The Columbus journal., 1909-02-24

II Iu1S was Tue AIicuO VI us 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 a nOnentity
or crank. the guard would give protec-
ton and summary punishment.
The door of the cabinet slid bacS-
and grim, SCARED. weather-beats.
man stood surrounded by the royaj
body guard. In utter astonishms;s
that it should be the admiral stands
before him, the sovereign rose frop.
his seat and took a 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 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 l have
journeyed long way to deliver mes
sage which permits Of TO delay"
In ar official capacity them
queried the monarch dryly.
Yes, official and friendly. l 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 distrus:
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
dry click, and he again assumed a pos
ture Of repOse. 1t was difficult to as
sumo an air of cOmpiacence 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
itor, who had hesitated, now went on.
This is no time nor place for me to
say what l have to: but as an ennis
sary of my government l am asked to
induce you, your prime minister and
the first lord Of the admiralty to grant
me a 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
ence under such circumstances, and
he had hope that from it I'D come
calculation of all which ne most
wished to know. The morrow then
would at least bring some ease Of
mind and some relief from uncertain.
ty. Before he could reply the voice re-
sumed:
THE audience must be granted to-
night"
Tonight, tonight" The sovereign
forgot his aplomb, leaned his body to-
ward his companion, and thrust his
chin forward. There had been some
thing in the use of the word must"
and the astonishing declaration that
the interview should be conceded at
once that aroused little spark of re-
sentiment And yet he was filled with
a curiosity akin to anger.
The admiral was quick to read his
royal hosts annoyance, and FASTENED
to conciliate. Your majesty, as youc
friend l ask you net to miscOnstrue
anything l may say. am asking as
favor that | be allowed my own time
and way-yes, that even may be per-
mitted to suggest the conditions of the
meeting. Believe me, it is for the
best
The king was mOtionleSS and speech
less for what seemed a long time.
From his viewpoint of head of a ma
ton and bound to maintain its dig
nifty, and a man with a mans ankle
ties and anxious to learn from |
friends lips the story of the last |
secrets and disasters. he was |
what was best to do.
In an oddly depressed tone he an
swered with another tentative Ques- |
ton. LAS a friend l received you liz |
my box. and now on this same basis |
| ask you if this communication of |
yours is so important and urgent that |
it cannot take its due course accord
ing to Official custom?"
Beyond official ways, your majesty,
imperative and urgent" was the re-
sponse; otherwise should not have
chosen this unusual method of ap-
preaching you, nor ASKED for such al
audience in such haste and at
such an unseemly hour
(TO BE CONTINUED.)
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