Charlevoix county herald. (East Jordan, Mich.) 189?-1953, 1909-01-16

by his paltry ruse would infringe upon
the privacy of king and see for him.
self what sort of fool he was.
SHOW him in" he said to the equer-
~, and then expectantly watched the
door, wondering whether he was to
face an adventurer or an imbecile. Be-
tween the king and the officer whose
name appeared on the card was an
intimacy of more than 80 years
standing. The name alone had suffi-
cient weight to preclude the curt re-
fusal OF such an extraordinary request.
II this was the friend of his younger
days, nothing but an errand of the
utmost Importance could have induced
him to seek an audience under such
circumstances, and, on the contrary,
IL his visitor proved to be q nonentity
or crank, the guard ~ould give protec-
ton and summary punishment.
The door Of the cabinet slid back.
and grim, SCARED, weather-beaten
man stood surrounded by the royal
body guard. In utter establishment
that it should be the admiral standing
before him, the sovereign rose from
his seat and took a step forward.
They stood for moment, the king
and the admiral. and then slowly
grasped each others hand, casting the
restrain of situation and the difference
Of position completely aside.
'Bevins," the monarch said, "for
Gods sake what brings you here in a
time like this? Is there no limit to
your daring, and nothing at which
your country will hesitate? Do you
come as friend or as an American"
Both" answered the officer, stand
ing squarely on his feet and looking
steadily into the gray eyes, which per-
sistently scrutinized him as If seeking
to read the cause of his visit.
There came another instants pause,
and the king with gesture invited
him to be seated. The guard dis
creetly withdrew and closed the door
of the cabinet
Bevins continued: 81 must apologize
for intruding upon you; but l have
journeyed long way to deliver a mes
sage which permits of no delay"
I'm an official capacity them"
queried the monarch dryly.
Yes, official and friendly. 1 was
chosen for this mission not only be-
cause of our known friendship, but
for the reason that l could explain GER
tain events to you better than any
man living"
The king nearly forgot the distrust
which he had felt first. and almost
yielded to the impulse to drop all cere-
mony and ask his guest for an expla
nation then and there. He half rose
and grasped the arms of his chair. His
lips opened to interrogate, and then,
his life's training and restraint re-
Stunning their hold his ton sue gave a
dry click, and he again assumed a pos
ture Of reposc. 1t was diff. cult to as
sumo an air OF complaccAce when
every instinct Of king and man called
out to him to ask impetuously the one
before him for the unraveiing of the
skein OF events and the story Of the
fate of the British fleet. He yelled his
ment behind a mask of polite reserve.
But what was coming next? His Wis
itor, who had hesitated now went on.
This is no time nor place for me TO
say what | have to; but as an ennis
sary of my government ! am asked TO
induce you, your prime minister and
the first lord of the admiralty to grant
me private audience"
The king, impatient, curious and
anxious, was yet relieved by what he
heard. There was nothing very I'M
usual in request for private audi
ence under such circumstances, and
he had hope that from it would come
elucidation of all which he most
wished to know. The morrow then
would at least bring some ease Of
mind and some relief from uncertain
ty. Before he could reply the voice re-
sumed:
1.-THE audience must be granted to.
night"
Tonight, tonight" The sovereign
forgot his aplomb, leaned his body to-
ward his companion, and thrust his
chin forward. There had been some
thing in the use of the word must"
and the astonishing declaration that
the interview should be conceded at
once that aroused little spark Of re-
sentiment. And yet he was filled with
curiosity akin to anger.
The admiral was quick to read his
royal hosts annoyance, and fastened
TO conciliate. Your majesty, as your
friend l ask you not to misconstrue
anything may say. | am asking as a
favor that / be allowed my own time
and way-yes, that even may be per-
mitted to suggest the conditions Of the
meeting. Believe me, it is for the
best
The king was motionless and speech
less for what seemed Il long time
From his viewpoint of head of a ma
ton and bound to maintain it's dig
nifty, and man with a mans ankle
ties and anxious to learn from
friends lips the story of the last
months secrets and disasters, he was