The Lynden tribune. [volume] (Lynden, Wash.) 1908-current, 1916-08-24

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three-fourths of the bonds have been
deposited. Mr.. Blithers. and the re-
mainder will be gathered in during
the week. A week will give them suf-
fcient time. will it not, Count Lag
zar?"
81 may safely say that all the bonds
will be in our hands by next Tues
day at the latest" said the minister
Of the treasury. He was a thin, as
celtic man; his keen eyes were fixed
rather steadily upon Mr.. Blithers.
After a moments pause he went on:
eve are naturally interested in your
extensive purchases of our outstand-
ing bonds. Mr.. Blithers. l refer to
the big blocks you have acquired in
London, Paris and Berlin"
"Well. investment, that's all. Your
credit is sound and your resources
unquestioned. your bonds gilt edge"
at is most gratifying to Graustark
to know that you value our securities
30 highly as a legacy" said Count
Lazzar suavely. "May l venture the
hope. however, that your life may be
prolonged beyond the term of their
existence? They expire in a very
few years-a dozen, in fact"
ooh, I think l can hang on that
long," said Mr.. Blithers, little more
at ease. He was saying to himself
that these fellows were not SO bad
after all. "Still one never knows. l
may be dead in year. My daughter
but, of course, you will pardon me
IL don't go into my private affairs.
fear I have already said too much"
"On the contrary, sir. we are all
only too willing to be edited. 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"
~ am only too willing. my lords. to
give you the benefit of my expert
ence."
The prime minister tapped reflec-
lively upon the table top with his
fingers for a moment or two.
"Thank you." he said. 1--WE are at
this very moment in something of a
quandary in respect to the renewal
Of a treaty with one of our neigh
bors. For the past twenty years we
have been in alliance with our next
door neighbors. Axphain on the north
and Dawsbergen on the south and
east. The triple alliance will end
this year unless renewed. UP to the
present our relations have been most
amiable. Axphain stands ready to
extend our mutual protective agree
ment for another term of years. but
Dawsbergen is lukewarm and in
clined to withdraw"
"What's the grievance?" inquired
Mr.. Blithers bluntly. He was edging
into familiar waters now. "What's
the matter with Dawsbergen? Mon
ey controversy"
mot at ALL" said Lazzar hastily.
"Why not let 'em withdraw" said
Mr.. Blithers. "We can get along
without Them"
There was general uplifting OF
heads at the use of the proloun and
a more fixed concentration of gaze.
The baron leaned forward, still
tapping the table top with his long,
slim fingers.
"The report that Prince Robin Is
to marry your daughter, Mr.. Blith-
ers, has reached the Prince of DAVIS
bergen's ears 1t is only natural that
he should feel resentful. For fifteen
years there has been an understand
ing that the Crown Princess of DAVIS
bergen and the Prince of Graustark
were one day to be welded to each
other"
Mr.. Blithers settled back in his
chair. at seems to me that he is
making mountain out of MOLE
hill"
Baron Romano shrani perceptibly.
ut devolves upon me, sir, as spokes-
man for the ministry, the court and
the people Of Graustark. to inform
you that marriage between our
prince and any other than the Crown
Princess Of Dawsbergen is not to be
considered as possible"
"My lords" said Mr.. Blithers, ris-
ing. his face suddenly pale, 81 beg
leave to assure you that my daugh-
ter's happiness Is of far more impor
lance to me than all the one horse
principalities in the world. I do not
resent your attitude. nor do resent
your haste in conveying to me your
views on the subject. 1t may be di-
plomacy to go straight to a question
and get 1t over with, but it isn't al
ways diplomacy to go off half cooked.
will say with perfect candor that
should like to see my daughter the
Princess Of Graustark. but. by CAD.
want you to understand that her
own wishes in the matter are to gov
ern mine in the end. l want to say
to you now. all OF you. that II my
girl should love your prince and he
should love her in return. there isn't
q power below heaven that can keep
them apart. If she doesn't love him,
and he should be unlucky enough to
love her, I'd see him hanged before
he could have her. ! intend to leave
this matter entirely to my daughter
and Prince Robin. They are to do
cerned And if they decide that they
love each other and want to get mar
ried, they will get married. Do l
make myself perfectly plain. my
lords?"
The dignified ministry of Graustark
lat agape.
Baron Romano arose. "You place
us in the extremely distressing posi-
ton of being obliged to oppose the
hand of benefactor, Mr.. Blitheps.
You have come to our assistance in
time of need. You have
"If it is the loan you are talking
about. baron, that is quite beside the