Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-10-20

goid poison, TO the easy living OK tne
He had pointed to the soft limbs, the
cities which had become pools Of Nen-
suality, to the daily life which, calling
for no effort, had seen the passing of the
spirit and the triumph Of the gross.
And what about his own people? Man.
kind was the same the world over. The
gold which was bringing strength and
life to the nation might very soon exude
the same poisonOuos fulnes---.ight very
soon be laying its thrall upon a people
to whom living had become an easier
the western nations--for his own no
firmly believed. that war alone, with
its thousand privations, its call to the
chtvalry OF his people. was the one great
safeguard, China! The days had gone
spire. 1t was to greater things they
must look. Australia! New Zealand!
Had any western race the right to
Haunt her ,eppige's dag IN Asiatic
f feit the Aa 6 nss Msab saa he he
the adventufohs, sons of his country
that uncaitsfsd, sstrong-iimbed race
Of coarse7fbereq. unimaclnative ma
terialists, There was a call. indeed.
to make safe, the homes and lives of
her colonists. Across the seas he
looked into the council chambers Of
the wise men Of his race. He saw
the men whose word would tell. He
him.. waiting; heard the beginning
Of the conflict of thoughts and minds
blind fidelity to the cause which
they had espoused. or rougher, more
splendid, more selfish stroke for the
IF we break CUP faith we lose our
honor" one murmured. There is no
honor save the care of my people,"
he heard one of his greatest country
men reply.
his mind arguments, morals, phi
losophy. 1t was the problem which
had confronted the great emperor.
his own ancestor, who had lived for
three months on the floor of the
temple. asking but one question of
the Silent Power: Through what
ness?"
The senses Of the man who crouch
ed in his curious attitude, with his
eyes still piercing the heavens. were
mobile and extraordinary things. No
disturbing sounds had reached him
from outside. His isolation seemed
complete and impregnable. Yet, with
out turning his head he was per-
fectly conscious Of the slow opening
of the dDor. His whole frame
SIlHeneu. he was CONSCIOUS IOT OH0
bitter second of lapse from the
careful guarding Of his ways. That
second passed, however. and left him
prepared even for danger, his brain
and muscles alike tense. He turned
his head. The expression Of slow
and narrowed his eyes, was only half
assumed.
what do you wish?" he asked.
chichester did not for a moment
reply. He had closed the door behind
him carefully. and was looking
interest. Its baroness of furniture
and decoration were noteworthy, but
on the top of the ugly chest of
drawers was a great bowl of roses,
a queer little ivory figure set In an
almost sacerdotal. with it's face turned
toward the east-and a little shower
Of rose leaves, which could scarcely
have fallen there by accident. at the
foot Of the pedestal. chichester in
toward it. gesture entirely rever-
entail, almost an obeisance. Nikasti's
eyes were clouded with curiosity. He
slipped down to the ground.
II have travelled in your country"
Lutchester said gravely, as though in
explanation. Il have visited your
temples. I may say that I have
prayed there"
"And now?" Nikasti asked
II am for my country what you
are for yours" Lutchester proceeded.
"You see, I know when 1t Is best to
speak the truth. l am in New York
because you are in New York, and
IL you leave on Saturday for Japan
1t may happen-of this am not sure
but I say that it may hapcn that I
shall accompany you"
II shall be much honored," Nikasti
murmured.
"You came here" Lutchcster contin-
ued, Ito meet an emissary from Ber-
lin. Your country. which could listen
to no official word from any one Of her
official enemies. can yet, through you.
havo seen today Fischer and the Baron
Won Schwerin. Fischer has probably
presented to you the letter which he
has brought from Berlin. Won Schwerin
has expounded further the proposition
and tho price which form part Of his
offer"
Nikasti's face was imperturbable, but
there was trouble in his eyes.
"You have found your way to much
knowledge" he muttered.
II must find my way to more.
must know what Germany offers you.
I must know what is at the back Of
your mind when you repeat this offer
in Toxic"
"You can make, then, the unwilling
Even that is among the possibilities"
Lutchester affirmed. "Strange things
have been done for the cause which
such as you and ! revere"
Nkasti showed his white teeth for
moment in a smile meant to be con-
temptuous.
nm IN ha MI ha nj,