Judsonia weekly advance., 1921-05-26


 American and two Germans-one greedy and the other frightened-is considerable; and the Count heaved an inward sigh of relief when the ccffee 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 it 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, i've are all men of business. l said before dinner that I 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. I 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, I ad- dress myself particularly to you"
 "Go right ahead" drawled MT. Hook ing.
 "I do not wish to touch on the war or it's result; but though the Central Powers have been beaten by America and France and England, I think I can speak for you two gentlemen"-he bowed to the two Germans-"when I say that it is neither France nor Amer ica 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, MT. Hooking, that you personally do not love the English?'
 "I guess I don't see what my private feelings have to do with it. But if it's of any interest to the company you are correct in your belief"
 Good" The Count nodded his head as if satisfied. "I take 1t 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- init that your plans have miscarried somewhat It 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 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, if you like, but as men of busi- ness we can only deal with the result. =. The result, gentlemen, as it concerns us. Both you gentlemen are sufficiently patriotic to resent the pres ence of that army at Cologne, l have no doubt. And you, Mir. Hooking, have no love on personal grounds for the English. :. But 1 am not propOs- ing to appeal to financiers of your rep utation on such grounds as those to support my scheme. It 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 defeat more utter ahd complete than if she had lost the war.
 | His voice sank a little, and instinct lively his three listeners drew closer.
 Don't think 1 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, if it can be harnessed and led properly, will result in millions coming to you. -. . It is present now in every nation-fettered, inarticulate, 1 n-cO-ordinated. -. It Is partly the | result of the war-the war that the l idiotS hdfC NdStb~ Ilal HC6o that force, gentlemen, coordinate it, and use it 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 I-I will do it for you"
 He resumed his seat, and his left hand, slipping off the table, beat a tattoo on his knee.
 l "This is our opportunity-the oppor- 1 tunity of clever men. I have not got the money necessary: you have" He leaned forward in his chair, and | glanced at the intent faces of his au- dience. Then he began to speak.
 Ten minutes 'ater he pushed back his chair
 "There is my proposal, gentlemen in a nutshell Unforeseen develop ments will doubtless occur; I have spent my life overcoming the unexpect. ed. What is your answer?
 He rose and stood with his back