The evening world. Newspaper, September 1, 1914, Page 13

(Moprrigm, 1018, by Bully & Kisintich.) GYNOPSIS OF PRECEDING OHAPTERS. JE gianted back around the side of the flying car. The men who had engineered the attack had succeeded in holding Von Boldt and his party at bay. Their own horses were ‘Deing brought out of the wood where they had been hidden. It might yet be ® race of the car against horsefiesh! The ambuscading party, however— @ave the two in the car—had not noted Victory’s masterstroke. Nor did the ladies in the tonneau under- @tand the captain's interference. It had ail happened #o quickly that the Princess might have believed this bold, energetic person another and More powerful enemy. The little girl—a lovely, pale-haired creature, with stariike eyes and a frail body—crouched close to the Princess's side. Neither cried nor otherwise betrayed fear, Maria Thy- Fa, of Stoenberg, held the child with one ecting arm; her other hand ‘was hidden beneath the dustcoat she ‘wore, and neither her attitude, nor the expression of her countenance, g@howed the panic which seemed to enthrall her companion, ‘The voluminous veil she wore halt hid ber face; but for one fleeting instant Victory looked into Her High- ness’s eyes. Degp, violet wells they ‘were—wells sourdiess to even his keen glance. And on her part, she ‘was not a little dazed by the metailic flash of Victory’s own cyes. His look had stirred the waters of memory In her soul—but only to their becloud- fmg. Where had she seen this man before?) Who was he? Victory spoke directly, but with every mark of respect: “Your Highness need have no alarm. As we do not know how many of the villains there are in our rear—your guard is, at least, out- numbered—we will go on to the foot of the mountain, and there—if there be a way—double on your pursuers. 1 am not famillar with the coun- try"— I Here the princess’ attendant broke fn eagerly: “I can tell you of the paths, Mein Herr. There is a way back to the other side of the mountain by a for- est road. Ah, Your Highness! the n is a friend, Ppelieve me, I am ‘> be truste paid Victory, with div ity, and then ended with one of his rare smiles: “It the lady is familiar with the for- est path of which she speaks, then I ‘am indeededin your hands!" ‘The princess bowed, wordless, She Jeft it to her companion ta do the talking. Victory turned back in- tantly to the chauffeur, watching .Etole and the hi-iway alternatel: what was ahead? The attack and rescue had all happened #0 quick- ly that Victory had mot figured out the possible details of the plot. ‘Phat the ambuscading party was in the pay of Baron Gaunt of Wolfen- | ere was no doubt. Those ne Paimulne as Stoenberg peasants ‘were from the neighboring state and, of course, their leader—the fellow un- Victory’s feet in the fast-fying erisennc in the confidence of the piiticians. brought home to the Wolfenholen chieftains—that was a foregone gon: Clusion, Such an act, acknowledg by Baron Gaunt, could. result’ in nothing but war—and war wquld be disastrous to ,both sides. The aller states of Central Europe keep ‘he peace for one very good, but suf- ficient reason: To enter upon a war with @ neighbor would open the way for some bigger pars to gobble bot! vanquished. a Wey of Wolfenholen was ot likely to desire the kidnapping rd Sfaria Thyra along with the chil a: No, indeed! There was & maallo fiat” at Berlin—a dat th: could amite quick and hard. ones Y bitte tee “ol 0: oer the Or a Duke Oskar ‘aa uni and the Gran Pasir had a right to his ehiid) tt Would be a serious question for the tamper biG ‘eae at 6 between the poin' - yt the Stoenberg frontier ar- ‘been made for Fangemonts must have been mate hr the separation of mothe ternese thoughts drummed through *s brain in time with the obug- ert the motor, but he had come 6 no conclusion pte Dy hte pen ye, the forks» 0! favo ah ‘The lady In waiting leaned forward and tapped Victory on the * "The road to the left, Mein Herr!" On te ctory repeated the order to Etole. There was a flash in, she ian’s eye as he complied and the ying automobile swerved into the je road, Mi ramediately they were shut in ey trees, and the narrow road twisfed ‘urned like the trait of a snal a sudden, through an the wood, a chalet, or hunting-lodge, red. There was a little stir in ‘he tonneau and Victory glanced 8 it old Barbara's house, Frau the princess was Will we not be vate i" gasped her attendant. “Where shall we be safe » but, at the castle?’ ft. Wi rt is at home, he will wd- the princess returned, ‘top! Although the order was not given directly to Victory, he touched Etole'» arm and the chauffeur shut off the power, The lodge was set some dis- ag Worl UTHE STOENBERG AFFAI OOOO 0000 000000 000000000.0000000000000 00000000. COX rawr pd back from pe} Bg Fa pari omely cottage, poul ya je At the back and @ vine covered porc jtoen- rege tt, forest road. rc old woman ap) if; OD thé porch, recognized her v and ran out to the car, volubly wel- coming the incess and her little was evidently @ teem in which she % mistress of Btvon- © be mistaken. * was held by th berg could not Ught to my old Ach! bow the little lamb grows! You You will stop @ bit to eee to se, thee— he at Victory, but she spoke to Frau Vanderwelten. “Is it safe? If Wolfert is here, we ean count on him’— “Who is Woifert, Madam?” asked Victory of the companion. “Her Highness’ fost fert Neiss,” said Frau Vanderwelten, rply, Then, to the princess she our Highness, if we are being followed ?"—— “I would like to se interrupted Victcry, “i* he knows the “Oh, he is a foreste: Vanderweiten, brother, Wol- unmistakable “Our Wolfert will return present) and will be glad to see thee,” Barbara Neiss. porch. I will get the lard a drink of cool, sweet milk" ‘The hearty, unaffepted hospitality of the peasant woman Impressed Vic- There was real love here—on Her Highness and the Princess Leva, accompanied old Bur- darn to the cottage as thous the friendship each bore the othe: z quite beyond any matter of Frau Vanderwelten followe her nose in the air. high-beaked, some forty-odd years, with a narrow eye of an undeterminable color and @ mouth that was as broad as it was over-dressed ictory had found no time to give the man under his feet The blow that had knocked him out was a serious. ono, for the fellow had not shown: any sign of returning consciousness. Now Victory picked him up, hands securely, and set him in the Then he disarmed BPtolv and made the chauffeur get out of the machine and sit on a tree stump he- tween the car and the eottage. Remain where Etole,” Victory warned him, ight—and within pistol shot, and he showed the little It: jan the butt of Letterbiair Platt’s re-- any attention, you are, Signo! In the background was a up of maids and children, gaping at the Barbara soon sent these idle ones about their busi- ness—it was like shootng a flock of chickens—and they clattered away in a hurry. Suddenly Victory described another person of portance, This was a big man who came from the forest with a gun on his shoulder—a fellow 4 dark green uniform. Ho wae really a giant in stature— fully as large as tho senseless scoun- drel whom Victory. had left in the He wore*a great black with a long, springy stride that had something almost feline about it Braco. which could not fall to win admiration, He glanced at the car, then saw the little group with his mother on the ‘The Iittle Leva wel- giant with a cry of de- he answered rt Neiss bent a knee to his princess and touched her hand with his lips—rather a bold proceed- ing for a peasant, But Her Highness, the Princess Marta Thyra, and Wol- fert Neiss, the woodsman, had ntirsed at the same breast, playmates in childhood. little fairy prince eried, “come to your giant. He caught her In his arms and set her upon his shoulder; but Her High- ness said a few swift words to him and the bearded forester's expression changed Instantly. tory, nodded to the princess, and set the little girl down gently. Then he ‘0 where Victory stood 0 said, saluting Vic- tory respectfully, hear? What has happened?” Victory walked him toward the car, giving him a brief account of the attack and the escape of cess’s party. cottage porch, He looked at Vic- Neiés only. glanced at the Italian and shook bis head with a frown; but he studied the features of the unconscious man in the cur more carefully, ‘ “T know hin, sir," he said. But there is a greater villaiu behind him. And this is not the con- clusion of the matter, Metn Herr. taking this road I believe you have placed yourself between two fires.” “What do you mean?” asked Vic- “Had you gone to the frontier you would have met a large force of our Beyond here, less than did not recognize any of them a: y them pass; I thought them a new but I belleve now that they are some of this villain's own companions In the disgulae of Stoen- ‘a well-laid plot, erg soldiery. fein Herr. You are in a trap.” CHAPTER IV: The Masterstroke. APT. MAX VICTORY'S eyes countenance But his silence declaration was not borm of ‘pantie. Plainly, Wolfert Neiss expected him to direct whatever.was to be done tor the safety of the little princess. Whatever Her Highness of Stopnberg had said to the forester it had as- sured the man that Victory was to The latter spoke swiftly at, Inst, but so low that Etole could not over- 2p om. Beh ae d Daily a OCCOUUCCOGOLOOOOK e. Wuesdsy. Ss Pepe OVDOGODOOOS TO eek In The Evening World OR The Story of an American's Dashing Role 2 R A Complete Novel Each W 7) *! 2 YW “VICTORY WAS CONMANDEO TOG DING With THE LADIES ©. [00 OOO OBB EEOC OO COCOCO OG hear his words. Wolfert listened, nodding now and then to show he understood the import of the Instruc- tions, And in his black eyes dawned an expression of admiration, “It shall be as the worthy Herr sugtests,” Wolfert “aald, at last. “First, we will get rid of, this car- rion,” and the-forester aproached the motor car and its senseless orca. pant. “And keep him safely, Wolfert,” or- dered Victory, grimly. © muy yet have need of him.” “He will be looked for, Herr Cap- tain,” grumbled the forester, “He is not a person who can be lost with- out those in high places showing in- terest in hiy fute—villain though he is."" “Bo much the worse for those in high places,” rejoined Vic tory, coldly. “Or with him Without further discussion Wolfert seized the senseless man and, heavy as he was, threw the body across bis shoulder, He strode off rapidly to the rear of the house, but as he passed the end of the porch he beckoned to his mother and whispered to her, Old ara went buck go her guests, ying, and imyiceT them nto the Her Highness and the little Lova followed tue ola woran indooys, but Frau Vanderwelten sat apart and did not deign to.show Interest In these peasants. She evidently disapproved of guch familiarity between,the nobil- ity and people of Dame Barbara's class. While Victory waited beside the automobile thero sounded a sudden clatter of hoofs along the forest path —a single horseman, Victory drew his revolver and waited alertly fr this wild rider to appear; but when he flashed into view, lying low on the steed’s neck and urging the animul on with voice and drumming heels, the cuptain put up the gun and waved a hand to the rider, It was Letterbluir Platt, bis hat fost, face nil ablaze, his eyes spark- ling like jet beads, “Where are they?" he erted, pull- ing in the horse. “What's happened ? “They're safe at present, Platt,” replied Viotory, camly. “How did you get through? The newspaper man grinned, mop- ping his Klowing face, “By George! it ix w pretty fight,” he gasped, "Von Boldt got reinforcements from the castle, They're fighting In the road now. ‘Those scoundrels whe aim bushed the car are covering your re- treat without an idea in their heals that thelr own leader isn't in conteul of it! One of ‘em wna knocked off his horse; I grabbed the reins of the beast and mounted and—here T ain I saw by the wheel ks that the ear had taken this road. Hut that gang is not far behind. Now, what, Captain?” “Can you drive this car?” “Sure, Any car," replied the con- Adent one. “L may have use for you, then, When we start get in beside Etole and keep your eye on him, Ah! they are ready, There's no use in wasting time.” Her Highness and the child ap- peared on the porch again, with Dame Barbara behind them. rau Vander- welten arose ‘and preceded them to the car. Victory ordered the Talan to hia place and Platt slipped in bo- side him, When the ladios ent And the little girl was lifted in, ¥ tory took the seat facing them, say- in, th your permission, Your Migh- ness. Old Barbara was very much ex- clted, “The good God be with thee,” she erie nd may he confuse your énemies The car started; Wolfert Nejss Ald not appear again. It wax a mile be- yond the forester's cottage that Vie- tory had been told the troop, mus- querading as Stoenberg military, was stationed! and that» mile was tr ersed swiftly and without a word being spoken, The princess had wrapped her own vell about the little girl's head, and INI LEYIHOAE the latter sat close to Maria Thyra, who had a protecting arm about her, Frau Vanderweiten had eyes only for the road ahead, which she eagerly scanned, They drove into an open giade where a brook crossed the way, and Etole had to reduce speed. Just be- yond the brook the road forked, one of the branches turning south, while the other turned back in the direc- tion of the castle. Victory caught a glimpse of a big red car in this south road not many yards from the forks; it was headed south, Etole, with an ejaculation in most impolite Italian, stopped the machine dead in the middle of the shallow brook. Instantly, from the under- brush at the left, rode a squad of horsemen. They were uniformed like the castle guards, but they rode toward the stalled automobile In no friendly fashion. Frau Vanderwelten gonered in her seat, shaking with F thregtening! ous reptil fargat: ig,Gq@rman. But iA sare Si over the scat- back, caught the Italian by tho col- lar, and dragged him out from under “Get on, you pestifer- the steering wheel. As the princess's chaufteur had been unceremeniously toused from the car at the time of the first attack upon it, so Etole was treated. He sprawled on hands and knees in the brook, under the very feet of the charging horses. A trooper, stooping from his saddle, seized the child~snatching her, xereaming, from Her Highness's arms. Victory, pistol in hand, might have shot the fellow; but to do so would have endangered the Iffe of the little one. Etole had scrambled out of the ds water and set on a run for the car. He had evidently learned hi lesson well. Ho was in the car before ! the trooper reached it and tossed the child safely to somebody who was there in waiting. The cavaleado of horsemen followed, shielding the actual kidnapper with their own bodies. And through It all Max Victory re- served his fire, The, newspaper man had already. siid under the steering wheel. The motor was still chugging noisily, and he released the lever, The car loaped ahead, Like an arrow from a bow the automobile charged up the farther bank of the brook and along the empty road toward the castle, even as the red car and the troopers thun- dered down the other path, and out of sight. Frau Vanderwelten was screaming frantically, her bonnet awry, and seemingly ‘tempted to throw herself from the car to pursue the kidnappers. But suddenly her voice was stilled Her Highness had laid @ quieting hand upor the older woman's arm, “T am amazed, Frau Vanderwelten, at the interest you take in the fate of the child of a mere cowherd. Those wretches will not hurt the little girl when they diseover their mistake. The Princess Leva is, by now, well in a. Drama .of European DOGDDEOODODHHDHHODGOGDGDHDOQHODOHTGESOGOCODGTHSSHEAD DHOGQOSODOHONDHIOOINHOODSODOPOS: att turned” on the chauffeur, “he yelled in English, Platt! Under the wheel "he muttered, “The coast on her’ way to the castle with our J mr ifert. He will let no harm ome ‘to her. CHAPTER V. Treachery. T HERE was an unusual bustle before the castle, and as the black car rolled up the ‘ancent @ squad of troopers rode across the bridge and formed in the road. Capt. Von Boldt, his uniform. much the worse for battle, and with a blood-stained ban- dage about his head, spurred forward to meet the car, eager to speak with Her Highness. As Victory did not order him to do so, hbwever, Piatt did not stop the car, and the cap- tain’s horse, curveting In the road, almost threw him, and Von Boldt had perforce to content himself with riding back beside the car, “Your Highness! A thousand par- dons!” stammered the castle captal “Every one of your faithful guard was injured at the first attack. I do not speak of myself; but they fought like tigera with those scoun- drels, All that could be done was done. We were outnumbered, and we could not force ourselves past th enemy. When I returned to the cast for reinforcements, and tried to te phone for help, t cut. 1 did my best" —— ‘The princess quelled him and him echiess with @ senten: do hot blame you, Herr Captajn—as yet.” But Her Highness had little atten. tlon to give anybody but the giant Wolfert Neiss, who stood by the ridge. ane ane safe? In she safe, Wol- bi cried. iN Sour fighness. She fs In her own suite, ax you directed me. Now 1 depart.” Ho kissed her hand a8 though he were a gentleman, Maria fel Lal away her tears smiled on him i any blessing goes with thee, Wol- fert,” she murmured. Piatt had stopped the car becai of the crowd of castle servants aid tho soldiers, The chauffeur who bad been flung from the car when it was first attacked hobbled forward and the newspaper man let him have his place. Victory, too, had stepped froin the car. He was on the side at which Frau Vanderwelten ant, Tho prin- § cess sald something to her eompan- fon and, as thé car started to cross j),, the bridge, Frau Vanderwelteu leaned from her seat and remarkod sharply to Salas “Her Highness will give you an audience in am hour, Mein Harr.” Victory bowed, but did not look elated. Indeed, the manner and 10k of him when he received tho mosaage —which was tantamount to a com- mand—might have suggested that ho was not at all sure that he craved an interview with the Lady of Stuen- berg. The princess alighted from the car, followed by her ¢ompantion. But while. Her Highness went instantly Into the castle, evidently eager to see the child that had been saved to her almost by @ miracle, Frau Vander- welten lingered to speak to the abashed Von Boldt, The latter bent from his saddle, and he and the lady spoke together for some moments and very earnestly. Victory’s gaze remained fixed on them, for the thought was uppermost in his mind: “I wonder what those two have to say to each other?” Then ho observed Letterblair Platt standing with his back to them, but directly beside the captain’s horse. Presently Platt moved across to Victory. “Those two will bear watching,” he whispered. “I just heard some thing. It wasn’t much—and I don't realy understand it. But it must have te do with this kidnapping plot; Frau V. asked Von Boldt if Wolfert —isn't that the big fellow I saw you talking to?—brought ‘the count’ to the castle? oner—the big fellow I knocked out when I sprang into that car.” “So T thi ht. And T heard a few more words. When Von Boldt heard something she said—evidently the story of the fellow's being made prisoner and Wolfert having charge of him—the captain said: ‘He mu be found or we are all lost,’ What do you make of that?” “What is your own opinion?” re- sponded the scowling Victory. “Treachery,” declared the excited n, "Aye—and among those whom the princess trusted m agreed the captain, and shook his head thought- fully. “Both Von Boldt and the Madam were in the plot. That bandage on ad is a fake, I believe,” We shall see.” going to speak with Her I heard the command given you,” sald Platt, curiously, “T am invited to an andience tn an hour,” said Victory, rather grimly. “But there is something of greater Importance. I am going after Wol- fert and the prisoner. If they send for me from the casi make my ex- cuses, Platt,” and thout further word the captain crossed the road and entered the path which the giant forester had taken through the forest Are You matier, reading for six cents a week. by the foremost tiving authors. DOHHDO®ODI®OODIOODIDGHDIGHGHODHDO™DHOGHODHDGOHOHOOHHDODOSO®DOOOHDDOQHDODSGIOSE This Book on the Stands Will Cost You $1.25. You Get It for 6 Cents. Going Away for Vacation? —_—_—___—__—_ When you go out of town for vacation you may find it is diff. cult. and costly to provide yourself with the right sort of reading Why send to the city for novels at $1.25 or $1.50 each or buy them at a fancy price in some country store? You can supply yourself with the, best, most delightful summer By subscribing to The Evening World for the rest of the summer you will secure a complete novel each- week. Not some oki book a Country dealer has not been able to sell, but the finest up-to-date fiction Bear this in mind, not only for yourself but for any of your friends who expect to spend their vacations in the Country, War olitics which covered the southern a} the Stoenberg, =e CHAPTER V1. An Audience by Proxy. N attendant came hurriedly down the steps of the palace and approached Piatt. “Your rdon, Herr Platt," he , bowing be- fore the little man, “You are be leved to be @ friend of the gnadige Herr to whom the Princess would give audience?” ‘™ not sure about that friendship busine: drawied Platt. “But I know him—yes.” The attendant put on a more au- thoritative manner, “You will be pleased to step within, Herr Piatt, and if Her Highness so wishes, you will explain to her in person why Captain Victory ts not here as she requested." They went into the lighted ante- chamber which adjoined Her Uigh-+ ness'a boudoir, Frau Vanderwelton Was just coming out from the Prin- cess, and the heightened color in her cheeks and the glitter of her eye showed that the aristocratic companion was not in ber sweet mood. “Her Highness is determined to ™ speak with Herr F once—as that other one cannot be found, id Frau Vanderwelten, barsbly, nounce him, Geog.” Mer ungruciousneas did not disturb Platt's caim, He was close bebind the attendant when the latter rapped gently upon the door of the princess's spartinent, “Mein Herr Platt, Your Highness,” spoke the man, softly, bolding back the curtains, “Enter, Mr. Platt" said @ voice in almost perfect English, Then io de jose the dvor bad observed the inberg only in passing, but had realized that she was a y beautiful woman, charm of revealed under the soft light of th boudoir, fired even his interest—a Letterblair Platt was usually qui impaasive where women were con- “I fancy he ts still engaged in your ice, Your ‘hness,” replied Platt, she rejoined, puzzied and flushing slightly. “Where is he? Was he not informed that | wished to per- sonally see him and thank him? “He was su told,” ad:nitted Piatt, “But something tntorv “something of more importance than my command, gir?” and the Stoenberg temper fashed in the lady'a eyes. The newspaper man was not visibly disturbed by her evident vexation, “I believe he considered possible * ger to the little princess, Your High- ness, and the punishment of thoso who tried to st her from you, an of sufficient im) ance to excuse his sppnrent discourtesy on this occae sion.” “What do you mean? There ts no danger now,” cried Maria Thyra, quickly. “You will remember one of the fel- lows was captured. I belleve ain Victory has gone to ald the din- man, Wolfert Nels, put the captive pies more secure prison,” explained att. “Tut, tut!" exclaimed the. princess, rising to walk the floor impatiently, “Trouble will follow on the heols of that, Botter to let the ruflan escape.” She did not speak directly to the newspaper man, but Platt waa eager for information. “You believe the attack was Inatl- gated by the chief men of Wolfen- holen, Your Highness?” he asked, She halted and looked at him sharply again. “I learn you possess an unquenchable curtosity,” she sald. “I am not giving you an interview for publication in America, remem- ber. On the other hand you are be- ing Interviewed.” The American newspaper corres- ondent accepted the rebuff good- umoredly. “It will be @ novel ex- perience, Your Highness,” he said. “Perhaps a chastening one.” “Who is this Captain Max Vic- tory?" she asked, abruptly, and turned to walk up the room again, her black robe trailing gracefully over the soft carpet. “There seems to be a general de- sire to know that, Your Highness,” rejoined Platt, “I cannot tell you. ow Is that, al "I do not know, I think nobody on the Stoenberg knows him, I met him at the inn this morning. Bome- thing happened there’ “Ah! A garbled account of some rietcus proceedings at Papa Schal- ler's Inn reached mo. Was it a spy— one of these fellows who later am- bushed us—whom the guards fol- lowed Letterblair Platt had excellent con- trol over his features. “Whoever it was, Your Highness, Von Boldt did not apprehend him,” the newspaper man sald, drily, “But he did find there Capt, Victory, and was unwise enough to Insult him.” The princess sat down, ‘Tell me about it, Herr Platt," she com- manded. The story lost nothing tn its telling by the newspaper man. He enlarged upon Max Victory’s swordmanship, and it was evident that the princess waa eagerly attentive, although she resolutely turned her eyes from the narrator, He saw the color come and go in her cheek, however, and her bosom heave. The fight of a man armed only with a walking cage against an antagonist with a sabre fired with admiration this daughter of generations of warriors, “What a man!" she murmured, when Platt had finished, “I--[ saw he was no common person the mo- ment he aped into the automobile, e be, Mr. Platt?” him then a shrewd and sunpicious ce; but the newspaper man was honestly as puzzled as her- self. “I'd give a good deal to know that myself, Your Highness, Just see eptemb or crt, 19146 By Ralph A. Goodwin what a story this would make for me’ “I beg of you, sir!” med the princess, risi again over t! madame!” h cried, hie twinkling little eyes denied the sadness in bie voice. “You vould take bread ‘and butter from my prisoner. mouth. How am I to live?” “One scandal, mote or leas, will not ae you,” she said, disdain- command not to thie story in your budget until ove you permission.” Really ber confidence in him, and ber frankness, delighted the shrewd trewspal correspondent. He bowed low before ber, “You have my word of honor, Your Highsess,” he said. But Platt could not flatter himsett that he retained interest for long. Her mind was on Max Victory. “You have ¢alked with him? Toll nhe said, “what manner of man ie Platt heard her mutter: “Spale must know. He shall advise me.” Then she turned again to the waiting newspaper man. “You will see this—er—Capt. Vico- tory to-night, Mr. Platt? “I hope to, I bel! back here to the castle. ‘It is my wish that he should the Stoenbery until Gen. 8; interviewed bim. It is too late now for me to do go to-night; but Gr ale will be here ‘apt.—er—Viotory,’ in hesitating over thé name, “will find comfortable quarters in the castle Mf be will honor us. Geog Ie already Bom instructed to have @ suite p operee: or I will eend for bim to the Inn of the White Water to-morrow, if he prefers to remain with Papa Schaller overnight.” : Platt bowed. “I will give bim your commands, Your Highness.” The princess looked doubtful, bit her lip for an instant, and the Amer- joan saw the color steal into her os rather, it is my request, Mr, Platt, @ sald, poftly, and indicated that the Interview was at an end. CHAPTER VII. Checkmate. [ ETTERBLAIR PLATT with- drew from the audience with mixed emotions, But pat seria, Ta * stam: although his excite: a doubted, his one line of thought sug- gested by the experience served to pussie him. The Princess Maria Thyra bad shown a pecullar —a remarkable—ntereat in the adven- turer who called himself Capt. Vic- tory. Platt came into the dimly lighted courtyard and found bimself in the midst of @ group of the castle guard —a dozen or more of them—with old Hoel in command. They were afont, but being fully armed and accoutred Piatt mstantly jumped to the odn- dlumion that they were about to set ows upon: some mission. Belleving as he did in the treacherous intense tions of Capt. Von Boldt, the news- Paper man was instantly on the qui vive. i, afoot, old man?” he asked ran. wait Capt. Von Boldt’s pleas- ure,” growled Hoel. “Where is that grand Herr who, they tell me saved the little prince: bless her! Ach! one could tell he was a man Platt did not belleve.for an ini that the rank and of the Btoen- berg guardsmen were of Von Beldt's mind; they were faithful to the Princess, but they were, of course, their, under Von Boldt's command. “I didn't know but your captain in- Dal tended interfering with H Vic- r tory,” the newspaper man whispered “What is oi 4 the intention—do you " grunted Hoel. the prisoner they captured—one of ttacked Her High- ejaculated Platt, and at Von Boldt strode into the group, The cuptain cast a auspigious ¢: upon the American, oo thering crumbs of informatiot ae you, i ede Piatt “You woul erhaps wish to along with ust : " “AS war: correspondent—certainty, Captain,” retorted Lettertlair Platt, with bis inlmitable grin. * “Come, the: commanded Von. Boldt, fearing perhaps that the American might do something to thwart his plan if he left him free. He gave an order to the guard and they fell in, two by tw: d marched out of the courtyard, across the drawbridge, and. so into the forest, which here covered the lower hill- side, The guardame seemed to know tho path’ Well, and marched rapidly in’ spito of the darkness Capt. Von Boldt and Piatt brought up the rear of the column, he The captain directed hi: casicnally, when they came to cross. paths and within an hour a ight spoke Von Boldt, quietly. The Neteran approached. “You know thiq pelgh' “We fire behind Wolfert Netss's cot- Captain, Those cabins, Yonder"—— “You know the hay barn tn the north field, Hoel?” interrupted Von Boldt. . dq, Herr Captain.” “Lead ue to It,” commanded the officer, ‘and ih a moment the party turned at right ith the path, and croseing a » Went through a field where the wet grasa thrashed Platt's knees. There was no size loomed up before them darkness, ~ “We arrive, Herr Captain,” ex- Plained Hoel, saluting. Von Boldt wasted no time tn tn- decision. Immediately he gave orders for the troop to separate and sur- round the barn. But ere the order in the GODS DOOOCOCG THE CRIMSON WING OOO 1O9HOHHHDHTODQHHHHDOHHDHOHHTLHHHHHHHHDHEOOGDOLN ie 20 AEA. ape eas « pacieme wie * ‘ DDHODDOOGDDDOGHODHDHDIDHOGDIVOHD & A Stirring Heart Romance of the Franco-Prussian War DOOOISGIGEGOIDGGOOWDHHGTAOEWAWGIOGOGIHOOOWS ©GHHOGGHHGOHOGHH®OSGHDOHHGHHSGHGOOQHOS) By H.C.Chatfield Taylor your ttoalmy a imiy ae guard although ev is Nght—quick!” One of the men Jamp and un light flickered over rebowed the handker an fap Ball rg le thief bricked Vou He tore off the handkerchier, selzed we captive by Be me a the collag ang : si f “As you ‘* grow! Vicedry mona Stewed she but Lig th oweeine Neiss, who borg even when he was called “pig! the full parlcularae theesteees "4 r captain of the guard. bed be: l@ commanded his men to-ferms the return march to the conte. ne tory and the uneasy Platt did mot “Wolfert has horses; we couple that will take ue baék jan by the waterfall, tain, and they moved away with foreater. rhytiimic thud of the e night, Capt. Max Vietary halted-in the path and threw aside: cigar, with a sigh. He said to ho} it would 1 Porygt ad not ine doughty: news. ie sig say it will take three a : ‘better to take him than ohe of your cowherds.” ptain,” grunt personal reason for Graf Von pings sokera* into arat: eo peace 5S princess,” growled | Wolfert, tried to make poe ephew an of Walter vick awaits our com and foot and gegced cart in our horse-shed,” . the love tween. the n to stir up greater Graf Von Ludovick was come ee an accredit: Wolfenholen, you understand.” Wolfert quickly brought up @: fat pony, with a blanket wpen ite back, and whil animal the others litted | placed him astride ‘The bandage across the mouth successfully jack eyes flashed an- would have killed laid He did not ‘ed minister from volce, but hin grily, ‘and if foo! the trio would stiffy then and there. Pe Thera wae no moom and. the, ble through were dim and stemed far at When they crossed ‘an it was full and Platt wished had not forgotten to return the so unceremenio’ borrowed from him earlier im They. crossed at last the road which the princess's motor car climbed in approacht: perfectly familiar: of uncertain which deemed Wolfert, although there wi ght here, but suddenly some bullding of imm LS diately surround Widely circling the ptle, however, they final! younger growth of trees P which Platt had been spied upon Bp the castle guard that morn! - They Were bohind the Tower” of the castle. (To Be Continued.) Next Week's Complete Novel in THE EVENING WORLD