The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1921-07-02
PRoLocUE-(continued.)


p
Of mems minds, he felt that he knew
the result Of that ten minutes deliber-
alton. And then What then?
-. In his Imagination he saw him
self supreme In power, glutted with it
IA king, an autocrat, who had only to
lift his finger to plunge his kingdom
into destruction and humiliation.
And when he had done it, and the
country he hated was in ruins, then he
would claim his million and enjoy it as
q 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
q dangerous man. That this scheme
would bring ruin, perhaps death. to
thousands Of innocent men and women
caused him no qualm: he was SUI
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
ard With a quick movement
he pulled out his watch. They had
had their ten minutes The matter
was bettled, 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
be opened 1t, and passed into the room.
The American was still chewing his
t0othpick; Steinemann was still
breathing hard. Only Won Gratz had
changed his occupation and he was
sitting at the table smoking a long
thin cigar. The 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.
TT goes. With one amendment.
The money is too big for three Of us:
there must be a fourth. That will be
q quarter Of million EACH"
The Count bowed.
sHave you any suggestions as to
whom the fourth should be"
"Yep," said the American shortly.
s.rhese two gent,emen 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 few weeks-Hiram
G. Potts. II you get him in, you can
count US in. too. II not. the deals
on"
The Count nodded. and II he felt any
annoyance at this unexpected develop
ment he showed no sign Of 1t on his
face.
II know of Mr.. Potts." he answered
quickly. 'Your big shipping man, isn't
hef / agree to your reservation"
'Good," said the American. Lets
discuss some details"
without a trace Of emotion on his
:1Ace the Count drew up a chair to the
table. It was only when he sat down
that he started to play q tattoo on his
knee With his left hand.
Half an hour later he entered his
luxurious suite Of rooms at the Hotel
Magnificent.
a giri, who had been lying BY the
Are reading . French novel. looked up
at the sound Of the door. She did not
speak. for the look on his face told her
III she wanted to know.
He crossed to the sofa and smiled
down at her.
successful on our own terms.
Tomorrow, Irma. the Comte de Guy
died, and Carl Peterson and his daugh-
Der leave for England. A country gen.
vieman. think. IL Carl Peterson. He
might keep hens. and possibly pigs"
The girl on the sofa rose, yawning.
.sMon Dieu! what prospect! Pigs
ard hens-and II England! How long
= II going to take?"
The Count looked thoughtfully into
The IRE.
.sPerhaps . year-perhaps six
months. It IS on the lap Of the
rods. -.