Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 283, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 November 1913 — Page 2

The League of Lost Causes

By H. M. EGBERT

The Prisoner of Hofberg

■■■■■■ OSNYi the western secreR tary of the League of Lost Causes, was not in Paris. Paul Lane could not find him. The League's offices , were closed and abandoncd, while on the window j Sffftllg was displayed a sign ad- ' flat that they were • for rental. The landlord could give no information j ■HHMI as to Rosny’s whereabouts. He had paid his rent and {departed five or six days before; (more than that he did not know. After a maddening search through tParis for nearly a week Paul saw a paragraph in a newspaper which threw ia flood of light on his perplexity. “It is rumored,” said the writer, •"that the Princess Clothilde will shortly be married to His Highness Archiduke Stepan. The match, which jis much liked by the Emperor Franz {Joseph, was, it will be remembered, [postponed some time ago on account tof her highness' predilection for what (may be called, without lese majeste, (foreign travel. It is said by the scanjdalously inclined, in fact, that her (highness 1 has been the heroine of (more thah one runaway escapade, injyqWing America. the Trlpolitaine-r----iwhere--it is stated, she was present at the Italian army maneuvers —and (India.” Paul's heart leaped when he read this paragraph, obscurely tucked laway in a column of society gossip. IHow little that meant to the writer or the casual reader! To him it was everything. For it was at her petition that fie had left America to place (his fortune and his services at the (league’s disposal. He loved her, and (knew that his love was returned, though a world of tradition kept them sasunder. He must find her. She came to him with a suddenness (that was startling. For that same (afternoon, lingering as he had become accustomed to do, in the vicinity of the abandoned league offices, in the (hope that Rosny would return, he •was suddenly aware of a w oman, heavily .veiled, who stood beside him and •whispered his name. Paul started land fell to trembling. He could not tform the words that rushed to his dips. • “It is still closed!” she said with a •gasp. “And I have traveled here at euch risk and all in vain.. I must tsee Rosny, for events of the utmost Importance are transpiring at home. •The league is divided; .all are afraid; •the kaiser himself is afraid, and Spain lis too far away for help to come from (that quarter. You must help me, monsieur, ” she said, turning suddenly upon him. “Where can we speak?” Paul led the way to a little case not fifty feet distant. “I must tell you-something about myself,” she said. “I am, as you know, one of his majesty, the Austrian emperor's, many nieces. I was brought up in the stifling atmosphere •of the most ceremonial court in Europe. I was betrothed to the Archduke Stepan. I had never -even- seen ,him; I hated him; I ran away and entered Prague University, where I •came under the influence of Dvornak, the real founder—and inspirer of the “League. I went to America to solicit your aid —and the rest is known .to you. Von Holzrath is the emperor’s trusted adviser. He found me ‘in Tripoli, where the interests of the league had called me. He carried me back to Vienna, whence I escaped three days ago at imminent peril, to summon the League to fight for the sacred principle of monarchy. If Austria becomes republican—” Paul leaned forward and took her band in his. “I love you, Clothilde,” he said. “’And you love me. That much I have from your own lips, and a princess of the house of Hapsburg does not deny her word. Leave these affairs to older and more intriguing neiods; come back to America with me anight.” She gasped and looked at him in •something like admiration for his au- _ dacity. Her face softened. Then she atjswered frankly. “My feelings Paul Lane, count with me for nothing at all. Whether I love or bate you, whether my word was truly spoken or nothing more than pity for you when you lay dying in the hot sands of Tripoli—all that is nothing to me now. I will never go back upon our cause nor seek for selfish happiness by such an act of self-abnegation. There is great work tb be done; will you help me, Monsieur Lane, in a spirit of complete self-forgetfulness, for the sake of the League? Either pledge yourself to this or leave me and never see me again.” Paul knew then that he had met his master; a cooler, yet more ardent spirit than his own. He bowed his hfe&f in token of agreement, and the next moment a startling change came over her face and she began speaking eagerly and intently. "The emperor has not seen me sinfce my return from Tripoli,” she said. “They told me—those who guarded me—that he was resolved never to see *ne till my marriage had taken place •with the Archduke Stepan. But I was not deceived. My uncle is In bis

Being the Romantic Adventures of Paul Lane, American Millionaire

(Copyright, 1313, by W. G. Chapman.)

dotage now; he is almost an automaton —just a weak old man dozing away the last hours of his life by his fireside and dreaming of ancient triumphs, and men and events that have long since been translated into history. He lives at Hofberg, at his hunting lodge, perpetually; he has to all intents and purposes abdicated, and all that you read of his activities is fiction. Nevertheless, he is the most important factor and the most venerated figure in Austria today. “But the movement of democracy, that fatal error of our times, has enveloped Austria in its octopus-like tentacles. Socialism and the spirit of national separation have infected the soldiers—even the officers—of the Vienna garrison. They plan to split up Austria into her original provinces. Think what that means, Paul Lane! Austria wiped off the map, a series of republican states in place of her, and monarchy will have received a wound at its heart. This must not be. The League has said it shall not be. But the League has been proscribed in many countries; it cannot meet as an entity again; none dares interfere. And Tour nights from tonight, on St. Bartholomew’s eve, the coup will take place. - ■ “Stepan and his aides, the officers of the Vienna garrison, who have been selected from among the Croats, Serbs, Ruthenians and other non-Ger-man elements of the empire, have planned, fifty of them, to seize his majesty in his castle at Hofberg on that evening. There are none there but the Imperial Guard and a host of timorous flunkeys. Mv uncle will be compelled to sign his abdication, and a republic will he declared under the presidency of Stepan, There will be none to offer resistance. There seems nothing to- hinder the carrying out of the plan. I learned this'from the lips of Stepan himself when he came to me in my prison to offer me his hand again, bragging of his approaching greatness.” “What are we to do?” asked Paul. “I shall seek out the emperor, stop his carriage and throw myself upon his mercy,” said the princess. “Once in his castle, I can make arrangements, summon the loyal element to his aid, bring home to him the meaning of the conspiracy. But had I attempted to reach him when flying from my prison I should have been captured and detained. I want merely one who will defend me, Monsieur Lane, till I can see my uncle and throw myself into his arms. ,We must intercept him as he is driving in his park, and make ourselves known to him.” In Ten minutes she had-elaborated her scheme. . They set out for Vienna on the next day, traveling as a ladjr and her groom. On the third morning they descended from the train the central station of Vienna, and that afternoon saw them in tha vicinity of the castle of Hofberg. “He takes his drive at four, after the heat of the day is over,” said Paul's companion. . “See, they are bringing up his barouche to the castle gate. Only two outriders and one of his six attendant officers will accompany him. He drives round the park; we can intercept him at the Faun's bridge. Come!” Hand in hand they struck out through the undergrowth of the leafy forest, running like two children. At last the> r 'emerged upon a rustic bridge, built of hewn trunks, just as a little cloud of white in the distance betrayed ’the approach of the emperor's carriage. The princess motioned Paul back into the undergrowth. “Come when Ucail, wh ether for aid or to present you to his majesty,” Tie said, and stepped forward into the middle of the road. The carriage roll:ed slowly on. In it, as it rounded a bend in the forest path, Paul "could see a young officer, seated bolt upright, with folded arms, and at his side the aged emperor, his white beard sunk on his breast, his head beut forward. He was nodding, dreaming his old life away. Suddenly the coachman saw the princess, the horses swerved, stopped, snorting; the outriders sprang to the ground, the young officer stood up, hand upon holster. But Princess Clothilde was already within the carriage and at the emperor's knees. “Uncle! Uncle Franz!” 6he cried, embracing him in tears. The old man stirred, and the dreams of his half-forgotten youth vanished as his eyes opened. He started slightly, for he had thought himself back upon the battlefields of sixty years ago, fighting the rebel Magyars, a young man, full of the pride of life; and here he was a greybqard, nodding in the carriage within his park of Hofberg. His eves fell upon the princess, whom the *young officer, recognizing, had discreetly abstained from ordering away. The old man raised her in his arms. “Why, it’s little Clothilde, and grown to be a woman,” he said, looking at her in wonder. “I thought you were still a little girl, my dear. What have you come to see your old uncle about? What, crying?” ' “Yes, I am very unhappy, uncle, and I have come to stay with you,” Bob-

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, IND.

bed the princess.' "And I have my aide with me.” She looked back. “Paul!” she called. And Paul came forward blithely with his finger upon the brim of his hat. “Sit up by the coachman, Paul!” said the princess. V It was less than an hour after Paul's installment in the castle when the princess’ bell rang, and, passing through the swing door, he emerged upon a magnificent hall of marble, with a richly carpeted grand stairway descending toward the splendid entrance way and state banqueting rooms on the ground floor. At the head of the stairway, in the wide hall, waiPthe emperor’s suite, and at the door stood the princess, when Paul came up to her she clasped his hahds warmly. “Henceforward you are groom no longer,” she said, with a rather anxious smile. “Come in, Monsieur Paul. My uncle is in a good condition now, and understands something of the plot against him. Two of his gentlemen are here, also. Come in.” “This is the gentleman, uncle, of whom I Bpoke to you,” said the princess. “I can vouch for his honor and devotion.” The old man nodded and smiled graciously. “Excellent! Excellent!” he mumbled in French. “What does he want then —a commission in the Guards? How many quarterings are on his shield?” - - “No, uncle, you have forgotten,” said Clothilde fretfully. “You want a gentleman whom you can rely upon to convey a summons to the loyal

regiment at Frieburg to hasten hither.” ‘‘lt is on this paper, sir. It is only necessary to sign it,” said one of the aides. Wearily the old man signed the much coveted order; then sank back in his chair, exhausted, and presently nodded into slumber. "Genticmefi 1 , let me introduce you to Monsieur Lane,” said the princess hastily, ‘‘Monsieur Lane —Count Von Arnim, Capta j n Zeller von Thurn. Monsieur Lane is fully acquainted with the desperate situation and guarantees to reach Freiburg before midnight and have the troops brought here at once.” “Or else.” said Von Thurn pessimistically, “tnere will be another tragedy of St. Bartholomew s day.” “Does Monsieur Lane comprehend fully how desperate the situation really is?” broke in Von Arnim. “Here we are, six loyal gentlemen, the sole bulwark of Austria against destruction. Even the flunkeys know what is to take place and are impudent to us. We can rely on none of them; we must be satisfied that the servility of their natures forbids them to offer active aicLto our enemies. Well, here are we, six, the emperor’s sole friends, .and our enemies are so sure of success that they can calmly wait till tomorrow night to make sure of their enterprise. We are beleaguered here, Monsieur Tatne; news has just come that guards have been posted outside the castle since the early aft-

ernoon, with instructions to let none in of out. The telephone wires havp been cut; we have no loyal regiment that can be reached except at Frieburg. So you must leave at once, Monsieur. You know the way?” Five minutes later, accompanied by Von Arnim, Paul was threading a r byway through the forest which emerged upon an unfrequented road in a suburban district upon thU way to Freiburg. At this point the great wall which surrounded the castle was broken by a swift stream, fringed with thick reeds and undergrowth. Von Arnim pressed Paul’s hand. “Once safe beyond the river,” he said, “you will come upon the Freiburg road. Horses Sud pass continually. I leave the rest to you. Watch for the sentries! Good luck!” He pressed his hand and was gone. Paul crouched among the reeds, entered the stream and struck out toward the opposite shore. Five minutes later, undercover of twilight, he had passed the besieging outposts and gained the Freiburg road. He waited, dripping with water,’ shivering, in the cool of the evening. Presently a slowly trotting pair of horses came along, drawing a barouche in which a stout elderly lady was seated. On the box was an apoplectic coachman. Paul drew a pistol from his pocket, walked upland extended his hand. The man reined in. “Well, what now? What now?” he commanded. “This is the carriage of the Baroness Blankenburg. What do you tvant?” “Your horses,” answered Paul, and

shoved the pistol under his nose. "Run for your life, my good fellow, or—” But the coachman needed no second invitation. As he leaped to the ground and began running away, Paul cut the traces and selected the better and swifter of the two fat beasts. From it he removed the harness'; he sprang on the animal's bare back and %’rew it out from the wreckage of the equipment just as the Baroness awoke from her nap “Home, Friedrich!” she said crossly. “I shall be late, you good-for-noth-ing—” Her 'remarks''ended in a shrill scream as she grasped the situation. But Paul was already cantering away through the darkness in the direction of Freiburg. At ten o’clock, and without further incident, he rode into the military cantonment and demanded immediate audience with the commander. A display of the order, a hurried explanation, and Colonel Heller proved equal to the emergency. ‘‘My men shall start in an hour,” he answered. “We can reach Hofberg at eight in the morning. You will accompany us?” "No,” answered Paul. “I am needed by his majesty.” . The return ride seemed endless, the road deserted save f6r an occasional wayfarer or a belated automobile, appeared'to stretch itself out eternSlly. Yet the stars were still bright in the sky when the black bulk of the castle

suddenly loomed out from among the foliage of the encompassing trees. Paul drew rein; he was trying to locate the position of the stream which he had formed; he was uncertain, too, whether he should turn his horse loose of 'ride boldly through the besiegers.» Upon his meditation fell the sharp challenge of a sentry. . . "Halt! Who goes there?” f, "The man sprang up almost from beneath his feet Paul had presence of mind to reply: "Captain Von Houzrath!” “But you must giye the countersign, sir,” the man protested, his bayonet lowered indecisively. Paul mumbled something and spurred his horse, leaped past the soldier, saw the gate open, and gafidped madiy'alongf the drive and intq the main entrance of the castle. He heard shots fired behind him; then followed silence. No one was in pursuit of him. Doubtless the besiegers felt sure enough of their prey. But in that hasty flight Paul had noticed that there' was an ominous bustle and stir in the camp. At the gate of the castle two of the officers, to whom Paul had been introduced, came running forward. When they saw who their visitor was, they clasped his hands eagerly. “They attack at morning!” one of them exclaimed. “Stepan has become alarmed, and will postpone it no longer, The servants have deserted us—this piece of news came from a loyal stable boy. Come with us quickly!” They entered the fine, spacious marble hallway of Hofberg, A single elec-

trie light burned dimly at the top of the stairway, and Paul saw, to his astonishment, dim figures moving here and there, pulling great trunks of trees across the entrance to the main corridor, while Clothilde directed them. As Paul and the officers approached all ceased their labors for a moment, and the princess uttered a little cry of joy which set Paul’s heart beating wildly. The barrier was already four feet high. The three climbed over, and took their stations among the defenders. “What time does the loyal regiment arrive?” asked Captain Von Thurn; and the rest gathered round Paul in wistful expectation. “At eight.” “It is now five. But they attack at dawn.” “They will be ready to attack In half an hour,” said Paul. “We must hold the stairway for two hours and a half. No more was said, but they continued to work feverishly upon the defences. Outside It was growing light. The trees showed green against the wide windows, and birds were singing. Presently a tramping, mingled with distant cries, was heard in the courtyard. "To your places!” exclaimed Von Arnim, and they ran back and scrambled over the barricades again, where they stood grimly waiting. The sounds grew louder, hoarse Bhouts broke the silence; suddenly a mob of men rush-

ed Into the Courtyard and hammerei upon the gates. “Silence, • gentlemen! ” Von Arnim said. The hammering grew louder until the din was tremendous. Evidently oak beams were being" brought into play. Presently the sounds ceased; then two minutes later, there was then* roar of dynamite. The gates rocked and fell inward, and through the cloud of mortar and marble dust figures of men emerged. It was quite light now. They rushed up the stairway, and suddenly perceiving the barricade and the defenders and stood still. But one, man ran to the' barricade, and hoarse with passion, shouted and - shook his fists. It was Stepan. “Surrender!” he cried. “Our terms: your lives are spared. We demand his majesty and her highness the princess!” “In ten seconds,” responded Van Arnim, “we open fire.” Twelve abreast they bounded up the marble stairs, in ranks four deep, brandishing their swords and shouting the name of Stepan, who, Paul noticed with a grim smile, remained to the rearmost rank. That was-his last conscious observation for some time, for, an instant later, sword was crashing on sword —point, thrust, thrust, point. “Now, Paul, fight bravely for—for me,” he heard a voice in his ear. He turned, to look into the face of the princess, who, apparently devoid of fear, stood at his side. His hopes revived. As the assailants, reformink, charged bravely up the stairs, he I singled out Holzrath and shouted a challenge at him. He saw the captain’s eyes flash their answer, and, sword to hand, waited. Von Holzrath came toward him, brandishing his sword. It clashed on Paul’s. One moment they fought -fiercely; the next th§ rush of the combatants Separated tneffi. .Driven back with the defenders, Paul saw Von Holzrath spit Van Arnim through the body and twist loose his sword, as one pulls a skewer from a joint. Then they were together again. Swifter atifl more fierce grew the movements of his enemy’s blade, outmatching hla own, till it flashed before Paul’s eyes like a sphere of living light. It pointed, threatened, now here, now there, Paul’s arm grew weary. A dozen times he laid bare his guard. Still Von Holzrath forbore to strike, but there was a sneering smile on his lips, Paul felt his strength leaving him, he thrust with all his force, he saw V<jn Holzrath’s blade meet his and parry it, point itself for the final blow, and then— Out of the emperor’s apartments, where, fighting desperately for their lives, the four men stood, backs against the wall, there tottered a frail old man with pale, blue troubled eyes. And, as he emerged, suddenly the din grew quiet, and, where there had been murderous shouts and clashing blades, there might have been, a tableau-in marble. The old man came into the passage and his eyes fell on the assailants, who stood before him with lowered swords. Then instinctively Franz Joseph straightened himself, his form became erect and his voice grew strong. “Officers of the Guards!” he shouted. “The Magyars are at our gates! Follow me! Courage!” He stooped and took a sword froffl\ the clutch of a dying man, and* stood feebly wielding it, calling on the names of his great captains, dead fifty years before. The last survivor of all those stirring .years, he seemed like one re-arisen from the grave. A superstitious fear fell on all present. The assailants retreated toward the head of the stairway, and, gathering there in little knots, looked with troubled eyes upon the pathetic figure of their once mighty emperor. Suddenly without there came a trumpet call. It echoed through the halls, electrifying all into life. “The regiment from Freiburg!” shouted the princess, and her faee took on the aspect of an ajnazon. “You are trapped, dogs! You shall swing high for this! Ha! Freiburg! Austria! Succor!” Into the hall below burst a detachment of the loyal regiment, their bayonets set, their fingers on the triggers of their rifles. One moment, and the assailants fled down the stairs and broke into the midst of the newcomers. They clove their way into the heart of them, a struggling wave amid the white-coated veterans of the emperor; in a moment the hall waß filled with the tumult of the new battle. Princess Clothilde took Paul by the arm. “You must go now, Paul,” she said. “You have saved Austria and me. Your deed shall never be forgotten. Go, and I shall summon you when I need you.” “Now!” shouted Paul. “Do you think I will leave you now, to lose you when—” He saw her eyes harden like points of steel, and bowed his head humbly to hear her answer. “I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done,” she said. "Remember, Paul, your pledge to me, the pledge you gave when flrat I enlisted n your service. It was to obey unquestionlngly. My duty now is with my unclp. Later we shall meet again, when the work of the League is ended and all things come to their accqmplishment. to the Paris office of the League and wait till you hear from me." “One word,” said Paul. “A princess’ word 1b sacred and unchanging?” “Always," said Clothilde, and for the moment her voice was tremulous. Then a great gladness came into Paul’s heart He lifted her hand to his lips and passed out through the abandoned ,quarters of the palace servants.