Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-04-27

IVATTTH Fritz Won Tarlenheim and
| w Colonel Sapt close behind me.
I---T--t I stepped out OF the buffet on
C-=J 90 the platform. The last
thing I d,d was 90 feel II my revolver
were handy and my sword loose In the
scabbard a gay group Of officers and
high dIgniuries stood waiting me. az
their head "a tail old man. covered with
medals and of military bearing. lie
wore the yellow and red ribbon Of the
Rcd Rose OF RUrlania. which. by the
way, decorated my unworthy breast
also.
Marshal Strakcncz." whispered Sapt.
and know that I was in the presence
or tAe most famous veteran OF the Ru-
r.tanian army.
just behind the marshal stood
short, spare man in flowing robes OF
black and crimson.
"The chancellor OF the kingdom
whispered Sapt
The marshal greeted me in a few
loyal words and proceeded 10 deliver
an apology from the Duke OF Strclsau.
The duke, &c seemed. had been afflicted
made 10 Impossible for him 20 come u
the station, but he cravcd leave 20
await his majesty 40 the cathedral
expressed my concern. accepted the
marshals excuses very suavelv and
received the compliments OF a large
number OF distinguished personages.
No one betrayed the least suspicion.
and / felt my nerve returning and the
agitated beating OF my heart subsid.
Ing. But Fritz was still pale. and his
hand shook Ike a leaf as he extended
II 10 the marshal.
Presently we formed procession and
took our way 10 the door OF the station.
Here / mounted my horse. the marshal
holding my stirrup. The civil dignlta-
ries went OF TO their carriages. and /
started 10 ride through the streets
with the marshal on my right and
Sapt who, as my chief aid-de-camp.
was entitled to the place on my left. The
city Of Strelsau is partly old and partly
new. Spacious modern boulevards and
residential quarters surround and en-
brace the narrow. tortuous and plctur-
esque streets OF the original town. In
the outer circles the upper classes live.
In the inner the shops are situated, and
behind their prosperous fronts lie hid
Gen populous but wretched lanes and
alleys filled with a poverty stricken.
turbulent and On large measured Grim
inal class. These social and local dlvi-
sions corresponded, as / knew from
Sapts Information, TO another division
more important TO me. The new town
was for the king. but to the old town
Michael OF Strelsau was a hope, q
hero and a darling.
The scene was very brilliant as we
passed along the Grand boulevard and
on TO the great square where the royal
palace stood. Here was in the midst
OF my devoted adheTents. Every house
was hung with red and bedecked with
nags and notices. The streets were
lined with raised seats on each side.
aud / passed along, bowling this way
and that, under a shower OF cheers.
blessings and waving handkerchiefs.
The balconies were full of gayly dress
ed ladies, who clapped their hands and
curtsied and threw their brightest
glances at me. A torrent OF red roses
fell on me. One bloom lodged In my
horses name, and took II and stuck
IL in my coat The marshal smiled
grimly. had stolen some gIances at
bis face. but he was too impassive to
show me whether his sympathies were
with me or not.
saThe red rose for the ElDhberrs
marshal" said I gayly. and be nodded
I have written reayly." and strange