Tombstone epitaph., 1915-06-06

" unknown.
 The next thing that happened was the return of the queenregent, at the close Of the review. She sent to the tutor to bring Alfonso to her. Con- founded at such a message, he hurried into her majesty's presence. and at once the truth was discovered. There had been no discontent among the troops, and no sending for the king He had become the victim of cleyerly 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 -ith the prime minis ter.
 "A messenger was at once dis patched to fetch him 10 the palace. Senor Gaustala lost no time in obey ing the summons, and the facts were laid before him.
 Tt was by his imperative advice that t was decided to keep the affair secret as long as possible. In the un- settled state of the Spanish kingdom. with a dynasty hardly yet seated on the throne, and threatened by repub- hcans 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 a revolution.
 .,.f Mi -s.I. v of a 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. Senor Guastala undertook to bind one of the court physicians to secrecy, and induce him to attend at regular intervals, and issue the usual bulletins.
 At the same time the police were warned that an abduction had taken place, and furnished with a general description of the carriage, and of it's 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 becoming known.
 The porters who had seen the car. riase 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 elicited from them.
 The exertions of the police during four days were entirely fruitless. The Spaniards are a fine race with many admirable traits, but they lack the French Quickness. But for the acci- dent of my presence in the capital, 1t is difficult 10 say what would have be- come of the Spanish monarchy. Luck fly chanced to be in Madrid at that time.
 The moment heard that the king had been taken III. I went to call at the palace. During the period of my connection with our embassy in Mad rid I had become greatly attached to this delightful youngster, with his superb airs of a king; and I think l had had the honor to attract the re- gard of his majesty. 1 went, therefore, confidently expecting that my visit would be welcomed by the little in valid. Judge of my surprise when I found myself denied admittance 10 the sickroom. came away, cursing the ingratitude of princes.
 But you are aware of my character am not easily to be bafied in a de- sign which l have once undertaken. That very day I telegraphed to Paris, to Emile Gerault ct Cie-, of the Rue Luxembourg. to forward me the most splendid toy in their warehouse.
 "On the fourth day it arrived. IL was a marvel-a work of art. Imagine a soldier, completely accoutred in the uniform of a Chasseur d'Afrique, with everything removable, down to the very spurs, and mounted upon a fas- CludtiHb Cdiucl, VI hbtu uAOFc ieSNh " clockwork, packed my treasure in a cab and took it round instantly 10 the palace.
 As I had anticipated. was again refused entrance into Alfonsos pres ence. Thereupon demanded an audi ence of the queen regent. Daunted by my firmness. the attendants gave way. and consented to take fin my card to her majesty. ventured to inscribe on it 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, NJ. ie Baron?' she demand ed, addressing me in the French lan- guage
 Surely the king Is not too i'll to be amused with this toy. l ventured to say I implore you to let me offer it to my young friend
 Queen Christina made no reply turned towards her. trembling, and was astonished to see tears in her fine eyes
 Pardon. madame. what have