Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-03-16

T can hardly yet write" said I. My
 finger is stiff still"
 l It was, in fact, the first time that
 had ventured to write more than sig
 nature, and in spite of the pains had
 taken to learn the kings hand I was
 not yet perfect in it.
 Indeed, sire," he said, ''it differs .
 little from your ordinary handwriting
 It is unfortunate, for it may lead to a
 suspicion of forgery"
 Marshal" said I, with a laugh,
 "what use are the guns of Strelsau if
 they can't assuagc a little suspicion
 He smiled grimly and took the paper.
 Colonel Sapt and Fritz von Tarlen-
 helm so with me-" continued.
 You go to seek the duke?' he asked
 in low tone. >.
 Yes, the duke, and some one else of
 whom have need and who is at Zen da." I replied.
 "I wish I could go with you"' he cried, tugging at his white mustache. "I'd like to strike blow for you and your crown"
 "I leave you what is more than my life and more than my crown" said I. because you are the man trust more than all others in Ruritania.'
 II will deliver her to you safe and sound," said he, and. failing that, willtmake her queen' '
 We parted. and I returned to the pal | O md fnl r;x ,hok lao T done. Sapt had q few faults to find and few grumbles to utter. This was merely what expected. for Sapt liked to be consulted beforehand, not inform ed afterward. On the whole he ap- proved of my plans, and his spirits rose high as the hour of action drew nearer and nearer, Fritz, too, was ready. though he. poor fellow, risked I more than Sapt did, for he was lover, and his happiness hung in the scale. Yet how envied him! For the trium- phant issue which would crown him with happiness and unite him to his mistress, the success for which we were bound to hope and strive and stNlggle meant to me sorrow more cer- tain and greater than if were doom- ed to fail He understood something of this. for when we were alone (save for old Sapt, who was smoking at the ot.l- CT end of the room) he passed his arm through mine, saying:
 Its hard for you. Don't think I don't trust you. I know you have noth. ing but true thoughts in your heart.'
 But turned away from him, thank ful that he could not see what my heart held, but only be witness to the deeds that my hands were to do.
 Yet even he did not understand. for he had not dared to lift his eyes to the Princess Flavia, as had lifted mine.
 Our plans were now all made, even as we proceeded to carry them out, and as they will hereafter appear The next morning we were to start on the hunting excursion. had made all ar engagements for being absent. and now there was only one thing left to do the hardest, the most heartbreaking. l As evening fell I drove through the i busy streets to Flavia's residence. I was recognized as I went and heartily cheered. I played my part, and made shift to look the happy lover. In spite of my depression was almost amused at the coolness and delicate hauteur with which my sweet lover received me. She had heard that the king was leaving Strelsau on q hunting expedl- tion. -s
 '1 regret that we cannot amuse your majesty here in Strelsau." she said, tapping her foot lightly on the floor. "l would have offered you more enter tainment, but was foolish enough to think
 Well. what?" I asked. leaning over her.
 That for just a day or two after after last nlght-you might be happy without much gayety." and she turned pettishly from me as she added, q" ! hope the boars will be more engross. ing"
 i'm going after a very big boar" said l: and. because I could not help 1t. I began to play with her hair, but she moved her head away.
 Are you offended with me-" ask ed In feigned surprise. for could not resist tormenting her little. had never seen her angry, and every fresh aspect of her was a delight to me. What right have to he offended. True. you said last night that every hour away from me was wasted. But n very big boar-thats a different hing Perhaps the boar will hunt me" suggested Perhaps. Flavia. he'll ! ,atch me" She made no answer.
 You are not touched even by that ianger?" : Still she said nothing. and I. stealing 1, round. found her eyes full of tears. You weep for my dangerr' Then she spoke very low: c This is like what you used to be. ' put not like the king-the king IT ' nave come to love- With sudden great groan I caught f Ter to my heart. My darling" I cried. forgetting e-- ( 'rything but her. did you dream that left you to go hunting? [ What then. Rudolf, An. you're not d 'oing-- g Well. it is hunting. go to seek s fichael in his lair-
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