The Huttig news., 1913-08-09
continental holiday.

from near and Tar came cOnRfatu lations. They had not planned 6 gor geous ceremony, but they could not stop the expressions of love that came from the loyal citizens. The whole capital was alive with color. and the messages that came and the sincere joy of all, made the day one to be remembered for years to come.
 Astra had missed Rositta very much. She had been unable to attend the wedding. as she had been i'll on the Island of Ciryne for the last few weei3.
 When Napoleon heard that the countess was unable 10 attend their wedding on account Of her indieposi- ton, he thoughtfully shook bis head. It seemed incredible that Rostta. who was so full of vitality and energy. should be III. He only said: Every Illness has a remedy"
 He did not give the matter further thought. He spent the last day before his marriage in his aerodromone, the American Eagle. Where he was, or what he did, no one seemed to know, duu uC ui0 hOl NOiuuttci tUS HUI tion.
 After their wedding luncheon Aetra returned to her presidential office. ss there were things that she wanted to attend to personally. Especially the criminal case of Nikolsy Mozrak. The Criminal Court of the continent had decreed capital punishment for at top mt fo1 in of ha proc:dant of the United Republics of America
 Astra read the document carefully, and instead of signing it, she wrote:
 "Pardoned, and shall be instantly re- leased"
 (Signed)
 "ASTRA PRUDENT EDISON"
 She dispatched the pardon by spe eial messenger. and then took up other matters.
 At seven o'clock she was at the CrYs- al Palace, to dress for the banquet of he Continental Commercial and Tn. nstrial Association. one of the most powerful societies organized to pro note the welfare Of business people
 She and Napoleon drove. to the new Capital Hotel in an open car, The banquet was arranged for 1000 snests and the whole upper floor was thrown opeusfor the purpose. At eleven o'clock the presidential party left and threaded its way toward the Crystal Palace. At the Palace Judge Scanlan Of the Continental Court awaited them. His mission was to deliver 8 heavy looking letter to the l President
 Your excellency will pardon me for taking this liberty, but MT. Mozrak. the prisoner you so kindly psrdoned insisted that this letter is important. and would not leave the prison until promised him that I would deliver it personally"
 Astra took the letter and thanked him for it's safe delivery, then dis missed him with few kind words Napoleon escorted his mother to her rooms, then returned to the library where Astra awaited him. Her can did. beautiful face was pale and tears glistened in her eyes. Her whole be- ing expressed sorrow.
 What is it, dear?" asked her hus- band, sympathetically.
 Instead of replying, she handed him letter. He recognized the fine hand writing of the Countess Rosiny. It read:
 My dear Friends and Protectors:
 T am writing this to you both, as know you will be married when you receive 1t. know you will receive all kinds Of presents surprises and con gratulatfons, as you are both the be loved Of your followers. But in order to give more value to the kind wishes have decided to tell you tho truth the unvarnished, cruel truth.
 T wonder if it will surprise you to find that am, and have been In the service of Count von Werdensie ein. You have been the kindest Of hosts, indeed, SO good that you made my tack really despicable but much easier.
 Don't take this very seriously. Life is made up of an equal portion ot bad and good. and the end is always the same. Death gathers us all ill. and puts fin our places others who may find pleasure in destroying all that we nave Cieaieu. 1Ou DOIn dream Cl world peace-I wish I could create peace in my own heart!
 '1 admire you both, especially Ma. poleon, and for that reason, I T. lfe you both, being unable to love you, as there are no middle streamSin my na, l ture .-.... ].
 There is no use of my telling VOC what ] intend to do; you will know fl soon enough, and you both will be sorry that you ever met tte unhappy person whose name was, once. Rasitta Rcsiny.
 "And now, wish you all happin s-s until we meet again.
 ROSETTA,
 Princess Of Scbomburg f.i;bow."
 Napoleon quietly folded the letter and handed il back to Astra He did not seem disturbed at all. He piehed mp the envelope and saw tho New York postmark.
 Tt is clear. The countess has in. secret Of ciIynith and. very likely. al the aerodromonn