Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-15
PRINCESS MARTHA
BY PERCY BREBNER.
Copyright. 1906. I. ]. Mcbride & SOM

complete answer" said the king There
| Is only one I can name definitely. But
there Is one person in Sturatzberg who
could answer the question, so l am in
formed, and so I believe"
And he will not answer"
She has not yet been asked" the king
returned.
"A woman, your majesty"
"A very beautiful woman; yourself, count
ess."
Perhaps Frina Mavrodin was prepared for
the kings words. She did not start, the
color did not rise to her cheeks. She re-
manned silent for a few moments, feeling
that the kings eyes were fixed upon her.
Il can guess who was your majesty's in
formant," she said quietly. Lord Clover
ton. He has always credited me with a
power I do not possess, and has often set
traps for me. They were subtly hidden,
well devised to catch a schemer; but, being
innocent they failed to ensnare me-"
We ourselves have eyes. countess; it is
not necessary that the British ambassador
should see for US.
mo, your majesty; but we, the court,
sometimes fancy that he attempts to take
that duy upon himself Frina answered.
Then you will not help me- countess?"
said the-king with smile.
I'm any way 1 can, your majesty
But not in the way want. 1t is pity.
You will force me to harsh measures. There
Is one other may constrain to tell me, I'M
less he values his secret more than life
Frina looked at him a question in her
eyes, Dul HeT lips gave IL no words.
"A brave man." said the king, although
circumstances have made him my enemy.
You might save him."
Still Frina was silent
Probably Captain Ellerey will not speak,
therefore it is certain that Captain Ellerey
must die" said the king slowly.
rs he in Sturatzberg?"
An countess, you must not try and sur
prise my secrets; but rest assured he must
die unless you choose to save him.
How can l save him?" she asked
The king suddenly laid his hand on hers,
which were folded in her lap.
tomorrow, early. send me by trusted
messenger the names of those who are
foremost in Maritza's cause, the names of
the societies whose plans and aims they
govern. and. SO far as Is in your knowl-
edge, the plans which they have formed.
On my royal OATH none shall know from
whom received this information, and Cap
tain Ellerey shall be free to leave Wal
laria."
He is a brave man. and l would help
him If l could she said.
will"
Your majesty is strangely at fault;
Captain Ellerey Is nothing to me-"
Il have touched your hand, countess, as
you asked question concerning him. and
felt the culver in your frame. Your heart
would not answer as your lips do. Re-
member this: he dies unless you save him."
But 1 am powerless, your majesty
Then, countess, his case Is hard indeed
There are some hours before tomorrow
use them to understand how powerful you
are in this matter"
80 far / will obey your majesty"
Always remembering, countess that il
you cannot save him no power on earth
cam" and, with a bow. the king left her
alone
Here was the opportunity she had
dreamed of. No one would ever know.
What to her were Princess Martha and all
her followers in comparison with Desmond
Ellerey? There was look Of determina-
ton In her face as she left the alcove
quickly. The few hours before tomorrow
seemed all too short to her
TO be Continued TomorroXl