The Columbus courier. [volume] (Columbus, Luna County, N.M.) 1911-1920, 1916-04-21
CHAPTER LxxVIl.
The Reckoning.

~ 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 writs must issue for
the attendance OF the parliament. 'Tis
long since one has been convened
Michael the kiug-hc alone has been
our government-and what a govern.
ment'"
They were now passing toward the
central portion of the palace, having
asceldcd from the vaults below. Alb
sOrt ed-.ntcnt-Count Frederick, nj
leaGt, was inattentive to aught else
SAFE the presence Of the woman ri
BIS side. But now she plucked hts
sleeve.
Listen" said she. and laid n finger
on her lips.
At her signal, Count Frederick soft.
ened his footsteps and walked with
her stoalthily. The sound OF TIT
voices engaged in whispered CONVEX.
sation came now to his ears. sud.
denly he stepped forward, convinced.
flung open u door OF the main hail,
and passed within unannounced. II
was ne time for formalities in Gretz.
hotIen palace now.
so, said he, you are here again.
What, Sachio, you honor US get by an.
other visit? That is most kind Of
you, You, Grahame, you. my former
bOdyguard-here with this arch trai.
tor, this liar, this t~reachcrous 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.
But to his call there came no
footsteps OF the guard. Instead,
one mar came-Roleau, who for the
past few moments had been in search
OF the two mon. He FASTENED past
Kitty as she stood, thrust himself into
the room, and with Count Frederick,
faced the trapped men who stood be.
fore them.
Count Sachio, with r snarl Of rage
sprang forward at his foe. and Roleau
with a quick motion flung himself be.
tween. lie felt the iron hand OF his
master on his shoulder.
Leave him TO me, Roleau! Take
care Of the other man."
The two noblemen faced one an
other calmly now. Not 50 with Ro.
leau, On the instant, he flung him
self upon the man accosted as Ora
hame, The struggle was unequal and
under Roleau's powerful grasp the
intruder soon was helpless.
Well" said Count Frederick; "Sn.
chic, how shall It be? Shall | choke
YOU with my hands,
The man whom he accosted was
one not easily dismayed. He greeted
these words with a smile th,ch
showed his ~hite teeth. .E.s own
nPhdrg blood was up, and feaT was
a Inang ne dIu not know.
Suddenly his eye, rapidly glancing
about tho room, caught sight Of a
trophy OF arms hung across the room
From 1t 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 tips
OF the two blades met, shlvered a
trite, each feeling OF the other. scarce
more than a hairs breadth from It's
course.
The icy eye OF Count Frederick
cold, merciless, looked into the dark
and smiling face OF Sachio.
i am going to kill you now said
Count Frederick. shall Il be SOON
h answer OF Sachio was more
ihan a smile. Fiercely he whipped
rec his blade. His knuckles up. his
blade shot forward In a long and dead.
ly lunge.
Suddenly the Jaw OF Count Fred.
erick shut the tighter. None could
have said that no had seen what en-.
sued In some fashion, the blade OF
the nobleman OF G~retzhonen went out.
vibrating, catching in It's grip the
blade opposed to II. There was a
wrench, a twist. The weapon Of
Count Sachio was torn from his banda
he stood unarmed, He stood one half
moment before he felt. Kissing hot
through all his body, the point OF his
antagonist.
Count Frederick turned. not wait.
ing TO SEQ his foe sink down, for he
knew the work was done. He ad.
yanced half a pace to the man Ora.
hame, covering In the corner before
Roleau. Him he smoee across the
cheek with the bloody blade, aud SAID;
You coward and traitor, you shalt GO
10 the law"