The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1910-02-09
CHAPTER III.


hibition for man who had
seen the finest troops in all the world.
A thousand earnest looking soldiers,
proud OF the opportunity to march be-
fore the little prince. and that was all,
so IA as the review was concerned.
Mr. King saw the court in all it's
glory scattered along the shady Castle
avenue-in carriages, in traps, In mo
tors and in the saddle. His brain
whirled and his heart leaped under the
pressure Of a new found interest in
life
II Truxton King had given up in dis
gust and fed to Vienna this tale would
never have come to light. Instead Of
being the lively narrative Of young
gentleman's adventures in PARKWAY
Graustark, it might have become q
tale Of the smart set in New York,
for as you know, we are bound by
tradition to follow the trail laid down
by our hero, no matter which way he
elects to fare He confded to his
friend from Cooks that he could new
er have forgiven himself if he had ad-
hered to his resolution to leave on the
following day.
II didn't know you'd changed your
mind, sir" remarked Mr. Hobbs in
surprise.
''Of course you didn't know it, said
Truxton How could you? I've just
changed it this instant. l didn't know
it myself two minutes ago. No, sir,
Hobbs-or is it Dobbs? Thanks. No,
e;, oil
a week or two. Where the dickens do
these people keep themselves? l
haven't seen 'em before"
"Oh, they are the nobility-the
swells. They don't hang around the
streets like tourists and rubbernecks,
sir" in plain disgust.
II say, who is that just passing
the lady in the victorian" King asked
abruptly.
That Is the Countess Marlanx."
"Whew! 1 thought she was the
queen"
Hobbs went into details concerning
the beautiful countess.
Il was just going to ask II you know
anything about a young woman who
occasionally tends shop for William
Spantz, the armorer," King finally
asked.
HOODS looked interested. "She's
quite beauty, sir, I give you my
word
81 know that, Hobbs. But who is
she:'
Il really can't say, sir. She's his
niece, I've heard. Been here a little
over a month. think she's from War
saw"
well, I'll say goodby here. If you've
nothing on for tomorrow Well visit
the castle grounds and-ahem!-take a
look about the place. Come to the no
tel early. I'm going over to the gun
shop"
He was whistling gayly as he en-
tered the little shop, ready to give a
CHEEKY greeting to old Spantz and to
make him a temporizing offer for the
broadsword. But it was not SpantZ
who stood behind the little counter.
Truxton flushed holly and jerked off
his hat. The girl smiled.
Il beg pardon" he exclaimed. 81
I'm looking for Mr.. Spantz. p
HE is out. Will you wait" She
turned to the window, resuming the
wistful, preoccupied gaze down the
avenue.
BEG pardon" he said politely. Il
wanted to have another look at the
broadsword there"
Very quickly-he noticed that she
wert about it clumsiy despite her
supple gracefuIness-she withdrew the
heavy weapon from the window and
laid it upon the counter.
Il am not-not what you would call
an expert" she said frankly.
whats the price," he asked, his
courage faltering under the cool, i'm
personal gaze.
Il do not know. Ny uncle has told
you. l am quite new at the trade.
l hope you will excuse my ignorance.
Ny uncle will be here in a moment"
She was turning away with an air
that convinced King Of one thing-she
was a person who in no sense had
ever been called upon to serve others.
so I've heard he observed. The
bait took effect. She looked Up quick
ly. He was confident that a startled
expression fitted across her face.
You have heard: What have you
heard Of me-" she demanded.
Mr.. King was inspired to fabricate in
the interest Of psy- s..
chical research. ~
Il have heard Ax T
that you are not T1%