The Washington times., 1905-03-19

and Paul lighted their cigarettes and
smoked in silence. If either gas ner-
vous he concealed it admirably while
waiting for the decision or the ATneri-
cans.
| Suddenly the large American turned to
| the prince and said:
| Prince. we will help you. but" he
raised a fat finger-"on our own terms
And they?'
"As you may imagine we did not come
| TO this meeting without considering our
price--it IS wise man who knows his
price and sticks to 1T. prince. 1 prepar-
ed this map with the assistance of a.
| mining engineer In my employ He has
Travelled in Russia and Siberia. In fact.
he worked in a mine in Russia once
1t IS probably no news 10 you that there
are vast undeveloped coal and gold fieics
In your country. These red lines on the
may show the places where they lie.
We want the sole right TO develop and
work those lands. Understand.
The speakers small eyes contracted
until they were mere Sits In his face.
The Russian examined and counted the
squares.
you ask high price, he said as he
Strengthened himself.
Those are the terms, prince"
II agree
Kindly sign these papers. The Amer
lean held cut two documents One for
you and one for u.s." he explained.
GU have my word, sir
We want your name, too, prince.
Business is business"
AS the prince wrote. the cough of
gasolene motor car outside was heard.
Looking from the window Paul saw
a tall woman. heavily yelled. jump out
Of the car. She crossed the pavement
quickly and ran up the steps with
panther-like grace.
Marie is coming, said Paul Hardly
had the words left his mouth when
the door was flung open and in walked
a beautiful woman. There was no doubt
about her beauty. Here was figure
that might have posed fer the old
Greek scuiptors- Tall, with broad
shoulders, full bust, narrow waist, and
well-turned hips. she might have been
Juno descended TO earth She had
thrown back her veil as she came ND
the stairs, disclosing perfectly chiseled
features. deep blue eyes, lips full and
red as a poppy, and above all a mar
Vicious tangle of gold-brown hair Des-
pite her perfect features and wonderful
coloring there was something lacking
in the face Of Marie Won Breunen In
her presence one felt as If one walked
III the chill air of n mountain summit,
but conscious all the time Of the vol
canic fires beneath the thin crust Of
earth. A woman past thirty, she did
not look twenty-five
4 am sorry to be late mon prince
bowling first TO the Russian, That
| beast OF "a train from Washington was
frightfully slow"
We did not wait for you, Marie
replied the prince. Everything is set
tied Gentlemen, this is Madame Won
Breunen.''
There was no need to present her to
the Americans. Madame Won BreuIen
had stayed several mouths in New
York the previous winter, and lad
been widely entertained No one knew
exactly who she was, but she brought
letters TO a select few, and her beauty
and wit had done the rest
Madame has deserted Us for WASH
| ington," said the animated dollar mark.
shaking hands.
Yes. At last I have time to breathe.
could never stand another winter in
your city"
What news" said the prince a trihe
| irnpa tiently
"Rubinoff has been installed as third
secretary in the Russian embassy He
arrived two days ago. The first COM
munication has been sent to- Senator
| Langhorne"
so, you would have acted without US,
prince said the fat American
| The prince spread out his hands. 'One
have your assistance we cannot fail
There are several points upon which we
! can attack this man II it be necessary.
Through his pocketbook. for he is
wealthy, even for an American: through
| his good name, for no breath of scandal
has ever furnished his reputation:
through his affections, for he Is an old
bachelor We rely on you gentlemen for
| the first two counts and on you, Marie.
for the third
! Six pairs of masculine eyes we're turned
upon her for moment, but Mime Won
! Breunen sat unconcerned.
Yes" she said, slowly Il think
! YOU can count on me for the third.
William Hale, secretary at the
American embassy in St Petersburg
vki!e Langhorne was ambassador.
reached New York today" said the non
descript. carefully examining spot OF
mud on his boot.
No one saw Nine. Won Ereunen grow
suddenly pale.