CZECHOSLOVAKIA: He left

One Harry Gray, American, arrived in Prague, capital of Czecho-Slovakia. Harry was received politely. He announced modestly that he was the reconstructor of Czecho-Slovakia, offered enormous dollar credits to banks, municipalities and industrial concerns. The Czechs began to receive him with enthusiasm. He then wooed and won wealthy Widow Lederer, became head of the largest grain business in the country. Harry was then accepted by the Czechs and Slovaks as one of them, was consulted by eminent financiers, concluded millions of dollars’ worth of business, became well established, had his praises sung by all and sundry. One fine morning as the sun winked at the spires of Prague, Mrs. Gray noted that her spouse had not returned from the cabaret around the corner. At high noon, Harry was still absent. Enquiries were made. People became anxious. More than one man of money toyed nervously with the crowns in his trousers pocket. Some scanned their ledgers with much anxiety, noted that large sums of money had been paid to Mr. Gray, remembered that value was due and had not been received.

When the sun had kissed the grand old Hradsany good night, Harry had not returned for similar caresses from his anxious wife. The dawn of another morning confirmed the fears of dozens of business men: Harry had fled. Mrs. Gray, ruminating upon her pillow, remembered that she was poorer. Investigation showed that she was bankrupt.