Shoshone journal. [volume] (Shoshone, Idaho) 1884-1931, 1917-06-29
TheSec1et5 Of HE Hohnr7d|ernC
STARTLING EXPOSURE OF INNER LIFE OF KAISER AND CROWN PRINCE AS
TOLD BY COUNT ERNST Won HTZDORFF TO WLLAf1 LEOUEJK

Wallets return, l repaired to the en-
peror's study and secreted myself be-
meath a great damask-coyered settee
which runs along the wall opposite the
door. For nearly an hour remained
there, when the door was opened
stealthily, and there entered the young
man whom had seen in Hanover on
the previous day. He carried a book
in his hand. This he swiftly exchanged
for another similar book of the same
appearance, and moment later crept
out again, closing the door noiselessly.
Quickly I came forth and took up
the classical dictionary, copy Of
which was usually upon the emperor's
table. 1t presented just the same ap-
pearance as the book that Brosch had
taken away, only it was considerably
heavier.
A Narrow Escape.
Without delay, I dashed out, sought
the emperor's valet, and was admitted
to his majesty's presence.
Three minutes later we were both in
the study. took up the book and held
it to his ear. Just as 1 had heard, he
could detect the faint ticking of
watch within.
The book had been followed out and
a bomb inserted 1t was, no doubt,
set to explode between eight and nine
o'clock, when the emperor would be
at his desk.
take it out quicklyi" shrieked the
kaiser, in terror, when he realized the
true import of the plot.
In obedience, handling the book very
carefully, I rushed with it downstairs,
out into the OPEN / placed 1t on the
grass some distance away. while the
emperor followed me, utterly astound-
ed at the discovery.
Having deposited it, dashed back
to where the emperor was standing
upon the steps, greatly TO the surprise
of the sentries, when hardly had I
reached him than there showed a
blood-red flash, followed by terrific
report and concussion-an explosion
which would have blown the emperor's
head off as he sat.
His majesty stood white and rigid,
instantly realizing what a narrow es-
cape he had had, while the noise
caused the greatest alarm, and people
began rushing hither and thither to
ascertain the cause.
In a few seconds his majesty was
calm again.
Say nothing of this. Heltzendorff,"
he said. Let 1t remain a mystery.
Come upstairs. and will speak on the
telephone to the police"
AYour majesty gave the matter I'M
reservedly into my hands," 1 reminded
him.
"Ah, that is so; I forgot" he ex-
claimed, and after thanking me he
added: stake what steps you like.
but have the offenders punished, and
also try to find out who sent me that
anonymous warning"
The young valet, who had been, no
doubt, heavily bribed by Minckwitz to
substitute the book, had already dis
and. as matter of fact, has
never been seen since in Germany.
The man Minckwitz had also, it
seemed. suddenly left Hanover on the
night of my departure, for Hartwieg,
him, reported to me by wire
that he was in Paris.
What Learned in Paris.
Without delay I Travelled to the
French capital, saw my old friend.
Pinaud of the Surete, and told him
he whole story, explaining in conf
ience that for some mysterious rea-
son the crown prince feared that il
he man were arrested. he might reveal
something unpleasant.
81 quite understand" replied the
French detective, with a smile. 81
,now that, six months ago, while the
'rown prince was in Paris, he was one
light enticed into the gaming house
,ept by the notorious MinckwitZ.
There quarrel ensued, and the crown
'rince, fearing attack, drew his re-
oliver, which went off and shot one of
confederates stOne-dead.
'he crown prince has ever since been
aging big sums to hush up the af-
air.
until recently Minckwitz conceived
be idea that if the emperor died and
be crown prince came to the throne.
would mean to him considerably
lore money each year. Therefore he
oncelved that diabolical plot.
armed the crown prince of it. and he
to expose Minckwitz and
ave him arrested. Minckwitz, in turn,
threatened that If his highness made
ne slightest movement to thwart his
lans, he would expose to the world
lat the German crown prince, during
is latest escapade in the Moutmartre,
ad Killed a man. Finding this to be
lie case, / myself wrote that anony-
ous letter of warning. which l adj
-essed to the emperor"
"And which has had the effect OF
wing his majestys life," I remarked.
That night Minckwitz found himself
rested upon charge Of matchmaking