Nebraska Newspapers

    E. & It. HERON.
ICopyrlght , ISM , by Coublcday & McClure
OoTipany. )
SIIIIIMN | | of 1'rviMMlliiK Clinptcrn.
> Iaasmi. a llltlo J2nrop in anchy In Uu-
K > j > p , uiilrh ims maintained Its Indepenu-
nco bco.iupo of the jealousies of the large
mirrounclliiR countries , seems about to be
pwnllowexl up Germany li rrpit-sented at
alovomle , the cnpltnl , by tiie slirexvil ntates-
man , Uaron von nimur riiiRiaml's Influ
ence IH Btronn n < l Major Counsellor's presence -
enco mo-ins murli. Hustla and Krance are
iikeo playlns the diplomatic Riime. At the
time tlio story opens John Ilalljwood , a.
younsr Knillsliman , who has served s > c\en
years In the Minsau frontier cnvary , Is
nbout to resign his commission , when Selp-
florf , the chancellor ami "man of the hour , "
fends for Wm and mnlccH nltn a Gentleman
of the Guard. Hallywood meets Valerlo
Bclpdorf , the chanr-cllor's dnuRhtpr The
ttontlemen of the Guard object to the ap
pointment of the KtiRl'Hhman tlnzlar , a
Sender and a suitor for \ alorlo'H hand , ar
ranges for the affair nf honor Involved ,
missus Ills 1iot , anil , with his rompanlons ,
la overcome by the manly bfiitlng of llally-
wood. The guests nt the p.ilace ba'l over
whelm the > oung llnBllsliniauith con-
rr tulatlonH. Counter Sigiin takes a gic.it
interest In Hollywood and Invites him to
Cnstlo Sngan with a party Von Klmur
J > Int < with Selt lorf In bnuilf ( it Octmiiny
to disband the guard. Sngan protests. The
nlploni.itlo gumo becomes nivolvcil.
\ CIliAI'Tnil IX.
Thp t'UNtli" of SilKiin.
The broadly flnwlns Kofn forms part of
ftho northeastern boundary of the state ot
Waasau. Its dark waters lush tumultu-
oURly from the gorge below the castle ol
Sngan and fling a vast Inclosing arm about
( the bleak plains anil marshes of which the
wastes of the frontier consist.
It Is n. land where even bummer dvvclla
toldly.
To the north a chain of hills rises black
against the sky and there , set upon a boldly
Jutting spur , the castle of Sagan dominates
the Inhospitable landscape like a frown upon
n sinister face.
The whole spur and the hill behind It arc
tough with ragged pine woods and below
the banks shelve to the river with a broken
scattering of deciduous trees that leave on
the cyo the chill Impression of leafless
branches tangled against a background of
gray and stony slopes.
Some two or three miles south of the
castle the river breaks across a step-llko
outcrop of rock and thus forms that famous
ford , across which the counts of Sagan used
In the old days to lead their foraging ex
peditions over the border.
Simon of Sagan , the present count , In
herited In an unmodified degree the moro
predatory and unclvlllrcil Instincts of his
forefathers. Illlteiatc , brutal and cunning ,
the thin veneer laid by the nineteenth cen
tury upon his coarse-grained nature was
npt to rub off on the very slightest friction ,
bringing the original savage to the surface.
Ho was at once the terror and the prldo
of the stolid , ellont peasantry that lived
under his rule. A fierce and fearless sports
man , his dependents delighted In boasting
of the prowess of a master whoso capricious
cruelties they Dover dreamed of relenting.
With Sagan , throughout life , to desire waste
to have , and In his pursuit of the wlshed-
tfor object ho was hampered by no uew-
tfanglcd sentiments of honor , truth or
loyalty. Llko other savages , ho quickly
tired of his fancies when once gratified.
( Not four years ago ho had been possessed
toy a frantic passion for the beautiful young
wlfo whom ho had now como to regard with
something dangerously near hate.
In dealing with such a temperament ns
ithls both Elmur and Selpdort were iwell
nvvaro that they iwero handling an explosive
that might at any moment wreck their
snost carefully laid plans. They would \ery
anuch have preferred to have made a tool
of the reigning duke , but Selpdorf , ivho had
Ibeon plying him for moro than a month
mlth a ceaseless and exhaustive course of
Innuendo , discouragement and veiled
temptation , was nt length convinced , hy the
tiuko's reply on the day of the review that
nothing further < \\aa to ho hoped for In
that direction.
For this reason the German party was
bbllgcd to fall back en Count Sagan. That
bo was untrammelcd by principle , and was ,
moreover , prepared to meet them half way ,
( rendered their schemes no whit safer. The
only hope of security lay in clinching the
( matter as quickly as it was possible to do
BO. Once the Gorman grasp had been fairly
laid upon the state , the nominal sovereign
Snlght struggle as ho liked ; ho could hurt
no ono but himself.
M. Solpdorf's chief contribution toward
Iho now plot which Tvas to bo carried out
nt the couot's own fortress , tbo castle of
Bagan consisted In Bonding an urgent letter
nfter his daughter , hogging her to fall In
With Von Elmur's -wishes.
Valerlo received the letter In Mme. do
Bagan'8 apartments. The countess lay on
n couch , reading a French novel and yawn-
Ing.
Ing."What
"What n devoted papa ! " she exclaimed ,
glancing up ,
Valorlo did not Immediately reply. She
was standing at the deep embayed window
that looked out toward the rlvor and the
apparently endless desolation beyond. She
only moved very slightly , thereby turning
bor back even moro completely upon her
companion. The girl had not lived so long
In nn atmosphere of diplomacy without
learning the wisdom of keeping her own
pounscl.
She hid for Homo tlmo bean aware of
( Duron von Elmur's admiration , but only of
late bad ho seemed anxious to make his
asplratlono manifest to the public a much
more significant fact. Tor the German was
In ono -v\ny a universal admirer ; ho made
qualified love to most of the good-looking
ladles about the court , and also , perhaps ,
moro pointedly to some -who wcro not so
good looking , thus gaining much prolU and
eorao pleasure , His high shouldered , portly ,
personable figure , his handsome face with
Ita close-sot , narrow eyes , rose before
[ Valerie's mental cyo. Her future hus-
\haodT How absurd ; how Impossible ! And
nho suddenly laughed a 80ft , throaty ripple
ol laughter ,
Isolde moved noiselessly , and coming behind -
hind Valerlo , caught her by the shoulders
end swung her half round ,
"What ore you laughing at ? " ehe asked
Over the girl's shoulder.
Valerie moved away gently from under the
( lender hands.
"Can you Imagine yourself In love with
Enron von Elmur ? " she asked ,
"W ro you laughing at that ? " inquired
Iho other , Incredulously ,
"Yes , " with another little laugh.
"Au ! the devoted papa has been writing
of Baron n Elmur ? " said the countcsa with
an arch smite. "Hut I can understand being
In love with Von Klmur ! Ho la difficult ,
Men no longer In their first youth are much
the most Interesting. The love of a voung
man la simple ; ho saya what he means , but
when ho grows older It Is not so. Uy that
tlmo he has gathered memories , enlighten
ment , experiences , nnd he begins by thinking
bo knows ono through 'and through. And
why ? Because.he knows other women and
them how Imperfectly ! As If wo > wcre not
B various as the colors In the old Sagaa
diadem ! Each woman Is made differently
and each reflects her own color. To teach
B man old enough to appreciate it this
little fact about ourselves Is , 1 assure you ,
never a dull amusement. "
Valerlo paused before she spoke.
"N'ow I know why you married , IsoMc ! "
"Ah , yes ! but I was too joung to realize
that Sagan Is a bear who cannot bo taught
to dance. I had just left school. I could not
choose , But you , Valeric , jou have a fortune
before you ! 1'oor Anthony , llko all other
} oung men , Is desperately in earnest ; ho
gives ono the blues. I know he already bores
you ; but Von Ulmur . Ah , that Is alto
gether another affair. "
Mine , do Sagan sank down beside a little
buhl table and tapped on It Impatiently with
her slight fingers. Against the light ot the
afternoon gfow she watched the outline ot
Valerie's cheek. Fop Mile. Selpdorf had re
turned to her contemplation of the land
scape. A curl of blue smoke from among
the trees on the nearer Lank of the Kofn held
her garo and suggested thoughts , which she
was taking up one by ono , as It were , nud
examining Hobuily enough.
Hollywood barf been stationed nt Kofn
Ford when first Isolde made his acquaint
ance. The girl recalled a description she
had heard of the tall > oung Englishman
galloping along the flat road to the rescue
of the pretty , terrified countess , whoso
Arab had been merely cantering along ,
capering now and again from sheer llght-
hcartcdncss and without malicious Intent ,
until Its timid ildcr chose to scream , -when
It reared and started with flying hoofs to
ward the marshes. Valeilo1 went on to
picture Ilallyvvood holding the/ trembling
woman on her saddle till her escort and
grooms overtook them , and at the plctuie
the glrl'a Up curled and quivered with
angry eccrn of a sudden she hated and
despised them both , but especially she
despised Hollywood for having succumbed
to Isolde's shallow beauty ! Thus It will
be seen that Mile. Selpdorf was Inclined to
underrate Mme. do Sasan's points. Isolde
was not only wonderfully pretty , but she
was endowed with n superficial cleverness ,
and Kindliness and tact , all of which ren
dered her irresistible to nine men out of
ten. A mere chameleon , Isolde almost al
ways believed in herself and her own
moods , therefore it was little -wonder that
the men whoso phases of humor she re
flected believed In her also , and moreover
thought her as adorable and as full of de
licious changes as Cleopatra.
Isolde had told the story of her adventure
to Valerlo , dwelling on the facts that the
hero detested absolutely detested all
other women , also that In physique ho fol
lowed tho. most appro\ed English pattern ,
and was an exceptionally good specimen at
that. Altogether Valerie had found the
description sufficiently attractive to Induce
her to pay Railywood that coquettish little
visit In the anteroom of the Hotel du Chan
cellor.
While these things passed through her
thought * her eyes were still fixed upon the
blue plume of smoke that rose and melted
over Kofn Ford , for Its position indicated
the whereabouts of the blockhouse used by
the frontier patrol , and hero Hollywood
had lived during the early part of his ac
quaintance with Isolde.
"What are you thinking of ? " Inquired
Mme. do Sagan suddenly ; then , as Valerie
made no Immediate answer , she added ,
"Shall I tell you , Valerie ? "
The other turned with the pink of sunset
lighting up her pale face.
"I don't Imagine you can guess , " she said ,
with a faint smile.
Mme. do Sagan's little trill of laughter
was not quito so childish and irresponsible
as usual.
"But I can. You were thinking of Rally-
wood. You think rather often of Railywood ,
my dear girl. "
The guess , BO near the truth , startled
Valerie , although she gave no sign. What
could : have suggested such an idea to Isolde ?
Instantly Valerie was on the defensive. Her
delicate nostrils quivered slightly and her
aand . larger and more capable hand than
Isolde's closed moro firmly upon her fath
er's letter , as she replied , with that firm
directness which -was BO surprising a trait
In her father's daughter :
"Yea , I was thinking of him and you.
The blockhouse where ho lived is down
there ; I can see the smoko. That reminded
mo of it all. By the way , Isolde , it seems
that some young men have a shade of In
terest about them. "
"This ono is rather unlike all the others , "
returned Mmo. do Sagan with gravity. "He
saved my life , and , -well , ho is different
from anybody else. Ho assumes nothing. "
It Is a fact worthy of consideration that
while a man rarely establishes a claim on
a voman by rendering her a service , a
woman always establishes a claim on a man
3y being rendered a service. Perhaps this
Is as It should be.
"No , " repeated Valerlo , thoughtfully , ' "ho
certainly assumes -nothing. "
"What do jou mean by that , Valerlo ? "
exclaimed Isoldo irritably. "You are In ono
of your Incomprehensible moods today.
What do you think of Railywood ? "
"I hardly know what to think yet. Very
likely I shall never como to any conclusion
about him. Ho Is not my affair , and -what
can ho moro uninteresting than a man who
lias saved some other woman's life ? " She
laughed. "You have recommended Von
Elmur to my notice I shall certainly spend
my tlmo to moro profit in studying him. "
A servant entered.
"Ills excellency , Baron von Dlmur , wishes
to wait upon your ladship , "
Elmur advanced bowing. After greeting
his hostess he turned to Valerie with a man
ner that was now In their Intercourse. JIo
dropped from the courtier to the man pure
and simple.
Kissing the girl's hand , ho said earnestly :
"I feared jou wer not to arrive until to
morrow , "
Mmo. do Sagan , who had raised her eye
brows and made a llttro grlmaco at Valerlo
behind the minister's back , here Interposed :
"I persuaded her to travel hero with me.
I hope , baron , you feel how greatly I have
befriended you ! " -
"You will flnd mo grateful , madamc. In
the meantime , I have been sent to warn you
that his highness has already arrived at tbo
foot of the bill , and to beg you to descend
to the great hall , -where the count is wait
ing to receive him. "
"Como , Valerlo , " said the countess , with
a little catch In her breath and an added
Heck of color In her soft cheeks ,
The great hall < was half filled with servants
nnd retainers , ranged according to the fashIon -
Ion , which has obtained at Sagan during the
memory of man , for the ceremonious recep
tion of the relgnlne duke. Half a dozen
huntsmen held in leash as many couples of
huge boarbouuds at one side of the hall ; on
the other servants , carrying gold trajs of
refreshments , stood In line. Above these ,
again , clustered the numerous guests who
had already arrived.
As the countess , looking very young and
fair and slender , walked down the center ,
Sagan , who had been draining a goblet of
wine , thrust the cup back upon the tray and
catching his wife's hand roughly , said , with
an audible oath :
"You're fate , "
She shrank buck , luppresbinc a cry , from
his angry grnp , rtut few had tlmo to notlca
the Incident , for the outer door clanged back
upon Its hingoi to admit the duke , who , shiv
ering In his furs , entered upon the arm of
Colendorp
Sagan advanced to meet him , but the duke ,
glancing round the hall with a shudder , cut
his formal greetings short.
"Sagan wears a moro gloomy and cut
throat air than ever , cousin , " ho nald
Irritably.
Sngan's response was Covered by the en-
franco of the suite , the whole party being
brought up by Halljnood and a couple of
troopers of the guard. Tnen Sagan , with a
scowling face , offered the duke the customary
cup of wine , and , comparative silence being
restored , the ducaf answer came peevishly
to all cars :
"Xo , my good Simon , your wine Is llko
yourself , rather too strong nnd a trifle rough
lor my taste. Let Brlot bo called. I have
brought my own drinking. "
So saj-lng , ho waved the attendants aside ,
and , approaching Isolde , ho raised her as she
curtsied deeply ,
"There Is 0110 point , mailamo , In which I
can never hope to rival my cousin of Sagan.
My wine may be moro palatable , but I could
"IF YOU WILL NOT ACCEPT THE SALU TE OF YOUR DUKE. MADEMOISELLE , MAY I ASK YOU TO WHAT YOU ASPIRE ? "
never find a wife moro beautiful or moro
wlso than his ! " ho said , with malicious gal
lantry.
Then , bending forward , ho kissed the
countess with empressment on both cheeks.
She trembled under the caress , though she
was hardly aware of It , for her eyes were on
her husband , whoso daily increasing dislike
for herself she could not understand , nnd
was only newly beginning to dread. Valerie ,
standing * immediately behind the countess ,
overheard and resented the details of the
scene. It was unbearable to see Isoldo help
lessly baited by Sagan and the duke each
man gratifying the spleen of the moment at
the expense of a woman , who was obliged
to submit to their discourtesy. Of all the
guests Mile. Selpdorf alone stood , erect , for
getting , in her Indignation , to Join in the
general obeisance. The grand duke , looking
up , found her flushed and flashing and super
latively handsome. His flabby cheeks
twitched and his bleared eyes brightened.
"illlo. Selpdorf , since you will not salute
me , I can at least claim the right ns your
duke to salute you. " ho said , stepping to
wards her.
Instantly Valerlo sank into an exag
gerated courtesy , thus adroitly avoiding the
duko's outstretched hand and ready lips.
His feeble legs failed , ho stumbled forward
and pitched Into the nrma of Elmur , who
set him upright with a gentle Bkillfulness
that ) almost cheated the eyes of the specta
tors ,
The duke , slightly shaken nnd exceed
ingly annoyed , turned upon tbo girl :
"Mademoiselle grows proud ! "
"Forgive me , sire , I did not dream that
you would stoop so low ! " rejoined the girl ,
with apparent humility.
"If you will not accept the salute of your
duke , mademoiselle , may I ask you to what
you neplro ? " ho added contemptuously.
Valeric was not of a meek spirit , and she
caw a way in which she might revenge
Isolde , ilttlo comprehending the far-reach
ing consequences ot her thoughtless words ,
"I asplro to bo maid of honor to the
grand duchess of Maasau , " she answered ,
with a glance toward the countess.
The duke glared round him Into the cir
cle of half-curious , half-terrified faces , for
this was a piercing homo thrust , Ills eye
dwelt for a moment upon Sagan , towering
tall and rugged and strong as ono of his
own native rocks , and bo recognized that
hiiT'cousIn , although ten yoare his senior as
ago Is counted , -was Infinitely j-ounger In his
unimpaired energies and rude health. Also
Duke Gustavo of Maasau was superstitious ,
and It struck him as an ill omen that tbo
representative of Selpdorf should have failed
him at tbo critical moment , and thus
flung lilm headlong into tbo arms of Ger
many ,
Out of all these crowding thoughts arose
not only -vivid fear , but a resolution , ot
which none at that time believed him to
bo capable. Ho grew whlto about the
mouth , his protruding lip twitched emi
nously.
"It Is not always lucky for even so young
and beautiful a woman uu jou are to count
on dead men's shoes , " bo eald in a , low ,
penetrating voice.
A happy inspiration came to Mine , do
Sagau. She took Valerie's hand in hen
and addressed the duUe with a quivering
smile" that uoinehow vouched for her earnest
ness at the moment.
"You mistake Valerlo , sire ; she and I both
doslro the some honor to attend your high-
ness' consort , If it would please jou to take
one. "
"It might pleato me , madame , but I doubt
It would please your husband little , " re
torted the duke , "
"I hoped your highness knew me better , "
protested Sngan , bulkily ,
" 1 do , my good Simon ; I know you much
belter" said the dukelaughing. . 'No ,
pray liad me to mj apaitmcnli Thp Jollr-
nty to Sagan fatigues In this weather and.
after nil , It would look better If 1 died at
homo in the palace at Rcvomlo. "
At n glance from Elmur , Sngan motioned
hU wife forward.
" 1 will lead jou to your apartments , Hire , "
she said , offering the duke her slender hand.
"I am sure that the air of Sagan Is as loyil
as ourselves , and will do for jou all that
wo should wish it to do. "
For answer thoduKo tliook his head feebly ,
and , calling Colendorp to his side , passed
up the long hall through a rustling silence.
Cll Vl'THIt V.
Ciniiil Simon of . ' nun 11.
Although hccretly dlsmaved ot Iho effect
produced by her rash championship of Mme.
dc Sagan , Valerie kept up n semblance ot
self-poBSfsslon Her clear coloilng faded
to extreme palJor , but her proud cjes showed
no sign of shrinking from the curious
glances cast upon her. She caught a trench ,
ant asldo from Sagan to Elmur :
"These cursed women will ruin us. "
And In answer to this even Klmur's flat
tery was mute. But Valerlo stood haughty
and erect , watching the duko's suite file up
the hall , Rallywood , as before , bringing up
the rear.
As ho _ came in line with her ho turned
his head , and their glances , met.
That look , which bho alwnjs recalled as
distinctly his , was wiped from the young
man's gray eyes ; they fell upon her stern ,
alienated , almost inimical. The change
struck her llko a blow. But before she
could fling back her silent defiance at him
ho was gone , -without a second glance , or
seeking In any manner to eoftcn the insolent
rebuke ho had dared to convey.
She resolved to go to her own rooms and
make Instant arrangements for a return to
Rovondo. Her heart was hot in her. ns ,
looking around , she found herself standing
alone. Elmur , apparently forgetful of the
deep personal devotion ho had so lately
manifested , was conversing with a group of
Maasaun nobles , his back turned conveniently
toward her. Sagan had disappeared and
not one of those whom she knew so well
and 'who ton minutes ago would have felt
honored toy seeking her , but now seemed
too deeply engaged to notice that she stood
alone.
A moment later Counsellor approached
her She bid known him slightly for n
Inng time , but she now for the first tlmn
fully met the shrewd kindly ejcs under
their shacgv brows. Instantly she liked
him and to her own surprise found hemelf
talking of the Indiscretion of which she
had been guilty and of her wish to return
to Hevonde In Consequence.
"Mademoiselle , are jou n loj-al Maasaun ? "
asked Counsellor , gravely.
Valerie's soft dark ejes gnzcd steadily
back Into bis
" 1 am loval , " she replied , In an earnest
underbreath.
"Then stav In Sngan. If your words
carried so long a tag of meaning to others
you can nee that tMnnsnii may have need of
all her lojal children soon. "
"Whom can wo trust ? " she asked sud
denly , almost In a whisper , for Elmur , seeing
her in conversation with Counsellor , now-
approached with a ceremonious air.
Counsellor smiled s ho stood squarely
beside her
"Choose ! " ho said briefly.
"Choose what ? " asked Elmur In his mosl
deferential manner. Mademoiselle's cholco
In the most trivial matters Is of Im
portance. "
Valerlo smiled. Not a trace ot disturb
ance was perceptible in her manner and
Elmur , noting It , came to the final con
clusion that this girl was not only extraor
dinarily handsome , but also exceptionally
capable. Having made so grievous a mis
take , and taken the punishment of It , she
was still mistress or herself. It was a
gallant spirit and well worth capturing.
"Major Counsellor has asked mo to choose
flowers for the ball tonight. I cheese roses.
I think it Is. very nice of me , Major Coun
seller , for 13 not the rose the emblem of
England ? " said the girl , with a coquettish
smile at the older man.
Elmur's face clouded. This interfering
old fellow had the power of making friends ,
which means the power of being a dangerous
eneriiy.
"I had hoped , " ho said aloud , "to have
the pleasure of begging mademoiselle to
accept my flowers. "
"You are too late , baron ; tout perhaps you
will escort mo to the west tower , -where I
daresay Mme. do Sagan Is already waiting
for me. "
Counsellor looked after the tall , graceful
flguro of the girl as she ascended the stair
case with Elmur at her side. Ho could BCO
( oho wnn dtlll laughing nnd talking to hoi
i companion but her rrotly parry of the Ocr
man's question , Including a rlfir reply tc
his own , showed him that the ehanrellor's
UlaliRhtcr was much more than a mere willful
girl.
"John Rnllywooil , " he grunted , as he
turned awaj , "Is after nil not so great nn
ass as he thinks himself. "
An attendant Intercepted the German be
fore ho regained the hall , after leaving
Valerie with Mine , dp Sagan.
"My lord drslres to spenk to jour excel-
1 leney , " ho enld.
I Elmur frowned He wished to allow Count
Simon tlmo to tool before meeting him , but
I this summons was Imperative , nnd. besides.
! ho knew the danger of foiling to provide n
{ safety-valve In the shnpo of a listener , be
fore whom the count could blow off the first
ebullitions of rage over Mile. Selpdorf s
untoward speech. If pent up within his
own breast , there was no knowing In how
dUnstrous a manner Sagan's Ill-humor might
explode. Defeat meant much to Elnutr ; hU
reputation was at stake Other men had
undertaken this same mission to bring about
the annexation to the fatherland ot this
troublesome Httle state ; they had failed ,
therefore Elmur had pledged himself tu
succeed.
Klmur stood with his back against n
massive carved bookshelf nnd looked nt Hn-
gan , who , with n cigar butt burled In his
lagged bcnrd , was walking , with long , un
certain stens up and doun the floor. The
tlgcri In the old man was awake.
"Act I , Scene I , " bald Elmur nt last and
with a smile.
Sagnn stopped short and turned a blood
shot sidelong glaio upon him , his daik old
lingers wet King convulsively.
"By heaven ! It Is going to bo a tragedy' ' "
ho shouted , amid burst Into a whiilwlnd of
hideous curses , coupled with the nnnics of
Vnlcrlo and his wlfo.
The German picked out a comfni table chair
and seated himself , .crossing . his legs with a
manifest Intention of patience. There was
n horrlblo cnclgy In the old man's attitudes.
His long smouldering ambition , nursed and
fed of late , had now flamed Into a regnant
passion , and the. cooler , moro wary , unscrupulousness -
pulousness of the jotmger man looked with
repugnancc\ \ upon the blind furj of the duke
that was to be.
In no gicat space of time the sight ot that
Irapasjlve , high-shouldered figure , sitting
calmly by , Imposed a growing tcnso of re
straint upon the count.
"What do you think of our chances now
that Gustavo's suspicions have been set on
the alert ? " ho asked at last , coming to a
stop in front of Elmur. "That foot of a wlfo
of mine has blabbed to Selpdorf's daughter ,
and she In her turn blabs all bctoro the
world. "
'Elmur sat still nnd dumb. His face en
raged Sagan once more.
"But 1 am master In Sagnn. The girl
must bo got rid of ! There are a hundred
dangers In our mountalnn and marshes. Do
jou not understand ? "
'Baro'ion ' Elmur stood up. IIo bore his
meet dignified air , and there -was some
thing in his TV hole aspect that irado the
count pause.
"In the llrst place , her death under the
circumstances would look strange. In the
second , T\O have nothing to gain from 11 , "
he Raid.
Sigan's red eyes twinkled cunningly.
"Hear my plan. I am not so squeamish
as you thin-blooded moderns , or at least as
jou pretend to be ! " Ho placed his finger
on the minister's breast , and drew back a
little , the toetter to enjoy the approbation
ho expected to read in the other's face. "Wo
will say that the girl fell Jll , and I , in my
anxietj' , sent Mme. Sagan my own Tvlfe ,
mark you to accompany her to Rcvoude.
It tooth should happen to bo Killed by an
accident we should bo TV oil rid of them and
what could the world say ? "
Elmur drew away from the Inslstlve finger
with an unmistakable movement. Ho bowed
stiffly and moved toward the door.
"I do not know what the woild might do
or say , tout I can answer for Ludwlg von El
mur. iMy master does not deal In murder ,
my lord , so I beg your leave to withdraw. "
"What ? sneered the other , "ho does not
deal In murder ? Rather , you would say ,
ho prefers to deal in murder wholesale !
What of your -wars and annexations ? What
of the Germans In West ( Africa ? Take care ,
Klmur , that jou are not acting over hastilj- .
For my part , I don't 'believe ' that a life or so
would "weigh too heavy In the balance as
against a province , even in your master's
judgment. I take my world as I find It , my
good baron ! "
"Pardon me , my lord , you take the world
as jour ancestors found It ! You may bo
all your fathers -were , tout however time
goes at Sagnn , the rest of the world has not
stood still since the middle ages. And the
world is on my side today. Besides , " ho
added moro huavolj' , "wo should gain noth
ing. Wo should alienate Selpdorf , who Is
useful , and who knows too much. As for
the duke , after such an affair , he could never
bo cased of bis suspicions. "
"I don't ask to ease him. I mean to cure
him , " retorted Sagan , meaningly.
"I nm certain. Mme. do Sagan has been
silent. The speech of Mile. Selpdorf was
the Indignant outburst of a girl who thought
her frlrml dlscourtcoinly treated"
"Diseourtfoixly tronton' IsoMo rudely
treated' Uy whom * "
rorgho mo once more , my lord ; but , In
the llmt place , bv > oursrlf"
SnR.ui laughed aloud , his Ill-temper TW
Ishlng bpforo Iho humor of the notion lhat
an > ono could take exception to n man's
rudeness toward his own vita.
Tocti1 llio Rlrl is n bigger Idiot than 1
thought her. lx > t us hope who'll never meet
with worse at the hands ot her own hus
band. "
" 1 Join lu the hope , my lord , since I am
to bo that incut fortunate man ! " U was
not the most felicitous moment , bill Klmur
WIH awnro that In no oltior way could ho
assure Valeria's wifely tigalnst the tioach-
cry of his collciiguo ,
SiRnn foil back n step.
"So the wind blows from that quarter ?
Take heed , baron , Selpdorf it * a slippery
fish. "
"Hut by this arrangement wo land him
finally. "
"It may ho so" Sagnn tugged broodlngly
nt his beard , after n pause adding : "Well ,
well , the girl Is t.afo . enough for me , If you
can answer for her , Como Kick nnd sit
down. Wo must act while Oustnvo Is here.
Once wo BOZIIIa the guard , wo can force him
to do as wo please. First n compromise ,
then abdication , thru " ho brought his hand
down lic.-ully upon the tnblo and eat staring
bcfoio him ut \islon of n itrcnni fulfilled
u vision of Duke Simon of Maasau.
Klmnr's lip curled as ho watched the man ,
who , for the tlmo being , -was obll\lous of all
but thr icnll/atlon ot his own ambition.
Ouko Simon n name , but ne r a living
powci only a Herman puppet , pulled hither
and thither at will by the conUoillng hand.
"What are jour plans , my lord ? " ho asked
aloud.
The count ht.irtcd nnd i.ilsctl his head.
"Wo ha\o three ot the guard here Unzlar ,
Hullwood , Colendorp. You know that as
noon UH wo ha\c iniida Btiro of their officers
the men will follow of thcniseho3 , Now
iizlar is no b.ilnt "
"Hut ho lights the bettor because ho Is a
sinner. "
"Mo Is not to ho tempted , then. Hut h
Is Jn lo\c with Mllo. Solpdorf with your
luturo wife , and bho must blind him. A
man In lo\o Is easily blinded. "
"And Hullynood ? " asked Klmur.
"Wo don't want lUllywooxl , " rejoined
Saganlth an odd glance at Kliuur. "I
can nianngo him It you will leave him to
me. "
Klmur smiled.
"I conclude Hallyw-ood Is capable ot tak
ing c.no of himself. "
The count grinned.
"Exactly what I bclleve < l you would think.
Thole icmalns only Colendorp. Hut Colen
dorp is the man wo must lia\c all will de
pend on Colendorp. "
"Do jou suppose ho will bend ? "
"If not ho must break ! Hut , no ; I know
him well1 I h.uo chosen him because he
touchca no woman ! ilen who don't love
women love money , nnd men who do "
"Ixjvo both , " said Klmur , quietly.
"Tomorrow night Colondorp shall lie here
with inc. You also ivlll bo present. Colon-
dorp Is a poor man as men go In the guard
nil wo must approach him softly and by
degrees , " said Sagan.
Klmur concealed a. smile. A course of
softness and caution seemed Impossible in
connection mlth the headstrong- man who
counseled. It.
Sagan , loft alone , stood engrossed In
thought. The wild beast Instinct In him
ga\o him intuition of danger. Klmur was
playing Germany's game , but elnco his aim
was the count's own , it was impossible nt
this stage to Ulscntanglo the precise cause
ot suspicion.
( To bo Continued. )
America makes the finest brand of cham
pagne. Cook's Imperial Extra Dry. It la
delicious , fruity and pure.
FVX AT A CAIlPKNTEIt'S.
A FCTT Punn Madeof the Tool * In
Idle Moiuoiiin.
The carpenter had put down his tools and
gene for his luncheon , relates the Pittsbury
Dispatch.
"Ltfo with mo Is a perfect bore , " said ths
Auger.
"I'm a little board myself , " Bald Uia
Small Plank.
"There's no art In this country , " observed
the Screw-driver. "Everything's screwed
In my eyes. "
"You don't stick nt anything- long enough
to know Just what jou'ro driving nt , " inter
jected the Glue.
"That's Just it , " said the Screw. "H
never goes beneath the surface the way the
Jack Piano and I do. "
"Tut ! " crle < l the Saw. "I go through
things Jimt as much as you do. Life's
stuffed -with sawdust. "
"Regular grind , " said the Grindstone.
"I ngrco with you , " observed the Bench.
"It doesn't make any difference how well
I do my work. I'm always bat on. "
"Let's strike , " said the hammer.
"That's It , " cried the Auger. "You hit
tbo nail on the head that time. "
"I'Jl lilt it again , " retorted the Hammer ;
and ho kept his word , but ho hit the wrong
nail. That Is why the carpenter now -wenm
his thumb In a bandage. It was his thumb
nail the Hammer struck.
c cJi ( J < t > < < iJ c c ! < Sc & < c *
| Constipation
P Caused by over-work ! Over-eating ! Over-drinking ! No part of the human body receives more ill treatment
v than the bowels. Load after load is imposed until the intestines become clogged , refuse to act , worn out. Then
you must assist nature. Do it , and see how easily you will be cured by CASCARETS Candy Cathartic. Not a
% mass of violent mercurial and mineral poison , but a pure vegetable compound that acts directly upon the diseased
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pleasant to eat , easy and delightful in action. Don't accept a substitute for CASCARETS.
i
tend I'll bring n surgeon. ' > ewelcr'B Weekly. " huVk
nd "I bnvo cone 14 duyt at time without m1-
uoYtinent ot tke bowel. . Chronic constipation na .
on
6 tion ( or eveii ; * art placoil roe In Hill turrlblo
> In- condition ! 1 did eYomiilng 1 lieard of but never . chap
found anyrelUf until I UezantulnKCABOAIIKTB.
led 1 now have tram one to turen panaues a dar. nnd car
If I wa § rich I would give fUXlU ) tot ? ch move- Th.
menti ltl ucharellefAriMiiiI , HUNT ,
1 9 ttueaell Ht. . Detroit , Mich.
Mor Information.
Tommy P -1iat do * " uut - ten
s
ANNUAL SALES , 5.OOO.OOO BOXES.
THIS IS tOc.
t'r * . 25c. SOc.
THE TABLET DRUGGISTS \
\ compound. No mercurial or other mineral plll-poUon in Catcarets , Ca caret promptly , eHectively and permanently -Ji
CASCARETS re absolutely harrales * . a purely Tegetablo
everydffoTder the . and form of f Regularity of the bowel. , Includlnj aUrrhaaanddy.enUry.
of Stoma h , U r and Jnte.tine , . They not only cure con.tipation , but correct any every
cure . CL
, .
P W " t MS.itentV Mte idoeood. Never elcken , weaken or trip * . Be .ure you get the eenulne I Beware of imitation and euUtltue. I Buy box of CASCARKTfl
to-da" Vd il mt"imd , ta every respect , get your money back I Write a , for booklet and free .ample I Addre. . 6TBRUH0 REMEDY COMPAWT , CHICAGO or NEW TORK.
l tZ t &S Z Q t& Z Z S