The Detroit times., 1909-06-30
The Man
Who Stole
The Earth"
CHAPTER Lxlx.-lcontinued.)
By ". Holt Whit.

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 10
Strong, and, feeling that il would be
discourteous not 10 say foolish In tho
extreme 10 refuse the greeting. Strong
reached o0t his own hand, too.
The retinue which have brought, .
: said the kaiser. speaking in English.
is as you will observe. not large
one. had no wish to embarrass you
by numbers, in spite of your omnipot-
ence."
And the kaiser laughed a short. lit
/ tie laugh.
I Strong was about to offer a free pas
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 | snail be treated as a
gentleman, and Il will content me IL
the officers whom have brought with
me 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 ey-
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
intTude 10 that extent. | prefer TO
visit you, as | might call Il, 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 emperor's side.
Arbuthnot, Churston and Wildney.
with the Balkanian officers, were on
the steps TO greet them, and as the
emperor's carriage drew up they al
saluted with drawn swords.
II was. indeed, a not unimposing
demonstration.
The kaiser alighted. and the chan
cellor followed him. Then at Strong's
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 az the latest installation OF wire
less. the theater, and the like.
At the conclusion OF luncheon
Strong toasted the emperor with few
simple words. making no reference TO
the great matter which had drawn
him to Potsdam.
And In turn the kaiser lifted his
glass 10 Strong.
Then Strong rose from his seat and
said 10 the emperor:
"If your majesty will allow me 10
suggest II. | propose that We should
leave these gentlemen mere and dis
cuss n cigar and other matters In my
private room"
When they were alone. and Strong
had seen 20 Il that the kaiser was
Comfortably seated, he politely offered
the emperor one OF his own cigars.
saving. with a pleasant though slightly
ironical little laugh, 81 have the best
reason for assuring your majesty that
these cigars are really excellent.
Then Strong dropped his oantering
air and, leaning forward in his seat.
spoke TO his majesty earnestly.
You will forgive me-" he said. "if
I monopolize the conversation. but
have a good deal to say, and must say
Il quickly.
First OF ALL let me thank you for
the manner in which you have behaved
toward me.
IT. for my part, desire TO do nothing
which would cause you unnecessary
humiliation. do not suggest. for the
present at least. that you should In
form your subjects OF the real state OF
the case, which is that you are abb
solutely in my power.
lTo Ne Coptinuedl