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

without me- Berry, SAID Alec cheerfully, and
l am off. l chucked up my job half an hour
ago. Joan and Felix started by the mail train
that left here at half-past five. We follow at
midnight. My mother goes with us. As Bosko
is giving her maid hand in the packing, l
must look after my own traps. Nesimir's ser
wants would talk, which want to avoid. have
a pretty story for you; but it must wait l am
out of business as King for good and ALL and
the sooner cross the frontier the better it will
be for my health"
Honor bright, Alec?"
Every syllable. Now get hustle on!"
THERE was a tap at the door, and servant
entered with note for the King. 1t was
from Beliani, and written in French:
Prince Michael and Count julius Marulitch
have decided that, in the interests of the State,
you ought to make formal abdication of the
throne appointing the former your sue
cessor with special remainder to Count Julius.
l agree with them that this offers the best
would respectfully point out the urgency that
is attached to the proposal if you still contem-
plate leaving Delgratz tonight"
Alec bent his brows over this curt missive.
which was not couched precisely in the suave
words that might be expected from the Greek.
Read between the lines its meaning was sig
nifcant. Michael and his nephew, hungering
for the spoils, had patched up truce. They
were already contemplating another military
pronunciamento and Beliani, having made his
X
He handed the note to Beaumanoir with
quiet laugh. There YOU have the story in
nutshell he said. * few minutes ago be-
came aware that was not Prince Michaels son.
Although | Strove to act fairly, my worthy
stepfather is not content He thinks to force
my hand. because he fears the republican idea:
but may best him yet. Where is Monsieur
Nesimir," he said to the servant. to whom the
English conversation was sealed book.
" In his apartments, / believe, your Ma jesty.
Hav ipcf DIV fOr o.
orderlies to be in readinessl"
81 heard his Excellency Prince Michael say
something of the sort to the officer of the guard,
your Majesty"
The random shot had told Alec felt that he
spinning coin with fortune
That is right" he said coolly "Give nv
compliments to Monsieur Beliani, and ask him
to oblige me by coming here for moment,
Prince Michael and Count Marulitch too. Tell
all three that am ready to attend to the matter
mentioned in Monsieur Belani's note"
THE servant disappeared. Beaumanoir, who
of course did not understand the instruc-
tons given to the man, was fumigating Bella
mis- letter with rapid puffs of smoke. and Incl
dentally scratching the back of his right ear.
Rum go this. Alec!" he began.
mot word now! You'll stand by me,
Berry. know. Go to my mothers suite and
tell BoSko want him instantly Bid him bring
a brace of revolvers, and see that they
loaded Come here yourself with some ropes,
leather straps, anything that will serve to truss
a securely, you sure that
Michael, Julius, and the Greek are in the room"
Beaumanoir scented row. Lest any words
of his might stop it, he vanished. He must
have hurried too, since Bosko had joined his
master before Belians messenger reached the
anxious conspirators with Aec's answer Alec
looked him squarely in the eyes,
Il think l can depend on you, Bosko,
said he.
"Oni monsieur
Understand. then that am no longer King
of Kosnovia. l am not Prince Michael's son.
/ mean to leave Delgratz tonight. and there is
a plot on foot to prevent my departure except
on terms to which l will not agree. Will you
help me to defeat it,"
"Onf monsieur"
within the next few minutes / shall prob
ably have visitors. They may show fight
though doubt it. l want YOU to place those
two pistols among the clothes in that port
manteau, and be busy, apparently, in arranging
its contents. When / close the door you must
spring up and cover them with both revolvers
Do not shoot without my command; but make
it clear by your manner that their lives are at
your mercy. Will you do this?"
"Oui monsieur" said Bosko.
Here they are then. Be ready!"
RELIANT was first to enter. He pushed the
- door wide open to assure himself that he was
not walking into a trap. He saw Bosko on his
knees rummaging in trunk, and Alec stand