The Detroit times., 1909-05-12
The Man
Who Stole \
The Earth"
By ". Holt Wh,n
CHAPTER Lxv.-(contInued.)

CHAPTER l<V.-tContirued.)
"Stalvan is Strong's devoted slave.
lie has bought him. body aud soul
Nothing is done without Stalvan's In
reference. Stalvan and Strong are
practically joint-masters OF the
country"
The king was sufficiently undisnitied
as 10 grunt.
Nevertheless" he said, rising. we
will so and see him"
But, your majesty" cried the ex-
premier.
We will go and see him." repeated
the king. Get your hat
Brandt followed him blindly into
the hall. and there pulled on his coat.
The king opened the door for him
self. and passed down the steps. Then
he turned and beckoned To Brandt 10
take seat in the car.
Ludwig asked him for instructions.
and received orders 10 drive To the
ministry Ludwig knew the way there.
and went quickly.
Here again followed the same sim
pie and unceremonious methods that
he had adopted in the house OF
Brandt. He merely rang the bell and
demanded TO see NJ. Stalvan. and
then. without waiting for any answer
from the astonished servant, stalked
into the premier's room.
VI Stalyan was az his desk. writ
ing, but he dropped his pen and rose
up hurriedly at the entrance OF the
king.
Your majesty" he cried.
There was some excuse for his
e lac ulation. because force or habit
is a power.
II have returned" said the king.
TO resume the government AT Bal
kama"
NJ. Stalvan stared at him stupidity.
IL was then that his majesty be-
came conscious that there was third
person I'm the room.
The tall figure OF Gen. Martel came
out OF the shadows.
Il had imagined. sir" he said icily.
that you had returned 10 surrender.
The king was little shaken out OF
his oomposure.
silence" he cried How dare you
say that TO me- You are an officer
OF mine"
NO" said Gen. Martel quietly. Il
am no officer of yours. | serve no
man who runs away. am an officer
OF Mr.. Strong"
snesred the king.
No, one" said the general. NO
one. much less Mr.. Strong Allow me
TO ask a question and there was a
dangerous ring in his voice-"Who
mas been bold enough 10 return 10
Bomberg because the other man was
absent"
Gen. Martel." said the king. and
his manner returned 10 its old for
mer dignity, Gen. Martel, you mis-
take me. | come fresh from the con
ference at The Hague. which has &C
knowledged my right to the throne OF
Bahama. and has declared with no
uncertain voice that to that throne
must be restored. venture To say
IL signifies no cowardice on my part
10 have returned tonight, but rather
a holiness few men would have had.
II is not many men who would have
returned TO a house in which their
servants have been bought or bribed.
Gen. Martel said not word. and.
misleading his silence. the king con
tinued, speaking rapidly and con
cisely:
IT should hardly be necessary for
me-" he said. Ito explain 10 you pre-
cisely what have in mind. but | may
as we'll tell you that II you decline 10
acknowledge me or work for me you
must suffer the consequences How
ever. will set that aside for the mo
ment Won are an obstinate man and
do not wish TO make you more OBJ
stinate by INDUCING in unnecessary
threats. need the garrison OF BON
berg tonight. and | will even go so far
as your king as to ask you 10 assist
me In obtaining its services"
The general shook his head. but the
king chose TO ignore the sign.
(To Re Continsed.b