Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-05-18

| --almOStall It's not their fault. What can you expect? They're encouraged to laziness and to riot. They have no good rifles. The city is left defenseless l have no big guns" He broke suddenly into a low laugh. "There-that's what Zerkovitch calls my fixed idea. He declares it's written on my heart-big guns."'
 If you had them you'd be master" 'I could make some attempt at de- fense, anyhow. At least we could cov- CT retreat to the hills if war came" He paused. And in peace--yes, l should be master of Slavna. I'd bring men from Volsenl to serve the guns" His voice had grown vindictive. "Ste- movies knows that, think" He reused himself again and spoke to her ear nestly. Listen. This fellow Mistitch is great hero with the soldiers and the mob. When I have him shot, as shall, not on my own account-I could have killed him tonight-but for the sake of discipline, there will very like ly be disturbance. What you did to- night will be all over the city by to- morrow morning. If you see any signs of disturbance, if any people gather around here. go to Zerkoyltch's at once, or. if that's not possible or safe, come to me in Suleiman's tower, and I'll send for Marie Zerkovitch too Will you proaise? You must run risk" @
 "Ill come if I'm afraid"
 Or If you ought to be?' he insiste laughing again.
 "Well, then-or if I ought to be-" sb promised, joining in his laugh. "Bu the king-isn't he with your"
 "My father likes me. We're good friends. But. like father. unlike son, they say of the Stefanovitches. I'm a martinet, they tell me. Well, he-isn't Nero flddled-you remember? The king goes fishing. He's remarkably fond of fishing, and his advisers don't dlscour- age him. I tell you all this because you're committed to our side now"
 "Yes; I'm committed to your side. F WnO elSe IS WILL your
 "In Slavna? Nobody, Well, the Zerkovitches and my hundred in Sulei- mans tower, and perhaps some old men who have seen war. But at Vol seni and among the hills they're with me-" Again he seemed to muse as he reviewed his scanty forces.
 "I wish we had another match. l want to see your face close" said So- phy. He rose. with laugh. and leaned forward 10 the window. "0h, no; you're nothing but blur stillv' she exclaimed impatiently.
 Suddenly the prince awoke from his reverie-perhaps from dream. To So- phy he gave the impression, as he was to give 1t more than once again, of man pulling himself up. tightening the rein. drawing back into himself.
 q finger too long," he said. "My duty lies at the tower wonder. I've thanked you badly, but what thanks can man give for his life? We shall meet again. I'll arrange that with Marie Zerkovitch. You'll remember what I've told you to do in case of dan. ger? You'll act on itf'
 "Yes, monseigneur."
 He sought her hand. kissed it and then groped his way to the stairs. So phy went with him down to the porch.
 Be careful to lock your door," he en- joined her. and don't go out tomorrow unless the streets are quite quiet"
 '0h, but I've a French lesson to give at 10 o'clock" she remonstrated.
 "You have to do thatT
 'I have to make my living, monsei gneur."
 "Ah, yes" he said meditatively. "well. slip out quietly and wear a veil"
 Nobody knows my face"
 "Wear a veil. People notice face like yours. Again thanks. and good night"
 Sophy peered out from the porch and watched his quick. sOldierly march up the street to St Michaers square. The night had frightened a little, and she could make out his figure. although dlmly. until he turned the corner and was lost to sight. She fingered for q moment before turning 10 % back to her room-llngered muslng on theeyen- ing's history.