parties," said Totten, with a significant shake of his grizzled head. "The remainder are in the possession of our own institutions and the people themselves. We should hear from Edelweiss, too, in response to my cablegram. Perhaps Romano may be able to throw light on the situation. I confess that I am troubled."     

       "Russia would have no object in buying up our general bonds, would she?"       inquired R. Schmidt.     

       "None whatever. She would have nothing to gain. Mr. Blithers assured me that he was not in the least apprehensive. In fact, he declared that Russia would not be buying bonds that do not mature for twelve years to come. There must be some private—eh?"     

       A steward was politely accosting the trio.     

       "I beg pardon, is this Mr. Totten?"     

       "Yes."     

       "Message for you, sir, at the purser's."     

       "Bring it to my stateroom, Totten," said R. Schmidt briefly, and the old man hurried away on the heels of the messenger.     

       The two young men sauntered carelessly in an opposite direction and soon disappeared from the deck. A few minutes later, Totten entered the luxurious parlour of R. Schmidt and laid an unopened wireless message on the table at the young man's elbow.     

       "Open it, Totten."     

       The old man slit the envelope and glanced at the contents. He nodded his head in answer to an unspoken question.     

       "Sold?" asked R. Schmidt.     

       "Paris and Berlin, both of them, Prince. Every bond has been gobbled up."     

       "Does he mention the name of the buyer?"     

       "Only by the use of the personal pronoun. He says—'I have taken over the Paris and Berlin holdings. All is well.' It is signed 'B.' So! Now we know."     

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