The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-08-20

movement, every turn or the small
imperious head. But presently the
attendant returned alone, tranquil
and smiling.
1t was fully an hour that Alalrd
waited, each Of the go minutes an
hour in ITSELF Many Of those pass
ing knew and bowed to him; some
came over to congratulate him on
the days escape or to ask questions
concerning it. One or two ladies
passed with their escorts to showed
him with ELUSIVE compliments.
Knowing nothing of Adrian's inten-
tons. he dared not even assume
the partial protection Of his mask.
, The climax arrived with the vibrat-
ing roar of another automobile,
which fell into silence behind him
as Count Rosal came placidly
, around to greet his friend.
"You, Allard," he welcomed Ian
guidly. 81 thought you were on
duty every night"
mot this evening: the emperor"
he recollected the fiction told Dali
morrow. "the emperor is busy with
some plans"
Il have been with the regent. Do
you believe It, the accident has
made him look years younger.
There must be some tonic in gun
powder and sulphur fumes. But
you, you appear rather upset and
pale; or is it these abominable
lights?"
1T has been a hard day. l am
too tired to be amusing, -Rosal."
Rosal put his foot on the running
board without the elast sign of 60
ing away.
Then why are you not at homer"
he very naturally inquired.
Because l had an errand; was
too nervous to rest"
Waiting for some one?"
"My chauffeur"
Rosal settled his eyeglass, ex-
tracted case of cigarets which he
proceeded to offer to Allard, and
himself selected one of the con-
tents.
TELL me-" he said confidentially,
''is it true that the emperor took
scarcely any interest in the regents
escape?"
NO" Allard watched a descend
ing elevator with keen anxiety; the
fear that Adrian had been decoyed
into some trap was becoming un-
bearable. yet it was impossible to
go in search of him.
"They say so at the palace, and
all over the city. They say he did
not even give a word of praise to
YOU"
Aroused to justice as well as a
desire to shield Stanief. Allard with
drew his eyes from the hotel en-
trance to regard his visitant.
Does this seem so?" he de-
manded irritably. and pushed aside
his coat to permit glimpse Of the
fiery gem he wore.
Rosars cigaret fell to the pave
ment; the idle patrician was well
skilled in matters heraldic.
That" he cried, dazzled and en-
vious.
Allard shrugged his shoulders
and leaned back
Were you going somewhere" he
asked.
"Oh. no; just trying to avoid be-
ing bored. Every felicitation, my
dear Allard; that is superb. You
have nothing to fear from next
week, evidently Vasili told me yes
terday that Dalmorov was speaking
so kindly of you that 1t positively
alarmed him. The baron praised
everything you had ever done, from
the time you came aboard the Mad.
Ella at New York. And he asked all
manner Of questions about the trip
over and the grand dukes fondness
for YOU"
"Yes?" Allard responded alb
sently. He could see an illuminated
clock down the street, and he re-
solved that when the hand reached
the hour he would defy Adrian's or
der and go In quest of him.
Yes. A jealous animal, Dalmorov
New family; the title Is only three
generations old. shall go to Paris
next week; he never liked me very
much, and there Is a new singer at
the Theater Francois. ITEMS, here
is your mani"
Allard turned sharply. catching
his breath. Rosal, who knew the
emperor so well-could he be de-
ceived? Certainly he could not keep
the secret II it were learned. not If
the mines, exile and sudden death
itself awaited his disclosure; every
club in the capital could have af.
forded tales of zee bon bavard
Rosal."
Adrian came through the vesti-
bule and across the sidewalk with
absolute composure. At Rosal he
barely glanced while raising his
gloved hand in conventional salute
to the owner OF the car.
Good night, Rosal," Allard said
pointedly.
Rosal did not move from his posi-
ton. blocking entrance to the ma.
chine and surveying the arrival
with mild interest.
This is the chauffeur who drives
over the limit about once a month? ?"
he asked. with genuine continental
and aristocratic insolence to sup
posed inferior. my man, do not
apply to me for position when
vour master tires of you; you are
20 expensive a luxury"
Adrian saluted imperturably.
He is English, he understands