Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1915-06-04


enters into their heads. Well, it APP
pears that Lord Derby objects to their
proceedings, for a reason which it is
not easy to understand, and he has
even forbidden the poor khedive to en-
terrain an offer which / was empow-
cred to make to, him on behalf of the
associates
The countenance of the English
premier assumed an expression of the
most profound annoyance.
RidicuIousl' he muttered. 1t is
incredible! What reason could he pos
sibly have had for this absurd prohi
bition?
It seems that they have persuaded
him that there was a political signifi-
nance in this transaction, that these
shares were to be acquired for the
French government, in a word
m. Disraeli turned on me a look OF
the most perfect surprise.
" But surely that it not so?' he in
quired. 1 have just understood you
to tell me that there is a question
here simply of private speculation
Without doubt. The government
OF France holds itself entirely aloof
from the affair, on the contrary
:" i understand. Then what you ask
of me is, to inform Lord Derby that
he is mistaken in supposing that the
French government interests itself in
your negotiations?'
Perfectly answered, a little dis
concerted, however. In that case, am
forbidden to hope that you will pre-
vail on him to withdraw his prohibit
ton?
There will no longer be any rea-
son for maintaining it, was the reply.
1t is rather a question how he could
ever have been deceived into a belief
SO groundless. Perhaps you can sug-
gest cause for this strange mistaken
Thus encouraged, ventured to pro-
nounce the name of Colonel Warrior,
which M. Disraeli received with a
frown.
1t happened that this officer met
me in Cairo explained, and became
aware that l was in communication
with Ismail Pasha. did not believe
myself Obliged to take him into my
confidence, and it is doubtless this re-
serve which has provoked his inter
ference
=" 1t is perfectly Shameful the pre-
mier exclaimed with immense indig-
nation. You have done right to com
plain to me of this person, whose I'M
just suspicious have inflicted a serious
injury upon your friends
" It is true that the colonel had for
merly made my acquaintance over a
diplomatic transaction / added, and
this may have caused him to connect
my proceedings with the idea Of pol
itics.'
m. Oisraeli smiled, and shook his
head playfully at me.
'Ah, baron, you see that your ter
rible reputation pursues you,' he OBJ
served. How can you be surprised if
people refuse to recognize in the most
astute diplomatist of Europe, the inno-
cent traveller of a harmless CONNER
cial syndicate?'
When finally tore myself away
he insisted on accompanying me to
the door, where he renewed his ex-
pressions of regret at Lord Derby's I'M
fortunate mistake, and warmly assured
me of his own perfect belief in the In
difference of the French government"
The ambassador heaved q sigh, and
commenced rolling up his napkin as
If he had nothing more to tell me.
But you have not finished your
story" l demonstrated, seeing him
beckon to the waiter for his bill.
His excellency regarded me with
stern surprise.
rs it possible that you have neg
lected to bear in mind the date which
have assigned to this conversations"
he demanded.
My dear ambassador, you forget
that all have not your extraordinary
memory for these dates you speak Of"
| returned with some impotence. AT
least consent to remind me of what
happened ON this occasion"
His excelleney shrugged his shout
ders.
You compel me to resume? Good.
The following morning a copy of
the Times was laid before me at
breakfast. / opened 1t, and the first
thing on which my eyes fell was this
passage:
We have today to make a some
what startling announcement The
British government have bought from
the khedive shares of the Suez canal
to the amount of R4,000,000 sterling.
IN the complete secrecy with which
this transaction has been carried out,
a transaction which 1t is impossible
to separate in our thoughts from the
question of England's future relations
with Egypt. we trace the hand OF Mr..
Disraeli.'
And SO on. l had been deliberate
ly, shamefully deceived. While NJ
Disraeli was pretending to grant me
everything / wished, he actually held
the khedive's assignment in his peck
ct. 1t has been the most humiliating
experience of my career
l tried to look as though l shared
his excellency's indignation.
And did the French government
take no action?" l inquired respect
fully.
How could they? have related
what passed between US. This astute
vo,1 had n0raf,4YIv oo4 b4vuaalR - d~aw