Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-03-10

| Far exchange, In other words!
What could give!" demanded the younger
man Il have nothing to give. What the deuce
do you mean?"
| "This! said the King. and faced him.
frowning earnestly. This You know what
I'm fighting against at present. You know
Racing and Gambling Concession would be
ruinous to the country Against such cal
amity as that will fight to the last bitterest
end"
But what has all this virtuous sentiment got
to do with the question, my good brother?
What have to trade with your"
| Your promise" said the King slowly:
your oath not to allow this Gambling Con-
cession to be granted. Promise that and will
sign an abdicaton tonight
The younger man gave little exclamation
of disgust. That is nonsense said he.
Utter nonsense! That's out of-the question.
Why. Tarnau and Hilkoff know perfectly well
| that l want the Concession granted
| Are you definitely pledged"
The younger man hesitated. "Well-no,"
he said 1t wasn't necessary. But hang it,
Louis! | couldn't stand out against that old
| fend Tarnau any more than you have done
He is too strong for US He's the master here.
We are not"
You must get rid Of Tarnau, Karl" said
the King earnestly Kick him out-throw
him outSand justify yourself for it afterward.
Come. Karl, my boyl You have always wanted
l
The younger man said, There is something
fishy in all this. You are too anxious. Why
should | be making you promises! / shall
| be King soon enough without them. You
cate of your own free will. you will be forced
| into it by revolution. l want the gambling
and racing. Everybody but you wants them.
Trade with you? No, no! That's fat"
The King gave little sigh Tim. sorr Ey
l 10 RI he fot,1 10
and stood there with his back to the room.
| After moment he turned again and ap-
preached the chair where his brother sat
| frowning. The pistol that he had previously
but he did not raise it He stood before Prince
Karl, and his face was pale but very calm and
resolute.
You've got to do it. KARL" he said in
| low voice.
The lad gave sudden gasping cry and
shrunk back into the depths of the arm chair.
At last he said Louis! What do you mean?
| You wouldn't dare!"
Its the only way" said the King quietly.
es have wo sHs gave ase rbspesd he
with the masklike face. Kill me?" he cried
Shoot me down like cornered rat because
I'm in your way? You wouldn't dare! Louis
you are mad Why, look here!" his voice rose
would gain nothing. You are mad-madl"
said the King again. "You must give me your
promise on oath. or this is the end!"
Fair play!" sneered the younger man.
Fair play, to shoot down an unarmed mani"
81 fight as best l can" said the King
Foul play, Ell? How about you my lad?-
you and Tarnau! The game you have been
playing for this last month is spelled treason
treason! l am fighting for Traumland and
for the honor of our house. / fight as best
can. Listen. Karl! You spoke the truth a
few moments ago was against the wall.
You had me, you and your friends Tarnau
| and Hilkoff. l couldn't move hand or foot.
You had me safer than you knew: for the
Emperor refused to help me. But the EN-
peror. my good brother, though he did not
know it, suggested a way. These are his
words as nearly as can remember: Were
Traumland actually under own wing, as
in the contingency provided for, etc, 1
should stand firm against this gambling. for
believe, with you that it is fatal to any
State What would become of Traumland-Mar-
chen, Kari" said the King. " if you and were
out of the way-dead without issue?"
Why" said he slowly, and staring up into
the elder mans why, it would become
an Austrian crown land Louis! Louis!"
Exactly" said the King.
The lad rose slowly to his feet. staring, and
he put out a hand that faltered toward his
brother And you-that's
| what you mean?" he said in
still whisper. You are going to
| do for hoth1" IfT5A e~Lx.a