The Columbus journal., 1909-03-03
CHAPTER XI.-Continued.

To summon king, prime minister
and the highest official of the earth's
most mighty navy to private inter
view at midnight Even in times like
these il scented preposterously impu-
dent; but this man came as friend
from the land of silent terror which
threatened to conquer the world, was
undoubtedly in deadly earnest, and
was a means OF information between
what had actually happened and what
was to come.
Time will not wait. even for
kings" quoted the monarch with
some undesirable Of bitterness, and
from his guest came the whispered re-
turn:
No, time cannot wait, even fC;
kings
The monarch slowly settled back into
the hollow depths of his chair and, as
If seeking a moments respite to r"-
view the situation, looked upward at
the hangings of his box and then out
toward the garis.l lights of the stage.
The hush of expectancy over the house
had reached climax of intensity. and
the master OF ceremonies in a raucGuS
voice was shouting toward the roof l.:
deliberately prolonged tones: Arc
you-all-ready? From somewhere
. above them came a faint response.
Yes" and then with speed gathered
by its long flight through the air
there came flashing comet-like from
high above an extended splotch of
white. the sound of sharp splash.
and a burst of applause as the event
of the evening" high dive. was con-
summated. Neither occupant of the
royal box paid any attention TO this
feat. Bevins remained in an attitude
of expectancy. waiting for the kings
next words. The success or failure
of his enterprise might depend upon
them, and in this light they seemed
of almost tragic consequence.
What do You propose?" the ruler
asked. again facing the admiral as
though there had been no lapse Of
time; and the other, relieved by this
sign of assent, gave an involuntary
and deep-drawn sigh of relaxation.
IF your majesty will be so kind.
think il best that | should meet you in
the palace within an hour after your
departure from this theater. That
will give leeway for the other gentle
men TO respond to the summons and
be there at the appointed time"
The band struck up God Save the
King" in token of the closing of the
performance, and from where they
were they could see the audience
standing. in total ignorance of the
presence of his majesty and unaware
of the fact that a momentous inter-
view. involving life and death. peace
and war. and the welfare of empire
was being conducted in a tiny over
hanging box above them. while =
leering mask Of tragedy stared hollow
eyed from the stage as If in mockery.
The king and the admiral were both
on their feet. the one looking absent
mindediy through an aperture. his
mind concentrated on the decision ne
must make, and the other watching
and waiting with GREATNESS suspense
Below the throng began steady
movement toward the exits. constant
~ dissipating itself. and the house
was almost emptied before the Office.
had his reply.
Very well. you MAJ come. ard
ehall have the other, sent fer at
..nce."
Bevins gave a quick start of eyulta-
ion: but his companion continued
without pause:
Il shall be there within half All
hour. and shall instruct the guard at
:he outer gate to admit you immediate.
iy on your arrival"
His companion he'd up hand as if
forgetting something. If your ma;
esty pleases, l should prefer that you
instruct the guard at the private en-
trance leading from the garden in the
rear
To this also the king acceded. at
it to a desire for conceal
ment on the Part Of his compan -,
who almost at once made his adieu,
passed out beyond the curtains.
through the door, and Joined the last
of the tagging crowd. The fog had
not abated, but seemed even more i'm
penetrable than in the earlier hours