Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-04-19

De Froilette nodded and the servant went
out.
The Altstrasse became quieter presently.
Inc men had gone to swell the crowds in
the Bergenstrasse, not to fight perhaps but
to hang about in side streets and seize
whatever loot they could With dead and
dying men lying in the roadway, there
would be much to be picked up. Many Of the
women had gone, too, for in the Altstrasse
much of the human refuse of the city had
its home, and sex counted for little.
1t was toward noon that De Froiette's
door opened suddenly, and a tall figure,
cloaked to the eyes. glided in. closing the
door. In an instant De Froilette was on
his feet, and then the man let the cloak
fall apart. he exclaimed:
"Vasilici!'
Yes, Vasiici," was the answer
They are not your men who are fighting
in the streets. are they?" asked De Froi-
lette. ray of hope in his eyes.
No; my men remain in the hills"
I'VE have been overreached' said De
Froilette; but only for little while. 1t
was a good move Of yours to deliver up
the princess. although 1t might have been
wiser to shoot her. There will be many
lives lost through her today. She escaped
II have heard nothing else since entered
the city, returned the brigand.
1T was bold Of you to enter it at all just
now said De Froilette.
Il am used to dangers said the brigand.
grandioquently, land 1 had business with
YOU
with me?"
With you and with one other" Vas
many things. We were to do the fighting,
monsieur. but to have little of the reward;
that was for the Russians lying on the
frontier 1t was pretty plot you and the
Whose tale is that, Vasilici? You are
easily deceived If you believe it,
We learned the truth when we received
this, monsieur" And the brigand held up
the bracelet Of medallions.
Whoever your messenger was, he lied to
you,' said De Frolette. Her majesty
shall presently convince you of that. I will
return the bracelet to her."
Vasilici burst out laughing. His quick
eyes had taken In every detail Of the room,
had noted what lay upon the table. had
keenly scanned his companion from head to
foot.
I'VE are not all fools in the hills, mon
sieur. I am going to deliver this to her
majesty myself She is the other I spoke
Of with whom 1 have business in Sturatz-
berg All, you are clever" he went on. re-
placing the bracelet In his pocket but you
have failed. We are not to be sold to Rus
STA just yet, and by a foreigner, too. Elk
terminate the foreigners. monsieur. that
has been your cry. 1t is good one. Tell
me. why should you go free?'
He did not wait for an answer With a
sudden spring. his glittering dagger raised
to strike, he was upon his adversary. But
the blow fell Imply. and his fingers re-
Taxed, letting the knife fall with a clatter
upon the table. The brigands swagger-
ing courage had risen as he contemplated
his defenseless enemy. From the moment
Of his entrance, however the Frenchman
understood that he came In no friendly
mood, and was prepared. AS Vasilici
sprang forward two shots in quick success
sion startled the echoes of the room, and
the tall figure swayed for a moment. then
fell sideways on to the table, and slith-
cred to the ground.
In an instant De Froilette was at the
door and had locked 1t. There were run
ming feet in the passage without. and cries
of Monsieur! Monsieur
1T is nothing De Froilette shouted.
THE weapon was loaded and L had forgot
ten the fact. l am not hurt. Dejeuner at
once"
AS the servants departed, De Froilette
bent over the dead body.
Fool! Canaile! To think to make an end
of me SO easily" and he took the bracelet
from the dead mans pocket. I'm bringing
this you have served me, and I thank you.
would give you decent burial had l the
leisure, but time presses. You must rest
here until they find YOU"
De Froilette hastily put some papers In
his pocket. and. reloading the two chambers
of his revolver, slipped that too, into his
pocket.
Now, If 1 can only see Ellery as silent as
this brute, 1 can laugh at them all. With
the bracelet in my possession l am safe.
1t will buy the kings courtesy, or. If it suits
better, the queens obedience. l thank you,
friend Vasilici." and with moeking bow
to the lifeless brigand, De Froilette took up
his hat and cloak. and left The room by a
door concealed in the wall behind his writ
ing table.
(To be Continued Tomorrow