The Birmingham age-herald., 1923-04-15

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 "The rains heavy,"' said Mistitch, in tones of mock sympathy. ''We'll dry the dear chaps town boots for him while he eats
 Pushing back his chair, Stepan opened> his mouth to protest, but it was no use One>of the big men held him firmly while another unlaced and removed his boots, all of them apparently in the best of humor, and only anxious to serve him.
 Seeing that submission was his only course, he had the sense to pretend grati- tude and good fellowship; and being re- markedly hungry, ate with appetite the food set before him. One of the band stood be- fore the stove, his pipe in his mouth, en- gazing him in talk, and incidentally pre- venting him from seeing what Mistitch was doing at the stove behind him.
 He could not see-but he could guess; and he was secretly furious. From hence forth he dared leave no footprint anywhere.
 He finished his meal, pushed away his plate, brought out cigarette and lit it.
 Anybody know when I shall get the answer to that note I brought?" he asked, with studied insolence. sSorry I made such a mistake, but in my country princesses don't live in keepers lodges. i've got no time to lose They keep us busy, down at Veros nowadays"
 Mistitch had flung himself down on a chair near, sucking an old clay pipe.
 s'Busy!" said he meditatvely. 'Busy are you? Shouldn't have thought it. You seem to have so much time on your hands, by night as welas by day"
 Stepan, little startled made no reply.
 "Niklaus! Go up to Water Gate and ask for a note" said, Mistitch, addressing a man who seemed to be somewhat in the position of a corporal. Niklaus saluted and went out. "In what sized house," continued Mis- titch, "our royalties choose to live, is no concern of the scum of Nordenreich who, unable to find living in their own dirty country, come to fasten themselves upon us"
 s'I agree with you" said Stepan at once. ''Down with Nordenreich! Pm a Pole. ''--
 sYes, a Northern Pole. We know those"
 q was born at Warsaw"
 What took your parents there? Flying from justice?"
 Soon after, Niklaus could be seen return ing. Woronz rose before his boots could be handed to him, and went to the stove to get them. As if accidentally, he took up another pair, which he turned oyer so that the soles were visible. It was but brief glance, but it showed him that in the thick leather the Red Swan badge was clearly stamped, so that the footprints of Forest Guard were easily distinguishable from those of any one else.
 Mistitch handed him the note he was to carry, with these impressive words.
 "Kilistrians are plain speakers. You will not, after today, be admitted at any gate into these grounds. Any message you bring must be left with gatekeeper."
 ''This is d little too much!' cried the Pole hotly. "Do you suppose I want to come blundering about your beggarly inclosures!"
 "You may thank your stars that you are leaving free man this day." was the com posed rejoinder. "You don't bluff me, you creeping spy Niklaus and Ratin, bandage his eyes, and put him outside the gates. He enters them again at his own peril"
 Evadne decided upon lake picnic as the most suitable way for her to entertain her suitor and the members of the embassy. Her sister-in-law, Queen Rosamond, thought it distinctly good idea, and came down from Gailima for the occasion, bringing her two little daughters, the Princesses Edmee and Marie, as well as Prince Ra and his English tutor.
 She was pleased with Evadne, and wished to show it; and moreover she was most anxious to behold Theobald, who had trav- eled incognito straight through to .veros, where the embassy was installed, without to 1o hvV