The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1907-01-20
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WHEN THE TRUSTS VENT TO VAR
WITH THE PSESIDENT
10000
BY JAMES EDMUNDS.

/ exists. Thus, you, an avowed enemy L
your country, in time of war. have pene
treated in a friendly gulse to the White
House and have threatened the honor OF
the nation and the life of the commander.
in-ehlef of its army and nanny. 1 there.
fore place you under arrest as a prisoner
of war to be dealt with according tC
usage in due season.
Anchester sprang forward, but was sud
denly checked up by a hand from behind
He wheeled and exclaimed in the very
| jaws of familiar face
"Photor.
yes. He will place you under formal
restraint" said the President. Anehester
laughed.
why, he's my confidential clerk" he
said. Somebody has been making game
of you"
'of you, sir probably" replied the
President. Mr.. Photor is an agent of the
| United States, and has been in its en-
ploy at my direction during every hour
of his service with you"
Anchester's tense arms dropped hard
He went over to the window, and they let
| him stand there a long time. Nobody
spoke word until he came slowly back
And how does my great and good
friend Mr.. Photor propose to satisfactorily
account for my absence?p he asked.
Mr.. Photor," replied the President
''has done harder tasks than that in your
service, Mr. Anchester; l believe he will
be able to make equal use of himself in
Miner
! Anchester bowed profoundly. 1t was his
| sign of surrender.
| We'll, fish it up" he said. In two min
utes the commercial Goliath had become
worn, Wavering, beaten old man, borne
| down with the weight of cares which at
| last had overtaken him in his impetuous
3. race to keep ahead. Photor pitied him a
| little. The President rang in an officer OF
| the navy.
This is your prisoner, Captain Maxim,
| he said. you will give him cabin on
the Mariposa, as the admiral has already
directed, and will keep him on board
throughout the progress of the hostilitis q
about to commence. Every freedom anc
comfort the vessel offers are to be his
! but l hold you responsible for his keep
| ing and charge you that this is by al
means the most important commission Of
the war. MI. Anchester, I'm sorry. Mr.
/ Photor will attend to your board of dtrec'
tors, and will relieve the anxiety of YOU
friends You said you could fight. Per
/ haps Captain Maxim will give you Q
chance. His battleship goes to sea with
the fleet tonight"
Anchester bowed again. 1.-The Mariposs
voiced sarcasm consistent with humility
II built her two years ago in the Consoli
| dated yards. Before | board her. Mr.
President, l will ask you to let me wire
a single message to my family"
Write your message at my desk, Mr.
Anchester," said the President, land
+, suggest that you be brief"
Anchester wrote carefully, on pint
telegraph blank, which he slid into {
White House envelope. He got up ant
brought the message to the President
smiling frankly.
IF you please" he said in that low
and gentle voice, IT would like to have |
telegraphed forthwith. 1t is to my daugh
ter-as you see"
The President looked at the envelope.
II see-to your daughter-to Miss An
chester, in New York" The Presiden
handed 1t to Photor
you may send it," he said.
But Photor was not so chivairous
Without a word or a look for any one
he tore the envelope open and read aloud
MARY, tell William to send my mail Il
No. 10, regardless of danger or expense.
"FATHER.'
Photor looked up suspiciously. The Pres
! Ident was visibly embarrassed. Maxim
amused. Anchesters face betrayed neithe
| insolence nor interest
EXACTLY So" he remarked to the Pres
ident Mr.. Photor seems to be famila
with my handwriting"
81 did not intend this discourtesy," salt
the President. "Mr. Photor has
HE is perfectly excusable," Interrupts
Anchester. but l have a butler nance
william. and. as there is to be a war
want my private mail to be sent to
place of safety during my retreat. No. Il
| is the number of a house"
VERY good, sir replied the President
1.-The message shall be telepraghed T.
your daughter at once"
Then he held up a commanding hand be
fore the eager face of Photor, whose lip
were signaling: cipher! I've seen tina
| smile beforel'
"Never mind If it is replied the Presl