Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-01-16

to Stampoff His manner was quite friendly.
Well he knew that this fiery soul was not to
be judged by the belgrade standard.
WILL not in1ict on you my trusty comrade."
: he said, the indignity of demand that
felt was imperative in the case of some others
present Let us shake hands and think rather
of what we have gone through together when
| was King, and you were my most loyal sup
porter. than of the poor climax to my brief
reign that reveals me as an 1mpoStor.
Those keen eyes were raised in a half-formed
resolution. is it too late, Alec?" he growled
sullenlv
For WHAT
Alecs smile of surprise was the only bit of
afectation he had INDUCED in that night. The
fantasy fitting through Stampoffs brain was
not hidden from him; but he wanted to dismiss
it lightly.
DDS bones! Need you ask? Say but the
word and you will be more firmly established
on the throne than ever! Trust me to find
means to still those babbling tongues" and
Stampoff flung out an arm in the direction of
the uncle and nephew, each manifestly anxious
to hurry away, yet each so dlstrustful OF the
other that he dared not go.
Paul, you are incoTrigibe," said Alec.
" You ought to have been Marshal under
Napoleon, who would have had scruples.
No. you will not see civil war in the streets OF
Delgratz as to whether belgrade or an Amer
lean adventurer shall reign in kosnovia Yet
thank you for the thought. 1t shows that
you, at least do not rate me poorly and it IS
not in my heart to be vexed with you though
owe this nights amazement to your striving.
BE just, Alec" whispered the Serb hoarsely.
Condemn me if you will; but be just! While
Michael belgrade lived, your reign would never
have been secure. ! knew that all along. You
will go away now and marry the girl OF your
choice and soon the memories of this down.
trodden country will be dim in your soul: but
think what would have happened to you, to
your wife, and perhaps to your children, If
Michael one day blurted out the truth in some
fit of drunken rage, or if Beliani and that other
white faced hound obtained evidence of your
birth That is why was resolved to force you,
if possible, to wed Serbian Princess. Your
marriage to a woman of our own race would
have borne down opposition. And now what
will happen1 The future is black. Michael is
unworthy to be King; Marulitch, at the best,
is poor spirited wretch: and after them there
is not a single belgrade left"
well, am sorry too, in way" said Alec.
4" was beginning to love these kosnovlan folk.
and l think l could have made something of
them. Goodby, Paul. If we never meet again,
at least we part good friends"
CTAMPOFF rose and silently wrung Alecs
hand. He walked straight out of the room
with bent head and slow, uncertain steps. He
had done that which he thought would make
for good and it had turned out i'll. Another
man in his position might have sought to curry
favor with the regime, whether of Michael
or Julius: but Stampoff was not of that mettle.
He wanted Alec to be King because he believed
in him.
Pauline came in response to summons, and
the Princess left the room leaning on Pauline.
"A word with you, Beliani,' said Alec, going
to the table and unlocking the drawer from
which he had taken the money given to Sobi
eski. You now in charge of the States
finances presume have here sum- roughly
speaking. of one thousand pounds. To some
extent. it is my own money: but the greater
part consists of instruments of the salary of five
thousand pounds year l allowed myself as
King Do you think l have earned it,"
The Greek could only mutter a surprised,
Yes. Who would deny your right to a far
larger amount"
"Having your sanction, then, l take it, ;" said
Alec coolly. Here too is my passport issued
in Paris, for which believe am indebted to
you. 1t will now come in handy. May | ask
in whose charge l leave the books and papers
this table, Some of them may be of use to
the State.
Il am afraid cannot answer that question"
muttered the Greek. with stealthy glance in
the direction of the rival candidates
well, settle it among yourselves" said Alec
dryly. Now ] must be off, !"
CHAPTER XIV.
The Broken Treaty
WITHOUT another word Alec passed from
w the room that had witnessed his triumph