RUPERT’S JOURNAL—Continued.

February 1, 1909.

All is now well in train.  When the Czar of Russia, on being asked by the Sclavs (as was meet) to be the referee in the “Balkan Settlement,” declined on the ground that he was himself by inference an interested party, it was unanimously agreed by the Balkan rulers that the Western King should be asked to arbitrate, as all concerned had perfect confidence in his wisdom, as well as his justice.  To their wish he graciously assented.  The matter has now been for more than six months in his hands, and he has taken endless trouble to obtain full information.  He has now informed us through his Chancellor that his decision is almost ready, and will be communicated as soon as possible.

We have another hunting-party at Vissarion next week.  Teuta is looking forward to it with extraordinary interest.  She hopes then to present to our brothers of the Balkans our little son, and she is eager to know if they endorse her mother-approval of him.