Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-03-18

"I hope all beneath your roof are not sick. What of my good friends De Gautet, Bersonin and Detchard? I heard the last had suffered a hurt"
 I.auengram and Krafstein looked glum and uneasy. but young Rupert's smile grew broader.
 He hopes soon to find medicine for it. sire" he answered.
 And burst out laughing, for knew what medicine Detchard longed for. It Is called revenge.
 You will dine with us, gentlemen" I asked.
 Young Rupert was profuse in apolo- gies. They had urgent duties at the castle.
 Then" said I. with wave of my hand. ito our next meeting, gentlemen. May it make us better acquainted"
 We will pray your majesty for an early opportunity quoth Rupert air fly. And he strode past sapt with such jeering scorn on his face that saw the old fellow clinch his fist and scowl black as night.
 For my part, if man must needs be knave would have him debo- nair knave, and liked Rupert Hent- zau better than his long faced. close eyed companions. It makes your sin no worse, as conceive, to do it la mode and styiishly.
 Now, it was curious thing that on this first night, instead of eating the excellent dinner my cooks had pre- pared for me, must needs leave my gentlemen to cat it alone, under Sapt's presiding care, and ride myself with Fritz to the town of Zenda and certain little inn that knew of. There was little danger in the excursion. The evenings were long and light, and the road this side of Zenda well frequent ed. So of we rode, with groom be- hind us. muffied myself up in big cloak.
 Fritz" said I 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 I.
 Since he began.
 "No Before" said I.
 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 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 fellow as I take him for. the pretty girl and no other will wait on us"
 What If she won't?' objected Fritz.
 My dear Fritz" said I. If she won't for you, she will for me"
 We were at the inn. Nothing of me but my eyes was visible as 1 walked in. The landlady received us. Two later my little friend lever, fear. on the lookout for such guests as might prove amusing) made her ap- pearance. Dinner and the wine were ordered. I sat down in the private room. A minute later Fritz came in.
 She's coming" he said.
 If she were not. should have to doubt the Countess Helga's taste"
 She came fin. gave her time 10 set the wine down. didn't war it drop- ped. Fritz poured out a glass and gave 1t to me.
 "is the gentleman in great pain?' the girl asked sympathetically.
 "The gentleman is no worse than when he save you last,' said I. throw ing away my cloak.
 She started with a little shriek. Then she cried:
 Tt was the king. then. I told mother 20 the minute saw his picture. Oh. sir. forgive mer'
 Faith. you gave me nothing that hurt much." said I.
 But the things we said-'
 "I forgive them for the thing you lid"
 'I must go and tell mother"
 Stop" said l, assuming a graver air. We are not here for sport tonight. l Co and bring dinner. and not . word l 'f the king being here"
 She came back in a few minutes. ooking grave. yet very curious. Well. how is Johann:'' I asked, be- 1 ginning my dinner.
 ''Oh. that fellow. sir-my lord king. mean.' sir will do. please. How is hep
 We hardly see him now. sirT' And why not:"
 q told him he came too often, sir aid she. tossin; her head. i 50 he sulks and stays awayT "Yes. sir ! But you could bring him bacsT' with q smile. Perhaps could.- said she. 'I know your powers. you see" said . , and she blushed with pleasure. -It's not only that. sir. that keeps i'm away. He's very busy at the cas- Ie now" "Dut there's no shooting on now"
 No. sir: but he's In charge of the Iouse.''
 Johann turned housema.dy-
 The little girl was b-ir1minS over rith gossip.
 Well. there are 10 others said she Theses not wor,sn therc-not as a ervant. I mean They do say-but erhsps it's false. sir
 Let's have it for what it's worth aid l.
 Indeed. I'm ashamed to tell you. Ir-