The times-herald. [volume] (Burns, Harney County, Or.) 1896-1929, 1918-05-18

fnc OouVtckb Y 8Cou lNcfU.
her head held high. But like most
women, she could not endure silence
for long, at least the silence Of
shrvuded figures and intent eyes.
''Now that ] am here" she de-
manded. ''may ask why have been
summonedT'
II was Number Seven who replied
II was Number Seven who. during the
hour that followed. spoke for the J~l-
ers None moved or but slightly.
Evidently all had been carefully pre-
arranged.
"Iook ON the table. countess. You
will find there some papers you will
perhaps recognize"
She took step toward the table
and glanced down. The code book
lay there Also the letter she had sent
by Peter Niburg. She made no effort
TO dlsclaim them.
IL recognize them" she said clear
ly.
'Do you realize what will happen.
madame. if these papers are turned
tNtI w tnt uutHoTiIitSf
She shrugged her shoulders. And
now Number Seven rose, u tall figure
Of mystery. and spoke at length In IL
cultivated, softly intoned voice. The
conntcss. listening, felt the voice
vaguely familiar, as were the burning
eyes behind the mask.
1T IL our. hope. madame" he said.
"that you will make II unnecessary
for the committee OF ten to use those
papers. We have no quarrel with
women. We wish rather friend thnn
an enemy. The committee OF ten, to
those who know It's motives. has the
highest and most loyal OF ideals--to
the country"
Ills voice took on new, almost
fnnntic note. They had watched the
gradual decay Of the country. he said.
It's burden Of taxation grew greater
each year. The masses sweated and
tOiled, TO carry on their backs the dead
weight OF the arIstocracy and the
throne. The iron hand OF the chancel-
Tor held everything; nm old king who
would die. was dying now. and after
that a boy, nominal ruler only. while
the chancellor continued his hard rule.
And now, as II that were not enough.
there was Talk OF nm alliance with
Karnla, an alliance which, carried
through. would destroy the hope OF a
republic.
The countess stared.
"rhe price of the. alliance, madame.
IN the Princess Hedwig In marriage.
The committee, which knows all
things, believes that you have reason
TO dislike this marriage"
Save that she clutched her cloak
more closely. the countess made no
move. But there was soft stir among
the figures. Perhaps. after all. the
committee as whole did not know all
things
ITO prevent this alliance, madame.
In our first aim. There are others to
follow. But"-he bent Orward-'the
king will not live many days. II is
our hope that that marriage will not
occur before his death"
by this time Olga Loschek knew
very well where she stood. The com
mittee was propitiatory. She was moi
In danger, save as II might develop.
They were, In II measure, putting their
case.
king Karl has broken faith before
He win not support Llvonia until he
has received his price. He Is de-
terniined on the marriage"
"A marriage OF expediency," said
the countess impntiently.
The speaker for the committee
shrugged his shoulders. Perhaps" he
replied. Although there are those OF !
us who think that In this matter OF !
expediency, Karl gives more than he
receives.
"rle matter Hes thus madame. The
chancellor IL now In Karnla. Doubt
less he VIII return with the agreement
signed. We shall learn that In day
Or so. We do not approve OF this
alliance for various reasons. and we
Intend TO take steps to prevent 1t.
The paper itself IN nothing. But
plainly, countess, we need n friend In
he palace, one who Is In the con
idence OF the royal family"
And for such friendship, / am 10
Iecure safetyi"