A STRANGE BET

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXIX, Issue 8197, 30 July 1906, Page 7

A STRANGE BET

'Specially written for the Age by

Ruht Reich.)

PART ll.—Continued. H> addressed himself to the business on baud with hie previous energy but with a heavy heart. Ob, why did not the sky fall down on that terrible lord! £10,000! fiat H.R.H. was no duabt patiently •waitiug to learn the result of his labours. With a heavy heart Benny ordered his oarriage. Before leaving the porch of hia mansion, he glanoed furtively aroundj fearful of the presence of his enemy. Fastfoot was "not in sight. Arrived at the Prince's hotel Benny put hia head cautiously out of the carriage window and looked up and down the square. No Paatfoot in sight. H.K.H. received his olever emissary with much courtesy and kindness, he landed hia adroitness and its wonderful success, hinted at honours he himself would bestow in the evening and dismissed him apologetically.. The hour was late, H.R.H. had munh to do before the evening. He would meet his dear Councillor at the grand reception, where a great surprise awaited him—till then au irevoir. We shall wave a discription of that great function. It was magnifiben\ and the guests looked splendid. The decorations that had been grantedin the afternoon,now glittered on the breasts of their proud recipients, piDned there by Royal handa. A general air of beatitude pervaded that gliUering throng. And our old friend Benny? He wa? the most elated of them all! H.R.H. had actually addressed him as Herr Baron von Benjamin ! He had introduced Madam to a high foreign digaitary as 'Frau Baroni,' and she, oblivious of jealously and such like weaknesses, beamed upon her Benny with looks of admiration and piide. Now, while preparations for an old timo raasquerado were in progress, the Prince actually took Benny's arm! Oh, joy I Oh, honour! He led him to the first step of the dais, only four steps from the vacant throne and only thiee from H.R.H.'s own seat f/rom where the dignity conferred on the Councillor was to be publicly proclaimed by his Majesty's representative. All this honour, shown to our olever financier, was, however, not bestowed on him only for services rendered, but also for services yet to be rendered by him. H.R.H. in fact was keenly alive to his own interest; he knew that the newly created taron would ere long have the sole control of the U.Sp. and was well aware of the enormoas profits that gigantic scheme would yield. He desired, therefore, a share in the spoils, and, sly fox, had chosen the position before the dais, isolated by etiquette from the intrusion of the public, to communicate hia wishes to 'his confidential adviser.' The Royal reqaest was as unexpeuted as unwelcome to the financier, and he could not help a moment's hesitation, before making answer. That moment's hesitation would at all times have beea a 'false step,' at that particular occasion it was a crime —in the opinion of the august person who expected the>adiest compliance with his 'wishes.' With a sidelong glance at the culprit, H.R.H. relinquish the baron's arm and with a formal bow acsended the first step of the dais. j This unequivocal sign of Roya* dipsleasare filled the financier with alarm. He had a momentary insane impulse to follow the illustrious personage on to the dais with most abject apologies; when, out of the throng or masked guest, who had meanwhile refilled the hall, a tall form stepped to the side of [the crestfallen Benny, and said loud enough to be heard by the Prince who just then was facing the assemblage: 'Sir, nc caution, no warning beems to be ol avail with you. How oan you be so imprudent as to expose my nose to the risk of injury in this heatec and mephitio atmosphere! I requesl your immediate withdrawal.' Benny's knees shook, the room

swam before his eyes—he was on the point of sinking to the floor. fI.K.H. had not lost a word of thiß monologue. 9e scented a mystery; bat perceiving that the words spoken were meant only for his ears and had teen inaudible to the maskß behind the speiker, reqaetsed him in a low voice to unniaßk. This Fastfoot instantly did, and saluted his Koyal ■ Highness with dignity and grace. The Prince had known hia Lordship in the olden days and he readily divined he was playing a trick on Benny. The latter whose selfpossession had altogether vanished, claimed the Prince protection in a tremulous voice. fl You may be sure that little scone had many eager spectators. But they could make nothing of it. The Prince after a few whispered instructions to his officers of ceremony not to permit an interruption of the festival on account of his necessary but short absence, beckoned both gentlemen m question to follow him. Esnny was in no condition to do so in an inconspioious. manner. Fastfoot perceiving his distress, linked his arm in that of the limo millionaire's and helped him along in an ostensibly affectionate manner. •Overstrained with work.' 'Overcome with pride," were the whispered comments of the guests, as Benny left the saloon. In the cosy witbdrawing-roorn the Prinoe waited for the explauat'ons of tbe strange scene just enaoted. He invited Benny to mane these ex planations. That gentleman was most reluctant to unfold a tale, in which his own condcut showed to disadantane and now regretted his appeal to the Prince. After a few disjointed attempts to ca?ry out his patrons behests, he stopped in confusion basting an imploring look at Fastfoot. 'Sir Councillor,' said H.R.H. in cold tones, 'you are not exploiit' (To be Continued).