The Spectator., 1916-02-29
EIGHTEENTH INSTALLMENT
CHAPTER LxIV.
Sachio and Michael.


 The two rival capitals of these mooted lands still faced one another in a 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 GretzhofYen.
 It 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 courier 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. It 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 4;o1t lactrpynI nripipnl Srrinf whose missing half he sought. Here, minuteIy, 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 ef- 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 subofficer of the guard who proved difficult to handle in his usual easy fashion.
 Halt! Who goes there?" ohal ienged this guard as he saw Sachio emerge from one of the lower cham bers.
 "A friend," rejoined Sachio prompt ly, in military formula.
 Advance. friend, and give the coun tersigu," came the gruff command.
 "The countersign?" said Sachio "Ah. well, my friend. now that l think of it, I 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 DOT tions of the palace. l was curious to see the operations of this system Of defense by water--it was something new to Te."
 "Tha. is all very we'll" reJcined the soldier. hut explanations of that sort are scarcely good enough"
 "Tsko ne, then, to the king him self" sGid Sachio.
 Why should i?" 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 ly. "I, a spy--is that what you mean fellow? If so, I 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' tion."
 The sheer audacity of this intruder lad it's effect, even upon the blunt sol tlier who had accosted him. Sachio was indeed taken to the presence oi Michael, and there his bold prediction proved true-Michael reprimanded publicly the officer wEc 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 xplanations-'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 it i'll of us that one of our underlirgs has done what his superior officers or his sovereign would never think oi conntenancing. We trust you will ac ccpt this disclaimer"
 Tt was nothing. your majesty" re piled the willy statesman. and l as .s,,ra Sour u1ninaty thA incident ohull