Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1907-03-14

Fritz" said l as we entered the
town. there's an uncommonly pretty
girl at this inn
How do you know he asked.
Because I've been there" said l.
Since he began.
mo. Before" said l.
But they'll recognize you?"
well, of course they WILL Now don't
argue, my good fellow, but listen to
me. We're two gentlemen of the kings
household, and one of us has tooth
ache. The other will order private
room and dinner and. further. bottle
of the best wine for the sufferer. And
if he be as clever Il fellow as | take
him for, the pretty girl and no other
will wait on us
What if she WON'T" objected Fritz.
MY dear Fritz" said 1, IF she won't
for you. she will for me-
We We're at the inn. Nothing of me
but my eyes was visible as | walked
| in. The landlady received us. Two
| minutes later my little friend ever,
| fear, on the lookout for such guests as
| might prove amusingI made her APP
| ordered. ! sat down in the private
room. A minute later Fritz came in.
| shes coming" he said.
IF she were not, | should have TO
doubt the Countess Helga'S taste.p
| She came ill., | gave her time to set
the wine down. l didn't want it drop
ped. Fritz poured out a glass and gave
it to me.
us the gentleman in great pain?" the
girl asked symTathetically.
| The gentleman is no worse than
when lie saw you last" said |, throw
ing away my cloak.
she started with little shrek. Then
she cried:
1t was the king. then, l told mother
so the minute l saw his picture. oh,
sir. forgive me-
Faith, you gave me nothing that
hurt much" said |.
But the things we saidw
Il forgive them for the thing you
did"
Il must 90 and tell mother"
stop" said |. assuming Il gravCr air.
I'VE are not hero for sport tonight.
lGo and bring dinner, and not Il word
lof the king being here"
She came back i'll few minutes.
looking grave. yet very curious.
well. how is Johann" | asked, be
ginning my dinner.
"Oh. that fellow, sir-my lord king,
| mean
"'Sir will do. please. How is he?''
1--WE hardly see him low, sir:'
And why mott"
Il told him he came too often, sir"
said she, tossing her head
so he sulks and stays away"
Yes. sir
But you could bring him back?'
suggested. with a smile.
Perhaps could" said she.
81 know your powers, you See" said
1, and she blushed with pleasure.
ITS not only that, sir. that keeps
him away. He's very busy at the cas-
tie now"
But there's no shooting on now"
NO, sir; but he's in charge of the
house,
Johann turned housemaid?'
The little girl was trimming over
with gossip.
We'll, there are no Others" said she
There's not woman there-not as a
servant, | mean. They do say-but
perhaps it's false. SIR
Lets have it for what it's worth
said l.
Indeed. I'm ashamed to tell you
sir.'
On. see. I'm looking at the ceiling
They do say there is Il lady there
sir. but except for her there's not 6
woman in the place. And Johann has
to wait on The gentlemen
Poor Johann, He must be over
worked. Yet I'm sure he could fine
half an hour to come and see you"
1T would depend on the time, sir
| perhaps
DO YOU love him?' asked.
Not I, sir
; "And you wish to serve the king?"
Yes, SIR
| "Then tell him to meet You at thu
second milestone out of Zenda tomor
row evening at 10 o'clock. Say you'll
he there and will walk home will
him"
, DO you mean him harm. sir:"
7 Not If he will do as | bid him. Blu
think I've told you enough, my prett
, maid See that you do as | bid you
, And, mind. no one is to know that tn
king has been here
1 spoke a little sternly, for there |
seldom harm in mfusinG little. fea
y into woman's liking for you. and
> softened the effect by giving her
handsome present. Then we dined
!, and, wrapping my cloak about my face