The times-herald. [volume] (Burns, Harney County, Or.) 1896-1929, 1918-04-27


under the sleeping mans bed. With
great caution came the landlord, head
first, then shoulders. The space was
cramped. He crawled up, like snake
out of hole, and ducked behind the
curtains OF the bed. All was stlll quiet,
save that the man outside struck n
match and lighted pipe.
Half an hour later, the chancellor's
prisoner, still stiff and weak, was max
ing his way toward the hunting lodge.
Kaiser saw him first, and found the
story unenlightenlng. Nor could Karl
reused by u terrified valet. make much
more of It. When the man had gone,
Karl lay back among his pillows and
eyed his agent.
$50 Mettlich Is here" he said. "a
hasty journey. They must be eager"
"They must be in trouble" Kaiser
observed dryly. And on that uncom-
rlimentary comment King Karl slept,
his face drawn into weary smile.
But he received the chancellor OF
Livonla cordially the next morning go
ing himself TO the lodge doorstep to
meet his visitor. and there shaking
hands with him.
II am greatly honored. excellency,"
he said, with his twisted smile.
"And l, sire"
But the chancellor watched him
from under his shaggy brows. The
messenger had escaped. by now Karl
knew the story, knew Of his midnight
ride over the mountains, and the haste
IL indicated.
Karl himself led the way to his
study, ignoring the chamberlain, and
stood aside TO let Mettlich enter
Then he followed and closed the door
1T Is long time since you have
honored Karnia with visit" Karl OBJ
served. "Will, you sit DOWN.
Karl himself did not sit. He stood
negligently beside the mantel. an arm
stretched along II.
'"Not since the battle of the Ar
sire" replied the chancellor dryly. He
had headed an army OF invasion then,
Karl smiled. II hope that now your
errand is more peaceful
For answer the chancellor onened II
t'''ttOiiO it
among Its papers. But having found
the right one, he held ii without open.
ing II. Before we come TO that. sire,
you have here, believe. detained for
some strange reason. IA Captain Lar
isch. aide-de-camp"-he paused for ef.
feet-"to his royal highness, the crown
prince sf Livonia."
E.pl ~ sui.I,Iw HDArkans
If yea will describe this-gentle-
man--"
Nonsense said the chancellor test |
lily. "Yeu have him. We have traced
hiF here. Although by what authority |
ysa keid hiM | fail 10 understand.
am here to fad cut what yeu have
dsne with hin."
as Captain Lsrisch you refer to mad
man whs the night before last"
II le, sire. Mailman Is the word"
HE is a prisoner" Karl said, In a
new tone, stern enough now. "He as
saulted and robbed one OF my men. !
He stole certain documents. That he |
has not suffered for II already was be- |
NfuSC-WCIi, DCCduSt BtntNtu tndi
the unfortunate distrust between your !
country and mine. excellency, was /.
absut to end"
A threat that, undoubtedly. Let the |
arrangement between Karnia and Ii !
venla he made, with Hedwig to seal !
the bargaia, and Milky was safe
enough. But let Livonia demand too !
much, or net agree At ALL. and Milky |
was lest. ThHs did. Milky Larisek play /
his SNAIL part In the game Of nations.
Suppose" said Karl unctuousiy, |
that we discuss Grst another more im-
portant matter. confess 10 N certain
impatieAce." He bowed slightly.
The chanceller besitated. Then he
glanced theughtfully at the paper In
his hand.
Through a lesg luncheon, the two
alone and even the servants dis
missed. through longer afternoon,
negotiations went on. Mettlich fought
hard on some points, only to meet de-
feat. Karl stood firm. The great fort
resses ON the border must hereafter
contain only nominal garrisons. For
the seaport strip he had almost dou-
bled his price. The railroad must be
within two years.
"The Princess Hedwig," Karl said
"She has been told, OF
Not officially. She knows, how
ever"
How does she regard itT
The chancellor hesitated. Like
most young women, she would prefer
making her own choice. But that"
he added hastily, Yls but whim. She
Is loyable and amlable girl. When
the time comes, she Will be willing
Karl stirred out Through one OF the
heavily curtained windows. He was
not 80 sure. And the time had gone
by when he would have enjoyed the
taning Of a girl. Now he wanted
he net paying price for