New-York tribune., 1910-01-16

Well he knew that this fiery soul not to
be judged by the belgrade standard.
I WILL not infict on you, my trusty comrade,"
he said the indignity of a demand that |
felt was imperative in the case of some Others
present. Let 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 impOstor."
Those keen eyes were raised in a half-formed
resolution. Is it too late. Alec?" he growled
sullenly.
Alec's smile of surprise was the only bit of
affectation he had INDUCED in that night. The
fantasy fitting through Stampoff's brain was
not hidden from him; but he wanted to dismiss
it lightly.
"Od's 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 tonguesl" and
Stampotf flung out an arm in the direction of
the uncle and nephew, each manifestly anxious
to hurry away, vet each diStruStful of the
other that he dared not go.
Paul. you incorrigible," said Alec.
" You ought to have been a Marshal under
Napoleon, who would have had scrupes.
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
mt 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
ii possible to wed Serbian Princess Your
marriage to woman of our own race would
have borne down opposition. And what
will happen? The future is black. Michael is
unworthy to be King; Marulitch, at the best
IS poor spirited wretch; and after them there
is not single belgrade left
Well, am sorry too in way" said Alec.
was beginning to love these kosnovian folk,
and think | could have made something of
them. Goodby, Paul. If we never meet again
at least we part good friends
CTAMPOFF rose and silently wrung Alec's
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 new 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 a summons, and
the Princess left the room leaning on Pauline
"A word with you, Belian," said Alec going
TO the table and unlocking the drawer from
which he had taken the money given to Sobi-
eski You are now in charge of the States
nnances. presume: have here sum, roughly
speaking, OF one thousand pounds. To some
extent, 1t Is my money; but the greater
part consists of lnStalments of the salary of five
thousand pounds year | allowed myself as
King Do you think | 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 Parls, for which | believe | am indebted TO
you 1t will now come in handy Nav ask
IN whose charge leave the books and papers
on tins tablet Some of them may be of use to
the State"
am AFRAID cannot answer that question"
muttered the Greek. with stealthv glance in
the direction of the rival candidates
Well, settle 1t among yourselves" ." said Alec
dryly. Now | must be Off"
CHAPTER XIV.
The Broken Treaty.