Connecticut western news., 1908-11-26
TheFallOf the Empire

l Copyright. 1908, by American Press Asso- | ciation.1
 The young soldier-king's ambition was towering. At thirty he found him. self the first general of his age Not content with being master of his own kingdom, he sought to make himself master of all kingdoms within his reach.
 | While the kings traits were Napo- leonic, there was one trait that was not Napoleonic. Napoleon. while he was a gallant, never permitted any woman to influence him in matters of government. He was not afraid of the fair sex and took no precautions against women. The soldier-king on the contrary. feared their seductions. He was aware that they governed the world and considered that 1t would be impossible for him to build up the em- pire he intended if he were himself 1 governed by woman. A bachelor, he proposed to remain a bachelor. And for fear that he would be captured he permitted only the homeliest women to come near him. On one occasion when he was told that young girl had come to his tent to beg for protection from his soldiers he asked, "Is she comely" When answered in the affirmative he replied, ''Then let her be yelled"
 There was one petty duchy, Histeria. still unconquered which was important 1 to the soldier-king. From its geograph- ical position 1t was the main link in the states from which the empire was to be formed. Though small, It's con- quest would be difficult, for its terri tory constituted an elevated plateau whose only approaches were through mountain defiles. The king sent de. mand for It's submission. A reply was returned that the duke would yield to the inevitable if the king would grant certain Conditions. If not he would de fend his dukedom till every man in it had been killed.
 The king then sent messenger to ask the conditions. A reply came that they would only be presented at a meeting to take place between the two sovereigns. Midway up a defile lead ing to the duchy was a pocket well | duke proposed that he and the king meet there and discuss the terms by which his domain should pass under the kings rule. The king might bring all the guard he wished. The duke pledged himself to go alone.
 [ The king, unwilling to be outdone in an exhibition of confidence, declared that he, too, would go alone and un- armed. All these matters having been adjusted, the king rode. with a small guard. to the mouth of the defile, where he left them and proceeded to the rendezvous. The duke was seen coming down the mountain, an old man with a flowing white beard and | hair.
 The sovereigns met at the door of pavilion that had been erected for the conference. The duke produced gold en key, unlocked the door and motion ed the king to enter. When inside the duke relocked the door This startled the king, but he said nothing Surely if treachery were intended he was match for this feeble old man. Then the duke led the way into a handsome ly furnished room. in the center of which were a table and writing mate rials. At one end of the apartment blazed an open fire. The duke threw the golden key In among the burning logs. It immediately ignited. For moment the king stood in wonder at seeing gold burn, then rushed forward to rescue the key. He was too late.
 Tt was of wood. your majesty" said the duke, "and gilded. We are shut up here together for this conference. Nei- ther can depart, for there Is no open ing except the door which is locked and no key with which to unlock 1t. Let us proceed to business"
 As tho duke spoke the last words he threw his hat on the floor, pulled off white wig and false beard, divested himself of his ducal robes and stood before the king in superb dress, a wo- man of transcendant beauty.
 "I-I was to meet the duke." stam- mered the king, drawing back
 '1 am the sovereign of Histeria. My father has abdicated in my favor"
 The king put his hand before his face to shut out the vision of loveli- ness.
 These are my terms" continued the duchess, "the only terms on which I shall surrender. I will pay your maj esty 800 pieces of gold annually as tribute for ten years"
 The king made no reply, but drop ping his hands, stared at the sym metrical creature Her features were those of a cameo, her complexion that of white and red roses. and her eyes were a marvel of loveliness.
 Your grace" he said, dropping on his knee, "I am at your mercy"
 The duchess pointed to the writing materials. The king wrote:
 The independence of the duchy of Ills tcria is acknowledged and guaranteed.
 The duchess read and turned her great eyes, lit by heavenly smile! on the monarch. Then. touching Il spring in the table, drawer flew open. She
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