The citizen-Republican. (Scotland, Bon Homme County, S.D.) 1???-19??, 1920-08-26
THE UNKNOWN
MIR. KENT
GEORGE Il DORIAN CO. 1s1s copYR1or.

Il do" said the king, careleSSly, and
Provarsk smiled and seated himself
after an DESTINATIONS and exasperat-
ing grin at the chancellor, who
promptly turned purple with rage.
you will pardon me-" said Kent,
drily, as he pulled chair into posi-
ton where he could directly face
Provarsk, 'if in our conversation I
seem to be assuming; but His Males
ty has graciously granted me certain
privileges of speech and action which
he will sanction. Is that not true,
Sire?"
The king reverting to that strange,
curious look of expectancy, said it
was, and Provarsk shielded his mouth
with his finger tips as if to conceal
smile.
'Provarsk,'' said Kent, decisiveiy,
you're whipped: all the way down
tie line"
For the momnt. yes, I suppose"
the usurper admitted gracefully. He
smiled at the American in rather
an amused, friendly way.
1.-THE king has decided" continued
Kent placidly. that you are man
of some talent, and has therefore con-
cluded to make none other than you
chancellor of his kingdom"
For once Provarsk was SO COM
pletely surprised that his looks be-
trayed him. He leaned forward in his
chair and stared at the American,
doubtfully. Baron Won Glutz cleared
his throat explosiveIy, and was nearly
speeches. with wrath.
This is going too far!" he ex-
claimed; but was silenced by Kent,
who turned toward him and said,
STEADY! Steady, Baron. You need
mt worry. You will be cared for later
In this-this reconstruction"
"But-but-" hestitated the king,
vastly distressed, Baron Won Glutz
has been my mentor since my boy
hood, and was the chancellor Of Mar
ken under my father!''
Doubtless his administrative ex-
cellence accounts for Markn's present
peaceful condition; and also for our
unexpected. meeting across the border, :
them" Kent said, suavely. "But as
understood you, sir"
Provarsk interrupted with sneer-
ing laugh and exclaimed, "Pshaw! I
might have known it. 1t is you who
ask me to be chancellor, Eth? All {
right! accept. Under you; but not
under His Majesty. But pray tell
me why am thus honored7"
Honored? Well, for several rea-
sons One that it's not so messy as
to have you taken out and hanged.
Another that you still represent to
me sporting proposition and I like
fearless men who go out after a thing
when they want it It's been long
time since have met such an inter-
esting sort of a parsonage as you seem
to be. and. inasmuch as His Majesty
wants me to remain with him for a
time as an advisor, I'd like to see
what you can do-whether you can
get the best of U.s."
Il promise to do the very best I
can to get the best of YOU" Provarsk
asserted
Il like that, too" Kent said, heart
lily. You're welcome to get away
with all you can; with this UNDER
standing, that you must agree to &C \
cept and honestly carry out all or
ders given you. Otherwise"
otherwise what?" queried the bar
on, when the American hestitated.
Otherwise well have you prompt
ly shot Also. you are honored,' as
you put it. because believe you are
a good enough gamester, once hay-
ing given your word. to obey or
ders.'
Provarsk studied Kent, wondering
", while the latter. without a change
of expression. stared back at him.
You don't want to be bothered
hanging or shooting me, now; you
think I'm too dangerous to exile.
and you therefore prefer to keep me
directly under your eye. So you APP
point me chancellor! ,Rathes clever
It strikes me-
Kent nodded and smiled.
You have il" he said.
n All right. A-r Richard Kent, ac-
cept this CHARACTERISTIC, and agree to
obey all Of your orders--or should
ray his majestey's with just one
which is that after one
years service / have the privilege Of
resignins ma walking away scot
Erees whenever 1 cheese to do so.,s
Quite = nice agreement. A very
agreement, indeed y =. Kent