Judsonia weekly advance., 1921-06-02
PRoLoGUE-(Continued.}

6eHluS that ne was Tn the reading of mems minds. he felt that he knew the result of that ten minutes deliber- atfon. And then .. What then? In his imagination he saw him. self supreme in power, glutted with it -a king, an autocrat, who had only to lift his finger to plunge his kingdom into destruction and annihilation. .. And when he had done it, and the country he hated was in ruins, then he would claim his million and enjoy it as 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 a dangerous man. That this scheme would bring ruin, perhaps death, to thousands of innocent men and women caused him no qualm: he was a su- preme egoist. All that appealed to him was that 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 and =. With a quick movement he pulled out his watch. They had had their ten minutes The matter was settled, the die was cast. -.
 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 ho ;,1tr ho
 The American was still chewing his toothpick; Steinemann was still breathing hard. Only von Gratz had changed his occupation and he was sitting at the table smoking long thin cigar. Tho Count closed the door, and walked over to the fireplace.
 Well, gentlemen,' he said quietly, "what have you decided?"
 It was the American who answered.
 Tt goes. With one amendment. The money Is too big for three of us: there must be a fourth. That will be quarter of a million each"
 The Count bowed.
 Have you any suggestions as to whom the fourth should be?"
 Yep" said the American shortly. "These two gentlemen agree with me that 1t should be another of my coun- trymen-so that we get equal numbers. The man we have decided on Is com ing to England in a few weeks-Hiram c. Potts. If you get him in you can count us in, too. If not, the deals off"
 The Count nodded and if he felt any annoyance at this unexpected develop ment he showed no sign of it on his face.
 q know of Mir. Potts." he answered quickly. "Your big shipping man. isn't he? agree to your reservation"
 Good" said the American. Lets discuss some details"
 Without trace of emotion on his face the Count drew up a chair to the table. It was only when he sat down that he started to play tattoo on his knee with his left hand.
 
 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 wanted to know.
 He crossed to.s the sofa and smiled down at her.
 Successful 1. on our own terms. Tomorrow, Irma, the Comte de Guy dies and Carl Peterson and his daugh- ter leave for England. A country gen. tleman, I think, Is Carl Peterson. He might keep hens, and possibly pigs"
 The girl on the sofa rose, yawning.
 Mon nieu! what prospect! Pigs and hens--and in England! How long Is it going to take?"
 The Count looked thoughtfully into the fire.
 Perhaps year-perhaps six months. It is on the lap of the gods.