The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1909-11-18
CHAPTER XIV.
TWO CALLS FROM THE ENEMY.


quite early the next morning
IIU that Is. quite early for him.
He had his rolls and coffee
and strolled out In the shady park for
a smoke. The princess, whose sense of
humiliation had not been lessened by
the f1tful sleep Of the night before,
was walking In the shade of the trees
on the lower terrace, beyond the foun-
tains and the artificial lake.
Il was thinking of YOU" she said in
greeting as he came up.
How nice you are" he said. But,
my dear, is it wise In you to be think
ing of us handsome devils? It's most
dangerous habit-thinking of other
men,"
But, Deppy, dear. the prince isn't
here" she said, falling into his hu
NOR "That makes quite a difference,
doesn't it?"
Your logic is splendid. Pray resume
your thoughts of me-if they were
pleasant and agreeable. I'll not blow
on you to Karl. BY the way, l have
compliment for you. Browne says
your hair is more beautiful than
Pong's. That's quite a compliment.
Titan never even dreamed of hair like
Pong's.'
you know, Deppy," she said, with
a pout, 81 am very unhappy about my
hair. 1t is quite red. don't see why
should have hair like that of a red
cocker. 1t seems so animalish.''
Rubbish! Why should you COM
plain? Look at my hair. It's been
likened more than once to that Of
Jersey cow"
"Oh, how adore Jersey cows! Now,
I wouldn't mind that bit"
They were looking toward the lower
gates while carrying on this frivolous
conversation. A man had just entered
and was coming toward them. Both rec.
ognized the tall figure in gray f1annels.
IT trust l am not intruding," Chase
said as he came up. His gaze was as
much for Deppingham as for the prin-
cess, his remark quite impersonal.
mot at all. not at ALL" said Dep
bingham quickly. his heart leaping to
the conclusion that the way to the
American bar was likely to be opened
at last. Charmed to have you here,
Mr.. Chase You've been most I'M
neighborly. Have you been presented
to her highness, the oh, to be sure
OF course you have Stupid of me-"
1--WE met ages ago" she said, with
an ingenious smile, which would have
disarmed Chase If he had been pre-
pared for anything else. AS a matter
of fact be had approached her In the
light of an adventurer who expects
nothing and grasps at straws.
"In the dark ages" said he so rue
fully that her smile grew. He had
come, in truth, to ascertain why her
husband had not come with her.
but not the forgotten variety,
fancy" said Deppingham shrewdly.
1t would be impossible for the prin-
cess to forget the greatest of all fools, y
said Chase.
HE was no worse than other NOR
tails" said she.
THANK YOU" said Chase. Then he
turned to Lord Depplngham. MY
visit requires some explanation, Lord
Deppngham. You have said that
am unneighborly. No doubt you ap-
preciate my reasons. One has TO re
spect appearances" with a dry smile
when one is In doubt he must do as
the Moslems do, especially II the Mos
lens don't want him TO do as he wants
to do"
mo doubt you're right, but II sounds
a bit involved" murmured Depplng
ham. Lady Deppingham will be do
lighted to see you, Are you ready to
come In, princess
They started toward the chateau,
keeping well In the shade OF the boxed
trees, the princess between the two
men.
II say, Chase. do you mind relleYia
my fears a blt7 With all due respect
to your estlmable clients. IT occurs to
me that they are likely - break over
the traces at any moment aud raise
the very old Harry At somebody else 8
expense. I'd like TO know II my bead
Is really safe. )"
II came TO see you IA regard 10 that
very thing. Lord Deppingham don
want to alarm you. but ! do not Ike
the appearance Of things. They don {
trust me aud they hate you quite uat
urally I'm rather sorry that OUT Bot
Tab man-of- war La out Of reach Pray
don't be alarmed. princess Il i most
improbable that anything ell viii
happen. Aud. In any event We can
hold out against them until relief
comes"
"WsT' demanded Deppinsham
Certainly. II Il comes to an assault
OF any kind upon the chateau ! trust
that | may be considered as Que Of
you. | won't serve assassiaa aud bsn-
dts at least not after they've got