The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1917-08-03


most erratic. We knew that if the
whim took him ne would perhaps go
off in an opposite direction, or trudge
back to the castle with utter disregard
of our natural anxiety.
Lights were lit and we enjoyed
cigars awaiting KNOTS return. In an
hour he was back with the news that
nothing had been heard of his high
ness. Soon after we had left that
morning however, a young man in a +
gray suit had called and seen the ma f
ior demo, who had directed him where +
his highness might be found. K
Upon Eckardt-the commissary of F
police responsible for his highness
safety-the onus rested. Yet, had he
not been sent out with the party, as
his highness had expressed to me
wish to be left alone with the stranger,
whose name alone knew?
While we We're discussing the most
judicious mode of action-for scent
ed much mystery in this visit of Karl
Krahl-one of the party discovered,
lying upon the ledge of the window. a
lady's small and rather elegant hand
bag of black MORE silk.
"Halloa l'' 1 cried, when he held ii
up for inspection. ''This reveals to US
one fact-a woman has been here"
I opened the bag. and within founC
small lawn handkerchief with coro
net embroidered in its corner, a tin.
tortoise-shell mirror and four one-hun
dred-mark notes, but no clue whateve
as to its owner.
The mystery was increasing hourly
but the gay party, knowing ''Willie's'
susceptibility where the fair sex was
! concerned, only laughed and declared
| that his highness would assuredly turn
up before the evening was over.
Truth to tell, did not like the situa-
ton. His highness' disappearance was
beaters and others, and feared lest
it might get into the Berlin papers.
With that object called them together
and impressed upon them that most
complete silence must be maintained
regarding the affair.
Then Knot drove me alone back to
| the schloss. l wondered if his high
ness, wishing to get away unObserved,
returning in secret there, had left me
a written message in his room. He
had done that on one occasion before.
! l dashed up to the small, old-world
room which by day overlooked the ro-
mantle and picturesque valley, but
upon the table whereat I had been
writing early that morning there was
nothing.
The Countess Won Kienitz.
As 1 turned to leave l heard a foot
step, and next instant saw the little
deformed old countess facing me.
Her appearance quite startled me.
Apparently she had just arrived, for
she was in dark blue bonnet and
warm travelling coat.
"Ah! Count Won Heltzendorff" she
cried in that squeaky, high-pitehed
voice of hers. as his imperial high
ness here? I must see him immediate.
ly."
mo, countess. His imperial high
ness is not here" was my reply. "ThiS
afternoon he mysteriously disappeared
from the forester's lodge ut Neue
Schenke, and we are unable to trace
him.
Disappeared gasped the old lady
instantly pale and agitated.
Yes" said, looking her straight il
the face.
do you know whether he had a Wis
itor today-a young, dark-hairec
MANI"
HE had, countess. A man called
and saw him. At his highness' requeS
left him alone with his visitor at tn,
forester's house. The mans name was
Karl Krahl."
''How do you know his name?' sh'
asked, staring at me with an expires
sion of distinct suspicion.
''Because-well, because I happier
to have learnt it some time ago."
said. "And, further. on returning t.
the house we found this little bag il
the room wherein had left the crown
prince"
"Why!- lady's bagr' she ex
claimed as I held it out for inspection
EYES," I said in somewhat hare
tone. do you happen to recognize
it?"
"AIe? why?" asked the old woman
oWell, because l think it is your OWL