Fred M. White

“ On a trial the new motor proved to be a perfect success.
“Then you will send that to Hammersmith to-day,” he said. “And now can we have a run on the launch? I am more interested in her.”
The tiny, graceful steam launch was also Greenbaulm’s invention. Steam was the motive power, and oil formed the fuel. The beauty of the arrangement was that one person could work the whole affair.
“But there is one thing I would impress upon you,” said the engineer, once the trial trip was over. “A high-pressure engine like this wants constant care. The steam runs up and down in the gauge like quicksilver. ”

“ Whereupon Greenbaulm went off about his business. A peculiar smile flickered about the corners of his mouth as he went along.
“If I were an absolute monarch,” he muttered, “I would hang a man like that. This is the only country in the world where a man can boast of being a traitor with impunity. But you are going to have an expensive lesson, Mr. Lemesurier.”
The inference of all this was perfectly plain. A few fanatics were going to advance the sinews of war to a prospective enemy. And Dr. Leyden, the accredited agent of the opposing State, was coming to fetch the money. ”

“ Greenbaulm replied. “I knew you would go to Lemesurier, and that he would give you my message. Far better come here than seek the publicity of an hotel.”
Leyden pulled his chair up to the table in a most business-like way. He was the class of man who could have dined comfortably on a powder magazine. He surveyed the perfectly appointed dining table with calm satisfaction. Every well-balanced man prefers a good dinner to a bad one. ”

“ Some men have creeds, others have nothing but passions. Lemesurier belonged to the latter category.
The Morrison Raid had stirred all the emotion in his nature. He would have given a good round sum to see England driven bag and baggage out of the Randstrand. And if open hostilities broke out, he had publicly announced his intention of giving £100,000 to the oppressed Republic. Neither was Lemesurier alone in this determination. There were others besides himself, as Greenbaulm was perfectly aware. ”

“ There everything ingenious and mechanical that goes upon wheels is manufactured. Greenbaulm was evidently expected, for one of the partners met him.
“Well, and how are things progressing?” asked the latter.
“Both your commissions are executed,” was the reply. “Your suggestion as to the motor-car has proved a brilliant success. There is practically no vibration; we have attained a speed of eighteen miles an hour with comparative ease, and the machine would carry a ton or two into the bargain.”
Greenbaulm professed himself to be perfectly satisfied. ”

“ I think not. Therefore a few of us have decided to advance the million to the accredited agent of the Randstrand Republic, taking a lien on the award as security. Nine of us are prepared to put down our money at any time; indeed, it is already posted in the United Cape Bank here. We want one more man to find a tenth.”
Greenbaulm produced a cheque-book from his pocket and dashed off a draft. This he coolly handed to Lemesurier.
“That matter is settled then,” he said. “I take it Dr. Leyden can draw the money at any time he requires. ”

“ It is better not. He will call upon you the first thing. And you will recommend him—we are strangers—to come and see me at Hammersmith. You can give him directions where to find me. And the sooner this business is settled the better, you understand. ”

“ The claim made by the Randstrand Republic against the Cape Federation Company has at length been settled upon terms. The official arbitrators have assessed the damages at one million of pounds, which is ordered to be paid within the next four weeks. ”