The Knoxville independent. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1894-current, 1917-08-04

war and the quickest boats and air
crafts were sent out to break through
the lines Of resistance. He was ready
to retire to Europe.
The word retreat did not seem so
shameful as 1t had.
They had not seen the eagle during
this time, but the arrival Of the obso-
lete men-of-war told the count that
some preparation had been made BY
his enemy to end this terrible state
Of affairs.
The eagles appearance was report
ed early one morning. 1t came majes-
tically sliding downward from great
height, flying the beautiful tricolor
nag of liberty. This time Santos was
at the wheel. Napoleon and woman
stood behind him.
The bird few directly to the nag
ship. Not even the nag of truce, was
shown. When It reached the Brigttta
the eagle dropped down toward the
count, who stood on the bridge. His
face was pale and careworn, and his
eyes spoke Of many sleepless nights.
"Brigitta, ahoy!" shouted Napoleon
through the speaking tube. "A mes
sage for the commander" He dropped
large sealed letter at the counts feet.
The eagle then turned and disappeared
In the clouds toward the west.
Thought and care had been put into
the message. 1t was great ,docu
ment in Itself, but its greatest beauty
was in its expression OF brotheriyl love.
in It's magnanimity In extending mercy
to the enemy.
ROSETTA was present when that doc
ument was read finally. She was one
of the last to touch 1t before II was
carefully wrapped in the silk covcrs:
1t was she who placed the great seal
on the imposing envelope.
The count took the message and re-
tired into his cabin, where nobody
dared disturb him. He cut thu ei.ve-
lope. unfolded the silk wrapping and
began to read. 1t was long, ccEcise
resume of the present state of affairs;
the chancellor was touched by the
kindness OF his enemies. NStwith-
standing the degrading deseat, he
knew now that the loss would Lot be
| as great as he feared.
The document decided upSn Sse fol-
lowing:
1. The whole navy Of the aaSfeder
ate European nights shall be- deliv-
cred into the hands Of Admired John
Earle, the American commands, who
will see that all men and efic.srs are
safely returned to European purts
2. The war vessels shall be the prop
erty of the United Republics of Amer
lea. In consideration OF which the said
United Republics of America will pay
a sum Of money to be decided upon;
however. not less than one-third of the
actual value involved.
3. The European armies shall be In
mediately disarmed and the men %
service shall be returned to Their
homes.
4. No other force, save for p61iU II
and number Of bodyguards for tho
reigning rulers, shall be allowed to
exist in any Of the countries. The
United Republics of America will SEQ
that this item. In particular, is en-
forced.
s. The United Republics OF America
will open Its ports to all foreign COM
merce, will give free entrance to all
European products, and also insures
free expectation into Europe for Amer
lean products.
6. The oriental foes on the eastern
hemisphere will be treated with when
final settlement is agreed upon, but
until that time the isolation In Pacific
waters will be maintained.
Z. Peace shall reign over the earth:
national differences shall be settled be-
fore an international committee that
will make Its headquarters In Wash
ington, the capital Of the United Re
publics Of America.
s. ANY further points that may arise
in the course OF events will be decided
upon after the final settlement with
the rulers OF all the countries.
When the count turned over the last
page tiny slip of paper fell to the
floor. He picked it up and glanced at
the words that were written and not
typed, as was the rest of the message.
1t was a writing that he knew we'll
Don't hesitate! Accept the treaty.
The future rests In the aerodromone,
the secret of which will be delivered to
you, sooner or later. have kept my
contract; will talk of my reward when
circumstances permit"
This was not signed, but 1t was not
necessary. 5Af
And l." murmured the count, after
moment, II never thought Of ROSETTA
What wonderful. clever woman she
is. But what will be her price! What
Is the difference" sighed the man who
had suffered 80 much the last few
days. 1.-THE next time we meet 1t will
be in the air."
He regained his calmness, finished
the paper and refolded 1t. He placed
Rositta's message In his pocketbook
Twenty-four hours were given for
consideration. He called his admirals
together at four o'clock that afternoon.
| The council sat until late that night
When the admirals and captains left
for their respective boats they were
depressed. The world seemed to have
| chad fha mill an N INN