The deposit of bonds by the state and its people would follow in
course of time, as prescribed by contract, and Mr. Blithers was
required to place in the Bank of Graustark, on such and such a date,
the sum of three million pounds sterling. Everybody was satisfied
with the terms of the contract. Mr. Blithers was to get what really
amounted to nearly nine percent on a gilt-edged investment, and
Graustark was to preserve its integrity and retain its possessions.
There was a distant cloud on the financial horizon, however, a vague
shadow at present,--but prophetic of storm. It was perfectly clear to
the nobles that when these bonds matured, Mr. Blithers would be in a
position to exact payment, and as they matured in twelve years from
date he was likely to be pretty much alive and kicking when the hour
of reckoning arrived.
Mr. Blithers was in the mood to be amiable. He anticipated
considerable pleasure in visiting the ancient halls of his
prospective grandchildren. During the forenoon he had taken a motor
ride about the city with Mrs.
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