Webster City freeman. [volume] (Webster City, Hamilton County, Iowa) 1884-1946, 1915-06-01
A STOLEN KING

Frs-- d. i 4 y ~ e.
ly unknown.
"The next thing that happened was
the return of the queen-regent, at the
close OF the review. She sent to the
tutor to bring Alfonso to her. Com
founded at such message, he hurried
into her majesty's presence, and at
once the truth was discovered. There
had been no discomfort among the
troops, and no sending for the king. He
had become the victim Of cleverly
planned abduction.
Figure to yourself the despair Of
Queen Christina. But even in such
moments. royal personages are not
freed from considerations Of state.
Before taking any steps, it was neces-
sary to advise with the prime minis
ter.
"A messenger was at once dis
patched to fetch him to the palace.
Senior Gaustala lost no time in obey
ing the summons, and the facts were
laid before him.
1T was by his imperative advice
that It was decided to keep the affair
secret as long as possible. In the un-
settled state OF the Spanish kingdom.
with dynasty hardly yet seated on
the throne, and threatened by repub-
licans on one side and legitimists on
the other, the news that the king had
been spirited away might very well
be the signal, as you may imagine. for
q revolution.
1T was therefore that this comedy
Of q pretended illness was devised.
With the exception Of two old. trusted
servants, every one was strictly ex-
cluded from the kings apartments, in
which it was given out that he was
lying i'll. and Queen Christina arranged
to take up her own quarters there. to
escape the prying eyes Of her suite.
On his part, Senior Guastala undertook
to bind one Of the court physicians to
secrecy, and induce him to attend at
regular intervals, and issue the usual
bulletins.
cat the same time the police were
warned that an abduction had taken
place, and furnished with general
description Of the carriage, and OF its
three occupants. The railways were
watched, the frontiers guarded. in
short, the usual precautions were
taken. Unfortunately it was consid-
cred unsafe to describe the missing
boy too plainly for fear Of his identity
hnoopoipo LnOun
"The porters who had seen the car
rage drive away were also questioned
with caution. but beyond the mere
statement that they had seen his
majesty enter the carriage with the
officers, no information Of any value
was ELECTED from them.
1.-THE exertions Of the police during
four days were entirely fruitless. The
Spaniards are q fine race with many
admirable traits, but they lack the
French quickness. But for the acct.
dent of my presence in the capital, 1t
is difficult to say what would have be;
come Of the Spanish monarchy. Luck
lily / CHANGED to be in Madrid at that
time.
1.-THE moment I heard that the king
had been taken Ill, went to call at
the palace. During the period Of my
connection with our embassy in Mad
rid l had become greatly attached to
this delightful youngster, with his
superb airs Of king: and ! think 1
had had the honor to attract the re-
gard Of his majesty. / went. therefore,
confidently expecting that my visit
would be welcomed by the little in
valid. Judge of my surprise when l
found myself denied admittance to the
sickroom. came away, cursing the
ingratitude of princes.
"But you are aware Of my character.
am not easily to be baffied In a de.
sign which l have once undertaken.
That very day telegraphed to Paris,
to Emile Gerault ct Cie., of the Rue
Luxembourg, to forward me the most
splendid toy in their warehouse.
ION the fourth day it arrived. 1t
was marvel-a work Of art. Imagine
soldier, completely ACQUIRED in the
uniform of q Chasseur d'Afrique, with
everything removable, down to the
very spurs, and mounted upon a fas-
cinating camel, which drove itself by
clockwork! l packed my treasure In
q cab and took It round instantly to
the palace.
"As had anticipated, I was again
refused entrance into Alfonso's pres
ence. Thereupon demanded IN audi
ence Of the queen regent. Daunted by
my firmness. the attendants gave way,
and consented to take in my card to
her majesty. ! ventured to inscribe on
1t the word, Pressing
Doubtless, In her immense grief,
the queen was ready to clutch at any
straw which might promise assistance.
She agreed to receive me in the room
adjoining the kings bedchamber.
What is it that you desire to see
me about, M. lie Baron?' she demand
ed, addressing me in the French Ian
guage
Surely the king is not too i'll tc be
amused with this toy ventured ~
say. I implore you to let me offer 1t
to my young friend
"Queen Christina made no reply. I
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