The Ordway new era., 1917-07-20

registered as Mr.. Richter, engaging 4
private suite OF rooms for himself
and his secretary. myself. For three
days we remained there. taking motor
runs to Dartmoor, and also down into
Cornwall. until on the morning of the
fourth day the crown prince said:
II shall probably have visitor this
morning about eleven o'clock-a young
lady named King. Tell them at the
bureau to send her up to my sitting
room."
AT the time appointed the lady came.
I received her in the lobby OF the self
contained fiat, and found her to be
about twenty.four. well-dressed. fair
haired and extremely good-looking.
Miss King, learned. was an Eng
lish girl who some years previously
had gone to America with her people.
and by the heavy travelling coat and
close-fitting hat she wore l concluded
that she had Just come OF one Of the
incoming liners.
One thing which struck ME rs
looked at her was the brooch she wore.
1t was natural butterfly Of rare
tropical variety. with bright golden
wings. the delicate sheen OF which was
protected by small plates Of crystal
one OF the most charming ornaments
had ever seen.
As I ushered her in she greeted the
crown prince as "M-. Richter" being
apparently entirely unaware of his
real identity concluded that she was
somebody whom his hichnesS had met
In Germany. and TO whom he had been
introduced under his assumed name.
"Ah, Miss King" he exclaimed
pleasantly In his excellent English.
shaking hands with her. Your boat
should have been in yesterday. fear
you encountered bad weather-ehf"
"Ycs. rather" replied the girl. But
Il did not trouble me much. We had
almost constant gales ever since we
left New York" she laughed brightly.
She appeared to be quite a charming
little person.
"Heltzendorf. would you please bring
me that sealed packet from your dis
patch boS?" he asked suddenly. turn
ing to me-
The sealed packet, had forgotten.
all about II ever since he had handed
il to ME at the door Of the Marmor pal
ace. I knew that IL contained some
secret reports prepared for the eye OF
the emperor. The latter had no doubt
seen them, for the crown prince had
brought them with him from Berlin.
AS ordered, took the packet into
~. VII. hEs-hn,SS With
his fair visitor, and then l retired and
closed the door.
81 Can't; It Would Be oishoness!"
Hotel doors are never very heavy. as
a rule. therefore. I was able to hear
conversation. but unfortunately few
words were distinct The interview
had lasted nearly half an hour. Find
ing that I could hear nothing. 1 con-
tented myself In reading the paper and
holding myself in readiness should Mr..
Richter" want ME.
OF a sudden l heard his highneSS'
voice raised in anger, that Shrill. high
pitched note which is peculiar both TO
the emperor and TO his son when they
are unusually annoyed
But I tell you. Miss King, there is
no other way heard him shout. 1T
can he done quite easily, and nobody
can possibly know"
"Never ~ cried the girl what would
people think OF me:-
You wish TO save your brother he
said. "very well. have shown you
how you can effect this. And 1 will
help you If You agree TO the terms
II you Will find out what l want to
know
Il can't.- cried the girl in eviden,
distress Il really can't! 1t would be
iiShonest-criulinalI
Bah. my dear girl, you are looking
at the affair from far too high stand
point replied the man she knew as
Richter. 'It is a mere matter OF
business. You ask me to assist you
20 save your brother, ar have simply
stated my terms Surely You would
not think that would travel from Ber
lin here to Plymouth in order to NEE,
you If I were not ready and eager te
help Your
Il must ask my father. I can speai
to him in confidence"
~Your father," cried Mr.. Richter
by no means Why, you must no
breathe single word to him. This
affair Is a strict secret between us
Please understand that" Then aftel
a pause: Your brother is. quite ad
nit. in direst peril. and you alone car
save him Now, what Is your de
cisiong"
The girls reply was In a tone to<
low for me TO overhear. Its tenor
however, was quickly apparent iron
the crown princes words;
~You refuse. Very we'll then I can
not assist you regret Mss King
/ that you have your journey to Eneiant
for nothing"
~But woat you help me- Mr.. kicA
I frry~ cI3ed fbe Eif5 appennnk1y.