The Glasgow courier., 1916-07-14


stark. Both were of the opinion that
Russia had something to do with it.
1--WE may be able to get to the
banks through Blithers," said King.
"How could he possibly be of as
sistance to us?" the count inquired.
"He happens to be q director in
both concerns, besides being such
power in the financial world that his
word is almost law when it comes to
the big deals"
All the way down to the city Count
Quinnox was thoughtful. even pre-
occupied. They were nearing the
terminal when he leaned over and.
laying his hand on Kings knee, said
after a long interval of silence be-
tween them:
II suppose you know that Grau-
stark has not given up hope that
Prince Robin may soon espouse the
daughter of our neighbor, Dawsber-
gen."
King gave him a queer look. "By
Jove, that's odd! was thinking of
that very thing when you spoke"
THE union would be Of no profit to
Us in recuniary way, my friend" ex-
planned the count. 'Still it is most de-
sirable For other reasons. Dawsber-
gen is not rich country. nor are its
people progressive. The reigning house.
however. is an old one and rich in ira
ditions. Money. my dear King. is not
everything in this world. There are
some things it cannot buy. 1t is Sill
gularly ineffective when opposed to an
honest sentiment. Even though the
young princess We're to come to Grau-
stark without farthing she would
still he hailed with the widest &C.
claim. We are race Of blood wOr-
shippers. if may put it in that way.
She represents force that has domi.
mated our instincts for a great many
centuries. and we are bound hand an''
foot. heart and soul. by the SO called
fetters of imperialism. We are fierce
men. but we bend the knee and We
wear the yoke because the sword OF
destiny is in the hand thatdrives US. To
day we are ruled by prince whose
sire was not Of the royal blood. Oul
prince assumes an attitude of inde
pendence that we find difficult to over
come. He is prepared 10 defy an oil
precedent In support Of new one. II
other words. be points out the unmia
takably happy union Of his own moth
xr, the late Princess Yetive, and tn
american Lorry. and it is somethinl
We cannot 60 behind. He declares tina
his mother set an example that he ma!
emulate without prejudice to his coun
try il he is allowed free hand II
choosing his mate.
But We people Of Graustark cannO
look with cOmplaisance on the possible
result of his search for sharer Of tn
throne. Traditions must be upheld
or we die. True. the crown princes
of Dawsbergen has American blood il
her veins. but her sire is prince rOya
Her mother. as you know, was a
'American girl. She who sits on tn
throne with Robin must be a princes
by birth or the grip on the sword Q
destiny is weakened and the dynast
falters.''
They had not been in New York cit
an hour before they discovered tina
William w. Blithers was the man
whom they would have to appeal
they expected to gain fresh hearin
with the banks. The agents we're in
dismal state Of mind. The deal ha
been blocked no later than the afte
noon of the day before and at tim
when everything appeared to be goin
along most swimmingly. Blithers W;
the man to see. He and he alone coul
bring pressure to bear on the directo
ates that might result in reconsit
GRAFTON of the surprising verdict. Som
thing had happened during the day
alter the friendly attitude of the ba nix
They were now politely reluctant. ;
one Of the agents expressed it. whic
really meant that opposition to IL
loan had appeared from some une
pected source as sort OF elevent
hour obstacle The heads of the tv
banks had as much as said that neg
tiations We're at an end. that was IL
long and short Of it. It really didn
matter what was back OF their suddt
change Of front. the fact still RENAME
that the transaction was as dead
door nail" unless it could be revive
by the magnetic touch Of a man iii
Blithers.
What can have happened to eau
them to change their minds so abrul
ly:" cried the perplexed count "Sur
~ our prime minister and the cabin
have left nothing undone to convin
them Of Graustark's integrity and
Pardon me. count" interrupted Of
Of the brokers. "Shall l try to MAJ
an appointment for you with Mr.. Bit
ers:: l hear he is in town for a fe
days"
Count 0uinn0X lool.od 70 II