Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-03-13

future and draw 1t only in the right"
The gall was bitter on the colonePs
tongue. but his head was evenly balanced
now. He damned the blade into the
scabbard.
II should like a word or two with you
outside" said the mountaineer'
ITO what purpose?
ITO a good one, you will learn
The two Of them went out. Gretchen,
overcome. fell upon Frau Bauer's neck
and wept soandly. The whole affair had
been sudden and appalling.
Outside the old man laid his hand on
the coloneis arm.
"You must never bother her again"
"Must?"
THE very word. Listen and do not be
fool because you have some authority
on the general staff. You are Col. Won
Wallenstein; you are something more be-
Sides
What do you infer?"
II infer nothing. Now and then there
happens strange leakage in the duke s
affairs. The man is well paid. He is a
gambler. and one is always reasonably
certain that the gambler will be wanting
money. Do you begin to understand me,
or must I be more explicit?"
who are yOu?
who / am is of no present conse-
quence. But I know who and what you
are. That is all-suff1cient. If you be-
have yourself in the future you will be
allowed to continue in prosperity. But IL
you attempt to modest that girl again
and 1 hear Of it, there will be no more
gold coming over the frontier from jug
endheit. Now. do you understand"
Yes The colonel experienced a weak
ness in the knees.
go. But be advised and walk circum-
specify" The speaker showed his back
insolently and re-entered the Black Eagle.
The colonel, pale and distract, stared
at the empty door. and he saw in his
minds eye squad Of soldiers, wall, a
single volley and q dishonored roll of
earth. Military informers were given
short shrift. 1t was not matter of tear
ing off orders and buttons; 1t was death.
Who was this terrible old man, with the
mind of a serpent and the strength of a
bear? The colonel went to the barracks,
but his usual debOnair was missing.
II am going into the garden. Gretchen.
Bring me stein of brown" The noun
taineer smiled genially.
But I am not working here any MORE .
said Gretchen.
MOP"
'.She has had a fortune left her." said
Frau Bauer.
"Well. well!' The mountaineer seemed
vastly pleased. And how much is this
fortune?"
1.-TWO thousand crowns" Gretchen was
not sure, but to her there always seemed
to be a secret laughter behind those clear
eyes.
now?"
"She is to study for the opera"
did l not prophesy it?'' he cried. jubi-
lantly did I not say that some i'm
presario would discover you and make
There is plenty Of work ahead" said
Gretchen, sagely.
Always. no matter what we strive for
But a brave heart and cheerful smile
were you going when this popinjay stop
ped you?"
II was going to the clock-mender's fol
a clock he is repairing"
I've nothing to do. I'll go with you
I've an idea that l should like to tall
with you about very important matter
Perhaps it would be easier to talk frs,
| and then go for the clock. If you have
1t you'll be watching it. VIII you come
into the garden with me now9'
Yes, herr" Gretchen would have gone
| anywhere with this strange man. He in
| spired confidence.
The garden was snug little place: a
few peach trees and arbor vines and
vegetables. and tables and chairs on the
brick walk.
so you are going to become prima
donna?" he began. seating himself OPP
posite her.
Il am going to try she smiled. What
IL 1t you wish to say to me?"
II am wondering how to begin. looking
at the blue sky
us II difficult?'..
Yes, very
Then why bother?''
Some things are written before we are
born. And l must. in the order Of things,
read this writing to YOU
Begin, said Gretchen.
"Have you any dreams?"
Yes" vaguely.
II mean the kind one has in the day
time. the dreams when the eyes are wide
Open"
"Oh, yes!'
1ran nf rS1 linz ",
carriages. of dressing in silks, of wearing
rich Ornaments?"
"Ah! Gretchen clasped her hands and
leaned on her elbows. And there are
palaces. too
ITO be sure" There was long pause.