Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1913-10-02


inner circles of the league. Now lis
ten well, my friend. We have need Of
You again"
And he unrolled the plan which
Drought about this situation: that,
while Lord Tresham gave to Monsieur
5abriel, the restaurant keeper, his
asst instructions as to the menu for
certain banquet, Paul, in the guise of
waiter, stood patiently by, napkin in
land, and very clean white tie re-
posing on an immaculate, stiff shirt
'front.'
There were six places at the table
and five men, four of them kings, wait
ed gravely for the last to arrive. They
had shaken off the gayety that is so
contagious in Paris, for the occasion
was a momentous one. If he should
not arrive!
81 know he will not come" said the
Greek sovereign, playing with his
bread. "Iie could not hope to escape
recognition with those confounded
Yankee journalists tagging him every
where that he goes"
Il think he will come" said Haa-
kon. Did you ever know him to re-
fuse an opportunity for such an adven-
ture?"
YES, he'll come" answered Lord
Claude. "Unfortunately-because--'
The door opened and Monsieur
Gabriel bowed to the floor like a fat
angel of the Annunciation. And close
behind him strode tall, kingly figure,
clad in a voluminous robe, which he
threw into Monsieur Gabriel's arms,
disclosing the personality Of the kais-
er himself
His four brother sovereigns rose 81
multaneously and embraced him.
They joked and chaffed with one an
other throughout the meal, the kais'
er's presence lending an atmosphere
of supreme Fellowship to the pro.
ceedings. Lord Claude, impassive and
inscrutable as he was, unbent at the
kaiser's charming railery. The meal
was nearly ended before Haakon re.
membered something,
"By the way. Tresham," he said,
why did you remark that his majesty
would come unfortunately That
was the very word. believe. Come,
speak up and tell u.s."
That" answered Tresham, "will
form part of the subsequent proceed
ings of the club The meeting" he
added looking at his watch, will not
begin till nine. 1t is now twenty min
utes short Of the hour"
The cloth was removed walnuts
were placed beside the port. in accord.
ance with Monsieur Gabriels immemo'
rial custom, and the guests relaxed
themselves in their chairs, The clock
struck nine. Monsieur Gabriel, bow
ing low, dismissed himself to a chorus
of compliments
go now, mademoiselles, he said to
the pretty Mattresses go, monsieur"
he added to Paul. The latter moved
with the girls toward the exit behind
the curtain. His mission was in the
making-ten minutes more and
Then Lord Claude Tresham stood
up in his chair.
"One moment, please" he said.
Monsieur Gabriel, where did you get
these ladies?"
"These ladies, monsieur, as you are
pleased to call them, are experienced
Mattresses and highly recommended"
answered the proprietor, smiling.
"Mademoiselle Armine, here, served
with the family of the Due de Berry
for three years. Mademoiselle Nan.
nette grew up, as | may say, with the
family of the Due de Nemours. Her
references are irreproachable."
Enough" said Tresham. you and
Mademoselle Armine may retire
through the door. Mademoiselle Nan
nette remains; she wishes to speak
with us"
Gentlemen" he said, you have
wished to know why | referred to the
visit of his majesty the German en-
peror, as unfortunate We need have
no secrets here. Our cards are all
on the table. Your majesties, permit
me to present Miss Nancy Shand.'
The rulers inclined their heads
gravely "A friend Of yours, Lord
Tresham?" inclined the Greek sover
eign blandly.
no" answered Lord Claude curtly.
Zone of your confounded Yankee jour
nalists, and the cleverest in Europe
at the present day"
"The DEVIL" shouted the Greek
king, springing up in his chair and
then collapsing with an apologetic
air well, the fats in the fire now"
he muttered.
Miss Shand," said Lord Tresham
addressing the very composed young
lady, you are here tonight because,
by stroke of good fortune, you have
learned of the existence and meeting
of our club.
"You are we'll aware Of what | dis
covered an hour before the dinner
that a conspiracy has been formed
against his majesty, the kaiser, In the
interests of two gentlemen-his maj
esty, King Peter of Servla and his
highness, Prince Nicholas of Montene
gro. Am | correct?
Il am not at liberty to give out ad
vance information" Miss Nancy an
swered.
But since you know more than !,
Miss Shand-or else you would not
have been here-I will be frank with
you. King Peter and Prince Nicholas