The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-07-18

Tyranny; his treatment of Princess
Suzanne a scandal; moreover, he
was a usurper on the throne.
| Naturally. | have many enc
mics yet to deal WITH" he said
after a pause. ~ may put them
to fire and the sword, but such
measures do not make for last
ing peace. | would first make an
attempt to turn such enemies into
friends. So 1 ask for your friend
ship"
And the conditions?" I said
There are none. / am not
making a bargain nor offering a
bride. If you elect to swear al.
legiance to me, I shall trust you
to keep your oath; II not-need
put the alternative into words?'
II will take an oath of allie
glance" I said.
The oath was required to take
was sufficiently binding. When
the audience was at an end, the
Count bid me remain. Every one
withdrew, and the Count and !
were alone.
Are you content?" he asked.
81 should be basely ungrateful
to complain" l answered.
81 said | had need OF you.
meant 1t; and forthwith | give
you a power In the State"
What is the power?" | asked.
| Come and see."
| The Count and | passed out to-
gther. We came to the open
doorway which led to the great
courtyard. The wide space was
filled with men of the Guard,
some mounted, some standing be-
side their horses.
Gentlemen of the Guard"
A shout of loyalty greeted the
Counts words.
! Gentlemen of the Guard,
have known you as gallant foes.
L know you now as staunch
friends. l am proud to be your
chief. But to lead you always is
not possible for me, so in my
stead | give you a tried soldier,
one l trust, one who is well
known to you-Capt. Heselton,
Gentlemen, | ask your welcome
for the Captain of the Guard"
The answering roar of welcome
was enough to stagger any man.
Such a welcome should please
Capt. Heselton," said the Count.
Your first duty should be no
great hardship. Tonight you will
escort the Princess Suzanne TO
the Castle of Syere." Il
Back to Syere!" I exclaimed.
He thought it a question: Of sur
prise; partly it was, but it had a
note of joy In 1t, too. The maid
of honor who had come with the
Princess to Dravstadt would sure
ly return with her to Syere, 3
should see my lady tonight.
| The Count touched my arm and
glanced sharply behind him as he
gently drew me down the steps.
1T Is for her own safety" he
said In low tone. For the pres
ent Dravstadt Is no secure place
for her, and at Syere a strict
guard must be kept for her pro-
lection. For a little while you
and the escort will remain there. -
rs she a prisoner" l asked.
Prisoner! No. Syere is a place
OF refuge. I am giving into your
care one who is dear to me, Cap
tain Heselton. Need l say more?"
Il shall shield her with my
life," | said.
We were crossing towards the
wing OF the palace which enclosed
the courtyard on the right. As we
approached a central doorway, IL
was thrown open from within,
and half a dozen figures were sill
houetted against the light behind.
Only two came down the steps. a
woman and a page, who carried a
heavy cloak. My heart sank.
The Count hurried forward,
commanding me to follow him.
Princess, were 1t possible I
would myself command your es-
cort," he said, taking her hand.
since | cannot do so, I am plac-
ing you in the care of Captain
Heselton."
Il doubt not he will prove a
competent jailer," she said, turn
ing slightly towards me.
mo jailer, but a staunch
friend" answered the Count.
Cannot you believe that what
do 1t for your safety"
ut is difficult since you send
me back to Syere and refuse to
allow any of my maids of honor
to accompany me-"
My heart had sunk directly
saw the two figures descending
the steps; now 1t dropped to the
depths of despair.
Princess, they were not to be
trusted, they were already plot
ting against you. 1 have provid
ed you with a page for the jour
ney, a boy whose father IanG
grandfather have served youl
house, and in a few days I will
send new maids of honor Il
!, Syere." r
| Two horses had been brought
to the foot of the steps, and thu
Count assisted the Princess Il
mount. The page sprang hghtl,
to his saddle, and rode beside hi.
mistress towards the gate. o.
1 A trooper brought me a horse
"Y0u will walt NJ GYara for fin Z