Waterbury evening Democrat., 1907-03-13

 E1YlE were in the kings dressing F" room-Fritz von Tarlenheim,
 lK3 Sapt and I. flung myself
 exhausted into an armchair Sapt lit his pipe. He uttered no con- gratulations on the marvellous success of our wild risk, but his whole bearing was eloquent of satisfaction. The tri. umph, aided perhaps by good wine, had made new man of Fritz.
 "What day for you to remember"' he cried. Cad, I'd like to be king for twelve hours myself! But, Ras- sendyll, you mustn't throw your heart too much into the part. I don't won der Black Michael looked blacker than ever. You and the princess had so much to say to one another"
 "How beautiful she is!' I exclaimed. Never mind the woman," growled Eapt Are you ready to start?"'
 "Yes," said I, with sigh.
 It was 5 o'clock. and at F I should be no more than Rudolf Rassendyll. I remarked on 1t in joking tone.
 You'll be lucky" observed Sapt grimly. If you're not the late Rudolf Rassendyll. By heaven! I feel my head wabbling on my shoulders every minute you're in the city. Do you know, friend, that Michael has had news from Zenda? He went into a room alone to read it, and he came out looking like man dazed."
 I'm ready" said I, this news mak- ing me none the more eager to finger. Sapt sat down.
 T must write us an order to leave the city. Michael's governor, you know, and we must be prepared for hindrances. You must sign the order" My dear colonel, I've not been bred a .forgerw
 Out of his pocket Sapt produced a piece of paper.
 There's the kings signature" he said, and here," he went on after another search in his pocket, ''is some tracing paper. If you can't manage a Rudolf in ten minutes, why-I can.' Your education has been more con- prehensive than mine," said I. "You write it."
 And very tolerable forgery did this versatile hero produce.
 Now, Fritz,' said he, 'the king goes to bed. He is upset. No one is to see him till 9 o'clock tomorrow. You understand-no one"
 'I understand" answered Fritz.
 .Michael may come and claim im- mediate audience. You'll answer that only princes of the blood are entitled to It."
 "That'll annoy Michael" laughed Fritz.
 You quite understandT asked Sapt again. If the door of this room is opened while we're away you're not to be alive to tell us about it."
 'I need no schooling, colonel" said Fritz, a trifie haughtily.
 Here, wrap yourself in this big cloak" Sapt continued to me, and put on this flat cap. My orderly rides with me to the shooting lodge tonight" "There's an obstacle" I observed. ''The horse doesn't live that can carry me forty miles"
 "Oh, yes. he does-two of him: one here. one at the lodge. Now are you ready:'
 I'm ready" said l.
 Fritz held out his hand.
 "In case" said he. and we shook hands heartily.
 Hang your sentiment" growled Eapt. Come along"
 He went, not to the door, but to a panel in the wall.
 Tn the old kings time" said he, Il knew this way well.'
 followed him. and we walked, as should estimate, near two hundred yards along a narrow passage. Then we came to stout oak door. Sapt un- locked it. We passed through and found ourselves in a quiet street that ran along the back of the palace gar dens. X man was waiting for us with two horses. One was a magnificent bay. up 10 any weight: the other a sturdy brown. Sapt signed to me to mount the bay. Without a woyd to the man We mounted and rode away. The town was full of noise and merri- ment. but we took secluded ways. My cloak was wrapped over half my face: the capacious fiat cap hid every lock of my telltale hair. By Sapt's direc- tions crouehed on my saddle and rode with such a round back as hope never to exhibit on a horse again. Down a long. narrow lane we went. meeting some wanderers and some roisterers. and as we rode we heard the cathedral bells still changing out their welcome to the king. It was half-past 6 and still light. At last we came to the city wall and to gate.
 Have your weapon ready whis- pered sapt. We must stop his mouth If he talks
 put my hand on my revolver. sapt hailed the dOorkeeper. The stars fought for us. A little girl of fourteen ripped out.
 "Piease. sir. fathers gone to see the king1
 "Ae'd better have stayed here,- said Sspt to me. grinning.
 But he said I wasn't 10 open the gate. sir
 Did he. my dea-y- said Sapt. dis mounting Then give me the key The key was in the chfIds hand sapt gave her a e-own-
 Heres an onsier from the Ring Show it to your father. Orderly, open