Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1918-04-19


contained desk. For kings must pur-
sue their clerical occupations even on
holidays.
Milky had reluctantly removed his
cap. His goggles, however, he ven-
tured to retain. He was conscious
that his guide was studying him in
tently. But not with suspicion. he
thought Rather as one who would
gauge the caliber OF the man before
him. He seemed satisfied. too, for his
voice. which had been curt. grew more
friendly.
You had no troubler' he asked.
None, sir"
did Niburg say anythingf
Niburg. then, was the spy of the
cathedral. Milky reflected. Suddenly
he saw a way out. 1t was. he after
ward proclaimed. not his own thought.
1t came to him like message. He
burned candle to his patron saint,
some time later. for it.
The man Niburg had had an unfor-
tunate experience. sir. He reported
that, during an evening stroll, before
he met me, he was attacked by three
men. with the evident intention OF Sc
curing the letter. He was badly beaten
up"
His companion started. "Niburg,"
he said Then" He glanced at the
letter he held. 1--WE must find some
one else" he muttered. 81 never
trusted the fellow. A clerk, nothing
else. For this work 1t takes wit
Milky, sweating with strain, felt
that it did. indeed. "He was badly
used up. sir." he offered. Gould hard
ly walk, and was still trembling with
excitement when met him."
The man touched bell. TELL his
majesty" he said TO the servant who
appeared, that his messenger is here"
The servant bowed and withdrew.
Milky found the wait that followed
trying. He thought of Hedwig, and of
the little crown prince. Suddenly he
knew that he had no right to attempt
Ibis thing. He had given his word,
almost his oath, to the king, to protect
and watch over the boy, And here he
was, knowing now that mischief was
afoot, and powerless. lie cursed him.
self for his folly.
Then Karl came In. He came alone,
closing the door behind him. Milky
and his companion bowed. and Milky
surveyed him through his goggles. The
same hooking face he remembered,
from Karl's visit TO the summer pal
ace, the same easy, graceful carriage,
the same small mustache. He was in
uniform and apparently In compara-
lively gracious mood. He had been
drinking. but he was not intoxi-
Gated. He was slightly flushed, his
yes were abnormaly bright. He
looked for the Moment rather
amiable. Milky was TO learn, later on,
how easily his smile hardened to a
terrifying grin.
lie ignored Nikky's companion. You
brought letter.
Milky bowed. and the other man
held Ii out. Karl took it.
"The trip was uneventful7"
eyes, sire"
"A bad night for IT," Karl observed
and glanced at the letter in his hand
-was there any difficulty at the
fi'ontierT'
"None. sire
Karl tore the end on the envelope.
you will remain here tonight" he
said. "Tomorrow morning shall send
dispatches to the city. hope you have
petrol. These fellows here" lie did
not complete the sentence. He in
serted two royal fingers Into the en-
veiope and drew out-Nikky's cigar
cite papers!
For a monent there was complete
silence In the room. Karl turned the
papers over.
IT was then that his face hardened
into a horrible grin. He looked up.
raising his head slowly.
.'What is thisg' he demanded, very
quietly.
.sThe letter SIRE" said Milky. -"
'sThe letteri Do you call these
letterfo
Milky drew himself up. Il have
brought the envelope which was given
me-
without = word Karl held out papers
and envelope TO the other man, who
took them. Then he TUNED to Milky
and now hs raised b.s voice. Where
did You get this--hoax" he demanded.
al the cathedral. from the man Nj
burg"
..You ne!" said Karl. Then. for
moment. he left Milky and turned on
his companion 10 fury. He LET bis
royal rage beat on that unlucky IN
.isidual while the agent stood, white
and still. Not until it was over, and
Karl, spent With passion, was pacing
the floor, did Milky venture word.
III this is not what your majesty
expected" he said. "there Is perhaps
an explanation.
Kari wheeled on him. "Explana-
ton !"
"The man Niburg va. attacked,
early last evening, by three men. They
t,.t 49, Yadf,t or6 aftofUufpd Ia rob