The Detroit times., 1909-02-20
THE Man
Who Stole
The Earth"
By ". Holt Whits.
CHAPTER LviIl.-contInued


The crowds on the way rom the
palace had been half-sullen and half
en husiastic Strong had been con-
scious az this. although far too occu'
pied TO note individual or even collec-
tive expressions Of feeling among his
subjects.
And this very preoccupation stood
him in good stead. for IL had Impaired
To him certain aloofness or manner
hich. IL IL did NOT exactly appeal 10
the people Of Bomberg, al least iln'
pressed them.
He had need 10 be preoccupied Tor
his time had Deen SO fully taken up
with many matters al the palace that
until he mounted his horse he had not
had moment In, which 10 think out
" hat Re should say 10 the representa-
lives OF the nation which ne had stolen
against It's VIII.
There had come 10 him. however. an
inspiration. Now. without moments
thought, he acted upon the promptings
Ct his heart.
he rose UP from his seat and adj
dressed the house before him In tones
that were quiet. almost placid. but
which none the more conveyed 10 mis-
heaters a tremendous sense OF power
and strength OF purpose.
M Stalvan and gentlemen, ne
said Il stand as an alien monarch
amid halfhostile people. Since
returned 10 Bomberg | have ALREADY
seen sufficiently into the workings OF
my peoples minds TO realize this
that II only could gain their entire
confidence all would be well, but that
AT the present moment | am In secret
REGARDED as half a mounteback and
half a bully who seeks TO take advan'
tage OF people who are helpless.
I'll Is my most earnest desire that
all my subjects should rid themselves
of this impression. say my sub
iects advisedly, because those people
whom one controls must OF necessity
be subject to one. And | wish II TO
be distinctly and clearly understood
that control you. | have already In
timated to my people what my designs
arc towards them and towards the rest
OF the world Those designs are good
Though | have waded TO the throne
through blood. my aim Is the last great
peace OF all.
Il shall achieve this whether l meet
with opposition or not. IL VIII De pet
ter for you and for me. II opposition
is not forthcoming. leave that mat
ter in your hands.
Whether | meet with opposition or
not. the end will be the same. and In
the achieving OF II | shall consider
neither principalities nor powers, nor
individual states, nor individual cities.
Herewith, and with the knowledge
and therefore the firm conviction that
can prove my words, | declare my
self dictator OF the world!
Il have already, as the result OF
deputation from the civic authorities
or this city. perceived that IT is abso-
lutely necessary for me to give myself
some qualification and title. | viii
teach Bahama 10 despise great pow
ers--I will teach you TO think little OF
the name OF emperor and king.
choose for myself, and hereby declare
myself TO be Dictator. And the mode
OF address which | require OF you Is
that OF your mightiness.
And here | must say that while
have condescended to meet the elected
representatives Of the people here.
must now refuse to regard you any
longer as the representatives OF the
people. TIL | have been able to re-
store peace to the world, and 10 clear
~ lay the foundations of the millen-
ium, | elect to rule alone. My word is
law, and will be law SO long as there
Is breath in my body. And | wouli
implore you for your own sakes not
10 imagine that the courtesy now ex-
tend TO you Is recognition OF any
rights which you may claim. | am
dictator. and you will ind that l rule
alone"
For a moment Strong paused to
leisurely enjoy the looks Of stupefac-
ton and resentment with which his
speech was greeted
And while he paused the little rat
faced Mayor Schaur sprang to his feet
and had he not been checked would
have burst into torrent U protesta-
ton and abuse. But Strong. such was
the influence that his sheer audacity
exerted over the assembly. checked
him with an uplfted hand.
BE silent" he cried. BE silent.
Your duties as representative Of the
people of Bahama are at an end. This
parliament is dissolved | rule alone
am Dictator"
He lifted his hand and buried his
face In his brass helmet His attitude
conveyed the idea OF his devotion 10
the over-awed men, who stared at him
with a new comprehension In their
eyes.
Gro He Co.tinued)