The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-01-10

misfortunes. Wait here, and I will fetch you 500 ducats to prove to you that I am in earnest"
 As Don Salluste left the room he beck oned to tall young man dressed in brown livery with red and gold. "Stay at the door, Ruy Blas," said he.
 Upon my faith" cried Don Caesar. suddenly catching sight of the lackey, 'it is Ruy Blas But why in livery? Is 1t a disguise?'
 Nc" answered Ruy Bias, bitterly. T am disguised when I am otherwise. When you knew me first, zafari, four years how I, fresh from my college, dreamed of using my knowledge for our country? Friend, hunger taught me otherwise. What business had I, the orphan, taught in college through charity, to dream? They should have made me a workman. Behold the issuel I am a lackey!"
 Why" said Don Caesar, T know full well that want is low door that forces the tallest to bend down the most, but Fate has ebb and flow"
 Nay" said Ruy Bias passionately, "I have been overwhelmed by a dreadful thing. This hateful livery which I wear today for the first time covers within something that consumes mel Listen, Zafari, you that were as my brother when we were poor but happy! Since I have been with Don Salluste, dwelling in that little secret mansion of his near the pal ace, where there are none but two mute black servants, I have seen the Queen pass from court to church many times. And, oh! the life of that poor thing is one long weariness. Think what it is for one so young, so radiant, to live in this dull court of hate and hypocrisyi To be mar ried to king-a fool, an imbecilel A creature already old at 30, unfit to live, unfit to reignl
 What misery for one so young, so Poor creaturel She loves a little blue flower dear to her because she loved 1t in Germany. I learned of that. Zafari. each day I go a league to Caramanchel. the only place where it grows in Spain. At night scale the wall around the royal gardens and at risk of my life lay the blossoms on her favorite bench. Brother, brother, pity mel Last night dared to put letter among the flowers! l, a lackey, love the Queen!'
 Even Don Caesar, who feared neither man nor devil recoiled a step and looked at his friend with staring, bewildered eyes. Recovering himself he caught his hand. Before he could say a word, Don salluste entered the room. He advanced softly, looking at the two young men with profound attention. In one hand he held a plumed hat and sword, which he laid on an armchair. In the other he held heavy purse which he carried to the table.
 "The devill'' muttered Don Caesar, when he saw Don Salluste. "The fox must have been listening to us! Well, what matter?'
 He turned to the table and handled the ducats delightedly. Don Salluste slowly and silently stepped backward, watching carefully that Don Caesar and Ruy Bias should not be looking. As soon as he was sure that he was unobserved, he opened a little door at his right. Three alguazils dressed in black and armed with swords, appeared in the opening. Don Salluste pointed to Don Caesar.
 When that man goes hence" said he, "seize him silently carry him to the seashore and sell him to corsairs for Africa Pay no attention to his claims. They are mad. A thousand piastres for you when you have obeyed."
 The door closed again. Don Salluste watching the two young men with the light of great idea in his eyes, said to himself: Tt will do, 1t will do. They are near enough alike. Indeed. it is striking"
 Come, Ruy Blas," said Don Caesar. "Take half this gold Come, be free"
 Ruy Bias shook his head. Don Caesar gathered tn money into a bag and said: "Adieuw The air of the palace was oppressive to the companion of freebooters and the friend of thieves.
 Scarcely had he gone when Don Sal luste approached Ruy Bias and asked:
 Has any person in Madrid seen you in this livery?"
 When Ruy Bias answered in the neg ative Don Salluste ordered him to take off his coat. "Close the door," said he. Now sit down and write. You shall be my secretary today and write a love letter for me. You see that I hide nothing from you. It is to a woman whom I adore most intensely. Now write Great danger threatens me. My Queen alone can save me, by coming to my house tonight. If she fails, I am lost. My heart, my req son, my life, I lay before the feet I kiss. Go quietly to the door at the end of the avenue. One who is de- voted will be there to open the door! Now sign 1t Caesar"
 Ruy Bias looked puzzled. "She will 1 understand" said Don Salluste. And now. Ruy Bias, I wish to better your condition here. Write once more: T. Ruy Bias, serving man of the most 1 noble lord the Marquis of Finlas. en- gage to serve him faithfully on all oc-
 casions as servant true.' Now, sign your name and date"
 He folded both letters and put them into his portfolio. Then he arose and took up the sword which he had laid on the arm chair. Lifting the rich , painted silken scarf over the young mans head. he hung the sword on his 1 shoulders T declare" said he, you | look nobleman every inch" The next moment footsteps ap- preached the door, They are coming