The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-03-13
CHAPTER XIX.
The Conference In the Castle.


 A NUMBER of men were seated A about zong table in the cen "A ter of G'lis imposing chamber.
 No one arose as MT. B1ithers entered the room and stopped just in side the door. He, was at a loss for the first time in his life. His gaze fell upon a huge oaken chair at the far end of the table. It was the only unoccupied seat that came within the scope of his rather limited vision. Was it possible that the big chair was intended for him? If so, how small and insignificant he would look upon it.
 After what appeared to him to be an interminab1e length of time, but in reality no more than a few sec onds, a tall man arose from his seat and advanced with outstretched hand. MT. Blithers recognized Count Quinnox, the minister of war. He shook that friendly hand with fer vor that must have surprised the count. Never in all his life had he been so glad to see any one.
 "Let me introduce you to my col leagues, MT. Blithers,' said the count Happy, Pm sure," mumb1ed Mir B1ithers. To save his life he couldn't tell what had got into him. He had never acted like this before.
 No one offered to shake hands with him, although each rose politely, even gracious1y. They even smiled. He remembered that very well after ward. He suddenly realized what had got into him. It was respect.
 GA chair, Franz said the white haired, gaunt man who was called Baron Romano. "WiI1 you sit here, MT. Blithers?''
 MT. Buthers sat down. He was rather pleased to find that the big chair was not meant for him. A swift intuition told him that it was reserved for the country's ruler.
 sfThe prince signed @he contracts just before you arrived, MT. Blith- ers,'', said Baron Romano. "The seal has been affixed to each of the docu- ments, and your copy is ready for de- livery at any t1me.''
 MT. Bltthers recovered himself slightly. "You may send lit to the hotel, baron, at any time tomorrow. My lawyers will have look at it." Then he made haste to explain: 'tNot that it is really necessary, but just as a matter of forn.'' He sent an in vestigating glance around the room. tfThe prince has retired,'' said the
 
 does not remain for the discussions" Glancing at the huge old clock above the Goor, the prime minister assumed a most businesslike air. "It will doubtless gratify you to know that three-fourths of the bonds have been deposited, MT. Blithers, and the re- mainder will be gathered in during the week. A week will give them suf- ficient time, will it not, Count Lag zar?''
 q may safely say that all the bonds will be in our hands by next Tues day at the 1atest,'' said the minister of the treasury. He was a thin, as cetic man; his keen eyes were fixed rather steadily upon MT. Blithers. After a nsament's pause he went on: eve are naturally interested in your extensive purchases of our outstand- ing bonds, MT. BHthers. I refer to the big blocks you have acquired in London, Paris and Berlin"
 'FWeIl, investment, that's all. Your credit is sound and your resources unquestioned, your bonds gilt edge" 'It is most gratifying to Graustark to know that you value our securities so highly as a legacy" said Count Lazzar suave1y. "May I venture the hope, however, that your life may be
 
 existence? They expire in a very few years-a dozen, in fact"
 "Oh. think I can hang on that long," said MT. Blithers, a little more at ease. He was saying to himself that these fellows were not so bad after all. "Sttl1 one never knows. I may be dead in a year. My daughter but, of course, you will pardon me if don't go into my private affairs. ] lear have already said too much" ''On the contrary, sir. we are all only too willing to be edified. The workings of an intelligence such as yours cannot fail to be of interest to us who are so lacking in the power to cope with great undertakings" EI am only too willing, my lords; to give you the benefit of my experi- ence.''
 The prime minister tapped ref1ec- lively upon the table top with his fingers for a moment or two.
 "Thank ypu.'' he said. "We are a+