Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1915-08-12

not easy to understand, and no has
even forbidden the poor khedive to en-
tertain 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.
'Ridiculous!' he muttered. It IL
incredible! What reason could he pos.
sibly have mad for this absurd prohi.
bition?'
1t seems that they have persuaded
him that there was political signih-
nance in this transaction. that these
shares were to be acquired for the
French government, in word
IN. Disraeli turned on me look OF
the most perfect surprise.
but surely that 1t not SO? he in.
quired. I have just understood you
to tell me that there II . question
here simply Of private speculation
Without doubt. The government
Of France holds itself entirely alooi
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 negotiationsr
Perfectly l answered, a little dis.
concerted, however. In that case, am
l forbidden to hope that you will pre-
vail on him to withdraw his prohibi-
ton?
There will no longer be any rea-
son for maintaining IT, was the reply.
1T is rather question how he could
ever have been deceived into a belief
so groundless. Perhaps you can sug-
gest cause for this strange mistake?
Thus encouraged, ventured to pro.
nounce the name Of Colonel Warton.
which M Disrasli received with q
frown
ut happened that this officer met
me in Cairo explained, and became
aware that | was in communication
with Ismail Pasha. l did not believe
myself obliged to take him into my
confidence, and 1t is doubtless this re-
serve which has provoked bis inter.
ference
"'It Is perfectly shameful the pre-.
mier exclaimed with immense indig-
nation You have done right to com.
plain to me Of this person. whose un.
Just suspicious have inflicted serious
injury upon your friends
LIT Is true that the colonel had for.
merly made my acquaintance over .
diplomatic transaction l added. and
this may have caused him to connect
my proceedings with the idea Of pol
itics.'
M. Disraeli 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 II
people refuse to recognize In the most
astute diplomatist Of Europe. the limo.
cent traveller of harmless CONNER
cial syndicate?
When l finally tore myself away
he insisted on accompanying mo to
the door. where he renewed his ex-
pressions of regret at Lord Derhy's unr
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 ~
II he had nothing more to tell me.
"'But you have not finished your
story" | demonstrated. seeing him
beckon to the waiter for his bill.
His excellenoy shrugged his shoul
ders.
You compel me to resumsi Good.
"The following morning a copy OF
the Times was laid before me at
breakfast. l opened it, and the first
thing on which my eyes fell was this
passage:
1--WE have today to mako . some
what startling announcement. The
British government have bought from
the khedive shares of the Suez canal
to the amount Of a4,000,000 sterling.
In the complete secrecy with which
this transac ction has been carried out.
a transaction which 1t is impossible
to separate in our thoughts from tho
question of England's future relations
with Egypt, we trace the hand of Mr..
Disraeli.'
And 80 on. had been delibsrate-
ly, shamefully deceived. While u.
Disraeli was pretending to grant mo
everything l wished, he actually held
the khedive's assignment In his peck
ct. 1t has been the most humiliating
experience Of my career"
tried to look a. though I shared
his excellency's Indignation.
And did the French government
take no action" inquired respect
fully.
How could they? have related
what passed between us. This astuts
man had carefully set himself to draw
from me an explicit assurance that my
government were without interest In
the disposal of these shares II / had
dared to demonstrate he would have
replied that he was perfectly entitled
to bid against q syndicate OF private
speculators. This heartless intrigue
was too skillfully planned to leave any
opening for protest"
The ambassador rose abruptly.
flung down a gratuity for the walter.
and stalked out Of the cafe.
As we walked away. the influence Of
the sunshine and the balmy air seemed
to soften his excited mood.
After all, 1t was poor Fatimsh who
came off the worst" he remarked in .
mournful tone, as we returned past The
Bourse. she did not live long to
enjoy the little gifts which had pre-