The times-herald. [volume] (Burns, Harney County, Or.) 1896-1929, 1918-04-13


a lItuc high was Nkly's hcnd rs
he went In, lie Ind done II stupid
thing now, and he knew II, lie should
have taken his letter ana gone bncl
with 1t. But fool or not, he was Il
soldier. Danger mudc him calm.
The lodge was noisy. Loud talking
the coming and going of servants with
trays, the craclile OF wood fires III
which whole logs were burning and,
ns Milky and his escort entered the
roaring chorus of II hunting song filed
the ears.
Two of the mon flung off their heavy
cONts and proceeded without ceremony
Into the room whence the sounds Is
sued. The third, however, still holding
the letter, ushered Milky into II small
side room, sort Of study, since Il
contained desk. For kings must pur.
sue their clerical occupations even on
holidays.
Milky had reluctantly removed his
cap. His goggles, however he ven
turcd 10 retain. lie was conscious
that his guide wns studying him In.
tently. But not with suspicion, he
thought. Rather as one who would
gnuge the caliber of the man before
him. He seemed satisfied, too for his
voice, which had been curt. grew more
friendly.
you had no troublc?' he asked.
None. SIR"
"Dld Niburg say anythlngf'
Niburg, then. was the spy of the
cathedral. Milky reflected. Suddenly
he saw way out. II was, he after
II came TO him like message. lie
burned u candle 10 his patron saint,
some time later for II.
"rhe man Nlburg had hnd an unfor-
tunntc experience. sir. He reported
that, during nn evening stroll, before
he met me- he was attacked by three
men, with the evident Intention OF se-
curing the letter lie was badly bcnten
up"
His companion started. "Niburg."
he said "rhen-" He glanced ut the
letter he held. 1--WE must find some
one else" he muttcred. II never
trusted the fellow. A clerk, nothing
else. For this work II takes wit"
Milky. sweating with strain. felt
that 1t did, indeed. "le was badly
used up. SIR" he offered. could hard. |
ly walk, and was still trembling with |
excitement when met him."
The man touched bell. "Tell his |
l... 20 l.n xtl.. |
that his messenger IL here"
The servant bowed and withdrew.
Milky found the whit that followed |
trying. He thought OF Hedwig. and Of |
the little crown prince. Suddenly he
knew that he had no right to attempt
this thing. He had given his word,
almost his oath, TO the king. TO protect
md watch over the boy. And here he
was, knowing now that mischief wns
lfoot, and powerless. He cursed him
self for his folly.
Then Karl came In. lie came alone
closing the door behind him. Milky
and his companion bowed. and Milky |
surveyed him through his goggles. The
,ame mocking face he remembered.
from Karl's visit To the summer pal
nee. the same ensy. graceful carriage,
he same small mustnche. lie was In
Uniform and apparently in compara-
lively gracious mood. lie hnd been
drinking but he wns not Intoxi-
,ntcd. He was slightly flushed. his
yes were nbnormally bright. lie
ooked. for the moment, rather
lmIabie. Milky was to learn, later on,
low easily his smile hardened to II
certifying grin.
lie ignored NIkky's companion. "You
lettcrT
Milky bowed, and the other man
lcld II out. Kari took II.
Tho trip was uneyentfulr
YES, sire"
"a bad night for IT," Karl observed,
md glanced nt the letter In his hand.
WAS there any difficulty at the
ronticr?'
"NOnes sire"
Knrl tore the end OF the cnvclope.
'Nou will remain here tonight" he
aid. "Tomorrow morning | shall send
ispntchcs to the city. ! hope you have
etr0l. These fellows here" He did
Ot complete the sentence. lie In
erted two royal fingers into tlse en- Z
clopc and drew out-NIkky's cigar. Z
tie papers
For u moment there was complete
Hence IN the room. Karl turned the
apcrs over.
II WINS tten that his face hardened
1to horrible grin. lie looked up,
aising his mead slowly.
What Is thlsf' he demanded, very ;
uietly. {
"fhc letter. sire" said Milky. 4" {
"Fhc letter. DO you call these II |
'ttcr?"
Milky drew himself up. II have /
rought the envelope which was given q
Ip." Il
Without II word Karl held out papers
nd envelope tO The other man, vino u
I0k them. Then he turned 10 Milky, u