The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1915-10-29
FOURTH INSTALLMENT
CHAPTER XIV.
II Your Ma esty Please.

now had left the dancing floor and
gathered in groups at respectful dis
lance from royalty, Kitty received the
envelope from the messenger-the
same packet which she had herself
sent to the palace that morning for
delivery at midnight
She did this with fine air of In.
souciance, for she felt quite sure that
success now had met all her plans I:
nor did the outward appearance of
the packet afford any reason to sus-
pect otherwise.
Yet, even as she took the envelope
In her hand, there came to her a sharp
conviction that something was wrong.
1t had strange lightness-it did not
seem quite the same as when she her
self had sealed it that morning. Has
tily, she opened the envelope, her lips
compressed. 1t was empty
Yes, the mysterious coin was gone
Entrusted to the safest messenger she
could find; sent to the king himself;
received by the kings trusted official;
guarded, as was to be supposed. every
moment of the time since 1t had left
her hands-none the less. the coin had
disappeared as though some specter
hand had distracted 1t.
The blank book of surprise which
came to her face was something not to
be mistaken. King Michael frowned.
What is this, MISUNDERSTANDING we
made the subject of some sport? How
now?"
Kitty stood regarding first one. then
the next of the faces about her. On
the countenance of Count Frederick
she read only chagrin and surprise
equal to her own. There was no
trace of guilty knowledge there-she
was sure of that Then another
hand had come into the camel Some |
other mind also was interested in the |
mysterious coin of Gretzhoffen.
What then, mademoiselle ?" de-
manded Michael. himself not vet so
fully advised as others regarding the
nature of this packet which had been
intended for him. What was it that
you were so good as to intend sending
u.s."
Kitty dared not answer this direct
question She concluded quickly that
1t would be far safer to add as little
as possible to the number of those
who knew the full story OF the travel
ing coin.
Your majesty" said she, turning
upon him so dazzling a smile as would
nave made any man forget all else.
ii was nothing! 1t was but a small
favor | would have sent your majesty.
TO show the acknowledgment of my
own country since your majesty has
done such honor to me tonight. Per
maps someone in my humble menage
has been unfaithful-if so. it was hut
small loss after all. If your majesty
VIII forget 1t and give me few added
days of grace, / will explain-I will
try again, | hope with greater for
tune"
Michael was ready enough to agree
to anything which would bring back
10 his society this dazzling young crea-
ture who stood beside him.
Very well, mademoiselle," said he,
''as you like"
A certain relief was felt by all con
cerned, as now he turned and made
a sign to the leader of the orchestra.
who stood, baton poised.
With us, excellenza?" The king Of
fered his arm. The king and the
young American. of whose origin he
knew. and apparently cared to know.
nothing whatever, were the observed
Of all Michael at least could dance.
and as for Kitty. she was an Ameri-
can girl.
AS they swept on In the evolutions L
OF the dance, Kitty caught sight of the y
dark face Of Count Sachio. 8
That she had earned this mans dis
ike, or at least. had deeply hurt c
mis- masculine vanity. Kitty was well e
enough aware. Y
AS for King Michael, he was extra
ordinarily sober; which. in his case,
MS equivalent To saying that he was d
lot extraordinarily happy. Q
Count Frederick evaded the throngs +
bout the king. Unwillingly he turned D
way his eyes from the beautiful fig D
ire of the young American as she d
anced. He never had seen woman z
'ho thrilled him thus. He himself did n
OF dance. This was no evening of d
leasure for him. He had other plans.
Count Frederick started toward the ST
oor before second thought came to W
is mind. If there should for any rea- y,
On be miscarriage of his plans-if in
lere should be need for yet greater hi
clay before his final overt act was CO
'mmitted-then he ought to have a tn
Ire To retain soma footing In the SO