Motion Picture Story Magazine (Aug 1912-Jan 1913)

68 THE MOTION PICTURE STORY MAGAZINE "I am sure he knows every step." ' ' Come ! ' ' commanded Carre, with suppressed agitation, as the carriage came to a stop. "Let the 'Emperor' walk ahead, and we shall keep at a respectful distance.' ' "Here is the first guard to pass already!" whispered d'Arrienne, removing one of the heavy pistols, and taking an anxious step forward. A burly-looking figure had barred the way of the man. The fellow paused and assumed one of the most exaggerated poses accredited to Napoleon. The guard fell back in haste and stood respectfully presenting arms to the two noblemen, who were not even obliged to present the Prince's credentials. ' ' Not a bad beginning, ' ' said d 'Arrienne, with a sigh of relief. "But I wish he would not be so pronounced in those stereotyped attitudes. I will speak to him. ' ' "Pray, dont," protested d'Arrienne, laying a detaining hand on 'thV.other 's sleeve. They were about to enter the palace itself, where a double guard could be seen watching their approach suspiciously, who lowered their bayonets the moment the man placed his foot on the first step. D'Arrienne grasped his pistol and ran forward, with a cry of alarm. But before the little man in the fore could assume a pose, or speak, or be backed up by d'Arrienne, a tall, heavily cloaked figure stepped out of the shadow and spoke sharply. The guards fell back obediently. "It is the Prince!" cried Carre. "'The devil!" A gleam of hatred shone in d'Arrienne 's eye. "Mon Dieu! What is the fellow doing?" The little man had again assumed a Napoleonic pose, and was muttering something to the nearest guard, who sprang forward: and spoke to the Prince. The other guards quickly surrounded his highness, and urged him, much against his will, down a side passage. "It is the Prince, our protector; what have you done?" cried Carre. "He probably thought it was an enemy, and tried strategy. It was the greatest possible test. Dont try to undo it, or all will be ruined!" whispered d'Arrienne. "Here is the private passageway to the right. We must get the letter quick before the whole palace guard is aroused, or discovers what is afoot. You remain here, Carre, and let no one pass ! ' ' D'Arrienne then raised his voice, speaking with accentuated respect. "With Your Majesty's permission, I will follow." Without even turning, the little man made a gesture that was almost ludicrous. Carre smiled, and d'Arrienne hurried down the passageway. They had scarcely gone, before the great anteroom, into which the royal passage led, was brightly lighted by many attendants. Carre drew back behind the portiere, as he noted each doorway become silently obstructed by sentinels of the royal bodyguard. He could hear signs of commotion in other parts of the palace, and, -as far as he could see, every sconce and candelabrum was being lighted. Many persons entered the great hall, too, and stood about in groups, speaking in low tones. Carre took in all these details, until his apprehensions grew into frantic despair. Five, ten, fifteen minutes passed. Still the two men did not return. They all must retreat, even, when they did come. Some one had betrayed them ! At length Carre wondered if his confederates had already escaped by some other exit. Then, to his amazement, the Prince came stalking into the antechamber, a sullen scowl on his face. He made his way to a position near where he knew Carre to be stationed. ' l Fools ! " he growled. ' ' Bunglers ! You shall pay for this!" He then stepped away and joined one of the groups. "I shall go seek them!" muttered Carre, in desperation. He was about to enter the room at the end of the passage, wnenthe door was thrown open by d'Arrienne.