Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1917-10-18
CHAPTER XVI ,(coNr1NuEp)

disdained heroics.
"For the decision as to La Lib
erte," he said, 81 assume full re-
sponsibility. 1t was / who sug-
gested it; it was l who showed
that no other proof could be con-
elusive it was l who arranged for
it. l have no regrets. You have
your part of the bargain accom-
plished, Mr.. Yard" he added.
"His highness and myself are here
to accomplish ours. We are ready
to discuss the details Of the
treaty"
II think that first, perhaps, I
should look at your credentials"
Ward suggested.
"That is just" and Pachmann,
getting out his pocketbook, took
from it the envelope sealed with
the black seal, and handed it to
Ward.
Ward took it, glanced at the
seal, and hesitated, just as the cap
tain of the Ottilie had done.
II am to open it," he asked.
Pachmann nodded.
ut contains my credentials"
he said.
A careful inspection of the seal
would have disclosed the fact that
the envelope had already been
opened once-perhaps more than
once-but Ward made no such in
spection Instead, he broke the
seal with nervous fingers, and
drew out the stiff sheet blazing
with the royal insignia. This is
the English of what he read:
Herewith do I grant to the bearer Of
this paper, Admiral II. Pachmann, pow
or extraordinary as my representative,
to enter into agreements, to make
treaties, and to sign the same; and 1
do further declare that 1 shall consider
myself bound by such agreements and
signatures as though l myself had
made them; and, finally, l command all
members of my family, all officers of
my army and navy, all members Of my
diplomatic corps, n all good Ger
mans generally, to yield to him the
all this for the good'o ( my empire.
(Signed) William, r. 1.
Wilhelmshohe, September 81, 1911.
Ward re-read this extraordinary
paper, then replaced it in it's en-.
yelope and silently returned it to
its owner. Again that ironical
smile flashed across Pachmann's
lips, as he restored it to his peck
etbook
"You find it ample, do you
mott" he asked.
Ward nodded, and glanced curl
ously at the prime, wondering il
that young man was aware Of the
exact wording Of this remarkable
document, especially of the clause
"all members of my family"
"And now," proceeded Pach
mann, adjusting himself to al
easier posture, eve shall be glaG
to hear the further details Of youl
proposal"
Ward paused for a moment te
collect his thoughts.
There is one thing l would un
derstand first" he said. "From
that paper, / infer that the EN-.
peror alone is concerned in this
that his cabinet is not aware Of
it."
"No member Of the cabinet ex.
cept one-whom / will not name
assented Pachmann. 81 will moi
conceal from you that the emperor
is DESTROYS Of reaping for himself
the full glory of this achievement
He realizes that the man who
brings. about world peace will be
the most famous man in history
He has his ambitions, as you
doubtless know"
"Yes, I have heard So" said
Ward; with an ironic smile. Well
let him have the glory-I do not
object; besides, he will deserve it
And now for my proposal. It is
this: the nations Of the world, with
Germany and Russia as the first
signatories, shall enter into "a
treaty providing for the immedi.
ate disbanding Of their armies, dis.
mantling Of their forts, and disin.
tegrating Of their fleets. Only
such troops shall be retained Al
are needed to provide g~arrisons
for such outposts a. may be nee.
essary 70 protect the Christian
world from the incursiion Of bar.
barous or nomadic tribes, and only
such warships q arc needed to 40.
INST ia this work. The exact mum.
ber each nation shall maintain will
Be decided ~ = general court 81
adjudication, and I'll such troops
md warships+shAn be il common
and Independence for what ~
usually known y Military pur-
m a#ia nnn0n