The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1918-06-08

side room, sort OF study. since II
contained 4 desk. For kings must pur-
sue their clerical occupations even on
holidays.
Milky had reluctantly removed bis
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 bis
voice, which had been curt, grew more
friendly.
You had no troubIef" he asked.
None, sir"
Did Nlburg say anything7"
Niburg then, was the spy Of the
cathedral. Milky reflected. Suddenly
he saw way out. 1t was, he after
ward proclaimed, not his own thought
1t came to him like a message. He
burned a candle to his patron saint,
some time later, for 1t.
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
curing the letter. He was badly beaten
up."t
Hi+ companion started "Niburg,"
he said. Then" He glanced at the
letter he held. 1--WE must find some
one else" he muttered. II never
trusted the fellow. A clerk, nothing
else. For this work it takes wit"
Milky, sweating with strain, felt
that it did, indeed. He was badly
used up, sir" he offered Could hard
ly walk, and was still trembling with
excitement when l met him."
The man touched u bell Tell his
majesty" he said TO the servant who
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
This 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. He 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
him through his goggles. The
same hooking face he remembered
from Karrs visit to the summer pal
ace, the same easy, graceful carriage,
he same small mustache. He was in
uniform and apparently In compare
lively gracious mood. He had been
drinking. but he WAS not intoxi-
.ated. He was slightly flushed, his
yes were abnormally bright. He
ookpd, for the moment, rather
Milky was to learn, later on,
low easily his smile hardened to
certifying grin.
He ignored Nikky's companion. You |
brought letter."
Milky bowed, and the other man
leId it out. Karl took it.
The trip was uneventful?"
Yes, sire"
"A bad night for it." Karl observed, |
nd glanced at the letter in his hand. |
Was there any difficulty at the
None, sire"
~ hn Of hn
You will remain here tonight" he
aid. Tomorrow morning | shall send
ispatches to the city. hope you have
etrol. These fellows here" He did
OF complete the sentence. He in
erted two royal fingers into the en-
elope and drew out-Nikky's cigar
tie papers!
For moment there was complete
Hence In the room. Karl turned the
apers over.
1t was then that his face hardened
ito q horrible grin. He looked up,
1ising his head slowly.
what is this?" he demanded, very
uietly.
THE letter, sire" said Milky. e
"The letter. Do you call these a
tter7"
Milky drew himself up. Il have
rought the envelope which was given
e."
Without q word Karl held out papers
nd envelope to the other man. who
pok them. Then he turned to Milky,
nd now ne raised his voice. where
d YOU get this-hOax7" he demanded.
AT the cathedral, from the man Nj :
lrg."
You lie" said Karl. Then, for ;
oment, he left Milky and turned on
S companion Ia a fury. He let his I
wal rage beat on that unlucky in I
vidual while the agent stood, white |
I'd still. Not until 1t was over. and
arl, spent with passion, was pacing ,
e floor, did Milky venture word. t
III this is not what your majesty
.pected." he said, there is perhaps '
explanation"
Karl wheeled on him. "Explana- S
On" +
"The man Niburg was attacked, {
rly last evening, by three men. They 7
at him badly, and attempted to rob {
IN. His story to me, sire. he be
we'd that they were after the letter, /
It that he had preserved it. 1t is, of /
urse a possibility that, while he lay S