Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1910-04-01

ferlnS or others nad QenleQ SluinDeT tp
one and all, even to those who had not
slept for many days and nights. Now
the reaction was upon them. RelaXa-
tion had succeeded tenseness.
When the grand duke entered the
great, somber throne room he was
confronted by punctiliously polite
assemblage. but every eyelid was as
heavy as lead and as prone to sink.
The prince sat far back i'm the great
chair of his ancestors, his sturdy legs
sticking straight out in front Of him.
The grand duke advanced between the
respectful lines and knelt at the foot
of the throne.
Arise, your highness," piped Bobby,
with a quick glance at Count Halfont.
1t was a faint faraway voice that ut
tered the gracious command. "Grau-
stark welcomes the Grand Duke Pau
lus. 1t is my pleasure TOTO A help
less look came into his eyes. He looked
everywhere for support. The grand
duke saw that he had forgotten the
rehearsed speech and smiled benisnly
as he stepped forward and kissed the
hand that had been extended some
what uncertainty.
My most respectful homage to your
majesty. The Fluctuations of my en-
peror and the warmest protestations
of friendship from his people"
With this as prologue he engaged
himself in the ever pleasurable task OF
delivering Il long congratulatOry ad-
dress. After five minutes of high
sounding platitudes he again turned to
the prince. 1t was then that he re-
cCived his first shock
Prince Robin was sound asleep. His
head was slipping sidewise along the
satiny back of the big chair, and his
chin was very low in the laces at his
neck. The grand duke coughed en-
phatically, cleared his throat and grew
very red in the face.
The court of Graustark was distinct
ly dismayed.
His majesty appears to have-ahem
gone to sleep" remarked the grand
duke tartly, interrupting himself to
address the prime minister.
He is very tired, your excellency,"
said Count Halfont, very much dis
tressed Pray consider what he has
been through during the
"Ah, my dear count, do not apologize
for him. l quite understand. Ahem!
Ahem!" Still, he was very red in
the face.
Il will awaken him, your excellen-
cy," said the prime minister, edging
toward the throne.
Not at all, sir!" protested the Wis
itor. Permit him to have his sleep
out. sir l will not have him dis
turbed. Who am / that / should de-
feat the claims of nature? 1t is my
pleasure to wait until his majesty's
nap is over. Then he may dismiss US,
but not until we have cried Long
live the prince!'"
For awhile they stood in awkward
silence, this notable gathering of men
and women. Then the prime minister
in hushed tones suggested that it
would be eminently proper under the
circumstances for all present to be
seated. He was under the impression
that his serene highness would sleep
long and soundly.
Stiff backed and uncomfortable, the
court sat and waited. No one pre-
tended to conceal the blissful yawns
that would not be denied. A drowsy,
ineffably languid feeling took possess
sion of the entire assemblage.
The prime minister sat at the foot
of the throne and nodded in spite Of
himself. John Tullis, far back near the
wall. had his head on his hand, brave
ly fighting off the persistent demon.
Prince Dantan of Dawsbergen was
sound asleep.
The grand duke was wide awake.
He saw it all and was equal to the oc-
cason. After all, he was a kindly old
gentleman and, once his moment Of
modification was over, he was not
above charity.
Bobby's poor little head had slipped
over to a most uncomfortable position
against the arm of the chair Putting
his finger To lips the grand duke tip
toed carefully up to the throne. With
very gentle hands he lifted Bobby's