Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-05-21
enberg demanded. What has hap

"Excellency," the young man replied
| "there is trouble. Within half an hour
Of your leaving 1 had important news.
dared not telegraph. have followed you
took a special train from the frontier "
go on" Falkenberg said, calmly. III
is something serious?
Indeed, yes, your excellencyv' the
baron continued. 1T is concerning the
Agdar matter"
Falkenberg's face lit up.
AN ultimatumr' he exclaimed. "So
much the better!''
Baron Won Neudheim shook his head.
For once. am afraid" he said. I'VE
| have been trapped. His excellency him.
self sent for me. The reply from Down
ing street has been received"
'Well?" Falkenberg interrupted, impa-
| tiently.
"Your excellency. the reply to our note
| is exceedingly courteous. 1t states tina,
the unrest referred to had already been
reported to the British government and
a warship, which left Portsmouth under
sealed orders some months ago. was in
structed to proceed to the port last week
The note goes on to state that no intima-
ton was given to Germany. as the Brit
ish government was not aware that Ger
| many had any interests, but 1t further
contains an assurance that the welfare
of all white men will receive equal at
tention."
Falkenberg set his teeth.
What battleship was sent?" he asked
''The Aida" the young man replied
slowly: "a first-class cruiser, $4,000 tons. .
Falkenberg was silent for moment
His face had grown dark.
And ours" he muttered, was a third
rate gunboat! Who in all Downing street
could have planned q coup like this?"
"It was Sir Julien Portel-his last off,
cial action" the baron answered. "The
papers tomorrow will be full of this. The
press of Germany and England and
Eran fho WI nj or
(Which is to say Falkenberg exclaim-
ed, that we are to be the laughing stock
of Europe! Anything else?"
There is an imperial summons COM
once" Neudheim acknowledged, reluc-
family
II start for the frontier in a quarter
of an hour" Falkenberg decided. II
shall drive to Challons and telegraph for
q special train from there"
You will let me accompany your" the
young man begged.
Falkenberg hesitated, then he shook his
head.
mo, it is my wish that you return by
train. Take a days holiday, if you will.
You will be back in time"
The young mans expression was cloud
ed. He was obviously disappointed.
But. excellency,' he pleaded, there is
trouble in Berlin. 1t ia. best, indeed, that
l should be by your side.''
MY dear Fritz" he replied, you will
obey my orders, as you always have DONE
1t is my wish that you return by the
ordinary train tomorrow night"
There is nothing / can do-no mes
sage
Nothing Falkenberg interrupted
Look after yourself. Leave me now. il
you please
The young man moved reluctantly to-
ward the door,
"Excellency.' he protested. II do not
desire days holiday. Things in Berlin
are bad. Let us talk together on our way
north. You have never yet known defeat.
We can plan our way through, or fight it.
Don't tell me to leave you, dear master!
he wound up, with sudden change of
tone. There are still ways"
Falkenberg laid his hand upon the
young mans shoulder.
Fritz" he said, my orders. IL you
please! Remember that I never suffer
them to be disputed. Good-bye!'
Go be continued tomorrow)