Argosy, Vol. 1 (December 9, 1882) — page 86: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

A DASH FOR A THRONE. 79 ‘‘T shall very sp :edily undeceive them,” I answered promptly, and thought little more about the matter. But on that day I had to change my residence, and the next morning [. found to my annoyance that he had indeed told the people at both houses that _ my name was in reality Von Fromberg and his Fisher. It was too small a matter to make a fuss about; and as I reflected that the only result would be to let him get married with fewer fears, I kept my anger till we should meet again. But I little foresaw the consequences. I was away for several hours in the latter part of the day, walking and sketching, and on my return to the house at night I thought there was some- thing strange in the manner of a servant, who met me and said two gentlemen were waiting for me in my room. “For me?” I said, with some astonishment; for I could not think of any two men in the whole empire likely to come for me. “Yes, sir, for you. They asked for you first as Herr von Fromberg, and then as Mr. Fisher.” “Some more tomfoolery,” I thought, as I went up the stairs; and then it flashed across me that they might be connected with the visit Von Fromberg had been fearing. : A glance at the two men, who rose at my entrance, showed me they were at least gentlemen; officers, I thought, in mufti. They were both dark and one, the elder, wore a beard, the other a heavy mustache anly. ‘“ Good evening, gentlemen,” I said quietly. “To what do I owe the favor of this visit?’ JI was disposed to be on my guard for Von Fromberg’ s sake. The man with the beard answered. : “This in the first time we have met, Herr von Fromberg. My name is Von Krugen, and my friend’s, Steinitz.” I was not quite sure whether to repudiate Von Fromberg’s name at once, or to wait until I knew more of the errand. I decided that it could do no harm to wait. “And your object in coming?” I asked. I saw a glance pass between the two, and the younger stepped past me and took up a position near the door. This interested me at once. It was quite obviously a move to prevent my running away. They seemed to understand Von Fromberg’s character. I think you will be able to guess,” he replied, waiting until his companion had carried out the maneuver. “ We wish to have a little private conversation with you and to induce you to go with us—you will know where.” ‘“ And to make sure that it shall be private I suppose you get your friend to stand over there by the door,” I said, motioning toward him. “A merely superfluous caution, I am sure,” was the answer, given with a smile. “ Though a locked door always keeps intruders out.” ‘ And prisoners in,” I retorted. “True,” he assented, with another smile. “So you may as well lock it, Steinitz,” and this was done promptly. I laughed. I had, of course, nothing to fear. “T shouldn’t run away,” I said. “ You interest me too much; though what on earth you are doing here, I can’t for the life of Me guess.” COMIC OS CO