The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-18
A MODERN MERCENARY.
BY f. AND II. HERON.
Copyright. 1899. BY Douoteddv d Mcclure Co.
CHAPTER l.

pendent State OF Maasau. which is not
very noticeable even on the largest sized
map OF Europe, 10 tormented by a dry and
wearyinR northeast wind. And nowhere
Is its influence more unpleasantly felt
than in the capital. Reyonde which stands
shoulder-on to the hustlng gales, its stately
frontages and noble qusys strstohing out west
ward along the shores Of the Kofn almost to
whore the yellow waters OF the river spread
fanwise into gray-Rreen sea.
The tsa was blowing strongly on certain
Eovem Der afternoon. eddyinR and whistling
about the wide spaces OF the Grand Square as
John Hollywood, tall figure in a military
cloak, turned the corner OF a side street and
met its full blast. He faced II for some yards
along the empty pavements. then ran up the
steps OF his club. A few minutes later he passed
through lofty corridor and entered door
which is set quaint invitation to
smokers. which may not be written here, for It
is the jealousy guarded copyright Of the club.
1t CHANGED that the room for the m oment had
but one occupant. who sat in a roomy armchair
BY the white stove. This gentleman did not
raise his head. but continued to gaze thought
fully at his wel-shaped though square and
comfortable boots.
his stride.
"Hullo. MAORI Glad to see you." he said. 90
he dropped into an armchair opposite.
Major Counsellor stood up with his back 10
the stove. thereby giving a view Of a red chal-
longing face. heavy eyebrows and huge white
droop OF mustache. He looked down at Rally
wood cousidernRly before he spoke. 80
you're herel imagined they kept you pretty
closely on the frontier. The world been kick.
ing you ?"
Hollywood laughed.
mo. but It would do me good to kick the
world" he answered as he helped himself from
the Majors cigar case. Five years. almost
six. spent on the frontier. with nothing to show
for it. isn't good enough. I've come up to send
In my papers"
Then you'll be fool" returned the Major,
with decision.
Hollywood was busy lighting his cigar when
that was arranged to his satisfaction he said
easily
Just so. History repeats itself"
Counsellor stood squarely upright with his
hands behind him
Any other reasons p, he asked.
Plenty"
PITY! Are they serious or-otherwise2"
Hollywood pulled his mustache.
why ia it pity?" he asked slowly
Because there is going to be trouble here.
and with trouble comes chance"
Hollywood smoked on in silence. He was q
big. shallow thanked man with the marks OF
the world upon him. and that indescribable air
which comes to one who has passed q good
portion OF his time in laughing at the arbitrary
handicaps arranged by fate in the race Of life.
Where do you propose to go?" asked Coun-
sellor. after an interval
Back to Africa. Ithnk-Buluwayo. johann
nesburg. anywhere. South Africas still in the
bud you see.'
Yes. but It is a biRGish bud and will take
time to blow. You afford to walt and-it
may he worth your WHILE"
Ralywood threw a swift glance at Counsel
lor's inscrutable face.
Seven years ago." he said In a deliberate
manner. you told me it was worth while. but
life has not grown more interesting since
then"
All" Counsellor paused. then went on
with grim smile. AT your age John. there
are possibilities. Think over 1t. After hang
ing on here for more than five years. why lose
your chance now? Look at those fellows"
He pointed out into the square.
Hollywood rose lazy and ga2ed out also.
The ospectw was not cheering. A few troopers.
their coaks Tapping in the wind were gallop-
Ing across the square on the way to relieve
guard at the palace. and under the statue OF
the late Grand Duke on horseback three men
In tall hats stood talking together; then they
turned and walked toward the club
Know them p asked Counsellor
hollywood shook his head.
THE man with the beard is Stokes OF tho
Tones; next him is Bradley; he's on another
big daily. Their being here speaks for itself.
Nassau is going to take up peoples attention
shortly The Grand Duke is in tight place.
and there will be a hare-up sooner or later"
And you advise me 10 stop and see 1t
through" said Hollywood meditatively from
the window: then he lounged back to his chair.
How will it end o.
Counsellor shook the ash from his cigar.
"Sclpdorf is the man OF the hour" he said.
On the autumn evening when these tw o men
were talking at the club the duchy Of Nassau
was in the opinion of Maasaun patriots. going
as fast as it could to the devil With them. it
may be added. the devil was personitled and
bore the name of a neghboring nation. The
one person who ignored this fact was the
Grand Duke. With an inset. stubborn pride
he believed that his country must remain for
ever as the long centuries had known her.
Nassau the Free. This being the case he felt
himse at liberty to spend his time in cursing
the fate that had refused blue seas and skies
10 wntry Revonde. thus depriving II OF those
sources of revenue which depend upon climate.
and are enjoyed by places far less naturally
beautiful than the capital OF Nassau.
The Duke. prematurely aged by the manner
OF his life made it his chief business to devise
schemes for raising money whereby he might
carry on the stating pleasures OF his youth.
Beyond this the administration Of public affairs
was left entirely in the supple hands OF the
Chancellor NJ. Selpdorf while the Duke. with
those who surrounded him, plunged into the
newest excitement Of the hour, for who knew
what IA day might bring FORTH The court was
like stage lit by lurid light, on which the ac-
tors laughed and loved danced and fought to
the music OF n wild finale that whrled and
maddcned before the crash OF the coming end.
Once upon a time Nassau was accounted OF
no particular importance or value among its
bigger ncighbors: but OF late, for various rca-
sons. its fortunes had become the subject OF
attention and discussion in at least three
foreign chancelleres. where old maps were
being looked up and new ones bought and
painted different colOrs according as seemed
most desirable by the bearded men who sat in
council to apporton the marsh. rock. dune and
forest Of which the now absorbingly interest
ing Iigmy state was composed.
N f.,ut MnnsnI- with its twenty miles or so