before we will homble ooraelTM to inch as yon. to what you bare done—say one i more, and we will sink you and take our chances with your 8a*." Count Frederick, baric* thus spoIfen, tuned away, and paid no more ister or th» Prin-

“Come," said he to Kitty, when at last be bad found her. In a (aw moments the two war board the yacht ol their own count or at least that «C Count Frederick. With a final shot of defiance to craft from which they now escaped, the Adelina again cot under way and swept a wide curve around, bea-lln* back for V port of Orels- - ?n. The Prlnceas. Boon hull-down in the distance, mads her way ol best she liked, to be held thereafter only In a contempt com memory.

CHAPTER LXXIV.

The Adelina now swung In foil speed, her engines purring eoftly In a continuous roll as she took up her top gait, and held ft BieadDy. Always the call came, "8. O. 8.—Gretihoffen—S. O. S.—GreuhoSen." For. as a matter of fact, although left long since in i own don on the upper deck, the operator of the Princess had dutifully done what be had oeen bidden t They plowed on Into the s it for some time. At length an exoatloo came from the captain to the official who stood at hla aide on

and coming on at a good clip herself. cmlng Moody murder. Well. wall, we will see In a Couple of Jlttee what It Is all about. She's not sinking—

sea now that the king la for their use, not they for his! To serre wisely sad Justly—mademoiselle. ft was you the beauty of that am•gain. She did not adad to hear what yet she longed to hear “The treasure of the king, buried so long, mademoiselle—yes'. But coe treasure which also now I hsve found j bSTa’found, the greatest treasure of them afl. It was buried In my heart. I know not bow kmg. 1 never knew It. Us secret was bidden. It is but now that 1 myself have fc und It. Ah. bad 1 the key to that as wen, ' be the happiest man is all the world." She atlll rased out across whitelipped. rippling waves. Her face softened. but what he sat cheek was her lashes! Grieved, he himself could not speak. At last

him.

"1 am so sorry! _ "For .what, mademoiselle? Ton know I love you, that I never will love again. Is not that the truth Itself? Can you doubt It? Doubt me. fall to balleve my every word and 1 win go. You than not see me again." . like him thus boldly to ebalWge fate. But she only shook bar

bead.

T cannot.'

could."

"But you cannot?" He had her hands In his now. And now she turned her face toward him. “You shall never dear the truth, my dear." said he. "All toy Ufa I ‘ challenge you to deny me and my love. When you can. whan I have

The Kln B of All Countries.

Count Frederick signified to the prime minister that, afialrs of state were little to his liking st this time, and that be desired to be alone. On

the deck of the Adelina, therefore i years of happiness lie—long years of might now be Been but two persons— ! love—long, happy, useful years." Count Frederick and Kitty Gray. They i "Happy? Useful? Yea, for you.

said efcfc, •rod yeogair might be." “I might be what, my dear?' "Yon might oe king!" “Ho," said he. “In the country where ws will live love alone will be the king" CHAPTER LXXV. The Cast Bleoe. Excellency." interrupted the prime minister, at length approaching the deck where Frederick still eat with the young American—"Ltcel!ency. I Intrude, but perhaps—" “What Is it?" demanded the noblecalmly. "Are jtor calling us i?^ "Precisely that, excellency. Wc have a wireless call. We were sumnd now are summoned back again. They d&and that we mil come quickly." "What U wrong?" demanded Count Frederick, springing to his feet. "Everything, excellency! Word has come that GrahoSen L

city may be beeieged." r a moment Count Frederick stood aflent. "I see." said ha "That faithless tyrant Cortlslaw baa forgot his treaty and Is going to war against when be thinks us unprepared. His traitor and spy. Sacblo. has kept him well advised—I warrant that. How re they coming this time?" "In part by land, but also In a rong fleet by gee." “Bo they are attacking on what they think the weaker aide of our works, la thee no such thing aa faith among kings—Is there nowhere honesty In the world—la there no man of falthfolness and power any more?" "Sire," said the prime minister, uncovering and ’ owing to him. "there la

such confusion reigned that at the time none saw the swift approach of the Adelina. The owner of the Prinwas busy with his late prisoner*. Count Frederick waa once more assailed when he attempted to leave the wireless room—where, as has been said, the operator still held to bis task, wholly Irrorant. naturally, that his call to GrettSjoffen had been anr>ered thus swiftly. Indeed. Frederick and Kitty both found themselves in desperate plight enough, for one of thi was outnumbered, and the other overpowered. But now there came the calling of men on deck, and the rush of feet they ran here and there. Even Wynd- . engaged In his drunken sport o! hectoring the weak girl who cowered belpleea and terrified in his o at length left her end came By this time Frederick had once more broken free of the men who had attacked him. and had himself reached a place on deck whence he could see the outline of the oncoming boat. The searchlight of the Adelina swept the decks of the Prlnceas. Back of It could be seen little except her rigging. But now can of a shot and Its plunge. Into the sea dead ahead of the Princess. "Good bless us!" exclaimed Wynd bam. almost sobered now at this. They are firing on us—firing British flag. It'a not don*, you know!" "But U la done, air." said ecutive officer at hla elbow, when a second shot carried away a part of the bowsprit of the Prince**. “Round to. or she wBl sink os." "They are damned pirates 1" said Wyndhatn. "IU not have it." "Pirates or not. sir." said the exeeu live officer, “they will sink us If we I don't round to." ij The next Instant he took the matter 7 The genii t j into his own hands. The engine bells wes Rare clasgud below. The ship slackened £<Otbc prime | speed, stopped, and lay rolling In the ~ t paced the; sea. By this time the boats of the < : Adelina were putting out. well packed with marines They swarmed aboard now without invitation, and appeared i eminently ready lor any business that might be offered. "Who are you?" demanded Wynd6 WJW*. *» '-he boafe wHai-e* &i> ham. "What do you mean by boarding Orip'afcr. A PM*' my boat?" gjllgOMllirgiri fa* 1 1 ‘ the --What do you mean by sending a c! wireless sir" demandod the offieer of J a w time ho marines. You called ua. am «* lfoP» here. What 1» wrong?" I “I will tell you what U ! broke In Count Frederick here, pushI In* hla way forward. "We arc two HM'asiifeMdto *&as have Just gut prisoners hero—a young lady and my m 4: G. S. SB calling the self We haTo been mishandled, both ' I of us. by this rufilan here. dered me In Irons for no reason In the world except to give him better his own way with this young lady. He Ir neither officer nor gentleman. Having no means of reckoning with him. t. myself, ordered the wlrcleas a to Gretthoffen. 1 called you own reaponalbllUy. We needed help, and we thank God you have come." The master of the Princess n stood crestfallen, much of his bravado gone. “I meant nothing," said he. -I will forget It all. captain if j let me go—although we ought to blow you out of th* water.” said Frederick, "and all like you. You are not fit to fly any Gag. least of all the good one that you disgrace. Clear out with you.

Th* Other Half of the. Coin," ExMalmod Kitty.

the rail, both silent, the girl looking out over the rippling sea. across which the good boat now eras leaping on her homeward way. "Mademoiselle." said he softly, hla hand falling on hers as It lay on the rati, "mademoiselle—" She attired—moved—hut did not withdraw the hand. Still she looked toss that tea beyond whoae waves lay her own country, so very far away. "Mademoiselle." aaid he “see. we are going home." She half turned to him at .this— though atlll her hand lay under hla "Soon." said she at length, sighing. "I must be geing." Her voice had no elation In It after all. "Going, mademoiselle, where?" rejoined Count Frederick. "Home. like a dream. 1 wonder If I am awake. If I am alive." "1 thank heaven that you are both, mademoiselle. A* to your return, bow can that be?" “My work la done here. I have no itatng." madi work is but beginning—! aay. our work. Mademoiselle—Katharine—you know, you surely know!" He could see tke color rise In the cheek turned away from him. but she made no answer. "Ohhe went on rapidly. "I know— do I not know? Some power drove us on—some good purpose was under your coming heti of fate which brought you. As you have said, the coin ItM-lf spoke with its broken tongue. All I has been crying out. end' speak—to tell what was hid—to l«U us. mademoiselle, what was right,' "Yes." said the, slowly. Justice—that meant, perhaps. Those rhlch so long have

perhaps, but how for me' my country. How stay here? What place la there for

me?*

He took her face now between hla hands and looked her fair In the now filled with tear*. But." said aha. “waa It fair—waa It fair to make me love you—when 1 could have no hope—to make me love you—and then to send mo away?” “Send you away! That should Dev- ' be. If need be, I also would go.' "And leave your duty—your place Then I should not love you.* “Then you do!" In spite of the tears In h« Kitty Gray suddenly smiled with a miraculous sweetness ~1 are Amerisald the. “We have a fable of one George Washington, him—I cannot tell a lie!”

Inarticu-

late. He caught her In hla arms and for the moment neither of them cared what the past had been, what the fo-

might be.

Fate has spoken!" said she. only It were right that we might be together—1 should spend my life In trying to make you happy, too. Sir Frederick. But you cannot go with me—that would be wrong, and how can l remain here? Tou forget 1 am

an American, lam am not of your—'

He laid a hand upon her Upe, frown g "You shall not say that word." said he. "You shall not mention rank or class—sever In all your Ufa What- we have won. we have s gather. What we enjoy, we shall enjoy together. What of honor or rank or reward there is for me. that aha 11 be for you at. well. I win listen to nothing—I will not tolerate the thought of your leaving me now—1 aay. we but begin everything." "Now. come.” said he at lengltj firmly. "If Ilf* ended for us both novf it would not hsve been lived In vats Fear not aa to the future. Let It real

Com* with me."

She hesitated for yet an Instant, bolding back from what she feared“Why. In the last turn of eveute.

Take place. I beseech yt . excellency, which belongs to you. the place which you only can bold. for. believe me. it is only In you that Gretzhoffen may>

have any hope.

"I trust that you will remember that It waa myself that first made this plain to your excellency." he added, thoughtfully. "Time for all that later." said Count Frederick hastily. “First we must get back to port and pull together ich forces as we can." "Excellency, I. myself, attempted something of that before we left." said the prime minister. "1 attempted to carry out such orders as I fancied you would have given had you been there. Some of the regiment*, no doubt, have assembled. The guns may be ready on our sea-froht now." "Very well Full speed ahead then. We may not be In time.'' Thsy were but barely In time. Before the Adelina docked In Gretxhoffen port there might have been seen In the bay the smoke of the advancing fleet—the GrahoSen expeditionary force already was crowding In tor the At the same time, upon the opposite aide of the dty. the army of Graboffen. In full force, was advancing over the route which heretofore had carried the assault. Already this column, composed of cavalry. Infantry and the full artillery of GrahoSen. had pasaed the neutral atrip, and waa entering !he suburbs below the castl* walls of the Oretxhoffen citadel. They came exultantly, confident of iclr victory, and swept on as though xger to begin the Backing of the city. And the sacking of Gretshoffen surely had begun but for the arrival of one

The prime minister waa right. The confidence of the people of Gretxhoffen, aa much of It as was left for any one man. now rested solely in the nobleman who held so prominent a part in the country's affairs of late— Count Frederick of Grcuboffen. Swiftly enough passed from Up to lip the news that Count Frederick had come, that he would lead the array, that ho would direct the defense of the city, that his mind was organizing the resistance And as this word passed, cheers followed It. The men flocked readily to the standards, and more abided the shock o' arms. In this strain ed moment Count Uachlo of GrahoSen made good his promise to hi* king—he fought In the front rank of bis own troops, and not even the Jealous eye* of Cortlslaw himself could find fault with hla courage or his Judgment. He himself led the last assault against the walls, which finally broke through the outer defenses. The forces o! GrahoSen advanced so rapidly that It seemed In deed as though Cortlslaw would make good his threat to leave standing one atone upon another In this capital

of his enemy.

This was Bachlo's opportunity, and he knew It—h was his crucial hour. One thought even more potent than hla ambition for military glory atlll ruled the aoul of this warlike nobleman Sacblo fought that he might gain one thing- ttc treasurers of the king, burled deep somewhere in this citadel. That treasure was the cause of this wai. Without Its discovery the war itself waa worthless. lie stole away from the brad of hla troops aa finally they broke In among the shrubbery of the palace gardens—as yet not having met the eucou-ter of the ambushed troops oi uboffen. again cunningly and ef-

the wide nail, down th# stairs floor below, and back to the point whence led down the galleries of the cavern's floor under the castle itself. He smiled now grimly at be hastened. Aa yet he was unhurt, and as yet he was unsuspected. Once more hla sanguine soul lusted for success and counted on 1L He met no opposition, heard nowhere In these portions of the palace any footfall or any voice. Thus lor a moment or two he strode on—and then paused, frozen in bis stride by that which confronted him. Sacblo was sure that he had teen the last ol the young American He reasoned that In all likelihood Count Frederick—of whose absence he knew qnlte well through hla own secret agents—had Joined her somewhere. He knew of th* wreck of the Prinx Adler. Sachlo was clear In his own mind that these two enemies of his were gone, never again to confront him. And yet now. as though spirt I* summoned by his own thoughts, they stood before him—both of them—the tall nobleman and the slender, shrinking girt leaning on hit arm. Yes. it was they! His enemies had arisen from the very grave to confront him. He paused Irresolute, unnerved, not believing what he saw. and for th*

betrayed. “I came by virtue of my sword.” said Sachlo. boldly now. seeing that he might not evade this issue. "By virtue of your sword only shall you escape from here, Sacblo," aaid Count Frederick, calmly. "Stand back of me, Qademolaelle, and give me reach." In a flash the swords of the two went out and Joined In the encounter. Each was an excellent swordsman, and for • moment neither had advantage. The young girt screamed In terror at the tight, for she knew the redoubtable reputation of Sachlo aa a swords man, and long ere this she had selected the one whom she desired to see victor In this or any encounter. But Count Frederick did not glance her way. Hla eye was still fixed on that of hit opponent. Only, softly, gently, he lepeated to her. "Stand back, mademoiselle. Give ns room." Sachlo was full of tricks. He had 3 wish to waste time here, and yet knew not how to pass the blade now opposing him. Suddenly be flung up his hand to his chest as though struck. find bis foe off his guard for Just an Instant. It did not result to. The steady point of Count Fred erick lay gleaming before his breast ready to threat. And for another res " 'a sol erfoge worse than a for Sarhlo. As he caught hla hand against his bosom these e from Us con real men! In bW pocket something metallic, which fell upon the floor. It rolled but briefly, for It was not round—ihla piece cf metal. It was a half coin. Upon this Kitty fell with a andden y. She knew In a flash what waa this bit of metal. She kn -w how iust have prised It, and now how Sachlo. In th* luck of the game, had lost, and lost by bis own hand. Agile aa a cat. the girl stooped, ran la, and emerged with the bit of metal In her hand. And atlll the eyas ot g men dared not turn her way. Sarhlo laughed, and tossed over hla shoulder a taunting word. "It is worthless, mademoiselle." aaid i—"counterfeit—tla nothing." Count Frederick said nothing, but he heard her words coming to him now from behind his shoulder. "I have got them!" ahe exclaimed, "both halves of the coin—they are oure—they are oure—I am going now —come quick—aa soon aa you can." But the cold eye of Count Frederick never turned from the face of hi* adversary. He made no answer to these words, although he heard, the sound ot her footfalls back of him as she tied down the hall toward the interior of the caverns. “Well. Sachlo.” aaid Count Frederick. "your trickery failed. Y’our attack has failed at every point. Fate fights against you, Sachlo. You have to.t the toss of the die. You have lost the coin.” The strong wriat of the swarthy nobleman covered hla breast with his extended steel His e/es. bold even in this extremity, met that of bis opponent. But Sachlo knew the die Indeed was cast He knew now that he had tailed. For one moment be edged on Inch by Inch, endeavoring to reach a point from which be might spring past Frederick, and ao follow the fleeing girl down the passageway. But always the other edged Inch by Inch In front of him. Always the cold eye looked Into bis. Always the steady steel menaced him. "Yes. Sachlo.' aaid Frederick, one* more, coldly. "1 shall kill you. Rhei* U be now?" But Sachlo himself suddenly dosed this present encounter, suddenly deferred what be himself knew In swift consttprnatlon must be his end. With a <iu*k sserp ol his sword defending the front ot his body, he sprang to one side and hack. Casting dews upon the floor the blade with which ho had fought, he fled Incontinently. Count Frederick did not Pursue him. Thro things prevented that. One of «>a the errand to which Kitty

even while he plucked « hair. But he did not He wound it absent! ger and stuck it In hla things change a man’s was Just .. le island. ^ tomed boat drawn up sandy shore. She called and ovor. then George.J^iast

life, hut they had st boot. She pushed U off and rowed over to th*

order. Out in the found th* re ar and made her With a sup slipped out of the i

pleasant Uttle hike along the a road until you came to Turtle tale. Kate regarded the short road appro datively. The air blew freshly te from the sound end the water broke on the beach In long, lazy roll*. Throe whole days to spend on a tiny island off the Connecticut shore, three days of driftwood and marshmallow p Maud aaid there were quits a number C* — v of the art colony left Mill, ao A* ** * * Cl

would not be lonesome. "YonU like them all « lows He - * perfectly b comes to sociability,

ail right i

Cant *

him. Kater

C if

OeoraescyattR « fll be men. bnt^ y n

t even bear , r who hart -V

his wa> up the palace

stairs, fought through the guard whichlelcuded the entrance, and thus alone '

■A

r ** & o ' .

mam ArI 4 w, ' tl n “M

Turning t« hastened after her. fast at he might, down tho deep passages through which she hut, new hod Bed.

BE CONIjNLTSD.)

t*!

WaV . ^°r nrrnnV. "ual ins£- ]! CoStSI-?:-®*** 0 **

*1

'"i

bt* chair. Perhaps II etch that awakened bar. did. and she sat up. startled and belldared for the momeni. Sow as moving around Inside and In*. “Oh. George, are you I called. “la Maud there?" Dead alienee. She stood up. 1 ng. A figure came out of the living . the figure of a man. and ahe felt he waa as thoroughly amazed so herself. “1 m not George. - ' he salt there's acme mistake. I am Fallows." But where's George. Mr. Crane at tny sister?" Kate put her hand « her cheek. “They e _ uid I can't find them. 1—I waa awfoly tired and fell asleep." “I see you did. 1 expect Mr. Crane * over on Turtle Island, about a q xar- - . of a mile farther along the shore. i This 1s my Island. Just wait until I ret * light and we can sea." struck a match and lit a lamp. 't was Hartley Fallows. And. oddly gh. instead of thinking abcut Maud and George's worry over bar.

I aay. If the trip * too much ttar i up there. I'll row over ant Georgs back with Mrs Crane t here with you. and wall I there." i “I'd much rather. I woxIBn'V (teal ' w>—oo eon of evicted, don't you know. It would almost seem as if I bad welcome, i think tt'« bad luck t* move so soon aftsr you're setUaft. don’t you?" it was three weeks iafor when thro broke camp tor the city. Thar* hal been a last boo fire of driftwood <2 L Turtle Island, end Kate lingered b*- fl ride it with Fallows after th* c bad gone up to one ot “-""l^jLltea ■ ” M.h surprise*. H* had grown sintoet’**'* human. Maud aaid. bad come to act i f them every day and aomoimes twice. ■ i and Kate's dark aye* held a new look these day*. __ , - "Was I such a bear that first night?" , f "-. | he asked. P 1 L “r"* ‘ b ~’ !,2J -■ lm« hrom h»tr h , J Hr- "Orpey hair.” f I Q Tl ‘* “ t ‘* r »*• Wondc. remember J J She lifted her face teaslngly. y .. ( n.l M fo earnest, and Fallow* took tj ■ chance. ~ | it belonged to my Utt'e niece. Bet" Fallows. Oh. and you have held ti : •sMnst mo-IUt*. Kate-" _ Maud came to , he door In tb* gl. - I of light and caned n "'I Kate laughed eoftly. Im glad you preter brown !.» q»rtl*y." *** aaid *# ‘fc* RaUliind Islands Ihr