Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-03-14
CHAPTER TX.

side, dropped respectfully behind.
 CHAPTER TX. fSIY lT were to detail the ordinary IXl events of my daily life at this I6SnSey time they might prove in- jSS4SSy structiye to people who are not familiar with the insides of pal aces; if I revealed some of the secrets I learned they might prove of interest to the statesmen of Europe. intend to do neither of these things. should be between the Scylla of dullness and the Charybdis of indiscretiOn, and l feel that I had far better contine my self strictly to the underground drama which was being played beneath the surface of Ruritanian politics. need only say that the secret of my inn posture defied detection. made mis- takes. I had bad minutes. It needed all the tact and graciousness whereof I was master to smooth over some ap- parent lapses of memory and unmlnd- fitness of old acGuaintances of which I was guilty. But I escaped, and l attributed my escape, as I have said before, most of all to the very audac- ity of the enterprise. It is my belief that, given the necessary physical like ness, it was far easier to pretend to be king of Ruritania than 1t would have been to personate my next door neighbor.
 One day Sapt came into my room. He threw me letter, saying:
 That's for you-a woman's hand, I think. But I've some news for you first.'
 What's that?'
 "The kings at the castle of Zenda," said he.
 How do you know?"
 ..Because the other half of Michaels Six are there. had inquiries made, and they're all there Lauengram, Krafstein and young Rupert Hentzau- three rogues, too, on my honor, as fine as live in Ruritania."
 "Well:"
 "Well, Fritz wants you to march to the castle with horse, foot and artil- lery."
 And drag the moat?" asked.
 "That would be about it," grinned Sapt, "and we shouldn't find the kings body then."
 "You think it's certain he's there?"
 "yery probable. Besides the fact of those three being there, the drawbridge is kept uS and no one goes in without an order from young Hentzau or Black Michael himself. We must tie Fritz up."
 HI go to Zenda," said I.
 You're mad"
 "Some day"
 "Oh, perhaps. You'll very likely stay there. though, if you do."
 "That may be, my friend" said I carelessly.
 "His majesty looks sulky," observed Sapt. Flows the love affair?'
 Hold your tonguew I said.
 He looked at me for moment. Then he lit his pipe. It was quite true that I was in bad temper, and I went on perversely: ,
 Wherever go I'm dogged by half a dozen fellows"
 T know you are. I send 'em," he re- piled composedly.
 .What for:'
 "Well." said sapt. puffing away, "it wouldn't be exactly inconvenient for Black Michael If you disappeared. With you gone the old game that we stopped would be played-or he'd have a shot at it."
 ''I can take care of myself"
 "De Gautet Bersonin and Detchard are in Strelsau, and any one of them, lad, would cut your throat as readily as readily as I would Black Michaels and deal more treacherously. Whats the letterT
 I opened 1t and read 1t aloud:
 If the king desires to know what il deeply concerns the king to know let hin do as this letter bids him. At the end ol the New avenue there stands house 1T large grounds. The house has portico with a statue of a nymph in 1t. A wal incioses the garden; there is gate in thu wall at the back. At F o'clock tonight if the king enters alone by that gate turns to the right and walks twent, yards. he will find a summer house. ap preached by a flight of six steps. If h, ia orA hn will ffr1 who will tell him what touches mos dearly his life and his throne. This 1. written by faithful friend. He mus be alone. If he neg,ects the invitation his life will be in danger. Let him show this to no one. or he will ruin woman who loves him-Black Michael does no pardon.
 "No," observed Sapt as I ended, ''but he can dictate very pretty letter."
 had arrived at the same conclusion and was about to throw the letter away when I saw there was more writing or the other side.
 Hello. There's some more"
 If you hesitate rthe writer continued consult Colonel Sapt-
 "Ehg" exclaimed that gentleman. gen timely astonishei. Docs she take m, for a greater fool than you?" waved to him to be silent
 Ask him what woman would do mos to prevent the duke from marrying hi cousin and therefore most to prevent hi becoming kins7 And ask If her name be gins vith-A.
 Isprang to my feet. sapt laid dow1 his pipe.
 "Antoinette de Mauban, by heaven. I cried
 "How do you knowg- asked Sapt. I told him what I knew of the lad,