Evening star., 1909-06-20


the offer of Don't Cares hand. He had another
in reserve if the first plan failed.
The fates seemed to be as perverse IN threat
ening to thrust upon Henry the Princesses he
did not want as they were cruel in Withholding
the one he wanted. Only one advantage lay
with the first named difficulty: he could run
away from it The second seemed impossible
to solve
After carefully thinking over his plans, Henry
rose, dressed for parade, and hurried to the
barracks. The reg gment was brought out, and
he was soon in the midst of military maneuvers.
The day was pleasant and many women in
carriages were watching the drill. In one of the
carriages were the Queen and Princesses Will
helnna and Charlotte
When Henry's duties were finished, he rode
near The royal carriage, and was greeted form
ally by the Queen, kindly by Wilhelmina, and
effusively by Don't Care.
"Oh, stop by our carriage!' cried the little
Princess.
Henry dismounted, moved few steps nearer,
lifted his hat. and asked, Have her Majesty's
permission?"
The Queen nodded consent, and Henry, with
his horses bride rein over his arm, stood un-
covered by the carriage while Don't Care talked.
Presently the little Princess said, Perhaps
/ am to be married" She threw back her head
and laughed as if it was huge joke
@ Is that true?" asked Henry. Il congrat-
ulate your Highness Has the fortunate mans
name been announced!"
"Oh, yes" cried the Princess. HE is the
hereditary Prince of Bayreuth.''
Henry wondered if it was possible that the
little Princess suspected his identity. The
thought was so full of trouble that he was
hardly conscious of what he said when he asked,
"Is it definitely settled?'
"Oh, yes." responded Don't Care, laughing
and struggling her shoulders. :" am delighted.
and no one else need be considered unless it be
the Prince. He too. of course. will be delighted
But in this case the fates seem propitious: for
the King and the Queen also are pleased. 1t is
a marvel that they agree. Yes, it is all ar
ranged-or will be very soon"
The last clause brought sigh of relief from
Herry's lips so audible that Don't Care heard
it and accepted it as tribute to her charms.
Are you not jealous of the Prince? | am
anxious to see him. have heard that he is a
fine large handsome man. Some one said that
he is stupid; but if he is big and handsome Ill
be satisfied. hope to see him soon
Perhaps you will change your mind when
first step in his general plan of self defense.
All! Do you know him. Tell mel Do you
know him." asked Don't Care eagerly.
Il have often him. and know him
slightly, as man of my rank may know one of
his exalted station" answered Henry.
"Yes, yes, tell mel" pleaded Don't Care.
He is large" answered Henry; but the
Duke of Weissenfels whom he resembles. is an
At that moment the King arrived. Henry
became silent, and presently took his leave.
SOON after leaving the Queens carriage,
Henry met Grumkow, and that interesting
villain favored our friend with view OF his
back. Henry mentioned the fact few minutes
later to the Crown Prince, who said:
81 was that Grumkow would resent
your language at The Tabagie. He had fine
scheme concocted to hang me; but you spoiled
it. He never forgets nor forgives, and fear
you in danger
Il agree with you: but see no way to avert
trouble, unless | choke Grumkow or run away
answered Henry, laughing.
Nor do |" responded Fritz. -" am glad
you find the situation amusing, and am more
than pleased that you can laugh at it. l don
see just how you are going to strangle Grum-
kow; but if | were you, run away would be
the word You must take your chances. and
desperate ones they are if you remain in Berlin
You have said that if you wish to leave, you
may do So and that you have nothing to gain
by remaining. Take my advice, gol Why do
you remain9 | hope you have not fallen under
the spell of Mina's eyes and smile. You are diff
ferent from other men who have approached
her, and your appeal might be stronger than
any she has ever felt; but my dear Captain,
remember that she is not for you. and that SEN
tlment between you and her would be worse
than wasted. You, perhaps, have not yet felt
the full force of her charm. Leave before it
falls on you; for in all the world there IS no
woman SO true, gentle. beautiful, and strong as
my sister Wilhelmina.
CHAPTER XII.
Whelmina Makes Confession