Evening star., 1911-08-27

y,
in his walk and regarding the captive from distance of
PAGES a need not remind you that in the event of
Metz capuating there will remain no serious obstacle
between you and Paris.
The King replied by a calm and steady look.
"And when express my secret fear that General
Bazaine intends to surrender the city, certainly tell
you nothing that you do not know already"
The King remained silent
"Pardon my observing to your Majesty that in your
illustrous person have great prize went on the
Count.
"Come, Monsieurl" answered the other with touch
of impatience. al ask to be confronted with
sponsible person."
know those responsible persons, Sire said he slowly
"he responsible heads of the army have ruined France
between them. distrust them profoundly Once |
surrender you to of them, negotiations would be
opened with Count Bismarck, and then-as always
you would off best And then the urgent occasion
does not permit of temporzing. You must allow me
to act upon my initiative. l am mere franc-tireur,
true but have served as Captain of Ducrots curas
siers and my name is Raoul Dagobert. To be brief.
Sire tor time will permit nothing else, am about to
make my own terms
"You are insoent answered the King, his eyes fash
ing. "Your terms? decline to discuss them"
IL grant the irreguarity of the proceedings Sire;
but urge the pressing need OF Metz my ample ex
cuse
"What do you wish to dor" demanded the King
"Your Majesty you will give line for Prince
Frederick Charles, commanding the immediate raising
of the SIEGE the withdrawal of the entire German army
from the City!"
The King replied with glance of profound contempt.
4Too much, too much!' muttered Laporte.
"You will state in your note that you are prisoner
continued Dagobert calmly. 1And you will add that
your orders not Immediately obeyed your life is
riously threatened"
The King turned pale with indignation.
"Cieli this is going rather far murmured Laporte.
II crave your Majesty's pardon for the menace
went Dagobert steadily; @but it will be necessary,
for without it the Prince, your officer might forget
that he is your subordinate Also, it will be no idle
threat"
The King turned his back upon the Count. Again
his gaze met that of Bordenave and again he smiled
gently.
Dagobert sighed deeply. II regret that you in
cined to make light of my request, Sire; but time
presses, and have not a moment to waste. He pro-
duced pocketbook from his tunc and turned to bare
leaf. @Wrte, Sire"
William turned upon him haughtly. @Do you know
what you are saying to me3"
9The note, Sire"
swell, refuse!'
"That is not your final answer"
II have said my last word to you, Monsieur"
al grieved to hear it, The Count looked round
upon his children who stood as many statues He
thrust hand into pocket OF his jacket
write, Sire!" he repeated and he showed the re-
volver in his palm
The King glanced disdanfully at the weapon. "You
dare not, he answered quietly.
"Pardon, there is nothing that would not dare for
France"
4You mean that you are prepared to murder me3"
al mean only that Metz shall not fall.
The King was impressed in spite of himself. He
looked at Dagobert curiously, though without trace
of fear
General Bazaine has nearly two hundred thousand
men inside the fortiications,' said he.
"He will betray them
"You have faith in him?"
II have the greatest faith in myself"
"Yes If you were Marshal there, we should have our
work cut out"
The Count bowed.
@And l believe that you mean what you say, and
that unless write this paper for you, you will shoot
me-"
"My precise intention, Sire"
The King drew deep breath. "Very well, you shall
have it.
II thank your Majesty"
France is saved" shouted Laporte.
TT was three hours later when Bordenave came to