The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1909-07-31
WHEN THE KING JEsTs


At 40 Allston was still an under
paid drudge in the foreign office In
London. When, therefore, LORD
Northumberland, the secretary for
foreign affairs, summoned him to
his private room. made him sit
down and offered him a cigar ami
some whisky, Allston was in a
whirl of excitement.
"Allston," began Lord Northum-
berland, u have sent for you at
the command of his majesty him.
self, who desired me to mention to
him the name of someone in whom
he could place implicit confidence. /"
II Lord Northumberland eye
twinkled slightly Allston was far
too delirious to notice it.
He wants a man to take the
draft Of document of the greatest
possible Importance to Madrid, I"
continued the foreign secretary. II
warn you that emissaries of for
eign power will try to intercept you
and steal 1t. Never sleep, speak
to no one and do not let it leave
your person for a single moment"
He handed Allston a flat leather
case.
Six hours later Allston was, on
the way to his destination.
AS the train was leaving Char
ing Cross man flung open the
door suddenly and burst into All.
ston's compartment, where he sat
down painting. They were alone In
the compartment. Allston. mind
full of his charge. replied to the
strangers remarks in mono
syllables. He also shifted his seat
until he was directly beneath the
bell pull, which was used for sum-
moning the guard In cases of enl-
Urgency. The comfortable sensa-
ton of loaded revolver snugly
reposing In his coat pocket allay-
ed all fear.
Crossing the channel, Allston
was shocked by the discovery OF
the stranger among the steerage
The man saw that he
was seen and shrank back into the
crowd. Allston gripped his preci-
GUS case tightly and paced the deck
that night until the boat came into
Calais harbor ut dawn.
Then followed the long run
through France. And twice, emerg-
ing at a wayside station for food.
Allston perceived the stranger
him furtively from his
carriage.
1t was a long run to Madrid ana
Allston's compartment was empty.
When he returned for the second
time he called the guard, slipped a
gold piece into his hand and babe
him lock the doors. This done. he
himself In his rug and lay
down to sleep.
And suddenly from his place or
under the seat the spy
leaped upon the sleeper in the
darkness. Allston awoke to feel
the cold muzzle of a revolver
against his forehead. while one
hand clutched at his throat ancl
the other felt for the case. The
spy found It and drew It forth ex-
Next time you lock the stable |
door, look under the seat for the |
horse thief" he said, with n |
Sorry to do 1t; it's too
easy, Mr.. Allston-yes, | knew your
name the moment you left the for.
eign office-but I've got to have
that treaty. Come. ne sensible,
man. It's of the first Importance
% my country and | can't afford to
De unsuccessful. But | don't want
'ou to lose your job" he went on
With a clMckle, tearing open the
'ase from which he extracted the
Envelope. 'I'll make a bargain with
'ou. First. by the way, III take
our revolver, Thanks! Now III
'opy the contents and give 1t back
o you. You can seal 1t up so that
VIII look as II It had not boon
WITH have a machine
or that--and nobody will know
hat II has been seen"
Still keeping Allston covered
With his revolver, the spy struck
match and lit the oil lamp in the
oof OF the compartment. Then.
aking from his pocket a slender
nile. he pressed q button In the