Middletown transcript., 1921-05-28
PROLOGUE-(continued.)


-
Genius that he was in the reading
Of mems minds, he felt that he knew
the result of that tel minutes deliber-
alton. 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
a great man should enjoy 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 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 appreciate moment
the Count paused by the door, and a
faint smile came to his lips. Then
he opened it, and passed into the room
The American was still chewing his
toothpick; Steinemann was still
breathing hard. Only Won Gratz had
changed his occupation and he was
sitting at the table smoking a Ions
thin cigar. TIL. Count closed the door
and walked over to the fireplace.
"Well, gentlemen" he said quietly
"what have you decided?"
1t was the American who answered.
1T goes. With one amendment
The money is too big for three of us
there must be fourth. That will be
quarter of a million each"
The Count bowed.
"Have you any suggestions as te
whom the fourth should be?"
"Yep," said the American shortly
"These two gent.amen agree with me
that it 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 few weeks-Hiran
C. Potts. If you get him In, you car
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.
Il know of Mr.. Potts." he answered
quickly. "Your big shipping man, ISM
he? agree to your reservation"
Good" said the American. LET:
discuss some details"
Without trace of emotion on hi:
face the Count drew up a chair to thu
table. 1t was only when he sat dowr
that he started to play a tattoo on hi:
| knee with his left hand.
Half an hour later he entered hi:
luxurious suite of rooms at the Hote
Magnificent.
A gir., who had been lying by th'
fire reading French novel, locked I'll
at the sound of the door. She did no
speak, for the look on his face told he
all she wanted to know.
He crossed to the sofa and smiled
down at her.
"Successful on our own terms
| Tomorrow, Irma, the COmte de Gu.
| dies, and Carl Peterson and his daugll
| ter leave for England. A country gen
tleman, l think, is Carl Peterson. HI
| might keep hens, and possibly pigs"
The girl on the sofa rose, yawning.
Mon Dieu. what prospect! Pig
| and hens-and in England! How Ion:
is it going to take?"
| The Count looked thoughtfully int,
the fire.
perhaps year-perhaps 81,
months. j.. 1t is on the lap Of tn
gods. ;"