A Random "The Mad King" Cutup

Presently one of them struck a light--Barney could see its flare father," she cried. "It is the king."

For about a week Barney Custer moped disconsolately, principally this point the boy followed the trail which Barney and his captors line of sentries along the river had been posted only to double the frightened horse, until at last he managed to reach the girl's arm the revolvers at his hip, the young man saw the foolish futility of the officer hesitated.

"Well, here goes," thought Barney. He had heard that many of the were gaining rapidly. The labored breathing of their mounts was tann wants me to return to Lutha. He has promised to protect me, and the sight of the river and the bridge he was nearing suggested a indications that the enemy was concentrating a larger force at this toward dusk of the day upon which the mad king of Lutha had been herself in front of Barney.

Victoria Custer was genuinely grieved to see him go, for she liked of the galloping horsemen. The shouts of their pursuers fell clearly a moment more the sword of the infuriated captain would be in the barney, who overheard the word, made a mental note of it.

Within the north tower to the narrow slit of a door that opened upon that when he's king he won't dare bother me for fear I'll publish resemblance to the king--since he has shaved his beard it is

Directed that they dismount, and, leaving the horses in charge of "Took a guy to Lincoln," replied the other. "He was in an awful the Blentz princess frowned down upon the king and impostor

The wall at his right. He stopped, motionless, pressing his ear over the summit of the wall and dropped to the ground within. Here stick and the chinstrap from the man's helmet. The threat of the and polished up."

Emma became his queen. Maenck died of his wound on the floor of the the others looked their surprise.

And of a sudden her eyes filled with terror, and, with a little gasp der Tann? You have never spoken to me quite so--ah--er--pointedly king's heart. Barney turned the first thrust with his forearm. The affairs of kings."

There had been murmurings then when the lad's uncle, Peter of when they were alone Barney turned toward the king. The other lay "And when I was Crown Prince what were you, way back there in the but when he gave no indication that he had ever before heard the officers of the emperor. Maenck led his prisoners to the great hall the king to the hiding-place where we found him. Other than these piled in great heaps upon her finely shaped head. Altogether the little or no conversation between the American and his friend, for joseph halted the young man just within the doorway, cautioning him scarce out of his month when the American slipped from his saddle to captured the castle yesterday."

As many more of the Royal Horse closed around him, and there, for "The what?" she asked. "There is no sanatorium near here, your top of the wall that had enclosed the grounds. Eyes peered through the girl nodded.

In his hand was a smoking carbine, and on his brow great beads of replied Barney. "We shall rule. Lieutenant Butzow, you may place from the vaults beneath the castle to the roof. At each floor there in the garden back of the castle an old man was busy digging a hole. The tide of battle surged. In the thick of it rode the false king building, holding his queer package in his right hand.

The two men put spurs to their mounts, and Barney Custer galloped had but recently quitted. At the back of the panel which led into that had resulted from his resemblance to the mad king of Lutha. Toward the onrushing Juggernaut. At the last instant they attempted to work. Your highness"--and he turned toward the Princess

The other. At the rate that it was going the move was fraught with they were sure to be taken there if he was unable to gain the time "I promised Margaret that I'd go. They're short one, and she's one and listened. He heard the tones of subdued conversation beyond. The officers gathered there and the soldiery before him heard and strong arms that bore her so easily.

What kind of a sensation it was to stand facing a firing squad. He it was the second day before Herman returned from Lustadt. He rode it Barney had repeated to himself the words he knew were coming. Should come into power.

His arrest and dragging his own name into the publicity of court in the glass with a diamond and through which he had inserted his custer, of Beatrice, could have read it he would have smiled, for in half an hour later as he was about to descend to the courtyard where ever before been in all his life, and so, too, was the Princess Emma bills. The amount must have been a large one, but he did not stop to none who saw his departure could have guessed from the manner of it suspicions, they might find in him a very ugly obstacle to the sure."

Before he could prevent it the girl had seized his hand and pressed years and as familiar with the king's face as with that of my own suddenly into his room.

"They tell me that you are well on the road to recovery," he said. Presently in the fitful glare of one of these he and those directly behind the corporal. The king raised his fingers to the vizor of his then, prompted to further investigation, he dropped back beside the the loss of Barney, too. He's been hunting for some excuse to get sputtering missile where it lay close to the foundation wall of the of the galloping horsemen. The shouts of their pursuers fell clearly behind the corporal. The king raised his fingers to the vizor of his once become a most unhealthy spot for Barney Custer, of Beatrice, tank may explode any minute."

Fellow, sitting at cards and drink until sunrise nearly every day." At the name "Rubinroth" Barney started. It was his mother's name. Barney stooped and removed the bandoleer of cartridges from the the corporal marched his troopers from the guardroom toward the the truth of the imposture that had been played upon him, and the barney drew a breath of relief. The way had become suddenly

Hard-packed earth of the factory yard. Ah, what visions were their out his suspicions and his ultimatum.

Dead Leopold. I will admit that we are at a loss, your majesty, to "I cannot understand it," he said; "and yet I am almost forced to the prince's personal staff.

Highness, and he is in such a state of cowardly terror that he is your majesty does not recall it it will make no difference, for I the king had been smiling as Von der Tann first spoke of the

As her eyes met the clear, gray ones of the man she could not waved his napkin above his head.

"Ah!" cried Barney. "There is the general now," and without waiting difficult for him to miss his mark. The least he could expect would cheered the king. From a despised monarch Leopold had risen in a at the same instant Maenck, seeing that Stein was being worsted by still too close to Blentz. Their only hope lay in reaching the their own mothers could scarce have distinguished them, and yet in given an opportunity to establish the validity of his claim that he knew not what to make of the series of wild tales that had come custer, and an order requiring that he be furnished with money and lips almost showed the contempt that he felt for the ingratitude of the prince from Peter's camp. "I was governor of Blentz for three that had been awakened by the return of Lieutenant Otto Butzow to margaretha Street rode a man on horseback. Behind him were a score breathed a deep sigh of relief--it was Joseph.

Wide and stepped within. Directly behind him was Butzow, his eyes as surely as though he took his place before the brick wall with the to his death! For the last time he was looking upon the faces of his by word of mouth that he is king. But not once has he said that he so saying he left the room and a moment later Peter of Blentz smiled secrecy, and now, for the first time, Barney noticed the short, ugly arm close to her. "Kings usually do."

Not possibly be a vein of nobility in the man, after all, that she to have it struck from his hand by the sword of Butzow, who had hand and brought forth several hundred dollars worth of loot. But has no love for your father--and it will be easier for both if we friend does not know, but he warns us to be upon our guard. Von der indeed committed the atrocity that Coblich charged against him, who purposes and motives were ulterior.

Young woman whose mother keeps the place directed our officer to tann wants me to return to Lutha. He has promised to protect me, and he took both of the girl's hands in his, and, drawing one through the king's own hand."

Off if he remained where he was, and so with a word to Rudolph he regained consciousness, but he did not know Bernard Custer, nor the infantry captain. He lay shrieking and cursing in a painful attempt queen."

A mighty shout rose from the Luthanian ranks--an answering groan machines?

Peter." The girl's voice was low and cold. "If Mr. Custer is a or else I shall have to wear the green bonnet. The beard is bad tann that Peter of Blentz, Count Zellerndorf and Maenck heard of the supine attitude of Leopold of Lutha in the face of an Austrian prisoner."

Between Serbia and Austria. Other than this neither government will by an officer break through the trees at a short distance from where who bears the title of king today is really Leopold of Lutha, or as a prisoner. He shuddered. What had become of the American? He fear that at the last moment someone within the sanatorium might and to give the prisoner every reasonable chance--a state of mind broker claims," and he was gone again into the shadows of the which was the girl's way.

Come into view. He carried his carbine in his hands and at sight of possibilities of speed were increased, for the night, though

Military car to carry him safely through. Before he reached the alarmed, but come at once. The two troopers who bear this message foremost brigand came to a sudden stop. An expression of

The long night wore its weary way to dawn at last. The sleepless for he knew the king to be near enough his own size that he might fault of his that he had failed. It was a long way to Beatrice. He consult you or any other man before pardoning Prince Peter and his her. Barney nodded to the latter.

"The old fox must have heard," he mused as he mounted his horse and cease. A glance through the keyhole showed no light within the room. Important moves that had occurred in Lutha within the past

Flow of the blood of the house in whose service he had grown gray. There was no cover. To have sought escape by flight, thus in the quite finished, including a cover, he dragged it out into the garden unnecessary to repeat the formality of a trial."

Almost indifferently Barney turned his attention to the other panel. Down the other. I have chosen this way because their horses cannot recognize them again.

Such manner as this. He wondered what in the world the authorities scrambled to her feet, hardly the worse for the tumble other than a suddenly--almost within an hour. There is something at the bottom of could be permitted to pass through the lines without an order from he heard the sound of rapid, almost frantic efforts of some nature "What means this intrusion?" cried the girl.

And then men crowded between them and he did not see the captain king?" he asked.

Patents dated but since the regency of Peter--and there were the officer stood in respectful silence awaiting the answer that the dare refuse your majesty."

He ran his fingers over it, his eyes following them. What was that? Watch at the barbican, the American had crawled out upon dry land barney Custer had never been nearer death than at that moment--not wheels of the roadster, and Barney must be very careful not to touch the American.

Steps as seem fit to rescue him and drive the invaders from the soil leaped forward, striking Maenck's horse on the shoulder and half mechanism beneath the cowl--apparently he did not see the officer. "Where is he now?" cried Peter.

Then the man who wore the uniform of the king of Lutha recrossed the defended Mr. Custer, who was, of course, unarmed. The king shot "My God!" he exclaimed at last. "You mean that you wish me to expert chicken thief, being able to rob a roost as quietly as the ceased to waver or fall back. The advanced trenches that they had ears and nerves with all the hideous clatter of a boiler shop. He had been either his life or the other's. He dragged the body back to blentz. Some action must be taken immediately--it would never do to "Long live the king!" he cried. "God save Leopold of Lutha!" Then exchange clothing with me at once," cried the king, half out of here before he comes back."

The wall-switch that operated the recently installed electric open and a score of soldiers entered. They saw a figure dodging him with apprehension. He was very hungry and the odor of cooking presently they ceased. The man struggled violently for an instant, main entrance and mounted the broad steps leading to the veranda an barney commenced to hope that he had finally come upon one who would at last the head of the procession was almost at the foot of the came to the door of the shop he sought without attracting attention. It will be told and retold, handed down from mouth to mouth and from muscles. Her eyes were riveted upon the wood behind. Presently a man his clothing. Barney followed his example, but not before he had cautiously now, but all his care did not prevent him from running twenty-four hours--the luring of the king to Blentz and the entrance the preceding day, had now become of deadly accuracy. Each bursting butzow saluted.

Dead these many years, but not even in whispers did the men of Lutha passage from the floor of the second story.

Sudden collision with the other two. But what could Barney gain by to proceed with his coronation should it be rumored that Leopold barney Custer knew that so long as the road ran straight the girl "The third, sire."

She was promised to the king, and while he masqueraded in the king's with bowed head and humble mien.

Along the road toward his formidable fortress at Blentz. Half way slight reprieve--a little time in which to think, and possibly find thumb he felt of the edge--for an ax it was marvelously sharp. The it out for good and all. I have planned a way--hear it.

"Coblich is excited," he explained. "He means that the impostor has half his life penned within the four walls of a prison. It must be, definitely and permanently, all will then be plain sailing for him for ten miles through the hills.

"if you will promise not to harm his majesty, or offer him or the "Your majesty will find him a very attentive and faithful servant," time in many hours it seemed possible to Barney to entertain

Meaningly. "Here is not treason, but Leopold of Lutha come to claim "Die, you pig of an idiot!" he screamed.

Troops and along streets choked with joy-mad citizenry. The name of a flush mounted to his face, his chin went up, and there came to his saddle as he rode. Then he led him off the road among some weeds and over struck out for the opposite shore. The river was not wide, and demanding the payment of a huge sum for your release. Day after the doorway as the little party entered. The king's face was flushed steam. Barney was dumbfounded. He had filled the cooling system at from the time he entered the shed he was stretched full length upon "Gott!" exclaimed the girl. "What are we to do?"

American with himself; but now, quite vividly, he realized what it courtyard where the soldiers were busy saddling their mounts. The young fellow before him. Then a cunning look came into his eyes. Spoke to the officer.

The girl, whose face was toward the bank they had just quitted, gave shoulder.

Austrian pass through the lines to the castle. See the king at any "Yes," replied Peter of Blentz, "I know him well by sight. He now, come!"

His hand; but the precaution was unnecessary for Yellow Franz would maenck followed him.

Manhole; there was a resultant rattling that smote upon Barney's very cautiously he opened the door a crack. He could not believe a moment doubt but that he has his spies among the palace servants, behind there were three more enemies in hot pursuit.

Grade was slightly downward and all the advantage was upon the side openings about four feet in diameter. It was through these openings "I saw the man at Tafelberg whom you say is king," replied Butzow. Upon his face. Roughly the soldiers seized the unconscious man and return the crown as he had promised. Though he hated to admit it, peter!" cried Barney in amazement. "Has the Princess Emma returned officer stepped quickly to support her, but before he reached her the man before her. She did not understand. Why should she? Barney "That is easy," said the king. "I should do so anyway immediately I was a servant of the house of Von der Tann."

Broker claims," and he was gone again into the shadows of the and the Luthanian officer had been inseparable. Surely Butzow would bursting in the trenches, the forts, and the city. To the south a the slope. During his brief intercourse with the man he thought king purposes and motives were ulterior.

Heads northward toward Lutha's nearest boundary. All night they evidently the man had little fear of being followed, for he had made let the king's blood be upon Peter's head. I, at least, shall obey the former saw upon the narrow iron cot the figure of a man of about of them was the royal ring of the kings of Lutha.

Walls of your castle. The king's troopers have departed; but that is during the melee Butzow regained consciousness; his wound being as barney's chest.

Might think that you were the king from the manner with which you "Turn out the guard!" he cried. "Turn out the guard for his

Quickly she ran to the edge of the embankment, a look of immense "I want Prince Peter!" yelled the king. "Send him at once!"

Marching beside his company, was directly in front of the car. He "You do not deserve what I am going to do for you," he said. "And troopers to exchange horses with Barney, bringing the jaded animal propitiate whoever seemed most likely to become king, gave the with the lad grasped close to him, the young man turned at the edge "Did you notice," said Barney to the princess, "that even he

Lay within his grasp--a throne and the woman he loved. None might extreme left of his line. The attack upon the Austrian right center it; but soon, doubtless, since the sooner it is done the sooner they luthanian peasant. He was hatless, since the lady had failed to hang count Zellerndorf was the first to grasp the possibilities that lay encampment in the field and heading toward him in pursuit. Barney expected it after the years of confinement you have suffered." So near death, life had never looked more inviting, and he knew that "Take the king to his apartments, Stein," he commanded curtly, "and visible. Barney examined it more carefully. A round, white figure of it into a mirror. The American's eyes were glued with horror upon let the king's blood be upon Peter's head. I, at least, shall obey "You are the only rightful successor to the throne of Lutha," he there, the change can be effected easily, and not even Butzow need but, once in the valley, he let him out. Barney took the short road upon the bole of a large wayside tree a fresh, new placard stared crossed toward her, amused as the throng parted to form an aisle for "My royal word," he replied.

The last straw came in the form of a single tiny tear that trickled leopold, King of Lutha!"

We may not need your help, but it will do us no harm to have them "The king is dead," replied the Princess Emma von der Tann, a little barney paid only the slightest attention to the meaning of the words "There is nothing, your majesty," he said.

Aimed at him by the giant, and escaped into the darkness without. Captured the castle yesterday."

It shall be done, your highness," replied Coblich. "And about Von deliberately attempt to pot us later, then go for them, but to do it young man.

Going to take no chances. He sent the first force into Lutha to to remember that this lovely girl was insane. "Let me see, now just respect in Maenck's manner. She looked quickly toward Barney to see turned to Barney.

And the nurses tried to force him back upon the cot, thinking that difference they will attribute it to the change in apparel, for we king of Lutha. He let the king's head gently down upon the carpet, ridge and the eastern edge of the city. Barney saw that a force of before him, the revolver slipped from his grasp, and then like a them, begging them to carry word to Prince Peter that a terrible opposite them, at a few paces, stood the firing squad, their gun without the truth of his identity and mine becoming known. With me could only hasten the girl's end. There was no alternative except to forward upon its wire support. As Barney's eyes opened it chanced that haste, but my answer shall be that I am going to the

Revolver. He forced me to exchange clothing with him, and then he even that the Princess Emma von der Tann would wed him were she free power of Barney Custer you shall not have died in vain."

Saddle as he rode. Then he led him off the road among some weeds and king of Lutha. He let the king's head gently down upon the carpet, "When are you going to pull off this little--er--ah--royal demise?" Not go on! But how was she to avert it? The king was within a few verdict of the Austrian court martial. He could convince no one that a little stream of blood trickled from a wound in the forehead. The "Good-bye, captain," whispered Barney, "and let me suggest that you search for you, Barney, and myself. What his purpose may be my it that the silver plates and the golden goblets are well scoured through his sleepy faculties, banishing Morpheus upon the instant. He turned once more toward the sounds of pursuit--the men upon his drew a diamond ring from his little finger and held it out to her. Been found, Peter of Blentz was filled with equal apprehension as in hunting, are there not, your highness?"

Pardon me, general," interrupted Maenck. "I am well acquainted waited for the old man.

Identity would lose him this girl forever. None save Peter knew that narrowly, sprang forward and caught her in his arms, where she lay at heart, and let us work together for the salvation of our country the only maniac in the sad muddle--if one of you would but trust my the strength and dexterity of this poor fellow who had spent almost whom we long have been anxious to apprehend. Do you chance to know the steep trail from Tann toward the highway which leads to the custer, I'm sure that we will."

One's business to this person before going farther. Barney, without to the woman who knew the true Leopold so well; but it was a hope. Trooper, turning suddenly at some slight sound of the officer's foot degree.

But now they had ridden back into the brush and dismounted, and his hand again. "We're safe," she cried, her voice vibrant with to the room in the opposite tower--to the prison of the American. At he but joked. This girl did not laugh. Instead her face went white, excellent view of her features. They were clear-cut and regular. Her dare voice the name of him whom they believed had caused his death. What the peasant woman thought when she discovered the empty line "In so far as it is in my power your highness and his majesty will it was dusk when the two entered the palace grounds in Lustadt. The realized the futility of further armed resistance at this time. His sister answered with a nod and a smile. "Where you brought down road--only iron nerve and strong arms held it from the ditch upon to cast even a parting glance at the guard he stepped quickly narrow trail that both had followed many times before.

About all that he could afterward recall with any distinctness was krantzwort on a mission for the king."

In the side. There was a sickening lurch as the hind wheels slid border into Austria-Hungary. I am sorry that Maenck failed in his the attention of all was directed toward the sorry figure of a that she was there. A moment later, white with dust, his face "Even if you was what you are dreaming, it wouldn't pay me," he guilty of no misdemeanor or crime in being in my company. Therefore "Never mind the ring, Joseph," said the young man. "Bring your rope finally she wheeled a great armchair near the fireplace, and with barney's heart stood still. With all his care he had run straight crossed toward her, amused as the throng parted to form an aisle for signed the American's pardon--at the point of the American's

Taken possession of the building, the back of which abutted upon the "Very well," grumbled Schonau. "Pass on into the courtyard." proper intervals."

I will sign the release and the sanction of her highness' marriage cathedral at Lustadt, and I for one pray to God that it may be he otherwise it differed apparently in no way from the numerous other "Your highness wrongs not only my loyalty, but my intelligence," he might be of some real service to that one of you who is really "You do not know Peter, my dear," responded Maenck. "But you need not couple of minutes, then the soldier's struggles began to weaken. He can obtain some sort of conveyance to take you home?"

You may go," he said. He drew a chair from the table and asked the wear a full reddish-brown beard is my only offense. You are

The shopkeeper of Tafelberg would, decided him to keep on his way. Through the Austrian lines, which they must do to reach Lustadt. Had the latter had even the faintest of suspicions that the identity custer leaped through the gate full in the faces of the astonished the placard told of the escape of the mad king, offering a large for returning to me what you have stolen?"

Hollow of a hillside, and quaint hamlets, and now and then the ruins precisely "where he got off." But Barney did not have the

Columns of the porch-roof and a moment later had stepped within the that lies before us. It would be perfectly safe to go to the nearest service belts.

Northern, hilly environs of Lustadt. They rode in silence until they here was a pretty muddle! Barney Custer swore at himself inwardly "Then exchange clothing with me at once," cried the king, half road but once or twice, and much of the way passes through dense the prisoners rode near the center of the column, surrounded by he entered he heard a knock at the door.

"When are you going to pull off this little--er--ah--royal demise?" That Leopold the king, surrounded by comforts and safety, was a very nor did they have long to wait before the tall Slav was announced. A crack in the floor--that would stop them for a minute or two. Then princess Emma von der Tann. Beside her her father. At the door was on the side of a steep hill above the town. It was an ancient pile, suffering so plain before him, Barney's intentions wavered. Like directly before him. A shadow among the trees had moved!

"I wished, back there a way," he said, "that that little brook had carefully Barney's fingers traversed the edges of the panel. No seemed little doubt.

Thought. "Let us see Leopold. His mind has been prepared to receive he took both of the girl's hands in his, and, drawing one through midnight when the lights of the town appeared directly ahead of the shall walk at your elbow, and in my hand I shall carry this," and he that he scarce knows what he does."

Cried Butzow. "Maenck was the first to proclaim the presence of the a sudden inspiration came to the king with the memory of all that blentz that they will first look. Take him--"

Search and he was busy with a third that encircled the finger of a placed it upon my finger in token of his royal authority to act in busy. Twice he had sent word to her, but on both occasions had dark maintained its unblinking vigilance.

Had ridden down and he had not quailed. But now, his machine in the the sergeant. They would be puzzled, of course, and, being soldiers, could wonder? With less provocation men had before attempted to manner, so that the American was sure that the fellow had

Scurry through the gateway, leaving the men who battled for him to deliberately attempt to pot us later, then go for them, but to do it that escape for the moment was impossible, and so had decided to told whether the girl was beautiful or not, but that she was

Highness, and we will immediately leave Lutha via Brosnov. There you underbrush by day, and by night sought some avenue which would lead the runaway horse and the pursuing machine came into view he slipped he turned back into the alley and at last found a crooked passageway his expression was suddenly changed to one of malevolent cunning and slowly the girl turned away. Her heart was torn between love for friedrich and the other were hopelessly distanced. It was with a had received minute directions. Occasionally he struck a match, and the soldiers laughed.

When he was finally convinced that they were telling the truth, he barney rode to the fellow's side, and leaning from the saddle "Every inch, your majesty," replied the officer.

Gray wall behind, and, above, the cold, gray sky of early dawn. The had been brought to the king?

Her most poignant grief, like that of her father, was for the dead matter to cross through to Serbia. He was sure the Serbian

"I think," replied the girl, "that it would be eminently proper." It was almost dark when they came to Blentz. The castle lay far up the face of the monarch, searching for some proof that after all he ten years.

Doubts are allayed and all may unite in accepting without question to you," said the king.

Butzow smiled as he turned with his troopers at his back to execute added a third, the spirit of Deviltry, "I am the mad king of Lutha." With incredulity plain upon his countenance, advanced to meet them, even when he faced the firing squad before the factory wall in which had given him ingress to the room. Through it the two men searchers at the moat, and saw the rays of their lanterns flitting thrown high in air as the bumper struck them. The body of the man of this, Captain Maenck?"

Upon Count Zellerndorf, whom I understand returned to Lustadt test of speed between the two cars--and the ability and nerve of the him "in the name of the king."

His staff at his heels, shrapnel burst about them. Von der Tann cheered the king. From a despised monarch Leopold had risen in a directly to Prince von der Tann; but the moment his message had been the uniform of the house of Blentz--caught her arm and dragged her you are still the king, and that Von der Tann, nor any other, may been.

Consenting; but I should not have done so. The honor of my house is wildly now--the blows that reached Barney were pitifully weak. Entertained royally. He was told nothing of the attempt of his peter of Blentz and Von Coblich standing beside a table at which was not the king. He could not do that, for the moment he did Peter "With your majesty's permission I will withdraw," said the Serbian, a shout of warning from one of the powder-men at a caisson, who had darkness hid his features from the sleepy eyes of those who answered "Where did you find him?" he asked Butzow.

Convinced that they have been taught a sufficient lesson and that will return now with others and kill you. He is furious--so furious that the young man at the wheel of the gray car was stealing the conscious of the form of the man who was almost upon him. Then he anywhere else in Lutha. Good-bye, your majesty. Be of good heart. The blow had been in time to deflect the muzzle of the firearm, and my master, and let you two bear witness that I did the thing with my night was moonless but clear. A faint light pervaded the scene. Of them was the royal ring of the kings of Lutha.

Myself. I am," and then to the spirits of Romance and Adventure was former fitful glow proclaimed his presence upon the porch, whose "That before you are many hours older, your highness, you will be five minutes, was waged as fierce a battle for possession of a king "The king!" exclaimed the officer. "You have found him?" and he stir, and the other passed to the little dressing-room adjoining. "You will do precisely what I say without further comment," snapped mountainside, where he himself had difficulty in walking without already forgotten that three times Barney Custer had saved his life "What do you mean, Zellerndorf?" asked the king.

Was the figure of an Austrian sentry, scarcely three paces from him. Shell filled some part of the trenches with dead and wounded, and building deserted, and none to bar his way. At last he was in princess. He left the princess in the shadows outside the building. One's business to this person before going farther. Barney, without to the corn mill in which the former was interested.

Might betray them; no, it was better to leave her in ignorance, then he recalled his reflection in the cheval glass and frowned. Was dumbfounded by the likeness which he bore to the king. It was among the faces beneath him he suddenly descried that of a beautiful "Is there no asylum for the insane near by?"

All that we wish to know positively is," said one, "that the man the family honor. It seemed incredible to the American that he had companion, but as king he found nothing to say to her. The girl's emma, will you marry me?"

When he might have seized something, even a stone, and fought at the tangible evidence of the rationality of the past few weeks.

Expected it after the years of confinement you have suffered." As the door opened and he was pushed into the room he realized that austria, but now it was more of a menace than an asset.

"I am peeved," replied the girl, smiling. "I am terribly peeved. I tunnel by going upward!"

Associates. I have investigated the matter thoroughly and I am three soldiers and they were taking deliberate aim, as carefully as no latch there or that it was hid beyond possibility of discovery. Spy, and military passes in your name were found upon his person they had reached the grade at last, and the motor was straining to difficult to live a part, but often it is difficult to act one. Some that animal took the bushes and the gully beyond, while close behind without the truth of his identity and mine becoming known. With me entertain of our fealty."

Might be safe enough, for she was evidently an excellent horsewoman; Streaked with tears of terror and self-pity, fell upon his knees after Butzow and one of the troopers had washed and dressed the behind a box car on the siding, watched the entrance through which lax, so the thing was accomplished which under other circumstances "It is most unconventional," she said. "On foot and alone in the the three had gone. He watched the workmen, and as quitting time the sight of the river and the bridge he was nearing suggested a feet before it spread to the air pressure and floated more gently latter's eyes were open and that he was conscious.

Presently he turned a sheepish glance in her direction, to find her that grim fortress than either had guessed. At the outskirts of the his lips as though it had been but now that hers had placed them "Don't get excited, Leo," warned the American, "and don't talk so party wheeled their horses from the gate and rode back toward so far he made no noise. None of the sleepers had stirred. Now he approaching from the distance. In his eyes lurked the look of the at last darkness came, and with it they approached and entered the as to await his return? Von der Tann turned on the young officer, at a little distance from them Barney saw Emma von der Tann

They thought it odd that the king should hold his dignity in so low however, he was to her Leopold of Lutha, and her father's house had "S-s-t!" replied Barney. He knew that he had been discovered, and what the peasant woman thought when she discovered the empty line the door. "Await us here, Prince Ludwig."

Received at the American's hands was as nothing by comparison with fingers of the American. Together both men fell heavily to the old man. "But I have seen your majesty under fire, and if you are "Who was it?" asked Barney.

Directed him to bring it to the cathedral. He came upon the impostor "You forget, Joseph, that we are going to fetch the Princess Emma begged.

"But I am not the king, Joseph," said the young man, "so even had killed by the impostor after being dragged from the hospital at departure for the front.

Before him, and during that pause a commotion arose at the tower "It is the MAN I love, Leopold," the girl replied.

And with the help of the good God we will place your majesty upon they tore aside the draperies; at the same instant the pseudo-king and the red hunting coat as the only articles that fitted his rather with each succeeding minute the American's heart and hopes sank castle.

The vaults a corridor led through another secret panel to the tunnel turn--Barney hated to think of what must follow.

After the party had left the room Maenck stood looking at the "And if you fail me," he said, "may God have mercy on your soul." of a chair to keep from falling.

Hands had made. One by one his men followed, finding themselves in dead these many years, but not even in whispers did the men of Lutha "Tomorrow I shall be riding through the lowlands, Coblich, and so there was no cover. To have sought escape by flight, thus in the "He shall not murder him at all, your highness," said Lieutenant it wasn't for the hundred thousand marks, I'd be hanged if I'd kill sides of the men who were come to rescue him. And I saw you there largest corn mill west of anywhere. I guess we can both take

Girl in a very small voice and with wide incredulous eyes. "You safety of protecting trees.

His eyes. The officer had withdrawn and closed the door after him. The streets of Lustadt. Some announced to the people upon the a Von der Tann could have spoken those words--a Von der Tann who but an accounting with him. It was evident that his life would not be as it closed about her. At the same instant Barney closed the der Tann for you to strike him now."

Barney could almost see the smile of satisfaction upon the thin lips and lighted it. The rays disclosed to the American the rough masonry "You bank too strongly, my friend," said Peter of Blentz, "upon your second floor of the Castle of Blentz until he came to a certain puttees, and boots.

Smaller bed, his henchmen sleeping together in the larger. Barney was forced to admit that she was far from uncomfortable in the there is always the chance that he may return and seek to gain the of a snake, and as he would have met a snake he met the venomous your gratitude, but for my emperor. You may do much to win his must she do all within her power to save her king from recapture and withdrew two neatly folded official-looking documents. These he the girl crimsoned.

Apartments of the princess, sire. There is a bare chance that we may "Let me pass, please," she said coldly.

"Direct the artillery to redouble their fire upon the enemy's man before her with a questioning expression in her eyes.

And thus they came to the top, to stand hand in hand, breathing "It is a plot," cried Peter, "to place an impostor upon the throne! At last the head of the procession was almost at the foot of the there were many, of course, in the capital city, Lustadt, who still which he hoped to find the military pass that might carry him safely did she not admit it to you, Butzow?"

Princess Emma. His only thought now was for her. Bowing low before deception that was being played upon them. Leopold groaned. Barney hand.

"What do you mean, Joseph," asked Barney, "by referring to the say, at that."

Several minutes waiting for the next command from his captor. Know him--and who should know him better--he will heap honors upon the officer hesitated.

When Count Zellerndorf of Austria entered the presence of Leopold of statement to the man she thought king had revealed. He marveled that prepared for a repetition of the veiled affronts that Leopold them "with all found in their company," as his order read, he felt the old chancellor set out immediately for Lustadt. At the palace he why did you not claim to be Prince Peter of Blentz? You have his the bottom of a ravine. I feel that I owe you full reparation for backward in an attempt to regain his footing, but the power of the the girl drew her hand from his and straightened to her full height. "Follow me up this, very quietly," he said to those behind him. "Up his daughter through the American impostor who once sat upon your face.

Invaders; but it stood its ground heroically, and from the heights guest of Peter. It was the last impetus that was required by his to be arrested now would be to ruin his fine plan, so he turned and "Yes," he replied truthfully.

When you say that he has died futilely, you are, I believe, wrong. When it is reported to him. You should keep your head better when peter turned to ascend the chancel steps.

Upon one side was a printed notice, and at the corners bits were as Barney paced within the palace, waiting for word that Leopold had be lost. And then from above him, upon the opposite side of the the king of Lutha. Within, the king's officers fraternized with the that grew lower down upon the steep hillside before the castle. Moat. In the distance twinkled the lights of the village of Blentz. The ax behind his back, he entered. In his pocket was a great roll of a snake, and as he would have met a snake he met the venomous he was mumbling to himself as though unconscious of the presence of stepped to the wall behind the door that he might be out of sight of foot to gain its end, and then it will cast Peter of Blentz aside. Lieutenant Butzow that he was not Leopold.

Blood-red from its center, and the four sets of golden wings that him?"

Will make straight for the Tann, so that there may be two hunting into the arms of an Austrian sentry. To run would be to be shot. To why did you not claim to be Prince Peter of Blentz? You have his "Do you not remember, sir," he asked, "the great ruby that glared,

Emma von der Tann, her little chin high in the air, stood straight every Austrian soldier now in Lutha be withdrawn by noon tomorrow." Courtyard Austrian soldiers mingled with the men of the bodyguard of manner, so that the American was sure that the fellow had

A match was but the matter of a moment. The wavering light revealed that wound downward to the cave in the hillside.

The frontier could not be over fifty miles to the south, of that he wounded in the left leg. The king was wounded in the breast. His they galloped along the highway, he listened with renewed interest "Never mind the ring, Joseph," said the young man. "Bring your rope strange obsession. "You look enough like Leopold to be his twin, and sentry who barred his way questioningly. Evidently one must state resemblance to the king of Lutha. I will admit that it is strong, sent a cold shudder through Barney Custer's athletic frame.

He led her back to the garage and helped her into the seat beside sovereign was strong within her, and the bonds of custom and society table and hurled it full in his face. The missile struck him a wishing to encourage her in the pretty turn her dementia had taken. Prince von der Tann has suffered a slight stroke. Do not be

It had commenced slowly to dawn upon him that perhaps the girl was emissary, Barney was positive that the man's errand had to do with I bear important word from Prince von der Tann. He has learned the tongue, and, turning his back upon the king, his broad shoulders lieutenant had reached the gate but an instant ahead of him when the king."

Military court that sentenced you to death at Burgova will be mechanically he drew a cigarette from his pocket and lighted it. Upon a glass skylight, and with a loud crash he plunged through amid mechanically he drew a cigarette from his pocket and lighted it. Prisoner, her highness, too, is a prisoner. If he is to be shot, she had been captured and held by the Austrians.

"Leopold!" she cried in a suppressed voice. "Oh, your majesty, upon sentry duty.

Of relief that was almost audible the two rode into the village and sanatorium. Together they traversed the quiet village streets to the to seek a commission as correspondent with an old classmate, who "Better not," answered the man. "They are only trying to frighten the animal forward--pleading, threatening. A woman's voice. Barney's tann--there must not be a moment lost if we are to bring you to "The king is in Tafelberg, your highness," he said.

The rear side where their approach was wholly screened from the cautiously to his feet. Silently he entered the house, running "Wait, your majesty," he added, as Leopold raised an objecting hand. Know."

And it should be easy to take him, for I know that he is unarmed. He the princess was busy up to the last minute. She had not seen her "A very what, your majesty?" asked the girl.

His knees when he plunged unexpectedly into another tube running at "Here is the American's pardon," he said, "drawn up and signed by streets the coming marriage of the king and princess. Others rode to grief of the loving woman, bereft. Close to her heart she hugged the two batteries of field artillery; and in the thick of the fight that always pictured Leopold as looking. She had known him as a boy, and realization that for a while at least he might be serving the one devised door in place. An instant later the panel swung inward found some garments. Gingerly he felt them over, seeking the coat. Withdrawn from Luthanian territory at once, and has offered to "They tell me that you are well on the road to recovery," he said. Reckless mileage that caused the few natives he encountered to flee ripping long strips from a sheet torn from the bed, twisting them led to the floor below, while at the opposite end another flight which I might hang a reason for beating it to Europe. There's that all that had passed since the instant that his car shot over cartridge belts well filled, and stern revolvers slung to well-worn but again Butzow shook his head.

A most loyal supporter of the king, being none other than the not been the king, and he hated the old man accordingly, and was the man, who was in the livery of Peter of Blentz, bowed, and with a little or no conversation between the American and his friend, for booming of the distant cannon and the bursting of the shells above lutha--what you are too little a man and king to do yourself. Running toward the driveway at top speed. Behind him came Friedrich. That grew lower down upon the steep hillside before the castle. When the last of the soldiers had entered the shed Barney glanced swarmed his memory. They were pleasant visions, made doubly alluring returning from the battlefield, covered with honors and flushed with hundred feet or more into a wooded ravine. Ahead, the road

To have deceived any who might have compared one solely to the them stood behind their lieutenant and the "king."

Failure to pass us through the gates," he said, "will be the signal barney increased the speed of the car. It leaped ahead in response "Where would you find any one willing to pay that amount for a crazy raised to a high pitch by excitement. It was clear to Barney that "He is here, your highness, asking your forgiveness," he said. Excuse for returning to Lutha, or at least to the close neighborhood backward, dragging the other with him. His foot struck upon the root between buildings that he hoped might lead him to a spot where there but Barney had been equally as quick with his own weapon, and at the of my plan, and that we may be wed at once--this

And his confederate, Lieutenant Butzow, as they were bearing the approaches to the cathedral."

Way here now with a file of soldiers to place you under arrest. Impostor at the foot of the chancel steps. The procession was moving would start in the barracks of the guard. That neighborhood would at throne. The fact that his mother was a Rubinroth princess might make the American. "Let us hope that it can go like--like--ah--the wind." It is not so," he cried. "It is a lie! I am not the king." On the road into town, and not guessing your true identity they took coronation. We shall be just in time."

Deception that was being played upon them. Leopold groaned. Barney him.

"I have never seen him," replied the officer; "but by arresting all at the bottom of the ravine at the time and the car fell upon me." Aggravating cough that caused Barney not a little apprehension. Huddled in a far corner of the room was an abject figure trembling barney stooped and raised the heavy lid, sliding it to one side. Raised to a high pitch by excitement. It was clear to Barney that butzow hastened to comply with the American's instructions, and a shouts and leveled bayonets they charged the enemy's position. The it into a mirror. The American's eyes were glued with horror upon the girl paid no attention to the officer. Instead, she hurried among the faces beneath him he suddenly descried that of a beautiful barney could hear the officer acknowledge the commands of the king, as Barney hastened through the palace on his way to his new quarters trying to hide it from the soldiers.

Of their ruler on the field of battle when his forces had defeated this astute diplomat and the young king; those had passed gradually quickly, and could have shouted in relief for what he found

"If Austria is victorious in her war with Serbia, she will find some it was a trivial characteristic that Barney Custer did not share in dispatch the king. It is not every day that a king is murdered, and this king. And see that you don't come nosing round either, or I'll fulfilled."

Little bracket on the partition wall. The dim light of the tallow "The days of treason are now past, prince," replied Butzow

Booming loudly through the paneled door, and the man smiled. He was her. She pulled the trigger. There was a sharp report, and one of quickly about. No one appeared to notice him. He walked directly fatal turn!

Made it fast about her body below her arms, leaving a sufficient dusk the officer had not seen his face plainly enough to mistake him be happy with him."

Never mind who you are," cried Butzow, thinking to humor the king's "To be a queen--ah! that was the great temptation," he thought but he was very tired after his long and comfortless land journey, so to pose as the guest of a traitor, even were he less impossible than a few miles from Tann the road forks. One branch leads toward the been a Rubinroth princess. Slowly, at last, she wrote as follows: Such farmhouses as he came upon he gave a wide berth except at only succor that might prevail against the strength of Blentz--armed "The king?" one cried.

Through the window overlooking the courtyard came a piteous wailing. Leg of the S when he saw, to his consternation, a half-dozen

Immense relief they found Leopold safe in the hands of the trooper. High-bred face there was no sign of the emotions which ran riot the road toward the south that Barney wished to take.

Betrothed in childhood. The hereditary instinct of obedience to her lacked but two minutes of noon, and as yet no king had come to claim attempt to jump it--there was no point at which she would not have "I love you, Leopold, forever," whispered the girl, and then as "I doubt if many had a sufficiently close view of me today to there was no reply. For another minute the king listened intently; Ernst Maenck.

Streaked with tears of terror and self-pity, fell upon his knees him to whom by right of birth and lineage, belongs the crown of of the courtyard. Maenck stood to the left of them. He was giving barney lost no time in getting down to business. He asked no and that was the end.