The Dermott news., 1918-03-21

! pressed. But Kari only looked at him.
81 know that" he said coldly. You
are always just little late with your
information, Kaiser"
Something like malice showed in the
agents face. "Then you also know,
sire that il is this Captain Larisch
with whom rumor couples the name of,
the Princess Hedwig." He stepped back
Il pace or two at sight of Karrs face.
you requested such information SIRE"
For answer, Karl pointed to the door.
For some time after he had dis
missed the agent, Karl paced his
library alone. Kaiser brought no I'M
verified information. Therefore the
thing was true. Therefore he had had
his enemy in his hand, and now was
pledged to let him go. For time.
then. Karl paid the penalty of many
misdeeds. His triumph was ashes In
his mouth.
What If this boy, infatuated with
Hedwig. had hidden somewhere on the
road Olga Loschek's letter? What.
then, II he recovered IL and took 1t to
Hedwig2 What if
But at last he sent for the prisoner
upstairs, and waited for him with both
jealousy and fear in his eyes.
Five minutes later Milky Larisch I
was ushered into the red study. ana
having bowed an insolent young bow
at that. stood and eyed the king.
II have sent for you to release you,"
said Karl.
Milky drew long breath. Il am
grateful. sire"
You have been interceded for by
the chancellor of Livonia. General
Mettlich who has just gone"
Milky bowed.
Karl fixed him with cold eyes. But
before you take leave of u.s." he said
ironically. II should like the true story
of the night before last. Somehow,
somewhere. letter intended for me
was exchanged for a blank paper.
want that letter.
II know no more than you, sire.
1t is not reasonable that l would have
taken the risk ! took for an envelope
containing nothing
For that matter" said his majesty,
there was nothing reasonable about
anything You did"
And now kaU played his trump card,
played 1t with watChful eyes on Nix
kys face. He would see If report
spoke the truth, If this blue-eyed boy
was in love with Hedwig. He was
Jealous man, this Karl OF the cold
eyes, jealous and passionate Not rs a
king, then, watching humble soldier,
Af
gazed at Milky.
For fear that loyalty keeps you
silent. | may say TO you that the old
troubles between karnia and Livonia
are over"
Il do not understand. sire"
Karl hesitated. Then. with his
twisted smile. he cast the rigid
etiquette Of such matters to the winds.
at is very simple" he said. There
will be no more trouble between these
two nelghborlng countries. because
marriage has today been arranged-a
marriage between the Princess Hedwig.
his majesty's granddaughter. aud N.Y.
self"
For moment Milky Larisch closed
his eyes.
The anniversary of the death OF
Prince Hubert dawned bright aud
sunny. The place showed thin COW
cring OF snow. which chung, wet and
sticky, to the trees but by nine
O'Clock most of II had disappeared. and
Prince Ferdinand William Otto WIS
informed that the excursion would
take place.
Two motors took the party, by back
streets, TO the landing stage In the
first We're Annunelata. Hedwig, and
the countess. and at the last moment.
otto had salvnged Miss Bralthwaite
from the second car, and begged
place for her with him. A police agent
sat beside the chauffeur. Also another
car just ahead contained other
agents. by Mettlieh's order before his
DEPARTURE plain black motor. with
out the royal arms.
In the second machine followed a
part of the suite. Hedwig's lady In
waiting. two gentlemen OF the court,
in parade dress and Father Gregory,
come from his monastery nj Etzel 10
visit his old friend. the king.
At the landing stage small crowd
had gathered on seeing the red carpet
laid and the gilt ropes put up. which
indicated n royal visit. A small girl,
with n hastily secured bouquet in her
hot hands. stood nervously waiting. In
Difference to the anniversary, the flow
ers were tied with black ribbon.
Annunciata grumbled when she saw
the crowd, and the occupants OF the
first car looked them over carefully. II
remained for Hedwig 10 spy the black
ribbon. In the confusion. she slipped
over 10 the little girl. who went quite
white with excitement. They are
lovely" Hedwig whispered. but please
take OF the black ribbon" The child
eyed her anxiously at will come to
pieces highneSs"