Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1914-02-12

IN II Ming george OI EnRlduu,
ITW rising with yawn and but.
toning up his gloves
"The last regular meet
ing SIR" answered Lord Claude Tre-
sham, secretary to the organization.
THE premises will always be open"
But for more convivial purposes"
put in ex-King Manuel Of Portugal,
laughing. 81 regret to say that an i'm
mediate engagement"
Manuel" interrupted the English
monarch, clapping the young fellow
upon the shoulder, 1--WE owe you much
gratitude. BY detaching yourself from
this criminal league you have put an
end to it's activities In Europe. When
the Tsar withdrew his support you
were the last prop left. And now"
We'll, did think 1t could get me
back my throne" said Manuel, yawn.
ing. And naturally was not greatly
averse to using it as a means toward
that end. But now, II you will pardon
me, a most important affair of state
makes my presence imperative, and
So"
ITS curious" observed King
George. lingering at the door, Its
up in a night and lost it's influence IN
a day. When Professor Dvornak pro-
pounded his plan for the revival OF
aristocracy he had an immediate re-
sponse from half the rulers Of Europe.
! confess that for a time he infu-
enced me- l believe the league would
have effected Its purposes, too, had 1t
not been used by base men for thir
own purposes, and sunk to the level or
an anarchistic organization, thus COM
pelling us to form counter league to
thwart It. And that we have succeed
ed is due entirely to you, Tresham."
"And to Paul Lane" said Tresham.
"The American millionaire?"
yes, sir. He, too, was entrapped
into joining the league and aiding 1t
with his money, principally through
the influence of her highness the Prin-
cess Clothilde of Austria. He came
over to us when he learned the true
nature Of the society, and has since
done all in his power to aid US. And
l have hopes that the princess herself
will join in giving the league the
coup de grace"
"A very remarkable woman, the
Princess Clothilde," said King George
thoughtfully. 81 know her well and
hope to see her often now that she has
abandoned Dvornak and his fellow
conspirators. As for this Lane
where Is he?"
Not far from here, sir" answered
Lord Claude.
well, you must bring him to see
me next time we are both In Paris.
Do you go my way, Manuel?' he con-
tinued, turning to the Portuguese soy
ereign.
mo, cousin I have a most press.
ing appointment on weighty matters
Of state" replied the other, and van
ished without further ceremony down
the same stairs by which King George
soon afterward took his departure.
1t was in the private dining room
Of Monsieur Gabriel In Paris. Seven
kings had attended what was to be
the last session Of their club. Form
ed by the steadier heads among the
European rulers, to combat the peril
Gus activities Of the league, 1t had ac-
complished it's purpose. The league
was on it's last legs. And Paul Lane,
who had opposed 1t with all his re-
sources, had been mainly instrumen.
tai in securing its overthrow.
Lord Claude Tresham stepped back
to the mantel and lit a cigarette.
81 wonder" he mused, as he puffed
out a cloud Of fragrant smoke, u
wonder just how soon King George
will learn that his heir has been kid
napped!"
He strode across the room and pull
ed back the curtain which separated
the dining room from that Of the
attendants.
Paul" he called, come in"
Paul Lane, in walters garb. which
was converted into conventional eve-
ming dress by the removal Of the nap,
kin protruding from his waistcoat, en-
tered and took the cigarette which
the other handed him.
81 wanted you to hear our conversa-
tion tonight, Paul." said Lord Tres
ham, because I have good reason to
believe that the activities Of the
league are not wholly ended. In fact,
they have succeeded In pulling of
most daring coup. Prince Edward Of
Wales was kidnapped two hours ago"
"In Paris?"
"Yes, from the town house Of the
Marquis de Breteuil, whose guest he
has been, as you know, for several
months, in order that he might be.
come proficient in French. King
George and Queen Mary arrived in
Paris this afternoon incognito, to see
their son. They visited the marquis
house and met the prince, and, being
satisfied that all Is right with him,
will not expect to see him again until
tomorrow. Between now and then
the prince must be found. I have
Just learned the news from one Of our
agents. Nobody knows 1t yet, not
even the Marquis de Breteuil."
But is there no clue! What was
the purpose Of the conspirators?"
"The purpose, Paul, is wholly un-
known to me- There does exist a
cline however The princaa ClothiYNA