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

DIR, English friend to come and join the revel.'
1t was, indeed, easy to concede that Alexis Ill
was man apart from his people. Swarthy old
Stampoff, Prince Michael belgrade, the pink and
white Julius Marutch, the olive skinned oval
on the platform and found each his racial kith and
kim not Alec His stature, his carriage his fair
complexion, tanned brown with open air life
picked him out among these Balkan folk almost as
distinctly a Polar bear would show among the
denizens of an Indian jungle. Moreover every man
OF Importance wore some sort of uniform, whereas
Alec was quietly dressed in tweeds.
Thus, he drew many eyes, and evoked many
whispered comment; but never man or woman in
that crowded terminus harbored the renotest notion
that he belgrade. There were guesses in
plenty wherein he ranged from English newspaper
correspondent to Greek Prince, the latter wild
theory originating in the discovery of his name
the passport. Stampof was ignored and all went
well till Bosko laden with portnanteaus led the way
to the exit.
Alec, swayed by desire to please his father car
ried under his the sword of Ferdinand VII. The
customs officials at the barrier allowed the party to
pass; but shrewd visaged officer standing Just out
side eyed Alecs package.
What have you there?" he asked, probably more
anxious to exchange word with this distinguished
looking stranger than really inquisitive.
"A sword, said Alec.
And why are you carrying sword?" said the
ply in the vernacular.
1t is curiosity, veritable antique"
Ha! l must see it.
Come with to Monsieur Nesmirs house and
l will show it to YOU.
The suspicious one became apologize, since Mon
sieur Nesimir President of the National Assem-
bly,.
Il pray your pardon ;" he said. ANY friend of
the President passes unchallenged. But these
troublous times in Kosnovia; SO you understand"
Exactly. Brains are far more useful than swords
in Delgratz to-day, and this, at the best, is but
gilded toy"
STAMPOFF was already inside closed carriage,
~ and Bosko was holding the door open for Alec,
who gave the driver clear instructions before he
tered. The vehicle ratified off, and Stampoff swore
bluntly.
Gods! l thought there would be row, he
growled. That fellow is Captain Drakovtch. re-
member him we'll; he is all nose
Il shall appoint him sanitary Inspector" said
Alec, shifting.
stampof laughed. Now that they were fairly COM
mitted to Alecs scheme, he in excellent spirits
by the patriarch you certainly believe in yourself,
and am beginning to believe in you'll" he vowed.
But his faith was rudely shaken when Alec insisted
sending his own card to Nesimir That is mad
thing, he protested. " He will refuse to receive you
and hand you over to the guard"
On the contrary, he will has en- to meet me-
Curiosity is the most potent of human attributes
Even Presidents yield to it. At this moment, in all
likelihood he is struggling into a frock coat
A LEG right. A portly person, wearing, indeed,
frock coat sash, and peg top trousers, ap-
peared in the doorway of the presidential mansion
He also wore expression of deep amazement He
glanced from the tall smiling youth to the dimnu-
tive General, on whom his eyes dwelt searchingly.
YES, said Stampof abruptly, speaking in
French Il am Paul Stampof, shorn Of his fleece.
This is the King" and he nodded to Alec.
The King"