The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1908-12-11
Proceed, Kephard," said the king

Proceed. Kephard," said the king,
smiling. but no more Of that"
Darlington has been . fool" re
sumed the old warrior, flushing deeply
under his tan. he had the sweetest
wife on earth and vas ashamed OF
her and hirted with another woman
who couldn't hold q candle to her
and she ran away. In her innocence
getting Lord Strathgate to assist her
Strathgate's motives were-vell, your
majesty will understand. She es-
capped from him. Darlington pur-
sued him. They fought"
so l have been informed" said the
king.
Very well. your majesty, then
there's nothing for me to do but to
beg you to be merciful to the young
man. l think he's heartily sick and
sorry OF it now. and only wants his
wife. He's one Of the best ohicers
in the service. 1t would be a pity to
degrade him. and. to tell the truth. l
love the lad dearly. Won't your ma
jesty be a little easy with him-a
nominal punishment? We can't af.
ford to overlook the affair entirely"
"Hark ye," admiral" said the king
Gentlemen" he turned to the other
two sailors-"I commit her majesty
to your tender oflices. Admiral KEEP
hard and l will have . word or two
alone. Come. admiral"
The king turned as he spoke and
walked out Of ear shot. the admiral
numbering along in his wake. They con-
suited together animatedly for few
moments. the king smiling. not to say
grinning, II so unroyal word may be
used about majesty. Suddenly the old
admiral burst into a roar of laughter
He lifted his hand and slapped 1t
down on his leg. For moment the
king had thought In his enthusiasm he
meant to clap him on the shoulder.
The admiral beloved out in a
voice that could have been heard a
half mile away in gale Of wind:
Fore God. your majesty, It's .
noble idea, a royal JEST"
Think you it will work?" said tho
king as he walked back to the other
group.
Excellent. in faith"
And you will carry 1t out?"
ITO the very letter. sir. Tomorrow,
your majesty
And let no inkling Of your purpose
come to the prisoner"
None. sir, and the lady. your ma
jesty. what Of herr"
Il reserve to myself the pleasure of
telling her." returned the king.
And have We leave to withdraw
now, your majesty" asked the ad-
miral, as they ap~ ,ached the other
group.
Go, and go quickly. Kephard." said
the king. extending his hand again. Il
would that could be there and see
the denouement."
But your majesty can see some of
It at least" said Kephard, III you will
board the Britannia any time to-mor
row, and indeed you would vastly
honor us; the men would be like to
die for joy at such . visit. You could
at least watch the prisoner take his
departure"
I'll do 4. said the king. AT what
timer"
AT your majesty's convenience, of
course; but the tide ebbs at II o'clock
and that would be a suitable time
for
The king raised his hand.
"At II O'Clock, six bells, you call It,
don't you?"
Yes. your majesty"
Il shall be there. Don't betray me-"
by no means, your majesty" re-
turned the admiral.
And making their salutations and
obeisances to their majestles, the little
party withdrew, leaving the king in
high glee a. he explained to his grim
little consort the details Of his sport,
i've plan.
Cro BE coNT1NUED.)
aeei AnRa 4 lotioR NOT NEE0En