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‘ to an immense surprise, and one which
was to mark a complete change in is
plans and hopes.
.n . .........,......-... ....p...
e
‘ Krause detained him
“Sire.
accompanied by 5. soldier, entered,
.
which Fred was to rcturn and, pretending
to be a British spy, the dispatches were to
be delivered to General Spencer.
The false nature of these dispatches I-‘red
carelrrlly noted. It looked as if he was
going to easily get back, when all at once
the Kaiser, who had taken no part in this
discussion among the generals but had
been in conference with two high otnccrs,
now called out: - ’
“Let Colonel Krause be summoned."
Fred's hcart san .
What it it should be his Colonel Krause?
What if the man should recognize him’! ’
But he quickly remembered how com-
mons name Krause was and dismissed his
Nevertheless they were well founded, for
who should he ushered into the Imperial
presence but the same old Krause-Krnusa,
cf! - " -
The Kaiser rose, andvcrossiug the big
chamber, stopped within a few feet oi the
peep-holes. ‘ . .
. Ile motioned Krause to attend him, but
the colonel was not permitted to approach
nearer than within ten feet of the Imperial
presence. ’
And now Fred was to had himself treated
The colonel, who really was a fme-lcok-
in; man. seemed to have previously met
the Kaiser, who spoke brietly in praise of
certain Secret Service work he had done.
“And now, colonel," he went on to say,
.‘'I have another and most important mis-
sion which I want you to undertake it you
are willing.” ' ,
The colonel bowed profoundly and, of
course. declared that he was ready to un-
dertake anything his imperial majesty de-
“This mission will take you to America,”
continued the Kaiser. “It consists 0! two
parts. The ilrst is personal with me. There
are two French ladies in‘ whom I am in-
terested. They desire to go to America
and remain there. Until recently they ex-
pected to proceed to England and sail from
there, but certain complications have arisen
which makes this an unwise proceeding:
They have found it necessary to seek
refuge within the German lines. I want
you to escort them to Rotterdam, from
which port you yoursell will embark. You
will ‘pose as a Hollander. Your excellent
Dutch will tarry yorrthrongh. You will
see these ladies safe to Chicago, Illinois."
Again the colonel bowed, but made no
t. ,
“NaturallY." continued the Kaiser, “you
will wish to put your aB'airs in order be-
fore sailing, for you will probably be ah-
scnt a long time. You will therefore at
once proceed to Warburg, make your prep-
arations and await my hnal instructions."
Fred heard this with dismay.
rascal will take it to Chicago with him as
sure as late.” , .' .
He was jumping at conclusions. ,
Even the Kaiser cannot control fate!
Now what followed relates to the Kai.-:cr's
second proposition and the real mission 0!
Colonel Krauae to America.
We do not propose to even hint at its
nature, although in the account 0! his ad-
rcnturos furnished us by Fred, it is all
p'ainly stated.
It is a matter which in no Way concerns
our readers, nor Frcd’s story.
Having hnishc his instructions the
Kaiser added: I .
You will Want an attendant, colonel.
Select whom you please, an cause
the necessary papers to be issued."
turning away -when Colonel
he said, "I hardly dare to name
my choice as he is already in your im-
perial malesty's service."
"That makes no dilfcrence. Name him."
"Private Katzenstein, of our town, my
nephew.‘ I understand he is at present in
the chateau."
Fred almost fainted.
He has seen me and recognized me."
he thought. ' "He means to have me help
him unearth the money. Like enough he'll
murder me alter we dig it u .”
The Kaiser hesitated a moment and then
cplled:
"I would sooner you had chosen any one
else. However, so let it be. The young
‘man is in the chateau. He is at your serr-
ice, colonel. lie shall be summoned at
me. '
Both moved away.
Fred turned to Madame Eichlcr and
breathed in her ear: , ‘
“I can't get back to my room too quick."
The woman nodded and they gropcd their
way upstairs, most fortunately gaining
Fred's room unseen. >
our hero lost not an instant in undress-
ing and getting into bed. ‘
Less than dve minutes had elapsed whgn
there came it loud knocking on the door,
"Come in!" roared Fred, and very sleepy
and cross be pretended to be when Eicliler,
HAPPY DAYS.
Fred tumbled out of bed and l>ega[n to
dress.
“You needn't wait." Elchlor said to the
soldier. "I will conduct the young man
to Colonel Krause."
he soldier thereupon went away, and
Eicbler having carefully closed the door.
whispered: -
“Quick, tell me all. My Wife could hear
nothing.” y
“You will have tdgo," he said when Fred
had duished. “Let us only hope that you
will have an opportunity to give me notes
of what you overheard, and that I can
find means to forward them to General
Spencer." . . .
“Better take all my notns now before I
join the colonel," urged Frctl. “There is
no telling it we may evcr meet again.
Only trouble is they are in English." ,
“My wife was brought up in an English
family. She can read tlwrrr. Give them
to me, it will be hest," Eirhlcr replied.
Fred did so, and was then conducted
to the room of the secret panel.
Here he found Colonel Krause pacing the
oor. .
He looked much as‘ when he had last
seen him. There was an air of triumph
on his face.
“Well, my dear nephew" he said with a
grin, "it is at once a pleasrv and a sur
price to ind you herein this chateau.
Eichler," he added, "you may leave us.
My business with this young man is pri-
ate."
The keeper departed. - ‘
Fred stood facing the colonel prepared
for what was to come.
I CHAPTER XXIII.
nu mvaaarmsto or -rnr. rnnnsvna.
The instant they were alone Colonel
Kranse caught Fred‘: hand and wrung it
heartily. ‘
“I3oy," he said, lowering his voice al-
most: tola whisper, “ a big stroke oi luck
has ‘blown my way, and you are to sh
in it. Now, what do you think 0! that’!
"I shal be better able to judge when I
to be ever on his guard in his dealings
with this treacherous man. ,
“I am ordered to America on a special.
mission for the German government.”
“Is that so?"
' Better still, I am drst ordered
to Warburg. my home, to make my rep-
arations. You ‘know what that means to
me."
“I can guess. Where do I come in?"
, "I am to have an assistant. I was al-
lowed .to choose Whom I pleased. Natur-
ally. I chose you."
“Mei”
“Yes. Are you not glad?" '
"I shall be glad to get back to America,
yes. I have had enough at this terrible
W 1. .. . .
"Terrible, indeed. ‘There has been noth-
ing like it since the world began."
“How did you know I was here?"
“You passed me in the bill after your-
intcrview with the Kaiser, but did not see
me. I recognized you instantly. They tell
c you have been doing excellent secret
service work for the cause."
“lnam glad my work has given satisfac-
“You will go?"
"Oh. yes. I suppose I must.
I want to go as I said."
“Then it’s settled. - Fred, this is the Limo
we are going to get away with that treas-
ure, and don't you forget it. Boy, it's
great."
“When do we start?" ,,
"Now. I want to be iar away from this
chateau by daybreak, lest the Kaiser should
change his mind. He is very tickle and
Anyway,
“In a car which has been placed at my
service. rys to.be hoped you can drive
one. I can't. I don't want to take a chauf-
feur along.”
“I can manage any car."
“I was sure you told me so.
and return hcreat once."
“I have no preparations to make. I am
ready now.’ ‘ ’
"Good! I will be in dve minutes."
Iie was as good as his word. ‘
In less than iiltceu minutes they were
starting (mm the Chateau '0r."
Fred ound the colonel a very sociable
fellow and an inquisitive one as well.
He wanted to know all that had hap-
period since their parting. "
Fred told him much, but as it matter of
precaution he let it appear that all the
Lime he had been in the service of the
allies his heart was with
causes -
Any part of his adventures likely to go
against that idea be suppressed. -
Not a word did the colonel say of his
own interview with the aiser, nor was
any mention made of the ladies.
Naturally, Fred wondered who they were,
and why the Kaiser should lutenast him-
self in French ladies, anyway, but he de-
.
Get ready
German
“You are summoned to attend on special
business," said the keeper. I -
know what it is,"-replied I-‘rod, determined ‘
instant trust the colon
“ c‘ll never share the treasure with
be lucky it he rlou‘t. murder me there In
me out so that there would be no chance
of me giving him away in case the Kaiser
should question me again, and that was
why he was in such a big hurry to get
away from the chaiczru."
The journey to Warburg was accom-
plished without mishap. ‘ ,
Arrived there they went to a small hote
for the two French ladies whom the colonel
now mentioned for the drct time.
He did not mention them by name. and
he proved his falsity by distinctly stating
that to act as their escort was his sole
mission to America.
“ is what part or America are they go-
lug?" asked Frcd, carelessly.
“Oddly enough to your part, Chicago,"
was the reply. .
“It is odd. Have you ever been there?"
“I never was in America in my lite.
am overjoyed to have the chance to see
the country." .
"Why does the Kaiser take an interest
in these Prrnch ladies?" ‘ r
“lie did not tell me hlmseli, but I under-
stood lrom Gcueral Von Blum that he is
doing it to obligc one of his cabinet min-
isters who is undcr obligations to the dead
husband of one of the ladies. That is
really all I know.” .
“And when do they arrive at Warburg?"
. They are liable to turn up at any time,
so I say let us get to our work at once.
We will strike for the treasure to-night.
have an order for another car to carry
the ladies’ bclongings. We can put the
gold in :2. trunk. or perhaps two trunks
will be easier handled," I
“’I'lr:n wegaro going to motor to Rotter-
7..
"That's the plan. We shall have to hire
a chauicur, of course, but there will be
time cnough for that when the ladies ar-
ri
It was about three in the afternoon when
Fred and the colonel reached Warburg and
this conversation was held. , V
After supper, as soon as it was dark, they
motored cut to the old house in the woods
with two trunks in which to stow away the
gold.
They loud the house closed
salted. lira. Wcis had evidently
and dc.
gone for
good.
“This as it should be. Fred," declared
the colonel. "With the coast clear we shall
have everything our own way. Let us get
right to work."
There was a queer glitter in his eye
which Fred did not like.
Another thing he had not failed to no-
tice. All through the journey to Warhurg
the colonel had been posting himself on
running the car, and during the last stage
he tried his hand at it, succeeding very
well. It was he who ran it out to the old
house in the woods.
Fred felt that the man was planning to
dispense with him. He was now more than
ever on his guard.
They had brought a pick-ax and shovel
along, also a good lantern. With these
tools they descended into the cellar and
proceeded to uncover the-treasure chest.
"I don't know that it is necessary to dig
the thing out," remarked the colonel. "Why
not fetch down the trunks and just scoop
out the gold.”
"It was Mr. l.Iarx’s belief that there is
another box under this,” replied Fred, “per-
haps more than one."
In that one we shall have to dig
“It Will be host, I think. I'll handle the
pick, colonel. You needn't bother."
Fred throw on his coat and went to work,
but the colonel was determined to work,
00, and when the earth was loosened on
one side ho shoveled it out while Fred
tackled the other with the pick. In this
warthey soon cleared the chest, which
proved to be no chest, but just a shallow
or with two rope hmdics; it was easily
lifted onto! the hole. Beneath it lay an-
other.
“Thc old raiser fixed things about right,"
chuckled the colonel. “We will dump this
into one of the trunks, Fred, and go for
the next. We won't break the lid till we've
lifted it out."
There were tour or these boxes.
tained gold coin.
"What do you suppose it will foot up to.
coloncl'.f" asked Fr as he broke into the
third box and its contents were revealed.
“Don't ask me,” replied the colonel. '‘I’m
no sort or judge." '-
"A million dollars! You see I think in
American money." -
“I don't believe it. These boxes are little
more than trays; they don't hold as much
as one might imagine."
As he said it he took the pick and drove
it into ‘one orthe wooden posts supporting
the door high up and there it bun
All can-
cided that it would be best to ask no ques-
tloni. .
where the colonel was acquainted and en-‘
gaged rooms, not only for themselves, but .
>
the cellar after it is unearthed. He picked,
. 7
l v . .
‘ Yet. be it understood, ‘he did not for an! wondered. The result ofhis singular action
9 .
will be presently shown.
“Now then, Fred, the question is carrwo
me," be repeatedly told himself. "I shall! get those trunks up to the car," he said.
"Lay hold here and let's see."
It was a lift, but they were able to man-
ago, it.
The two trunks were stowed an‘:
the tonneau.
Tim)’ had been working in their :,lrirt-
be us, Itlild it was now necessary to go
hzrckllor their coats.
“We ‘will abandon the tools," rec 'r!;ed
the colonel as they cntcrcd the criiar.
coat and put it on.
Fred did the same.
Not for an instant was his eye oil‘ the
colour]. if treachery was In iho wind,
now was the time to look for it.
“We are in great luck," clirrcltlml
colonel. “Everything WHJI as suit)-"rill as
Kl You'll get what’s coming to you,
boy Never you fear."
lie lit a cigar and harzrlcd one to 1-‘rod.
“We may as well be on the rnovo," he
renrcrkcd, and stooped as it to pick up the
cm when suddenly he exclaimed
list! What‘s that over there in the
corner behind you?‘
Fred did not turn.
“I dozrt know. ‘.‘.'h.:.t do you see?" he
rcplied. .
The ruse was too old.
I4'rcd'Wns prepared for trouble.
It prolnplly came, tor the colonel will; pcd
out a revolver and fire .
It would have been all up with Fred if be
land not nimbly dodged.
“Do you mean to murder me?" he guspv.-d.
“f1‘lr:rt‘s what I do," retortcd the colrncl.
"This is yours! This one goes!"
was sax ml.
But Colonel Krause never fired a third
allot!
In making a quick jump trying to fol-
low I-‘rcd's equally quick movement he ran
against the handle of the pick-ax.
The heavy tool tell from the post; one
of the points struck the would-be murdrrer
on the head
groan.
Frcd niode a jump for the revolver and
ot .
"Are you hurt?” he demanded.
Tlrcrc was no :-.nswer. '
Vilren Fred examined him he found that
thin cop and buried itseil in his brain!
IIAPTIER XXIV.
C0.VL'I.L“.1I03'.
It was a great shock to Fred.
At first he could scarcely credit it.
It seemed a miracle that the pick Flluilld
fall in surh a fashion as to do its fatal
work. .
“lt’s the will of lreaven," thought tbs
boy, and he lell on his knees and thanked.
heaven that his life had been preserved.
Grown calmer, he sat down on an cld box
to think.
The treasure was how his it hc could
only get it away out of Gcrnrany, hut to
do this seemed impossible.
Wm-. still, Fred reniizcd that he was in
the greatest personal danger.
II he reported the Colonel's dent‘: his
story would newer be believed, and lrc was
certain to be accused of murdering Lho
man.
It over there was a thoroughly trlglrlrncd
boy it was Fred. -
liy degrees he became calmer and his re-
solve was soon taken. ' ‘
He now went through the (:olov:(!l'l
pockets. appropriating all the niorrcy ho
a . It was 11 large amount.
He then examined his pass. It was not 5:
passport, but a pass signed by the Kaiser
and bore the imperial seal.
' the colonel was not dC.<CVr1IJ(n'
which seemed strange.
“Why, this will carry me anywhcrr. in
Germany," thought Fred. ‘'1 can even pass
for the colonel once I'm out oi W-arhurg.
I'll make tracks at once I'll never go
near the hotel."
Ho hurried to the car and drove it back
to the town. As he was passing through
the marketplace under an arc-lamp a car
Bash:-d by him in which were two India
dressed in black. ’ .
Instantly Fred recognized Madame Roy-
laune and Adele, and they -know him!
Their car stopped. Fred swung hi:
around and joined them.
"Why, Fred!" exclaimed Adele, "what.-
evcr brings you here?"
"Fred. I am rejoiced to see you again,‘
said Madame Roylaune. "I am on my way
to Chicago with Adele and I have a bun-
dred questions I want to ask you about Lbs
c y. We are going to the hotel. Will It
be possible for you to join us there?"
(Continued on page 12)
Om‘. o-day out To-day
“WORK AND WIN" No. 835 '
<-rr oon-tArss--
FRED FEARNOT AND THE CLOWN
Or, Saving the Old Man’: Place
.
Why he did this Fred has many Dtimes
I Price, 5 cents - -
the ‘
Ilc tired again; by dodging I-‘reds lite -
The colonel sank to the iloor with a deep - ,
the point oi the pick had penetrated his .
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