Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-04-08
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"
| whats the grievance" inquired
Mr.. Biithers bluntly. He was edging
into familiar waters now. whats
| the matter with Dawsbergen? Mon
ey controversy?
"Why not let 'em withdraw" said
! Mr.. Blithers. eve can get along
without them"
! There was general uplifting OF
heads at the use of the pronoun and
a more fixed concentration Of gaze.
The baron leaned forward, still
tapping the table top with his long,
slim fingers.
1.-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. ut seems to me that he Is
making mountain out of mole
hill"
Baron Romano shrank perceptibly
ut devoives upon me, sir, as spokes.
man for the ministry. the court and
the people Of Graustark, to inform
you that marriage between oul
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 l do moi
resent your attitude. nor do 1 resent
your haste in conveying to me youl
views on the subject. 1t may be d.
plomacy to go straight to a question
and get it over with. but it isn't al.
ways diplomacy to go off half cooked
l will say with perfect candor that
should like to see my daughter the
Princess of Graustark. but. by CAD
l want you to understand that hel
own wishes in the matter are to gov,
ern mine in the end. l want to say
to you now, all of you. that IL my
girl should love your prince and hi
should love her in return. there ism
power below heaven that can keel
them apart. If she doesn't love him
and he should be unlucky enough t,
love her, I'd see him hanged befor
he could have her. intend to leav'
this matter entirely to my daughte
and Prince Robin. They are to d.
the deciding, SO far as l am con
cerned. And If they decide that the,
love each other and want to get mar
ried, they will get married. Do
make myself perfectly plain, m,
lords?"
The dignif1ed ministry of Graustarl
sat agape.
Baron Romano arose. "You plac
US in the extremely distressing posi-
ton Of being obliged to oppose tn
, hand Of a benefactor, Mr.. Blithers
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 tn
question" interrupted Mr.. Blithers
Il do not speculate. I have made
satisfactory loan, and l am not com
planning"
"As you please, sir" said Roman,
coldly. II may at least question you
right to assume that we are power
less to prevent marriage that 4
manifestly unpopular with the sub
jects OF Prince Robin"
"But what about the personal view
Of Prince Robin? If I am not mis-
taken he openly declares that he will