The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1923-05-06
FICTION

your papers, it would be most unpleasant
for you. Mistitch is not in the mood to be
gentle with such intruders. You will be
safer in town, and we shall know more
shortly
"Know more? What do you mean?"
"Of what is going on in Pannona." He
rose as he spoke and looked at his watch.
He felt puzzled by the princes whole
manner, and very sorry for her. 1t could
not be that she was accepting Theobald be-
cause Nordernreich had actually succeeded
in intimidating her? The idea of Evadne
bullied and frightened was almost laugh
able. 81 must be off," said he, ito keep
my appointment at Castle Kyriel May l
tell Baron Herluin of your intention to 60
back to Gailma?"
Evadne started a little. Baron Herluin?
Oh, Mr. Varley, do you think he knows
anything? He might possibly-have news
from Pannonia?"
Humphrey was struck by the probability
of this suggestion. He had guessed that
some special reason lay behind this invita-
ton, since the baron and himself were by
nc means great friends. Viewed in connec-
ton with the baron's late surprising visit
w tIS SdplCdl, iic eIiOuSHe chS ASoooii Ah6he
be political
ooh, Mr.. Varley!'-and now she was
just his friend-a girl in need of help. II
can trust you wholly! Promise to come to
me this afternoon, after leaving the castle,
if there is anything said which you think
l ought to hear! You know l was married
to the dead King of Pannonia! If there
is any truth in the story of his survival,
l cannot marry the Prince of Grenzenmark!
But l must have assurance somehow! This
uncertainty is driving me mad!''
Castle Kyriel is a stately old place, and
the baron resided therein with feudal kind
of pomp which would seem incredible to
western Europeans. The men who lined his
entrance hall, wearing their national CO.'S
tune, were called his tenants, but were in
fact his vassals, folk who would no more
have thought Of leaving his land or his ser
vice than of changing their nationality.
Marley, arriving on his bicycle to keep his
luncheon engagement, was astonished at the
display. When he had been relieved of his
straw hat he was conducted, not into the
small cabinet on the ground floor, wherein
the baron received him as a rule, but up the
grand staircase to the state apartments,
which he entered with an acute conscious
ness of the informally of his summer suit
of gray flannel
As the wide doors rolled open he heard
the sound of an unmistakable laugh, and
saw, behind the dapper little figure Of his
host the splendid stature and dark face of
Raoul. Grand Duke of Marvilion.
"This in an unlooked-for honor, SIRE"
he was beginninp with his best bow. but
Raoul grasped his hand and shook it with
unaffected cordially.
Good man" he cried. 81 glad you
were able to come. The baron promised to
do his best to produce you"
81 heard rumor of Your Highness being
in Kilistria, but dared not rely upon it.
l hope it means that our king and yourself
have succeeded in-er-composing your
differences?'
at does" replied the Grand Duke, with
twinkle in his eye. 81 have had to go
warily, however, for Nordernreich is as rest
i've as frightened horse, and word too
soon would have wrecked our hopes. Even
now, of course"
Baron Herluin broke in. "May venture
to interrupt you, sire, while l put the oath
to Mr.. Varley? We have no suspicious Of
his honor, but if he takes the Oath of XII
listria he will have a more adequate idea of
the Importance of these proceedings
He took it not only willingly, but eagerly,
for his curiosity was keenly aroused. No
further revelations could, however, be made
at the moment, for the pledge was hardly
administered before the servants opened the
doors Of tho innor nd %bc%