Evening star., 1909-07-18

innocence. "The letter was not written by
me, and | shall pay no attention to it nor to
Your threats. Others have tried the game
with Grumkow. and they are now living IN
underground dungeons IN Spandau Castle. l
have a mind to have you kicked from my
housei'
The Margrave had regained his self possession
and was as calm as the Baron. "If you lay
hand on me, Baron Grumkow | swear before
God that the original of this letter will be
placed before the King, and will be published to
the people of Brandenburg and Prussia! 1t will
be backed by evidence that cannot be disbe
lieved, evidence that will hang you and score
Of your confederates, including your mistress.
Madam Ramen. | am not speaking idly. Your
plots are known to many persons IN Branden-
burg. and YOU are living over a mine.
Your rawlings disgust me. Go!' shouted
Grumkow, rising and pacing the floor nerv-
ouSly.
If by tomorrow night at ten o'clock the
King has not given his consent to the marriage
of Princess Wilhelmina to the hereditary Prince
Of Bayreuth," continued Adolph, tagging
closely at the heels of the Baron and speaking
rapidly, the original of this letter, together
with evidence necessary to prove its truth will
be sent broadcast over the entire land, and you
will be unable to reach the borders of Branden-
burg in time to save your life. Death hangs
over YOU Baron Grumkow and after death the
bottomless pit of hell !. You may, if you wish,
assassinate me; but you will gain nothing, for
! am no part of the evidence against you. l
simply hold your enemies IN check for the pur-
pose of gaining my point If you assassinate
me, you will preciptate your troubles, and in
all the world there will be no one that can save
YOU. The original of the letter and the evil
dence to support it will be used to hang you.
Take my advice. Baron Grumkow: If you hear
of nv death lose time in getting out of
Brandenburg. You know you wrote the origi-
nal letter. | need not try to convince you that
| also know you did How it came to the
hands that now possess it need not trouble you.
BY tomorrow night shall expect favorable
answer from the King. An reUoir Baron"
The Margrave started to the door. Grumkow
called him back; but Adolph would not be re-
called and with head erect and heart throbbing
with pride, he walked from the house to Eur
Grossen Wurst, and proceeded with earnest de-
liberation to get himself very drunk. He Sue
ceeded-much.
NEXT morning the Margrave was out of bed
early. bright and alert as any boy. He
ordered great dish of big sausage with cab
bage and garlic fried in vinegar and butter, that
being the inns chef-d RUre and, thus strength
ened, sailed forth for the day.
In the evening he attended The Tabagie.
where the proposition of the Queen to offer
Wilhelmina' S hand to the hereditary Prince of
Bayreuth was discussed.
Before the session began. Grumkow ap-
preached Adolph very civilly, and in the gra-
cious manner of which he was master invited
him to a conference apart from the other me
bers.
My dear Margrave," said Grumkow, affec-
tionately placing his hand on Adolph's arm,
You have been deceived by some designing
person. who has tried to induce you to believe
that the letter you and copied was written
by me. | am sure that you are honest in your
belief but, my dear Margrave, pause mo-
ment and think. Do you suppose that could
be great fool as to write that letter."
Every man is fool in spots" answered
Adolph, throwing out his chest and proudly
lifting his head as he delivered himself of the
truism.
But am not fool in that spot" insisted
the Baron, smiling kindly on the Margrave.
".4chi don't argue with me!'' answered the
Margrave. " | know the letter is yours, and"
Speak softly" interrupted Grumkow.
Speak softly; these fools may hear you'll"
Il know that the letter is yours" said
Adolph, ignoring Grumkow's request and speak
ing in loud voice " / know it is yours and
YOU know that | know it. | am waiting to
learn what the King does. If he fails to act to-