The Spectator., 1915-11-23
THIRD lNSTALLMENT
CHAPTER Xi.
The kIno of Gretzhoffen.

Tno NtnQ or Gretznonen.
 majesty does me honor"
 IS with simple dignity that the
 American girl spoke these
 to the monarch in whose pres
 s she found herself fresh from her
 adventures.
 'e could not too much honor so
 ming representative of your
 t'eountry, my dear young lady"
 Michael.
 not misunderstood me, your
 sty," resumed the young woman.
 more than possible have been
 ght before you under false pre-
 s. I am not person of rank,
 deed but prisoner taken wonder
 arNaws. But for the wit of my
 Ike I think l might have been held
 md ,.om."
 re large ransom would be fit ie- h hostage as yourself, ma be lie. Whatever 1t was it would St ..Jn paid, had we but known!" I thank you, sire. Perhaps there III be no future need. In sooth, from le way the bandit chieftain looked on mother of our party, l would rather hink he would prefer him to myself s hostage"
 Whom do you mean?"
 "The Count Frederick, sire"
 Again the Count Frederick. He ems always to come into my affairs" s.. l-{, Co., lmistakable.
 He has been much concerned in y own."
 How, mademoiselle?
 T must explain? Sire. came to our country only in my professional apacity-I had no more urgent er- nd than to find the half of a certain issing coin. The other half had come nto my possession by chance. It was y fancy"
 What, broken coin? You inter- est me- Mademoiselle, felt from the rst moment that eventually we would nd some common ground of interest,
 coin-a broken coin-I know of ome such thing myself. There are current stories about it. See, I have 1t, for my good friend Frederick seems for some strange reason to have a fancy for it himself. Would you like, then, to see it?"
 Kitty's eyes flashed in eagerness. Above all things, sire! It would complete my happiness to see it."
 "Then you shall, assuredly."
 He bowed in somewhat adipose gal lantry as she extended her hand to- ward the pudgy palm in which lay the object which for her held such inter- est. In glance she saw the identity of the missing half The remaining words of the ription-they were there, she was sure. Torture cham ber-treasures of the king" it was plain to her. These two pieces of metal joined would represent story worth the having.
 Do you not desire it, tben?" The voice of the monarch carried cer- tAin reproach.
 l'Desire it, your majesty! 1 should desire nothing so much in all the wbrld. With both halves in my hand --sire, I should feel that the world was mine."
 Eby~ not gratify that wish then, mademoiS elle? Listen. Count Fred erick desired. this very trinket-for a lady, he said. Here is lady who de- sires 1t for herself. Why should we not give 1t her-why should we not have right as good as his?"
 "You cannot mean 1t for mel" sBut yes. precisely! And listen, my dear young lady. There is something about this broken coin which begins to annoy me. Count Frederick is al- ways referring to it for one reason or another-he has some motive which I cannot divine. Now, of late have he'd abundant troubles, many persons Aho importune me. In these serious times, the people being so discontent- l, we have matters of more impor- lnce than to trifle with this trinket, . say. You desire 1t. It bores ma Who better than yourself should own N5t if you like?"
 Kitty stood looking at him. scarce believing what he said. King Mi chael went on:
 1.-TWO things interest me today, my dear lady. First, how to quiet my people: the second, to discover some fashion which shall keep you here in aur own country. interested and use Nil. I am convinced of your own wis dom, your own justice--your own ex perience in your land as to law and liberty and justice. Sometimes out oi the mouth of Q woman--a lady oi rank. of experience-one might learn nc better how to carry on the duties &f . state"
 "And the duties of the state would A>~A