Polk County observer. (Monmouth, Polk County, Or.) 1888-1927, 1907-03-12

Don't touch 1t, BeUeTtB!"
which struck speaker or listener as log
Zealand there were giggles which
completely simplified the situation.
| Beverly thrust the slim red feather
into her hair and struck an attitude
that would have set Baldos wild with
joy if he could have seen it., The next
day, when she appeared in the park. the
feather stood up defiantly from the
band of her sailor hat, though woman
ly perverseness impelled her to ignore
BaldOs when he passed her on his way
to mess.
The Duke of Mizrox came into the
city hours after the time set for his ar
rival. 1t was quite dark when the es-
cort sent by Colonel Quinnox drew up
at the castle gates with the visitor.
The duke and his party had been rob-
bed by brigands in the broad daylight
and at point not more than five miles
from Edelweiss! And thus the mystery
Of the signal fires was explained Count
Marlanx did not soon forget the trium-
phant look he received from Beverly
Calhoun when the dukes misfortunes
were announced. Shameless as it may
seem, she rejOiced exceedingly over the
acts of the robbers.
MizroX announced to the princess
and her friends that he was not an
emissary from the AXphainian govern
ment Instead he was but little less
than a fugitive from the wrath of
Volga and the crown adherents Ear
lier in the week he had been summon
ed before Volga and informed that his
absence, for few months at least,
from the principality was desirable.
The privilege was allowed him of Sc
lecting the country which he desired to
visit during that period, and he coolly
chose Graustark. He was known to
have friendly feelings for that state,
but no objections were raised. This
friendship also gave him a welcome in
Edelweiss. Mizrox plainly stated his
position to Yetive and the prime min
lister. He asked for protection, but de-
clined to reveal any of the plans then
maturing in his home country This
reluctance to become a traitor, even
though he was not in. sympathy with
his sovereign, was respected by the
princess. He announced his willing
ness to- take up arms against DAVIS
bergen, but would in no way antago-
nize AXphain from an enemy's camp.
The duke admitted that the feeling
In Axphain's upper circles was ex-
tremely bitter toward Graustark. The
old time war spirit had not died down.
Axphain despised her progressive
neighbor.
Il may as we'll inform your highness
that the regent holds another and a
deeper grudge against Graustark," he
said in the audience chamber, where
We're assembled many of the mobiles of
the state, late on the night of his ar
rival. "She insists that you are har-
boring and even shielding the pretend
er to our throne, Prince Frederic. 1t
Is known that he is in Graustark, and,
moreover, it is asserted that he is In |
direct touch with your government"
Yetive and her companions looked at
one another with gIances of compre-
He spoke in English now for
the benefit of Beverly Calhoun, an in |
terested spectator, who felt her heart |
leap suddenly and swiftly into violent
Nothing could be more ridiculous"
said Yetive after q pause eve do not
know Frederic, and we are not har-
boring him.
Il am only saying what is believed
to be true by Axphain, your highness.
1t Is reported that he Joined you in the
in June and since has held
4 position of trust in your army"
Would you know Prince Frederic II
you were TO see hlm?" quietly asked
LOrry.
81 have not seen him since he was q
rery small boy and then but for mo-
nent-On the day when he and his
mother were driven through the streets
IN their way to exile"
"We have a new man in the castle
guard, and there is a mystery attached
to him. Would you mind looking at
him and telling us if he is what Fred.
eric might be In his manhoodT Lorry
put the question, and every one pres.
est drew deep breath of interest.
MizrOx readily consented, and Bal.
dos, Intercepted on his rounds, was led
into an outer chamber.
The duke, accompanied by Iorry and
Baron DanglOss, entered the room.
They were gone from the assemblage
but a few minutes, returning with
smiles of uncertainty on their faces.
1T is impossible. your highness, for
me to say whether or not It is Fred
eric" said the duke frankly. He is
what | imagine the pretender might
be at his age, but it would be sheer
Jolly for me to speculate. do not
know the man"
(TO BE CONTINUED.)