The Spectator., 1916-02-29

not finger in my memory. May we perhaps venture to drown in bumper to your majesty's good health all thought of this misunderstanding? l will drink to the health of Michael and the prosperity of his kingdom"
 Quite agreeable!" exclaimed Mi chael; and let us follow that with an other to the final and peaceful conclu- sion of that unhappy misunderstood ing which has heretofore divided these two kingdoms"
 They drank. The befuddled friends of Michael joined them in hilarity if not intelligent, at least vociferous.
 But, my good Sachio,' resumed Michael after time, let me ask you question. Yours was ever q keen eye for beauty, and a good scent on the trail of beauty itself. Tell me, then, what became of that beautiful young American who so lately was with us-and who, if you will allow me to say it, had so much to do with the late repulse of your forces? l have not seen her since that time-nor, now that I recall it, have 1 seen her friend, Count Frederick. They have been gone some days or hours. I cannot tell which measures their absence, whether clock or calendar, but know she is not here, for every room of the palace has been searched for her. and she is not found
 Your majesty" rejoined Sachio. it is astonishing how a keen brain like your own can guess anothers secrets! I also make a claim to humble intelli- gence enough to have guessed your wishes in this matter. but, alas. I can be of no service to your majesty. grieve to add. neither can anyone else be of service"
 What? She is dead!"
 "Oh, not so bad as that. But she is gone"
 "Gone-where?"
 "To her own country-back to that America of which your majesty has heard her boast so freely
 How do you know this. my friend?" demanded Michael.
 Sachio smiled. Who should know better?" said he. Let ne confess. We took wonder young lady prisoner and carried her away with us; but we could not hold her as such. Indeed. we no longer hold any quarrel with Gretzhoffen and there was no longer question of prisoners as between the two kingdoms. This young lady was seen to take ship"
 At what port?'
 At ours. your majesty. Her aston ishing ingenuity enabled her to escape from our guards. Like Catiline of old, she hes escaped, she has evaded she has broken forth. And a good rid dance of her, so say we alll"
 All, my good Sachio? am not so sure. How shall rid my memory of her eyes so beautiful, her hair so low able, her figure-her so charming and delicate figure? Fortune does not often repeat such favors. We may not expect to see her like again at any early date"
 That is as it is," said Sachio, pre-
 
 tending to heave q vast sigh of sym pathy. But what can We do? She took it all into her own hands, and by this time is we'll on her way to America. There is not the slightest doubt regarding either her departure or her destination-she was rather bold about it. in fact, and made no secret of her plans"
 Was she spy, think you, Sachio?' Without doubt, your majesty. and we'll rue it that she did not receive the punishment fit for spy. True, she was beautiful"
 Yes. yes!" assented Michael. Such eyes, such a figure-think you that she will return?"
 q truly hope not. your majesty returned Sachio fervently, and for once he spoke the truth, even on the chance of offending this amorous king.