The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1909-10-20
CHAPTER II (Cont'd)

CHAPTER II Cont ID.
IT. HE dukes imprisoned plea was
of no avail His cOnferees saw
the wisdom of keeping Russia's
greedy hand out of the country 5
nffairs-at least for tie present-and
reiterated their decision 10 seek the
loans in England and France. The Ques-
lion, therefore, would not be taken to
parliament for reconsideration. The
duke sat down, pale in defeat; his heart
was more bitter than ever against the
shrewd American who had induced al
these men 10 see through his eyes
i suppose there is no use in kick
ing against the pTlcks, he said SOurly
as he resumed his seat. 4 shall send
our representatives TO London and Paris
next month. / trust. my lords, that We
may have no trouble in placing the
loans there" There was a deep signil-
canoe in the dry tone which he assumed
I do not apprehend trouble said
Count Half0nt. Our credit is still good,
your grace. Russia is not the only coun-
try that is ready to trust US for few
millions. Have no fear, your grace.
1t is the delay that / am apprehensive
Of your excellency-
At this iunoture the prince, gathering
from the manner OF his minister that
the question was settled TO his liking,
leaned forward and announced 10 MS
uIIcles the premier.
I'm tired, Uncle Caspar. How much
longer is it2'
Count HaIfont coughed. ''Aheml Just
a few minutes. your hiEhness. Pray be
patient-er-uy little man."
Prince Bobby flushed. He always
knew that he was being patrOnized,
when any one addressed him as my
little man"
I have an engagement" ne said. with
a stiffening of his back,
"Indeed2" said the duke. dryly.
Yes your grace, a very important
one. OF course. III stay If 1 have 10.
but-what time is il. Uncle Caspar?'
1t is half past II, your highness.'
Goodness. ] had a date for IL /
mean an engagement-an engagement
He glanced helplessly, apPealingly from
known allies.
The Duke Of Perse smiled grimly. In
his most polite manner he rose 10 ad-
dress the now harassed princeling, who
shifted uneasily on the pile OF law
books.
May your most humble subject pre-
sumo TO inquire into the nature Of your
higbness engagement
You nav. your grace" said the
The duke waited. A smile crept into
the eyes or the others We'll. what is
the engagement
''I had date 70 ride with Uncle Jack
at Il"
And YOU imagine that Uncle Jack
viii be annoyed If he is kept waiting by
such a trivial matter as a cabinet meet
ing unfortunately prOlOngedE'
4On KNOW JUST what LhtLL means
nlurmured the prince. Then his face
frightened But ] don't think he'll
be sore after l tell him how busy we've
been"
The duke put his hand over his mouth.
Il don't think he'll mind half an hours
wait do you2-'
He likes ne to be very prompt"
u1oredlv. There is nothing more 10
come before Us today, your grace. 50 /
fancy we may. as well close the meeting.
TO my mind, it is rather a silly custom
which cOmpels up 10 keep the prince
with us-er-afteT the opening Of the
session or course, your highness. we
don't mean 20 say that YOU are not in
terested in cur grave deliberations
Prince Bobby broke in eagerly.
Uncle Jack says I've just got 10 be
interested IN EN-, whether ] want to
or not He says it's the only way 70
catch onto things and become a regu-
I've got q lot to learn
Yes, your highness, you have"
sOlemnly admitted the premier. But
] am sure you Will learn
Under such an able Instructor
Uncle Jack you may soon know more
than the wisest man IN the realm" add
ed the Duke OF Perse.
Thank you, your grace" said the
prince, so politely that the duke was
COMPOUNDED: II know Gucle Jack will
be glad 10 hear that He's-he's afraid
much"
"Butting imp gasped the premier.
At this the Duke OF Perse came 10
his feet again, an angry CLEAN in his
eyes My lords he began hastily
1t must certainly have occurred to YOU
before this that OuI beloved princes
English. which seems after ali 20 be
mis- mother tongue is not what it should
be. Butting in Yesterday ] overheard
him advising your son. PlutZ TO go
chase himself And when your bow
tried 10 chase himself-'pOn my word
ne did-What did our prince sayE What
did you say, Prince Robin"
IL forget stammered Prince Bob
by.
you said Mice" Or was ter"
mo, your grace. Rats. 7 remember
That's what / said. That's what all of
us BOYS used TO say in Washington"
God deliver us Has it come TO this
that prince Of GTaustark should grow
up with such a language on his Iips2
] fancy my lords, you viii all agree
that something should be done about
f. II IS too serious a matter. We are
all more or less responsible to the
people he Is 10 govern. We cannot, IN
Justice 10 them, allow him to continue
under the-er-infiuence that acw seem
70 surround him Heul-he'n grow up
10 be barbarian For heavens sake.
my lords, let Us consider the princes
future-let MS deal promptly with the
situation"
What's he saying. Uncle Caspar2'
whispered the prince fercely.
Ssh" cautioned Count Half0nt
II won't shl ! am the prince. And
III say chase yourself whenever ]
please. It's good English. TN pro-
nounce IL for you ga our own language.
SOS you can see how 81 works that
way. II goes like"
You need not illustrate. your high
ness" the premier fastened 90 sae.|
Turning to the duke he said coldIy; II
acknowledge the wisdom In your re-
marks, your grace, but-y0u viii pardon
me. j am sure would 10 not be better
70 discuss the conditions privately