Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-08-23

! Sevranoe looked at me helplessly. what
can l dor l read in his expression.
replied similarly, dolefully: Nothing.
| Neither Of us made n move TO go. For
| some moments there was degree of al.
| lence In the room. Won Holzborn breathed
heavily and regularly apparently oblIvious
and indifferent to our presence.
In the end sevrance spoke.
Curse you" he cried, his tone tren,blInp
with the passion OF the exasperated. Can
| you |"
You cannot threaten a dying man with
death" the Prussian observed, without
| moving.
When will her adyship return?" asked.
ae made no sign Of having heard me.
viii you not answer7"
He did not, at all events
1 olenched my fists in the extremity of
my wrath. 1t was uncomfortable thus to
De dehed by him who lay at my mercy. But
what could l do7
sevrance abruptly caught my eye and
nodded brightly. saw that he had evolved
Holzborn," he began gently.
What do you want of usY'
Enr What7 want of your" He
laughed scornfully.
precisely" continued Sevrance. sppar-
emily sure Of himself 'T can inform Won
tnat you have not deceived me. This bust
ness mas been arranged for the express
purpose OF hoodwlnlting u.s. You were ex-
pectlhg US when you heard us enter-and
pretended not to notice, You expected re
when YOU left the outer door unloeked In
word, you are playing a part--and for
q purpose concerning us. You arranged
IN, TINS TAX to further your ends. Come, now
let us have H."
The Prussian rolled his head over upon
the pillow and stared at Seyrance for n
In fhp 4.
MADE slight affirmative motlon-scarcely
could 1t be called nod.
You are an intelligent man." he con-
ceueu amiably. II had not looked for SO
Huch penetration. So confess you are
correct In your surmise"
Very we'll let us have no more beating
about the bush" '''''s
You will regard this as confldentlal7"
Absolutely" said Severance and I added
my assurance 'e'
II am forced to nut vou unon ,,o,,r ho,,o.
Grave issues are involved"
waiting" "o 4re
So then" He took a deep breath. an
pearing to collect his thoughts. You see
me here, gentlemen, incapac citated FOR oc
tIon. Netze' as you understand, is a marked
man he can do nothing in England. There
remains work to be put through, and that
asking yours" '''i
In what BTOunuSE' L asked,
IL shall be community of interests
We VIII not haggle over the issues but
oe straightforward Frankly Mr. Trail
you wish to marry Lady Herbert?'
native. "''' @''''
And l." continued Won Holzborn-'1
VIII mako no bones about IT, The matter
so far as effects me, is that of n brilliant
ana successful marriage. Julia ia rich
very am poor Prussian captain.
need money; her ladyship has IT. Wa
agree to marry. Well"
You scroundrel!" I broke furiouslv.
Indeed. Mr.. Traill? Then you reject
my oVerturesT I was doggedly silent.
"Or do you wish to debate the ethics ~
the case? HeinI Have 1 not nut II nlainiv
before your"
Get on with your proposition" I
Then don't interrupt" he retorted
sharply. ITO proceed: certain work
Is to be accomplished in the interest of
the Prusslan Government will inform
you that 1 am associated with De Netze |
by order OF his Majesty the German
Emperor; I am directed to render all |
discreet assistance. You comprehend? In |
short. have pledged myself to carry the |
business through. 1t must be done. 1t |
means much to me: money, honors, ultimate
advancement. Deeply as I am now In
VOlVeu, cannot Wltnuraw my hand the
end must be omplished-successfully
If course.
"Sol I mako the proposition. In my
inability to get about you will take my
place. You are, comparatively, free from
suspicion. You can do that which could
Tot. You push the matter to q successful
,nd-I reap the reward and resign my
laim to her ladyships hand. Do you
PLAINLY" I muttered. I'VE play the
ole of the cat's.paw."
mot to put too fine a point upon it-you
TO-" He waited a moment searching our
aces with his unreadable gaze. you
ain your end-I gain one and relinquish
ne OF mine. Are we agreed?"
mot fast" Sevrance demurred. Let
IS consider all sides of the case. TrailI"
"By all means" consented the Prussian.
"In the first place, what is the nature
this business of which you speak?'