The Washington times., 1915-07-04

BILE back to the capital. In spite Of q
regret at violence to a woman, exults
ton sat on the dark features of Cour
Frederick
Now, Grahame." he exclaimed, "a
last we have it,
'Excehency," rejoined the other, "yo
have but half the coin. I told yo
where the two pieces were-where eac
some trouble. But the other is still
the possession of Michael the king. II
may not yield It easily"
With ease or difficulty, he shall Civ
it up" growled Count Frederick. wv
will take 1t from him II need be-"
But II we don't know where he hf
it-how then? Extreme measures some
times defeat themselves. Excellency."
True enough. Let us get to the pal
ace as soon as we can. I'll see Michas
himself"
And straightway to the Royal palac
Of Gretzhoffsn they Jared on, fast
securing admission. for the Count Fred
erick was well know at the palace
almost as the king himself. sPresentl
he pushed himself In at the door, al
cepon ns of tse IN the
apartment richly decorated by artist
recently from Paris-who, by the way
had not been paid.
"Ah. well, my friend-you have com
from travel perhaps?"
kink Michael II looked with a certat
disapproval upon Count Frederick
dusty clothes.
II ask your majesty's pardon, but
have had no time to arrange mysel
In proper courtesy. My errand is urgent
But fancy you cannot guess it,"
Not in the least. 1t could not b
that you wish to ask me again what yo'
asked me the last time you came her
about the broken coin"'
Yes, 1t was precisely that"
Your majesty has promised me som,
little thing in reward for a certain serv.
ice which was able to render not lon,
ago. 1t was rude of me to remind o!
that--but suddenly there came up
need for some little trinket-some jewe
some oddity. Your majesty. I wish
1t for lady, and my Jeweler told me ht
could make of this broken coin"
There is woman In it?" The puff
eyes Of the King showed interest now.
ITO be sure-there is always a WON.
an"
why not then a pearl, a sapphire. ,
diamond. perhaps? Take as you like
He waved an indifferent, pudgy hant
toward a cabinet. Michael the secont
keeps all his promises
esty?"
You persist? So do l. I suggest tina,
for lady-and you say there Is lad,
you make some gift more fitting J
nave cApldlHtu 10 you lndt tne com II
not presently at hand. But as I said
help yourself to something that is bet
ter"
Count Frederick was a man of W.T.
quick enough to see that here was rN
time to force an argument Defeated
once more. he even accepted his defeat
He stepped now to the little drawer
which the King pulled open for him
and selected a very modest little ring
which carelessly he dropped into hii
own pocket The lady would be de.
lighted could she but know that thii
came from the hand of the King him.
self" he said.
An instant later he excused himself
after expressing his best wishes fol
his majesty and making some excusei
which would make the purpose of hi.
errand less obvious. Leaving the pres
ence of the King, he presently JOINED
his retainer Grahame at the motor car
His face, set and angry. told the story
"Excellency. you failed said era
hame.
Behind the drawn Venetian. blinds q,
the palace window. Michael. King o;
Gretzhoffen. looked out at the car o!
Count Fdererick as Il wheeled away
His loose sides shook with laughter.
Now. what did he want?" said he Il
himself. There Is something under al
| this, trust him for that. woman
| well. If presents must be made to tn,
ladies. why should not make them al
wen as hep