Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1916-03-16

any.
| matter what was back of their sudden
change of front, the fact still remained
| that the transaction was as dead as
a door nail" unless it could be revived
by the magnetic touch of a man like
/ Blithers.
"What can have happened to cause
them to change their minds so abrupt
Typ cried the perplexed count. Sure
] " our prime minister and the cabinet
have left nothing undone to convince
them of Graustarks integrity and
pardon me. count" interrupted one
OF the brokers. "Shall try to make
an appointment for you with Mr.. Blith-
ers? I hear he Is in town for few
| days"
Count Quinnox looked to Truxton
/! King for inspiration. and that gentle
man favored him with singularly
dispiriting nod of the head. The old
Graustarkian cleared his throat and
rather stiff1y announced that he would
receive Mr.. Blithers If he would call
ON him at the Ritz that afternoon.
'Whatr' exclaimed both agents. half
starting from their chairs in amaze
ment.
The count stared hard at them. "You
may say to him that will be in at A."
He'll tell you to go to-ahem" The
speaker coughed just In time. "Blith-
ers isn't in the habit of going out of
his way toto oblige anybody. He
wouldn't do 1t for the emperor of Ger
many"
But" said the count. with frosty
smile, II am not the emperor of Ger
many"
Better let me make an appointment
for you to see him at his Office It's
| just around the corner" There was
pleading note in the speakers voice.
you might save your face, Calvert,
by saying that the count will be pleas
ed to have him take tea with him at
the Ritz" suggested King.
Tea exclaimed Calvert scornfully
"Blithers doesn't drink the stuff"
Its figure of speech" said King
patiently.
~ i
other obviously.
He came back few minutes later
with a triumphant look in his eye.
"Blithers says to tell Count Quinnox
he'll see him tomorrow morning at
half past at his office. Sorry he's
: engaged this afternoon"
But did you say wanted him to
have tea with us?" demanded the
count, an angry flush leaping to his
cheek.
II did I'm merely repeating what
be said In reply. Half past 8. at his
office. count. Those were his words"
1T is the most brazen exhibition OF
insolence I've ever began the count
furiously. but checked himself with
an effort IL hope you did not say
that would come sir!'
Eyes; it's the only way
well be good enough to call him up
again and say to him that FILTH see
him blanked before I'll come to his
Office tomorrow at $50 or at any other
hour
And with that the count got up and
stalked out of the office. putting on
his hat as he did so.
Count" said King as they descend
ed in the elevator, I've got an idea in
my head that Blithers will be at the
Ritz at ~
"Do you imagine, sir, that l will re-
ceive him."
Certainly. Are you not diplomat?'
asked King.
Il am a minister of war; said the
count. and his scowl was an indication
of absolute proficiency in the science.
"And, what's more" went on King
reflectiveiy. 1T wouldn't in the least
surprise me if Blithers is the man be-
hind the directors in this sudden move
of the banks"
my dear King, he displayed the
keenest interest and sympathy the 9th
er night at your house. He
"Of course l may be wrong" admit /
ted King but his brow was ciouded.
Shortly after luncheon that day Mrs.
Blithers received a telegram from her
husband 1t merely stated thst he was
going up to have tea with the count at |
4 o'clock and not to worry, as things |
were shaping themselves nicely
ITO BE CONTINUED