The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1916-02-11
EIGHTEENTH lNSTALLMENT
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 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 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
hoffen 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
plotter 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.
He paid special attention to that
apartment where he had found the
partially destroyed original script
whose missing half he sought. Here,
infinitely, patiently, like 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.
But 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 flood
ed by waters turned in from the castle
meats He was willing to despair, and
in fact had turned away with the in
tention of giving up the search, when
he met a suboficer 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
bers.
"a friend!" rejoined Sachio prompt
iy, in military formula.
Advance, friend, and give the coun-
tersign!" came the gruff command.
THE countersign?" said Sachio.
"Ah, well, my friend, now that | think
of it, | have not had it given to me.
Twas my own neglect. But l am a
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
are scarcely good enough"
Take me, then, to the king him
self" said Sachio.
why should ~" rejoined the other
What business is it of yours to know
about the lower levels of our palace?
These are tickish times, and there
have been such things as spies"
"Spiesl" exclaimed Sachio, virtuous-
iy. Il, a spy-is that what you mean,
fellow? If so, l command you to car
ry me forthwith to the presence of the
king himself He knows me well, and
you should have a care not to offend
one who is under the kings protec-
ton"
The sheer audacity of this intruder
had it's effect, even upon the blunt sol
dier who had accosted him. Sachio
was indeed taken to the presence of
Michael, and there his bold prediction
proved true-Michael reprinanded
publicly the officer who had done his
duty. and showed his public favor to
the man who was indeed a spy, al
though not suspected Of being one.
What, fellow?" exclaimed the king
to the soldier, when Sachio had made
his explanations-"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
shall come later"
my dear Sachio." resumed Michael.
you see how prompt we are with our
protection of our friends? Do not take |
1t Ill of us that one of our underlings |
has done what his superior officers |
or his sovereign would never think OF
countenancing. We trust you will &C.
cept this disclaimer"
ut was nothing. your majesty" re-
piled the willy statesman, land l as
sure your majesty the incident shall |