THE OMAITA DATLT BEE : STNDAY , AUGUST 6 , 18J10. modern mercenary.if if BY E. & II. HERON- ( Copyright , 1WD. Iouhlc < lny & McCliiro Co. ) SjimiM | ut I'rd'pilltiir Olmplrra. Mnamiu , n. lltllo dually In Kuropp , which hnn tnalnlnlnpd Its Independence because of thn JcnlotlilcK of the large surrounding rountrlc-s , sccmH nbont to be swallowed up. Onrmnny Is represented nt Upvonde , the rnpltol , by the Mirowd statrsman , liaron von Klmtir. Knglnmri Inlluerire Is Htrong nnd Mnlor C'oiiiiicllor'H presence means murh. Franco nnd Ilu wln are nNo playing . thii diplomatic RMHIP. At thp time the Mory opens John Hallywood , a young Englishj j man , who hns nerved seven years In tno Mn.wnu front IT cavalry , IH about to resign . Ms commission , when Solpdorf , the chnn- | cpllor nnd "mnn of the hour,1' sends for , him nnd makes him n Gentleman of the Guard , tlallywood meets Valerie Selpdorf , the olKinroltor'H daughter. The OPiitlemen of the Ouard objeet to the appointment of thn Kngllxhmmi , Unzlar , a lender nnd a suitor for Valerie's h.ind. arranges for tno affair of honor Involved , mlwps his shot , nnd , with his companions , Is overcome by the manly bearing of Ilallywood. The guests tit the palace hall overwhelm the young Englishman with congratulations , Counter Sngan takes a great Interest in ItAllywood and Invltra him to Castle Sngan with a party. Von Klmur plots with Selp- dorf In behalf of Oermany to disband the Ouard. At the oastle Valerie offends the duke. Sagan , fearlnc that the % vomcn will npoll the plot , wishes to cause the death of Valerlo and his wife. Von Elmur will not consent because he wishes to marry Valerie , and still believes ho can carry out Ms plan with Selpdorf. Meantime , the Guards , Unzlar , Collendorp and Hollywood , miiMt ho disposed of. Von Klmur , Unzlar nnd Hallywood woo Valerie. Countrss Sngnn foresees the danger of the young Kngllhhmnn and warns h < m. Collendorp rc- fu e < to bo n traitor to ho Uuko and Is murdered by i'agan in the presence of Von Klmur. CHAI'Tttll XVII. Irlnr. Th duke retired to hln room at an early hour under the plea of weariness. He wan , ns a matter of fact , worn out by the flood of fears nndnxletlcs that Valerie's one recklcws sentence had let loose upon him. So long wais It since he had placed these weightier matters of diplomacy and govern ment In other hamla that the renewed eonse of responsibility nnd the Imminent need for action Eccmod to bo crushing In his brain. Hut the Instinct of solf-presorvatlon , backed by the ono kingly attrlbuto left him love of hlu country strengthened him to at tempt n final effort to , combat the overpow ering odds which ho felt rather than know to bo against bin ? Tossed and iharrled by a hundred terri fying though IB , the eelf-enfecblcd creature broke at length Into that dreadful crying , the scanty , painful tears , the aching sobs , which Is tbo weeping of ago or of an ex hausted constitution. When the paroxysm was over ho lay back in hia bed. absolutely drained of strength andpf all power to think longer. Whether ho dozed or not he scarcely Know , but after an Interval ho seemed to awake nrs If from Bleep , with bis thoughts once more under control. Unzlar nnd Hollywood , with two troopers , watched In the guardroom , through which lay the only approach to his sleeping cham ber. Unzlar , could Unzlar bo trusted ? Ho had heard something of Unzlar and that handsome vixen of Selpdorf's. Then Collen dorp ah , there was no doubt there ! Dark and resentful , his poverty and his prldo were the bywordn of the barracks ; ho , what ever the temptation , would never fall from honor. There remained Tlallywood. He , too , was to bo depended upon , the duke decided quickly , though for no special reason but that ho had taken some vague fancy to the Englishman's bronzed race and swinging stride. Yet Simon was powerful and un scrupulous ; how could this handful of men oppose him ? Ho sprang up In his bed as the door opened and a man stood on the threshold. "Sire , there Is treason ! Collondorp has boon murdered. " "Is It you , Unzlar ? " The duke's voice came strangely from his pillows. "Send for the whole escort of the cuard from their quarters. " "Impossible , slro ! The corridors are held by Count Sngan's men. Mlle Selpdorf has brought the news. " "What ! You told mo not two hours ago she wns engaged to Von Elmur. She Is the price of Solpdorf's treason. " Unzlar stepped nearer. "Mile. Selpdorf has already risked her life to warn us that wo are In danger. I'd utako my soul she Is loyal. " "Good , Indeed , Anthony ! I'd sooner have your honor than your soul. But so , In the name of the Virgin , and slnco the corridors are closed to the men or my guard , send the girl for 'Major ' Counsellor. 6ho can but die ! " Unzlar saluted and hurried back to the nnteroom where Valeric and Ilallywood were waiting. In spite of l-ls personal horror at the thought of her danger , he was well aware that only by Valerie's aid could they hope to roach Counsellor. Valerlo listened to the duke's order , then , wrapping the lace as before about her head , turned to Ilallywood. lie accompanied her through the guard room nnd some little way along "tho " passage. It seemed as If he could not let her go forth on this perilous en terprise. "Kor God's sake , take care of yourself ! " ho said. "If anything were to happen to you ! " The prolonged excitement of events , the frciisn of responsibility and danger , the ex altation of such u moment must have ro- nctcd on Valerlo. Whether prompted by eomo .Instinct of coquetry , or betrayed Into ft touch of real feeling , or perhaps moved by the knowledge that death stood close bcsldo them both , ulio drew her hand from his rm nnd raising her face asked in her soft volco : "Do you remember what you said to ma once on the night of the palnco ball ? " Ho eaw the deep eyes upturned to his , though their meaning Jn that dim place ho could not bo euro of , hut a rush of quick memories catno over him , "Yes. " She gave a llttlo excited laugh. "Then expect mo ! " she said , and she waa gone. gone.When When Valerlo returned to Mmo. de Sngim , half an hour later , she was still white and breathless , Isolde , In a fever of Impatient terror , raught her by the arm. Kodol Dyspepsia Cure Digests what you eat. 11 artllkitilly digests the food and aids Nature In strengthening and recon structing the exhausted digestive or * guns. It is the latest discovered digest- ant and tonic. Wo other preparation can approach it in efficiency. It in- * iaiuience , hour stomacn , .Nausea , SickneadacheGastralgiaCranipsand all other resultsof Iruperfectdlgestlon. ' oar d by . C. DeWItt ACo. . Cblcaoo. [ "Where is he ? When is ho coming ? Valerie " Valerie made a supreme effort to control herself. "Ho Is on guard. " "Yes , I know. I know ! But he Is com ing ? " "It Impossible ! Ho could not leave his highness. Isolde , you would not wish U ! " "What does anything matter unless It's found out ? " cried Isolde , giving In her ad herence to a common creed. "Did you glvo him all my message ? Did you make him understand ? Then , when all efso failed , you asked him for the cigarette case ? That would remind him " Mme. de Began spoke In growing agitation. Valerie looked into her wild eyes' . "I forgot that , " she admitted. Isoldo shook the arm she heM. "You have killed him ! Valerlo , you have been jealous of me , and by your jealousy you have killed him ! Had you spoken as I told you ho would be. hero now and eafe ! As it is he Is lost ! " she flung herself down among the cushions. Her slender bands were clenched , her turquoise eyes stared 'Wide and 'blind ' from her whlto face. She seemed to hofd her breath , as If waiting for the Inevitable blow to fall. Valerie , greatly moved , knelt down beside her. "What does it matter if iwc die tonight or a month hence ? " Isolde spoke in a low volco ; her heart had unconsciously been gathering up bitterness against Valerlo , and she had no longer the strength to conceal it under this unbearable strain. "Valerie , you have stooped to meanness you who have so scorned meanness In others. You know long ago what Uallywood's love waste to me. Amongst all who pretend to love me there Is not one like him , not ono ! Ho would bo always kind and true. I think these are English qualities , for In another way there is Major Counsellor " the weary volco broke off here as if too tired for more. It was well Counsellor never heard that llttlo expression of opinion concerning him self ; it might have proved the thorn in a somewhat callous diplomatic memory. "You have betrayed mo ! You ! " eho repeated - peated , with a bitter laugh ; then , springing up , fiho ran toward the epot where her sables lay heaped upon the floor , just as Valorlo bad dropped thorn from her shoulders. "It may bo too late , but I can go myself. I will save him if I can ! " Valerlo wrapped the cloak around her. "Isolde , I will go with you. " "You ! " Isolde turned with a startling look of dlsllko and suspicion. "No , I hate you and I choose to go nlone ! " Valerlo drew back and Mme. de Sagan passed by her and flung wide the door. As she did BO a confused noise could be heard nnd the two women stood listening whllo a distant hubbub of voices rose louder , then a plutol shot followed by others echoed down the passages. "Ho Is dead ! By your fault ! " Isoldo turned upon Valerie with a wild gesture , as if Eho would have struck her. Valerlo drew back. "If you really loved him , Isolde , you would rather ho was there with hie honor than bore without It , " she uald. CIIAI'TKH XVIII. Tlip Snoril of Unxlnr. The castle of Sagan may bo roughly di vided into three Irregular parts. The man- nive old keep dominates all , standing high and kick against the skyline ; then the va ried cluster of buildings Immediately around Us foot contain the principal reception ami living rooms and lowest of all tbo court yards , kitchen , stnblea nnd offices. To the right of the keep a wing , curved like the fluke of an anchor , elopes down to a lower level. This portion U fairly modern and arranged for the housing of guests , The countess" own apartments were situated at the junction of this wing with the mulu building , whllo the quarters assigned by an cient custom to the USD of the reigning duke during his visits to Sagan occupies the whole upper floor of an old and bulky an nex that juta out from the base of the Kcup. The passage leading to this uanox branched from the head of the grand stair case. Upon the landing rows of heavily armed men were gathering noiselessly. As Elmur and Sagan etood together waitIng - Ing at the mouth of the duke's corridor the count turned to his companion. "Have you proposals ready to lay before bis hlghnws7' he demanded , | "In form , " returned Klmur , touching hlb pocket. I "That U well , ( or you are about to pre 1 sent them. The duke lies practically in my power at this moment , " Count Simon continued grimly. "Gustavo Is a coward. The way to his presence lies open and I think you will agree with mo that his high ness of Maasau will consent to moat things rather than look the fear of death In the eyes ! " "There muat be no violence , " Elmur be gan."That shall be exactly as I choose , " Sagan swore with an oath. "IJy the good God we can't afford scruples tonight ! " After a short Interval ho went on. "Onco wo have Gustavo's .word , we nro safe , lie Is too proud to onn that he gave it unwilling ! } ' . Besides , so long ns wo win forward."U your conscience so ticklish , baron ? " "Politics have their exigencies nnd nro Inevitably rigorous , my lord. " answered Elmur slowly. "To bo successful means absolution. In the political courts where our actions will bo judged they make no provision for failure. Success Is recognized and mercifully considered , whllo failure , my lord , not bring in any sense politic , falls to the level of ordinary crlmo and Is Judged by the standard applied to ordinary crime. Thus you .will sec that I risk as much In my place as you risk In yours. " Perhaps this was os near an approach < to a threat ae had over been uttered In the cars of the fierce f.ld count With a violent movement ho stepped forward. "U Is quite Impossible , my lord , " repeated Ilallywood without moving. "You force me to extreme measures. " cried Pagan. "Ilcmovo this mnn , " ho ordered , "ns quietly as may bo. Wo must not afarm his highness. " There waft a clatter of arms as Sagan'a followers advanced. The foremost of them ran In upon Ilallywood , the swords met , Kaltywood's sleeve wns ripped from wrist to elbow , but his sword blade passed through his opponent's shoulder. The mnn sank down into a sitting posture , coughing oddly ; his head dropped forward. ' 'Shoot them down ! " shouted Sngnn , but the words were still on his lips when thp door behind John Rnllywood slowly opened and a figure stood bosldo him. Its appearance checked the rising struggle , for the flguro was that of the grand duke of Maasau. Ho was wrapped In his hooded robe of green velvet , and the five points of the golden star of Maasau blazed upon his breast. "Cousin , I would speak with you , but these fools stopped me , " exclaimed Sagan. The duke turned bis shadowed face and spoke to Ilallywood in n low voice. "Ills highness begs you , my lord , to with draw your men , " said Ilallywood aloud , Sagan , scowling , ordered his men to the further end of the long room. Meantime Ilallywood , with evident unwillingness , I pulled away a portion of the barricade. Through this the duke advanced with n "SHOOT THEM DOWN ! " SHOUTED SAG AN. "There Is no hindrance In our path that cannot be cut through with a sword , and , by my soul , ifwe find one I will cut It ! " Then , looking around , he gave the word to advance , and entered the darkness of the corridor. A 'turn ( brought them in sight of Un- zlar's tall flguro , standing- sword in hand on the lowest stop of the flight that led up to the embrasure covering the door leadIng - Ing tp the royal apartments. Count Simon pushed Elmur ahead of him while he fell book to whisper a few words to the man immediately behind ; then ho took precedence once more. "I request an audience of hs ( highness , Lieutenant Unzlar. " ho said. "Pontalnly , my lord , if you -will give me the password of the nlcht , " replied Unzlar courteously. Sagnn's answer was the countersign he had given to his own following In the oAstlo. Unzlar shook his head. "You cannot pass , my lord. " "Wtat not see my guest and cousin in my own house ? " "HIa highness gave orders that none should be 'allowed to enter .without . giving the countersign chosen by himself. " Sagan considered a moment or two. "True , I had forcotten. Como hero , Unzlar ; your trooper there has long care ; I must apeak with you. Stand back , men ! " ho said rouchly. "Baron von Elmur , pray remain , and you. Hern , " addressing the man behind. Unzlar still stood uoon the step. "Come hero ! I tell you , man , I must see the duke tonight at once , " continued Sagan , approaching Unzlar. "What the dovll are you afraid of ? " Unzlar stepped down ns the count pulled him confidentially nearer to himself nnd toward the narrow entry. But whllo the count whispered a hand sud denly darted over his shoulder and seized Unzlar by the throat , at the same moment when a well directed kick from Sagan , de livered cunningly behind the knees , brought the young man to the ground. Ho lunged nt Sagan as ho fell with his sword , then It was knocked from his hand ns his assail ants swarmed over him , but not before he had fired his revolver Into Horn's body. The man fell across him , but Unzlar , again swinging clear , rose on his elbow and sent A second shot Into the fnco nearest him. Meantime the trooper at the door was mak ing n gallant fight , but the odds wore too great. The struggle was eoon over , the trooper's dead body flung aside , and Unzlar , frantic and helpless , was tied hand and foot nnd reft upon the bloody flooring of the outer pasago while the count's people ple forced the door. This was a matter of some difficulty , but it was presently accomplished. Tbo besieg ing party pushed through'into the guard room , which seemed brilliantly lit In com parison with the gloom outside. Most of the furnltue and the screen had been utilized by Ilallywood to moke a barri cade in front of tbo duke's ante-room , A slnglo trooper with his musket leveled knelt behind It. Sagun , who held a handkerchief to bis cheek , spoke loudly. "Do you see who I am ? Cfear the way ! " At this Ilallywood stepped into view from behind the screen. "Tbo man acts under orders from his high ness , my lord , " be said. Sagaii stared at Ilallywood with haughty scorn. "It la of the utmost Importance that I nhould see his highness at once. Inform his highness that I urgently beg to bo granted en interview. " "With pleasure , my lord , " returned Ilally wood formally , "If you will bo good enough to give me the password , without which it is quite impossible for any one to have on audience tonight. Our orders were very dis tinct on that point. " ' 'Ills highness could not foresee that I" the count dwelt upon the pronoun Imperi ously "should desire one , Stand back , Cap- tain Rarlynood ! I must pass and am will- IDE to take the reiponslblllty. " stately deliberation and walked slowly up to the count. With a sudden hoarse shout of triumph Sagan flung his great arms about the duke's body. "By St. Anthony , Gustave , no man shall stop our conversation now ! " The duke made no attempt to release him self from the rough hug that held him pris oner. 'He merely raised his hood with one , hand , so that Sagan , his coarse mouth still wide in laughter , could stare into the coun tenance not four Inches from his own. Consternation and fury swept over the count's features. Prom under the hood a red , challenging face , a big white moustache and shaggy-browed , humorous eyes met his gaze. The sight held him gaping. But only for a second. Then ho whipped out his pistol. "An English plot , toy heaven ! " "But " Ilallywood was quicker still. A sharp knock on the count's wrist sent the bullet into the celling. "Have a care , my lord , " Counsellor said authoritatively. "You cannot do ns you will oven In this lonely and remote room in your lonely castle of Sagan , slnco England and" with a low bow toward Elmur "Germany are looking on. " Sagan still threatened Counsellor v/lth the revolver. "Can you see any reason why I should not kill you as a traitor to my country at this moment , Major Counsellor , ? " he shouted. "Only one , my lord. Russia also , In the person of M. Bllvlnskl , knows where I am and is awaiting my return to arrange for our Journey to Ilevondo which wo propose to make in each other's company , " replied Counsellor , pointedly. Sagan burst into his habitual storm of curses. "Your nation has well been called per fidious , 'Major ' Counsellor , A stab In the back " "Why , no , my lord , said Counsellor ; "our greatest vice Is admittedly that wo are always well in front ! " "Come , baron , have you nothing to say to this ? " Sagan asked , ready to spring at his friends In his torment of baffled rage. "Nothing , my lord. You will remember I am hero tonight entirely at your request. " Sagan's laugh wan not altogether a pleas ant ono. "Put it how you like , mon&leur , I should not have been hero , either , but for you ! " Elmur stood with folded arms. To stoop to recriminations before the common enemy ! The cause was lost for tbo moment , but there was the future and In that future the fool who figured as his ally should become hlH Blavo ! Germany bad , after all , gained something in gaining tbo knowledge of British designs afoot. "Then his highness refuses to see me , al though ho can glvo audience to you ? " the count at length broke the silence. "On the contrary , my lord , he looks for ward to the pleasure of meeting you to morrow. That is the raresage with which I nm charged. Captain Rallywood , his highness wishes Lieutenant Unzlar to at tend him , " Count Simon made a sign to his men and a moment later Unzlar stalked into tlio room , maddened by the outrage put upon him. him."My "My sword. Count Sagan , " he said , huskily. "Your sword ! Is it lout ? " returned the count , with an angry sneer. "In my day it was not the custom of the guard to lose their swords. " "When I saw It last it was sticking in your cheek , my lord , " eald. the young man with studied Insolence , pointing to a bleed- ins cut on the count's face. One of the men , coming forward , laid the sword upon the top of the barricade. Unzlsr grasped it and thrust it back into the scabbard. "It was lost by treachery ! " he flung out. "And I leave it to these gentlemen to say where th shame lies. " With that he leaped the barricade and passed Into the duke's room. CIIA.PTUU XIX. In Diplomatic Hrlntlottn. U was late on the followlnc morning be fore the cnstlo wns awake. It almost seemed as If the guests had waited for the appearance of the reassuring daylight before they ventured from their rooms. Four huge fires roared in the four great chimneys around the vast hall where the breakfast wns In progress. Sagan , In his weather-stained hunting Milt And leggings , stood at the upper window overlooking the courtyard , where the hunts men and igaunt dogs , the famous Sagan boarhounds - hounds were already collected , in anticipa tion of the boar hunt arranged to take place on that day. The sky had cleared , but the tsa raged and howled alter its perennial custom about the castle. Mme. do Sagan , entering later , cast a ner vous slnnco at the grim red face and bull- neck and then felt Into n laughing conversa tion with the people round her , although her heart felt cold. She was far from being a bravo woman , although she joined so gaily In the merry talk passing from side to sldo ; but her marvelous self-control was no more than the self-control common to women of her social standing. It Is a secondary stren = th , not Innntc , but ac quired , of which the finest instance is a mat ter of history and was -witnessed within th walls of the Conclergerle during the Reign of Terror , where men and women unflinch ingly carried on a hollow semblance of the old joyous comedy of life till they mounted laughing Into the tumbrils. Although nothing was known about the events of the previous night except by those who took part in them , a sense of excitement pervaded the party. The strained relations existing between the duke and his ipoEslblo successor gave rise to nn amount of vague expectation and conjecture. Anything might happen with such danger ous elements present In the atmcephere. Therefore , when allywood , booted and spurred , passed up the hall , his entrance attracted every eye. Ho walked straight up to the count at his distant "window , and , saluting , spoke for perhaps a minute in a low voice. At the first sentence Sagan swung round , his lowering face growing darker ns he listened. Then , advancing to the head of the table prepared for the entertainment of the duke , he called the attention of all present by striking it loudly with the riding-whip ho carried. An instant hush settled upon the room. Sagan glared around into the waiting eyes and in the pause the tsa ibroko in a crash upon the castle front with the pebble-shift ing sound of a breaker. "I have to beg the favor of your at tention for a moment , " the count's words rang out. "Captain Hollywood reports that on officer of his highness' guard Is missing Captain Collondorp. Inquiries have been made , > but he cannot be found. It seems that ho was last seen leaving tbo billiard room. If any ono in the hall can give us further information will they bo good enough to do so ? " Valerie raised her eyes to Rallywood , who stood behind the count. As he met them the young man's stern face softened sud denly. M. Dllvlnskl , who happened to bo sitting beside her , caught the exchange of looks , and for a moment was puzzled. Sclpdorf'a daughter ? Well , well , the English are a wonderful people , ho said to himself. Neither subtle nor gifted , but lucky. Lucky enough to glvo the devil odds and beat him ! Hero was Selpdorf laying his ptans deeply und with consummate skill , whllo this pretty , clever daughter of his was ready to give him away because a heavy dragoon of the favored race nmlled nt her across a .break fast table. Pah ! The ways of providence nro Inscrutable It remains for mortal men to do what they may to turn them Into more convenient channels. Then there was Counsellor , whose political Importance could not be denied. Yet ho did the bluff thing bluffly nnd said the obvious thing obviously , and blundered on from one great city to another , 'but ' blun dered triumphantly ! Still there were com pensations. The good God had given the Russian craft and a silent tongue , and a facility for telling a He seasonably. Elmur was by a fraction of a second too late to see what the Russian had Been. Valerlo was very white , but she was talking Indifferently to M. Bllvinskl , with her eyes fixed upon her plate. It was some time before - fore she eeomcd to grow conclous of Elmur's gaze ; a slight fleck of color showed and paled In her cheeks , and then at fength her long lashes fluttered up and tbo German per ceived In the darkness of her eyes a trace of unshed tears. "Mademoiselle , you are tired , " he eald with solicitude. ' 'Ves , " she answered smiling. "Hut we are going back to Revonde In a day or two , and then I will wipe out the remembrance of everything that has happened at Sagan from my mind forever ! " Elmur was about to reply when Bagan spoke again , "No one appears to have beard or seen anything of Captain Collendorp. We will have the dogs out , Captain Rallywood , Pray ten hit highness that in the course of an hour or two we hope to be able to tell him where our man has got to. His absence U doubtless duo to some trifling cause. " As Ilnllywood retired Sagan cast a com prehensive glance around the tables and noted Counsellor's absence with A sinister . satisfaction. I All the morning ho hnd been speculating upon the course Counsellor would pursue after the rencontre of the previous nltht. 1 Most likely disappear from the castle. Ho would not dare to brazen It out. Sngan argued that the British envoy could not bo very sum of his position yot. What had | ho proposed to the duke ? And how hnd the duke answered him ? Whnt nas to bo the result of the visit , or would there bo any ? Sclpdorf hpld the duke's confidence. Ho must checkmate England and openly throw his Influence Into the German scale. No half courses could any longer avail In Maasau. Hero his reflections were Interrupted , for Counsellor's big burly flguro wns bending over Mme. do Snpan's chair , before he ac cepted the seat at her sldo with the assured mnnner of n favored guest. Even the Russian attache blinked. Ah , these islanders ! What next ? As an immediate result Count Sngan wns forced to accept the situation thrust upon him. him."Have "Have you slept well , major ? " he Inquired sardonically , "No bad dreams , ch ? " "I dream seldom nnd 1 mnkp It a point in the morning to forget bad dreams It 1 have had any , " replied Counsellor , with a good-humored raising of his big pycbiows. "That is wise , " said Sagan , "for dreams and schemes of the night rarely have solid foundations. " "So they say , my lord ; but I do not trouble mysdf about these things. A man of my ago is forced to consecrate his 'best ' energies to his digestion. " The duke had decided upon returning to Revondo during the forenoon , but most of the guests were to remain for the projected boar hunt. The hunting party had already started when Bllvlnskl and Counsellor drove out of the castle courtyard on their way to the nearest railway station , which lay under the mountains some miles away. The tsa had blown the snow into heavy drifts , leaving the roads nnd other exposed places bare and almost clean-swept. Near the station they passed a squadron of the guard , sent by Wnjlenloup to escort the duke back to the capital. The pair In the carriage tnlked. little , but when the jingling of accoutrements had died away Bllvlnskl said , in an emotionless tone : "You met with Count Sagan last night , then In your dreams ? " "Yes , or Duke Gustavo would have been over the border by this morning. " "Ah ! " "And history goes to prove that reigning sovereigns are fragile ware they cannot bo borrowed without danger. " "You allude to Bulgaria ? " Bllvlnskl asked promptly , with oil air of genial inter est. "Why , for the sake of argument , Alex- dor cnn stand ns a case In point. " "If I say If wo borrowed him , wo also returned him. " Counsellor's reply was characteristic and justified his companion's opinion of his race. "Damaged so they say. " Bllvlnskl considered the dreary landscape. "We must not believe all wo hear. In diplomatic relations , my friend , ethics cease to exist. Diplomacy Is , after all , a simple game oven elementary a magnificent bcg- gar-my-nelghbor , which wo continue to play Into eternity. " "But there are rules even in beggar-my- nelghbor , " said Counsellor. Bllvlnskl kicked the rug softly from his feet as the carriage drew up. "Ono rule , only one , " he remarked ; "Brit ain loves to feign the Pharisee. Wo smile we others because we understand that her rule nnd ours Is , after all , the same self-interest. " "If that be the case , we come back to the law of the beast , " said Counsellor. The Russian put his gloved hand upon the opened door and looked back over his shoulder at Counsellor. "Always , my dear friend , by very many turnings but always. " CHAPTER XX. " Under ( lie PlncH. It was a day that would .be dark an hour before its time. Rallywood rode out under the gate at the castle of Sagan as the last trooper clattered down the rocky roadway in the rear of the duke's carriage , for upon the arrival of the saundron from Rovondo he had received orders to remain behind , the search for Collendorp having so far proved unsuccessful , Rallywood rode slowly down the shoulder of the mountain spur. Under the gray light of the afternoon the limitless swamps stretching to the sky line looked cold and naked under their drifted snow. From the sky big with storm overhead to the scanty grass that showed by the wayside blackened by the rigors of the winter the wbolo aspect of the frontier was ominous and forbidding. Before ho plunged into the lower ravines /lallywood turned to look back at tbo angry towers of Sagan. Ho was thinking of Col lendorp. Under their shadow that lonely and reckless life had come to Its close. Why or by "whoso hand might never be made clear , but Rallywood's mind hnd worked down to 'the conviction that the count might bo nblo to tell the story. Well , it was good to know that Collendorp had not died in vain ; Indirectly , but none the less surely , his death had brought about the defeat of Sacan's plot. Then ho rode away Into the heart of the winter woods , where the branches groaned and thrashed under the driving wind. Through gloomy nnd pine-choked gorges he wound his way to the riverside , for ho had decided that If Collendorp had met his death In the river his body would in tlmo bo beached near Kofn Ford. Between Ilallywood and the ford the Kofn widened out Into a big bay-like reach , upon thn further shore of which the trees gath ered thickly , their bare branches overhang ing the water. On the nearer sldo ragged- header ] pines stood in sparse groups and amongst their lofty , upright stems Rally- iwood presently became aware that a strange Gcono was in progress. A small party of people were moving about the low-lying ground where the snow still rested , On that bleak site nt the foot of an outstanding plno two or three men with plcka and shovels were hurriedly digging In the frost-bound earth , Close bcsldo them what looked like a long military cloak flung at full length lay upon the ground. The meaning of the incident was manifest. The clouding sky , the river , the broken pine trees were looking on at a lonely funeral , darkened by a suggestion of fur- tlvrnces and haste. Rallywood put spurs to his horse nnd galloped down toward the burial party. Another rider coming nt full speed across the open sheered off to Intercept him. It was easy to recognize Sagan by his bulk and the Imperious gesture of the hand with which ho signaled to the younger man to stop. But Rallywood rode the harder. There was a shout from Sagan and the men ran toward the black object on the snow , and by the time itallynood reached them the dead body wa already laid In Its grave. At the same moment Sagan on the other side of the grave pulled up his big horse on its haunches. The foresters stood rigid , waiting on the count's wishes. He looked over their heads at Rnllywood. "Collemlorp has been found , " he tiald with his moat Burly bearing. Rallywood glanced dawn into the shal low grave ; a lump of frosty earth slipped From the rugged heap above and settled into a crevice of the cloak that covered Collen dorp. "My men are burying him. " "By your orders , my lord ? " "By my orders. Can you suggest a bet ter uis to make of a dead man ? " "No. my lor.l , but A better manner of burial. " "Dismount nml see ft r yourself „ Rallywood swung off the w < ldlr. * Mv' ing his horse to one of the forester * stooped and threw back the covering from the dona mnn's face and breast. Ills AmA florco eyes stared upward , his we * hair was ai- . ready frozen to his brow ami a blnsk wound I piped open nt his throat. Rnllywood gnzo.t at the hnrsh featurrs. which , but for their livid color , wore little altered by death. The tM moaned across the rl\cr and n few large flakes of snow came floating down. "Arc you mllrfled now ? " Rallywood stood up anil faced the count. "How itl < l ho die ? " "You can BCO that. Suicide as plain ns a knife ran write It. " "I do not think BO. " said Hollywood slowly. The coimt'fl horse plunged under the punlMiliiR spurs. "Captain Hnllyuood , may 1 ask whnt you hope to enln by making a scandal In the guard ? " ho nPkrd. "Justice , perhaps , Collendorp hnd no renr.on to take his life , my lord. " "You will not Hnd many to agree with you. The mnn wns always Ill-rondltlnncd. Ho hnd dc'bts nnd the pride of the dovll. Ills nlTnlra vnmo to nn Impossible pass , I conclude. In any case n mnn hns a right to his own srcrots. " "Yes , hU > affairs came to nn ttnposslblo pa s. perhaps. For the rest , this foems tome mo 1cm Ilko Collenilorp's secret tlun the secret of some other man. " Hnllywood met the red eyes full of smoldering wrath. "Pardon me , my lord , but In the name of the guard , I pfolcst agnlnst the burial of Captain Collendorp In this place. " "I have given my oiderc. " answered , Sngan. The guard must consider their repu tation. We have had too many scandals al ready and no one will thnnk you for drag ging a fresh ono Into Rovondo for publics illhcusslon. " Sngnn wns amazed nt his own modera tion In arguing the question at all , Ho looked to see It lutvo Its due effect upon the Englishman. But Rnllywood stood un moved and stubborn hrsldo the grave. "We have murder here ! " The words fell like nn accusation. Hollywood's eyes were alight now. It took little penetration In plcturo how Collendorp hnd met his death. Round the grave Sngan's horse with Its heavy smoking quartern trampled nnd fretted under the remorseless curb. The count could boar no more opposition. Ills fury overcame him. Roaring an oath ho slashed nt Rallywood with his riding whip. "By St. Anthony , sir , you forget there la room In that grave for two. " ho shouted. You try me too far your Infernal officiousness - ness go ! It Is useless to oppose my wishes here. " Which -was obvious. The foresters , lltho and strong as panthers , waited only the orders of their master. They needed but a word and would as lief have burled two dead men na ono In the gnivo under the torn pines. You may find the same typo In the mountains of Austria , where a poaching affray means n vendetta nnd the gnmo lawa are framed on corresponding principles. "I see I cnn do nothing now , " said Rally- wood , remounting in his leisurely way. "The gunrd must deal with itho affair. " But Sagan had another word to say to him. him."And "And I , also , Cnptain Rnllywood , shall know how to deal with you. Do not forget that ! Your conduct cannot bo overlooked. You will flnd ithat inMaasai \ wo nro still able to got rid of those who cater for a cheap notoriety. We shall know how to deal with you ! I am the colonel of this guard. Are you aware that It Is in my power to break you ? Aye , like that ! " Ho smashed his riding whip across his knees as ho spoke , and , flinging away the pieces , ho added : "vAnd , by the powers above us , I will ! " Ilallywood saluted and rode away. At once the foresters fell to work feverishly to fill In the earth over Collcmlorp's body. Once more through the falling snow Rallywood looked back. Sagan's great horse stood across the low mound of the finished grave. ( To bo Continued. ) I will guarantee that my Rheumatism Cure will relieve lum bago , sciatica and all rheumatic pains in two or three bourn , and cure in a te\n days. days.MDNY.ON. . At all druggists , ' 25c. a vial. Ouido to Health and medl- cal adrice free. 1505 Arcb at. FbUo. DR. CHARCOT'S TONIC TABLET nintlmonlr positively Bimrontffrt remedy for the Ilrlnkllalilt , Nenmisntssanit Melancholy cauied drink .K I'OIlIt JIOXKN to euro any ciiso Hilda iiasltho n rlll.-ii umir- niili-n orreluiul thn iinmoy , and to dektiuy Uio tppctlte ( or tntoilcatliii ; Ilijnors , THE TAIILETS CAN 111 ! GIVEN WITHOUT XNowLtnaB OP THP. wirm. < > " " . l tTRnUR nniUV Mlncry. ov Tl OlnllNb Drunk unit I > rnlli. Vn < m ri'oolift O ( t0.00 no will mail you four [ < ] bows nnd pout. tlv wrlitfii iriinrnnt < . to cure or refund vourruoney , sli > e\i \ Imm * 30o Blycrn , Dillon iJrujj Co. , Sole iUth anil Kuriinm , Oiiiiilin , Kelt. FREE TO ALL suffering from nervous debility , varl- cocele , urmlnul weakneui , loU man- mood , ornInMon and unnatural dis charges cuucftd by trrora of younger daj-n , which , If not rolloved by medi cal treatment , U d i > lorablo on mind and body DO NOT MAHHY when BUftVrlntr , ao this loadi to Icxu of memory , loss of aplrltii , banhfulneos in society , palnu In umall of back , fright ful dreamu , dark rlnr * around the eye-s Clmt > l-8 or broaklng : out on face of ody Bend for our symptom blank. \Vn ran ruro you , und tp clally do we IftMre old and tried cuitg , a we churwe nothing for o Jvlce nnd filvu you a. writ ten guarantor to cunt tin wor t coco on record. Not only are th w ak or- s-ani restored , but 11 IOSS B , dralni M > d dUcharKM stopped. Send io alamo and question blank to Dept ' U. III.OOI ) I'OJSON. Flnt , second or tertiary stare WE NBVriH KAIU No deter. Ion from bu lnew.THe us for particulars Huuii' I'linrmauy , Oinnliu , Neb. mid KM rim in ( j | . r