Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-06-03
THE ISLE OF STRIFE
GEORGE c. SFIEDD
aspyas.t - sn.n.M . O.
GEORGE c. SFIEDD

of that age. and a man I'm HIS prime: the
square set OF his shoulders bespoke mill
tary training. and both his bearing and
manner showed that he was man ac-
customed to dealing with large affairs:
his face was impressive. but no self-re-
preston could hide what his jaw indf-
Gated, determination to stubhorness. Well,
had already had the evidence OF his
perseverance.
Clearly he found the situation perplex-
ing, found me an anomaly in that class
or gentlemen common on the continent,
who live by the use OF their wits and by
sale OF such secrets as nations are willing
to trade in. The presence of Del Hervalle
confirmed him in his early susptcion-and
this was just beginning TO dawn on me.
with its possible results-that l was q
dealer In illegitimate wares. Once or
twice found his eve resting on me specu-
latively. On meeting Del Hervalle he had
instantly believed him another bidder, as
the Frenchman. on his part thought he
had discovered a rival. This Joint opin-
ion / had firmly established in their
minds by referring to their common in
terest in the map. there was no harm IN
that-they would have surmised each
others business In any case. Where the
mischief lay was Of course. in this RI
valry: each alone might have been con-
tent to let time provide him with an OPP
portunity to secure the map. but now
each man would become active In order
( to triumph over his opponent very
bulps-eye.
The baron now considered me, if not
with more respect, at least a man or
| more ability than he had at first given
me credit for. | could almost follow his
thoughts: ostensibly the Frenchman was
| a guest at Moore House and i an idler
on q vacation: in reality We were met IN
this remote spot by appointment to en-
gage in negotiations. Senior Del Hervalle
might be anything In addition to being an
envoy OF Venezueia-those tropical states
men were not averse to turning quiet
penny-and this one was a Frenchman,
probably a secret agent of France. which,
as all the world knew, loved Germany
dearly. The humor of the situation APP
pealed to me, though knew that | might
yet laugh in another fashion before all
was done. Really. found the baron at
tractive: he was the sort of gentleman |
would have liked to number among my
friends, a clean-cut, reserved, capable,
stanch man; he had been knocked down
by me. but not deferred from his purpose.
and he had accepted my apology for the
necessity of the same as viewed from my
standpoint and held no luminosity.
That defeat was only an incident of the
game: and he carried himself Well here at
my house when his was a delicate task.
maintaining his part as negouator' not
petitioner.
MY dear baron" said /. what are you
thinking Off"
"Of what important issues may hang
on c0anCe. III We nau not met. LOT IN
stance" He paused.
I'VE should not have the pleasure OF
each others company"
You measure II too lightly. Mr.. Wood
worth II we had not met. who can pre-
dict what infinite harm might come to
pass?'
And now?'
II at least know what and where to
suspect. which would otherwise have
never been the case"
He lighted cigarette and turned his
blue eyes upon me, smiling.
THAT is something" said l.
"I came here this morning once more
| to request that you hand me the map.
but I perceive now that the affair has
passed such q stage It's . matter or
bargaining
81 can't bargain. regret 20 staser
"Ah!"
The exclamation was f1u OF meaning;
his obvious conclusion was that had a.
ready progressed so far with Del Hervalle
that 1 could not open negotiations In .
new direction
I've not as yet come to any agreeu3s1f
with any one. particularly with my lAe4
visitor said dryly. would you hke
to see the map?'
He shot a surprised look 1t ma. but an
swered without eagerness. Certainly. -
you know"
There's one condition"
Condition.
Your word viii satisfy me perfectly,
baron
He looked at me, took a puff at his Gig
arctic and then gazed out on the water.
Name the condition." he said. finally.
Go be continued tomorrow