Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-11-25
The Great Secret

and addressed me.
"Mr. Courage" he said, "this is a little
private gathering between these friends of mine
and myself to discuss private matter in which
we are all much interested. Under these cir
cumstances, l trust that you will not think it
discourteous if | ask you to withdraw. Your
presence might possibly tend to check free dis
cussion, and, l might add would be source
of embarrassment to myself"
l glanced toward Mrs. Van Reinberg. q
am here" l said, "by the invitation of Our
hostess. If Mrs. Van Reinberg asks me to
withdraw, l should, of course, have no alter
ever, that it would give me very much pleasure
to be admitted to your conference, and any
advice l might be able to offer as an impartial
person would be entirely at your service"
Mrs. Van Reinberg whispered for moment
with her husband who then leaned toward me.
Mr.. Courage" he said " believe you to be
person of common sense. / am not sure that
can say the same for the rest of us here. I'd
like to have you stop; but there IS one thing l
think should be understood. This is private
meeting of friends. Are you prepared, as a
man of honor to give your word to keep secret
whatever passes here!"
| was afraid that some condition of this sort
would be imposed, but was ready with my
answer. Most certainly am, Mr.. Van Rein
berg" / declared, with one reservation, and
that is that nothing is proposed which is
nimical to my country. presume that may
take that for granted?"
You may" Van Reinberg answered shortly.
1--WE are not such fools as to run up against the
old country. On the contrary. Mr.. de Vaentin
has assured us that his scheme has little more
than the moral support of your Government"
De Valentin interviewed with a little gesture
of excitement. "No," he exclaimed, do not,
l must not, go so far as that! do not mention
any Government by name"
Quite right" Van Reinberg assented; but
the fact is there all the same. i guess you can
stay where you are, Mr.. Courage.
De Valentin shot an evil glance at me; but
he leaned back in his chair with the air of
man who has no more to say.
Van Reinberg, on the other hand, cleared his
throat and stood up. "Well," he said, well
get to business | have word or two to say
first to you, Hickson, and my other friends.
We have none of us been idlers in the world.
We started out to make money, and we have
made it. We are probably worth more than
any other five men in the world We can con-
troll the finance of every nation; we can rule
the money markets of every capital in Europe.
Personally / am satisfied. | guess you are 1t
seems, however, that our wives are not. am
sorry for it, but it can't be helped. They want
something that dollars in the ordinary way
can't buy. This scheme is to meet that case.
1t is my wifes idea-my wife's and Mr.. de
Valentin's between them. l take it that if you
go into it you will go into it for the same reason
that l do: for your wives sakes. l want to
make this clear; for tell you frankly think
it's the biggest fools game have ever taken
hand in. | am proud of my name, if my wife
is not. If anyone got to calling me Monsieur
lie Due of anything, l guess my fingers would
itch to knock him down. If our wives, how
ever, won't be happy till they hear themselves
called Madame la Duchesse, l suppose we have
got to take back seat.
"Mr. de Valentin here says that he is the
rightful King of France. know nothing about
history; but no doubt he is right. He says,
too, that in their hearts the French people want
him on the throne; and, with money, he says
he could find his way there. The bargain is,
understand, that we find the money, and he
establishes Our wives among the aristocracy of
France. He asks for twelve million dollars;
that is, two millions EACH If my wife asks me
to, l shall put my lot down, much as should
buy her the Car of Russias crown if it came
on the market and she wanted it. 1t is for you
to say whether you want to come in. If you
want to ask any questions, there is Mr.. de
Valentin. He has come over to fix the thing
up, and / guess he is prepared to give you all
particulars"
De Valentin rose to his feet. "My friends"
he said, Mr.. Van Reinberg in his very plain
words has put before you the outline of my
plans. 1t is not very much more that can tell
you beyond this. The army and the navy are
loyalists. l have friends everywhere. They
wait only for an opportunity. When it comes,
all will be easily arranged. Those who are
Indifferent l bride. There is already a great
secret society in both services. One whole army
corps is pledged to me. Look, then This is