The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1909-07-01
The Man
Who Stole
The Earth"
By W. Holt Wht.
CHAPTER Lxlx.-(continued.)


You are aware. OF course, OF the
steps which | have taken 70 secure the
withdrawal Of the Russian troops from
my frontiers. 1t will be necessary for
me TO take steps 10 also secure the
cessation OF hostilities on the part OF
France and yourself.
Now. with France / can easily deal
, but with you ii is another matter. |
assure you. without desiring TO llatter
YOU in the least, that | have always
entertained the most sincere regard
for you and the utmost Admiration.
Ii is only that which is responsible for
my really earnest desire 20 save you
all unnecessary pain.
Il am. therefore. about TO make a
proposition TO you, which | give You
my word OF honor shall be regarded
as a secret compact between our
selves
Il feel-speaking 9s sportsman
that what have already achieved
has been too easy in the achievement
And | feel this all the more as prac-
teal man because the very fact thar
| have not had 10 fight hard for my
existence will not In the end secure
me that measure OF universal popu-
larity which | desire
and SO | propose after tonight 70
leave Germany severely alone, pro-
vided | have guarantee that your
troops do not cross the frontier until
your aeropianes have met my airships
and the issue has been definitely de-
cided. either In your favor or in
mine
The kaiser drew in a sharp breath.
and a CLEAN shot into his eyes. Strong
saw quickly enough that his majesty
was hoping still.
You are building three arships Of
! the aeroplane description | already
possess four airshipS OF whose pow
ers I think you have had quite sutll-
cient proof
Il ia not desire to use-mY weight
OF numbers. | am prepared To await
the completion of your airships, and
then detail three OF mine TO meet
three Of yours. We will abide by the
result OF the conflict
My reason for making this PROPOSE.
ton Is not wholly one-sided. | do Il
in the interests OF peace and for the
sake Of saving human lives.
If you launch your armies against
my frontier" Strong continued, II
shall simply be compelled TO wipe
them out by means OF my airships.
And you. as a soldier. must see how
events will 90 then.
And DO not think you are a man
OF the same craven spirit as Napoleon.
You would not send thousands OF
men TO what you knew must be Ger.
/ tain anIinlllatiOn.
When your aerOplanes are ready /
shall take the air myself. and pro
/ pose that you-for. after all. your
stake will be no greater than mine
should command your own areoplanes.
And We viii fight the thing out as fair
~ and squarely as We can, and each,
Tor the sake Of the rest Of the world
shall abide by the result"
The kaiser rose from his seat. and
! It was Obvious to Strong that he was
greatly agitated.
You need say no more. Mr. Stroug
You ned cay no more viii apollo
pize 90 you for anything I may have
said. ! realize your abilities. re-
alize your power, and I am prepared
10 meet you in the way that you pro
Eose. on an equal footing.
BeueNe me, thoush ! am perhaps
enc OF the prOudest of men. 1t gives
me an infinite amount OF pleasure to
acknowledge you as An equal and TO
extend you my right hand OF friend
ship"
Strong gripped the kaiser's hand.
Good" he said. Il am delighted
20 hear your majesty say that. feel
that | have at last met foeman
worthy Of my steel.
(To ne Confinued.)
The quarter OF n million electric
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