Williams news., 1917-09-06
AND CROWN PRINCE AS
1T WON HELTZENDORFF TO WILLIAM LEQUEUX

pers which a courier had brought from Berlin two hours before. Papers followed us daily wherever we might be.
 About midday Doctor vollerthun was ushered in to me-a short, stout gut turalspeaking man of about sixty, rather bald, and wearing big, round, gold-rimmed spectacles. I quickly handed him over to the major-domo.
 About three o'clock that same after noon light tap came at the door, and I saw my hostess standing upon the threshold.
 She was quietly but elegantly dressed, presenting the true type of the smart Parisienne, but in an instant I realized that she was very pale and agitated. Indeed, her voice trembled when she asked permission to enter.
 Since her marriage had many times chatted with her, for shn often came to the palace when hel ,.us....,. .....-.. Berlin. had danced with her; I had taken her into dinner at various houses where we met, always finding her a bright and very intellectual compan- ion.
 She quietly closed the door and ad- vanced to the table from which I had risen.
 l Count von Heltzendorff she ex- claimed in low, strained voice. TT have come to seek your aid because we'll, because I'm distracted, and I know that you are my husbands friend" she exclaimed in French.
 And yours also, madam" said ear nestly.
 My husband is out with the emper-
 =" she gasped in a curious, unnerved to- And fear; oh, fear that we are in great peril-deadly peril, every hour-every moment!"
 Really, madame, I hardly follow you," I said.
 "My husband, whom I love devoted of his emperor. You, count, know the real aims of the kaiser in Turkey. These last six months have watched. and have learned the truth! I know how, when the emperor went to Con- stantinople' five months ago in pre- tence of friendship toward the sultan, with Professor Vambery as interpre- ter, he practically compelled Abdul Hamid to give him, in return for cer- tain financial advances, those wonder ful jewels which the Empress Cath erine, wife of Peter the Great, gave in secret to the grand vizier to secure the escape of the Russian army across the Pruth. I know, too, how he laughed with my husband at the clever ness by which he is fooling the too trustful Turks. T." Pardon, madame" said, interrupt ing her, and speaking in French, 'sbut is it really wise to speak thus of the emperor? Your husband is, I fear, guilty of great indiscretion in mention ing such matters"
 q am his wife, count, and he con- ceals little, if anything, from me-" I looked the pretty young woman straight in the face in fear and re-. gret.
 Instantly realized the serious dan ger of the secret being betrayed to France.
 Madame" I said. eff I may be per mitted, would urge that the emper- OTIS diplomacy neither concerns your husband, as an official, nor yourself. It is his own private affair, and should neither be discussed nor betrayed"
 q know" she said. '"That is just why have ventured to come here to consult you, monsieur! You have been my good friend as we'll as my hus- bands, and here today, while the em- peror is our guest beneath our roof, feel that I am in greatest peril!"
 "Why?" I asked with considerable surprise.
 "The emperor has already learned that know the truth regarding his secret" was her slow reply. "By what means his majesty discovered it, I, alas! know not. But do know from confidential quarter that have in- cured the emperor's gravest displeas- ure and hatred"
 "Who is your informant?" inquired sternly, eager to further investigate the great intrigue.
 "A certain person who must be name less."
 'Have you spoken to anybody of the emperor's secret plans in Turkey, or of his possession of the Empress Cath erine's jewels?"
 q have not uttered a word to a sin gle soul except my husband. I swear it."
 "Your husband was extremely indis- erect in revealing anything" declared again quite frankly.
 q fully admit that. But what can I do? How shall act?" she asked in a low, tense voice. Advise me, do."
 For some moments remained si- lent. The situation was difficult.
 "Well, madame" I replied after re- flection, eff you are really ready to promise the srictest secrecy and leave | the matter to me, I will endeavor to |