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Show GOD SAVE THE KINO. NKW YEAR'S EVE LONDON, 1763. ITfutoTical note Theodore von Neuboff , a German, Ger-man, was for a brief space king of Corsica. His subjects expelled Mm, and he died in London Vavtng his aoo Frederick claimant to the throne. Count Ponlatowskl became king of Poland In 174. Che tale printed below is founded on fact. Two men, groping through the) fog, jostled each other at tha door to Dolly's toffee house. Sir," exclaimed the elder, laying hand to bis sword, "a man of honor" "Invariably allows precedence to his senior," interrupted tho other, bowing gracefully and stepping aside. "And," continued the first speaker, tlie frown vauihhing from his brow, "ho grants so much consideration for that senior's tes(ines that he excuses him and becomes his guest at dinner." "Pardon, monsieur," responded the younger man, "but I am the Count Po-niatowski." Po-niatowski." "Then rank shall not hedge your refusal, re-fusal, for I am Frederick, king of Corsica. Corsi-ca. So, now, to table, and, waiter, bring us of your bent." Seated in the room to which the attendant at-tendant conducted them ha of middle cilffi and lie of primal vigor gazed at each other qnestioningly. "Count," began the former, "have you hopes in Polund?" "I scarce can tell. I wait the will arid favor of Catherine of Russia." "Dream not too fairly of the future. I, too, wait and plan and hope bnt pshaw! hero comes the wine. Now a toast. Fill high and drink deep, for 'tis yourself. To the successor of Sobieski; may he soon reign at Warsaw." "I send it back, your majesty. To the son of Theodore; may he yet rule the realm hia father won." "Dinner is served," interposed the waiter. It was a meal of the sort for which Dolly's coffee houso had fame, and the new friends failed not in devotion to the smoking dishes. The plates removed they ordered pipes and port. His majesty, majes-ty, flushed with generous drinking, folt in his waiatcoat pocket and withdrew an empty hand. lie turned to the at-tendant. at-tendant. . , "You have served a king right roy-- ally, and shall have a royal fee. Your name?" "Wilkins, sire." " 'Twill remain in memory. To-morrow expect a parchment creating you knight of Ajaccio." "While, in present payment," laughed the count, "take this bright English crown of silver. 'Tis the last of many." "My hnmblo thanks to both. And here's your bill." "I have a Bcore," replied Fredorick, to which direct the manager to add this item. So, Wilkins, adieu until th morn." The three entered the public room, the waiter hastening ahead to confer with burly man behind the bar. The latter exclaimed: "Look ye, Mister King, or whatever you call yourself! I claim good coin for good fare. Too much you are my debtor now." "My purbo ia empty, but we will not parley," answered Frederick, drawing a massive ring from his finger. "Harei8 the signet of my dominion of Coruica, I leave it in pawn till I come again. Does it satisfy your clamor?" " Twill do," growled the manager, weighing the jewel in his hand. At the door Poniatowaki and the pretender pre-tender halted. Tho fog liad risen. Frost filled the air. The stare shone undfan-meiL undfan-meiL It was a glorious English winter's night "I go thia way," spoke the count, pointing down the street. "I the other," responded his majesty. Farewell and better fortune." Slowly the old man walked a few rods nntil ho reached a door opening on the pave. He stopped, glanced at the brilliant brill-iant heavens, sighed and went in. At early dawn a passing watchman cried: "Five o' the clock on New Year's morn. God save the kingr Yes, God save the king, for on a humble hum-ble cot in his cheerless upper chamber he lies stark and stiffening, a bullet through bis brain, slain by his own hand. Fred C Dayton. |