Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1939-06-16

resser. / have marked you down for
India, Matresser. That is where l
think you might continue to serve
your country without dropping into
the backwaters. ! shall not detain
you longer. I must place myself in
the hands of my hostess. I only wish
ed to meet you for few moments in
private, Lord Matresser, to express to
you my thanks for what you have
done and my earnest hope that you
will continue to serve the Empire
Shall we find Lady Tring?"
They walked side by side to the
door which the aides-de-camp had
been guarding. The King held out
his hand.
eff we do not meet again this e.
vening," he said, 81 hope you will
think over what I have said"
Matresser bowed, making suitable
reply, and it was as he once more
drew himself erect that the moment
(for which he had been secretly hop
ing) arrived. He looked straight into
the eyes of Elisabeth, who, with her
hand upon her uncle's arm, had come
to a standstill only yard or so away.
Matresser now was free to follow
his own impulses. He took single
step forward and bowed.
81 am glad to meet you, Baron
ess," he said. "Will you be so kind
as to introduce me to your uncle? I
do not remember that we have met
formally?"
Stamier held out his hand. "My
niece's introduction is scarcely neces-
sary. It is perhaps fortunate, as she
seems to have lost her tongue" he
observed smiling. 81 am very happy
to meet you, Lord Matresser. If I
say no more, I am convinced that you
understand"
Matresser shook hands as Elisa
beth, with a musical little laugh, re-
covered herself, while the Baron made
an eager sign to tall, very much be-
ribboned diplomat who was looking
wistfully in their direction.
"Could presume so far as to leave
my niece for few minutes in your
charge, Lord Matresser?" he begged.
"You will excuse me, Elisabeth? Our
friend there has something, I know,
to say to me-"
Neither felt inclined for platitudes
Their silence however, was quite. e.
nough for Stanlier who hurried away
as they walked in the direction OF
some palms and seated themselves
upon small settee.
$50 you are willing to converse
she asked smiling, with murderess
and spy?"
II have met both in my life," he as
sured her. She looked at his medals
and he laughed.
"No, there are no important deco
rations yet" he admitted, "but then
I am only clumsy amateur"
Sand I am not spy at ALL" she
declared.
Il have never accused YOU"
Nevertheless" she reproached him,
"you refused to take me away with
you from that little nest of intrigue
at Matresser.'
81 knew quite WE'LL" he replied,
"that you were not in the slightest
danger. I myself was under govern
ment orders, It was impossible for
me to take you away or to let you
know where I was going"
Government ORDERS" she repeated.
81 do not understand"
Nevertheless, I am telling you the
TRUTH" he assured her. "That plane
was sent to take me to a rendezvous
in the Metzger Mountains. The shoot
ing was only an excuse"
Elisabeth looked at him in aston
ishment. She was more agitated than
he had ever seen her. She clutched
his hand.
"You must explain she insisted.
II cannot bear any more mystery"
"Ask me anything you WILL" he re-
piled.
II know, of course, that you are an
English nobleman," she said, "but will
you please tell me why you were
singled out for special audience a
lone-you came out from that retiring
room with the King-and you were
treated on all sides with extraordi-
nary consideration What have you
done in life to have earned all that ?"
"Shot high pheasants with precis-
ion at Sandringham," he replied with