The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 3 — page 151: what you’re looking at

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

THE GOLD DELUGE. 535 ‘‘ But the new money ?’’ Erik asked again. ‘Yes, I will tell you. It is now called ‘square meter’ and ‘square centimeter,’ in place of crowns and pennies. Some of it is called ‘square millimeters,’ which is the lowest fractional currency. I have such a note which I received as payment for ten sheep.’’ He drew a paper from his pocket and handed it to Erik, who examined it with much interest. It looked like the old paper currency, but was worded as follows: UNITED NORTHERN REAL ESTATE BANE Assigus to the bearer hereof ONE HUNDRED SQUARE MILLIMETERS OF DANISH NORMAL, GROUND. J. HANSEN. S. P. BERG. Copenhagen, 1903. The new mode of payment consisted of land ! ‘They pay out land now,’’ Mathias continued. ‘‘ A series of figures, up to twenty four, indicates the grade or value. For each certificate a small plot.of good ground will be given, or a larger tract of sandy ground, and whenever land is deposited in the bank, it is first examined and its value determined by the standard on which the paper money is based. ‘That is all we know.”’ All the listeners remained mute, in deep thought over what was being related to them. ‘“Are there no postal steamers from here to Copenhagen ?’’ Erik finally asked. ‘“QOh, certainly ; the trips were resumed a few months ago.’’ ‘* What is the cost of a passage ?”’ ‘“ About half a square meter.’’ ‘* At how much would you value our cutter ?”’ ‘‘T cannot say now; it is difficult to calculate with the new money. I should think, though, under existing values, that it is worth the sum I named.”’ ‘‘T am only a poor man,’’ Hrik resumed, ‘‘ as poor as the rest of us, and we have not the means to get away from here, unless we wish to risk our lives and sail across the North Sea.’’ ‘Then, turning to the crew, he added, ‘* Will you permit me to sell the boat and sail for Copenhagen with my wife? I will return as soon as I can, or send you means to follow us. I believe, from what I have already observed, if you work on the island you can‘live here until then.’’ ‘“Yes,’’ Mathias interjected; ‘‘he who works can get along very well here.’’ Kelly stroked his beard, and as the oldest of the crew, he said : ‘‘ We would be miserable wretches if we did not say yes. ‘Take the boat, master.’’ Ccomiclookxs (S@)