The Raymer enterprise., 1916-05-18
Eighteenth INsTALLMENT
CHAPTER Lxlv.
Sachio and Michael.

Sachio and Michael.
The two rival capitals OF these
mooted lands still faced one another
m conflict as yet undecided. Which
were deeper In dupllcity 1t had been
dificult 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 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 to
any proposition which came couched
In fair words and which offered no
disturbing changes In his own per-
sonal plans. He acceded readily
enough to the proposals of the Gra-
hofen courtier to lengthen the armis-
tice between the two warning coun-
tries with q view to a 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. ~ - -s
But success did not attend his ef.
forts. though these he prosecuted even
in those portions of the palace where
60 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.
tentien OF giving up the search, when
he met a suboficer of the guard who
proved difficult to handle In his usual
easy fashion.
Halt! Who goes there?" chal-
Ieuged this guard as he saw Sachio
smerge from one of the lower cham
bers.
"A friend" rejoined Sachio prompt.
ly, in military formula.
Advance, friend, and give the coun.
tersign!" came the gruff command.
Tho countersign?" said Sachio.
"Ah, we'll. my friend. now that think
Of It. have not had 1t given to rae.
Twas my own neglect. But ! am q
friend of the king-'twas he who gave
me permission to explore these por-
tions of the palace. was curious to
see thu operations of this system Of
defense by water-it was something
new tc me-"
"That is all very WELL" rejoined the
soldier. "but explanations of that sort
are scarcely good enough"
take me. then. to the king him
se,f," said Sachio.
why should ~ 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-
~. Il. spy--is that what you mean,
fellow! II SO. command you to car
ry me forthwith to the presence of the
king himself. He knows me well. and
you should have q care MOTTO offend
one who is under the kings protec-
tion.".
The sheer audacity of this intruder
had its effect. evon upon the blunt sol
dier who had accosted him. Sachio
was indeed taken to the presence OF
Michael. and there his bold prediction
proved true--Michael reprimanded
publicly the officer who had done his
duty. and showed his public favor to
the man who was indeed a spy, al
though not suspected Of being one.
what. fellow?" exclaimed the king
TO the soldier. when Sachio had made
his explanations-"what do you mean
BY offering indignity to our friend and
future ally In this fashion? Away
with you. and do you report at the
guardhouse under arrest. Your trial
shall come later"
my dear Sachio." resumed Michael.
you see how prompt we are with our
protection Of our friends? Do not take
4 NJ OF u that one Of our underlings
tas done what his superior officers
y his sovereign would never think Of
ecuntsnancins. We trust you will &C
cot this disclaimer"
TT Was nothing. your majesty" re-
Ned the willy statesman. 'and ! ~
- vour majesty the incident shai'