Tombstone epitaph., 1915-10-17

to perfection by merely giancing at his figure. and doubtless the suit case had been opened on the train and your dress coat fully examined as to cut and lining. But you ought to have looked at the pockets before putting your document inside.
 Tt is an axiom of mathematics that produce an improbability, and every thing that transpired was in accord ance with this law. and based upon an intimate knowledge of human nature It was probable that you would not perceive the little thread which hung down from the interior pocket of your coat-at least. until 1t revealed itself against your black trousers. when you sat down in the opera box.
 Tt was probable, even then, that Mademoiselle Celeste would observe it before you did. It was probable that she would pluck 1t away. Any woman would do that.
 When the thread was pulled, the elastic bottom of the coat pocket came open and the papers dropped into the lining When the thread was pulled away from the material the pocket went back into position again.
 When your coat was ruined by the tar it became obvious that, instead of packing 1t in your suit case. you would leave it for the hotel valet
 Thus everything is explained And so Bulgaria goes to war next week and smashes the Turk, whereas, had the paper been lost. the Turk would smash her, and Austria would profit by the breaking down of the Balkan league, which now bars her march south to the sea"
 Yes" said DimitriefY briskly. Tt is characteristic of Austria to attempt by fraud what she would never dare to attempt by force of arms"
 Some day she will resort to arms. Don't doubt that" I answered Be ready, Nicholas. And now a question. What in the world has happened to the Diplomats club? I went into our old quarters on the Koenigstrasse-"
 What" shouted Dimitrief. Why, my dear boy. the Diplomats club has been on the Ringstrasse for fifteen years at least The old quarters are occupied by the Ticker club-interna. tional spectators and shady hangers on. That's where Louis Weisknopf hangs out-Weisknopf of the syndi- cate"
 What syndicate?" I inquired.
 "A new amalgamation of great in- terests. formed to unify the worlds landed interests. wheat fields, and mines; to gain possession of all the wealth of the world and guard it against confiscation. They're in pow CT in several countries now, and they are convinced that the future lies with the Teuton, and are backing Germany and Austria for all they are worth"
 So that explains why Weisknopf is in league with the government" unused. I've been out of diplomacy so long that I've got everything to learn over again. But I'm beginning to see daylight now. And, incidental ly. I have accomplished the main part of my mission. They're plunging for war. Nicholas,"
 Within two years" answered Dimit- rien. Before the Triple Alliance trea- ties expire in 1915. and not before the kiel canal has been deepened, in 1914. That's why we are going to settle up with Turkey first. Here comes my train. You'll be in Sofia some day? Au reyoir, and a million thanks to you"
 watched the train bear him away with mingled grief and gladness: grief for the parting, gladness that could still remain a member of the Gossips' club.