The Marion daily mirror. (Marion, Ohio) 1892-1912, 1908-11-07
The FallOf theEmpire

content with being master of his own
klngdom, he sought to make himself
master OF all kingdoms within bis
reach.
While the kings traits were Napo-,
leonlc, there was one trait that was
not Napoleonlc. Napoleon, while he
was q gallant, never permitted any
woman to influence him in matters OF
government He was not ahaid Of the
fair sex and took no precautions
against women. The soldler-king, on
the contrary, feared their seduetions
lie was aware that they governed the
world and considered that II would be
impossible for him to build up the en-
pire he intended II he were himself
governed by woman A bachelor, he
proposed to remain n 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, Histerla
still unconquered which was important
to the soldier-king. From its geograph-
zeal position II 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 its submission. A reply was
returned that the duke would yield to
the Inevitable II the king would grant
certain conditions. II not he would de-
fend his dukedom till every man In It
had been killed
The king then sent Il 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 defile lead
ing TO the duchy was pocket well
adapted for place Of conference. The
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 20 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 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 flowing white beard and
hair.
The soverelgns met at the door Of a
pavilion that had been erected for the
conference. The duke produced a 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
IL treachery were intended he was
match for this feeble old man. Then
the duke led the way into handsome
ly furnished room, In the center OF
which were a table and writing mate.
rails. At one end OF the apartment
blaZed an open fire. The duke threw
the golden key In among the burning
logs. II Immediately lgnited. For a
moment the king stood In wonder at
seeing gold burn, then rushed forward
to rescue the key. He was too late.
''lt was Of wood, your majesty" said
the duke "and gilded we are shut up
here together for this conference. Mel.
ther can depart, for there Is no open
Ing except the door which Is locked
and no key with which to unlock It,
Eet us proceed to business %"
AS the duke spoke the last words he
threw his hat on the floor. pulled off a
white wig and false beard, diyested
himself of his ducal robes and stood
before the king in superb dress, a wo-
man Of transcendant beauty.
II was to meet the duke" STAN
mered the king, drawing back.
II am the sovereign OF Histeria. My
father has abdlcated In my favor"
The king put his hand before his
face 10 shut out the vision OF lowell
| ness.
''These are my terms" continued the
duchess, "the only terms on which
shall surrender. will pay your mai
esty 500 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 cameo, her complexion that
Of white and red roses, and her eyes
were a marvel OF lOvelness
Your grace" he said, dropping on
his knee, Il am at your mercy"
The duchess pointed TO the writing
materials. The king wrote:
The independence OF the duchy Of His,
terra Is acknowledged and guaranteed
The duchess read and turned her
great eyes, lii by heavenly smile, on
the monarch. Then, touching spring
In the table, a drawer few open. She
seized key and started for the door.
The king followed and caught her In
his arms. She looked back, and her
lips We're pressed by his. ''N
When the king rejolned his attend
ants he was a chahged man. fIe knew
that the lands he had conquered would
| al tpa Nc la TfahIa 20 ~ ,,.o..oa e..,.,