Belt Valley times. [volume] (Armington, Mont.) 1894-1977, 1925-04-16
The Mystery Road

turn to England, with the consent and
the appreciation OF my relatives hsra.
Paul and have but one hope and
one deslre-to live until the time when
the people Of Russia return to their
allegiance, and to re-establish the Ro-
manor dynasty In Russia. either
through ourselves or our children. For
that reason we are living here with an
unseen guard provided by the English
government When you first met as
we lived in seclnslOn. because already
-four times my lie had been attempted.
There are stilI men pledged to de-
strOy us root and branch. Here they
will not succeed. We are surrounded
hy faithful guards. and our lives are
cOnsecrate. Not until the children rive
and flourish who shalt carry on oar
name will or my husband take The
slightest risk. The world may see
something Of US later For the present
We have only one thought"
Gerald stood among the wreck Of
his dreams. He seemed 10 be lisfeainR
to the thunder Of the sea. 10 be watch
ing the queer-shaped shaft II sunlight
which stretched across the floor. he
found speech almost Impossible. The
silence lasted so long. however. that
he was compelled TO break Il.
"Your hIghness' explanation lie com
pletef" he asked.
1T Is complete" she replied. ~You
will understand that yosg-shall I call
II admlrntionf-wa IL sense. an
offense to me. In Monte Carlo VIII
admit that through sheer WEAKNESS
was perhaps a little indiscreet. The
situation then seemed hopeless
II understand Gerald murmured.
"The grand duke. my husband. viii
wish to offer you some hospitality"
she said. touching a bell. BE 50 g0Od
as to await bis coming"
Prince Paul entered the room q mo
ment or two later. o touch OF sunburn
on his cheeks. erect and handsome
very different person from the broken
prisoner OF a few months ago de
advanced toward Gerald with cut
stretched hand.
at gives me great pleasure" he
said. ito welcome you In my very bad
English TO our home. You see.
reached England safely. Perhaps you
will give us the pleasure OF your COM
pany to dinner tonlghtT
Gerald shook his head.
Il have promised the owner OF the
car which hired" he said. 80 return
II TO him tonight l must, Ia fact, be
leaving Ut once"
A servant entered with tray bear
Ing wine and whisky. Paul served his
guest himself.
They tell me that this Is the most
hospitable country % the world he
observed, even In Russia we should
not let you depart without a toast.
You will wish rs those things for
which her hlghness and 7 i've"
Gerald bowed and raised his glass
60 his lips.
II shall drink to you and to your
country he said. "and to the good Of
both"
He set down his glass empty. Pan.
line smiled her gO0dby. but they
handed him over to the care Of serv-
ants with the air Of royalty. Gerald
drove through the opened gates. heard
the bars grind behind him. and. Iook-
ing around for a last view. was dImly
OF men who watched. Years
sfterward this strange visit. with all
It's trihing events. assumed It's proper
In his mind. That night.
however, he drove over the moors and
around the mountains absolutely With.
Dut any direct emotions. II was I'M.
possible to believe that his visit had
not been the Dhuntasy Of an after
loon's slumber.