The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 3 — page 86: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

470 ‘THE GOLD DELUGE. science also, ‘Tell me what benefit there would be to science, if you suddenly told all you know? ‘There would no longer be any universities, nor learned men; nothing but uncouth, vicious masses, fighting, spilling blood, and sacri- ficing human life for the very necessities of existence.’’ ‘“Then you would have me keep my discovery secret until my life’s end.’’ ‘‘ Well yes, if you have it so; what would you gain by hasty action? Hon- ors, say you? There would be neither honors nor celebrity if civilization were destroyed. You would become a pauper yourself, if you were to announce your discovery from the house tops, while now you may have all that your heart may wish for. And apart from this, I can give you my word, govern- ments will not permit you to set the world afire and cause a general revolu- tion. It is silly to speak of freedom and popular rights; dire need will overthrow all laws and—the welfare of the people comes before everything else! Let us understand each other,’’ his excellency continued, as Erik still remained silent, ‘‘ the governments will not deny your worth, but on the con- trary will reward you most liberally. A man like you will make many more great discoveries. A decoration at the present moment would cause a sensa_ tion, but in a year so you have means enough to do something which would justify the bestowing of an order. Now, we are agreed?’’ His excellency offered his hand. ‘‘Give me your solemn promise. Years, many years, in fact must pass, before the world will be prepared for your discovery. ‘The various governments can only gvadually prepare for some other substitute for gold. Many notes must be exchanged between the government representa- tives and countless conferences held between the states; of course, most secretly. The matter cannot, must not, be made public before the end of at least fifty years. Until then you promise—swear, secrecy ?’’ Again his hand was outstretched, but Erik did not take it. | ‘*T cannot bind myself,’’ he said rather shortly. ‘‘ What you ask is to me life ; and I must in any case request time to consider matters. My discovery is my property alone, and I can do therewith as I please.’’ His excellency rose to his full height. “Vou are mistaken, Mr. Poulsen,’’ he said coldly. ‘‘ You cannot do therewith as you please. If you will notsubmit in a friendly manner, then—that is your affair !’’ His excellency coldly bowed Erik out of the room, CHAPTER V.—PoLIck INTERFERENCE AND ESCAPE. ARRIVED at home, Erik told his wife all that had happened. When she heard what the minister had foretold of the consequences ensuing upon a public announcement of the discovery, she became thoughtful. ‘‘ Do you not think that he has exaggerated matters very much?’’ she asked. ‘‘Is it possible that the governments can coin no more money in future? Haven’t we copper money at present ? ”’ ‘Yes, as subsidiary coin which is changed to gold nat the national banks upon demand—nothing more. The foundation of the currency of any country Gomichbooks (E(0)