The Montgomery tribune. (Montgomery City, Mo.) 1892-1910, 1907-10-18
Copyright. 1906. Bobbs-M Merrill Cos
SYNOPSIS.

SYNOPSIS.
The American consul to Barscheit, a
.prineipality Of Europe, tells how the
a husband for his rebellious niece. the
Princess Hildegarde, finally decreeing
an ugly old widower, ruler of the neigh
boring principally. Though he had been
In the country for six months the Ameri-
While horseback riding in the country
night overtakes him, and he seeks accom-
mediation in a dilapldated old castle. In
women, the Princess Hildegarde, and a
friend, the Hon. Betty Moore of England.
They detain him. to be a witness to a
mock marriage of the Princess to Stein
book, a disgraced military officer, as a
means Of escaping the marriage with
Prince Doppelkinn. warrington, the
American consul, is hidden behind the
portiers when Steinbock arrives.
CHAPTER iIl.-Continued.
I heard the crackle of parchment.
The certificate was being unfolded.
ct occurred to me that while she was
about 1t the princess might just as
well have forged the rascal's name and
wholly dispensed with his services.
The whole affair struck me as being
ineffective; nothing would come Of It.
IL BIG lIlcu " Ildhc Tic uuhc Dtlicfc
that she had married Steinbock, her
uncle would probe the matter to the
bottom, and in the end cover her with
ridicule. But you can not tell a young
woman anything, when she is a prin-
cess and in the habit of having her
own way. 1t Is remarkable how stupid
clever women can be at times. The
Honorable Betty understood, but her
highness would not be convinced. Thus
she suffered this needless affront. Par
don this parenthesis, but when one
talks from behind a curtain the par
enthesis is the only available thing.)
There was silence. l saw Steinbock
poise the pen, then scribble on the
parchment. 1t was done. I stirred
restlessly.
"There!" cried Steinbock. His voice
did not lack a certain triumph. And
To- for the duplicated"
Her highness stuffed the document
into the bosom of her dress. There
will be no duplicate" The frigidity of
her tones would have CONCEALED the
blood of an ordinary rascal. But Stein
book was not ordinary.
But suppose the duke comes to me
for verification?" he reasoned.
you will be on the other side Of
the frontier. Here are your thousand
crowns"
The barb Of her contempt penetrated
even his thick epidermis. His smile
hardened.
81 was once a gentleman; l did not
always accept money for aiding in
shady transactions"
Neither your sentiments nor your
opinions are required. Now, observe
me carefully" continued her highness.
Il shall-give you "a hours to cross the
frontier in any direction you choose.
If after that time you are found in
Barscheit, l promise to hand you over
to the police"
1T has been a great day." said the
rascal, with a laugh. "a thousand
crowns!"
l separated the portieres an inch.
He stood at the side of the piano, upon
which he leaned an elbow. He was
certainly, handsome, much sought after
by women of a low class. The princess
stood at Steinbock's left and the Hon
orable Betty at his right, erect, their
faces expressing nothing, SO forced
was the respose. M
II never expected so great an honor.
To wed a princess, when that princess
is your highness! Faith, 1t Is fine!"
"You may go at once" interrupted
her highness, her voice rising a key,
Remember, you have only "a hours
between you and prison. You waste
valuable time"
What! you wish to be rid of me Sc
soon? Why, this is the bridal night,
One does not part with ones wife at
this rate"
Leopold, tho caretaker, made a warn
ing gesture.
Come, Leopold, I must have my
lest" laughed Steinbock.
within certain bounds" returned
the old man phlegmatically. 1T is
high time you were off. You are fool
hardy to match your chances with
Justice. Prison stares you in the face
Bah! Do you believe it?"
1T is a positive fact" added the
princess.
"But to leave like this has the pane
OF DEATH" Steinbock demonstrated
what! shall l be of without having
even kissed the bride?"
"The bargain is concluded on all
sides; you have your thousand
crowns"
"But not loves tribute. must have
that. 1t is worth a thousand crowns
Besides" with a p%erceptible change in
. his manner. shall ! forget the con
tempt with which you have always
looked upon me, even in tho old, days
hat were fair and prosperous2 Scarce