The Lamar register., 1921-05-18

And that payment Will be-hpw
much?" Stelnemann's CULTURAL voice
broke the silence.
'One million pounds sterling-tO be
split up between you in any proportion
you may decide, and TO be paid within
one month of completion OF my work.
After that the matter will pass into
your hands and may you leave that
cursed country groyeling in the dir.
ty :" His eyes glowed with a fierce,
vindictIve fury; and then, as If replac-
ing mask which had slipped for
moment. the Count was once again
the suave, courteous host. He had
stated his terms frankly and without
haggling: stated them as one big man
states them to another Of the same kid
ney, to whom time is money and inde-
cision or beating about the bush ana
thema.
Perhaps. Count, you would be good
enough 10 leave us for II few minutes"
Won Gratz was speaking. THE deci-
sion is big one, and :"
why. certainly, gentlemen" The
Count moved toward the door. Il will
return In ten minutes. By that time
you will have decided-One way or the
other"
Genius that he was In the reading
of mems minds. he felt that lie knew
the result Of that ten minutes deliber-
alton. And then What thenf
49,. In his Imagination he saw him
self supreme in power. glutted with It
"a king, an autocrat, who had only to
lift his finger 10 plunge his kingdom
into destruction and annihilation.
And when he had done IL, and the
country he hated was in ruins, then he
would claim his million and enjoy It as
Il great man should enjoy a great re-
ward Thus for the space Of ten
minutes did the Count see visions and
dream dreams. That the force he pro-
posed to tamper with was dangerous
force disturbed him not at all: he was
u dangerous man. That this scheme
would bring ruin, perhaps death, TO
thousands OF innocent men and women
caused him no qunlm: he was su-
preme egoist. All that appealed TO
him was thar he had seen the oppor-
tunity that existed. and that he had
the nerve and the brain to turn that
opportunity TO his own advantage.
Only the necessary money was lacking
g.. and With quick movement
he pulled out his watch. They had
had their ten minutes The matter
was settled. the die was cast. 81.
He rose and walked across the
lounge. For an appreciable moment
the Count paused by the door. and
faint smile came TO his lips. Then
he opened II, and passed into the room.
The American was still chewing his
toothpick Steinernann was still
breathing hard. Only Won Gratz had
sitting ut the table smoking a long
thin cigar. The Count closed the door,
and walked over 10 the fireplace. 49,.
swell. gentlemen" he said quietly.
"what have you decidsdT'
II was the American who answered.
at goes with one amendment.
The money is too big for three Of us:
there must he fourth. That will be
a quarter of a million each"
The Count bowed.
Have you any suggestions as to
NuOm tile 1burUn Snoulu Dtf
yep" said the American shortly.
These two gentlemen agree with me
that It should be another of my coun-
.rymen-so that we get equal numbers.
The man we have decided on 10 com
ing to England In few weeks-Hiram
c. Potts. If you get him in. you can
count us in. too. II not, the deals
on"
The Count nodded. and II he felt any
annoyance at this unexpected develop
ment he showed no sign OF it on his
face.
Il know OF Mr.. Potts." he answered
quickly. Your big shipping man. isn't
he; agree to your reservation"
Good" said the American. Lets
discuss some details"
Without ii trace Of emotion on his
face the Count drew up chair to the
table. 1t was only when he sat down
that he started 10 play Il tattoo on his
knee with his left hand. E.
Half an hour later he entered his
luxurious suite OF rooms at the Hotel
Magnificent.
A girl, who had been lying by the
fire reading French novel, looked up
at the sound of the door. She did not
speak, for the look on his face told her
all she Wunted to know,