Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1907-05-22

shall we turn round! we are almost
trenching on my brothers territory"
We were. I'm fact, ut the extreme end
Of the town. just where the bill begins
to mount toward the castle. We cast
our eyes up. admirng the massive
beauty of the old walls. and we saw
On il came
Let us go back" said Sapt.
Il should like TO stay" said Flavia
and | refined my horse beside hers.
We could distinguish the approach
ing party now. There came first two
mounted servants I'm black uniforms
relieved only by silver badge. These
were followed by car drawn by four
horses. On IL. under a heavy pail. lay
a coffin. Behind il rode man i'm plain
black clothes. carrying his hat in his
hand. Sapt uncovered, and we stood
waiting. Flavia keeping by me and
laying her hand on my arm.
1T is one OF the gentlemen killed i'm
the quarrel. expect" she said.
beckoned 10 a groom.
ride and ask whom they escort"
ordered.
lie rode up 10 the servants. and
saw him pass on TO the gentleman who
rode behind.
Its Rupert of Hentzau," whispered
Sapt.
Rupert il was. and directly after
ward. waving to the procession 70
stand still. Rupert trotted up TO me.
He was in frock coat, tightly but
toned, and trousers. He wore an as
pect OF sadness. and he bowed with
profound respect. Yet suddenly he
smiled, and / smiled too, for old
Sapt's hand lay in his left breast peck
ct, and Rupert and both guessed
what lay in the hand inside the pocket.
Your majesty asks whom we es-
cort." said Rupert. at is my dear
friend Albert of Lauengram."
Sir" said /, mo one regrets the un-
fortunate affair more than l. My ord.
nance, which | mean TO have obeyed.
is witness to IT,"
Poor fellow said Flavia softly.
and l saw Rupert's eyes fash at her.
whereat / grew red, for il | had my
way Rupert Hentzau should not have
defiled her by so much as a glance.
Yet he did IL and dared 10 let admra-
ton be seen in his look.
"Your majesty's words are gracious
he said Il grieve for my friend. yet.
sire. others must soon lie as he lies
now"
"It is thing we all do well TO re-
member. my lord" | rejoined.
Even kings. sire" said Rupert in
moralizing tone, and old Sapt swore
softly 10y my side.
1T is true" said l. How fares my
brother. my lordT'
HE is better sire"
II am rejoiced.'
He hopes soon TO leave for Strelsau.
when his health is secured
He is only convalescent them
There remain one or two small
troubles" answered the insolent fellow
in the miIdest tone in the world.
Express my earnest hope" said
Flavia, that they may soon cease 10
trouble him
"Your royal highness' wish Is hum.
bly, my own" said rupert. with a bold
glance that brought blush 10 Flavia's
cheek.
bowed. and Rupert, bowling lower.
backed his horse and signed 10 his par.
~ TO proceed. With "A sudden i'm.
pulse rode after him. He turned
swiftly. fearing that even in the pres.
ence OF the dead and before lady's
eyes meant mischief.
"You fought as a brave man the 9th.
or night" ! said. Come. you are
young sir II you will deliver your
prisoner alive TO me you shall come t.
no hurt
He looked at me with hooking
smile. but suddenly he rode nearer 70
me.
Sapt there could pick me off In a
minute"
I'm not afraid" sid
"No. curse your' he answered Look
acre. made you II proposal from the
duke once"
"Ill hear nothing from Black Mich
4 acl." said /.
] Then hear one from me-" lie low.
cred his voice 10 whisper 'Attack
, the castle boldly. Let Sapt and Tarlen-
d helm lead"
Go on" said l.
Arrange the time with me-"
II have such confidence in you. my
lordl'
Tut! I'm talking business now.
Sapt there and Fritz will fall: Black
I Michael will fair
what
BLACK Michael will fall. like the do
! he is; the prisoner. as YOU call him.
will 20 by Jacobs ladder-ah. you
know thatg Two men will be left
/ Rupert Hentzau. and you, the king Of
/ Ruritania.'
lie paused. and then in voice that
; luivered with cagerness added:
Isn't that hand to play "a throne
and Won princess. And for me. say n
competence and your maJcsty's graft
tude."
Get out OF my reachl' said /. and
yet in moment began to laugh for
the very audacity OF it.
Would you turn against your mas
tery" | asked.
He swore az Michael and said 20 me
in an almost confidential and appar-
emily friendly tone:
lie gets in my way. you know. Hes
a Jealous brute, Faith I nearly stuck
a knife into him last night. He came
most cursedly NAL apropos"
My temper was well under control
now | was learning something.
a. LADY - ookod noolfoonflv