The Washington times., 1919-02-03

deeply irritated by this at
titude, made no comment; but 3t
was certain that at the nrst oppor-
tunity 1t would dethrons and exile
q prince who gave his people, ever
ready to revolt against their an
cient oppressor, so naughty q
lesson OF independence.
This was a fact OF which the
Aaharajah could not be ignorant.
So, foreseeing the future await
ing him, he occupied himself IN
prudently placing q portion OF his
wealth where it would be secura.
depositing part OF it In European
banks. and giving a portion to some
loyal friends, 50 that he Gould easily
get possession OF Il in time OF need.
In this way Comte .dsAbazolf-
Viseosa, the father OF the man
who was talking with Baron Pluclrs.
received In charge his marvellous
jewels, trust which the son in
hertted- few years later, after the
catastrophe OF MeSsfna.
All this was known by everyous
In Paris and, In relating u. the
young man was telling the baron
nothing new.
Many things have occurred sine
that time" the visitor continued.
The Aaharajah has really been
dispossessed. But he has Obtained
permission to. live on in his palace
lnder the rigid surveillance OF the
British government, and TO retain
ms wealth Now he finds that he
needs for an enterprise concerning
which II
absolute secrecy, and which, as you
suspect, concerns politics .-rI1.
stVeiys - very large sum OF money
He cannot collect. the amouut IN
India without attracting the atteH-
tien OF his jaileTs. So he thought
lt would be easy for him to borrow
II IN Europe by giving hrst-elass
security; his Jewels This, sir. fs
the transaction I have come to- pro-
pose to you"
Baron Plucke, who had listened in
silence, reflected an instant.
How much Is wanted?'' he asked.
Fifteen millions"
And what Is the estimated value
Of the princes jsWels?o
About hfty.o
Where are they nowE''
At my residence. IN nv saRa-
This Is done to have then. constanf-
" at hand and avoid All the FOR
malittes OF depoSiting them in a
oank: which. might delay prompt
withdrawal"
For what length OF time would
this loan be needed?'
"a year"
And the rate OF interest?'s
This is the plan. To avoid any
discussion ON the subject r,f JnS.r-
est, am commissioned to MAKE
you this offer: our agreement win Be
for twenty millions, and y1u viii
give US only fifteen. That. you see,
IS a good rate Of interest"
The baron, who was taking notes.
raised his, head and. looking intentfy
at the speaker, said:
And what prof do you give ne
that you are authorized to treat in
the name OF the MaharaJah Of Pand-
hukurrah?''
''The best. The money win b
paid BY you directly to His High
ness through French bank IN
Pondichery or KariSal At irst
there was talk Of journey, durfnE
which it would have been easy to
negotiate directly. The govern
ment, through a system OF petty an
noyance, would not authorizes him
to- leave India I am ready to give
you the autograph letter In which
he asks me TO negotiate this trans
action in person. but il seems to me
that the princes receipt on the
checks will be the best proof Of his
consenti''
Then. as the baron NODDED assent,
he continued:
Perhaps IL might be advisable
that you should first see the jewels.
and have an expert estimate their
value?'
The baron, with a wave Of HIS
hand, signihed that there was no
occasion for anyone's assistance. he
would attend to the matter him
self.
-%Under those circumstances"
said the comte. "the transaction d
still more simpIei As His Highness
desires the utmost caution and the
greatest possible haste. you might
appoint q meeting at any day
and hour that suits. your
convenience, examine the jewels,
and, when the contract is signed,
take them away at once, for" he
added smiling, 81 shall be glad to
be relieved as soon as possible from
the responsibility OF such a fortunei
As TO the rest, you will only have
to send the money to the prince, ana
I feel no anxiety on that subject"
Baron Plucker opening a cigarette
case. offered it to his guest, and
having lighted his own and taken =
few whiffs. answered:
"On first thought, Comte,
should be rather inclined to under
take this affair. The sum Is rather
large Fifteen millionst But ] thinlL
il will be easy TO raise II with the
aid OF few friends. A transaction
OF this kind is financed like a fac
tory or mine. Yet. before reaching
any decision, I must examine It in
detail and make a few inquiries"
That is perfectly fair. will add
that IL will be formally stated IN
the contract that IL. through any
accident, the prince should fail to
make his payments on the date
named, you would have the absolute
right to protect yourself by the sale
OF the security. So you will incur
no, risk in a deal that is perfectly
honest on both sides"
Very good. You shall have your
answer in a few days VIII you be
kind enough to call in again zexE
week."
"Certainly."
The baron was just rising when q
final question fell from his callers
lips:
1--WE have forgotten something-
the usual little commission - s?''
"Oh. yes. Please tell me how
much you want for managing the