The Daily Ardmoreite. [volume] (Ardmore, Okla.) 1893-current, 1915-07-09
THIRD INSTALLMENT
CHAPTER XII.
The King of Gretzhoffen.


"You majesty does me honor
1t was with simple dignity that the
young American girl spoke these
words to the monarch in whose pres
ence she found herself fresh from her
late adventures.
1--WE could not too much honor so
charming representative of your
great country, my dear young lady"
said Michael.
do not misunderstood me, your
majesty" resumed the young woman.
ut is more than possible | have been
brought before you under false pre-
lenses. | am not a person of rank,
am indeed but prisoner taken yonder
by outlaws. But for the wit Of my
servant think might have been held
for ransom"
1T were large ransom would be mt
for such hostage as yourself, ma
demoiselle. Whatever 1t was it would
have been paid, had We but known!"
81 thank you, sire. Perhaps there
will be no future need. In sooth, from
the way the bandit chieftain looked on
another of our party, l would rather
think he would prefer him to myself
as hostage"
Whom do you mean?"
"The Count Frederick, sire
again the Count Frederick! He
seems always to come into my affairs. y
The annoyance in the kings face was
unmistakable.
"He has been much concerned in
my own"
How, mademoiselle?"
81 must explain? Sire, l came to
your country only in my professional
capacity-I had no more urgent er-
rand than to find the half of certain
missing coin. The other half had come
into my possession by chance. 1t was
my fancy"
What, a broken coin? You inter
est me. Mademoiselle, felt from the
first moment that eventually we would
find some common ground of interest
A COMA broken coin-I know of
some such thing myself. There are
current stories about 1t. See, | have
1t, for my good friend Frederick seems
for some strange reason to have a
fancy for it himself. Would you like
then, to see it?"
Kitty's eyes flashed in eagerness.
above all things, sire! 1t would
complete my happiness to see It,"
Then you shall, assuredly.'
He bowed in somewhat adipose gal
lantry as she extended her hand to
ward the pudgy palm in which lay the
object which for her held such inter
est. In q glance she saw the identity
of the missing half. The remaining
words of the inscription-they were
there, she was sure. Torture cham
ber-treasures of the king" 1t wal
plain to her. These two pieces o.
metal Joined would represent story
worth the having.
DO you not desire it, them" Th'
voice of the monarch carried Ger
tain reproach.
Desire it, your majesty! | shoul'
desire nothing so much IN all tn
world. With both halves in my han'
sire | should feel that the worl'
was mine"
"Why not crafty that wish ther
mademoiselle? Listen. Count Free
erick desired this very trinket-for
lady. he said. Here is lady who dc
sires it for herself. Why should W
not give it her-why should we no
have right as good as his?'
"You cannot mean 1t for me?'
But yes, precisely! And listen, m
dear young lady. There is somethin
about this broken coin which begin
tc annoy me. Count Frederick rs a
ways referring to 1t for one reason G
another-he has some motive whic
cannot divine Now, of late / hav
had abundant troubles, many person
who importune me. In these seriou
times. the people being so disconten
ed. we have matters of more impo
tance than to trifle with this trinke
as | say. You desire it. 1t bor'
me. Who better than yourself shou
own it if you like?"
Kitty stood looking at him, scare
believing what he said. King N
chael went on:
1.-TWO things interest me today n
dear lady. First, how to quiet II
people; the second, to discover son
fashion which shall keep you here
our own country, interested and us
full. am convinced of your own W
dom. your own justice-your own
perience in your land as to law al
liberty and justice. Sometimes out
the mouth of a woman-a lady
rank, Of experience-one might lea
the better how to carry on the duti
OF state
And the duties OF the state wou