Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-05
CHAPTER XVII.
True Worth Of Baron Petrescu.

Inc True w 0rLQ Oh odrOu 1StfooSo'
There was excitement in Sturatzberg.
Rumor flies fast. and the moment 1t was
whispered that the city gates were watched,
that Capt. Ellerey Of his majesty's Horse
was to be arrested. men began to stop ana
gossip at street corners and women to stand
upon their thresholds ready to give, or to
receive information. Strange stories grew
current in this manner. which served to
keep the excitement alive until more def
; mite news were forthcoming. There was
unwonted stir in the secret societies and
clubs, sympathy being with Ellerey, since
he had in some manner offended the gov
eminent They did not stay to inquire
whether his action would tend to further
any scheme of their own; It was enough
| that he had shown defiance to the powers
that be. Every hour fresh rumors were
started and eagerly discussed and as eager
~ denied. Only two things were definite:
there was much coming and going at the
palace. and Capt. Elerey was not to be
found.
Those who lead rebellion or pull the wires
of conspiracies, are seldom open with those
they lead, any more than the policy of
kings ministers Is wholly spread before
the peope. There were leaders In Sturatz-
berg who knew many things. who shrewdly
guessed at more, and their knowledge was
not reassuring.
Lord Cloverton did not expect the imme-
date arrest of Ellerey after the failure to
discover him at the Countess Mavrodin's.
He had fully believed that he was there.
and had purposely kept the countess drv-
| ing in the Bots until such time as the
search should be accomplished. The failure
was disappointing, but his interview with
the countess would bear fruit Ellerey would
have to move cautiously. and time was
therefore gained. The gates were closed
that night. and no Capt. Ellerey had passed
Mnv n hnI 90
was watched, and no one had left 1t. So
| the ambassador met the morning with a
| smile; so far his prompt action had saved
the situation. few hours were destined
to bring him surprises. First came the
news of the return of Capt. Wards cloak.
The messenger who brought 1t was prompt
ly taken before the ambassador and
sharply questioned. He had received 1t
from Capt. Ellerey himself an hour before
| midnight, he said
why were you chosen as a messenger
asked Lord Cloverton.
II cannot say. 1 brought it because was
paid to do so.'
you seem very certain of the time. Did
Capt Ellerey tell you the hour?''
mo, sir; the clocks were striking the
hour as he spoke to me-
What is Capt. Ellerey like"
The description given seemed satisfactory
until after the man had been dismissed. and
then Lord Cloverton recognized that it
would fit many men. The cloak was Capt.
.,
Ellerey was the man who had given it to
the messenger. Today the city was being
searched; the return Of the cloak went to
prove that Ellerey was still in Sturatz-
berg; had that been the intention in re-
turning it? The smile of satisfaction slow
ly faded from the ambassadors face. and
he began to grow feverish for further news.
Later he was with the king when the
Countess Mavrodin begged for an audience.
"She may unwittingly enlighten your
majesty" said Lord Cloverton. He could
not believe that his cleverness would not
be sufficient, sooner or later. to make the
countess betray herself. although the past
was utterly barren of result.
So Frina Mavrodin was admitted. The
presence of the British ambassador did not
disconcert her. She went to the point at
once.
'Is it true. your majesty. that my house
was searched yesterday by your instruc-
tions?" she asked.
Countess how can You think that?" said
the king ut is true that commanded the
arrest of Capt. Ellerey, and that command
may have been used to open your doors. as
1t would serve to open any door In Sturatz-
berg"
"Ifhave heard of no other house being en-
tered by force" the countess answered
Naturally, seek to know why am sus-
pected."
She puzzled Lord CIoverton more than
ever. This was a bold stroke to disarm
suspicion.
ly, would you hold me responsible for the
| actions of my officers? Believe me, the city
| is being searched in every corner for this
rebel captain. 1t Is pardonable If In the
search some annoyance is given to inno-
cent persons, is It not? Their loyalty should
overlook the offense."
"True: but your majesty. l would humbly
submit. overlooks one fact of the gravest
| Importance to me. That my house is
searched for rebel is nothing; but when 1t
| is searched for a man who, at court, has
Il In, yrnU Nln<
affects me curiously. 1t is not a question
| of loyalty, but one which concerns my fair
fame"
Surely countess, you exaggerats."
Indeed, your majesty, do not. as Lord
Cloverton can prove. Only yesterday. In
the Bots, he made 1t evident that court
gossip linked my name with Capt. Ellerey's,
and even suggested that I might render
service to my country and this Englishman
at the same time by saying all knew. Is
| II not so, my lord? You were very anxious
| to save your countryman and get him out
of the cityr
j rrraa wsa more than the Smbaasador had