The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 3 — page 153: what you’re looking at

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

THE GOLD DELUGE. 537 officials could not be paid as heretofore, but we agreed to furnish them the means of living until order was restored. ‘“Most of the old parliamentary members were re- elected, and their first task was to again operate the railroads and telegraph lines. We soon heard that other countries were following our example, and thus a gradual change for the better came. Every one deplored the war that caused all the trouble ; the other matter would have been solved satisfactorily in due course. ‘Then the new money came. This money was invented in Germany—now called the United States of Germania—and every country in the world fol- lowed suit. All those having land joined forces and organizeda bank. ‘The assets were based on land exclusively. Gold and silver had no value. Lately the People’s Council took the matter in hand and the banks are government branches. ‘“ Now the one owning much land is wealthy, while the one having no land of his own is poor. It is sad, but true: the poor people are still here— that will never change—never ; still we do not feel it so much, as nearly half the population of the earth has been killed in war and there are now fewer people seeking a living. ‘‘I must leave you now. The People’s Council? That you will find on the Christianborg Plaza, where formerly the palace was. Follow this street ; you cannot miss it.’’ Edi and his wife went on. . All was changed. ‘The streets were rebuilt ; here and there an old time building was still to be seen. They finally reached the old Christianborg Plaza. The president of the council received them in a spacious apartment of the old palace. He had never heard of Erik. ‘“I am the man who discovered the law or principle changing basic elements ; in other words, how to make gold,’’ Erik explained. ‘* How so?’’ the president replied, in astonishment. ‘‘I understood your name to be Poulsen.’’ It was Hrik’s turn to be surprised. “ As far as I know,’”’ the other continued, ‘‘it was an Englishman named Welton who made the discovery.’’ “What !’’ Erik exclaimed, turning pale. ‘‘Another man has claimed my discovery for his own ?”’ ‘So it appears,’’ the president replied; ‘‘ unless my meniory deceives me. It has been a hard matter to keep our minds clear. ‘There certainly is a report on the discovery in print. A chemist employed,in the Hnglish imperial laboratory escaped and betrayed the secret. At that time gold had already lost almost its entire value, and war was imminent; therefore the publication created little surprise. I believe the eetaingee in question claimed to be the inventor. Why did you not appear before this?’’ ‘It is a long and sad story,’’ Erik answered. ‘‘ Have you time and patience to hear it ?”’ ‘‘Go on; I have a little time ’’—in a friendly tone. Krik then told his story in as few words as possible. Ccomiclookxs (S@)