Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-05-18

IN utctuS representation 10 me- save
that I should appoint a day for the
public solemnization Of my betrothaI.
ceremony which In Ruritsni2 IL well
nigh as binding and great a thing as
the marriage itself. And this, with
Flavia sitting by me, was forced to
do, setting a date a fortnight ahead
and appointing the cathedral ia Strel-
sau as the place. And this formal act.
being published far and wide, caused
great Joy throughout the kingdom and,
was the talk OF all tOague~. so that I
reckoned there were but two men who,
chafed at It'll mean Black Michael.
and mysslf-and but one who did not
know Of it--that one the man whosei
name 1 bore. the king of Ruritania-
In truth, I heard something Of the
way The news was received in tho cas-
tie, for after an interval OF three days
the man Johann, greedy for more mon.
ey, though fearful for his life. again
found means 10 visit Us. He had been
waiting on the duke when the tidings
came. Black Michaers face had grown
blacker still. and he had sworn saw
agely. Nor was he better pleased when
Rupert took oath that meant 20 do as
1 said and. turning to Nine. de Mau-
ban, wished her joy on a rival gone.
Michsers hand stole toward his sword,
said Johann, but not a bit did Rupert
care. for he rallied the duke on hav.
ing made 4 better king than had reign
ed for years past in Ruritanla. And
said he, with a meaning bow 20 his ex-
asperated master, "the devil sends
the princess a finer man than heaven
had marked out for her. BY my soul. be
dOesr' Then Michael harshly babe him
hold his tongue and leave them, but
Rupert must needs first kiss madame's
hand which he did as though he loved
her. while Michael glared at him.
This was the lighter side OF the fell
lows news, but more serious came be
hind, and il was plain that II time
pressed at Tarlenheim il pressed none
the less fiercely at Zenda. For the king
was very sick. Johann had seen him,
and he was wasted and hardly Gbie 70
move. There could be no thought Of
taking another for him now" So alarm
Cd were they that they had sent FOR a
physician from Strelsau and the physi.
clan. having been introduced into the
kings cell, had come forth pale and
trembling and urgently prayed the
duke 20 let him 80 back and NEEDLE no
more I'm the affair. But the duke would
not. and held him there a prisoner. tell.
ing him his life was safe IL the king
lived while the duke desired and died
when the duke desired-not otherwise
And, persuaded 10y the physician. they
had allowed Nine. &c Mauban 20 visit
the king and give him such attendance
as his state needed and as only a WON
an can give. Yet his life hung in the
balance. and I was vet strong and
whole and free. Wherefore great gloom
reigncd at Zcnda. and. save when they
Quarrcled 10 which they were very
prone. they hardly spoke But the
deeper the depression OF the rest
young Rupert went about Satan's work
with a smile I'm his eye and q song on
his lip. and laughed lit TO burst" (said
Johann because the duke always set
Detchard 10 guard tho king when Nine
de Mauban was I'm the cell-whlch pre-
caution was. indeed. not unwise Ia my
careful brother. Thus Johann told his
tale aud seized his crowns. Yet he be
sought us 10 allow him 20 stay with MS
In Tarlenheim. and not venture his
head again I'm the lions den. but we
had need OF him there, and, although I
refused To- constraln him. prevailed on
him by increased rewards to 20 back
and 20 carry tidings 10 Nine. de Mau
ban that l was working FOR her and
that. If she could. she should speak one
word OF comfort TO the king. for. while
suspense is bad for the sick. yet de
spair is worse stu, and it might be
that the king lay dying OF mere hope
lessness. for I could learn OF no def
mite disease that afflicted him.
And how 90 they guard the king
nOwf' / asked remembering that two
OF the Six were dead and Max Holt
also.
"Detchard and Bersonin watch by
night Rupert Hentzau aud Gautet 10y
day, sir" he answered.
''Only two at a timeg
AYE, sir, but the others rest in a
room just above and are within sound
OF a cry or a whistle"
A room Just aOOVet / didn't know
OF that Is there any communication
between it and the room where they
watchT'
''No sir. You must go down a few
stairs and through the door by the
drawbridge and so to where the king
is lodged"
"And that door is lockedY"
"Oniy the four lords have keys, sir"
I drew nearer 10 him.
"And have they keys or the graf.
ing?" 1 asked in low whisper.
Il think, sir, only Detchard and Ru.
pert"
where does the duke lodgeT'
''In the chateau on the first floor.
His apartments are on the right e.
you go toward the drawbridge."
"And Nine. de MaubanT
'Just opposite on the left. But her
door is locked after she has entered"
ITO keep her lnP'
Doubtless, sir"
"And the duke. 1 suppose, has the
keyY'