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About Medford mail tribune. (Medford, Or.) 1909-1989 | View Entire Issue (March 9, 1910)
THE JstEDFORD MAIL TRIBUNE, AEEDFORD, OREGON, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 1010. -. ', 1 i j Truxton King r CapjrltfM, 1989. by Gtortm Brr McCtt4eJir Ctpyriftht, 13 Q 3, hy Doiltl. Hrad 41 Cmpny A Story of Gratutarfi By GEORGE BARR IVTCUTCHEON 1 Thwrfon King, tt millionaire's sbv cW orf tta search of ad vensre. Wfccrc better could he took for stirring events ihan in faroff Grauslerk, where the mge f chivalry yet Mtrvlv.es in alt its romantic opportunity; where rates Prince Rabin, the most precocious boy monarch in the realm of fiction; where the reds f Europe plot his murder in mysterious underground retreats; where gallant Truxton King and trave "Uncle Jack" fight val iantly far-the preservation of the prince and the lore of beauti ful princesses; where American pluck end manhood ere pitted against foreign intriguers, and where honesty end courage are mightier than the sword? Read of Prince Robin, son of an Amer ican princess; of OlgaPlatanova, 3he girt with the dread mission ; &f Marlahx, the Iron Count; of John Tullis. the American bul wark of a foreign throne; of lovely Loraineend of daredevil Truxton Xing, end then yoa will under stand why an American lad is Prince of G roust ark and an American author prince of story tellers. Br CHAPTER L TRCXTOX JUSO. 'E urns a tall ravrbcmctl. rantrr young fel)ow with a face so tanned bj wind and sua you bad the tmprwsloB that his kin would feet like- leather If 70a ceaW affect the Impertinence to test It by the sense ftoach. Ills clothes fitted Mm loosely and jet were craclouslj 4eroll of the haggis ess which char actcrtzes the appearasce ef extremely yeexiK Biea -whose frames are not fully set and whose Joints are still parading thro ah the last stages of college de TeJorKBeat. This tall young1 man in the Panama kat sad gray (laanels was Truxton Xing, embryo globe trotter and search er after the treasures of romance. Somewhere vr near Central park, in ea of the fashionable cross streets, was the home of Ms father and his father's father before him a home which Truxton had act seen In two jrears or more. It is worthy of pass 3hr notice, and that is aD. that his Sather was a manufacturer; more than that, he was something of a power in the Bnaacla) world. life mother was nor strictly a social queea la the great etro polls, but she was what we might safely call one of the first -la-ales fat waiting.' which is quite good sougB for the wife of a manufactur er rib "to "It It to "traVclea 16Hg cribugn aaa rar enough Into the north and west and if ho were not afraid of tho hardships that most men abhor. Tho dying spirit of romance flamed up in his heart. His blood grew quick again aad eager. He would not ko home an til ho had sought out this land of fair women and sweet tradition. And so he traversed the wild and danger as Tartar roads for days and days, like the knlghta of Scheherasado In the times of old, and came at last to the gates of Edelweiss. Not until he sat down to a rare din ner in tho historic Hotel Rcgcngetz was he able to realise that ho was truly in that fabled, mythical land of Graustark, a quaint, grim little princi pality in the most secret Docket of tho earth's great mantle. This was the land of his dreams, tho land of his fancy. He had not even dared to hope that It actually existed. And now It becomes my deplorable duty to divulge the fact that Truxton King, after two full days and nights in the city of Edelweiss, was quite ready to pass on to other fields, com pletely disillusioned In his own mind and not a little disgusted with himself for having gone to the trouble to Tislt the place. Where were the beautiful women he had read about and dreamed of eTer since he left Teheran? On his soul, he had not seen half a dozen ! women In Edelweiss who were more than passably fair to look upon. True, he had to admit, the people ho had seen were of the lower and middle classes the shopkeepers and the shop girls, the hucksters and the fruit vend ers. What he wanted to know was this; What had become of the royalty and the nobility of Graustark? Where were the princes, the dukes and the YiTj am too a htodbxd doluuw toh rr." barons, to say nothing of the feminine concomitants to these excellent gen- r. especially when one records that tlemeu? Iter husband wus a manufacturer of ! One dingy little shop in tho square meet, it to also matter of no little eesscqaefice that Truxton's mother was more or less aTcrse to the steel Easiness as a heritage for her son. Be it understood here and now that s&e intended Truxton for the diplo matic service. But neither Trnxton's father, who wasted him to bo a manufacturing Croesus, nor Trnxton's mother, who expected him to become a social Solo son, appears to have taken tho young man's private inclinations into con deration. Young Mr. King believed In ro maBce. He grew up with an ever in uuudsg bump of imagination, con tiguous to which, strange to relate. ' there was a properly developed bump f industry and application; hence it, is not surprising that ko was willing to go far afield in search of the things that seemed more or less worth while to a young gentleman who had suf fered the ill fortune to be born in the atoeteeath century instead of the sev- At it liaflf tl "Wo come upon him at last luckily r3r m we wero not actually following Mm after two years of wonderful but aathcr disillusioning adventure in mid Asia and all Africa. He had seen the Xesgo and tho Euphrates, the Ganges ssA the Nile, the Ynngtseklnug and the Yenisei; he had climbed moun tains In Abyssinia, in Slain, in Tibet and Afghanistan; he had shot btg same In more than one Juugle and had been shot at by small brown men In more than one forest, to sav uottilng interested him. It was directly op posite the Royal cafe, with American bar attached, and the contents of lt3 grimy little windows presented a pe culiarly fascinating Interest to him. They were packed with weapons and firearms of ancient design. Once be ventured inside the little shop. Find ing no attendant, be put aside his sud denly formed Impulse to purchase a (InoTer to the crown, Sir My "TiTiuhs are useu oy me noiuiiiy not uy the army. 1 nut hnw to ny." "1 nay. Heir Snantr, or monsieur, I'd like to have 11 good long clint with you. Wlmt do you My to n mug of that ex cellent beer over In the cafe garden) Business eetns to be a Utile dull. Can't you or lock up)" Spam looked ut him keenly. "May 1 ask what brings you to IMol welss)" he asked abruptly. "I don't mind telling you. Mr. Spaut. that I'm here because I'm somewhat of a fool. False hopes led me astray I came here looking for romance for adventure." "I see." cackled Spantx. his eyes twinkling with mirth. "You thought you could capture wild and beautiful princesses here Just ns you pleased, eh) Let me tell you, young man, only one American only oue foreigner, In fact has accomplished that miracle Mr. Lorry came hero ten years ago and won the fairest (lower Graustark ever produced the beautiful Votive but ho was tho only one." "No. I'm not looking for princesses. I've seen hundreds of 'em In all parts of the world." "You should see Prince Robin," went on the armorer. "I've hoard of nothing but him. my good Mr Span's. Ho's seven years old, and he looks like hts mother, and he s got a Jeweled sword and all that sort of thing. I daresay he's a nice Httlo chap. Got American blood In him, you see." The old man retired to tho rear of the shop and called out to some one upstairs. A woman's voice answered. "My niece will keep shop, sir, while 1 am out," Spant2 explained. They paused near the door until the old man's ulece appeared nt the bae!: of the shop. King's glauce becuuie more or less In the nature of a stare of amazement. A young woman of the most astomu'- Ing beauty, attired In the black and red of the Graustark middle classes was slowly approaching from the shad owy recesses at the end of the shop. ins heart eujoyed a lively thump. lruxton King, you may be sure, did not precede the old mau Into the street He deliberately removed his hat anil waited most politely for age to go l fore youth. In the meantime blandu gazing upon the face of this amazing niece. Across the square, at one of the t; blcs. the old man. over Ids huge im: or beer, became properly grateful. IJ. was willing to repay King for tils lit tie attention by giving him a carefu history of Graustark. past, present am future. The old mau was rambling on. "Tin young prince has lived most of h! lire in Washington aud Loudon anI Paris, sir. He's only seven, sir. O." course you remember the dreadful at cldent that made him nn orphan au! put him on the throne with the tlnv wise men or the cast as regents or governors the train wreck near Ilrun sels, sir. His mother, the glorlou Princess Yctlve, was killed and ui father. Mr. Lorry, died the next da. from his injuries. That, sir. watt i most appalling blow to the people of Graustark. There never will be nr other pair like them. sir. God nlon Preserved the Ilttlp nrlncp. Tho llsloa was from the rear, a broken nt.' throwing a locomotive tnto the prin cess coach. This providential esuipt of the young prince preserved the 111 broken line of the present royal fan Hy." "I say, Mr. Spantz, I don't bellen I've told you that your niece is 11 iu remarkably beau" "As 1 was saying, sir." Internum Spantz so pointedly that Truxi . flushed, "the little prince Is the Id. of all the people. Under the presi regency he Is obliged to reside In il: principality until his fifteenth yen after which he may be permitted v travel abroad." Spantz was eying him narrowlj "You do not appear Interested In 0111 royal family." he ventured coldly. Truxton hastened to assure hlin that ho was keenly Interested. "Especially so now that 1 appreciate that the Hi tlo prince is the lust of bis race." "There 'are three regents, sir. iu TTyou Mioulfl happen to bo oh llio ave nue near the castle gate nt 1U o'clock you will boo the beauty and chlvolry of Graustark. The soldiers are not tho only ones who are on parade." There was an unmistakable sneer In hts tone. "You don't care much for society, I'd say," observed Truxton. with n smile. Spantz's eyes named for nn Instant and (hen subtly resumed their most lugratlatlng twinkle. "We crtnnot nil bo peacocks." he said quietly. "You will also see that the ninn who rides beside the prince's carriage wheel an American, while Graustark nobles tako less exalted places." "An American, eh)" "Yes, Have you not heard of John Tullls, the prince's friend) He, your countryman, is the real power behind our throno. On hts deathbed tho prince's father placed hts son In this doorway of the shop, but It was not until after he bad missed the Thurs day train that he made up bis mind to accost htm and to hare the broad sword at any price. With this object in view, bo Inserted his tall frame into the narrow doorway, calling out lustily for attention. "What Is It?" demanded a sharp, an gry voice at bis elbow. He found him self looking Into the wizened, parchment-like face of the little old man. "That broad 8ay, you speak Eng lish, don't your "Certainly," snapped the old man. "Why shouldn't I? I can't afford an Interpreter. You'll find plenty of Eng lish used hero In Edelweiss since the Americans and British came. They won't learn our language, so we must learn theirs." "What's the prlco of that old sword fou have In the window?" "Three hundred gavvos." "What's that In dollars?" "Four hundred and twenty. It is genuine, sir. and 300 years old. Old rf the little ericouutore he had had In 1 Prince Boris carried it. It's most Eighty broadsword. On several occasions he bad seen a f cbargo of the affairs of state Coun grim, sharp featured old man in tho Halfont, the Duke of Perse and Baron uost unoceldcntal town and cities. For twenty days he hud traveled li caravan across the I'erxluu upmiiuV through Herat and Mctthhed und I'.' .kharo, striking off v. Itii UU gwldo nlon 'toward the sea of Aral and the vast rn Rhores of the Caspian, tbonce throuli tho Uml foothlllH to the old 1 BornniT highway that led down Into the swoet green vulleyn of a land ho bad thought of us nothing more than 1 the creation of a harebrained fictionlst. ' Somewhere out In the shimmering cast ho had learned, to his honest naseraeat, that there was such a Jaud ns Graustark. At Urst ho wouK not believe, but tho English bauk iu Wcahhed assured him that ho would I Vre." "I'll give you a hundred dollars for It, Mr. cr" ho looked at the sign on I ho open door "Mr. Spantz." "I don't want your money. Good day." Truxton King felt his chin in per plexity. "It's too much. I can't 'af ford It," ho said, disappointment In his eyes. "I have modern blades of my own make, sir, much cheaper and qulto as good." ventured tho excellent Mr. Spautz. "You make 'era?" In surprise. The old man strulglitcucd his bent figure with sudden prldo. "I am nr- Jasto Dangloss, who is minister of po lice. Count nalfont Is a grandunclc of the prince by marriage. The Duke of Perse Is tho father of the unhapp; Countess Ingomcde. the young and beautiful wife of the exiled Iron Couni Marians. So doubt you're heard or him." "I remember that he was banished from the principality." "Quite true. sir. ne was banisheo in 1001 and now resides on bis estate in Austria. Three years ago In Buda pest he was mar rled to ingomede the daughter or the duke. Count Marlanx has great influence at tin Austrian court The Dukoof Pcrs. realized this when he compelled hi daughter to accept him uh her lirf, band Thefolrin comedo Is IcBsllinn "he was BASMiiED tweutylivo year IN l.KJJ. of RW Twe ,r(1., Count is fully sixty-five." "I'd like in nee If she's really beau tiful. I've seen but one pretty woman in this whole blamed town, your niece, nerr Spantz. I've looked 'em over pretty carefully too. Sbo Is exceed ingly attract" "You will not find the beautiful we men of Edelweiss in the street, air,", napped Spantz. , "Don't they ever go out shopping?" "Hardly. The merchants, If you will but notice, carry their wares to the bouses of the noblo and tho rich. But tomorrow the garrison at tho fortress marches in review beforo tho princo x bit, lurcLMrra guile pltsd adoot nan kei Lira. American's charge and begged hlra to stand by blm through thick and thin until the lad Is able to take care of himself. As If there were not loyal men In Graustark who might have done as much for their prlncol" King looked Interested. "1 see. The people, no doubt, resent this espionage. I that It?" Spantz garo him a withering look, ns much as to say that he was a fool to ask such a question In a place so public. Without replying, bo got to bis feet. "1 must return. I have been away too long." The American sank back in his chair. Suddenly he became conscious of a disquieting feeling that some one wan looking at him Intently from behind. He turned In bis chair and found him self meeting the raze of a ferocious looking, military appearing little mau at a table uear by. His waiter ap peared at his elbow with the change. "Who the devil Is Unit old in an 11 1 ' the tabo there)" domnmlcd young Mr ' King loudly. The waller assumed a look of ex- ' treiuo Insolence. "That Is Huron Dim- I gloss, minister of police. Anything . more, sir)" "Yes. What's liu looking so hard nt ; me tor) Does ho think I'm a pick pocket)" "You know ns much as I, sir," was till that the waller said It) reply. King pocketed the coin he had intended for the fellow and deliberately loft tho place. As he mtuutered across tho little square his gaze suddenly shifted to a , second story window above tho gun- I shop. I Tho Interesting young woman had ' cautiously pushed opon ouo of tho shutters and was pcertng down upon a trio of red coated guardsmou. Al- 1 most at tho same Instant her quick, eager gaze foil upon tho tall American, now quite close to tho horeoniou. Ho saw her dark eyes expand as if with surprise. Tho ucxt Instant he caught his breath and almost stopped In bis tracks. A shy, Impulsive smile played about her red lips for a second, lighting up tho delicate face with a radiance (hat amazed htm. Thou tho shutter was closed gently, quickly. He felt his ears bum as no abruptly turned away. In tho moantlmo Baron Dangloss was watching htm covertly from tho edgo of the cafo garden across the square. NOTICE I will show tho people of Mod font and .Taulcaon county tho largest assortine-iit of loose Diamonds over shown in southern Oregon, in all sizes and prices, and fino quality. Martin J. Reddy The Jowlor Near Post Office (To Ilo Continued.) J. B. KNYAin. Prosliloui JOHN H OKTII. iVIn... J. A. PERRY, Vlno.PreHltlont. W. II. JACKHON, Aaa't Cashior lEWMm NATIONAL BANT" UAPITAL $50,8Q SURPLUS 5SC.080 Safety boxes far rent. A general Banking Business transacted We solicit your patronage A. L. VR.0MAN PLUMBING & HEATING CONTRACTOR No job too small, none too Twenty-five years' practical experience. OFFICE 113 SOUTH FRONT STREET. large. For the Best In harness, saddles, whips, ob'es, tents, blankets, wag on sheets, axle grease and gall cure, as well as all kinds of custom work, see J. C. Smith 314 E. Main. Timber and Coal Lands ENGINEERING AND SURVEYING CON TRACTS TAKEN AND ESTIMATES FURSISUED. B. H. Harris & Co. MFDFORD - - - - OREGON Office in Jaoikouu oouuty Bank Upstairs REAL ESTATE Farm Land Timber Land Orchard Land Residences City Lots Orchards and Mining Claims H Medford Realty Co Room 10, Jackson County Bank Building FOR SALE 1 60 Acres Fine, level and smooth. Pear and Apple land. Close in. All ready to plant to trees. PRICE.' $100.00 PER ACRE Must be sold for reason. Terms, $8000 cash, balance in one and two years at 6 per cent interest. For information call on R. P. LITTLE How Are These For Bargains 5-room houso on Cottage avenue, East Side, lota 100 xl20 $1500 1 lot on Grape street, East Sido, lot 50x120 $400 2 lots on Palm street, 3 blocks from now depot, 5Cx 124, each $450 ' lots on Hamilton street, 2 blocks from now depot, 50x124, each $600 2 lots on Fourth street, 2 blocks off Oakdale, 50x 100, each $650 Fine residence lots in Crescent subdivision, eloso in, Call and look over our list in fruit land. Thoy arc some of the best in tho valley. SISKIYOU REALTY CO. ROOM 22, JACKSON COUNTY BANK BLDG. PHONE 3311. TO AND THE COLONISTS RATES OREGON GREAT NORTHWEST Tho management of the Southern Pacific Co. (Lines in Oregon) takes great pleasure in an nouncing that tho low rates from Eastern cit ies, which have done so much in past seasons to stimulate travel to and settlement in Ore gon, will prevail again this Spring DAILY from March 1 to April 15, inclusive. PEOPLE OF OREGON The railroads have done their part; now it's up to you. Tho colonist rate is tho greatest of all homc-buildors. Do all you can to lot oast orn people know about it, and oncourago them to come here, wlicro land is cheap and homo-building easy and attractive. PARES CAN BE PREPAID at homo if desired. Any agent of the road named is authorized to receive the required deposit and tolograph ticket to any point in tho East. REMEMBER THE RATES From Chicago, $33: irom wt. JjOuis, yaz; rrom umana and Kansas City, 25. This reduction is proportionate from all other cities. WM. McMURRAY, General Passenger Agent Portland, Oregoa I J 4