The Blackfoot optimist., 1916-01-20

ilnd some solution to the problem Of
finding the coin. Where was II? How
could 1t be gained? Upon Count
Sachio more than upon any nobieman
of the court this question rested griev
ously. He enlisted therefore as his
confederate man belonging to the
secret police in Grahoffen, Ladislaw,
cunning chap with courage.
"Ladislaw." said he, I'VE must go to
Gretzhoffen at once. The coin is
there. Either that young woman has
it or Count Frederick, or the king.
The latter is most likely of the three"
1t came out much as Sachio had rea-
soned. In the confusion now prevail
ing in Gretzhoffen the two passed un-
challenged even to the palace door.
AS for the king, he was by this time
well forward in his wine He received
Sachio and his friend readily enough.
Little it mattered to him who came,
for all were welcome. He reproved
for his hesitation the chamberlain
who announced Sachio.
Let him come to u.s." said he Let
them all come. They are welcome.
Sachio ?-yes, many a bottle we two
have split together"
Not one, but more than one bottle.
forsooth, did they two split between
them now, and meantime Ladislaw,
secret agent, unnoticed, was here and
there, in this room and others, unmo-
Tested, as friend of the king, and
busy with purposes of his own.
In the chambers Of the king all was
given over to wine and boastfulness.
There was one who did not accept
thus lightly the issue of the day.
Count Frederick Of Gretzhoffen, most
serious Of mind by this time, had
turned his steps toward the palace.
pondering many things meantime. 1t
was now his own deliberate purpose
to demand some decision OF his mon
arch as to the eminent enterprise with
which all Gretzhoffen was soon to be
concerned. He had given orders, as
an officer of the army high in power, to
mobilize all the forces of the king
DOM
And even as these plans quietly
went forward here, King Cortislaw of
Grahoffen was pacing his floor, con-
sumed with wrath of sort not easily
placated. Listen, gentlemen" said
he to his officers who gathered about
him after Sachio had departed. why
do you wait. We will win all, or we
will lose all today. March then!
Cortislaw calls every man under arms
to join the colors now!"
Thus, as Count Frederick made his
way to the palace, the military forces
of both countries were making ready
FOR struggle which might soon en-
sue. He passed almost without plan,
toward that portion of the palace
where he knew he would find King
Michael But at moment when he
was alone and passing near door
which made off from the hall, he heard
voices-one voice which suddenly he
lad conviction was familiar to him.
the deep voice of Sachio of Grahoffen!
He held his breath that he might catch
every word that came from the room
within.
Listen! Ladislaw," he heard Sachio
say. What, did you tell me that you
had it? Give it to me, in my hand!
1t cannot be true"
"None the less, 1t is true" said an
other voice, that of the man called
Ladislaw. Apparently he held out
something which both regarded.
"Ladislaw, you have won fortune for
us both. There is no price can be put
upon this half of the COIN 1t is ours,
at last"
Count Frederick smiled to himself
smiled for an instant only.
"Yes, Sachio," he heard the an
swer Now if we had our other half
here, we could Join the two"
Il do not need it," exclaimed Sachio,
exultantly. 81 have it in my head.
know the reading of both. 1t tells of
the secret recess under the floor of
the torture chamber"
Count Frederick heard Sachio laugh
deeply-heard his voice once more,
self-satisfied.
Never again" said Sachio, will
abuse good wine! 1t fuddled king
for our use and benefit today"
"You are going-there?"
yes. To the last hiding place OF
what we seek"
CHAPTER XlVlIi.