The Washington times., 1919-05-01
''The Dark Star =
y NODGNA W. NEHANADGEN0
Neeland Is Slow to Realize Europe
Is on Brink of War, But Enjoys
His Adventures With Spies
By ROBERT w. CHAMBERS

ave heard so. know that the
Turkish army Is under German ofs
fcers. Buff war should happen,
IS It likely that this ramshackle na-
ton which was fought to a stand
still by the Balkan Alliance only q
few months ago would be likely to
take active sidesP
'.AIr. Neeland, 1t Is not only likely,
it Is absolutely certain"
"You believe Germany would
count on herr"
There is not a doubt OF Il. En-
yer Pasha holds the country in his
right hand; Enver Pasha Is the
Kaiser's jackaL"
'But Turkey is a beaten. discred-
tied nation. She has no modern
guns Her feet Is rusting in the
BosphoTus."
whipped Together Coed Army.
s@Fhe Dardanelles brIstle with
Krupp cannon, Mr.. Neeland, manned
by German gunners- Won der GoltZ
Pasha has made Of q brave people a
splendid army. As for ships, the
ironclads and gunboats on SeragliO
Point are rusting at anchor, as you
say; but there are today enough
German and Austrian armored ships
within running distance OF the Oar
danelles to make for Turkey a pow
erful defensive squadron. Didn't
you know any Of these facts?"
''No."
'WeT, they are facts.
You see, Mr.. Neeland, We English
sailors Of the merchant. marine are
also part of the naval reserve. And
we are supposed to know these
things"
Eeeland was silent.
Mr.. Neeland," he said, Gin case
Of war between the various powers
OF Europe as aligned today. where
do you imagine your sympathy
would lie-and the sympathies OF
American
Both with France and England"
said Neeland, bluntly.
You think so?'
"Yes, I do-unless they are the
aggressors."
Il feel rather that way myself. I
feel very sure OF the friendliness
OF your country. Because, OF
course. we-FrGnce and England
never would dream OF attack
ing the central powers unless first
assaiIed." He smiled, nodded toward
the box on the floor: Don't you
think. Mr.. NeeIand, that it might
be safer to entrust those-that box.
mean-to the captain OF the Royal
Mail steamer Volhynia?''
''Yes, do" said Eeeland, quietly.
"And-about these spies. Do you
happen TO entertain any particular
suspicious concerning any OF the
passengers on. my ship?" urged the
captain.
Indeed, I entertain lively sus-
picions, and even a few certafnties,%
replied the young fellow, laughing.
You appear to enjoy the affair?"
IT do. I've never had such a good
time. I'm not going to spoil it by
suggesting that you lock up any
body, either"
ai'm sorry you feel that way"
said the captain, seriously.
But do. They're friends OF
mine. They've given me the time OF
my life. A dirty trick I'd be serving
myself as well as them II came
to you and preferred charges
against themw
The captain inspected him curious
~ for few moments, then, in a soft
voice:
by any chance. Mr.. Neeland. have
you any Irish blood in your veins?"
"Yes, thank Godr' returned the
young fellow, unable to control his
laughter. "And I'll bet there isn't a
drop in you, Captain West"
Not a drop, thank GIN sorry!
Il ask your pardon, Mr.. Neeland"
added the captain, very req In the
face.
But Neeland laughed so hard that,
after a moment, the red died out in
the captains face and a faint grin
came into it.
So they shook hands and said
goodnight, and Neeland went away,
leaving his box on the floor Of the
captains cabin as certain OF its In
volatility as he was OF the Bank
of England.