CHAPTER XVI.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 8100, 27 August 1904, Page 1

CHAPTER XVI.

! THE ABMT'S PLAN'S.

Kikoliteh was as glad to meet me as I to welcome him, and our mutual greeting was very warm amd cordial. "I could Bcareely believe it was really you, Bergwyn," he said, when we were through with the hand-_luking and had lighted our cigars. " That was why I wrote on my card that I came from Colonel Petrosal*. I can scarcely believe it now, I think';" and he smiled. He was a year or '■o-older than I; a fair, handsome, frankfaced fellow with a winning manner end a delightful smile. "It's .a bit like a fairy tale, perhaps. How did you hear of me?" ' " What a question, my dear fellow, when you're the centre of financial attraction just now in half a dozen circle?. And do you mean to tell me you're a millionaire? Why, in those jolly old days' you were as poor •s I waa, and, worse luck, still am." L"T_tey were jolly old days, weren't they? I asm just delighted to see you again. Yes, I'm a millionaire; and. if you'd -done as I •wanted you to then, gone out with m© to the States, you would be one too. I had' a toughish time of it for a year or two, and! it was'all luck at the end. Nothing else. I got hold of a mine which had broken- the hearts of the men who had been, working it ■witii me. When they gave up in despair I got it for next to nothing and held- on, and inside a month came oa tho gold by pure accident just where we hadn't looked for it. My perseverance has paid me, amd I stepped out of the mine that day as rich __s a man need wish to be. That's all." " You were always a dogged beggar," he jaid. . ■ . r "I don't like being beaten." "The same thing another way round," le laughed. "And so you've come back to the old hunting ground to take^ hand here as a big financier. You'll have to be careiul, Bergwyn., Tliis is no gold mine." ."Tell me about yourself." y "Oh, there's nothing to tell; nobbing much. I entered the army here, and having some influence, got my captaincy sooner than I deserved it I like it well enough, but I wish I\d gone with you. I'd! rather be a _r_Uliona_re." " Why does Colonel Petrosch send you to me?" . " I'm a. favourite of his a bit, and of ' others. They've let me know things, you see; trust me, I suppose, and 1 all that. When I heard your name mentioned I pricked up my ears, and told Petrosch I fancied I knew you. He wants you and your money bags on the side of the army in all this "mess of messes, and picked me out as a sort of informal ambassador to negotiate with you. Though why the devil you want to meddle with things here beats me." - "I had the Colonel's name given me this morning as a main who could tell me the hang of. things in regard to the intentions of the army. I"suppose he could." Nikolitch laughed. "If he. can't, no one «an^Bprgj^yn. But, who cent you to him?" I told him th© name of the Minister. "By "the blue sky, that's a curiosity. Why, old Petrosch,is- in the very thick of fhe army plans and dead against the Courts King, Queen, and all the rest of them. He'll grin when I tell him." " The Minister assured me that the army was loyal to the throne, and that the Colonel could convince me of that. He admitted there was" some disaffection in certain regiments, but that tiie feeling was insignificant." " "Oh, he's an ass, and nothing else. *" That's the usual rot talked in the Court circles, and, of course, the officers don't undeceive them and show their hand." "And what's the truth?" " Why that—of course we're talking as nld friends, Bergwyn, and you won't repeat what I say?" "I give you my word on that. I'm going to talk to you presently about myself on the same;understanding." "Well, the fact is then that we're on the eve of. a revolution, and there's only one real power in the country. . The army. They can't stand the Queen's methods — and they don't mean to." "Show me." . ' " I can't understand either the King or the Queen. She's one of the most wonder- • fui women that ever drew, breath, and in "Borne respects the ablest and shrewdest. In others, she acts like a perfect fool. She 'comes from the people, of course, and that's .'against her; but she could have made her 'position' absolutely secure if she'd shown a gulden's worth of tact in the right direction. Bufc she never does. She could have had the army leaders at her feet; but she has alienated every one of them, by sticking all sorts of impossible men, relations or favourites, at the top of things, and degrading every man of capacity who won't kow-tow to her in everything. As a result, bar her favourites she hasn't a friend left in the army. It's the same in •everything else, and the limit has been -reached." y , . "And the King?" "He says ditto to every word she utters. She can't forget she came from the gutter, or near it, and, having power, is never at rest unless she is showing it. She -tfants us all to be too afraid of her to dare to .remember her origin. That, at least, is what many of us think. Anyhow, she •has made the present position impossible, and the; officers are going to change ifc. It's the only way to save the country." "How will they change it?" iHe shrugged his shoulders. "By a revolution, Bergwyn ; a peaceful one, if possible; but a revolution, certainly." "If possible? What does that mean?" '" The abdication of the King and Queen i-~if they'll go." L " And if they won't go ?" " They'll have to," he replied, with an- -*. other shrug. "To tell you the truth, .there's a section of the officers who urge , violent means." ' "Assassination?" I recalled 'Elma's proLphecy. • "Yes, it comes to that," he said, gloomily. "I'm dead against violent methods; ]but what they contend is that it is better iialf a score of lives should be lost than £s many thousands by a civil war. Our ope—l mean the hope of the, moderate •men in the army—is that the King will see the uselessness of resisting the army and. go." L "You areWnvinced tbat the army will •itand. together?" L "Oh, yes. Petrosch gave me the proofs to bring to you;" and he took put some Sapers and plunged into a description of ke feeling in almost all the regiments in tbe. army. , "It lookg convincing enough on paper," I said. I , "My dear Bergwyn, ifs the resist of i.y months of work and agitation, and you may .iy rely on it. And we have the country with Lus. Look here;" and out came more 'ypaper_, proving that the feeling of people , Jof all classes was ou the sideof the drmy. r'- "There is only one real power in Servia Inlay, Bergwyn. The army: "•■ "■ii" And why does Colonel PetroGch send Jfttt to me With all this?" ' '*' Two reasons. Either that you may be induced to join our side at once; or, failingLthatj that you may be persuaded of the

useleasness of financing the Government or] any other faction opposed to us." j "And your own opinion, Nikolitch?" j " My dear fellow, I'm only a fly on the wheel ; but I think you must be in a great hurry to chuck your money away, if you think of taking any sido at all. The army will win in the end; we must, for nothing can stop us; and there will be a new Government, and with a new King — Peter Karageorgevics, I expect — but until things are settled what's to be your security for any loan?" "You put it plainly," said I, with a smile at hia bluntness. "That's what I came for, Bergwyn. I speak partly as old Petrosch's mouthpiece, but chiefly as an old chum. Mind you, } when tbe "new Government is in the stiri rups matters may be different; there's a great deal got to happen before that, howt ever. But I suppose you don't really come to fool your money away " j "Is that a mouthpiece question or yoiir I own?" ] " Petrosch might like to know," he laughj ed, stroking his moustache ; " but of course j I shan't tell him a word you don't wish me to repeat. He doesn't think you came here with any thought of suoh business ; but he does want to kill the chance of your doing any with others than the army." j "If the army really holds the key to the i position I might wish to have their influ- | ence for a certain purpose." "He's a cute devil, and that's the truth. That's just how he summed up your visit. But of Course he doesn't know what the purpose is." " Could the influence be got?" "My dear Bprgwyn, anything could be got in this little kingdom of ours — at a. prioe. I fancy his notion is tliat you are after a title of some sort, or some concessions, and are ready to buy them by floating this loan. That's the idea in the Oourt, too, I know. I chuckled when I heard it — but then I know you and they don't." "No, I don't wont either a title or concessions; but I can' see now the gist of certain hints thrown oufc this morning. What I do want is to get to tlie bottom of certain things here in the first place. You've spoken freely enough about the army, are you at liberty to talk about other matters?" "Of course I am. Fire away, ask what you like." "What are the Court intentions about the succession?" '* The Queen means to secure it* for her brother— and it's that whirih has put the final touch to the army discontent. They ] simply won't have him ; and yet it's a fact that the formal pronouncement in his favour is actually drawn up. Some of our people have seen the document. Of course it's a secret ; but we've got frionds even in the palace itself." " But the claims of the Prince Albrevics and his marriage with Princess Gatrina?" "Why, of course, mere rot. The Princess stands in the direct line of succession, but she's a woman, and barred from the throne. Albrevics is an impossible ; everyone knows that — and a very unsavoury impossibility too. But the Princess has or ;had something of a following, and thoy would be glad to see her on the throne if a husband could be found who'd be received as King. They know this at Court, and so the plan is "-hatched to marry her to Albrevics and get- her out of the road. It's an infernal business, for she's just as good as gold. But she's in the way of the Court schemes, and, consequently, is to be sacrificed. ; That's a specimen- of the royal methods." . • " Isn't there another scheme about hereto marry her toithe Duke Barinski?" "So you've heard that, eh? That's the Russian plan. He's a tool of Eussia, and would make a pretty puppet for thern^ if they could succeed. But they won't. The army won't have it; and what the army decides will be done." "You astound me,". l exclaimed in surprise at- the freedom with which he spoke. "Does everybody lcnow everybody else's schemes in this extraordinary country?" " Pretty well. I suppose it looks odd to a stranger ; but our chief talk here is conspiracy of one kind or another. Why, even the* plans of the army have been carried to tho Court ; and they "are so blind that they won't believe them. It isn't etiquette, there even to think that^ anything hostile to the Court can happen." "Are there any other plots?" I asked, with a smile. " Heaps ; but you've got hold of the three that count for anything; and only that of the army will come to a head. Next, please"; and he threw himself back in his chair and laughed at my look oTsurpr'se. After a moment he . added : " There's only one person in all tbe mess I pity— the Princess Gatrina. She may find things very ugly ; although there snot a soul who knows about her who would do her an injury. You've heard the . tattle about her?" - "What is that?" "She- was kidnapped the other night; at least, so we believe. At any rate, she disappeared and no one knew where shed gone. There was a story that she had been carried off by brigands; but, that s all rot of couree. Nobody knows exactly what happened except Iwrseli, perhaps ; although I doubt if she does." "I know," I said, quietly. ' "What?" His astonishment was complete. " The devil you do." t " I'm going to- tell you, Nikolitch ; as my friend, you know, not the Colonel's mouthpiece-" „ . "I'm friend first, Bergwyn, mouthpiece only afterwards— and a long way afterwards, too." ■ v "Well, then, I'm here because of the Princess"; and I told him ac briefly as I could of the adv.nture in the hills and Karasch's discovery of the part played by Duke Barinski. I said nothing, however, of my feelings for Gatrina, leaving him to believe merely that I was anxious for her £fl " You're a lucky devil, Bergwyn'V was his first comment.: "I wish I could have had such a chance to serve her. But what an infernal scheme! What are yon going to do?" . , . "I want the army influence to protect her in case of trouble. _ Now you understand. How can I get it?" " Tell Petrosch what you've told me ra the first plaoe, and in the second pleago yourself to negotiate a loan for the new Government as soon as it's well established-" \ <_ t I thought a moment. " No, to the firs. part," I said. "That's for ourselves alone at present. To the sacond, .ye*, as soon as you like." "He's very quick. He'll guess." " Guess what?" f He smiled significantly. "You want this Albrevics marriage off, I suppose." "Any woman should be prevented from marrying suoh a brute." "Of course," he replied, drily, and paused. f^You might put it on that grpimd ; but he wouldn't believe it was all. Wdoh't- deal' much in platonic affection in Servia." "I don't care what he believes." 1 j "I 4on't know him if he wouldn't hi ! gla4 to believe a lot. The - Princess is , very much, in the way. I told you no one wishes her any' harm." . " What do you mean by that grave look?" I askedi, for his face was very serii ous. ; "It's a very ugly matter. I told you , l what the moderate men among us feel j bu<

uuni HmiinmiMur -■■■■■—vi i.iimii_i.«uiw_______ there's the other section to be reckoned with. If tbeir views prevail, it will ba a clean sweep." "A clean sweep?" " Yes; everyone connected with the Obrenovics family will be in danger—even the Princess herself." . "Do you mean— —" I began excitedly. " Yes, I mean all the worst that may be in your thoughts, Bergwyn. And neither you nor Petrosch himself, nor anyone, might be able to save her in the mad mood that would prevail in 6irch a crisis. It will be a very ugly time." " Do you think the other section will prevail?" "Anything is possible in the present temper, Bergwyn." "Good God!" I exclaimed, intensely tmovedvmd alarmed by the thoughts which this admission suggested. For a few moments we were silent. " I think I ought to tell you - why I thought you had come here," said ?<ikolitch, breaiking the pause. ': Do you know there's an old —old associate of yours here? Her name now is the Baroness von Tuiken." " She came to me this morning." "She gave mo to understand, you were coming here on her account." I laughed. "It doesn't amount to anything what she says." "No ; but she talks, Bergwyn, and — well, it's none of my affairs," he broke off, •and looked at me as if inviting me to speak. " Let her talk," I answered, not accepting the invitation. " Then it isn't anything to do with her?" "No, nothing.' I've told you the only reason why I'm here." ".I'm afraid you've gob a devilish hard task, old fellow. But if I can help in aiiy way use me. I must go. I've duty on. What shall I tell Petrosch?" and he rose. " That I want the influence, and that to get it I'll do that business of the loan for the new Government —but not if- there's to be any violence in establishing it. Prepare him in that way, and arrange for me to see him to-morrow." " Take my tip, and tell him your motive, Bergwyn." "I'll think it over," I said; and after arranging to see as much as possible of one another during my stay iv the capital we parted. After he had gone I-did think it over, and saw one thing clearly enough. I must secure the help and influence of the army at any cost; as that promised the most effective means of protecting Gatrina. On the whole, the talk with Nikolitch had the result of restoring my confidence and raising my hopes again. There were plenty of 4'ifflculties to be overcome, of course; but if the army was resolved to change the dynasty, and was strong enough to force that- resolve upon the country, Gatrina's chances in regard to the succession were as good' as dead; her:marriage with either Prince -Albrevics or Duke 'Barinski would be objectless, and then —well, she would be free to choose for herself. That was all I could ask for, and I waited the interview with Colonel Petrosch with keen anticipation. J On the following morning Nikolitch came | to report that the Colonel had been sudden- ; ly called away, however, and that he would i .come to s-ee me the next day.. "Anything fresh occurred?" I asked. I " Something is always occurring just now, j Bergwyn. But I fancy the Colonel has rej ally gone to avoid the reception at the Palj aoe to-night. He doesn't wish to be present himself for one thing ; and for another, I fancy he wishes you to go there •without having committed yourself to us. You're to be tackled,'of course —the show . is got up for that purpose, I suppose- —and crediting, you with the blunfc methods of certain Americans, he thinks you might feel impelled to tell ihe truth. We don't ■ work in that cnide way here, you know." I I smiled. "Did you say anything about I the Prinoess?" | " Very little. I dropped a hint that you were anxious about her safety. He made just the answer I -should have expected." j "Well?" j " That he wished to heaven she could be . induced to leave the country." | "" And so do I; bu fc I doubt it, You'll ! be at the Palace to-night, I suppose." . "I? My dear fellow, no. There'll be 'no plaoe for small fry like one there. Bufc I can tell you who will be there;" and ho rattled away with a lot of Court gossip until I pulled him up. "There's one thing I have to do to-day, Nikolitch; perhaps you can help me. I. want to satisfy myself from outside sources that the army can do all you think. Whom should I see?" "You must talce it from us that we are united, Bergwyn, for no one knows it. j That the army, if united, must be all pow- [ erful, you can learn from anyone anywhere. ' No one doubts it. Here, see these people;" and he wrote down a number of names of influential .people in various positions. | I spent the rest of tihe day prosecuting Tmy inquiries, and everywhere I went I heard the some verdict. That grave troubles were close at hamd, and that everything i mus+ +ura upon the attitude of the army, j Of that no one entertained a, shadow of a doubt. * j Nothing in all that strange time amazed Ime more than the openness with which the plans of the opposing parties were canvassed on all sides. Everyone appeared to be agreed that a revolution of some kind was actually im- ' pending. The attitude of the two Great ; Powers concerned was matter of free talk. Russia had been favoured under Milan ,- Austrian- influence had now the upper hand under Alexander and his Queen. -Austria. was hopeful to maintain the King; Russia resolved to countercheck him and regain : her former influence. .- The army was speaking for the nation at large, and equally opposed to both the Powers. These aims and the possible methods of attaining them respectively seemed to be 1 known to all; but nowhere, save in her immediate circle, was a good word, nay, scarcely a civil word, used towards the Queen. The note everywhere was one of inveterate 'hostility, almost of execration. Aiid this was the most sinister omen of all, not only as affecting her, but as touch- , ing Gatrina also, of whom I heard many . harsh things said. It was thus in a mood of troubled uneasiness that- I set out to attend the reception at the Palace, while my private ' doubts as to how Gatrina would meet me ' in my altered character added a special poignancy to my anxiety and disquietude. - I made the most strenuous efforts to hold myself well in band and maintain complete self-restraint; but when at length my eager ; eyes found her my heart began hammering against my ribs with almost painful ex- _ citement, in which dread and delight were . almost equally mingled.