The Elbert County tribune., 1916-02-25
EIGHTEENTH INs1ALLMENT
CHAPTER Lxiv.
sachio and Michael.


mooted lands stir faced one another
IN a conflict az yet undecided. Which
we're deeper In dupiicity It had been
difficult TO say. bat 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 Gretzhofren.
II was as Sachio had prophosied-
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-
eonai plans. He ncceded readily
enough to the proposals of the Gra-
hoffcn courtier to lengthcn the armis-
tice between the two warning coun-
tries with view to formal and final
peace. Readily enough also he admit
ted into his own household tho arch
plottor OF the forces OF his hereditary
enemy.
Unopposed, indeed invited. Sachio
made his way much as he liked
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 o hound rum
ming difficult trail. he went over the
place inch by inch. reeking to find
some trace which would lead him to
his quarry.
But success did not attend his er-
forts. though these he prosecuted even
In those portions of tho palace where
so recently he and HIS troops had
faced death when the levels were food
cd by waters turned In from the castle
moats. He was willing to despair, and
in fact had turned away with the in
tention of giving up the search. when
he met subofficer of the guard who
proved difficult to handle In his usual
easy fashion.
Halt! Who goes there?" chal-
lcnged this guard as he saw Sachio
emerge from one of the lower cham
bers.
IA friend!" rejoined Sachio prompt
ly. in military formula.
Advance, friend, and give the coun-
foresight" came the grufr command.
The countersign?" said Sachio.
'Ah. well, my friend. now that think
of IL. have not had 1t given to ne.
Twas my own neglect. But l am a
friend of the king-'twas he who gave
me permission to explore these por-
tions of the palace. 1 was curious to
see tho operations of this system OF
defonse by water-it was something
new to me"
"Thut is all very WELL" rcjoined the
soldier. but explanations of that sort
are scarcely good enough"
Take me. then. to the king him
ee'f." said Sachio.
why should ~" rejoined the other.
"What business is 1t 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-
ly. Il. n spy--is that what you mean.
fellowy II so, l command you to car
ry me forthwith to the presence OF the
king himself. He knows me we'll. and
you should have care not to offend
one who is under the kings protec-
tton."
The sheer audacity OF this Intruder
had its effect, even upon the blunt sol
dier who had accosted hirl. 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 spy. nj
though not suspected of being one.
"What. fellow" exclaimed the king
TO the soldier. when. Sachio had made
his expianations-'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
shnil come later
"My dear Sachio." resumed Michael.
''you see how PROMPT We are with our
protection of our friendsY Do not take
II Ill OF US that one OF our undsrlings
has done what mis- superior officers
or his sovereign would never think OF
countenancing We trust you will ae-
sept this disclaimer"
1T was nothing. your majesty" re.
,lied the wiiv statesman. and as
spre vour majesty the incident shall