Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-07-08
CHAPTER VIII.
A Question of the Guard.

The really great strategist is not the
man who loves an intricate plot. His meth
cd is simple-he eliminates
On certain cold morning. when the sun
shone pinkly through a sea haze over the
glittering roofs of Revonde, review of the
guard and of a few regiments that happen
ed to be stationed within short distance
of the capital, was to be held in honor of
the dukes birthday, on the spacious parade
ground of the guard. which occupied the
whole of small plateau lying high be-
| tween the beetling hills behind the bar
racks.
Baron Won Elmur paid an early visit to
the chancellor on his way to the review.
| and found M Selpdorf, though brisk and
urbane as ever. a little difficult
we do not progress, monsieur" Elmur
was saying.
What would you, my dear baron? We
have sc many obstacles in our PATH an
swered the other, Struggling his shoulders
! good humoredly
Elmur leaned his elbow on the table.
I know that delay can conduce to no
good end" he said. You have agreed
| that a certain course is desirable no less
! for your country than mine
Have agreed to that proposition? Not
altogether! Remember. I cannot be ex-
pected to see with German eyes,
| Even to the most patriotic Maasauun
| it must be evident that sooner or later
| the state must fall to US. 1t is merely a
1 question of time
THE time has already BEEN long" said
| the chancellor, softly.
For excellent reason; because we
| have not always been, as now. huge bulk
| The bulk of the new empire must by force
| of gravitation attract all the smaller bodies
| around it to itself. 1t is by miracle only
| that Nassau has stood alone so long
| And by another miracle she might go
| on standing alone little longer
This Is not the age of miracles nv
| friendg'
| Il rem mber also something which your
| excelleEcy forgeIs, . said Selpdorf with a
touch of sadness inp his voice that there
have been Selpho OFFS helping in this miracle
OF the independence of Maarau for genera
| patience, 30 q
! You are far sighted patriot. monsieur.
| 1t Is needless to repeat that If Nassau ioins
the confederation of the empire by her own
act she will do so on very different terms
| to any which could possibly be concealed ia
| state that had forced upon us the nm
pleasant necessity Of coercion Remember
FTankfurt! She paid for her obstinacy.
Whereas we are prepared to deal gener-
| ously toward those who cast in their lot
| with ours. Besides he added significantly.
Il am urging you to consult not only the
interests of Maasau but your own Also"
They are the same. and 1t is difficult to
| know where our true interest hes" said
Selpdorf. thoughtfulfy. DO you 90 to the
| castle of Sagan next week?"
| The abrupt change of subject seemed tn
have it's effect upon Elmur He turned
| away from the table. crossed his legs and
| lit a cigarette in q leisurely manner before
| he answered.
Yes; and you, monsieur?"
| Il have no inclination for these gayeties.
| but my daughter goes" You Elmur shot 4
glance at his companion.
! ITO repeat my own words-we do not pro-
| gress my dear Seipdorf"
| $50? Women fnesse in these affairs. Va
| ierie follows the custom of her Sex. and
perhaps she has become little spoiled by
| overmuclr admiration. Were she aware ri
| your-wishes. II would solve many of the
present doubts"
| 1T takes two to make that especial kind
| of bargain said Etmur. with a curious
smile; lone to ask, the other to grant.
| am prepared to ask when am assured that
my request win be favorably received An