The Kansas City sun. (Kansas City, Mo.) 1908-1924, 1914-01-24

KDMWH club, said his majesty,
Sket King George Of England,
~%S rising with a yawn and but
W toning up his gloves.
THE last regular meet
eng SIR" answered Lord Claude Ire
sham, secretary to the organization.
The premises will always be open"
"But for more convivial purposes"
out 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, Eve 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
we're the last prop left. And now"
We'll, l did think it could get me
back my throne" said Manuel, yawn-
ing. And naturally 1 was not greatly
averse to using it as a means toward
that end. But now, if you will pardon
me, a most important affair of state
nakes my presence imperative, and
So
It's curious" observed King
George, lingering at the door, cts
up in a night and lost its influence in
a day. When Professor Dvornak pro-
pounded his plan. for the revival of
aristocracy he had an immediate re-
Spouse from half the rulers of Europe.
Z confess that for a time he influ-
.a,,l -. 7 Ho1fav,, A., Ioo-,o rr1,IJ
have effected its purposes, too, had it
not been used by base men for thir
own purposes, and sunk to the level Of
an anarchistic organization, thus com
pelling us to form a counter league to
thwart it. And that we have succeed
ed is due entirely to you, Tresham."
And to Paul Lane said Tresham.
t'The American millionaire?'
Yes, sir. He, too, was %entrapped
into Joining the league and aiding it
with his money, principally through
the influence of her highness the Prin-
S CIothilde 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
I 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 we'll and
nope TO see her often now that she has
abandoned Dvornak and his fellow
c~onspirators. AS for this Lane
where is he?"
mot far from here, sir" answered
Lord Claude.
We'll you must bring him to see
me next time we are both in Paris.
DO you go my way, MANUEL" he con-
Siuued, turning to the Portuguese SOW
ereign.
"No. cousin. I have a most press
eng appointment on weighty matters
anf state" replied the other, and van
ished without further ceremony down
the same stairs by which King George
soon asterward took his departure.
It 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, it had &C,
complished its purpose. The league
was on its last legs. And Paul Lane,
VINO had opposed it with all his re.
sources, had been mainly instrument
tai Ia securing it's overthrow.
lord Claude Tresham stepped back
to the mantel and lit a cigarette.
Il wonder" he unused, as he pulled
out a cloud of fragrant smoke, 81
wonder just how soon King George
will learn that his heir has been kid.
Mapped"
He strobe across the room and pull
ed back the curtain which separated
4he dining room from that Of the
attendants.
PAUL" he called, come in"
Paul Lane, in walters garb, which
was converted into conventional eve
ding dress by the removal of the nap
clin protruding from his waistcoat, en-
tered and took the cigarette which
che other handed him.
ct wanted you to hear our conversa
Cion tonight, Paul." said Lord Tres
nam, because l have good reason to
believe that the activities of the
league are not wholly ended. In fact
they have succeeded in pulling off a
most daring coup. Prince Edward OF
Wales was kidnapped two hours ago.
I'm Paris?"
Eyes, 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 sec
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 unit
tomorrow. Between now and theI
the prince must be found. I havt
Just learned the news from one of oul
agents. Nobody knows it yet, no
even the Marquis de B~reteuil."
But is there no clue? What wa
the purpose Of the conspirators?'
The purpose, Paul. is wholly un
Snown to me. There does exist {
clue, however. The Princes Clothilde
r-rrrr1 nraurn a AnnatU