The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1916-06-02
government-and what a govern

governmenr-anu what a govern
ment!"
They were now passing toward the
central portion Of the palace, having
assembled from the vaults below. Alb
sorbed-intent-Co Frederick, at
least, was inattentive to aught else
save the presence of the woman at
his side. But now she plucked his
sleeve.
''Listen!" said she, and laid a finger
on her lips.
At her signal, Count Frederick soft
ened his footsteps and walked with
her stealthily. The sound of voices
engaged in whispered conversa-
ton came now to his ears. Sudden
ly he stepped forward, convinced.
flung open a door off the main hall,
and passed within unannounced. It
was no time for forpaalities in Gretz-
hoflea palace now.
80" said he, you are here again !!
What, Sachio, you honor us yet by an
other visit? That is most kind OF
you! You, Grahame, you, my former
bodyguard-here with this arch
traitor, this liar, this treacherous
snake!"
They stood, surprised, as yet with
out plan for their defense.
''Ho, there!-the guard-the guard, >
cried Count Frederick, stepping back
to the door.
There was no exit at any window
pOssible-there was but one door.
But tc his call there came no foot
steps of the guard. Instead, one man
came-Roleau, who for the past few
moments had been in search of the
two men. He fastened past Kitty as
she stood thrust himself into the
room, and with Count Frederick, faced
the trapped men who stood before
then.
Count sSachio, with /. snarl of rage.
sprang forward at his foe, and Roleau,
with d quick motion, flung himself be
twsan- He felt the iron hands OF his
master On lis shoulder
Leave him to me, Roleau! IaEe
care Of the ether man
The two nOblemen faced one an
other calmly now Not SO with Rolaau-
On the instant, be flung himself upon
the man accosted as GIahame. TIE
struggle was unequal and under Ro-
leau's powerful grasp The intruder
soon vas helpless.
ell, said Count Frederick; "Sa-
chic. how shall it be? Shall / choke
you with ny hands?"
The man whom he accosted was one
not easily dismayed.
Suddenly his eye, rapidly glancing
about the room, caught sight of a.
trophy of arms hung across the room
From It he caught down two swords.
Bowling, he handed both, hilt forward
to Court Frederick. ''At your serv-
ice, monsieur he said.
On guaTd!> said Count Frederick.
Lightly, gracefully, gently, the tips
OF the two blades met, shiyered a trifle.
each feeling OF the other, scarce more
than q hairs breadth from its course.
Suddenly the jaw OF Count Fred
ericl1 shut the tighter None could
have said that he had seen what en-
sued. In some fashion, the blade OF
the nChleman Of Gretzhoffen went out,
vibrating, catching in it's grip the blade
to it. There was a wrench,
twist. The weapon Of Count Sachio
was torn from his hands, he stood IN
He stood one-ha1f moment be
fore he felt, Kissing hot through all
his BODY, the point Of his antagonist.
Count Frederick turned, not waiting
to see his foe sink fully down, for he
knew the work was done. He adj
vanced half a pace to the man Ora
hanle, covering in the corner before
Roleau. Him he smote across the
cheek with the bloody blade, and said:
You coward and traitor, you shall go
to the law
AS for you, Roleau, captain of the
said he, you have proved
your faithfulness once more"
What? l am captain, master?"
"Roleau, captain of the guard" said
he, Il thank you"