The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1921-12-30

I
American and two Germans--on,
greedy and the other frightened--ll
considerable: and the Count heaved al
inward sigh Of relief when the coffee
had been handed round and the dool
closed behind the walter 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 l 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, ad-
dress myself particularly to you"
go right ahead" drawled Mr.. Hook
ing.
81 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 It 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. I have reason to be-
lieve, Mr.. Hooking, that you personally
do not love the EnglishT
81 guess 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 1t then that you
would not be averse to seelu.; 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-
init that your plans have mlscarried
somewhat. 1t was no part of your or
iginal programme that British army
should occupy Cologne. :"
"The war was the act of a fool"
Snarled Herr Stelnemann. Elm 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
fool IL you like, but as men of bust
ness we can only deaf 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, 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-
lions run with and not against what
am about to put before you--the de-
feat of England defeat more
utter and complete than If 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 If it pays. This will
pay. There Is force In England
which, II II can be harnessed and led
properly, will result In millions coming
to you. -. 1t Is present now In
every natlon-fettered, inarticulate,
un-co-ordinated. -. 1t is partly the
result Of the war-the war that the
idiots have waged. Harness
that force, gentlemen, coordinate 1t,
and use 1t for your own ends. 4.
That Is my proposal Not only viii
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 IL will do 1t for you"
He resumed his seat, and his left
hand, slipping off the table, beat n
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-
dlence. Then he began to speak.
Ten minutes later he pushed back
his chair.
''There Is my proposal, gentlemen,
In a nutshell. Unforeseen develop.
nents will doubtless occur; have
spent my life overcoming the unexpect-
ed What is your answer7'
He rose and stood with his back
10 them by the fire, and for several