The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1910-03-21

would visit the castle in very in
formal way. extend bis congratuia tons
and offer his services. which be knew
would be declined with thanks Incl
dentally he would mention the bond
issue; also he would find the oppOr-
tunity to suggest to the ministry that
bis government still was willing to
make large grants and stupendous
promises If any sort Of arrangement
could be made by which the system
might be operated in conjunctiol with
branch lines Of the imperial roads.
And SO it was that at midday he
rode in pomp and splendor through
the city gates, attended by his staff
and a rather overpowering body guard.
The grand duke, with all the AFRO
gance of real parsonage, was late. 1t
was not for him to consider the con-
ditions that distressed the court Of
Graustark-not at all. He was a
grand duke and he would take his own
time in paying his respects. When he
finally presented himself at the castle
doors a sleepy group Of attendants
actually yawned in his presence.
No one had slept during the night
just passed. Excitement and tie suf-
fering Of others had denied slul2ber to
one and all, even to those who had not
slept for many days and nights. Now
the reaction was upon them. Relaxa-
ton had succeeded tenseness.
When the grand duke entered the
great, somber throne room he was
confronted by a punctiliously polite
assemblage, but every eyelid was as
heavy as lead and as prone to sink.
The prince sat far back In 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 quick glance at Count Halfont.
It was a faint, faraway voice that ut
tered the gracious command. "Grau-
stark welcomes the Grand Duke Pau
lus. 1t is my pleasure to-to"- 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 benignly
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 a prologue he engaged
himself in the ever pleasurable task
Of delivering a long congratulatory
address. After five minutes OF high
sounding platitudes he again turned
to the prince. 1t was then that he
received 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
~ 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 exceIlency."
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. quite understand, Ahem.
Ahem. Still, he was very red III
the face.
81 will awaken him, your eXce!len-
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
| defeat the claims of nature? 1t is my
| pleasure to wait until his ma iesIy 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 posses
i 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
caston. After all, he was kindly old
gentleman and, once his moment OF
modification was over, he was 10,
above charity.
| Bobby's poor little head had slipped
over to a most uncomforta BILE 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 be lifted Bobby's
head and. infinitely tender. stuffed 3
throne cushion behind the curly head
A splendid smile in his eyes, he tip
toed back TO his chair.
AS he passed Count Halfont, who
had risen, he whispered:
Dear little man! do not forget