The silver messenger., 1908-09-15
~ ~ N A-aaaAsSA lJfiAS
Copyright. 1905. Bobbs-Morrin Cos
SYNOPSIS.

SYNOPSIS.
The American consul to Barschelt a
! principality OF Europe, tells how the
reigning grand duke had tried TO find
husband for his rebcliOus niece the
Princess Hildegarde, finally decreeing
that she wed the Prince of Doppelkinn,
an ugly old widower, ruler of the neigh
boring principalty. Though he had been
IN the country for six months the Nmeri-
I can consul had never seen the princess.
While horseback riding in the country
night oVertakes him, and he seeks accom-
nodaton In dilapdated old castle. In
u ne nnds an old servitor and two
women, the Princess Hildegarde and a
lTlendi the Hon. Betty Moore of England.
Ihey detain him to be a witness to a
mock marriage of the Princess to Stein
Dock, disgraced military officer, as a
means OF escaping the marriage with
Prince DoppellIinn. Warrington. the
american consul is hidden behind the
portlers when Steinbock arrives.
CHAPTER lIl.-Contnued.
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.
Ii she tried to make the duke believe
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. / saw Steinbock
poise the pen, then scribble on the
parchment 1t was done. / stirred
restlessly.
"There!" cried Steinbock. His voice
did not lack certain triumph. "And
now 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
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.
Il 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 - any direction you choose.
If after that time you are found in
Barscheit, | promise 10 hand you over
to the police"
1T has been great day. said the
rascal, with a laugh "A thousand
erownsl"
separated the portieres an inch.
He stood at the side of the piano, upon
which he leaned an elbow. He was
handsome, much sought after
by women of 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.
Il never expected so great an honor
TO wed a princess. when that princess /
IS your highness! Faith, it is fine!"
you may so at once" interrupted |
her highness, her voice rising a key.
Remember, you have only "a hours |
between you and prison. You waste
time"
What! you wish to be rid Of me so
soon? Why, this is the bridal night.
One does not part with ones wife at
his rate"
Leopold, the caretaker. made a warn.
ng gesture.
Come, Leopold l must have my
lest" laughed Steinbock.
Within certain bounds" returned
he old man phlegmatically. 1T is
lign 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 positive fact" added the
princess.
But to leave like this has the pang
If death!" Steinbock demonstrated.
What! shall be off without having
sven kissed the bride?"
The bargain is concluded on all
sides; you have your thousand
But not loves tribute. l must have
hat. 1t is worth a thousand crowns.
Besides" with perceptible change in
his manner SHAH 1 forget the con.
.empt with which you have always
ooked upon me, even in the old DAYS
hat were fair and prosperous? Scarce.