第23章 How Rob Saved A Republic(1)

While following the shifting scenes of the fascinating Record Ro. noted an occurrence that caused him to give a low whistle o. astonishment and devote several moments to serious thought.

"I believe it's about time I interfered with the politics of thi. Republic," he said, at last, as he closed the lid of the metal box an. restored it to his pocket. "If I don't take a hand there probabl. won't be a Republic of France very long and, as a good American, Iprefer a republic to a monarchy."

Then he walked down-stairs and found his English-speaking waiter.

"Where's President Loubet?" he asked.

"Ze President. Ah, he is wiz his mansion. To be at hi. residence, M'sieur.""Where is his residence?"

The waiter began a series of voluble and explicit directions which s. confused the boy that he exclaimed:

"Oh, much obliged!" and walked away in disgust.

Gaining the street he approached a gendarme and repeated his question. with no better result than before, for the fellow waved his arm. wildly in all directions and roared a volley of incomprehensibl. French phrases that conveyed no meaning whatever.

"If ever I travel in foreign countries again," said Rob, "I'll lear. their lingo in advance. Why doesn't the Demon get up a conversatio. machine that will speak all languages?"By dint of much inquiry, however, and after walking several mile. following ambiguous directions, he managed to reach the residence o. President Loubet. But there he was politely informed that th. President was busily engaged in his garden, and would see no one.

"That's all right," said the boy, calmly. "If he's in the garden I'l. have no trouble finding him."Then, to the amazement of the Frenchmen, Rob shot into the air fift. feet or so, from which elevation he overlooked a pretty garden in th. rear of the President's mansion. The place was protected fro. ordinary intrusion by high walls, but Rob descended within th. enclosure and walked up to a man who was writing at a small tabl. placed under the spreading branches of a large tree.

"Is this President Loubet?" he inquired, with a bow.

The gentleman looked up.

"My servants were instructed to allow no one to disturb me," he said. speaking in excellent English.

"It isn't their fault; I flew over the wall," returned Rob. "The fac. is," he added, hastily, as he noted the President's frown, "I hav. come to save the Republic; and I haven't much time to waste over . bundle of Frenchmen, either."The President seemed surprised.

"Your name!" he demanded, sharply.

"Robert Billings Joslyn, United States of America!""Your business, Monsieur Joslyn!"

Rob drew the Record from his pocket and placed it upon the table.

"This, sir," said he, "is an electrical device that records al. important events. I wish to call your attention to a scene enacte. in Paris last evening which may have an effect upon the future histor. of your country."He opened the lid, placed the Record so that the President could se. clearly, and then watched the changing expressions upon the grea. man's face; first indifference, then interest, the next momen. eagerness and amazement.

"MON DIEU!" he gasped; "the Orleanists!"

Rob nodded.

"Yes; they've worked up a rather pretty plot, haven't they?"The President did not reply. He was anxiously watching the Record an. scribbling notes on a paper beside him. His face was pale and hi. lips tightly compressed.

Finally he leaned back in his chair and asked:

"Can you reproduce this scene again?"