The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-06-01

to-day with Prime Minister as
soon as possible. I did not like
to disturb him, SO have taken
the liberty of calling on your lord
ship. Kindly let me have a line
to say If you can see him soon to
arrange It"
On plotting pad in his bed Lord
Weldon wrote:
Dear Mr. Beck will see the
Prime Minister Immediately. If
you will kindly call back at about
twelve. 1 will let you know the
result"
Mr.. Beck smiled gratified smile as
he read the note. and departed APP
| parently well pleased.
At twelve o'clock he received an ap-
pointment to meet the Prime Minister
and Lord Keldon at Downing Street
at two. When he opened his business
| it seemed hardly worth the fuss he had
| made about 1t. It was no more than
| a suggestion that the Times letter box
should be watched by a policeman
In plain clothes.
"weIl, 1t can be arranged, Of
course" said the Prime Minister.
little testify. but I do not see what
| possible good it can do. We cannot
| arrest every man that drops aletter
In"
Besides" chimed in Lord Weldon.
| ~if the letter Is dropped in by Brandal
he convicts himself"
You were quite right to mention 1t.
Mr. Beck, said the Prime Minister.
| seeing that the detective looked a little
crestfallen. You will excuse me now.
| but this is one of my busy days"
That's a hint for me, too said
Lord Weldon. laughing. Can I give
you a seat, Mr.. Beck: my carriage is
waiting"
| At the corner Of Trafalgar Square.
Mr.. Beck suddenly remembered an ur-
| gent appointment so Lord Weldon put
him down. nodding afrably from the
| open window as he drove away.
Mr.. Beck waited till the brouEham
had disappeared through the traffic in
the direction Of Piccadilly. then in
stantly hailed a taxi and drove
straight back to Downing Street
'Important-this time" he wrote on
the card which he sent up.
Tho Prime Minister received him
somewhat coldly. but after the first
few words from Mr.. Beck grew eager
and excited.
Your FIRST scheme was hard enough
to sanction" he said. but this goes
much farther"
THE proofs seem strong" insinu-
ated Mr.. Beck.
THAT may be. but 1t Is quite i'm
possible that should take any per-
sonai part IN the miserable affair"
Then" said Mr.. Beck. with a quiet
earnestness that gave dignity to his
hornely face and figure. you must for
give me II I decline to have further
hand in the business. will not know
ingly make myself the instrument of
the punishment Of the innocent and
the triumph Of the guilty. Let me re-
peat the wise words of Lord Weldon.
It's trial ask for. not a conviction
The man suspected-and suspected.
too. on such strong proofs at least
entitled to his trial"
Have your own way" said the
Prime Minister reluctantly, after q
moments pause. II feel there il JUS
tice In what you say though the task
you have set me In most repugnant to
my feelings"
The Cabinet Council was held in due
course the next day, and the Right
Honorable James Brandal Home Sec
Rotary. was unavoidably absent on ur-
gent official business. After a very
animated discussion. 1t was resolved
that the principle OF compulsory pur-
chase should be introduced into the
Land Bill, and the Government should
stand or fall by its adoption or re-
lection.
Mr.. Brandal went dowh to the House
before the dinner hour in time for an
important division.
Very soon he became sensitively
alive to the fact that his colleagues of
the Cabinet were strangely cold and
reticent in their manner to him-with
one exception.
Lord Weldon was cordiality ITSELF
insisted on their dining together. and
after dinner gave him the arranged
account. Of the proceedings at the Cab
met Council with great particularly of
detail
TN bitterly disappointed. must
confess" said Brandal. IT knew you
were against II, my lord. OF course.
But thought there was a strong ma
jority in favor Of the principle of com :
pulsory purchase. I'm convinced it's
the only remedy for agricultural de-
PRECISION and the over-crowding of-our
towns. wish had been there"
TT could not have altered the re-
suit. my dear Brandal" said Lord
Weldon. 'there was a big majority.
| what! are you on 30 SoOn!
well yes. feel a bit done up and
depressed. and I'd best get straight
home. I have asked the Whips:
there In no danger of a division to-
night"
Bet he did not go straight home. As
he went past the door Of the library.
an attendant met him with a note
from the Prime Minister himself. re-
| 0ue~tfu1 IN nee him for a moment in
his private room
It was a brief interview. Mr.. Bran
dial came out from It more cheerful but
more bewildered than before.
"A most extraordinary mistake" he
muttered to himself as he lighted his
cigar with one of the paper spills pro-
viied for the legislators in the dress
ing room close to the Palace Yard.
Then he walked home at a brisk