The Columbus journal., 1909-03-03

!" -
EMM

feet. will your majesty permit me
to bring other proof that what ask
is for the best?"
The king nodded
Then grant me an order to the
guard at the door which will enable
me to pass without interruption and
return"
There was the pressure of button,
an order to the eauerry to do as the
visitor wished, and the officer bowe':
himself out of the room.
His majesty's advisers began al
imprisoned appeal that he should I'M
der all circumstances refuse to leave
the security of his palace. They
pointed out the dangers which might
assail him in many ways. despite the
fact that his visitor was his friend;
but to all of these advices he made no
reply, lounging in careless attitude
and blowing wreaths of smoke toward
the shaded electric lights above his
head. There was rap at the door.
and it was thrown open by an equerry.
who stood at attention, his face be-
traying no sign of anything Unusual.
Into the room entered a. her visi-
tor, followed by Bevins, WV closed
the door after him. The materializa-
ton Of a ghost could have created no
greater surprise. The king dropped
his cigar ON the carpet and, like his
companions. jumped to his feet and
stood like statue. The prime minis
ter's hand was half poised in the air
and remained there while the lord of
the admiralty showed his head forward
in an attitude of awe-struck question.
ing.
is that yOu?" he asked, in utter aston
ishment.
Yes, your majesty. it is t. and he
advanced to meet the king, who sud
denly held out his hand.
The others rushed forward almost
incoherent in greeting the admiral
who had sailed away in command of
the great fleet CT demonstration and
had been given UP as dead.
Field was apparently enjoying the
situation, and waited until they began
to ask question before expressing his
views. Il am under my word of hon
Or, or might say parole
Not that" Bevins interrupted. You
are not prisoner
We'll, under promise then, that l
shall say nothing concerning the mys-
terry which I now thoroughly under
stand" He made little grimace as
if the subject brought up unpleasant
recCllectiols of defeat, and went on:
Il am here tonight as the guest OF
our friend the admiral. He has told
me of his failure to convince you tina:
what he asks is necessary, and have
come to add my arguments to his,
urging upon you to do as he says. He
has told you the truth when he says
that it may mean an end to war;"
The ministers and the lord of the
admiralty looked shocked: but the
king made a decision without hest
fancy. Il will accept, and believe it
best that the others should accompany
me-" 1t was conclusive.
They donned their light coats, and
when the monarch stepped from his
wardrobe a moment later he, too, was
CARRIED for his trip and preceded then.
down the Railways, through corridors
and arched doors. over heavy car
pets where the noise of their feet was
where the ring of their boot-heels dis
turbed the silence. Only once did the
king halt. and that was for Bevins to
indicate whether it was desirable to
pass through the private door or into
the broader corridor leading toward
the front of the palace. They chose
the former course, passed the wonder
ing sentry at the door. and out into
the night. The odor of June flowers
came to them on every side through
the weird veil of fog. and from the
drive beyond the pile of stone and
brick came the steady Gathering of
horses hoofs. They walked closely
together. the king holding Bevins'
arm. The sentry heard their feet
steadily crunching out over the grav-
eled walks, started at the sound of
melancholy, far-reaching whistle, won
dering whether it was a signal of
some strange import, and then re.
sumed his usual motionless attitude.
The king and his ministers had been
taken by the fog, the night and the
mystery.
(TO BE CoNTINUED)