Mansfield mirror. (Mansfield, Wright County, Mo.) 1908-1957, 1916-08-03


ind some solution to the problem Of
finding the coin. Where was II? How
could 1t be gained! Upon Count
Sachio moro than upon any nobleman
Of the court this question rested griev-
oualy. He enlisted therefore as his
confederate = man belonging to the
secret police in Grahoffen. Ladislaw,
q cunning chap with courage.
"Ladislaw," said he, I'VE must 80 to
Gret1ho1en at once. The coin Is
there. Either that young woman has
1t o. Count Frederick. or the king.
The latter is most likely of the three"
It came out much as Sachio had rea.
soned. In the confusion prevail
ing In GretxhofYen the two passed IN.
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 1t 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 . bottle We two
have split together"
Not one. but more than n 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. IS a friend of the king. and
busy with purposes Of his own.
In the chambers of the king all was
given owe to wine and b~oastfulness.
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.
bordering many things meantime. 1t
was now his own deliberate purpose
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
Grahofen was pacing his floor. on
sumed with wrath of a 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
win 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 q 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 a moment when he
was alone and passing e a door
which made of from the hall, he heard
wholesome voice which suddenly he
had conviction was familiar to him
the deep voice Of Sachio of Grahofen!
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 1t to me, in my hand!
It cannot be true"
None the less. It 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 NJ 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.
Eyes, Sachio." he heard the an
swer. Now If we had u other half
here, we could Join the two"
II do not need It," exclaimed Sachio.
exultantly. Il have it in my head. !
know the reading of both. It tells of
the secret recess under the floor of
the torture chamber"
Count Frederick heard Sachio laugh
deeply-heard his voice once more.
self-satisfed.
Never again." said Sachio. will
abuse good wine! It fuddled a king
for u use and benefit today"
"You are going-there?"
Eyes. To the last hiding place OF
what we seek"