The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1916-05-11
CHAPTER XIX.
The conierenee n the castle.


~ ter OF this imposing chamber
No one arose as Mr. Bllthers
entered the room and stopped just in
side the door. He was at loss for
the hrst time in his life. His gaze
fell upon a huge oaken chair at the
far end OF the table. II was the only
unoccupied seat that came within the
scope OF his rather limited vision.
Was II possible that the big chair
was intended for him? II 30. how
small and Insignificant he would look
upon II.
After what appeared TO him TO be
an lnterminable length OF time. but
in reality no more than few sec
onds, a tall man arose from his seat
and advanced with outstretched
hand. Mr.. Bllthers recognized Count
Qulnnox. the minister OF war. He
shook that friendly hand with fer
vor that mist have surprised the
count. Never In all his life had he
been 30 glad 10 see any one.
"Let me introduce you 10 my coll
leagues. Mr.. Biithers." said the count.
Happy. I'm sure" mumbled Mr..
Blithers. 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 graciously. They even smiled.
He remembered that very well after
ward. He suddenly realized what
had got into him. II was respect.
"a chair. Franz" said the white
haired. gaunt man who was called
Baron Romano. "WIll you sit here.
Mr.. Bllthers?"
Mr.. Blithers sat down. lie was
rather pleased TO find that the big
chair was not meant for him. A
swift intuition told him that II was
reserved for the country's ruler.
"The prince signed the contracts
Just before you arrived. Mr.. Blith-
ers," said Baron Romano. 1.-THE seal
has been affixed 10 each Of the docu-
ments. and your copy Is ready for de-
livery at any time"
Mr.. Bllthers recovered himself
sllghtly. "You may send II TO the
hotel. baron. at any time tomorrow.
Ny lawyers will have a look at H."
Then he made haste TO explain: "Not
that II Is really necessary. but Just
as q matter Of form" He sent an in
vestigating glance around the room.
THE prince has retired" said the
baron, divining the thought. ale
does not remain for the discussions"
CHANGING at the huge old clock above
the coor. the prime minister assumed
Q most businesslike air. at will
doubtless crafty you TO know that
three-fourths Of the bonds have been
deposited. Mr.. Bllthers. and the re-
mainder will be gathered in during
\ the week. A week will give them suf-
hcient time, will II not. Count Lag
E fari"
~ 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 Gxed
rather steadily upon Mr.. Bllthers.
After q moments pause he went on:
1--WE are naturally interested in your
extensive purchases OF our outstand-
ing bonds. Mr.. Blithers. I 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"
att is most gratifying to Graustark
to know that you value our securities
30 highly as a legacy" said Count
Lazzar suavely. MAY | venture the
hope. however. that your life may be
prolonged beyond the term Of their
existence? They expire in very
few years-a dozen, in fact"
"0h. think can hang on that
long" said Mr.. Blithers. little more
at ease. He was saying 10 himself
that these fellows were not 80 bad
after all. "Still one never knows.
may be dead in a year. My daughter
but. Of course. you will pardon me
II l don't go into my private affairs.
fear have already said too much. q"
ION the contrary. sir, we are all
only too willing 10 be edited. The
workings OF an intelligence such as
yours cannot fail 10 be Of interest to
US who are so lacking in the power
20 cope with great undertakings"
~ am only too willing. my lords. TO
give you the benefit Of my expert
ence."
The prime minister tapped renec-
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 10 the renewal
OF q 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 70
extend our mutual protective agree
monf for another farm OF yearA but