Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise. (Pocomoke City, Md.) 1921-1953, 1939-06-30
CHAPTER %

CHAPTER 22
"The League of Nations" Matres-
ser pronounced firmly, twas moribund
from the first day sanctions were de-
clared against Italy and individual
countries began to make excuses. The
League of Nations was established to
act collectively or not at all. The
first state which Stunned its RESPONSE
bilities and was allowed to remain in
the rams reduced the League of Ma
tions to impotency."
Lacheur glanced at the clock.
"Lord Matresser," he said, "altho'
we feel that we must offer you our
CONGRATULATIONS for the manner in
which you have conducted this amaz-
ing conversation, you are without a
doubt in need of rest. You and I,
Desselin, had better go down to RAM
bouillet and meet our friend here a.
gain this afternoon. It is necessary
that we confer with the President at
once. The final object of your mis-
sion, I presume Lord Matresser, is
the cancellation of the orders under
which the French Fleet is at sea-"
."Not in the least" Matresser assur-
ed him. "It is quite understood at
our Admiralty that that sort Of bust
ness is only a game of chess. Auto
matically hear that our North Sea
and Atlantic squadrons are both on
their way to the Channel, which they
will reach some time before your
heavier units. Our Home Fleet, too, is
looking forward to the opportunity
of entertaining your people as soon as
their destination is known"
A few moments awkward silence
ensued, but Matresser was prompt to
show that, although he had qualified
in no school of diplomacy, he still
possessed a certain share of the lay
mans equivalent-tact.
"Our southern Channel ports COM
plain so often of being neglected" he
remarked. 81 speak only as an out
slider now but I have heard it said
that visit from the French Mediter-
ranean Fleet was overdue and would
probably relieve the tension in certain
other quarters. My own opinion is
that for two great and friendly ma
tions there is scarcely enough frater-
nization between our militant forces"
"May we know your movements for
the next few hours, Lord Matresser?"
the Premier asked. "It is possible
that the President may desire to see
you himself" -
81 shall be at your disposal" was
the somewhat weary reply. From
here shall go to our Embassy to
discover what arrangements have have
been made for temporary success
sor to Lord Somerby, and I shall
probably sleep there until I am sent
for"
The two French statesmen took for
NAL leave of their visitor. Neither
was willing to commit himself to any
definite expression. Lachuer touched
the bell and secretary took the de-
parting guest in his charge.
+
sit will mean bringing the Amer
leans back to Paris" Desselin point
ed out as soon as the two men were
alone. "The bourgeoisie will be on
their knees to us. One has not heard
much of this man Matresser but he
seems honest. The whole scheme fits
in with the reports we have had from
all our agents during the last few
months, except"
Lacheur nodded.
Except that it was impossible to
believe that England was not going
to ask big price. Has she anything
up her sleeve with Washington, do
you suppose?"
"Impossible!" Desselin declared.
"No one knows better than England
that the United States army will
never fight in Europe again."
at makes a great headline for the
people," Lacheur reflected. "What do
you think, my friend? The greatest
headline of the century
FIFTY YEARS OF PEACE
PLEDGED!"
Desselin was swinging his eyeglass
recklessly, his mouth was twitching.
He presented the appearance of a
man tortured with doubts. His fin
gers were upon the gate which led
into the promised land, but fear and
doubt still distracted him.
eff one could only trust that per-