Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1917-07-26

most cratic. We knew that II the
whim took him he would perhaps go
off in an opposite direction. or trudge
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
gray suit had called and seen the ma
ior domo, who had directed him where
his highness might be found.
Upon Eckardt-the commissary OF
police responsible for his highness'
safety-the onus rested. Yet, had he
his highness had expressed to me a
wish to be left alone with the stranger,
! whose name alone knew7
While we were discussing the most
judicious mode of action-for I 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!" I cried, when he held it
up for inspection. ''This reveals to US
one fact-a woman has been here"
I opened the bag and within found
q small lawn handkerchief with q cOro-
net embroidered In It's corner, tiny
| tOrtoise-shell mirror and four One-hun-
dred-mark notes, but no clue whatever
| as to It's 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
now known to fifty or so persons,
heaters and others, and feared lest
1t 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.
| 1ueH NuO1 uIOSS IIlc dlOuC DdCh W
the schloss. | wondered If his high
ness, wishing to get away unobserved,
returning in secret there, had left me
q written message in his room. He
had done that on one occasion before.
I dashed up to the small, oldworld
room which by day overlooked the ro-
mantle and picturesque valley, but
| upon the table Whereat / had been
writing early that morning there was
| qothing.
The Countess Won kIenitx.
AS turned to leave heard 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 a dark blue bonnet and
warm travelling coat.
"Ah! Count Won Heltzendorff she
| cried IN that sQueaky, high-pitched
voice of hers. "Is his imperial high
ness here? must see him immediate.
ly."
"No, countess. His imperial high,
ness is not here" was my reply. "This
afternoon he mysteriously disappeared
from the forester's lodge at Neue
Schenke, and we are unable to trace
him.
Disappeared !" gasped the old lady
instantly pale and agitated.
eyes," said, looking her straight In
the face.
do you know whether he had Wis
flor today--a young, dark-haired
MANI"
"He had, countess. A man called
and saw him. at his highness' request
I left him alone with his visitor at the
forester's house. The mans name was
Karl Krahl.''
'How do you know his Manner she
asked, staring at me with an express
sion Of distinct suspicion.
"Because-well, because I happier
to have learnt 1t some time ago."
said. "And, further, on returning tt
the house we found this little bag IL
the room wherein had left the crown
prince"
"Why!- lady's bagr" she ex
claimed as l held it out for inspection
YES" [ said in somewhat hare
tone. "Do you happen to recognize
it?"
"Me? Why?" asked the old woman
"Weu, because think 1t is your OWL