Bogalusa enterprise. [volume] (Bogalusa, La.) 1914-1918, 1915-12-16
EIGHTEENTH lNSTALLMENT
CHAPTER XIV.
Sachio and Michael.

Inc Two rival CdplldlS vi th'oo
mooted lands still faced one another
In a conflict as yet undecided. Which
were deeper in dup!icity it had been
difficult to say, but as to which sur
passed in active measures no doubt
at all remained. Count Sachio, rest
less and energetic, already was taking
further steps tc 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 prcphesied-
the sloth of Michael left him open to
any proposition which came couched
in fair words and which offered no
disturbing changes in his own per-
soIal 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 view to formal and final
peace. Readily enough also ne 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,
infinitely, patiently. like hound run
ming a difficult trail, he went over the
place inch by inch. seeking to ind
some trace which would lead him to
his quarry.
But success did not attend his eff
forts, though these he prosecuted even
in those portions Of the palace where
so recently he and his troops rad
faced death when TIE levels were food
ed by waters turned il from the castle
zaoats. He was willing to despair, and
m fact had turned away with the III
.ention of giving UP the search. when
We met suboNCer of the guard who
.royed difficult to handle in his usua
9asy fashion.
Halt. Who goes there" chal
.enged this guard az he saw SaChlt
emerge from one OF the lower cham
bers.
"A friand,' rejoined Sachio prompt
ly, in military formula.
Advance, friend, and give the coun
tersign." came the gruff command.
THE countersign?' said Sachio
"Ah, we'll, my friend, now that thinl
Of it, | have not had it given to me
Twas my own neglect. But | am
friend of the king-'twas he who gave
me permission to explore these por
tions of the palace. was curious t
see the operations OF this system o
defense By water-it was something
new to me-
That is all very we'll" rejoined the
soldier, but explanations Of that sof
are scarcely good enough"
take me. then, to the king him
SELF" said Sachio.
why should l?' rejoined the other
What business is it of yours to know
about the lower levels Of our palace
These are ticklish times, and there
have been such things as spies
Spies" exclaimed Sachio, virtuous
~. II, a spy-is that what you mean
fellow? If so. | command you to car
W me forthwith to the presence OF the
king himself. He knows me we'll. anc
you should have care not to offend
one who is under the kings protec
tion.'
The sheer audaCity of this intruder
had it's effect, even upon the blunt sol
der who had accosted him. Sachit
was indeed taken to the presence O
Michael, and there his b0la prediction
proved true Michael reprinandec
publicly the officer who led done his
duty. and showed his public favor tt
the mall who was indeed q spy, al
though not suspected Of Icing one.
What. fellow" exclaimed the king
to the soldier. WHEEL Sachio had made
his what do you near
by offering indignity to our friend anC
future ally in this fashion? Ava!
with you, and do you report at the
guardhouse under arrest. Your tria
shall come later
my dear Sachio," resumed Michael
You see how prompt We are with oul
protection of our friends? Do not take
Il III Of us that one of our underling:
has done what his superior officers
or his sovereign would never think o.
countenancing. We trust you will &c
cept this disclaimer
1T was nothing, your majesty, re
plied the willy ststesIaan, and | as
sure your majesty the incident shal