New-York tribune., 1910-01-16

Il take it YOU don't want to remain here
without me, Berry" said Alec cheerfully, - and
ago. Joan and Felix started by the mail tram
that left here at half-past five. We follow at
midnight. My mother goes with us. As BOSkO
is giving her maid a hand in the packing, |
must look after my own traps NeSImIrS ser
wants would talk. which want to avoid. | have
pretty story for YOU; but it must wait. am
out of business King, for good and all, and
the sooner cross the frontier the better 1t will
be for my health"
Honor bright, Alec?"
Every syllable. Now get a hustle on"
THERE was tap at the door, and a 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 a formal abdiCatiOn of the
throne, appointing the former as Your sue
CeSSOr, with special remainder to Count Julius.
| agree with them that this offers the best
way out OF an unfortunate situation, and |
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 miSS1ve,
which was not couched precisely in the suave
words that might be expected from the Greek.
Read between the lines, its meaning was sig
nihcant. Michael and his nephew, hungering
for the spoils, had patched up truce. They
were already contemplating another military
own terms. was lending his influence.
He handed the note to BeaumanOir with a
quiet laugh There you have the story in a
nutshell" he said. "A few minutes ago | be
came aware that was not Prince MiChaerS 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 vet. Where is Monsieur
Nesimir? he said to the servant. to whom the
English conversation was sealed book
" In his apartments, believe, your Majesty"
Have instructions been given for mounted
orderlieS to be in readineSSa"
al heard his Excellency Prince Michael saw
something of the sort to the officer of the guard
your Majesty"
The random shot had told. Alec felt that he
was spinning coin with fortune.
That is right" he said coolly. "Give nv
compliments to Monsieur Beliani, and ask him
to obhge 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 Beliani's note"
OF course did not understand the inStruc-
tions given to the man. fumigating Bella
M letter with rapid puffS of smoke and Incl
dentaly scratching the back of his right ear.
Rum go this, Alec" he began.
Not word nowl You'll stand bv me-
Berty, | know. Go to my mothers suite and
tell Bosko want him instantly. Bid him bring
a brace OF revolvers, and see that they are
lOaueu- Tome mere yourself with some ropes
leather straps, anything that will serve to truss
man securely, as soon as YOU are 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 ioined his
master before Beliani'S messenger reached the
anxious conspirators with Alec's answer. Alec
looked him squarely in the ewes.
think | can depend on you, Bosko."
said he
"OHi, monsieur"
Understand then. that am no longer King
of koSnovia. | am not Prince MichaeIs SON
l mean to leave Delgratz tonight and there is
a plot on foot to prevent my departure except
on terms to which will not agree. VIII YOU
help me to defeat it,"
"OHf. monsieur"
Within the next few minutes | shall prob
ably have visitors. They NAV show fight.
though doubt it. | 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
1t clear by your manner that their lives are at
your mercy. VIII YOU do thiSs"
(ltIf