Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-06-05

out stout coru, ana did not forget my
ladder. l, starting after Sapt, took
shorter route. sklrtng the town to the
left, and found myself In the outskirts
OF the forest at about half past H.
/ tied my horse up in a thick clump
OF trees. leaving the revolver in its
pocket In the saddle-lt would be no
use to me-and, ladder in hand. made
my way TO the edge OF the moat Here
l unwound my rope from about my
waist, bound IL securely round the
trunk OF a tree on the bank and let
myself down. The castle clock struck
n quarter to as felt the water under
me and began TO swim round the keep,
pushing the ladder before me and hug
ging the castle wall. Thus voyaging,
| came to my old friend. Jacobs lad
der, and felt the ledge of masonry
under me. / crouched down in the
shadow Of the great pipe-l tried TO
stir IL. but 1t was quite immovable-
and waited. / remember that my pre-
dominant feeling was neither anxiety
for the king nor longing for Flayia.
but an intense desire TO smoke. and
this craving. of course, l could not
crafty
The drawbridge was still in its place.
saw its airy, light framework above
pc, some ten yards to my right, as |
crouched with my back against the
wall of the kings cell. | made out a
window two yards my side of IL and
nearly on the same level. That, if
Johann spoke true, must belong TO the
dukes apartments, and on the other
side, in about the same relative posi-
ton. must be Nine de Maubans win
dow. Women are careless. forgetful
creatures. / prayed that she might
not forget that she was to be the vic
tim of a brutal attempt at O'Clock
precisely. ! was rather amused at the
part had assigned to my young friend
Rupert Hentzau. but l owed him
stroke. for. even as ] sat. my shoulder
ached where he had, with an audacity
that seemed half TO hide his treach-
cry. struck at me in sight OF all my
friends on the terrace at Tarlenheim.
Suddenly the dukes window grew
bright The shutters were not closed.
and the interior became partially WISH
BILE to me as l cautiously raised myself
till stood on tiptoe. Thus placed, my
range of sight embraced a yard or
more inside the window while the ra-
dius of light did not reach me. The
window was flung open, and some one
looked out / marked Antoinette de
Mauban's graceful figure, and though
her face was In shadow, the fine outline
Of her head was revealed against the
/ light behind. | longed to cry softly,
Remember" but dared not, and hap
PLY, for a moment later a man came
/ up and stood by her He tried TO put
his arm round her waist, but with
swift motion she sprang away and
leaned against the shutter, her profile
toward me. / made out who the new
conner was. 1t was young Rupert. \
low laugh from him made me sure, as
he leaned forward, stretching out his
hand toward her.
Gently. gentIyw murmured
You're too soon. my boyr'
His head was close TO hers. ! sup
pose he whispered To her, for saw her
point to the moat, and heard her say
in slow and distinct tones:
IL had rather throw myself out OF
this window"
He came close up to the window and
looked out.
1T looks cold" said he. Come, An
toinette are you seriousT
She made no answer so far as |
heard, and he, shifting his hand petu.
lantly on the window sill. went on IN
the voice Of some spoiled child:
Hang Black Michael Isn't the
princess enough for him? Is he to
have everything? What the devil do
you see in Black MichaelY
III told him what you say she
began.
We'll. tell him." said Rupert care
lessly. And, catching her off her
guard. he sprang forward and kissed
her, laughing, and crying, There's
something 10 tell him.
II | had kept my revolver with me
! should have been very sorely tempt
ed. Being spared the temptation,
merely added this new score to his ac-
count.
Though, faith" said Rupert. 'it's
little he cares. He's mad about the
princess, you know. He talks OF moth
ing but cutting the play actors throat"
Didn't he, indeed?
'And II | do II for him. what do you
think he's promised me?'
The unhappy woman raised her
hands above her head. In prayer or in
despair.
But detest waiting" said Rupert,
and ! saw that he was about to lay
his hand on her again when there was
noise OF door In the room opening,
and harsh voice cried:
"What are you doing here, sirT'
Rupert turned his back TO the win
dow. bowed low and said in his loud.
merry tones:
"Apologizlng for your absence. sir.
Could Ijleave the lady hlone?"
The newcomer must be Black Nj.
chael / saw him directly as he adj
vanced toward the window. lie caught
young Rupert by the arm.
The moat would hold more than the
king" said he, with "A significant ges-
ture.
docs your hIghness threaten me"
asked Rupert
"A threat Is more warning than most
men get from me-"
"Yet." observed Rupert. Rudolf Ras-
sendyll has been much threatened and
yet lives"
Am In fault because my servants
bungleg asked Michael scornfully.
your highness has run no risk OF
bungling." sneered Rupert.
II was telling the duke that b. shirk-
ed danger as plain as ever ! have