Evening star., 1925-07-23

He seems to have come straight
from Nice" the young man confided.
II will see him, unofficially, of
course-delighted. But what on earth
Is the urgency"
His excelIency gave me no intima-
ton, sir
You can show him in" Lord Yeovil
directed. Explain that I'm out of
horness and spending quiet eve
ming
Baron Naga himself was obviously
paying no visit of ceremony. He had
not changed his clothes for the eve
ming and was wearing the frock coat
and dark trousers in which he usu-
ally appeared at meetings of the con
ference. His complexion was always
rather more waxen than sallow. but
tonight II seemed positively ghastly.
His little formal bow before he ad-
vanced to shake hands was unsteady.
A man of another race and different
manner of life might have been sus-
pected of drunkenness.
MY dear baron" Lord Yeovil said
Hospitality. This is very friendly of
you. I hope you do not bring me bad
news. Sit down, please he invited.
The ambassador sank into an easy
chair. He was most undoubtedly Ill.
II am much obliged to you. sir for
receiving me at this late hour, he
said MY errand is of some impor-
tance. have come to announce to
you, in the first place. that my impe-
rial master has accepted my resigna-
ton from the highly honorable post of
Ambassador to Great Britain. and also
from the representation of Japan at
the pact of the nations. I shall not,
therefore, be attending the meeting to-
morrow"
God bless my soul.'' Lord Yeovil
exclaimed. Il regret very much to
hear this"
Your lordship is very kind" was
the agitated reply. Baron Katina is
on his way from Berlin to take my
place at the pact of nations, and
Count Itash is already on the spot if
anything of urgency should occur.
My imperial master has not. / believe.
as yet signified his wishes so far as
regards my successor at st. James"
But. my dear baron. this is most
terrible news!' the other declared.
Most unexpected, too. If you will
allow me to say SO. there is no one
with whom It has been a greater
pleasure 10 work or whose loyal sup
port during the past sessions of the
pact l have appreciated
You are very kind. Lord Yeovil.
most gracious" his visitor repeated,
however. that on a very vital mat
ter have found myself unable
to conform to the desires and
policy of those in whose hands the
destiny of my country rests. 1t is
great grief to me-"
II am sure II must be-" the prime
minister assented, watching his visi-
tor closely. You have made me very
curious. / was not aware that there
1F al ant
under consideration which could give
scope for difference of opinion of
such drastic moment"
THE greatest tragedy of this mat
ter is now to come" Baron Naga con-
tinued, solemnly. For my country s
sake / am here TO betray her conf
dence. / shall place you, sir. in pos
session of certain information which,
as president of the Pact of Nations
should be disclosed to you. After
have spoken you will hear of me no
more. 1t is for the ultimate good of
Japan and my people-but for the
moment the words / must speak are
treason. and for speaking them l
must pay the price"
Lord Yeovil was seriously disturbed
There was something in his visitors
attitude and demeanor which was be-
yond his comprehension.
But, my dear baron, he began.
The ambassador moved uneasily in
his chair. There were blue lines un-
der his eyes. II was more than ever
obvious that he was very i'll.
"A thousand pardons. he inter
rupted. weakly, but l have perhaps
underestimated the action-I am
weaker than some of my years
listen, l implore you.'
Lord Yeovil hastened to the little
sideboard and poured out a glass of
brandy.
Don't distress yourself, baron"
he begged. You can tell me anything
you wish TO presently. l am always at
your service. Drink this. please"
Baron Naga clutched at the glass.
clutched at his throat He made
passionate attempt to speak. The
words, however. were almost incom-
prehensible.
''katina and-Lutrecht-Am
the beginning-the great scheme
Itash knows-God of my parentsi"
The glass rolled from his fingers.
His head dropped forward Lord
Yeovil rushed to the bell.
Telephone for a DOCTOR" he di.
rected the butler. who answered it.
Baron Naga is ILL.,"
But Baron Naga was no longer ILL.,
Both master and servant knew the
truth as they stood and looked at the
crumpled-up figure in the chair