The Red Cloud chief. [volume] (Red Cloud, Webster Co., Neb.) 1873-1923, 1916-08-03
CHAPTER LxXVll.
The RECKONING.

ty when at length they had reached
the upper portion OF the palace, we
must advance to what remains yet
to be done. The ministers must be
summoned The wr,s must issue for
the attendance OF the parliament 'Tis
long since one has been convened.
Michael the king-hc alone has been
our government--and what govern
ment."
They were now passing toward the
central portion of the palace, having
assembled from the vaults below. Alb
bed-intent--Count 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 finger
on her lips.
At her signal, Count Frederick soft
ened his footsteps and walked with
her stealthily The sound OF the
voices engaged in whispered CONVEX
sation came now to his ears. Sud
denly he stepped forward, convinced,
flung open u door of the main hall,
and passed within unannounced. 1t
was nc time for formalities in Gretz-
hoifen 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 trail
tor, this liar, this trcachcrous snake."
They stood. surprised as yet with
out plan for their defense.
"Ho, there!-thc guard-the guard,
cried Count Frederick. stepping back
to the door.
But to his call there came nc
footsteps 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 sho stood, thrust himself into
the room, and with Count Frederick
faced the trapped men who stood be
fore them.
Count Sachio. with snarl of rage
sprang forward ut his fee, and Roleau
| Will u QuiSh ilOtioi htiiocli bC
tween. He felt the iron hand Of his
master on his shoulder.
Leave him to me. Roleau! TAX,
care of tho other man."
The two noblemen faced one an
other calmly now. Not so with Ro
leau. On the instant. he flung him
self upon the man accosted as Ora
hame. The struggle was unequal an(
under Roleau's powerful grasp thu
intruder soon was helpless.
Well" said Count Frederick; "Sa
chic. how shall 1t be? Shall l CHOKE
you with my hands,"
The man whom he accosted wal
one not easily dismayed. He greeted
these words with smile which
showed his white teeth. His owl
fighting blood was up. and fear wa
thing he did not know.
Suddenly his eye. rapidly glancinl
about the room. caught sight OF ,
trophy Of arms hung across the room
From II he caught down two swords
Bowling. he handed both. hilt forward
to Count Frederick. AT your service
, monsieur" he said.
On guard" said Count Fred
: erick.
Lightly. gracefully. gently, the tip
OF the two blades met. shivcred
trihe, each feeling Of the other. scare
more than a hairs breadth from it
course.
The icy eye of Count Frederick
cold, merciless, looked into the dar
!, and smiling face OF Sachio.
II am going to kill you now" sal
Count Frederick. shall 1t be soon
Tho answer Of Sachio was NOR
than smile. Fiercely he whippe
free his blade. His knuckles up, h
blade shot forward in long and dea'
ly lunge.
= Suddenly the Jaw OF Count Ere,
q erick shut the tighter. None coul
= have said that he had seen what e.
sued. In some fashion, the blade {
A the nobleman Of Gretzhoffoa went GU
>. vibrating. catching in its grip II
II blade opposed to it. There was
wrench, twist The weapon
;, Count Sachio was torn from his hand
d he stood unarmed. He stood enc ha
moment before he felt, kissing h
k. through all his body, the point OF h
d antagonist.
o. Count Frederick turned, not wa
IN ing to see his foe sink down, for
10 knew the work was done. He q
.r vanced half pace to tho man Gil
Q, hame. covering in tho corner bofo
Roleau. Him he smcte across Il
lie cheek with the bloody blade, and sal
lie "You coward and traitor, you shall