The circle banner., 1915-11-26
Eighteenth INSTALLMENT
CHAPTER LxIV.
Sachio and Michael.

The two rival capitals of thes
mooted lands still faced one anothe
in conflict as yet undecided. Whicl
were deeper in duplicity it had beel
difficult to say, but as to which SUI
passed in active measures no doub
at all remained. Count Sachio, rest
less and energetic, already was taking
further steps to enforce his own will
and that of his sovereign upon the
weaker mind which purported to gov
ern at Gretzhoffen.
1t was as Sachio had prophesied-
the sloth Of Michael left him open tc
any proposition which came couched
in fair words and which offered nc
disturbing changes in his own per.
sonal plans. He acceded readily
enough to the proposals of the Ora
hoffen courtier to lengthen the armis-
tice between the two warning coun-
tries with a view to formal and final
peace. Readily enough also he admit
ted into his own household the arch
plotter of the forces of his hereditary
enemy.
Unopposed, indeed invited, Sachio
made his way much as he liked
throughout the Gretzhoffen palace,
with whose interior he already was
more or less familiar. 1t was his plan
in case of any challenge to refer to
the royal ruler who was his host.
He paid special attention to that
apartment where he had found the
partially destroyed original script
whose missing half he sought. Here,
minutely, patiently, like hound run
ming difficult trail, he went over the
place inch by inch. seeking to find
some trace which would lead him to
his quarry.
But success did not attend his ef-
forts, though these he prosecuted even
in those portions of the palace where
so recently he and his troops had
faced death when the levels were flood
ed by waters turned in from the castle
moats. He was willing to despair, and
in fact had turned away with the in
tention Of giving up the search, when
he met a subofficer of the guard who |
proved difficult to handle in his usual |
easy fashion.
Halt Who goes there?" chal-
1enged this guard as he saw Sachio
emerge from one of the lower cham
bers.
ga friend!" rejoined Sachio prompt
ly, in military formula.
Advance, friend, and give the coun-
tersign!" came the gruff command.
1.-THE countersign?" said Sachio.
"Ah, we'll, my friend, now that I think
of 1t, have not had it given to me.
Twas my own neglect But I am
friend Of the king-'twas he who gave
me permission to explore these por-
tions of the palace. I was curious to
see the operations of this system of
defense by water-it was something
new to me-"
"That is all very WELL" reioined the
soldier, "but explanations of that sort
Are scarcely good enough"
"Take me, then, to the king him.
'elf," said Sachio.
why should I?'' rejoined the other.
What business is it of yours to know G
lbout the lower levels of our palace? s
These are ticklish times, and there
lave been such things as SPIES" +
"Spies!" exclaimed Sachio, virtuous- @
y. 81, spy-is that what you mean, C
elbow? If so, command you to car
y me forthwith to the presence of the
ing himself. He knows me well, and
ou should have care not to offend
ne who is under the kings protec-
on." S
The sheer audacity of this intruder bl
ad it's effect, even upon the blunt SOL W
Ter who had accosted him. Sachio W
as indeed taken to the presence of tr
.ichael, and there his bold prediction m
-oved true-Michael reprimsnded th
lblicly the officer who had done his as
lty, and showed his public favor to 81
10 man who was indeed spy, al ia
ough not suspected of being one. Isl
What, fellow?" exclaimed the king be
the soldier, when Sachio had made te
8 explanations-"what do you mean
: offering indignity to our friend and tr.
ture ally in this fashion? Away he
lth you, and do you report at the mi
lardhouse under arrest Your trial PHI
all come later" gil
My dear Sachio," resumed Michael,
ou see how prompt we are with our fai
otection of our friends? Do not take fro
Ill of us that one OF our underlings the
8 done what his superior officers Ro
his sovereign would never think OF hat
We trust you will &C on.
pt this disclaimer" tic,
1t was nothing, your majesty" re- bes
ed the willy statesman, "and I as VIII
g your majesty the incident shall psr