Evening star., 1918-02-24
CABINET SECRETS

anxiety of this shameful treachery had
told more on his health and spirits than
fifty years fair and square political
conflict.
on the afternoon of the same day he
was pacing his private study in Down
ing street impatiently, as Mr.. Brandal
paced his breakfast room. oblivious of
the important papers that lay open on
his desk. entreating attention. when
tinlid knock came on the door.
In obedience to a curt come in"
servant entered with a card.
1t was a clear sign how sharp was
the strain on his nerves, that the
prime minister-usually the gentlest of
men-turned impatiently on the serv-
ant
Did I not tell you. William. ex-
was l to be disturbed? oh."-with a
quick glance at the card-'Lord We'll
don. Show him up at once.
A moment later Lord Weldon came
man was Lord Weldon. of about fifty
five years of age, with iron-gray hair.
but a fresh, clear complexion, and
younger even than he was. There was
elderly fop about him, and no man had
more gracious manners. He was still
bachelor. The jest ran among his in
Inmates that Weldon dare not marry for
fear of society suicides.
There was a shadow on the genial
face as Lord Weldon closed the door
carefully behind him.
You have seen that wretched para
graph, of course, Charles?" said the
prime minister. nodding in the direction
of the Times. which lay crumpled up in
a corner of the room.
TN sorry to say I have very much
worse news than that for you. Arthur.
We are being betrayed at home and
abroad. / have positive knowledge that
certain war measures which were but
recently discussed in the cabinet have
been disclosed to high officials in the
German government"
It's terrible, terrible" said the prime
minister, pacing the room in very
ferment of rage. Never before has the
honor of British statesmen been so de-
graded in the face of the world. Never
before has the British cabinet harbored
sordid spy. We cannot let this mat
ter rest. Charles. What is to be done
about it? Have you any notion what's
best to be doneo 1t is plain to me, we
traitor or find some pretext for res
1gnation. and let the tories in. There
would be no treason in their cabinet"
No, you cannot do that. Arthur. You
have too big a majority in the house,
and a bigger still. as you know. in the
country. The tories couldn't carry on
for a day. There would be a general
election, as a matter of course, and a
general election would send you back
stronger than ever"
Then the one thing left is to catch
the spy
That's. easier said than done, I'm
afraid Have you formed any suspicion
who the man is ?'
The thing is SO horrible, SO utterly
vile. that hate to whisper suspicion of
any man. even in my own mind"
Remember Arthur, that. disgraceful
as the ofense is. some member of the
CABINET is unouestionably guilty. We
must not let scruples stand in the way
OF his detection Lord Weldon spoke
with a stern gravity quite out of keep
ing with his usual easy graciousness
minister, in low voice. with manifest
reluctance. "at whom suspicion seems
10 point Cannot You guess his name?"
Lord Weldon shook his head.
the prime minister, though they were
alone in the room, with closed doors
came a step nearer and whispered the
name.
'Brandai." said Lord Weldon, in a
tone OF absolute amazement. TT is
this" op ~
Impossible we should say that anv
member of the cabinet should so de-
grade himself. But remember, as YOU
salo JUST now. there must be some
one? Who is less impossible?
II cannot believe it is Rrandal 7
should as soon suspect myself"
But why. Charles-why?" urged the
prime minister. stirred to something
IKE eagerness by his incredulous con-
tradiction. He is the latest member.
Tor one thing. and the treachery has
begun since his appointment
Put it on the lowest ground. Ar
thur; I would not risk it. Brandal has
gone out and is bound to go farther.
You have too big a majority in the
country; he is the best debater, except
one, in the house of commons"
Except none, Charles 1 have no
fa1Se mOdeSty, and no false yanitx,
hope. Brandal is the most powerful
speaker ! have ever heard in the
house"
He has a tremendous hold on the
people"
'Deservedly. should say: or, rather.
l should have said six weeks ago. He
has stuck to his principles through
thick and thin. through evil report and
good. and there is no denying that he