The Caucasian. (Clinton, N.C.) 188?-1913, 1912-08-22

rumors of impending war had gone
abroad, fc- there was curious tense
ness In the atmosphere, an attitude OF
waiting and expecting. to be discov-
cred everywhere, and not only among
the fficials. More than that, since
morning, crowd had gathered in
front of the palace, and this had grad
ually increased, without the police ma
king any effort TO break Il up, until
all the nearby streets and avenues
were thronged with people Inside the
palace the kaiser was supposed TO be
receiving a levee of his own subjects
and a few distinguished foreigners,
who were being presented by their
ambassadors. | had the right OF en-
tree, as having been formerly at
tached to the Berlin embassy. I'm
mediately after having secured lodg-
ings | donned my court suit and
nastened to the palace doors In a
hack. My card was taken in to the
master of ceremonies, and, two min
utes later, that functionary, all span
gled with decorations, came hurrying
out to me.
my dear Adams" he exclaimed
heartily, what a pleasure to see you
again! Is it business brings you to his
majesty's lever"
I Business of an urgent character"
replied. Il must have word with the
kaiser Immediately"
The master of ceremonies threw up
his hands in CONSERVATION.
Impossible" he muttered HE will
see nobody until after tomorrow
morning. He is not even at his own
| 1evee. His brother, Prince Henry,
| represents him. The kaiser absolute
ly refused to see a legate from the
pope this morning"
why not until after tomorrow
morning." | queried
The master Of ceremonies turned as
red a. a beet.
Did l say that?" he murmured.
why, the fact is-people are saying
! that he has an important document"
THAT he is drafting his speech
against the French republic l in
! terpolated. That tomorrow he will
put on the panoply of Frederick the
Great, and, standing on the palace
balcony. the incarnation of his imperi-
al ancestor, he will say words which
will launch all Germany over her
| western boundaries"
| We'll, yes" said the master of
ceremonies. THAT is no secret in the
diplomatic world, and l believe that
France is already concentrating her
legions upon her eastern borders. But
why do you come here to tell NE
this?"
Because it must be stopped" I re-
joined CURLY. 1.-THE moment that the
first German company crosses the
border, an English squadron will sail
for Hamburg"
He fell back, looking at me in aston
fshment
II have spoken plainly with you," I
said, because it Is imperative that at
least the kaiser understand the posi-
ton. Now, will you take me to him ?''
Il dare not" he answered. "Will you
see the chancellor, Prince Buelow?"
| signified my willingness. 1t was
evident that my declaration had Gre
ated an intense effect in the bosom
Of the worthy court functionary, who,
like most Of his class, was more &C
quainted with the kaiser's intentions
than many Of the heads of state de-
partments. A couple Of minutes later
Prince Buelow came along the cor
ridor, respondent with orders, and Ia
king me by the arm with great cor
diality, led me into an anteroom,
where we found the master of cere-
monies pacing the floor in agitation.
I dare not go and tell him." he
muttered. And yet--if he should not
be told. we should be traitors to Ger.
many"
Let me see the kaiser" I interpo-
lated. >.
Impossible" said Prince Buelow
Il would do good deal for you, Cap
tain Adams, for I always found you
an honorable antagonist and a firm
: friend in the old days-but that
no. His majesty has one of his
nervous headaches, and he tramps his
bedroom, cursing the barber for not
arriving to massage his face"
/ The barber?" I Queried. "Not oul
; old friend NJ. Perruquet?"
"Yes," said the prince. laughins
[ grimly. IN Perruquet, who used t.
{ shave the members of the diplomatic
/ | corps. came to the notice of the kaiser
l | and got himself installed as chief bar
Der. The fellow developed a power
t of soothing his majesty's aching facia
4 | nerves by massage, and his majest,
: swears that nobody but he can give
: him the relief he seeks
. 'It is, then. impossible to see him p
e Queried.
4 Absolutely. But If you will trans
e NIT your message to me, L"
e Suddenly the door was flung opel
S heavily and, with a quick, nervou
r tread, the kaiser Wilhelm himself an
4 peared upon the threshold.
: "PIeIOwi BuelOwt Where I'll