The Washington times., 1915-09-26
CHAPTER LII.
ROleau, the Spy.

In all these rapid events Of the last
few hours Roleau had been left quite
to his own resources. His mistress had
slipped away from him without his
knowledge. Count Frederick was gone,
he knew not where He guessed rather
than knew that each Of them might
be seeking the other. That meant, ac-
cording to his reasoning. that they
must be at or near the royal palace.
1t was thither Roleau at length turned
his own footsteps. All the streets were
filled with marching men. so that ac-
cess to the palace was quite cut OF.
None the less he persevered, and
running this way and that among the
advancing troops. edged fairly close to
the palace itself. and just to the rear
Of the foremoSt fighting line.
Discovered at last through the notice
attracted by his lack OF uniform, he
was halted by an officer. who brought
him forthwith to the commander OF the
close to the king. watching the progress
of the battle.
General" said the officer to Sachio,
here Is a man who was trying to get
through our lines. What shall we do
with him? We think perhaps he is
"If he be a spy. shoot him. Why
bother me?" asked Sachio. absorbed
with his glasses and looking on the
distant battle. not on scenes close at
hand.
But the officer halted. coughed. and
addressed him yet again. until finally
Sachio turned toward him. In a glance
he recognized Rolean and his own eye
cleaned.
80. fellow. you are here again?" he
said. grimly. II know you. yes. we'll
enough. We have met more than once
before now I recall you at my lodging
and elsewhere. What do you here?
Where is she, your mistress. the young
American"
"Yonder somewhere, excellency," said
Roleau. pointing toward the palace,
whose white front could be seen dimly
rising above the smoke cloud. II
don't know where she may or may not
be yonder. / only sought to win
through so that myself might learn.
She is aloHe."
rs it so?'' commented sachio. show
ing his white teeth in his smile. "She
need not be alone SO long. I have said
she shall be my prize when we have
taken the city. You shall be used to
him away. lieutenant, and keep him
safe uptil I call for him"
II was thus that Roleau remained
for a time unobserved, but was ulti-
mately caught In the general rout OF
King Cortislaw's armies. 1t was night
when finally the rout ended under the
walls Of Grahoffen itself. There, those
who had life still spared to them.
paused IN their retreat and cast them
selves down to rest as best they might
bitterness of defeat. Men accused one
another. accused their leaders. their
leaders accused the men.
Cortislaw was an old man when he
had started out that day. Since morn
Nothing was left to him! The end Of
his life's dream was at hand. He gazed
on his shattered ranks. the remnant of
his power. and bent, his head as he
passed into the interior Of his palace,
Within he was Joined by his noblemen.
Count Sachio and other leaders. Iii ST.
lent and moody. The issue had been
tried and had failed: Gretzho hoffen had
generation now before this. its rival
kingdom. could dare another assault in
arms.
glance under his bushy gray brows at
his courtiers. Once more they have
proved too much for us. 1t was my
own remaining chance, Never again
can cortislaw march with an army at
his back. ] am done! And beaten by
such man! ! wonder If indeed 1t was
Michael; or Michaels strong friend who
None dared raise a voice against the
wrath OF the broken king. After time,
What use. then. Count sachio, WAS
lost" vi" VIC
Count Frederick told me- your mat
esty," began Sachio. "that what we had
was only e. counterfeit. He said he
gave 1t to the king of Gretzhoffen in a
ult OF deceit for purposes of his own. 1t
read the same-that l may be sworn,
Its errand should have been the Same,
But as to our victory-look. it was Ioun-
Yes" said Cortislaw. slowly, Count
that not for us. but against ms Sax
the cursed coin is bewitched-it 10 in