Evening Republican, Volume 18, Number 40, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 16 February 1914 — The Coronation of Nikolai [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

The Coronation of Nikolai

An Audacious Hazard of Nikolai, Independent Agent, as Related by His Lieutenant, Summers

By H. M. EGBERT

(Copyright, 1913, by W. G. Chapman)

Nikolai and I were seated outside the-Hotel New York at Vienna when he read me an extract from the Tageblatt. It was a summary of the long column that followed, and merely stated that Prince Leopold, of a certain Balkan state, the identity of which I shall conceal under the name of Transylvania, was to be crowned king on the; following Monday. “You have followed the events which led up to this, of course,” said my companion. “Not with much interest,” I answered. “Well,” said Nikolai, “I will explain ,them to you. As you are doubtless aware, Transylvania has played a long and unhappy role as champion of the eastern Christians against the Turks. After five centuries of subjection, she achieved her Independence in 1878. A prince from the native stock was chosen to rule the. people. Unfortunately their many wars and insurrections had unsettled their habits and six months ago, his son was driven from the throne and a republic established. “This proved disagreeable to Russia and Austria. A threat of war, which followed, induced the parliament co submit to the appointment of a new prince, Leopold, a scion of a petty German state. As a salve to his subjects, who hate him vehemently, he is to be made a king, and he ai rived in Cheskaf, the capital, yesterday evening, for the first time in his life. On Monday he will be crowned in the cathedral with some little ceremony

and strongly guarded, for riots are feared, and, if the mob gets hold of him, his life will be endangered.” ‘‘What is your scheme?” I asked. Nikolai took *OS the paper and read aloud: " ‘The new crown, with the orb, sceptre, and complete royal regalia, has arrived from Paris at the king’s residence in Cheskaf, where until the coronation they will be displayed each day to his majesty’s future subjects.’ ” “You are not going to steal the crown?” I cried. “I am going to take the next train to Cheskaf and have a look at it,” Nikolai replied enigmatically. "Are you going to accompany me?” That evening we were speeding over the vast Hungarian plains. At noon next day our train steamed into Cheskaf station. We engaged apartments at the best hotel and, that same afternoon followed the multitudes into the palace, to the room where the regalia were on exhibition. Here we encountered our first disappointment, for the statement concerning the orb and scepter proved incorrect. There was neither. There was however, a magnificent crown, fresh from the Paris jeweler’s, studded with pearls, diamonds, rubies, and sapphires; its value, Nickolai whispered to me, must have been close upon a million and a half in American dollars. Beside it lay a few* of the king’s decorations, but of trivial value.

"The crown alone is worth the attempt,” said Nikolai, planting'himself in front of it until moved on by the sentries. There were at least a dozen of these Germans, from Leopold’s own principality, and they formed the butt of much jesting and scurrilous remarks among the native visitors, who .evidently bore them no good will. The crown was placed within a case of strong plate glass. Around this ran an iron railing, and the whole was enclosed in a network of tough, exceedingingly fine steel wire. Even had the sentries been absent it would have been difficult enough to get at our booty. Nikolai admitted defeat when we had returned to our hotel. "Then for heaven’s sake let us return to Vienna,” I exclaimed. “The thing, a£ you say, is impossible." "At least we’ll see the coronation,” Nikolai answered. “Who knows but that I may yet become a king. I have long wished to be. Once I nearly was, but that —” He paused. “Did you ascertain which was his majesty’s apartment?” he asked. He laughed when I replied curtly. “I did,” he said. “I gathered its locality from some remarks let fall by one of the Transylvania chamberlains, who was abusing the German sentries. Transylvania is almost identical with French; Rome was the parent of either tongue. The apartment overlooks the inner courtyard, so that to reach it one must pass through the palace. One cannot enter from the street.” "In heaven’s name, what la in your mind?” I cried. ‘ "Leopold Is still unmarried,” said Nikolai thoughtfully. “That immensely lightens oqr -problem. I hate to deal with women; they’re apt to scream. Besides, one cannot well break into a princess’ apartment—at least, not if one is a gentleman. Goodnight, Summers.” And he strolled off to bed, leaving mra prey to suspense during the entire night, “x The first moment that, I clapped eyes on him' the following morning he began again: “The daily paper says that the arrangements for tomorrow’s coronation are completed,” said my companion. "’The crown has been taken to the

cathedral, where it is guarded. There the archbishop will anoint him and proclaim him king. Leopold will walk in a long, black gown to the ceremony, and, at the precise moment ordained, will cast it aside and reveal himself in all the splendor of a king. By the way, here is a colored supplement of him, to familiarize the people; with his face. Don’t you think we should be much alike if I'had a square red beard like our beloved. Leopold?” I glanced at the portrait There was ihdeed, a resemblance: had Nikolai a beard it would have been striking. “And nobody knows him,” said Nikolai, chuckling. He slapped his thigh, as was his habit in moments of excitement “Summers,” he said, “I am going to be crowned tomorrow. And we shall dispose of Leopold, for the nonce, in the cistern at the back of his bedroom. Yes, I looked over the ground last night after I left you. The Transylvanian plumbing arrangements are primitive.”

Then from a pocket he "pulled a square, red beard and put it on. I glanced at the picture; the resemblance was amazing. And now I knew that nothing ! could say or do would restrain my companion from his prank. So I fell in with it perforce. “Now here's the plan, Summers,” he said, when he had gained my reluctant acquiescence. “At the palace I have already established my status as a detective, sent by the king of Hoch Darmstadt, who is Leopold’s brother, to look after his interests. You know I was once a more or less important personage at the petty European courts, and these roles come very easy to me. Besides, I knew the king’s handwriting, and Leopold recognized the signature on my credentials, or thought he did. He is desperately nervous and afraid of assassination tomorrow. So I have arranged to take up my station tonight, with my confidential assistant, at his bedroom door, while, in an ante-room, there will be stationed six Transylvanian officers and six of his Germans, whose mutual hatred may be reckoned on to prevent any conspiracy against him and, incidentally, to'divert attention from us. Now then:

"At 8 o’clock in the morning we enter to robe him—he won’t trust his own people for that, he’s sp afraid of a poniard thrust. At 9 the heralds arrive at the palace with his coach. At 10 we reach the cathedral. At 11 the gorgeous, million-and-a-half dollar crown is placed on Leopold’s head. He throws off bis black robe, appears in all his glory, and marches down the aisle behind his guards and gets into his coach, tp drive back to the palace amid the cries cf a mob thirsting for his blood. Summers, all this while, Leopold, bound and gagged, will be balancing himself on tip-toe in the cistern at the back to his bedroom, to keep his head above the water. I shall, march down the aisle with my crown on —but I shall not drive to the palace. Overcome with terror, I shall address the mob, plead for my life, abdicate, and drive to the railroad station to take train for Vienna. They ? ll see that I get into the train. But in the excitement they won’t be thinking of the crown. That will go into a pocket which I have had specially constructed in the most voluminous portion of my royal robes, which were made for me in Vienna.”

I gasped with amazement The man detailed this scheme as though he were planning some simple detail of business. And the plan was perfect, down to every detail. None knew the king. Only the unexpected could prevent success. And Nikolai had planned it all in Vienna, before he even spoke to me of Transylvania! Let me here interpose to say that not even Nikolai’s mind could have imagined the denouement which frustrated him. Shortly before midnight we were installed in the prince’s ante-room. Nikolai was in the complete attire which Leopold was to wear on the morrow, concealed beneath z a » long overcoat. In his pocket was the red beard. We found the six Germans and six Transylvanians scowling at one another from opposite sides of the room. Beyond, behind a closed door, Leopold was sleeping, dreaming of his kingship.

The officers, who had been instructed as tp our advent, saluted us briefly and would have paid no further attention to us, but Nikolai, who seemed to speak every language perfectly, at once launched into a panegyric of Leopold’s virtues. He spoke in German, which the Transylvanians did not understand. They could perceive, however, the drift of his speech, and their scowls grew deadly. If looks could have devoured, Nikolai would have disappeared. The Germans became more and more enthusiastic, and, welcoming Nikolai as a brother, opened a case of champagne. The Transylvanians, not to be outdone, opened another and drank, ignoring us with studied insolence. Before long Nikolai made his next* move. All were flushed with wine and shouting loudly, regardless of their royal ward. They were in the goodfellowship stage.

“Don’t let us quarrel, gentlemen,” he pleaded. “I am going to say a few words to those fellows, for the sake of amity.” And’, crossing the room, he addressed the Transylvanians in their own tongue. Their astonishment was boundless. They thawed under his persuasive eloquence as he urged harmony between the factions. Then he turned the screw again, and, having brought the two parties to speaking terms, he sowed the seeds of discord. Before another hour had passed, swords were rattling in their scabbards. And Nikolai was forgotten. He had effaced himself, and the guards, morosely drunk/were passing the lie one to another. Nikolai looked at me. I looked at my watch; |it was half-past four. "Now!” he said, and slipped into the king’s bedchamber. As I stood by the half-open door, uncertain whether or not to follow, watching the brawlers, I heard the faintest groan from within. I hurried in. The king lay in his sleeping robes, gagged, and writhing in Nikolai’s strong arms, but helpless. Nikolai pointed to the pocket of his overcoat, from which the end of a cord protruded. In a moment I had trussed up Leopold and he lay helpless before us. "If you attempt to utter a sound, you die,” said Nikolai sternly. “Other-

wise you shall not be injured. Summers, you take his feet?’ Together, we carried him through his bedroom to the bath-room. Beyond this lay an immense cistern, connecting with the roof, in which rainwater was stored. It was empty, all but for a few inches of muddy water, for pipes had been laid that summer to the new reservoir. We ascended the ladder which led to it, carrying our burden. We hoisted him with an effort and let him drop inside. Then we stood and looked at him. He was fiot hurt, ibut his face was gray from terror.

“The servants will find him this evening,” said Nikolai to me. “The palace will be empty through the day. And anyway, he can’t cry.” Then a thought came into his head. “Listen!” he whispered in German. "There is a conspiracy to have your life. We are your friends. Do you understand?” ■

The helpless king nodded. “I am fulfilling your brother’s instructions to watch over you. The palace is in the hands of the revolutionaries. If they discover you, your life will not be worth a moment's purchase. At night we shall come for yoti and take you to safety. Now do you understand? I crave your majesty’s pardon.” He unbound and ungagged him. He, kissed his hand, and we departed, leaving the prince cowering there. “If 1 know human nature,” Nikolai said, "he will not stir or cry. It would have been inhuman to have left him trussed and gagged.” When we returned, the partisans were still quarreling. “And now,” said Nikolai, “I think I will go to bed. Help me off with my royal robes.” Ten minutes later he was sleeping

soundly in the bed of the prince. The royal robes hung over a chair. I had received my instructions. I was to waken him at the appointed hour and dress him, not forgetting the beard. Then I should use my discretion. I might attempt to gain entrance to/ the cathedral, or proceed directly to the railway station. In any event, if we missed each other, we were to meet at the same hotel which we had occupied in Vienna. I carried out my instructions. The tumult gradually abated as the guards sank into various stages of intoxication; by seven o’clock the entire twelve were stretched out upon the floor, sleeping off the effects of the champagne. I aroused Nikolai at eight. For a moment he did not realize where he was; then he sprang to his feet and smiled as he caught sight of the royal robes. “Can you me something to eat, Summers?” he asked. “Not if we have to depend upon the; guards,” I answered, and told him of their condition. He laughed out loud. But as if in answer to his demand, there came a knock at the door. I sprang forward and opened it‘■a couple of inches, at the same time interposing my body. A little page stood there with a tray on which was a light repast. I took it from him and set it down on the bed. As I dismissed

him, I looked after him into the anteroom and saw him wake the guards. When I turned my head Nikolai and the tray had disappeared. I looked around in consternation. A moment later I heard him coming from the direction of the bathroom. “I gave the food to that poor devil in the cistern,” he said. “I told him that the palace is in the hands of the mob, but that they had given up the search for him and that relief will arrive by nightfall. Oh, he hasn’t stirred, Summers. Now help me dress.”

Five minutes later he was struggling into the royal robes. He cast the black coat around his shoulders. He affixed the square red beard. And he stood before me, a very fair counterfeit of the prince. Then he strode tp the door, opened it, and stood there. Squinting over his shoulder, I could barely restrain my laughter. Twelve very haggard and disheveled figures struggled to their feet and saluted him. They were in no state to detect the fraud that was being played upon them.

Then, from without, I heard a fanfare upon horns. I hurried back to the bedroom and looked out In the courtyard below, twelve heralds, in fantastic, mediaeval costumes, were drawn up, and, as I watched, I saw the blue and yellow coach, drawn by eight cream-colored ponies, swing over the stones. Following it, two by two, came mounted guards. I turned back. Nikolai stood facing me. "Good-by, Summers,” he said, gripping my hand. “Or au revoir, rather; we meet in Vienna.” * And he marched forward to meet his followers, the cloak cast over bis arm, his plumed hat pulled well down, every inch as kingly as the man whose place he had taken.

I heard the footsteps of the attendants die away down the corridor. Now I could go where I pleased, for there was no more order in the palace. Leopold's recent arrival with his retinue, his own attendants.and those of his brother, had thoroughly upset all plans and arrangements. Nobody knew who his neighbor was. Guards and attendants in every possible costume swung pell-mell into the courtyard, forming in a rabble around Nikolai, their king. I saw him enter the coach and leave the palace. Following it, I found myself all at once in the middle of a jeering mob, not openly hostile, but wanting, I could see, only the stimulus of a leader to convert them into a bloodthirsty horde. They thronged around the coach, which could proceed through the streets at a snail’s pace only, thrusting themselves among the guards, who rode with drawn swdrds, catching at the horses’ manes, even insinuating their heads into - the carriage windows and hurling taunts at their new ruler, ah they supposed Nikolai to be. And he played his part well. Forcing my way beside the coach, I saw him cower back as though in terror —he, who had never cowered, before any man. At that moment I wished with all my heart that fortune (had cast him for some better role than that of an impostor and —even though he aimed at high stakes —a common thief. The

prize, the magnificent crown of Transylvania', with its rubies and diamonds, seemed a strangely insignificant guerdon to be won at the expense of such emotions. They conveyed him onward to the cathedral. At the doors, some order had been. created. A regiment of Transylvanian troops was drawn up, and, as Nikolai stepped from his vehicle and passed in, something like a cheer came from their throats. To the minds of these men he represented something of the ancient glories of their race. How he could have changed hostility into enthusiasm at such a juncture, had he been set upon a throne and not on a crown! • I forced my way into the cathedral. I was resolved to witness the drama to its conclusion. I elbowed aside all in my way. While men muttered and stared and jostled, I calmly made my way on until I found a place among the ranks of the nobility. They made room for me perforce, and then, as the archbishop came forward, in mitre, with golden wand, the tumult died away.

I saw Nikolai stand straight up before him; He cast aside the sable cloak that covered him and flashed forth in all the magnificance of royal array. A sigh went up through the whole vast assemblage. This. was their first king—thelr king, even though Imposed upon them from without. Then, stooping, the archbishop raised something in his hands and, holding it aloft, placed it upon Nikolai’s brow. It was a plain iron circlet!

And suddenly I remembered. What fools we had both been, and how a little thing had defeated all our far-flung aims. The papers had said that Leopold would be crowned. Yes, but they had not stated with what

crown, for everybody knew*. 'Why, had I not read of it in school books, was it not almost a portion of the elementary education ot every man, that the princes of Transylvania received, upon the day of their coronation, not the jeweled crown of their kind, but the circlet of rusty iron,* fashioned from cannon taken from the Turks upon the glorious battlefield of Rastenics, a symbol of their warrior history? They bent low him, all that vast assemblage. I saw Nikolai stride from the dais and advance down the aisle toward his coach at the door. I sprang to my feet and followed him, pushing my way over the bodies of the half prostrate multitude. I was five paces behind him at the door. It was flung open, and, as Nikolai appeared in the sunlight, a roar went up from a vast multitude without. But it was no roar of welcome —it was a clamor of death. They sprang for him, fighting back his guards, who formed a solid circle around him. They beat them back, they clutched at him, they seized his robe. The crown fell from his head. A courtier seized it before it touched the ground. Nikolai was at the carriage door. They urged him in. But he hesitated, and, with bent shoulders and quavering knees he looked a king no more. And suddenly, with what seemed a supreme effort, raising his hands, he cried in accents tremulous with fear: “I abdicate my throne. Spare my life, good people of Cheskaf, and let me go home.” For one brief instant, overcome with astonishment, the mob was silent. Then hideous cries went up: “His life! His life! Death to the usurper!” But others answered them. “No! Let him go. To the railroad station! Take him to the railroad station!”

They sprang upon the box, they dragged at the wheels, they lashed the horses into a furious gallop. Running at top speed, amid the cheering throng, I arrived at the terminal tn time to see them drag Nikolai from the coach and hurry him to the train. A few of his attendants, seeing that his cause was hopeless, managed to form a flying wedge in front of him and to beat back the baser element among the mob. They thrust him into a carriage and stood guard before the door with swords drawn, while NikoJai, cowering within, bespattered with fifth and mud, bis long robes trailing upon the ground, hid his face in feigned humiliation and terror. Somebody brought up an engine. Somebody gave the signal for departureHis guards, stood with shame-bowed heads as the revolving wheels carried their broken idol from the ken of Transylvania forever. . When I rejoined him in Vienna the papers teemed with conflicting stories of the emeute. Some said that Leopold had taken flight in fear; others spoke of an impostor, believed to be a lunatic, who had been found in Leopold’s apartments in the palace that same evening, claiming to be the king. Some even said that the king's enemies had contrived a plot whereby a tool of theirs was crowned in place of the real sovereign, and abdicated in the streets to ruin his cause. But Leopold now lives in his brother’s castle In High Darmstadt; and in the window of Paix et Lepine, those famous jewelers of Paris, you may still see the unpaid-for crown which they manufactured once for the ex-sover-eign of Transylvania.