Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1916-02-23

er, the late Princess Yetive, and the
American Lorry, and it Is something
we cannot go behind. He declares that
his mother set an example that he may
emulate without prejudice to his coun-
try If he is allowed a free hand in
choosing his mate.
But we people Of Graustark cannot
look with complaisance on the possible
result Of his search for sharer of the
throne. Traditions must be upheld
or We die. True, the crown princess
of Dawsbergen has American blood in
her veins, but her sire Is a prince royal.
Her mother, as you know, was an
American girl. She who sits on the
throne with Robin must be a princess
by birth or the grip on the sword Of
destiny Is weakened and the dynasty
falters."
They had not been in New York city
an hour before they discovered that
William W. Blithers was the man to
whom they would have to appeal If
they expected to gain fresh hearing
with the banks. The agents we're in
dismal state Of mind. The deal had
been blocked no later than the after
noon Of the day before and at time
when everything appeared to be going
along most swimmingly. Blithers was
the man to see. He and he alone could
bring pressure to bear on the director
ates that might result in a reconsid-
Grafton Of the surprising verdict. Some
thing had happened during the day to
alter the friendly attitude Of the banks.
They were now politely reluctant. as
one Of the agents expressed it. which
really meant that opposition to the
loan had appeared from some unex-
pected source as a sort OF eleventh
hour obstacle. The heads Of the two
banks had as much as said that nego-
tlations were at an end, that was the
long and short of it. 1t really didn't
matter what was back of their sudden
change of front, the fact still remained
that the transaction was as dead as
door nail" unless 1t could be revived
by the magnetic touch of a man like
Blithers.
What can have happened to cause
them to change their minds so abrupt
ly?' cried the perplexed count. Sure
ly our prime minister and the cabinet
have left nothing undone to convince
them Of Graustark's integrity and
Pardon me. count" interrupted one
| Of the brokers. Shall | try to make
an appointment for you with Mr. Blith-
! ers? | hear he is in town for a few
days"
! Count Quinnox looked to Truxton
King for inspiration. and that gentle
man favored him with a singularly
dispiriting nod of the head The old
| Graustarkian cleared his throat and
rather stiftly announced that he would
receive Mr.. Blithers if he would call
on him at the Ritz that afternoon.
What" exclaimed both agents. half
starting from their chairs In amaze
ment.
may say to him that l will be in at a.
He'll tell you to go to-ahem" The
speaker coughed just in time. "Blith.
ers isn't in the habit of going out OF
his way toto oblige anybody. He
wouldn't do it for the emperor of Ger.
many"
But" said the count. with a frosty
, smile. II am not the emperor Of Ger.
many"
Better let me make an appointment
for you to see him at his Office. It's
just around the corner" There was q
pleading note in the speakers voice.
You might save your face, Calvert
by saying that the count will be pleas.
ed TO have him take tea with him al
the Ritz" suggested King.
Tea" exclaimed Calvert scornfully
"Blithers doesn't drink the stuff"
Its a figure of speech" said King
patiently.
! "All right; I'll telephone" said the
other obviously.
He came back few minutes later
with a triumphant look in his eye.
"Blithers says to tell Count Quinnoz
he'll see him tomorrow morning a,
half past 8 at his Office. Sorry he's
engaged this afternoon"
But did you say I wanted him tc
have tea with us?" demanded the
count, an angry flush leaping to his
cheek.
Il did. I'm merely repeating wha,
be said in reply. Half past ., at his
office, count Those were his words
1T is the most brazen exhibition OF
tnsolence I've ever began the count
furiously, but checked himself with
an effort. IL hope you did not say
that I would come, sir"
"Yes: it's the only way
We'll, be good enough to call him up
again and say to him that Tll-I'n see
him BANKED before I'll come to his
office tomorrow at $50 or at any other
| hour"
And with that the count got up and
stalked out of the office, putting on
his hat as he did So
Count" said King as they descend.
ed in the elevator. I've got an idea in
my head that Blithers will be at the
Ritz at A."
DO you imagine, sir. that will re.
| ceive him."
"Cartain1y "a vo,, not n d;n1ora i, = ~,