The Eureka sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1902-current, 1912-05-04

unsupported. 1t might not be a bad
move to give him the opportunity. 1t
would increase the chances for them
to make a blunder. l determined to
risk It.
'@The only restriction touching Mrs.
Spencer Is the order OF the military
governor" I answered. IF you can
induce her to acknowledge the falsity
of that certificate. she shall be free
to resume her journey. and joy go
with her.
He went over to the door. then re-
turned and. leaning on the back Of a
chair. looked at me thoughtfully.
There is n matter. cousin" he be-
gan. (which has been on my mind
lately-and this may be as good a
times as any to take 1t up"
l nodded. Go ahead-we are IL the
humor for condolences this afternoon,
it seems"
And for plain speaking?' he asked.
Between men I'm always for that"
said /. ITS the safest in the end.
Drive ahead, and make it as plain as
you like"
"Tll do it," he said. "what ! want to
know is-first. do you intend to try to
displace me in the line of succession,
and second. are you a sutton for the
hand of the princess royal?'
1t would have been impossible to hide
my surprise, so | made no effort. Sure
1y this mans methods were almost be-
yond comprehension.
My lear duke" / replied. "your
questions are plain. and a plain answer
will do for both. 1t is lone of our
business"
He laughed. "By which 1 infer yor
decline to answer"
Precisely"
He tossed away his cigar and slowly
lit another. 4 tfA ts8
"Of course. Armand, that is your
privilege; but, then, you must pardon
the further inference that to decline to
answer is really to answer in the af-
firmative."
You are responsible for your infer
ences, not l." | replied CURLY.
He leaned a bit forward. "Let us
take VI my first question:" he said.
Have you ever considered what you
were likely to if you under
took to fitch the crown? DO you think
that /. who have been the heir pre-
sumptive since the instant of my birth
almost. will calmly step aside and per-
NIT you to take my places"
l looked at him indifferently and
made no answer.
ID you fancy for an instant" he
went on. that the people of Valera
would have Il foreigner for king?"
1 shrugged my shoulders.
"And even if old Frederick were to
become so infatuated with you that he
would restore you to Hugo's place in
the line of succession do you imagine
that the house of mobiles would hesitate
to annul it the instant he died?"
From the written words one might
we'll infer hat he spoke loudly and in
open anger. whereas, In fact. his face
was smiling and his voice was even
more soft than usual. 1t behooyed me
TO meet him in kind.
AS you seem to have been doing my
thinking, cousin, perhaps you have also
thought out my W If you have
| shall be glad to near them. 1t will
SuhC nic III ldDOk VI tnlnhin6 lhCAA OAt
for myself"
His smile broadened. "The only la
Dor | can promise to save you, cousin,
is that of being king"
Il fear it is q bit early for me to
choose my prime minister" l said
His smile became a laugh. Let us
pass to my second question. Ii, how
ever, demands no thinking. There Is
ample evidence of your intention as to
the princess"
Then why ask it?" inquired.
Because of her intention toward you
| am not so sure-but women are queer
creatures and prone to take queer
crochets. Vol aim to marry her and so.
having won the king and stolen my
birthright. to use her popularity to Sc
cure you ON the throne
Il suppose am very stupid" 1 said.
but l don't quite understand why, if
you feel so about the princess, o Of
fered TO aid me in getting rid of Mrs.
Spencer"
Pure selishness. cousin. I nave
taken a liking to the lady myself"
Then at least l may thank you for
your selishness.' l sneered.
He smiled, then turned and looked at
the clock on the mantel behinu him.
Come, Armand" he said, II must
be going. VIII you condescend to an
swer?'
l arose.
"You won't? Well. it's not really nee
essary-but nave you a dice box?'
~ nave not"
"A pack of cards, thenf"
"No."
He shrugged his shoulders. This
will serve. though it's rather low Glass;
and he too out a gold coin and rang
Ii on tho tnhla 0Hnu vnra IN Amari-