Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1907-03-02


at 10 the empire OF India For IL was
not the fact that the Hazsras had risen
against the shah that occupied the
thinking mind. nor WAS IL the fact that
Russian and not Persian troops were
destined TO subdue them. but the deep
ly Important consideration that an
armed Russian force Lad crossed the
frontier and was encamped within
twenty miles or Meshed-Neshed up
on which covetous Russian eyes have
rested ever since the days OF Peter the
Great.
So Loder's thoughts ran as he read
and reread the news from the varying
political standpolnts. and so they con-
tinued 10 run when. some hours later,
an urgent telephone message from the
St Georges Gazette asked him 10 cali
ut Lakeley's office.
The message was interesting as web
as imperative. and he made an instant
response. The thought OF Lakeley's
keen eyes and shrewd enthusiasms al
ways possessed strong attractions for
his own slower temperament. but even
had this impetus been lacking. tho
knowledge that at the st. Georges Of
fees. II anywhere. the true feelings OF
the party We're Invariably voiced would
have drawn him without hesitation.
IL was scarcely - O'Clock when he
turned the corner Of the tall building.
but already the keen spirit that Iakeley
everywhere dilfused was making itself
felt. Loder smiled to himself as his
eyes fell on the days placards with
their uncompromising headings and
passed onward from the string OF gay
~ painted carts drawn up 70 receive
their first consignment OF the paper TO
the troop OF eager newsboys passing ln
and out OF the big swing doors with
their piled up bundles OF the early edi-
ton. and with a renewed thrill Of
anticipation and energy he passed
through the doorway and ran upstairs
Passing unchallenged through the long
corridor that led to Lakeley's Office. he
caught 4 fresh impression or action
and vitality from the click Of the tape
machines i'm the subodltor's Office. and
q glimpse through the open door OF the
subeditors themselves. each occupied
with his particular task: then without
time for further observation be found
himself AZ Lakeley's door. Without
waiting 10 knock. as he had felt com
PEELED 10 DO on the one or two previous
occasions that business had brought
him there. ne Immediately turned the
nsrdle and entered the room.
Editors officers differ hut little IN
general effect. Lakeley's surroundings
were rather more elaborate than is
usual. as became the dignity OF tho
Oldest Tory evening paper. but the at
mosphere was unmiStakable. AS Loder
entered he glanced up from tie desk
az which he was sitting. but instantly
returned TO his task OF looking through
and making pile Of early evening edi-
lions that were spread around him.
His coat was or and hung on the chair
behind him. and he pulled vigorously
on long cigar.
"Hellol That's right" he said lacon-
ically. MAKE yourself comfortable
half second. while I skim the St
stephens"
His salutation pleased Loder. with
nod or acqulescence he crossed the
Office 70 the brisk ere that burned In
the crate.
For minute or two Lakeley worked
steadily. occasionally breaking the quiet
by an unintelliglble remark or a vicor-
Gus stroke OF his pencil At last he
dropped the paper with a gesture OF
satisfaction and leaned back IN his
chair
well" he said. what d'you think
or thlsi How's this for a complica-
tiOnT"
Loder turned round. 81 think" ho
said quietly. that we can't overesti-
mate IT,"
LakeIey laughed and took n long pun
az his cigar. And we mustn't be
afraid 10 let the Scarborough crowd
know II. ehY' He waved his hand to
the poster OF the hrst edition that hung
before his desk.
Loder. following his glance. smiled.
Lakeley laughed again. They might
have known II all along II they'd cared
to deduce." be said. did they really
believe that Russia was going TO sit
calmly looking across the Herl-Rud
while Sle shah played at mobllizlng7
But what became OF you last nlght7
We had regular prophesylng OF the
whole business at Bramfelrs: the great
Fraide looked In for I've minutes.
went on with him 10 the club after
ward aud was there when the news
came in. Twas a great nightw
Loder's sace lighted up. Il can mag
inc IT," he said, with an unusual touch
of warmth.
Lakeley watched him lntently for a
moment. Then with quick action
he leaned forward and rested his ell
bows on the desk
ITS going 10 be something more
than imagination for you. Chilcote," hs
said impressively. It's going TO be
solid eernestr' lie spoke rapidly and
with rather more than his usual
Shrewd decisiveness; then he paused to
see the effect OF his announcement.
Loder was still studying the fiaring
poster. At the others words he turn
ed sharply. Something In Lakeley's
voice. something in his manner. arrest
ed him. A tinse Of color crossed his
face
'RealltyY' he said What do you