American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1917-08-03

whim took him he would perhaps 60
off In an opposite direction, or trudge
back to the castle with utter disregard
Of u 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
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
not been sent ont with the party, as
his highness had expressed 10 me a
wish TO be left alone with the stranger,
whose name l alone knew?
While we We're discussing the most
judicious mode Of action-for 1 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
Dag OF Dluch more SIN.
"Halloar =" 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
a small lawn handkerchief with a coro-
net embroidered in its corner, a tiny
tortoise-shel 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, I did not like the situa-
ton. His highness' disappearance was
now known to fifty or SO persons,
beaters and others, and I feared lest
It might get into the Berlin papers.
With that object I 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. I 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 M occasion before,
I 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 I turned to leave I 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, foi
she was in a dark blue bonnet an,
warm travelling coat.
"Ahl Count Won H~eltzendorfl - sh'
cried in that squeaky, high-pitcheC
voice Of hers. rs his imperial high
ness here? I must see him immediate
~"
mo, countess. His imperial high
ness is not here" was my reply. "Thii
afternoon he mysteriously disappeare,
!, from the forester's lodge at Neul
Schenke, and we are unable to trac.
him."
Disappeared !" gasped the old lady
instantly pale and agitated.
Yes" I said, looking her straight fl
the face.
do you know whether he had a Wis
/, itor today-a young, dark-haire,
man7"
TIe had, countess. A man called
; n saw him. At his highness' reques
, I left him alone with his visitor at tn
fOrester's house. The mans name wa
; Karl Krahl"
How do you know his Manner sh
asked, staring at me with an expires
: sion Of distinct suspicion.
: "Because-well, because I happel
/, to have learnt 1t some time ago"
! said. And, further. on returning t
/, the house we found this little bag Fl
= the room wherein had left the crow
: prince"
"Whyl- lady's bagi" she ex
claimed as I held 1t out for inspection
Yes" I said in a somewhat harI
!. tone. DO you happen to recognize
! it7"
"Mef whyf' asked the old woman
, "Well because 1 think it is your owl