It is only necessary
to say that his little state was gobbled up by the Teutonic Allies.
The branch of the family mentioned as being in exile lent its support
to the cause of Germany, not for moral reasons but in the hope and
with the understanding, I am to believe, that the crown-lands would be
the reward. The direct heir to the crown is a cousin of the late
prince. He is now a prisoner of war in Austria. Other members of the
family are held by the Bulgarians as prisoners of war. It is not
stretching the imagination very far to picture them as already dead
and out of the way. At the close of the war, if Germany is victorious,
the crown will be placed upon the head of the pretender branch. Are
you following me?"
"Yes," said Barnes, his nerves tingling. He was beginning to see a
great light.
"Almost under the noses of the forces left by the Teutonic Allies to
hold the invaded territory, the crown-jewels, charter and so forth,
heretofore mentioned as they say in legal parlance, were
surreptitiously removed from the palace and spirited away by persons
loyal to the ruling branch of the family. As I have stated, I am
engaged in the effort to recover them."
"It requires but little intelligence on my part to reach the
conclusion that you are employed by either the German or Austrian
government, Mr.
Pages:
179
180
181
182
183
184
185
186
187
188
189
190
191
192
193
194
195
196
197
198
199
200
201
202
203