Free L. Frank Baum by The Master Key Page B

Republic
*
    While following the shifting scenes of the fascinating Record Rob noted
an occurrence that caused him to give a low whistle of astonishment and
devote several moments to serious thought.
    "I believe it's about time I interfered with the politics of this
Republic," he said, at last, as he closed the lid of the metal box and
restored it to his pocket. "If I don't take a hand there probably
won't be a Republic of France very long and, as a good American, I
prefer 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 his residence,
M'sieur."
    "Where is his residence?"
    The waiter began a series of voluble and explicit directions which so
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 arms wildly
in all directions and roared a volley of incomprehensible French
phrases that conveyed no meaning whatever.
    "If ever I travel in foreign countries again," said Rob, "I'll learn
their lingo in advance. Why doesn't the Demon get up a conversation
machine that will speak all languages?"
    By dint of much inquiry, however, and after walking several miles
following ambiguous directions, he managed to reach the residence of
President Loubet. But there he was politely informed that the
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'll
have no trouble finding him."
    Then, to the amazement of the Frenchmen, Rob shot into the air fifty
feet or so, from which elevation he overlooked a pretty garden in the
rear of the President's mansion. The place was protected from ordinary
intrusion by high walls, but Rob descended within the enclosure and
walked up to a man who was writing at a small table 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 fact
is," he added, hastily, as he noted the President's frown, "I have come
to save the Republic; and I haven't much time to waste over a 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 all
important events. I wish to call your attention to a scene enacted in
Paris last evening which may have an effect upon the future history of
your country."
    He opened the lid, placed the Record so that the President could see
clearly, and then watched the changing expressions upon the great man's
face; first indifference, then interest, the next moment 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 and
scribbling notes on a paper beside him. His face was pale and his lips
tightly compressed.
    Finally he leaned back in his chair and asked:
    "Can you reproduce this scene again?"
    "Certainly, sir," answered the boy; "as often as you like."
    "Will you remain here while I send for my minister of police? It will
require but a short time."
    "Call him up, then. I'm in something of a hurry myself, but now I've
mixed up with this thing I'll see it through."
    The President touched a bell and gave an order to his servant. Then he
turned to Rob and said, wonderingly:
    "You are a boy!"
    "That's true, Mr. President," was the answer; "but an American boy, you
must remember. That