Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1935-03-03
DoIume 1, Nun,bcr .

to her Benton, then Baron Grantz, the trusted
secretary OF the house. and finally Besserley
himself completed the five at the table. AS
soon as coffee was served. deCanters of rare
wine and old brandy placed upon the table.
with cigars and cigarettes within reach,
Martinoff said:
The moment is now OppOrtune, MIR.
Benton, for you to repeat the proposals you
have made to me. | make no excuse for
asking you to do so in the presence of Others
| am an old man and do nothing without
advice. The Baroness my niece. is deeply
interested. Baron Grant,, my trusted sec
rotary. is in my entire confidence General
Besserley have invited because he is man
of the world with a reputation for sound
judgment Will you be so kind as to proceed?"
Benton leaned forward in his chair
THE Prince, - he explained, Tin one of those
huge transactions which brought him fame
and wealth years ago, thought well to accept
large commissions from various American
houses in connection with the purchase of
several battle ships. Some friends of his also
interested themselves in the matter In this
clean sweep which is now going on in Wash
ington, papers concerning these transactions
have come to light. The Princes share in the
matter has been adversely commented upon.
| have been sent here to request our host, in
return for certain consideration, to hand me
the evidence linking up two other men in
these transactions"
There was a brief silence The Prince
nodded his head thoughtfuly. The Baroness,
with little sob. suddenly clutched at his arm.
knees by his side.
,x,,n S<>t I,o,c
You know what it will mean. 1t will cost
Augustus the throne which has been promised
him.
Martinoff permitted his hand. with its long
delicate fingers and wonderful signet ring, to
rest for moment on the wonan's gold-brown
hair He even smoothed it gently. His face,
however. was implacable.
Anna, he said. lone has to decide in these
matters according to the greater good of the
greater number
But it will mean war;" she pleaded.
Surely you can see that"
IL love war;" Martinoff acknowledged
calmly
I'm return for the documentary evidence
concerning two people whom we will not
name and one American who must not be
named" Benton went on, the department
which represent undertakes to withdraw all
charges against you Prince, and to withdraw
the lien upon your assets being put into force
in New York. This alone should make you
richer by three million pounds"
you cannot do this thing!' Anna cried
MY country - call it mine because love
those who belong to it better than life itself -
has made so heroic struggle. 1t has won
tranquility owing to the fine government Of
the man whom you propose to ruin. In few
months now he will be king unless you bring
this scandal upon him. What was the harm in
his working to earn American gold2 You did
the. same. What you earned went into the
Golfers of your vast fortune. What he earned
went back to his country. You promised me
those papers"
II promised you them for a wedding
present." Martinof reminded her IF things
turn out as you say, there can be no marriage
Besides, at that time promised, | was not
threatened with this ruinous action Grant,"
he added, II shall require the opening of
Safe X"
Annals shrek rang through the vaulted
room. Besserley leaned across the table
Prince" he said. ''you have invited me
here as sort of watching consultant. Am
permitted to say one word?"
You may speak if you wish, General"
Martinoff assented coldly II may add. how
ever. that my decision is TAKEN have decided
to hand over the papers to the authorities at
Washington
you shall notr' Anna cried, writhing in
agony.