The Washington times., 1909-11-25

IL preston, they came so abruptly
The men stared at him. then at
each other. Il was as if he had
read their thoughts and had jumped
at once to the conclusion that they were
batting him Every one began talking
AT once Soon some one began TO shake
his hand. Then there were cheers ana
a dozen handshakings. TruNton grinly
realized that he had done Just what
they expected him 70 do. He tried 10
look uncOncernel
You viii require a guide" said Col
onel Quiunox. who had been studying
the degase American in the most earn
SEND for Mr.. Hobbs, please" saiJ
TruXtOn.
the barracks The news already was
sDreading throughout the castle The
chamber .iopr was wide open and men
were coming and going. Eager women
were Deering through the doorway Tor
a glimpse OF the American
There should be three of ms. SAID
King addressing the men about him
"O1e Of rs is sure 70 get away
There IS not man herS-or IN tle
scrvice-who viii not gladly accompany
you. Mr.. King, cried General Braze
count Vos Engo is the man 7 would
choose. Il ] may be permitted the honor
Of naming my companion. said IruN-
ton. grinning inwar1ly with malicious
Nos Engo turned a yelowish green.
His eyes bulEed-
IL am in command OF the person
OF his royal highness,' he stammerec,
suddenly going very red
81 had forgotten your present occu-
patton" said TruXtOn quietly Pray
pardon the embarrassment i may have
caused you. After all ! think Hobbs
will do. He knows the country like a
book. Besides, his business IN this
city must be very dull just now. He Il
be glad TO have the chance TO person
q fP
American tourist ] must insist, gentle
men. on being personally conducted by
s man from Cooks"
They did not know whether 10
laugh or 10 treat il as serious an
nouucement.
Mr.. Hobbs came. That Is to say. he
was produced. 1t is doubtful If Mr..
Hobbs ever fully recovered from the
mslady commonly known as stage
fright. He had never been called Mr..
Hobbs by a prime minister before. nor
had he ever been asked in person by Il
minister of war n he had family at
home Moreover, no assemblage Of
nobiemen had ever Condescended 10
unite in three cheers for him. After
ward Truxton King was Obliged to tell
him that he had hnV averlngly vOlun-
teered 70 accompany him on the
'perilous trip 20 the hills Be sure OF
II, Mr.. Hobbs was not ia "a mental con
oitiOn for many hours 10 even remote
" comprehend what had taken place.
He only knew that he had been In
participate In council OF war
But Mr.. Hobbs was not the kind to
falter. once ne had given his word,
however hay he may have been at
the moment he knew that he had
volunteered TO do something. Nor did
IL seem 10 surprise MIN when ne final
~ found out what 10 was.
Wen be of at midnight. Hobbs. 90
said TruXtOn, feeling IN his pocket for
the missing watch.
AS you say. Mr.. King Just az YOU
say said Hobbs, with fine Indifference.
As TruXton was leaving the castle
ten minutes later. Hobbs having gone
before TO see 10 the packing of food
bags and the Milling Of TASKS. "a brisk
eaSer-iaced young attendant hurried
y bear a message from his royal
highness,' said the attendant, OBTAINING
him.
lie should be sound as,eep at this
time" said Tru1ton. surprised.
His royal hishness insists on staying
awake as long as possible sir. II Is
FAR past his bedtime but these are
troublesome times. he says. Every man
should do his part Prince Robin has
asked for you. sir"
"HOw's thut2"
Gle desires you to appear before him
at once"
"In-in the audience chamber"
In his bedchamber, SIR He is very
sleepy. but says that YOU are to come
10 him before starting away on your
mission of danger"
"PIucky little beggarr cried Truxton
his heart swelling with love for tho
royal youngstcr.
"Slri'' exclaimed the attendant nj,
eyes wide with amazement and re-
proof.
"rI see him. said the other prompt
". as II he were granting 1he audi
ence.
He followed the perpleXed attendant
up the grand staircase, across thlckly
. csrpeted halls in which posed the stat'