The Hickman courier., 1916-03-16
CHAPTER v.
Prince Robin 10 Asked to Stand W.

Prince Robin 10 Asked to Stand Up.
NATE the same evening Prince
Robin. at Red Roof. received a
long distance telephone COM
munication from New York city.
The count was on the wire. He i'm
parted the uther startling news that
William W Rithcrs had volunteered
10 take care OF The loan out OF his own
private means
Robin wus jubllant The thought had
not entered his mind that there could
he anything sinister In this amazing
proposition Of the great Hnancier.
II Count QuinnoX himself suspected
Mr. BlIthcrs of an ulterior motive the
suspicion was rendered doubtful by the
evidence of sincerity on the part OF
the capitalist. who profc>sed no senti.
mcut In The matter. but insisted on the
most complete indcmnilcntion by the
Guustark government. Even King was
impressed by the absolute fairness Of
the proposition Mr.. Blithers demand.
asking In the shape OF indemnity-a
first lien mortgage for twelve years on
all properties owned and controlled by
the government aud the deposit OF all
bonds held by the people with the un.
derStandiug that the interest would be
paid 10 them regularly, less n small
per cent us commission His protec-
tiun would be complete. for the people
Of Grau>tark owned fully four.tfths OF
the bonds issued by the government for
the construction Of public service in.
stiiutl0ns. These 10y consent OF Mr.
Bliihcrs were 10 be limited 10 three
utiliiies-ralruads telegraph and ca
mails. These properties. rs Mr.. Blith-
ers was by way of knowing. were ab,
solutely sound and self supporting.
Robin Inquired whether he was TO
come To New York at once In relation
10 the matter and was informed that
II would not be necessary at present
MIR Blithers. however. would give him.
self the pleasure " calling upon the
prince az Red Roof later In the week.
when the situation could be- discussed
over n dish OF tea or u cup OF lemon.
ade. That Is precisely the way Mr.
Blithers put H.
The next afternoon Mrs. Bllthers left
cards at Red Roof or. rather. the foot.
man left them-and on the day fol.
lowing the Kings and their guests re.
ceived invitations TO a ball at Blither.
wood on the ensuing Friday, but four
days of. While Mrs. King and the
two young men were discussing the In.
vitation the former was called 10 the
telephone. Mrs Blithers herself was
speaking.
Il hope you will pardon me for call.
ing you up. Mrs. King, but | wanted
to be sure that you can come on the
18th. We want so much TO have. the
prince aud his friends with us. Mr..
Blithers has taken a great fancy to
Prince Robin and Count Qulnnox. and
be declares the whole affair will be a
iasco II they are not 10 he here"
II Is good Of You 10 ask us, Mrs.
Bllthers. The prince is planning TO
leave for Washington and fear
"Oh. you must prevail upon him to
remain over, my dear Mrs. King. We
are TO have lot of people up from
Newport and Tuyedo-you know the
crowd-lt's the real crowd. aud I'm
sure he will enjoy meeting them. Mr..
Elithers has arranged for a special
train TO bring them up-a train de
luxe, you may be sure. both as 20
equipment and occupant Zabo's or.
chestrn, too A notion seized us last
night to give the ball. which accounts