The Aberystwith Observer

PUBLISHED BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT. Til! Ki.MiilOM OKi.AJUH BY ANTHONY PARTRIDGE. [COPYRIGHT.] SYNOPSIS OF PREVIOUS CHAPTERS. Chapters 1. and II.—Scene St. Moritz, the border of a tiny ice-bound lake. A man and a woman diacuss life and its vicissitudes. He, an enigma, exclusive, mysterious she, young, beau- ful, rich, ha 1 f-American. He bids her farewell, and she joints the throng. The scene changes. A fashionable London erstaurant. The same girl, with her aunt, and another man. Colonel Sir Gilbert Ferringhall finds his companion, Miss Pellisier, in an interesting fitudy. A stranger enters. His distinguished appearance engages the lady's attention. Two young men enter and bow with the greatest respect to him, but he utterly ignores them. They hurry on. Miss Grace Pellieier sends Sir Gilbert to Mr Vlasto, one of the young JDlen concerned, to find out the meaning of it. Air Vlasto refuses to acknowledge that he and his companion had recognised anyone, saying it was a mistake. The Colonel retraces his s-tejjs, to find the mysteri- ous stranger occupying his seat between the two ladies. The girl recalls the days at St. Moritz. She knows him by the name of Mr Peters, and reminds him of an occasion on which she had seen him in the interim. He denies this. Sir Gilbert approaches and is in- troduced. Mr Peters leavers immediately. The third scene is at a theatre. Miss Pellisier. who is by profession an act-res*, recognises Mr Peters in the royal box, in a uniform ablaze with de- corations. Her enquiry elicits the information that he is the Crown Prince of Bergeland. Chapters III. to V.—Grace Pellisier buys a paper which announces the departure of the Crown Prince of Bergeland. Her maid brings her a letter. It is a request- from John Peters for an interview. She immediately responds, and gives a note to her maid to deliver. John Peters receives the note an hour later. Leonard Vlasto, his attendant, expostulates with him. but to no purpose. He visits the rooms of the beau- tiful actress, and. she shortly appears. They have supper together. Ho reveals his identity. They hoar a soft footfall in the corridor. John Peters takes his leave. The following night Sir William Wilson, a merchant prince, and a in-omlier of the same society as Miss Pellisier, gives her orders to keep Mr Peters until a cer- tain hour. and then let him depart. That gen- tleman finds her in when he next visits her. She expresses a certain fear of him. Heputfs this fear on one side. Chapters VI. to VUI.— John Peters finds an assail nut waiting for him in a dark corner of the corridor. By a sleight, of hand lw captures him and his weapon also. lie asks the man if be would like to save his life, and orders him to take him to his accomplices. The in a if turns to obey, and gives him ti e number of the room— liO. It is the- room of the lady John Peters has just left. When he enters he reitl'- two men and Grace Pellisier. An interesting conversation ensues, in which the situation is thoroughly dis- cussed. John Peters is granted six irri- munity from any attempted assassination. The Hcone changes to the capital of Bergeland. The King and the Crown Prince converse together, and the King proposes marriage for the Prince, who tells him about the attempted assassination. The King has an appointment with a lady, and the Crown Prine.e leaves him to drive to the Chief of the Police. Chapters IX. and X. -John Peters and the Chief of the Police. Bernhardt, converge on the gravity of State affairs. A revolution is ini- ]>endiiig. Another roe tie. John Peteis is din- ing with Marie Le Me-surier. She is disap- pointed at his attitude. He tells her that his affairs are very serious. He also gives her a hint about the woman in London. The Dancer says she is fool. CHAPTER XI. John Pete- s. his- face masked, his body in the shadow, sat in the darkest corner of the dimly- lit. room. Facing him, at the further end of the table, s'-at three men side by side. On the left, was Levitt, editor of the Republican Times, spectacled, black bearded, with massive fore- head and protruding eyebrows. In the middle Professor Hoyten of the Variari University, a milder looking mall. with white beard and hair, delicate features, and t'he soft eyes of the ideal- ist. And on the right, the man who was uni- versally named as the first President of the new Republic, Francis Gram.mont. a lawyer and a Statesman, dark, saturnine, clean-shaven, and one of the most eloquent irembers of the Ber- gial! Parliament, a member of an ancient. family but a Republican from conviction. A man strong and wise, hated at Court., but loved and respected throughout the country. .J.ohn Peters was in the act of addressing These t-hiee men. "I have sent for you," lie said, "because I have had placed before me « full report of the last meeting of the Republican League of Watch- ers. There secn!i to be a .great deal of discon- tent. Explain it to me." That." Levitt, said, is easily done. The younger members of our party are convinced that the time has- come for action. The people Throughout the country are in a state of discon- tent. One hears nothing but murmurs against our wvetched1 govecnftr.enl. The King. in his old age. grows mow* vicious. The Crown Prince devotee every minute of his time topilingdis-si- pation upon dissipation. Your scheme, sir, for the future government of this country, has been met with thunderous applause. Our agents everywhere come in *vith t'he same story. The country is- ripe for the blow. We cannot, hold back the people whom your great proposals -have m> excited They demand that the blow .should be struck." John Peters was silent for a moment. How do they propose," he asked, "to act?" There is only one way Grammont ex- claimed, leaning forward in his cli:t 'r. All the nations- of the. world who have won their freedom, have won it at the point of the sword. A bJmv muft he struck. The King and the Crow-n Prince must be removed. I am not a (bloodthirsty man. but I say that this is a neces- sity." tflive you considered," John Peters, asked, the inevitable consequences of a massacre at the Palace? All the countries whose, friendship was worth having wou.'d at- once break off diplo- matic relations with us. We should be ostra- cised by all Europe." Are you cure about, that, sir?" Grammont asked. "The assassination of ihe King and the Crown Prince would, of course, be wholly un- authorised1 by the State. We should regret it, a-nd punish the murderers—jf they were caught. But in the meantime, our new government •would be proclaimed in a jwrfectly constitu- tional manner. Would anyone think it worth •v. hi'e to interfere wi.h us?' "You must remember." John Peters s-aid, that the e ate at lens.' half-a-dozen other claim- ants to the throne. Each of the Powers would support one or the other. Wo should became a plaything 'for the Powers to squabble about." "What, ttien, is your proposition, sir?" Grammont asked. "I maintain," John Peters declared firmly, that our best and wisest course is to make t-his change of government a bloodless one. The elootioms throughout the country are giving us an immense majority. Not even the King can keep Parliament from assembling in a month's time. Within five minutes of its meeting it can vote in tire new Government, and demand the abdication of the King. I believe that when lie realu«e«* the TiXll position of affairs he will go." There would still be the Crown Prince to So reckoned with," Grammont s-aid thought- fully. For all hi* fault..oI, he is no coward, rllo \Hmkl make for the army." 4"fh" Prince," John Peters deciured. "shouLd tla bo mimhief. I myself would pee that ho 1I"U tak,&n mm af for a littie time. Remember Nty frkmda, tha* wo are rwponeilde for fouxwl^ 1309 a new chapter Lo the history of this eoinitry. As the page* may read.. so will our descend- ants for generation* bless. or curse us. There is one thing. remember, from which a nation can never escape—its past. That is why we at this moment should be so careful. The blood that i.s .shed to-day makes shameful his- tory for all time.' I believe," the Professor Raid quietly. that we are- listening to wise words-. I declare my- self against all deeds of violence, so far a.s they can possibly be avoided." "And I also," Gramanont agreed; "but I doubt very much whether we can keep control of the people any longer. Only to-day. they wrecked the carriage of one of the King's mis- tresses-. The whole of the Square was in their hands, and there was no one to interfere. They will be harder than ever to deal with now." "The King is an old man." John Peters s-aid; V His murder would a-jienate a,a Eu- rope and ruin our cause. I cannot sanction it. I go further, I must forbid it." There was a short, tense silence. The three men. looked at one another in some disquiet. At~the head of the table John Peters sat, stern and unbending. Though his face was unseen to them his very attitude. no less than the ring of authority in his tone, bespoke finality. It -was. Grammont who seemed chosen to be. the ■spokesman of the three. "Sir," he said. "withing all the limits of reason and possibility, we acknowledge you to he the actual head of the Revolutionary party of Bergeland. It was you—or rather your won- derful letters—which first gave weight to our cause, and brought into our ranks many of its most intelligent supporters. The very fact, perhaps, of your anonymity, lent, after a time, weight to your carefully considered and always eloquent counsels. I think that you. on your part, will also admit, that we, too, have kept our share of the agreement. We have never once sought to penetrate the incognito which it has seemed wise to you to assume. We have recognised in you a bold leader, and often with the greatest difficulty we have persuaded1 the general committee to support us in our un- swerving obedience to your rule. You will ac- knowledge this. sir. I trust. You will adtnii that we have done our best in a very difficult situation." John Peters inclined his head in ftiff assent. "All that, you say." he admitted, "is true. What, more? "Our party," Grammont continued, "has be- come like a young giant, suddenly conscious of I-eiiii, its strength. Our members, are enormous, It seems, indeed, as though all that was best and noblest in Bergeland has flocked to our stan- dard. Our organisation, thanks to you. sir, is perfect. Even we, who have reached the age when reason triumphs over enthusiasms, cannot 'ij!ind ourevives to the fae-t, that to-day we are the undeclared masters of the country. We are a party, too. ready to strike, ready with our programme-, ready with our government Sir. you cannot hold back an avalanche So far we have been your spokesmen. If you send us back without our mandate. I warn" vou that we are powerless! What you have created lias grown too great for inaction." John Peters was silent for several moments. He knew truth when he heard it. and the words were ringing in his ears. it, was always my intention," he said, speak- ing now in a lower tone, "that this change should' came about naturally-on the death of the King. He is old. aud in poor health. The days of his' death was to have been our day. What ia it that you propose? "That we seize the Palace," Grammont an- swered. "Let the King and the Crown Prince fly. or take their chances. Whatever may come to them, they have deserved." "So far as regards the Crown Prince," John Peters said slowly, "I might be with you. He is young—let him take his chance. But the King is an old man—too old to fight. If any- thing happened to him. it might mean ruin to our cause. Remember that the most ambitious monarch of a 11 the days looks always longingly upon our lilile kingdom. At an- hour's notice, hie, troops could over-run our eountrv. He wants only an excuse." England would never suffer it. nor France," Grammont. declared. "Who can tell?" J'ohn Peters answered. "A man's- sins- are forgotten when he has expiated -No country can easily rise to greatness, who stoops first to regicide." "The risks have all been counted," Gram- mont said quietly. "The truth is best. We cannot keep our people back '11, longer. More t.han half the aranv is with us. Sir. if you would delay this thing even for a month, you can only do it by declaring yourself and argu- ing your own cause. We thiee have been swept off our feet. They will listen no longer to mod- erate counsels from us." "That," John Peters said, "I cannot do' Who I am or what 1 am makes no difference to our case. But in the name of all that I have done, go back to your committee and tell them this. I demand that no definite blow is struck against the King until the meeting of Parlia- ment. I c-Jaim this as my right." "You mean to worn him?" the Professor asked, thoughtfully. "1 do," John Peters answered. "You may tell me that his life is forfeit to the State, and I answer you that lie is an okl. man and violence against grey hairs has before now set, a con- tinent ablaze." We- will do our best." the Professor said, slowly. "It is not. a-n easy task that vou have set us, but, what men can do we will!" There was- a brief silence. Then John Peters spoke once more. A week hence, if all gees well," he said, we meet here for the last time, then, if your words are true. For the present, I think that we have finished." Levi tt. rose up. "Sir," he said, "I take the liberty of pro- pounding a certain matter to voit "Go on, them," John Peters said. "The future government of thin eountrv sir, has been mapped out," Levitt said, "by you. Every office of state has been allotted to cer- tain names, carefully and soundly chosen. You have shown a knowledge almost miraculous, both of the resources of the country and its eitizensi And with all that. one asks where in the future destinies of this country, comes the great brain which has planned its- freedom. The names of all the selected ministers are known to us. Yours is not amongst them Yours, which should surely head the jist. if ever merits and deserts are to count, is wholly absent, from it,. I speak, vir. not oniv en my own account, but on behalf of that great people Altoui your hand has. guided to liberty, and I say that you. sir, and- no one else, should head that list as President of the new Republic It is God's truth." tht, Professor declared. But John Peters shook his head. ".My friends," lie said, such a reward is not for me. Believe m.e. there is no post in the new Government, which I could fill. I do not seek for such things. I am one of 11 iose who look out upon life, and whose eyes for that reason perhaps are ail the clearer. f sin content to do what I believe to lie my duty. Listen No need for that last word. All four men were upon their feet. They were trained to alarms, and their actions were almost instinc- tive. John Peteis, with a sweep of his ariu, cleared the table of the papers, which earlier in the evening they had been studying, and with a couple of long strides-had passed through the inner door iute the room beyond. The other three kept their places, except that the professor, with a freshly-lit cigarette in his mouth, sirolleil over towards the fireplace, and stood with his back to it, as though warming himself. And then a latch-key turned, and the door was opened. Bernhardt stood there and behind him others. He closed the door, 'how- ever, and left, them outside. Like lightning 'lijs-eyes flashed rewind • the room ,and his face fell. Once more wft-s he to be disappointed! The Ptoe-fssor. Levitt. Grammont—he knew them all so well They wera in his JXlwer at any time. But. this mys- terious leader! Was he always to evadetiim Theii Ikb revolver flashed suddenly out. He threw open the door and called to those out- ride. Quick Search the place. lie commanded. Through that door! There are four chairs at the table, and three men here A thousand francs for that fourth man (CHAPTER XII. John Peters half rose to his feet, and a. black frown darkened his face. Bernhardt stood upon the threshold of the door, through which he had just, entered, unannounced. What the devil is the meaning of this, Bern- hardt?" John Peters asked quickly. Is any- thing wrong at the Palace? Do you come here for me?" For a second or two Bernhardt made no re- ply. He stood just inside the door, which he had carefully closed behind him and his eyes flashed round, the room in silent intense scrutiny. To all appearance, the scene which his coming had interrupted was an ordinary one enough. Marie had changed her gown for a white neglige robe, fastened at the throat with a jewelled pin, and around the waist with a girdle. Her hair was a little disarranged, the tiwo chairs, were very close together. On a small table close at hand was a half empty ijottlo of champagne, two glares, and a box of cigarettes. Marie held one still between her fingers, the smoke of which went curling up to the ceiling. She, too, had turned and' was facing the intruder with flushed face and angry eyes. How dare you enter my rooms without per- mission?" she demanded. Have you stolen my keys? What does he mean by it?" she add- NÍ. turning abruptly towards her companion. I do not know," John Peters answered, "but since he i.s here, he shall tell up. Are you spy- ing on me, sir?" "No," Bernhardt, answered. "To tell you the truth. I did not expect to find you here. I am in search of someone else." "Of whom, then?" Marie demanded. {Bernhardt did not at once answer. John Peters had risen now to his feet. and the eyes of the two men met. Bernhardt's gaze was cold, direct, inquiring. John Peters seemeda-s though he had suddenly remembered his Royal estate. He had drawn himself up to his full height, and there was a new hauteur in his tone. You would have us believe that your visit is a coincidence, perhaps. Baron?" he f-aid. "We are not quite 60 gullible. You will be &o good as to explain your presence here without any further delay." 1 am in search of the Watcher," Bernhardt answered calmly. "Then for heaven's sake search John Peters answered contemptuously. Lift, up the tablecloth, try behind the curtains. There iti an inner room there. Never mind asking for this young lady's permission. The Watcher is perha.ps underneath her bed." Bernhardt was weakening. He looked irre- solutely around. You have been in search of this person for some time, I believe," John Peters said coldly. Might one inquire why you are prosecuting your inquiries in this direction?" "You" will doubtless1 be surprised to hear," Bernhardt said, "that a meeting of the com- mittee over which the Watcher presides, has been held in this building to-night." John Peters shrugged his r,boulders. "In this building," he repeated. "W<<H. what of it? Grammont has a flat here, hasn't he? Did you arrest them all?" "We have arrested no one," Bernhardt an- swered. I know every member of the Com- mittee of Watchers exept rue. We can arrest them at. any time. It is the watcher himseif whom I am after!" "Good luck to John Peters said scorn- fully. If your attempts: to secure him are of the order of your pre.,cut one, lie will go a long time free, I fancy." "I am not so sure." Bernhardt answered. John Peters smiled. "There is perhaps- some method in your mad- ness?" he asked, with fa; lit i rom. "Perhaps." Bernhardt answered, and hi- eye-, wandered once more around the room. You have a clue?" John Peters demanded. The Watcher has perhaps learnt the secret, of making hinf^elf invisible or flitting through keyhole*—in which case he may still be here!" I am no sure whether you would, coall it a due," Bernhardt answered, "but the man him- self was in the flat over this one a- few minutes ago. He h a; not descended by either the stairs or the lift. It seemed possible that. there might he some means of communication between the flats immediately below. The others are now in process of being searched." "Marvellous." John Peters murmured, but you do not search. You waste time. There are not many hiding places here, but you cannot tell. The Watcher must be a desperate man. with you so close to his heels. Take my ad- vice. look underneath mademoiselle's bed. She permits you, I am sure." Marie threw her cigarette into the nrewitli a scornful little gesture, and lit. another. "But what dot-, he take me for, this man?" she demanded, that, he should search for men in my apartments?" "He is a little confused, perhaps, also a little upset." John Peters said, with gentle sarcasm. "To have come so near arresting the Watcher, and then to lose him. mUHt. be maddening. We must make allowances for my poor friend. Come, tell me. Baron, don'tyou mean to arrest the others then?" I do not,"Bernhardt answered. They are of no interest to me I can put my hand upon them anywhere, at any moment. There is no need for me to risk a rising by arresting them. 1 want the man whose brain lias created and nourished thir> infernal conspiracy." --But, would not the same argument apply where. lw is concerned?" John Peters asked. If the people knew that you had him. they would perhaps rise for him." Once more the eyes of the two met. "There would be no time," Bernhardt said coldly. There are laws in the country," John Peters said. "Laws can be broken- -to save the country," Bernhardt answered. "If I ariest the Watcher to-night. I swear to you that he will die bfore themoning." John Peters laughed softly. "You are in a bloodthirsty frame of mind to-night, my friend." he said. "Youfjpcakof things vou would not dare to do." Bernhardt laughed shortly. Come and see me in the morning," he sug- gested. "and I will show vou things that you will find surprising. You may even condescend to be alarmed." John Peters yawned. "T doubt it." he remarked- By-the-bye, Bernhardt, that, is an excellent suggestion o! yours about. to-morrow morning. I wish you would go away now. Apersonofyourdit-crim- ation may perhaps realise that you are, to say the least, of it. something of an intruder." I will go," Bernhardt, answered, "but first He crossed the. room towards: the window, and drew aside the curtain. The window was a ffiiw inches- open. "You keep your rooms well aired. Made- moiselle," he remarked, looking ,out into the. night. "Why Jlot. she answered. One of my windows i* always open." "Indeed!" Bernhardt remarked- "That is veiy interesting. "Permit me!' He threw up the window to the top and leau- ed (rut. He remained there for several mo- ments. Then he closed it, crossed the room quickly, and with the handle of the door in his- hand, turned and bowed Iris adieux. "Mr most profound apologies," lie said, and good-night. But. Marie was to see him a-gaiu. She was awakened in the middle of the nidht, by the Midden flooding of tht: room in which she slept with e!eetric light. She up in bed and rubbed her eye. iBy her side wat* Bernhardtt But thin i", infamous s-he exclaimed ang- rily. "How dare you come here? How dare you enter my room?" "Young lady," Bernhardt said, sternly, lis- ten to me. I am Chief of the Police of tlus city, and I do as I choose. Don't waste your breath making angry speeches. Listen to me insiead. What I have to say is worth hearing." She looked at him steadfastly. Her eyee were a little frightened. and her breath came quick- ly. It was an ordeal, this, for her. o "I am going to asik you certain questions," Bernhardt continued. If you answer them, it is an affair of a diamond bracelet; if you answer them so that I gain the information I need, it, is an affair, also, of a necklace." Still she said nothing, but her eyes, flashed at the mention of the diamonds, and, Bernhardt smiled to himself. Is the Crown Prince indeed your lover?" She moved her shoul-dens scorn fully. You begin foolishly," she said. All the world knows it." "All the world believes it," Bernhardt inter- rupted coolly. For mysdf-well-I ask you the. quest.ion." He is." she declared steadily. Bernhardt never took his eyes off her. She turned away from him a little petulantly. "'How long had the Prince been with you this evening, wljen I appeared?" We dined together at Cafe. Leon D'or," she answered. Private room number 7. You can go and make inquiries if you like. We came straight back here. I think that we arrived e.bout nine. You can ask the concierge." Bernhardt nodded. "And the Prince had not left you between the time of your arrival and the time of my appearance?" Asq,tiredlv not," Marie ant-wered. "Whv should he?" "You drank wine, and smobftd, and talked Naturally Marie declared. Bernhardt was silent. "You received no other visitor?" he asked. "None! One does not do those things!" she replied, with a little toss of the head. "You have nothing then—to tell me." What should I have? I have answered your questions." He looked at her critically. "The Crown Prince has good ta-ste," he re- marked. Diamonds would suit you admir- ably." "Do you want, me to lie to you for them?" she asked, more at her ease. If no. tell me what to say. and I will .say it." No, I want the truth," he answered shortly. I want, if I can, t(o save the country. You, I see, are not disposed to help mk- "Tell me what you mean," she asked. "I want to arrest the Watcher." he answer- ed. I will give twenty thousand francs to the person who helps me." She looked at him witih glistening eyes. You don't really believe," she asked. that he was here last night?" "Twenty thousand francs!" he repeated soft- ly. "One l'ould do much with that! And one might save some lives! But the time is short. It must be now or never—now or within, t-ay, the next twenty-four hours (To be continued.)