The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-10-31

the stated :me-far from enough. This
amount has been sucked from the people
from excessive levy, and has been boarded
for the dreaded day. Try as we would, 1t
has been impossible to raise the full
amount. The people have been bled and
have responded nobly, sacrificing every
thing to meet the treaty terms honOrably,
but the strain has been too great. Our army
has cost US large sums. We have strength
ened our defenses. and could. should we go
TO war, defeat Axphain. But we have our
treaty to honor; we could not take up arms
TO save ourselves from that honest bond.
Our levies have barely brought the amount
necessary to maintain an army large
enough TO inspire respect among those who
are ready to leap upon US the instant we
show the least sign OF distress. There are
about US power that have held aloof from
war with Us simply because We have awed
them with our show of force. 1t has been
our safeguard. and there is not a citizen Of
Graustark who objects to the manner in
which state affairs are conducted. They
know that our army is an economy at any
price. Until last spring we were confident
that We could raise the full amount due
<Aplldlus DuL the people III the IuAdi uiS-
tricts were unable to meet the levies on ac-
count of the panic that came at a most I'M
fortunate time. That is why we were hur-
rying home from your country. Mr.. Lorry.
Gaspon had cabled the princess that affairs
were in a hopeless condition. begging her
to come home and do what she could in a
final appeal TO the people, knowing the
love they had for her. She came, and has
1 soon those lo-o1 ct,hfocte offor tbo;r l;r-og
for her and for Graustark, but utterly I'M
able TO give what they have mi
She asked them if she should disband the
army. and there was a negative wall from
one end of the land to the other. Then the
army agreed to serve on half pay until all
was tided over. Public officers are giving
their services free. and many of our
wealthy people have advanced loans on
bonds, worthless as they may seem, and
still we have not the required amount"
Cannot the loan be extended for a few
years?' asked Lorry, angry with the ruler
in the north. taking the woes of Graus-
tark as much to heart as if they were his
own.
Not one day! Not in London, Paris nor
Berlin"
LOrry lay back and allowed Anguish to
lead the conversation into other channels.
The count remained for half an hour, say
ing, as he left, that the princess and his
wife had expressed a desire to be remem-
bered to their guests.
The princess has spent the evening with
the ministers Of finance and war, and her
poor head, 1 doubt not, is racking from the
effects of the consultation. These are
weighty matters for a girl to have on her
hands" solemnly stated the count, pausing
for an instant at the door of the apartment.
After he had closed it the Americans
looked long and thOughtfully at each other,
each feeling a respect for the grim old
gentleman that they had never felt for
man before.
$50 they are in a devil of a shape"
unused Anguish. 81 tell you. Gren, 1 never
knew anything that made me feel so badly
as does the trouble that hangs over that
girl and her people. y week ago 1 wouldn't
have cared a rap for Graustark, but to-
night I feel like weeping for her.
There seems to be no help for her,
either" said LOrry, reflectively.
"Graustark, you mean?'
"NO-I mean yes, of course-who else"
demanded the other, who certainly had not
meant Graustark.
II believe, confound your selfish soul.
you'd like TO see the nation, the crown and
everything else taken away from this help
less, harassed child. Then you'd have a
chance exclaimed Anguish, pacing the
floor, half angrily, half encouragingly.
Don't say that, Harry, don't say that.
Don't accuse me of it, for I'll confess L had
in my heart that meanest of longings-the
selfish, base, heartless hope that you have
guessed. 1t hurts me to be accused of it.
though. so don't do it again, old man. I'll
put away the miserable hope, if I can, and
I'll pray God that she may find a way out
OF the difficulty.
They went to sleep that night. Anguish
at once. Lorry not for hours, harboring a
determination to learn more about the con-
dition of affairs touching the people of
Graustark and the heart of their princess.
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ITO be Continued nm Saturdo,.1