The Spectator., 1916-01-25

find some solution to the problem ot finding the coin. Where was it? How could it be gained? Upon Count Sachio more than upon any nobleman of the court this question rested griev. ously. He enlisted therefore as his confederate a man belonging to the secret police in Grahoffen, Ladislaw cunning chap with courage
 "Ladislaw," said he, we must go to Gretzhoffer 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 f
 It came out much as Sachio had req 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 1t mattered to him who came for all were welcome. He reproved who announced Sachio.
 Let him come to us," 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 a 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 It 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 hero, 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 a 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 near a door which made off from the hall. he heard voices-Cne voice which suddenly he had conviction was familiar to him the deep voice of Sachio of Grahoffen! He held his breath that he might catch N'NAt wa N tAAil NHAuC iiOhl tAS iOOii within.
 Listen! Ladislaw." he heard Sachio say. What, did you tell me that you had it? Give it 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 no price can be put upon this half of the coin. It 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"
 "l dc rot need it." exclaimed Sachio. eXultantiy. T 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 SGchio laugh deapiy-heard his voice once more. self-satished.
 Never again." said Sachio, will abuse good wine! It fuddled king for our use and benefit today"
 You are Going-there?"
 Yes. To the last hiding place of what we seek"