The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1916-02-04
Eighteenth INSTALLMENT
CHAPTER XIV.
Sachio and Michael.

The two rival capitals of these
mOoted lands still faced one another
In conflict as yet undecided. Which
were deeper in duplicity it had been
difficult to say, but as to which sur
passed I'm 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 Gretzhoffen.
1t was as Sachio had prophesied--
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-
sonal plans. He acceded readily
enough to the proposals of the Ora
hofen courtier to lengthen the armis-
tice between the two warning coun-
tries with a view to formal and final
peace. Readily enough also he admit
ted into his own household the arch
plctter of the forces of his hereditary
enemy
Unopposed, indeed invited, Sachio
made his way much as he liked
throughout the Gretzhoffen palace,
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.
gle paid special attention to that
apartment where he had found the
partially destroyed original script
whose missing half he sought. Here,
minuteiy, patiently, like a hound run
ming difficult trail, he went over the
place inch by inch, seeking to find
some trace which would lead him to
his quarry
hBnt success did not attend his eff
forts. though these he prosecuted even
in those portions of the palace where
so recently he and his troops had
faced death when the levels were food
ed 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 a subofficer of the guard who
proved difficult to handle in his usual
easy fashion.
Halt Who goes there?" chal-
lenged this guard as he saw Sachio
emerge from one of the lower cham
beers.
"A friend" rejoined Sachio prompt
~, In military formula.
Advance, friend, and give the coun- |
sersign!" came the gruff command
The countersign?" said Sachio. |
An. we'll my friend, now that / think |
Of 1t, | have not had it given to me |
Twas my own neglect. But | am
friend of the king-'twas he who gave
me permission to explore these por-
lions of the palace. | was curious to
see the operations Of this system of |
defense by water-it was something
new to me-"
That is all very WE'LL" rejoined the
soldier, but explanations of that sort
ire scarcely good enough"
Take me, then. to the king him
lelf." said Sachio.
Why should l9' rejoined the other
What business is it 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-
y. Il, spy-is that what you mean
elbow? II so, | command you to car
y me forthwith to the presence of the
ding himself. He knows NE well. and
foH should have a care not to offend
me who Is under the kings protec-
ion"
The sheer audacity of this intruder
ESd its effect, even upon the blunt sol
Ter who had accosted him Sachio
vas indeed taken to the presence of
and there his bold prediction !
roved true-Michael reprinanded t
ublicly the officer who had done his {
uty, and showed his public favor to {
ne man who was indeed a spy, al (
aongh not suspected Of being one. 1
What, fellow" exclaimed the king
, the soldier, when Sachio had made /
is explanations-"wh do you mean
y Offering indignity to our friend and I
iture ally in this fashion? Away
18th you. and do you report at the I
under arrest. Your trial |
hall come later"
Ny dear Sachio," resumed Michael.
you see how prompt we arc with our (
of our friends? Do not take I
I'll of us that one of cur underlings {
as done what his superior officers /
r his sovereign would never think OF
We trust you will &C 0
ept this disclaimer" {
1t was nothing. your majesty" re- b
lied the willy statesman. "and / as v
1re your majesty the incident shall p