot till we've donefr . Have I the pleasure of addressin Mfr. DetchardT' said.
 "Never mind names"
 "Then let mine alone" "All right sire. I've an offer for you. I still had my eye to the chink. Tn |. three had mounted two steps mors
 Three reyoivers pointed full at th , l door.
 "wiIi you let us mi We pledge ou , honor to observe the truce"
 fTo be Continued.I Our Needs for Tc-pay.
 IT, ~f~rtHe.rx ho~ exhIlnra fin,