The L'Anse sentinel., 1921-08-05

IuOSt DTliiihut VI COuNcrSutiouuiiotS the
strain of talking to hypochondriacal
American and two Germans-one
greedy and the other frightened--is
considerable; and the Count heaved an
inward sigh Of relief when the coffee
had been handed round and the door
closed behind the waiter. From now
on the topic was the topic Of money
the common bond Of his three guests.
And yet, as he carefully cut the end
of his cigar and realized that the eyes
of the other three were fixed on him
expectantly, he knew that the hardest
part Of the evening was In front OF
him. Big financiers. In common with
all other people, are fonder Of having
money put into their pockets than of
taking 1t out. And that was the very
thing the Count proposed they should
do-in large quantities.
Gentlemen" he remarked, when his
cigar was going to his satisfaction,
1--WE are all men of business. said
before dinner that / considered we
were sufficiently big to exclude any
small arbitrary national distinctions
from our minds. AS men whose inter-
ests are international, such things are
beneath us. / wish now to slightly
qualify that remark" He turned to
the American on his right, who with
eyes half closed was thoughtfully pick
ing his teeth. "At this stage, l ad-
dress myself particularly to YOU"
go right ahead" drawled Mr.. Hook
Ing.
"I do not wish to touch on the war
or Its result; but though the Central
Powers have been beaten by America
and France and England, think can
speak for you two conference.-the
bowed to the two Germans-"when !
say that 1t is neither France nor Amer
lea with whom they desire another
round. England Is Germany's main
enemy; she always has been, she al
ways will be. have reason to be-
lieve. Mr.. Hooking, that you personally
do not love the EnglishT
II guess l don't see what my private
feelings have to do with 1t. But If It's
of any interest to the company you are
correct in your belief"
"Good." The Count nodded his head
as II satisfied. II take II then that you
would not be averse to seeing England
down and out"
"Wal," remarked the American,
"you can assume anything you feel
like. Let's go to the showdown"
Once again the Count nodded his
head; then he turned to the two Ger
mans.
"Now you two gentlemen must ad-
NIT that your plans have miscarried
somewhat. 1t was no part of your or
iginal programme that British army
should occupy Cologne. :"
"The war was the act Of fool"
snarled Herr Steinemann. "In a few
years more of peace, we should have
beaten those swine.
"And now-they have beaten you"
The Count smiled slightly. Let us
admit that the war was the act of a
fool, IL you like, but as men Of busi-
ness we can only deal with the result.
=. The result, gentlemen, as 1t
concerns us. Both you gentlemen are
sufficiently patriotic to resent the pres
ence Of that army at Cologne, l have
no doubt. And you, Mr.. Hooking, have
no love on personal grounds for the
English. -. But l am not propos-
ing to appeal to financiers of your rep
utation on such grounds as those to
support my scheme. 1t is
enough that your personal predilec-
tions run with and not against what i
am about to put before you--the de-
feat Of England 49,. a defeat more
utter and complete than II she had lost
the war. :"
His voice sank little, and instinct
lively his three listeners drew closer.
"Don't think am proposing this
through motives Of revenge merely. We
are business men, and revenge Is only
worth our while II 1t pays. This will
pay. There is force In England
which, IL II can be harnessed and led
properly, will result In millions coming
to you. -. 1t Is present now In
every natlon-fettered, inarticulate.
uu-Co-OruiHutcu. At'iS pdluy thc
result of the war--the war that the
Idiots have waged. Harness
that force. gentlemen. coordinate II,
and use 1t for your own ends. :.
That is my proposal. Not only will
you humble that cursed country to the
dirt, but you will taste Of power such
as few men have tasted before. ="
The Count stood up, his eyes blazing.
"And III will do 1t for you"
He resumed his seat. and his left
hand. slipping Off the table, beat
tattoo on his knee.
"This Is our opportunity-the oppor
tunity Of clever men. have not got
the money necessary; you have" /. !.
He leaned forward In his chair. and
glanced at the intent faces OF his au-
dicnce. Then he began to speak. !. :.
Ten minutes later he pushed back
his chair.
"There Is my proposal, gentlemen.
In nutshell. Unforeseen develop
ments win doubtless occur; have
spent my life overcoming the unexpect-
ed. What Is your answer"
He rose and stood with his back
~ thar, nv fho Arc and for soverat