The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-08-18
(Continued.)

PNohSu eNVcsy viz 6iooo tiAheA
rose, his glance encountering that
Of Allard near him.
You almost hate me tonight, Al
lard?" he questioned softly.
Allard, in evening dress, the tiny
jeweled star of honor flashing on
his coat, was very different in ap-
pearance from the smoke-grimed
gentleman of noon. but his gray
eyes met Adrian's in the same in
dignation with which they had
shown from beneath the stains of
the explosion.
Almost, sire" he acknowledged.
Staggered by the unexpected
frankness, Adrian nearly lost his
self-possession for the first time in
his seventeen years. But he recov-
cred Immediately.
Thanks for the almost he
said with nonchalance. "Just
bring my cloak; l want you to go
with me-"
Amazed at himself, Allard
obeyed. humiliatingly aware that
he had been scarcely decorous and
certainly unwise.2
beg your pardon, sire" he said
seriously, as he offered the cloak.
Adrian surveyed him calmly.
WAS 1t true?" he queried.
In spite of himself Allard
smiled.
Almost, sire" he confessed.
Truth Is virtue. at least theo-
re:ically. and needs no apology.
Moreover, I challenged you. Come
And Allard followed.
1t was. of course, impossible to
question the Emperor, but Allard's
anxiety nearly betrayed him into
the indiscretion as Adrian slipped
on the cloak and led the way to a
small private salon from which a
staircase permitted reaching the
street unobseryed. For, in common
with Peter the Great and Harun-al-
Rashid, Adrian occasionally in
dulged in rambles about his CAPT
tai incognito, and with Allard for
sole companion. 1t was habit
only a year old, of which even the
omniscient Stanief was ignorant.
The Emperor had made 1t point
of honor with his confidant to
guard the secret absolutely; and
many a bad hour had Allard passed
in consequence. No one suspected
the true reason why the American
had bought a compact, exquisite
Italian automobile during the sum-
mer before; or guessed the iden-
tity of the slim young chauffeur.
masked and wearing the usual
shapeless coat. who drove the ma
chine through the streets at dusk
or later. But it was a current tale
for laughter in the clubs that Mon
sieur Allard had been arrested four
times for overspeeding his car and
each time had paid his fine. without
q murmur. himself assuming the
blame and generating his chauts
feur.
Perhaps, being young himself,
Allard also had enjoyed the variety
and slight peril of these excur-
sions. But then the city had lain
quiet under the Regents strong
hand. while now
For once he was pleased to see
Dalmorov, who rose at their en-
trance into the salon. At least his
presence proved that nothing
wholly secret was intended.
THE carriage is ready. Baron?''
asked, drawing on his gloves with
his leisurely decision of movement.
1T waits at the lower door,
sire"
Very good. Are you ready, AL,
lard?"
sire. did not understand"
well, you have always a coat
here. | think
That was true, and taking key
from his waistcoat pocket Allard
silently opened the wardrobe that
held their apparel for the motor
trips. 1t was Adrian's- affair, not
his, II the proceeding awakened
Dalmorov's curiosity.
However. the baron's attention
was fixed on the master. not the
man; he was watching Adrian with
intent and crafty eagerness. He
barely glanced at Allard when he
came back ready to 60 out.
II also may have the honor OF
accompanying your Imperial Maj
esty?" he urged.
mo" Adrian returned.
Sire"
mo, Dalmorov. Come, Allard."
But Allard stood still.
"Sire. dare l ask where" he
said. with firm respect.
ITO drive u the cathedral and
observe the preparations for next
week." was the dry explanation.
Pardon me yet again; without
escort?"