Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1917-12-20
would, in the end, accept that way,
the admiral did not doubt.

would, in the end, accept that way,
the admiral did not doubt.
Protests were natural, at first;
inevitable, indeed, until their in
dignation at the trick played upon
them had subsidized somewhat; it
was also inevitable that there
should be some heroics, some talk
of honor, self sacrifice, and such
tom foolery. But these vaporings
would soon come to an end; a few
hours Of sober reflection would
work wonders in dissipating them.
And if there was need, why, it
would always be possible to apply
the screw-the screw of hunger,
the screw of solitary confinement,
the screw of s%leeplessness, Of fear,
OF anxiety-and to turn it gently,
gently. Oh, victory was certain
now!
So Pachmann rubbed his hands
together, mentally, at least, and
enjoyed his dinner immensely. It
was a good dinner, but it did not
seem to appeal to Pachmann's
table companion. That was the
prince, summoned from his room
where he had sulkily immured
himself, and obeying from force Of
habit; but, strangely enough, his
appetite, which was Of a magni-
tude and reliability characters
tic of the Hohenzollerns, had evil
IDENTIFY failed him now. He trifled
gloomily with the food, and drank
more wine than was good for him
without any perceptible resultant
Tightening Of spirit.
Plainly something was seriously
wrong, but if the prince expected
the admiral to make any anxious
inquiries about his health, or to
express regret for the scene of an
hour before, he was disappointed.
Beyond cooking an amused eye at
him, now and again, the admiral
took no notice of him. So it was
the prince who had to open the
conversation, which he did as soon
as the servants had withdrawn.
admiral Pachmann," he be-
gan, with heavy dignity, II did
not like the way in which this eve
ming you spoke Of me. 1t APP
peared to me almost insulting"
Insulting, your highness!"
protested the admiral. "You as
tonish me. | imagined myself
speaking most respectfully"
1t was insulting" repeated the
prince doggedly.
"Surely you misunderstood
mel" said the admiral, with deep
concern. "Let me see-what was
it | said9 I do not remember the
exact words, but it was to the eff
feet, was it not, that your health
was threatened by over study and
that the emperor had instructed
you to take a vacation?"
There was more than that"
II emphatically denied that
there was any truth in that absurd
rumor about the bar maid"
"She was not a bar maid"
The admiral laughed.
WAS she not? Then l was mis-
informed. But that is a detail"
"In addition to which," pur-
sued the prince, rather red in the
face with the knowledge that he
was getting the worst Of it, 81 do
not consider that you are behay-
ing honorably in this matter"
lin what way2"
"You brought Miss Yard and
her father here, promising to give
them an answer"
"And | gave them an answer,
did | not?"
"Yes-and then proceeded to
imprison them"
81 have no recollection of hav-
ing promised not to do SO.
"But they trusted YOU"
"The more fools they'll"
"They must be released" said
the prince, firmly. 81 command
it'll"
Pachmann selected a cigar from
the tray on the table with great
care. Then he lighted it, took a
slow puff or two, and looked at
the prince.
"Ah, you command it'll" he said,
thoughtfully.
yes" repeated the prince, ~
command it!'
How l wish," sighed the ad-
miral, "that my heart was as
young as yours, my prince! l
would give much to bring that
! about! But alas, it has long since
grown indifferent to red lips and
bright eyes; this old heart Of mine
has been hardened by 40 years Of
(! service; it is capable, now, of only