Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-26

munication from New York city.
The count was on the wire. lie I'm
parted the rather startling news that
William w BIithers had volunteered
TO take care OF the loan out OF his own
private means.
Robin was jubilant The thought had
not entered his mind that there could
he anything sinister in this amazing
proposition Of the great fnancier.
If Count Quipnox himself suspected
Mr. Blithers of an Interior motive the
suspicion was rendered doubtful by the
evidence of sincerity on the part of
the capitalist. who profeSSed no senti-
ment in the matter, but insisted on the
most complete indemnifcation by the
GrauStark government. Even King was
impressed by the absolute fairness of
the proposition. Mr.. Blithers demand
ed no more than the banks were
asking in the shape of indemnity-a
first lien mortgage for twelve years on
AL properties owned and controlled by
The government and the deposit of all
bonds held by the people with the IN
Outstanding that the interest would be
paid TO them regularly, less small
per cent as commission His protec-
ton would he complete. for the people
of Graustark owned fully four-fifths of
the bonds issued by the government for
the construction of public service in
stitutionS. These by consent of Mr.
BlitherS were to be limited to three
utilities-railroads, telegraph and ca
mails. These properties. as Mr.. Blith-
erS was by way of knowing. were alb
solutely sound and self supporting.
Robin inquired whether he was to
come TO New York at once il relation
10 the matter and was informed that
it would not be necessary at present
Mr.. Blithers. however, would give him.
self the pleasure of calling upon the
prince at Red Roof later in the week,
when the situation could be discussed
over dish of tea or n cup Of lemon
AIDE. That is precisely the way Mr.
Rlithers put it.
The next afternoon Mrs. Blithers left
cards mt Re RUof-or. rather. the foot
man left them-and on the day fol
lowing the Kings and their guests re
ceived invitations to a ball at Blither
wood on the ensuing Friday. bur foul
days off. While Mrs. King and the
two young men were discussing the In
yitation the former was called to the
telephone. Mrs. BlitherS herself was
speaking.
Il hope you will pardon me for call
ing you up, Mrs. King. but | wanted
to be sure that you can come on the
18th. We want so much to have the
prince and his friends with us. Mr.
Blithers has taken a great fancy tC
Prince Robin and Count Quinnox, and
he declares the whole affair will be 8
tiasco if they are not to be here"
1T is good Of you TO ask us. Mrs
Blithers. The prince is planning tC
leave for Washington and / fear
oh, you must prevail upon him tc
remain over, my dear Mrs. King. We
are TO have a lot of people up from
Newport and Tuxedo-you know the
crowd-it's the real crowd, and In
sure he will enjoy meeting them. Mr.
Blithers has arranged for a specia
train TO bring them up-a train de
luxe. you may be sure, both as t.
equipment and occupant Zabo's or
chestra, too. A notion seized us las
night to give the ball, which account.
for the short notice. It's the way WE
do ererything-on a minutes notice.
'Of course we shall insist on tb,
prince receiving with us. He is ouI
piece de resistance. You
I'm sure it will be awfully jolly
Mrs Blithers. What did you say?'
Il beg pardon?"
I'm sorry. | was speaking to tbs
prince. He just called upstairs to me.
What does he say?'
1T was really nothing. He wa.
asking about Hobbs
Hobbs? Tell him. please, that II
he has any friends he would like tG
have invited we shall be only toe
proud to-
"Oh. thank you. I'll tell him
"Well. perhaps Maud and l may run
in and see you for few minutes to-
morrow or next day. Just to talh
things over a little-what's that
Maud? beg your pardon. Mrs. King
Ahem, Well, I'll call you up tomor.
row. if you don't mind being both
cred about silly old ball. Goodby.'
Mrs. King confronted Robin in the
lower hall q few seconds later and
roundly berated him for shouting vi
the steps that Hobbs ought to be in
vited to the ball. Prince Robin rolled
on a couch and roared with delight
Lieutenant Dank, as became al Of
ficer of the Royal guard. stood at at
tention-in the bow window with hi;
back to the room, very red about the
ears and rigid to the bursting point
al suppose. however, we'll have II
keep on the good side of the Blither:
syndicate" said Robin soberly. after
his mirth had subsidized before hel
wrath. Good Lord. Aunt Lorraine.
simply cannot go up there and stand
in line like q freak in {. side show fol
all the ladies and girls TO cape at
I'll get sick the day OF the party
that's what I'll do, and you can tel
'em how desolated l am over my mis-
fortune"
They've got their eyes on you
Bobby" she said fatty. "You can't
escape so easily as all that. II you're
NOT very, very careful they'll have