The Tacoma times. [volume] (Tacoma, Wash.) 1903-1949, 1916-05-16
BY Eleanor Ingraham.

Ccpt tnOsc Oh the King duQ LOru
Stefan, Countess Delice. And my
lord rode out where no automobile
goes or could climb All, how ii
flies! What pleasure to travel
SOL"
The motor car had swept
around an angle into plain view.
Delight stood quite still. Now
that Jack Rupert was here, what
did she mean to do? Go with
him? She had given her word
to stay.
The automobile rolled into the
courtyard, received with salutes.
II with astonishment, by the men
there.
Il guess I'm cAling on Mrs.
Balsic," the American signified.
VIII you pass me into the fort
on that name, or don't l flavor it
right? Mrs. Balsic?"
The emphasized name evoked
mods and smiles of recognition
and reinsurance. The seven-foot
officer in charge, comprehending
the Americans gesture toward
the castle. led Rupert within and
then trustinsly withdrew.
II was at the moment Rupert
advanced into the hall that Irenya
came through the arched door
opposite.
Mutually fascinated, the two re-
garded each other. A bird of
paradise alighting in his garage
could have astounded the practi-
cal racing driver no more than
this girl, exotic as an almond
blossom and colored like one, with
hair yellow as the flowers pollen.
Irenya's impressions were less
bewildered and more definite.
After the magnificent proportions
of the men she knew, the New
Yorker appeared almost effemin-
ately small. But of the man and
girl, 1t was the girl who came
close to what is called love at first
sight.
IF l ought to apologize for be-
ing here, I'm busy at 1t now"
said Rupert. But I was marched
In by the army. / came to see
Miss Warren, who l guess is Mrs.
Lieut.. Balsic by this time"
THE Lady Countess Balsic
awaits your excellency," came
the demure reply. Your excel
lency is welcome here" Irenya
drew aside curtain and invited
him to follow.
Delight was waiting on the bal
cony. At sight of the visitor she
Isprang forward, holding out both
hands to him.
This place wasn't located ex-
sctly where I expected from what
heard in Centinje, Rupert vol
unteered. But down in the val
ley l met the sultan of Turkey,
over from the next county in a
pair of dress pajamas and a green
sash, and he pointed up to this
armory and said 'Balsic.' Al
least, that was the interesting
part of his remarks. l guess he
gave the right address,"
But not the one you believed"
burst from Delight. Rupert
Rupert, this is Stefan Balsic's
house and | am Stefan Balsic's
wife!"
You married the other one!"
He forced me. What must
YOU think me? How can / make
you see? He stole me from the
road"
HE kidnapped your"
yes"
After a moment, Rupert spoke
in his usual matter-of-fact tones,
but with metallic incisiveness:
We're starting now. I amt
supposing there's anything here
you'll wait to take"
Delight let fall her hands.
Wait! | gave my word to stay
here she temporized.
Meaning you amt coming?'
The girl shook her head. II
was not Rupert's way to protest
He slipped his hands into the
pockets of his long dust-coat and
stood grimly waiting.
ut is not as you think" De
light essayed explanation. Count
Balsic has only taken me for what
he believes is a good purpose. He
has done me no harm, except to
bring me here. 1t is not that
that he wants me, but to protect
this country from danger. He
does not trust Lieut.. Balsic, his
brother Michael. He thinks Mich.
ael would use my money to work
evil here. l am safe. 1t Is Mich
ael who is in danger. You must
see him alone; tell him where no
one can overhear."
| What am / going to tell him p
| Delight rose, glancing about
the balcony for chance listeners
The sunny arcade was empty
even Irenya had substituted de-
ilicacy for eitquet and remained
in the castle.
Tell him that he Is suspected
of treason. He is believed by
Count Balsic and Capt. Lesendra
to have sold himself to Austria
and to be promoting anarchy.
Tell him to. forget me and work
for his honor. / am safe and
loyal to him, but prisoner until
he proves himself not guilty. Tell
his that Count Balsic had prom
ised to free me the day Michael
Balsic clears himself of the
charge. Amigo quickly. dear
Ruperttn