The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1909-06-30
The Man
Who Stole
The Earth"
By W. Holt Whfts
CHAPTER Lxlx.-lcon,inued.)

Having no desire To meet with
rebuff. Strong did not extend his hand.
but contented himself with raising his
| hat
! The kaiser. however. leaned out OF
the carriage, held out his own hand 70
/ Strong, and, feeling that il would be
discourteous not TO say foolish in the
extreme to refuse the greeting. Strong
reached out his own hand, too.
The retinue which have brought"
said the kaiser, speaking in English.
is as you will observe. not q large
one. | had no wish to embarrass you
! by numbers, in spite OF your omnipot-
ence."
And the kaiser laughed short, lit
tie laugh.
! Strong was about to offer free pas
I sage TO the entire party when the
kaiser interrupted
1t Will not be necessary" he said
for my troopers to accompany the
carriages. They have been instructed
10 remain at the gates. Although, OF
course, | come here against my will,
realize that | shall be treated as
gentleman. and Il will content me II
the officers whom | have brought with
mt may be included In the luncheon
party. which you have SO generously
arranged"
And again the kaiser laughed his
short. little laugh.
Your majesty" said Strong. II
have not the slightest desire TO ex-
clude your troopers. Believe me, they
will be very welcome TO Potsdam."
The kaiser glanced at Strong quick
ly. but a shade Of annoyance crossed
his face
NO" he said sharply. 81 shall not
intrude 10 that extent. | prefer TO
visit you as | might call It, unarmed
Just as your majesty pleases." said
Strong. making a little bow.
And. the troopers falling back. the
carriages rolled on, Strong riding BY
the emperoTs side.
Arbuthnot, Churston aud Wildney.
with the Balkanian officers. were Oh
the steps TO greet them. and as the
omperor's carriage drew up they all
saluted with drawn swords
II was. indeed, not unimposing
| demonstration.
The kaiser alighted. and the chan
celor followed him. Then at Strongs
invitation. they walked after him into
the pavilion.
Lunch was served Immediately and
In the course OF II Strong spoke no
| words Of politics or business. They
discussed matters OF general interest
such as the latest installation Of wire.
| less the theater, and the like.
AZ the conclusion OF luncheon
! strong toasted the emperor with few
simple words. making no reference 20
the great matter which had drawn
| him TO Potsdam.
And in turn the kaiser lifted his
glass TO Strong.
Then Strong rose from his seat and
said 70 the emperor:
III your majesty will allow me TO
suggest It, | propose that VIC should
leave these gentlemen mere and dis
cuss a cigar and other matters In my
urivate room"
When they were alone, and Strong
had seen TO II that the kaiser was
lee.afertaEly- seated. he politely offered
the emperor one OF his own cigars.
saying. with pleasant though slightly
Ironical little laugh. II have the best
reason for assuring your majesty that
these cigars are really excellent
Then Strong dropped his oanterine
air and, leaning forward In his seat.
spoke To his majesty earnestly.
You will forgive me he said. '1f
7 monopollze the conversation. but
have a good deal 20 say. and must say
Il quickly
First OF all. let me thank Won for
the manner I'm which you have behaved
toward me. "a
~. FOR my part, deaire 10 do nothing
which would cause Won unnecessary
humiliation do not sugge ST. for the
present at least. that yoa should in.
form your subjects of the real state ~
the case. which IS that YOU are alb.
solutely in my power.
Ito Ne Continued.l