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


You are aware. OF course, OF the
steps which have taken TO secure the
withdrawal Of the Russian troops FROM
NY frontiers. Ii 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 10 flatter
you IN the least. that | have always
entertained the most sincere regard
Tor you and the utmost admiration.
1t IS only that which is responsible for
my really earnest desire 10 save you
all unnecessary pain.
l am. therefore. about to make a
proposition 10 you, which | give you
my word OF honor shall be regarded
as secret compact between our
selves.
Il feel-speaking as a sportsman
that what | have already achieved
has been too easy in the achievement
And feel this all the more as a prac-
teal man because the very fact that
| have not had TO fight hard for my
existence will not In the end secure
laTity which l desire.
And so | propose after tonight 10
leave Germany severely alone. pro-
Vided have a guarantee that your
troops do not cross the frontier until
your aeroplanes have met my airships
and the issue has been definitely de-
cided. either In your favor OF in
mine"
The kaiser drew in sharp breath,
and CLEAN shot into his eyes. Strong
saw quickly enough that his majesty
was hoping still.
You are building three airships OF
the aeropiane description. already
possess four airships Of whose pow.
ers think you have had quite suffi.
cient proof.
Il do not desire to use my weight
Of numbers | am prepared To await
the completion OF your airships. and
then detail three Of mine 10 meet
three Of yours. We will abide by the
result OF the conflict.
Ny 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.
III you launch your armies against
my frontier" Strong continued. Il
shall simply be compelled 10 wipe
them out by means OF my airships. !
And you. as a soldier. must see how
events will go then.
And | do not think you are a man
u the same craven spirit as Napoleon !
You would not send thousands OF
men to what you knew must be Ger. |
ain anniniliation.
when your aeroplanes are ready I
shall take the air myself. and | pro. 1
pose that yOu--for. after all. your
stake Will be no greater than mine
should command your own areoplanes /
And We Will night the thing out as fair I
y and squarely as we can, and each. I
or the sake Of the rest of the world.
shall abide by the result"
The kaiser rose from his seat and
{ was obvious TO Strong that he was
greatly agitated.
You need say no more. Mr. Strong.
Ibu need say no mOre.I viii apollo
,ize 20 you for anything | may have
aid. | realize your abilities. re.
lize your power. aud ! am prepared
o meet you IN the way that you pro-
ose. on an equal footing.
Believe me, though / am perhaps
ne of the proUdcst OF men. It gives
no IAN infinite amount OF pleasure 10
knowledge you as an equal and To
xtend you my right hand Of friend
hip
Strong grippcd the kaisor hand.
Good" he said. u am delighted
, hear your majesty say that. feel
hat / have at last met a foeman
'orthy Of my steel
(To H. ContInued.D
Tho c,or.or - . ,,sift..