Jasper Weekly Courier, Volume 54, Number 29, Jasper, Dubois County, 26 April 1912 — Page 7

WllVeRED ÜUZZÄßS m Vi

Copyright, 1S05, PROLOGUE OF THE STOFyf. Major Armand Dalberg, American army officer, is detailed to Valeria when war is declared by Titia. Courtney, new United States ambassador, is Acmand's friend. Duriug the American Revolution Hugo Dalberg, a son of Henry III., king of 'Valeria, enlisted with the colonists, for which act the king disowned him. Armand is Hugo's only surviving descendant. On a previous unofficial visit to Valeria Armand unexpectedly met Princess Dehrn, the present king's daughter. She captivates Armand. Courtney and Armand arrive in Yaleria. The king discovers that Armand Js a true Dalberg. He dances with Lady Helen Kadnor and the princess. The king proves that Armand is heir to the throne, and Armand accepts the title. He is made a grand duke and military governor of Dornlitz. Colonel Bernheim and Major Moore become Jils aids. He meets the Duke of Lotzen, "heir presumptive, c vhoni ho is suspicious. At the opera Armand proposes to the prince js. He sees a Mrs. Spencer, an American adventuress, Who later publicly claims to be his wife, which Armand denies. She shows proofs. The king listens to explanations, after which he sanctions the engagement with the princess. The Spencer woman is detained within Dornlitz by order of Armand, as a result of which she calls upon him at the nalace. She unexpectedly meets the king, Princess Dehrn and Courtney and öfters to explain her visit to Valeria. Another Act In th Play. "W ILL yot: begin, Armand V" she said. 1 bowed. "After you, madame," said J, "and per chance when 1 have heard your story 1 may revoke the ordeiV She smiled disdainfully, then addressed the king: I consented to this exchange only because your majesty would thus hear at least some truth as to this marriage. 1 confess, however, I am surprised that Major Dalberg permits it to be disclosed. When it was determined that; Major Dalberg was to be the American military attache with the Valerian ar my he told me for the tirst time of his kinship to your majesty. On my insistent urging he then decided to make a bid for your favor to the end that you might acknowledge his birth and restore to him the lost estates and titles of his ancestor, P ince Hugo. Apprehending, however, that your majesty would look with more kindness upon him as a bachelor than as a married man it. was arranged that I should remain in America. Then as soon as the scheme had either succeeded or definitely failed 1 was to be sent for." She turned and looked at me. "It is rather needless to say. In view of M. Arum mi's present attitude toward mo. that he never sent for me. Hut I saw the accounts in the daily press of the wouuunui story ot an American army OÜicer. Armand Da Iber, hoimr in ruf Ii a prince of Valeria and how he had been so accepted and proclaimed bv the klug. 1 waited two weeks and more for word from my luisband, then I came hither and met the kind recep tion he gave me in the hanging gar den She paused an instant, then spoke to me: "The bargain is now with you, monsieur. I 'await the explanation of your order." "I issued the order, madame. because you have falsely proclaimed yourself my wife, and 1 intend to mnfim your acting as su h within the limits of this towu, So lung as you pose as my wife you will nei-er pass the gates of Dorn1 1 1 4 . "in "ther words I am to be a prisoner for life." she said. That is for you to determine." I answered. Klip -5'udicd my face a bit. "I suppose you want me to consent to n dhoive." she said. "Divorce implies marriage." I answered. 8he .shook her head and smiled tolerantly. "I really can't promise to die Just to Accommodate your highness." she said. 1 made no reply. "And that suggests the inquiry, your majesty. she said. "as the wife of the Prince Armand am I not a grand duchess of Valeria and a royal highness r Surely the woman's impudence was almost beyond belief. But the king was very courteous. "The decree of restoration applies only to the Grand Duke Armand." he said. "And I remain simply Mrs. Armand Dolberg r xlm asked.

OHN REED

by John Reed Scott. Copyright, 1906, by Frederick smiled. "You remain exactly what you were before the decree was signed," he said. I She turned to me. i "Since I am to live in ,Dornlitz the ! rest of my days, wXere is it your grai eious purpose that I reside in the Epsail palace or where?" I "Except to assure you it will not be in the Epsau, it is no concern of mine : where you live," I answered. x uc-ii it win uii uie notei Aietzen, and of course the bill will be sent to 3011." "Oh. no, it won't," I answered. "Surely," she exclaimed, "you can't intend to hold me prisoner and then oblige me to provide my own subsistence." "Your subsistence, Mrs. Spencer, is not my affair," I said, "since the length of your enforced detention in Dornlitz is optional with yourself." "You mean?" "I mean that when you admit I am not and never was your husband and that the marriage certificate is false that instant you are free to depart." She shook her head. "1 am willing to permit you to obtain n divorce," she said, "but I may not deny the truth of the certificate." "Very good," said J. "I trust you will enjoy your stay in Dornlitz." She swung around toward Courtney. "You are the American ambassador, are you not, monsieur?" she said. Courtney answered by a bow. , "Then 1 ask if you will suiter all American citizen to be kept prisoner by the Valerian authorities without trial or legal Judgment?" "Not for a moment, madame," said Courtney Instantly, and with a quick smile tit the king. "You would protest?" "Most strenuously; and so would Washington." She looked at me-with a triumphant. sneer. "ion hear, your highness?" she ex claimed. "Yes," said J, "I hear." tun now at liberty "I presume 1 to I depart." "From the room? undoubtedly." answered. "Thank you I mean from Dorn litz." "Whenever you will," said I; "on the terms 1 gave you." She turned again to Courtney. "I appeal to your excellency for protection." Tpon what basis, madame?" he asked formally. She looked surprised. "As an American subject." she said. "And under what name?" Courtney asked. "My rightful one. of course," she laughed "Madeline Dalberg." "Wife of the Orand Duke Armand?" he went on. , -Surely, monsieur: Who else?" "That mad:; me, if you will pardon, is the material point. As wife of a Valerian prince you are a subject of his majesty. Frederick III., and the American government has no jurisdiction to interfere" "But. his majesty has Inst said I was not comprehended in the decree restoring my husband." she objected. "Of course I can speak only according to the doctrine of the United States." said Courtney. "It asks only if you are the v:fe of a foreigner. If you are. then his citizenship determines yours." She gave Courtney a sarcastic smile and addressed the king. "Will your majesty tell me wherein ine aienan doctrine differs from the American?" she asked. "It is precisely similar." said Frederick. She arose and went close over to the king. "Your majesty has heard me appeal for protection to the ambassador of my native land and be refused because I was no longer an American citizen," she began. "And you yourself have practically admitted he was correct and that I am a Valerian subject. Therefore I demand that freedom of action which is granted to all your citizens and that the order of the governor of Dornlitz be revoked." Frederick looked at her sternly for a moment. "I'ray be seated, madame." he said, "and permit me to observe that if von are my subject your manner of address is scarcely respectful to your king." "I do not desire to be disrespectful." sue replied, "but if I am your subject" I have the undoubted right to the pro tection of your laws. I ask vour maj esty if I am receiving that protection. I ask your majesty if those laws permil win- wii.n. viim'u oi any crime or wrongdoing to be held prisoner with lit If ak n titi iaii ..1 ..i in the limits of a town. I ask your majesty if those laws sanction such in order as your governor yonder has made resecting me." There was just tlie proper touch of

SCOTT

J. B. Lippincott Co. dignified indignation and feminine pathos. Indeed, I never saw this rather remarkable woman act her part better than in that short speech. The king looked at her for a bit in silence. "If you are the -lawfully wedded wife of the Grand Duke Armand there is nothing illegal in the order you complain of," he said. "In Valeria the husband has lawful authority, upon proper cause, to restrain his wife within even smaller limits than are prescribed for you." "But where, in my case, is there any proper cause?" she demanded. "Be sides, he avers I Therefore he can am not halve no ll is wife, authority over me." The king smiled. "My dear madame, you forget that it is you who insist upon submitting yourself to his authority." "That may be. sire, yet I appeal to your sense of fairness. Should he be permitted to exercise a husband's authority to imprison me and at the same time deny that he is my husband?" "The circumstances of the case are so extraordinary, madame. that I fear it cannot well be judged by the usual standard." She smiled very sweetly. "Which means that I am to be held to the strict obligations of my position, but that the CJrand Duke Armand can perpetrate any inconsistency he chooses." The king smiled back at her. "I do not doubt that his royal highness will be most happy to be relieved of the necessity for being inconsistent." he sulci "Good!" she exclaimed. "I am ready 4j-v ? ....... til.- t t . iu leave, uoruuiz anu ajoria tins verv day." The Icing turned to me Interrogatingly. "Then you admit you are not Madeline Dalberg?" I asked. "On the contrary. I reaflirm it, but I offer you a divorce." I shrugged my shoulders and made no reply. "You see. sire," she said, "how reasonable he is. He condescends to be consistent only if by forcing me to perjure myself he can further his schemes." And she deliberately turned and looked tit the princess. 1 stepped qui kly between them. She laughed scornfully. "How like you. Armand!" she said. "It's only a short while inK vmi were just as thoughtful for me." I was too angry to reply, but she Could read my thoughts in mv eves. and she answered them with a taunt ing smile and a toss of her head. t2 f ll Alli J.t.. ..It J trnni- vwi.s .sneiice lor a space; then she spoke to Courtney: "I understand your excellency re lu? i lie ,uur protection necau.se I am a Valerian subject?" Courtney bowed. .Mane so uy your own statements," he answered. "And your majesty refuses to inter fere between the governor of Dornlitz and me because as his wife I am subject to his authority?" "In effect, yes," said Frederick. "And you, my Lord Armand, declare that I am not your wife and therefore that I am an American subject?" "I think. Mrs. Spencer, we have gone over that matter ad nauseam," I said. "I grant you the nauseousness," she retorted. ' . "A barefaced lie may not be over chary as to the defense it. provokes," I answered. She gathered up her skirts and turned toward the door. At the threshold she looked back and smiled at me. ' "Au ravoir. Armand, dear au re voir." she said-almost caressingly. "You will come 'back to me soon I know." Before I could frame an answer she was gone. My Cousin, the Duke. OR the next few weeks matters went along without any particular incident. The snarl in which r was entangled showed no signs of unraveling, and my marriage to the princess and the royal succession seemed farther away than ever. The investigations in the United States had yielded nothing of anv utili ty. Indeed they had been practically barren, for they had told me little more than Courtney's cablegram. Edwards, the witness named in the certificate, had not been located, though New York had been scraped as with a fine tooth comb, so it was safe to assume his existence was ouly on paper and in Alderman McGuire's brain. The movements of Madeline Spencer had been very difficult to trace. She had stayed recently in Washington, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and New York, but at none of these pluces could any traces be discovered of an emissary of Lotzen. Nor did the inrMtigation at this nd

uuxivxuctea ior me by Uourtney.'s secret

seuii, jieiQ anytülng more satisfacto -T "XT J-i ... , .... -ciLutness x was none tue less positive that there had been some sort of communl bpencer in America and the Duke mutzen in Valeria in response to which T - she was here. So it seemed Courtney was correct, as usual. He had predicted that nothing would be found by the detectives. There seemed to be nothing but to cultivate patience and settle down to wait for some one to blunder or for the lady to get tired of her enforced residence in -..o .nu ur.s.u tu gci icsucas auu ao something which would give us clew to work on. öne had retained her apartments at laju nucei Bietzen tne management having, however, addressed me as to. my pleasure in the matter and at least once every day she had sought to pass some one of the city gates, and when refused would then demand exit as the wife of the Grand Duke Armand. She drove and rode and walked about tlie town the cynosure of all eyes, and some of them of admiring men, who would have been veiT ready, doubtless. to start a flirtation, both for their own pleasure and in the hope of gainüig rny good will by discrediting her. But she would have none of them and went her way with the serene blindness of an honest woman. Of course I pointedly ignored Aer when we chanced to nass each other. but it had no effect, for the next time her greeting was only the more effu sively intimate. Naturally the people stared. The whole situation was in tensely irritating and growing more so every day, and my patience, never long at best, must have been a trifle uncertain for those around me. I was a bit lonely too. The king was in the north, and the princess was with him, and so, for a time, was Lotzen, Happened to know, though I under stood he had now left them and was to Dornlitz. I wished him a long journey and a slow one. Ills suave courtesv was bncomin rr unbearable, and my sorest trial was to receive it - calmly and to meet it in Kind. Truly, if he had found a bril Haut leading woman in Madeline Spen cer, he had an equally brilliant leadin man in himself I was no possible match for him. and I could feel the sneer behind his smile. I wanted to give him a good body beating, and I was sure he knew it and that it only amused him. lie must, have fancied I wished him a long absence, for he returned with astonishing promptness. I saw him (he next afternoon iu the officers' club, and our greeting was almost effusive. "I'll ride over to headquarters with you," he said. "I'm walking, M 1 answered. "Good. I'll walk, too," he replied. So we set out, the orderly following with the duke's horse. I... iv neu we reached headquarters I suggested that he come up to my office and smoke a cigar. I thought he would decline. But there I erred. "Thanks." said he; "I'll join you as soon as I ve registered." and he turned down the corridor toward the adjutant general s office. On my desk was a wire from the princess. She and the king would reach Dornlitz the next morning, and I was expected to lunch at the pal ace. I dispatched an anywm- Hint ---- ff VA L i Kl l would meet the royal train en route and thought of Lotzen with indifference almost. When he came I was going through a butch of papers which had just been brought in for my signature. "Don't let me disturb you," he said heartily. "Finish the miserable red tape." I nodded. He chose a cigar and, having lighted it with the careful attention he seemed to give to the smallest matters, he sauntered to the window that overlooked the avenue. Presently he glanced around at me. 1 signed the last of the papers, pushed them aside and arose. -.Mrs. Spencer is about to pass." lie said. "1 trust so," said I. "I'm sure I've no desire for her to stop." Then suddenly he frowned and made a short bow. "She had the impudence to speak to me." he said. "She must" be a most ex t r a o r d i n a ry woman." I shrugged my shoulders. "Yet, what I can't understand is what she hopes to gain by masquerading here as your wife." I looked at him and waited. He was steering into strange waters, it seemed to me. "Now, if she had done it in Paris or Vienna or any place outside of Valeria," he went on, "one could see tlie temporary profit of it. But to come to Dornlitz and dare it under your very nose!" He flung up his hands. "She is a bit too much for me." I saw his drift now. He wanted to know if I suspected him and to that end was quite willing to match his wit against mine. His contempt for my discernment was not especially flatter ing, but sometimes it does no harm to be takeu for a fool if one is not. And I was conceited enough to consider myself the latter, which, however, may only have proved that Lotzen was right. "And for me, too, at present," I answered. "At present?" he echoed, blowing a succession of smoke rings and watching them float away. I nodded. "She will get tired of the game presently and quit." "She has stuck to it rather persistently." he observed, "and crossed the seas to play It."' "Yes," said I, "she did just that. Yet she is none the less liable to quit abruptly tomorrow." That would interest him, I thought. It did.

"Xou are Judging from experience?"

- he asked rather quicklv. I f 1 " "i ve Known tlie lady for a few years," I laughed, "and I've vet to find of that naid her." I Then I got a start. He suddenlv struck straight from the shoulder. "By the hand that paid her; you mean" he asked, and now his eyes were fairly drilling into mine. I took on a look of surprise. What does it usually mean?" I answered. with a bit of a hrnir He either had to appear to accept the uuereuce in unis answer or else asK me a blankly if I meant that Mrs. Spencer was in his employ. He- chose the forniemand looked tit me with an amused smile. "I assume you lay no claims to saintship?" "None whatever, my dear duke." "Possibly you avoided situations which might put you to the test?" "Possibly," I said. "Colonel Spencer was my friend." ."And his wife and widow would have been yours, and yon would nor, eh?" I smiled. "So that's the motive for it. is it? 'Hell hath no fiiry like a 'woman scorn ed, he quoted. It wasmeanfc.-aVa question however. l r T art ... J3 A. . 1 J J I appeared to hesitate. "Revenge sometimes does take queer forms,", 1 said tentatively. "And yo.u,;too, think this is.revenge?" he asked. "What other motive could she bavet' I answered. He closed his eyes a moment, lest, I suppose, his amused contempt'should shine out so plainly that even stupid I would see it. He was sure now he had been right in deeming me too heavy witted to suspect him. It might be blackmail," he su C(j "Then she is a verv lomr time in iiiiiuing hor price." I replied. "True, but mayhe she is enjoying Dornlitz," he laughed. I laughed too. "It's none of my business, of course. Ariuaud," lie went on. "but why ilou"t "Two tosses and two wagers." you run her out of the kingdom instead of keeping her in by force?" "I'm waiting for her to get tired of the game and on it." He thought a bit. ".Maybe I can help you," 'he said. I had not Lot.en's gift of imper turbability, but I did my best not to show my surprise. "You are very kind," I answered. "though I don't r.eo what you can do." "1 may take it you have no particu lar regard for the lady, so you would have no objection to some one making a try at her?" "None whatever, I assure you." "I've taken rather a shy at her my self, and you understand?" I thought 1 did. but not as he meant me to. hat he wanted was liberty to communicate at will directly with the lady without arousing suspicion or seeming to side against me. I shut one eye and looked at him as though in sly comprehension. uut now will that help me?" I ask ed. "in tins way," said he: "You think sne is tired of her game and about ready to (pi it. 1 come along, and she tosses you over and seizes the new prey, i n ten her plainly she cannot have me so long as there is any ques tion about her being your wife." "But won't it raise a nasty scan dal?" I objected. "Not a bit," he said, with a know ing smile. "We have ways to do such things, you know. I have a chateau near the French border. The lady leaves for Paris and goes by way of the chateau. Understand?" I wanted to laugh in his face. What a charming scheme to get Mrs. Spen cer out of the kingdom! "But, suppose," said I, "she cuts the chateau and keeps right on to Paris?" "Trust me, my dear marshal, she won't cut the chateau. I shall be with her when she leaves Dornlitz." "I know the lady," said I. "I'm afraid to risk it." He tossed aside his cigar and lit a fresh one. "Very well, cousin." he snid. with an air of good natured indifference. "It's your affair, of course. If you need me, I am yours to command." "My dear duke," I said. "I realize your friendly spirit and I want you to know I appreciate it, and I shall not hesitate to call on you if the occasion arise." He flung his cape around him and hooked up his sword. "And, in the meantime, do I understand that I am to keep severely away from the lady?" I hesitated. Of course his point was to obtain from me direct authority for him to visit her. The very fact that he wanted it was a sufficient ron for refusiug: bur. on the otber fcaad. ao km as h thought biinelf

I & I

unsuspected, it might not be a bad move to give him the opportunity. It would increase the chances for them to make a blunder. I determined to risk it. "The only restriction touching Mr Spencer, iafhe ordr of the miirtnr governor I nnsv,?crr&iL If ymi an induce -hen toac:lcnow.Mo the falsfrv of tluit certificate, she stoaii be free

to rrsume her journey, and joy with her He went over to fhe door, then returned and, leaning on the back of a chair. looked at mo thoughtfully. "There is a matter, cousin he bean, "which lms bpen mi my mind lately and 'this rniiy be as good u times as any to take it up." I nodded;- "Go abend we are ir. the humor for confidences this afternoon, it seems." "And for litain speaking?" he asked. "Between men P.n always for that" said I. "tts the safest in fhe end. Drive ahead, and mirke it as plain as you lilce." "HI do it." he said. uAThat I want to know is first, do yon in trod to try to displace me in che line of succession, and second, are you a suitor for the '.nine! of rhe princess royal T . It would have bcfn impossible to hide my surprise o I made no effort. Surely this man's methods were almost beyond comprehension. "My dear duke." I replied, "your questions are plain, and a plain answer will do for both. It is none of your business." He laughed. "By which I infer you decline to answer." "Precisely." ' He tossed away his cigar and slowly lit another. "Of course, Armand, that is your privilege; but, then, you must pardon the further inference that to decline to answer is really to answer in the affirmative." "Toil are responsible for your 'inferences, not I," I replied curtly. He leaned a bit forward. "Let us take up my first question," he said. "Have you ever considered what you were likely to encounter if you undertook to filch the crown? Do you think that I, who have been the heir presumptive since the instant of my birth almost, will calmly step aside and permit you-4-o take my place?" 1 looked at him indifferently and made no answer. "Do you fancy for an instant," he went on, "that fhe people of Valeria would have a foreigner for king?" I shrugged niyr;houhlers. "And even if old Frederick were to become so infatuated with you that ho would restore you to Hugo's place In the line of succession do you Imagine thai the house of nobles would hesitate to annul it the instant he died.?" From the writ ton words one might well infer that hu spoüb loudly and in open j nger. whereas, in fact, his face was smiling and Ids voice was even more soft than usual. It behooved me to meet him iu kind. "As you seem to have been doing my thinking, cousin, perhaps you have also thought out my answers. If you have I shall he glad to hear them. It will save me the labor of thinking them out for myself." His smile broadened. "The only labor I can promise to save you, cousin, is that of being king." "I fear it is a bit early for me to choose my prime minister," 1 said. Mis smile became a laugh. "Let us pass to my second question. It. how ever, demands no thinking. There is ample evidence of your intention as to the princess." "Then why ask it?' I inquired. "Because of her intention toward you I am not so sure but women are queer creatures and prone to take queer crochets. You aim to marry her and so, having won the king and stolen my birlhright, to use her popularity to secure you on the throne." "I suppose I am very stupid," I said, "but I don't quite understand why, If you feel so about the princess, you offered to aid me in getting rid of Mrs. Spencer." "Pure selfishness, cousin. I have taken a liking to the lady myself." "Then at least I may thank you for your selfishness," 1 sneered. He smiled, then turned and looked at the clock on the mantel behind him. "Come, Armand," he said, "I must be going. Will you condescend to answer?" I arose. "You won't? Well, it's not really nee essary but have yo u a dice box?" "I have not." "A lack of cards, then?" "Xo He shrugged his shoulders. 'This will serve, though it's rather low class." and ho took out a gold coin and rang it on Che table. "You were an Ameri can oflicer, and I understand thev ar as game a lot of men as wear swords. Will you bear that out and try a tos with inte?" "Andithe wager?" I asked. "Twoi tosses and two wagers. The first, for the princess; the -second, for the crown." I waited a moment until I could control mv voice. "It will give me the most intern pleasure, my dear duke." said I. "to toss you not with yonder coin, but out of yonder window. I fancy a second toss would not be necessarv: but. If it were, I could do It with as much pleasure as the first." Lotzen's face got crimson, tltem gradually paled, like red hot iron passing to white heat. So. for a snaef. " w we stood at. gaze. Then he spofc. and I marveled at the continued calm ness of his voice. "You are my superior officer, it I may not strike you nor draw rtj-irtart you. but you will, I trust, ptr4a me, my der cousin, if I tell yo ftmt you are a snivel Injercoward."