The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1909-02-20

would send for this individual who
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-
ry, 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 sufi-
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.
If his visitor proved to be q nonentity
or crank, the guard would give protec-
ton and summary punishment.
The door of the cabinet slid back,
and a 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 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 a 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 instant's 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: Il must apologize
for intruding upon you; but / have
journeyed long way to deliver a mes
sage which permits of no delay"
In 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 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 tongue gave a
dry click, and he again assumed a pos
ture of repose. 1t was difficult to as
sumo an air of complacence when
every instinct of king and man called
out to him to ask impetuously the one
before him for the unraveling of the
skein of events and the story Of the |
fate of the British fleet He yelled his |
curiosity, his emotion and his excite
ment behind mask of polite reserve. |
But what was coming next? His Wis
tor, who had hesitated, now went on.
This is no time nor place for me to
say what I have to: but IS an ennis |
sary of my government am asked to
induce you, your prime minister and |
The first lord of the admiralty to grant |
NE 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 a private audi |
snce under such circumstances, and
ne had hope that from it would come
,1ucidation of all which he most
wished to know. The morrow then
would at least bring some ease of
mind and some relief from uncertain
y. Before he could reply the voice re-
;umed:
The audience must be granted to-
hight"
Tonight, tonight" The sovereign
orgot his aplomb, leaned his body to-
ward his companion, and thrust his
hin forward. There had been some
hing in the use of the word must"
ind the astonishing declaration that
he interview should be conceded at
nee that aroused little spark of re-
eminent. And yet he was filled with
! curiosity akin to anger.
The admiral was quick to read his
oval hosts annoyance, and FASTENED
o conciliate. Your majesty, as your
riend I ask you not to misconstrue
may say. I am asking as a
avor that / be allowed my own time
nd way-yes, that even may be per-
nitted to suggest the conditions Of the
Meeting. Believe me. it is for the
'est.'
The king was motionless and speech
ess for what seemed a long time.