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

Shdt uo ' Brodneu huy BlaS. Il can see only one thing. At any risk the Queen must be warned not to leave the palace. But whom can trust with the message?'
 At this moment page entered with a note. It was from Don Guritan, saying that he had returned and awaited satis- Iaetion He is loyal and devoted" thought Ruy Bias. Hastily he scribbled a note, begging the old soldier to lay aside nis enmity for a time and to guard the Sueen, as danger threatened her "Espe- cially." prayed he in the note, 'beg her not to leave the palace, whatever message she may receive"
 He also scribbled note to the Oueen saying Believe Don Guritan. Do what he advises" More he dared not write, for fear of Don Salluste's spies.
 Don SaIluste learned of Ruy Bias. mes sage soon after 1t had been sent and lxnev at once that 1t must be a warning to tha Queen. Furious at this disobedience. which would ruin his plans, he hastened to the house near the palace Before be could enter he was accosted by tattered cavalier, who had long and bloody sword in his hand. Gayly the fellow bowed when he saw Don Salluste and cried: ''Welcome. welcome, cousinI I was just coming to your secret nest to pay my respects to you for that little affair with the cor sairs."
 It was Don Caesar de Bazan. Don Sal- 1uste gritted his teeth as he saw his re- venge slipping from his fingers. But the next few words from his disreputable kinsman gave him fresh hope; for Don Caesar mentioned gayly and incidentally that on his way he had been affronted by Don Guritan, and had just killed him as matter of getting up an appetite for din- ner.
 With the knowledge that the Queen had not been warned. Don Salluste's dar- ing returned. With instant decision he cried for help. Alguazlls came running up. "This man is thief" cried Don Sal luste. He wears the doublet that was stripped by bandits from the Count d Abe. See, there, his escutcheon worked on it in gold"
 "The devilr' said Don Caesar. "But-' "Sience!'' said the officers, flashing his hands and dragging him away. Don salluste turned to the house, smil-
 
 passage. Unconscious of his arrival, Ruy Bias sat in the large room on the lower story. not daring to disobey his orders | for fear of his vengeance falling on the | Queen.
 Thank God! Thank Godr' muttered | Ruy Bias. "Whatever ruin is in store for me, at least she is safe Don Guritan is l sure. He will defend her from all wiles 1 this night. And for me, whatever further part that devil might have de- 1 signed for me I can frustrate it with this" He drew a vial from his breast. In the act the long, black robe that GOV cred him fell back and showed that he | was in his old livery
 Suddenly a door opened and the Queen appeared. Ruy Bias stepped backward and stared at her with frightened eyes.
 ''Who was it told you to come hereT | he gasped with bloodless lips. l "Why, your own motel" said the Queen, turning as pale as he was, and drawing from her bosom the note that he had written at the bidding of Don Salluste. l "Who opened to you?' cried Ruy Bias. | "A man in a mask and hidden by the wall" replied the Queen, infected by his | terror. The next instant she shrieked |
 Taking off his mask, he disclosed the features of Don Salluste. Fly dy!" cried Ruy Bias, as the Queen screamed.
 'Too late!'' said Don Sal1uste. Madam de Neubourg has ceased with this secret visit to her lover to be the Queen of Spain. Listen, and do not make a stir. The thing can be concealed if you will acquiesce."
 He drew forth letter and laid it before her Sign this letter." said he, Ito His Majesty, the King, that I may give it | to him. That done, a carriage waits near by. In it is enough gold to take you to the end of the earth. Flee with Don Caesar. Refuse, and tomorrow all Spain shall ring with your disgracel"
 He tried to put the pen between the Queens fingers. Overwhelmed, the Queen looked at him, and then at Ruy Bias, who stood like one suddenly stricken.
 "Don Caesar loves you." said Don Sal luste. 'He is worthy of you, nobly born, almost a prince. Count Bazan, grandee of Spain"
 As if suddenly awakening, Ruy Bias started forward and said hoarsely: My name Is Ruy Bias and I lackey!' He snatched the pen from the Queen hands and tore the parchment up. Letting his robe fall. he displayed his livery.
 wringing her hands, the Queen cried; Just Heavens!'
  Salluste, though he spoke too soon. IL matters not, however My vengeance. though not quite perfect, since you VIII not flee with me now, Is rather cnarmins in its way. You would give me walt ing maid of yours for wife l give you my lackey for a lover." Grinding his teeth he added: You ruined me! And yet you slept in peace!
 While he was speaking Ruy Bias had yone ouietly to the door at the back and fastened it. Then he crept on Don salluste, suddenly drew the nobleman's s sword from the scabbard and rushed at him.
 The Marquis ran to the door and found if locked. He retreated toward closet. Ruy Bias following him steadily. Give me a sword at leastr he cried.
 "Why, you would not fight lackey" said Ruy Bias, driving him into the clos eft. In another moment the door closed behind them. Then Ruy Bias reappeared, pale and without the sword.
 He sank to hi.3 knees before tho Queen and told her all that had happened. Then he seized the vial and emptied 1t at one draught.
 What have you done?' screamed tho Queen. Speak! Speak! Don Caesar Don Caesar. forgive you I believe you, l love you.
 "Mv name is Ruy Blas," answered he. He sank forward The Queen helped him up. With a failing voice he said: "Flee! Flee All will remain secretl die!''
 He toppled over and sank to the floor. The Queen threw herself on his body and cried :'Ruv Bas puv Rlas reused himself for one in-