Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1907-11-03


and the astonishing declaration that the interview
should be conceded at once that aroused a little
spark of resentment. And yet he was filled with
curiosity akin to anger.
The Admiral quick to read his royal hosts
annoyance, and fastened to conciliate. Your
Majesty, as your friend ask you not to msconstrue
be allowed my own time and way-yes;. that l
may be permitted to suggest the conditions OF
the meeting. Believe me, it is for the best"
The King was motionless and speeches. for what
seemed long time. From his viewpoint of head
of nation and bound to maintain its dignity, and
a with mans anxieties and anxious to learn
from friends lips the story of the last month S
secrets and disasters, he was considering what was
best to do.
In an oddly repressed tone he answered with
another tentative question AS friend received
you in my box, and now on this same basis ask
you if this communication of yours is so important
and urgent that it cannot take its due accord
ing to official custom
Beyond official ways, Your Majesty, imperative
and urgent was the response; otherwise should
not have chosen this unusual method of approach
ing you asked for such an unusual audience IN
such haste and at such an unseemly hour.
To summon King, Prime Minister, and the
highest official of the earth most mighty navy to
a private interview at midnight Even in times
like these it seemed preposterously mpudent; but
this came as friend from the land OF silent
terror which threatened to conquer the world, was
undoubtedly in deadly earnest, and was means
of information between what had actually hap
pened and what was to come.
a. Time will not wait, for Kings, - quoted
the monarch with some understands of bitterness,
and from his guest the whispered return
No, time cannot wait, even for Kings.
The monarch slowly settled back into the hol-
lowed depths of his chair and, as if seeking mo-
ment's respite to review the situation looked up
ward at the hangings of his box and then out toward
the garsh lights of the stage. The hush of ex.
pectancy over the house had reached climax OF
intensity, and the master of ceremonies in raucous
voice shouting toward the roof in deliberately
prolonged tones, "Are-you-a1-ready?" From
somewhere above them came faint response
Yes and then with speed gathered by its long
fight through the air there came flashing comet
like from high above an extended splotch of white
the sound of sharp splash and burst of applause
as the event of the evening"" high dive, was
contaminated Neither occupant Of the royal box
paid any attention to this feat. Bevins remained
in attitude of expectancy waiting for the King
next words The success or failure of his enterprise
might depend upon them, and in this light they
seemed of almost tragic consequence.
What do you propose! the ruler asked, again
facing the Admiral though there had been no
lapse of time; and the other, relieved by this sign
of assent, gave an involuntary and deep drawn
sigh of relaxation.
If Your Majesty will be so kind, think it best
that l should meet you in the palace within an
hour after your departure from this theater. That
will give leeway for the other gentlemen to respond
The band struck up God Save the King" in
token of the closing of the performance, and from
where they were they could see the audience stand
ing total ignorance of the presence of His Majesty
and unaware of the fact that momentous inter-
view, involving life and DEATH peace and war, and
the welfare of empire was being conducted in a tiny
overhangng box above them, while leerlng mask
of tragedy stared hollow eyed from the stage if
in mockery. The King and the Admiral were both
on their feet, the one looking absent mindedly
through aperture his mind concentrated on the
decision he must make, and the other watching and
waiting with breathless suspense. Below the throng
stanty dssipating ITSELF and the house was almost
empted before the officer had his reply.