Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-28


W~ 1 want to close the outer door, As it
NJ M wv happened the Presidents military
0aMeN guard was stationed at gate
I'M the other side of the main court
W. yard, and could be
of the visitors identity, except the
man who had taken Alec's card, while he probably,
unable to read Roman script.
our Excellency will doubtless permit bag
gage to be placed in the ha?" said Alec, using the
most musical of all Slavonic tongues with fuency.
The President in that state of trepidation best de-
scrlbed by the homely phrase You could have
knocked him down with feather seemed to col
lapse utterly when he heard the stranger talking like
a native
Certainly, your--certainly. l don't understand,
OF course: but shall give directions" he slut
tered You have come by train, from-er-from
the west? You have not breakfasted? A cup of
chocolate? All yes, cup of chocolate. Then we can
discuss matters. The Assembly meets at ten and
am very busy but | can give you half an hour,
"Monsieur-"
Then he gave it up. He simply dared not pro-
nounce the name; SO, with hospitabe flourish he
ushered the two up broad staircase and into ROOM
WHILE climbing the stairs he recovered suf-
" fciently to tell the doorkeeper that the gen
tlemens portmanteaus to be brought within
and admitted without specific permission
Once in the room he closed the door stood with his
back to it, and gasped at Stampof the one word:
"As as you like. am famished. ate but little
route, because l detest German cooking said
Stampof on whom Alec's methods were taking effect.
But"
"Ah, you wonder why his Majesty should appear
without ceremony? Well, he quilted Paris on Tues
day night, an hour after Prince Michael had abdi-
Gated in his favor
"Abdicated!" wheezed the President.
Our friend takes too much for granted, : broke in
Alec, smiling and unembarrassed. my father could
not vacate a throne he did not occupy. He merely
resigned his claims in my favor. Kosnovia should
be governed by constitutional King and the power
to choose him now rests solely with the honorable
house of which you chief. If that is your view
share to the uttermost 1t is reported in the press
that the who murdered King Theodore and
Queen Helena have declared their allegiance to the
belgrade line. My reply is that refuse their nomi-
nation If am elected King by the representatives
of the people, shall have much pleasure in hanging
every officer who took part in the infamy OF the
Black Castle. Butt is early hour for politics.
You mentioned breakfast, Monsieur lie PRESIDENT"
Fat and asthmatc Sergius Nesimir not the
man to deal with candid adventurer of this type.
1t occurred to him that he ought to summon help
and clap the soi-dsant King and his henchman into
prison. But on what charge? Could any royal pre-
tender put forth more reasonable plea? And Kos
nova enough to the East to render sacred the
One moment, beg" he stammered why has
our.why have lou come to me? What am to do7
The Assembly seems to favor Republic said
Alec. " Be it SO. There are certain arguments
against such course which l would be glad of
opportunity to place before members. If you intro
duce me, they will give fair hearing. Let vote
be taken at If it is opposed to a monarchy,
am ready to be conducted to either the railway sta
ZION or the ScaHold whenever the Assembly IN It's
wisdom may deem best fitted to national needs If
it is in my favor am King. What more is there to
be said?''
What indeed?" growled stampof. why so
much talk? Let us eat''
Poor Nesmir! He had the unhappy history of his
country at his fingers ends and never before had
belgrade Obrenovitch striven for kingshp in this
kid glove fashion
Breakfast shall be seryed instantly" he said,
trying vainy to initiate the cool demeanor of his
guests But-you will appreciate the difficulties of
my position. l must consult with the Minister'S
T HOPE l may call your Exceency friend" said
Alec, and l shall be ready to accept your
Excelency's counsel; but this exceptional occa-