The Argosy, Vol. XXV, No. 3 — page 154: what you’re looking at

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

538 THE ARGOSY, ‘“Then it was you who made the large purchases of land at that time there were so many rumors in circulation, as to whence your wealth came? Now I know you.’’ The president also remembered hearing of the Chemeia and the Verda Island. He became intensely interested, and when Erik looked at the clock he saw that he had been discoursing over an hour. ‘‘ Wonderful!’ the president said, more to himself than to Krik, adding. And now you, like most of us, are a poor man ??’’ ‘I can’t tell,”’ Erik replied. -‘‘ There are the large acquisitions of real estate I made so long ago. Of course, I have no documents or titles. ’’ ‘Iam sorry, but had you all your titles your land would be valueless, any way.’’ ‘“ How ?”? “Simply this: After the war, immense tracts of land were idle, the owners of which had died, disappeared, or were lost—entire families vanished. The new states, not collecting any taxes, needed much land, as that was the saine as capital, and each government sought to possess as much as possible, and issue paper bills therefor. Notices were published, in all parts of the world, that those owning land must report by a certain time and prove their title. ‘This time has elapsed long since, and I am sorry to say your land now belongs to the government.”’ ‘“ What matters it? I never sought riches.”’ ‘So much the better,’’ rejoined the president. ‘‘ Iam ready to do all in my power for you.’’ ‘“We have nothing at all,’ Krik’s wife now interposed, ‘‘ and we do not know where to go.’’ ‘Any one willing to work need not suffer,’’ the president continued. ‘“ Chemists are particularly sought after ; there are so many chemical tests of land to be made now that chemists are very scarce. We have a laboratory at Juetland, and I can offer you a position there. The salary is one thousand square meters and a free house.” Mrs. Poulsen’s face brightened and Erik smiled. ‘ ‘“ Now we are going back to where we began—analytical chemist or a glass factory—it is all the same. Well, I accept.”’ The president shook hands with them both. | ‘In an hour your appointment will be registered. You wish, of course, one month’s salary in advance.’? | CHAPTER XXI.—NEw CONDITIONS. THE year 1923. The world had been revolutionized and peace reigned supreme once more. Like a threatening cloud still hanging over the distant horizon, reminding one of the storm, the memory of the riotous times lived in the memory of | all, But as the grass again rises after being borne to the ground by the hur- ricane, so the inhabitants of the world again breathed easier, and new life awoke everywhere. COMMICLOOKS (©)