The Liberal democrat. [volume] (Liberal, Kan.) 1911-1924, 1915-12-03

at what seemed to him undue familiar
ity on the part OF someone, he knew
not who. But as his eyes ran over
the few lines of the message his ex-
preston suddenly changed. The words
remained deeply written on his mind.
Your majesty young Ameri-
can drink no wine"
Count Sachiu looked on respectfully,
his glass arrested, naturally venturing
no comment. King Michael made no
effort to turn the conversation. He
left his wine Untasted!
Sachio was obliged to admit 20
Count Frederick. whom now he early
sought, that doubted the full sue
cess Of his errand.
Leave him the: to me-" ex.
claimed Frederick-"he never fails to
do As / ask.
Frederick, making urr"nt excuses
now to enter the apartments OF the
king after his arrival, found the men.
arch In the same apartment, stolidly
regarding the now empty bottle OF
wine.
A certain idea came to the brain
OF Michael, the king, as he now &C
knowledged the visit of Count Fred
erick at so late an hour. II this
message had warned him not to drink
wine-then there must be someone In
the world who wished him to drink
wine. Why? Who was that person?
Might II not be this man here-Count
Frederick-the man whom really he
feared? II 50, would not fe'gned in
toxication serve we'll to discover the
others nature?
Reasoning thus, King Michael with
aged to give an excellent imitation to
his friend of monarch far gone in
wine. Frederick. pleading fatigue and
thirst, piled him farther, and Michael
apparently yielded, using still such
arts as served him for the time be-
Ing.
When, not too long before the ap-
pointed hour OF midnight, Frederick
left the palace, he left behind him as
he was assured, monarch hopelessly
fuddled
So the lights flameu on at all the
windows of the Winter palace.
Suddenly the music broke, crashed
and swept into the national air. A
murmur went about! The king! The
dancers fastened back to the Siles
of the room. All eyes turned toward
the great entrance.
Under the festooned flags, escort
ed by his uniformed officers, himself
wearing all his decorations and CARRIED
as king should be, there Appeared
King Michael OF Gretzhoffen.
The hour OF midnight struck. The
eyes OF more than one man on the
great dancing floor-including those
OF Count Frederick of GretzhoffNn-
looked at the king amazed. Here was
no staggering monarch, maudlin in his
himself before his people. No. he
walked straight as any. And behind
him from the street there came not
shouts Of derision, but something OF
welcome, of confidence-a pitiful ex-
preston of a people willing yet long.
er to endure king.
At the kings side, her hand on his
arm, there walked the figure of a tall
and beautiful woman, arrayed-as
were all those others present-in
costume of black and white-a tall
young woman whom not many of those
present recognized. few passed the
word, THE American"
The music of the royal anthem
ceased. An instant and the orchestra
broke out once more in the sensuous
strains of a southern waltz. King
Michael as yet did not dance, but he
gave word that the ball should pro-
coed. A uniformed officer of the court
now approached Count Frederick as
he stood not far removed from the
royal presence.
Monsieur, the count" said he de-
ferentially, Il have had for some
hours in my possession this package
which have not opened. 1t is marked
to be presented to his majesty at mid
night hare. Do you think 1t should be
delivered?"
Eve.\ as they spoke the king him
self, accompanied, in accordance with
his request. by the young woman who
had entered with him, approached
Count Frederick. He raised hand to
beckon to the official.
Your majesty" whispered Kitty
Gray, that Is the package which
myself sent you this morning-take 1t
quickly marked it for you at mid.
night"
Shall l open it for your majesty"
Count Frederick bent forward polite
ly.
No." said Michael. 81 know the
one who sent 1t. Let herself open 1t
now!"
Kitty broke the simple seal upon
the plain envelope in which she had
enclosed the coin that morning.
The dance swept on, the crash OF
reed and brass filling the arched dome
OF the great salon. In through the
great doOrs CANA the cries of thOso