Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1913-05-11

8 J: e;
XM6ERo in quest of the for TarnowSyS
RSEA9 prompt acceptance of my demand. We
6MSR had no doubt that he had good and
ASNSA sufficient reason for wanting the place.
4g@V2E and but thing suggested itself to our
@T3&S@ imagination absolute certainty that
treasure was hidden somewhere about
the venerable pile; treasure of considerable magnitude
you may be sure, he would not have displayed such
aacrty in accepting my terms. While was eager TO
get nd of the castle any price did not relish the
thought of being laughed at for fool by Maris Tar
nowsy after he had laid his greedy hands upon treasure
that had been mine without my knowledge.
We spent improbable days in going over the
place and in the end sank down tired defeated, and
without the slightest evidence in possession that SO
much hacrown lay hidden there treasure trove.
gave in, and announced that if Tarnowsy could find
anything worth having he entitled to far as
was concerned, and | wouldn't begrudge him a far
things worth.
He telepraphed that he would arrive on the morning
of the third day. accompanied by his lawyer, notary,
and architect My four guests departed in haste by
the late night train after extracting promise from me
to join them in Vienna when l was no longer the
master of Schloss Rothhoefen.
TARNOWSY was as bland and smiling May
morning as he jauntily down the great hall
to where awaited him. Il am here ncognito my dear
Smart, he said extending his goved hand, which took
peforce "A stupid. unchivalrrc Empire has designs
upon me-peruncorly perhaps but it's just well not
to stir the monkeys you Americans would put It,
"Our late friend the Baron was not totally without
friends, take it, said dryly.
He made gr1rnace. Nor enemies, he declared
Brave usually have more enemies than friends,
and he brave man. Because he was brave man,
have feeling of regret over the outcome OF our-er
meeting. 1t is no honor to kill coward, Mr. Smart.
He introduced his three companions l was sur
prised to that the lawyer was not the fawnng Schy
mansky, and later on inquired for him.
Tarnowsy laughed "Poor old Schymansky! He is
in prison. He my second poor chap. 1t did not
to him to run away after the-er-duel They
had to make example of someone His trial comes
up next week afraid he may be dealt with rather
harshly But let to the matter in hand, Mr..
Smart. | dare say your time is valuable. You have
Cob
| He is the architect who is to rebuild the
castle for My attorney and Mr.. Pooly the notary
will with your assistance draw up the proper contracts
preliminary to the formal transfer and will sign them
with you upon my return"
aWould it not be better to discuss the question of
payments before we go any further Count Tarnowsy!"
1You will be paid in cash. Mr. Smart the instant the
deed is transferred said he coldy.
followed him to the top of the stairs that descended
to the basement of the castle 1t was rather significant
that he elected to explore the lower regions first OF all
Il shall accompany you, said deliberately.
A faint scowl came into his face. He eyed me xedly
for a moment then shrugged his shoulders and said
that his only desire to avoid putting to any
necessary trouble. If cared to come, he would be
than grateful.
1T isn't necessary to visit the cellars Saks he said
to the architect. "Ampe time for that sort of
maging | particularly want your opinion on the con-
dtion of the ntersecting walls this floor and above
NV scheme of improvements. Mr.. Smart, contempates
the enlargement of these halls throwing themnto one
a very simple process, said |, If the whole struc
doesn't toppe down upon your heads while you re
about it."
Il shall contrive to my scalp, Mr.. Smart,
matter what happens 1t is very precious to me-
We went over the castle rather hurnedy. thought;
but he explained that Saks merely wanted general
idea of the structure He would return another day to
make a careful inspection
." dare say you are surprised that should be willing
to pay double your original price for Schloss Rothhoe
fen. he venured, pausing in the corridor to light Gig
arctic We way to the top of the east wing
"Oh, no. said calmly. Il am aware that treasure
is buried here As matter of fact I've tried unearth
it myself but without wish you better luck"
"-rhanks- said he laconically after the first swift