The Madison journal., 1913-12-06

Tie uldltcT VI pOllllCo, Uut shS N'
Guilty had soon been adjusted. 1t was
not hard for the League to settle its
disagreements with governments, for
II numbered kings and chancellors
among its adherents, and, being de-
voted to the maintenance Of the prin-
ciple Of monarchy, 1t found disciples
and friends even In republics.
Rosny was as imperturbable as ever
when Paul Lane reported to him, by
appointment. The young American
noticed that the ITO Let" sign, which
he had seen in the window on the oc-
casion OF his last visit to headquar-
ters, had been taken down, the furni-
ture was back again, and Rosny had
just been writing on the Identical
piece Of torn blotting paper which
Paul had seen when he was there be-
fore.
The Frenchman rose and gripped
Paul's hand warmly.
IL congratulate you with all my
heart" he said. so you have at last
succeeded in discovering the identity
OF the mysterious lady who brought
you from New York and induced you
to place your services and your mil
lions at our disposal"
He spoke in accents Of light irony.
but watching Paul keenly and with
wrinkled brows meanwhile. In truth
he was at his wits end. He could
not afford to lose Paul and his mil
lions; yet Rosny was shrewd enough
to realize that the American would
not consent to play the part of tool
much longer without being taken into
the Leagues confidence. And that was
Just what Rosny was himself unable
to effect. Kings do not meet on terms
Of equality. even with American mil
lionaires. His trump card he was
holding back-not up his sleeve, but
In the anteroom.
Then Paul, clearing his throat nerv-
ously, settled down to say exactly
what Rosny had anticipated, and said
1t with as much emphasis as courtesy
would allow, so that his meaning was
altogether unmistakable.
Nov, my dear Paul." said Rosny,
when he had concluded, laying his
hand affectionately upon his shoulder,
"in what have we played you false?
| assured you that you should meet
the lady in question and you did meet
her"
Yes, and lost her for the third
time," Paul cried. mo more, Rosny.
I realize that you cannot we'll be held
responsible for the treatment which
has been meted out to me; neverthe-
less. l have been duped to the limit
and my ultimatum is"
"One moment" said Rosny blandly.
81 have friend in the next room. II
you will pardon me-"
He opened the door and disappeared
for a moment, to emerge bearing the
princess Clothilde upon his arm. At
he sight of her Paul staggered back,
every nerve in his body tingling. For
the time he could not find speech.
Now, Paul." said Rosny. suppose
that you talk over your troubles with
her highness herself. l am sure you
will reach a satisfactory adjustment"
He departed, smiling, and. entering
the anteroom, closed the door softly
upon them.
Paul was silent through shame, but
in every nerve he felt the thrill OF
indignation. Again he had been fooled,
and in that melodramatic way which
had characterized all his dealings with
the League. Yet, when, with her arms
extended, the princess came softly to
his side, clasped his hands. and held
them, he knew to his dishonor that
his unhappy love for her was weaving
the old magical spells round him
again.
How very tragical you seem, mon
sieur!" said the princess archly "And
IL 1t all on my accounts"
"No." muttered Paul. 81 feel that
THAT / have not been fairly treat
ed. You"
I'VE take your money and"
1T is not my money" he answered.
You are welcome to that. But / came
here to serve you, and l am used and
flung aside. What do l know of the
League? demand to be told who are
Its leaders, what 1t is accomplishing.
where are its headquarters"
"Rosny himself does not know
that" answered the princess. But,
Paul, let me satisfy you as far as
may. The League is not the outcome
Of any one mans brain. 1t was imag-
ined first by Dvornak, of Prague uni
versity, who conceived of allying the
rulers and ruling classes of all coun.
tries against the mobs that now con-
troll all modern states. He converted
me and others. and through our influ-
ence half the rulers Of Europe became
converts to the idea. But, once start.
ed, an idea cannot be checked. The
movement speedily became one for
the restoration of broken dynasties:
Bourbons, Bonapartes, vasas-all
joined In II to aid their own causes.
Consequently we have wheels within
wheels. and innumerable divergent
and often opposing societies, yet all
protesting allegiance to Dvornak's
theories and claiming affiliation with
the League. And against US. standing
solidly for the preservation Of the ex.
listing order, lest their fate become
worse. are the conservative rulers of
all western countries. Now, monsieur,
you ask to be initiated into the coun-
ellis of the League. There is no League,
or, rather, there are many leagues.