 18. The Prodigal at Sea Harrison's departure left Brewster in sore straits. It forced him to settle down to the actual management of his own affairs. He was not indolent, but this was not the kind of work he cared to encourage. The private accounts he had kept revealed some appalling facts when he went over them carefully one morning at four o'clock, after an all-night session with the ledger. With infinite pains he had managed to rise to something over $450,000 in six months. But to his original million it had been necessary to add $58,550, which he had realized from lumber and fuel and some of his other unfortunate operations. At least $40,000 would come to him ultimately through the sale of furniture and other belongings, and then there would be something like $20,000 interest to consider. But luck had aided him in getting rid of his money. The bank failure had cost him $113,468.25 and Nopper Harrison had helped him to the extent of $60,000. The reckless but determined effort to give a ball had cost $30,000. What he had lost during his illness had been pretty well offset by the unlucky concert tour. The Florida trip, including medical attention, the cottage and living expenses had entailed the expenditure of $18,500, and his princely dinners and theatre parties had footed up $31,000. Taking all the facts into consideration he felt that he had done rather well as far as he had gone, but the hardest part of the undertaking was yet to come. He was still in possession of an enormous sum, which must disappear before September 23. About $40,000 had already been expended in the yachting project. He determined to begin at once a systematic campaign of extinction. It had been his intention before sailing to dispose of many household articles, either by sail or gift. As he did not expect to return to New York before the latter part of August, this would minimise the struggles of the last month. But the prospective profit to be acquired from keeping his apartment open was not to be overlooked. He could easily count upon a generous sum for salaries and running expenses. Once on the other side of the Atlantic, he hoped that new opportunities for extravagance would present themselves, and he fancied he could leave the final settlement of his affairs for the last month. As the day for sailing approached, the world again seemed bright to this most mercenary of spend-thrifts. A farewell consultation with these attorneys proved encouraging, for to them his chances to win the extraordinary contest seemed of the best. He was in high spirits as he left them, exhilarated by the sensation that the world lay before him. In the elevator he encountered Colonel Prentice Drew. On both sides the meeting was not without its difficulties. The Colonel had been dazed by the inexplicable situation between Monty and his daughter, whose involutions he found hard to understand. Her summary of the effort she had made to effect a reconciliation after hearing the story of the bank was rather vague. She had done her utmost, she said, to be nice to him and make him feel that she appreciated his generosity. But he took it in the most disagreeable fashion. Colonel Drew knew that things were somehow wrong, that he was too strongly an American father to interfere in a matter of the affections. It distressed him, for he had a liking for Monty, and Barbara's society judgments, as he called them, had no weight with him. When he found himself confronted with Brewster in the elevator, the old warmth revived and the old hope that the quarrel might have an end. His greeting was cheery. You have not forgotten, Brewster, he said, as they shook hands, that you have a dollar or two with us. No, said Monty, not exactly, and I shall be calling upon you for some of it very soon. I'm off on Thursday through cruise in the Mediterranean. I've heard something of it. They have reached the main floor and Colonel Drew had drawn his companion out of the crowd into the rotunda. The money is at your disposal at any moment, but aren't you setting a pretty lively pace, my boy? You know I've always liked you, and I knew your grandfather rather well. He was a good old chap, Monty, and he would hate to see you make ducks and drakes of his fortune. There was something in the Colonel's manner that softened Brewster, much as he hated to take every proof from Barbara's father. Once again he was tempted to tell the truth that he pulled himself up in time. It's a funny old world, Colonel, he said, and sometimes one's nearest friend is a stranger. I know I seem a fool, but after all, why isn't it good philosophy to make the most of the holiday and then settle back to work? That is all very well, Monty, and Colonel Drew was entirely serious, but the work is a hundred times harder after you have played to the limit. You'll find that you are way beyond it. It's no joke getting back into the harness. Perhaps you are right, Colonel, but at least I shall have something to look back upon, even if the worst comes, and Monty instinctively straightened his shoulders. They turned to leave the building, and the Colonel had a moment of weakness. Do you know, Monty, he said, my daughter is awfully cut up about this business. She is plucky and tries not to show her, but after all a girl doesn't get over that sort of thing all in a moment. I am not saying it seemed necessary to recede a step. That it would be an easy matter to patch up, but I like you, Monty, and if any man could do it, you can. Colonel, I wish I might, and Brewster found that he did not hesitate. For your sake, I very much wish the situation were as simple as it seems. But there are some things a man can't forget, and, well, Barbara has shown in a dozen ways that she has no faith in me. Well, I've got faith in you, and a lot of it. Take care of yourself, and when you get back you can count on me. Goodbye. On Thursday morning the flitter steamed off down the bay, and the flight of the prodigal grandson was on. No swifter, cleaner, handsomer boat ever sailed out of the harbour of New York, and it was the merry crowd that she carried out to sea. Brewster's guests numbered 25, and they brought with them a liberal supply of maids, valets, and luggage. It was not until many weeks later that he read the vivid descriptions of the weighing of the anchor, which were printed in the New York papers, that by that time he was impervious to their ridicule. On deck, watching the rugged silhouette of the city disappear into the mists, were Dan DeMille and Mrs. Dane, Peggy Gray, Rip Van Winkle, Reginald Vanderpool, Joe Bragdon, Dr. Lottles, and his sister Isabel, Mr. and Mrs. Valentine, the official chaperone, and their daughter Mary. Subway Smith, Paul Pentagill, and some others hardly less distinguished. As Monty looked over that eager crowd, he recognised with a peculiar glow that here were represented his best and truest friendships. The loyalty of these companions had been tested, and he knew that they would stand by him through everything. There was no little surprise when it was learned that Dan DeMille was ready to sail. Many of the idle voyages ventured the opinion that he would try to desert the boat in mid-ocean, if he saw a chance to get back to his club on a westbound steamer. But DeMille, big, indolent, and indifferent, smiled carelessly, and he hoped he wouldn't bother anybody if he stuck to the ship until the end. For a time the sea and the sky and the torque of the crowd were enough for the joy of living. But after a few peaceful days there was a lull, and it was then that Monty gained the nickname of Aladdin, which clung to him. From somewhere from the hold or the rigging or from under the sea he brought forth four darkies from the south, who strummed guitars and sang ragtime melodies. More than once during the voyage they were useful. Peggy said Bruce to one day, when the sky was particularly clear and things were quiet on deck. On the whole I prefer this to crossing the North River on a ferry. I rather like it, don't you? It seems like a dream, she cried, her eyes bright, her hair blowing in the wind. And Peggy, do you know what I tucked away in a chest down in my cavern? A lot of books that you like, some from the old Garrett. I've saved them to read on rainy days. Peggy did not speak, but the blood began to creep into her face, and she looked wistfully across the water. Then she smiled. I didn't know you could save anything, she said, weakly. Come now, Peggy, that is too much. I didn't mean to hurt you, but you must not forget Monty that there are other years to follow this one. Do you know what I mean? Peggy dear, please don't lecture me. He begged so piteously that she could not be serious. The class is dismissed for today, Monty, she said, eerily. But the professor knows his duty and won't let you off so easily next time. End of chapter 18, chapter 19 of Brewster's Millions. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Brewster's Millions by George Barr McCutcheon. Chapter 12. One Hero and Another. At Gilbralta, Monty was handed an ominous looking cable-gram, which he opened tremblingly. To Montgomery Brewster, Private Yacht Flitter, Gilbralta. There is an agitation to declare for free silver. You may have twice as much to spend. Hurray! Jones! To which Monty responded. Defeat the measure at any cost. The more the merrier. And charge it to me, Brewster. Please, please send many cables and mark them collect. The Riviera season was fast closing, and the possibilities suggested by Monty Carlo were too alluring to the host to admit of a long stop at Gilbralta. But the demils and letters to one of the officers of the garrison and Brewster could not overlook the opportunity to give an elaborate dinner. The success of the affair may best be judged by the fact that the flitters larder required an entirely new stop the next day. The officers and ladies of the garrison were asked, and Monty would have entertained the entire regiment with beer and sandwiches if his friends had not interfered. It might cement the Anglo- American alliance, argued Gardner, but your pocketbook needs cementing a bit more. Yet the pocketbook was very wide open, and Gardner's only consolation lay in a tall English girl whom he took out to dinner. For the others there were many compensations, as the affair was brilliant and the new element of pleasant relief from the inevitable monotony. It was after the guests had gone ashore that Monty discovered Mr. and Mrs. Dan holding a tethertack in the stern of the boat. I am sorry to break this up, he interrupted, but is the only conscientious chaperone in the party. I must warn you that your behaviour is already being talked about. The idea of a sedate old married couple sitting out here alone watching the moon, it's shocking. I yield to the host, said Dan, mockingly, but I shall be consumed with jealousy until you restore her to me. Monty noticed the look in Mrs. Dan's eyes as she watched her husband go, and marked a new note in her voice as she said, how this trip is bringing him out. He has just discovered, Monty observed, that the club is not the only place in the world. It's the funny thing, she answered, that Dan should have been so misunderstood. Do you know that he relentlessly conceals his best side? Down underneath, he is the kind of man who could do a fine thing very simply. My dear Mrs. Dan, you surprise me. It looks to me almost as though you had fallen in love with Dan yourself. Monty, she said sharply, you are as blind as the rest. Have you never seen that before? I have played many games, but I have always come back to Dan. Through them all I have known, that he was the only thing possible to me. The only thing in the least desirable. It's a queer muddle that one should be tempted to play with fire, even when one is monotonously happy. I've been singed once or twice, but Dan is a dear, and he has always helped me out of a tight place. He knows no one understands better than Dan, and perhaps if I were less wickedly human he would not care for me so much. Monty listened at first in a sort of a daze, for he had unthinkingly accepted the general opinion of the demilv situation, but there were tears in her eyes for a moment, and the tone of her voice was convincing. It came to him with unpleasant distinctness that he had been all kinds of a fool. Looking back over his intercourse with her, he realised that the situation had been clear enough all the time. How little we know our friends, he exclaimed, with some bitterness, and a moment later, I've liked you a great deal, Mrs Dan, for a long time, but tonight, well, tonight, I am jealous of Dan. The flitter saw some rough weather in making the trip across the bay ablions. She was heading for Nice when an incident occurred that created the first real excitement experienced on the voyage. A group of passengers in the main salon was discussing, more or less stealthily, Monty's misdemeanours, when Reggie Vanderpool sorted lazily in. His face displaying the only sign of interest it had shown in days. Funny predicament, I was just in, he drooled. I want to ask what a fellow should have done under the circumstances. I have refused the girl, observed Rip Van Winkle, leconically. Girl had nothing to do with it, old chap, went on Reggie, dropping into his chair. Fellow fell overboard a little while ago. He went on, calmly. There was a chorus of cries, and Brewster was forgotten for a time. One of the sailors, you know, he was doing something in the reading, near where I was standing. Puff, off he went, into the sea, and there he was, puttering around in the water. Oh, the poor fellow, cried Miss Valentine. I'd never set eyes on him before, perfect stranger. I wouldn't have hesitated a minute, but the deck was crowded with a lot of his friends. One chap was his bunkie. So, really, now, it wasn't my place to jump in after him. He could swim a bit, and I yelled to him to hold up, and I'd tell the captain. Confounded captain wasn't to be found, though. Somebody said he was asleep. In the end, I told the mate. By this time, we were a mile away from the place where he went overboard. And I told the mate, I didn't think we could find him if we went back. But he lowered some boats, and they put back fast. Afterwards, I got to thinking about the matter. Of course, if I had known him, if he had been one of you, it would have been different. And you were the best swimmer in college. You miserable rat, exploded Dr. Lockless. There was a wild grush for the upper deck, and Vanderpool was not the hero of the hour. The flitter had turned and were steaming back over her course. Two small boats were racing to the place where Reggie's unknown had gone over. Where is Brewster? shouted Joe Bragdon. I can't find him, sir, answered the first mate. He ought to know of this, cried Mr. Valentine. There, by the eternal, they are picking somebody up over Yonder. Exclaimed the mate. See, that first vote has laid too, and they are dragging. Yes, sir, he saved. A cheer went up on board, and the men in the small boats waved their caps in response. Everybody rushed to the rail as the flitter drew up to the boats, and there was intense excitement on board. A gasp of amazement went up from everyone. Monty Brewster, drenched but smiling, sat in one of the boats and leaning limply against him. His head on his chest was the sailor who had fallen overboard. Brewster had seen the man in the water, instead of wondering what his incidents were, leaped to his assistants. When the boat reached him, his unconscious burden was a dead weight, and his own strength was almost gone. Another minute or two, and both would have gone to the bottom. As they hauled Monty over the side, he shivered for an instant. Grasp the first little hand that saw his, so frantically, and then turned to look upon the half-dead sailor. Find out the boy's name, Mr. Aberts, and see that he has the best to care. Just before he fainted out there, he murmured something about his mother. He wasn't thinking of himself even then. You see, and bragged in, this in a lower voice, will you see that his wages are properly increased? Hello, Peggy. Look out, you'll get wet to the skin if you do that. End of chapter 19, chapter 20 of Brewster's Millions. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Brewster's Millions by George Barr McCutcheon. Chapter 20, La Rue Samuse. If Montgomery Brewster had had any misgivings about his ability to dispose of the balance of his fortune, they were dispelled very soon after his party landed in the Riviera. On the pretext that the yacht required a thorough house cleaning, Brewster transferred his guests to the hotel of a fascinating village which was near the sea, and yet quite out of the world. The place was nearly empty at the time, and the proprietor wed tears of joy when Monty engaged for his party the entire first floor of the house, with Balpenies overlooking the Blue Mediterranean, and a separate dining room and a salon. Extra servants were summoned, and the Brewster Libri was soon a familiar sight about the village. The protests of Peggy and the others were only silenced when Monty threatened to rent a villa and go to housekeeping. The town quickly took on the appearance of entertaining a royal visitor, and a number of shops were kept open longer than usual in the hope that their owners might catch some of the Americans' money. One morning Philip, the hotel proprietor, was trying to impress Brewster with the gesticulatory description of the glories of the Bataille de Fleurs. It seemed quite impossible to express the extent of his regret that the party had not arrived in time to see it. This is quite another place at that time, he said ecstatically. Say magnifique, say superb, if Monsue had only seen it. Why not have another all to ourselves, asked Monty, but the suggestion was not taken seriously. Nevertheless, the young American and his hosts were in secret session for the rest of the morning, and when the result was announced at luncheon there was general consternation. It appeared that ten days later occurred the fake day of some minor saint who had not for years been accorded the honour of a celebration. Monty proposed to revive the custom by arranging a second carnival. You might just as well not come to the Riviera at all. He explained, if you can't see a carnival, it's a simple matter, really. I offer one price for the best decorated carriage and another to the handsomest lady, then everyone puts on a domino and a mask, throws confetti at everyone else, and there you are. I suppose you will have the confetti made of a thousand frank notes, and offer a house and a lot as a prize, and Brabden feared that his sarcasm was almost insulting. Really, Monty, the scheme is ridiculous, said DeMille. The police won't allow it. Won't they? said Monty exultantly. The chief happens to be Philip's brother-in-law, and we had him on the telephone. He wouldn't listen to the scheme until we agreed to make him Grand Marshal of the parade. Then he promised the cooperation of the entire force and hoped to interest his colleague, the chief of the fire department. The parade will consist of two gendarmes and the Brewster Party in Carriages, like Mrs Dan. Do you expect us to go before or after the bakery cuts? We review the procession from the hotel, said Monty. You needn't worry about the fate. It's going to be great. Why? An Irishman isn't fonder of marching than these people are of having a carnival. The men in the party went into executive session as soon as Monty had gone to interview the local authorities, and seriously considered taking measures to subdue their hosts' eccentricities. But the humour of the scheme appealed to them too forcibly, and almost before they knew it, they were making plans for the carnival. Of course we can't let him do it, but it would be sport, said Subway Smith. Think of a cakewalk between gendarmes and blanchers. I always feel devilish the moment I get a mask on, said Vanderpool, and you know, by Jove, I haven't felt that way for years. That settles it, then, said DeMille. Monty would call it off himself if he knew how it would affect Reggie. Monty returned with the announcement that the mayor of the town would declare a holiday if the American could see his way to pay for the repairs on the Maree roof. A circus, which was travelling in the neighbourhood, was guaranteed expenses if it would stop over and occupy the square in front of the hotel Deville. Brewster's enthusiasm was such that no one could resist helping him, and for nearly a week his friends were occupied in superintending the erection of triumphal arches and encouraging the shopkeepers to do their best. Although the scheme had been conceived in the spirit of a lark, it was not so received by the town's people. They were quite serious in the matter. The railroad officials sent advertisements broadcast, and the local queueer called to thank Brewster for resurrecting, as it were, the obscure saint. The expression of his gratitude was so mingled with flattery and appeal that Monty could not overlook the hint that a new altarpiece had long been needed. The great day finally arrived, and no carnival could have been more bizarre or more successful. The morning was devoted to athletics and the side shows. The pompiers won the tug of war, and the people marveled when Monty duplicated the feats of the strong man in the circus. De Mill was called upon for a speech, but knowing only ten words of French, he graciously retired in favour of the mayor, and that pompous little man made the most of a rare opportunity. References to Franklin and Lafayette were so frequent that Subway Smith intimated that a rubber stamp must have been used in writing the address. The parade took place in the afternoon, and proved quite the feature of the day. The question of precedence nearly overturned Monty's plans, but the chief of police was finally made to see that if it were to be chief Marshal, it was only fair that the pompiers should march ahead of the gendarmes. The crew at the flitter made a wonderful showing. It was led by the yacht's band, which fairly outdid Sousa in noise, though it was less unanimous in the matter of time. All the fiacas came at the end, but there were so many of them, and the line of march was so short that at times they were really leading the processional, despite the gallant efforts at the Grand Marshal. From the balcony of the hotel, Monty and his party pelted those below, with flowers and confetti. More allusions to Franklin and Lafayette were made when the cure and the mayor halted the procession and presented Monty with an address, richly engrossed on imitation parchment. Then the skilled children sung and the crowd dispersed to meet again in the evening. At eight o'clock, Brewster presided over a large banquet, and numbered among his guests every one of distinction in the town. The wives were also invited, and Franklin and Lafayette were again alluded to. Each of the men made at least one speech, but Subway Smith's third address was a hit at the evening. Knowing nothing but English, he had previously clung consistently to that language, but the third and final address seemed to demand something more friendly and genial. With a sweeping bow and with all the dignity of a statesman, he begun. Ms. Dan's aim was used, jar, tu, as, illa, no, abans. With a magnificent gesture, vau, avai. The French members of the company were not equal to his pronunciation, and were under the impression that he was still talking English. They were profoundly impressed with his deference and grace, and accorded his preamble around the pools. The Americans did their utmost to persuade him to be seated, but their uproar was mistaken by the others for enthusiasm, and the applause grew louder than ever. Subway held up his hand for silence, and his manners suggested that he was about to utter some peculiarly important thought. He waited until a pinfall could have been heard before he went on. Maitre Corbi saw Un Abar Perch. He finished the speech as he was being carried bodily from the room by DeMille and Bragdon. The French then imagined that Smith's remark had been insulting, and his friends had silenced him on that account. A riot seemed imminent when Monty succeeded in restoring silence, and with a few tactful remarks about Franklin and Lafayette. Quieted the excited guests. The evening ended with fireworks and a dance in the open air, a dance that grew gay under the masks. The wheels had been well oiled, and there was no visible failure of the carnival spirit. To Brewster it seemed a mad game, and he found it less easy to play a part behind the foolish mask than he expected. His own friends seemed to elude him, and the coca trees of the village dance halls had merely a fleeting charm. He was standing apart to watch the glimmering crowd when he was startled by a smothered cry. Turning to investigate, he discovered a little red domino, unmistakably frightened, and trying to release herself from a too ardent punchinello. Monty's arrival prevented him from tearing off the girl's mask, and gave him an entirely new conception of the strenuous lot. He arose fuming and sputtering, but he was taken in hand by the crowd, and willed from one to another in whimsical mockery. Meanwhile, Monty, unconscious, that his mask had dropped during the encounter, was astonished to feel the little hand at the red domino on his arm, and to hear a voice not at all unfamiliar in his ear. Monty, you are a deer, I love you for that. You look like a Greek athlete. Do you know it was foolish, but I really was frightened. Child, how could it have happened? He whispered, leading her away, fancy my little piggy with no one to look after her, what a beast I was to trust you to Pentagill. I might have known the chump would have been knocked out by all this colour. He stopped to look down at her, and a light came into his eyes. Little Peggy, in the great world, he smiled, you are not fit, you need, well, you need just me. But Mrs. Valentine had seen him as he stood revealed, and came up in search of Peggy. It was almost morning, she told her, and quite time to go back to the hotel and sleep. So in Bragdon's charge they wandered off, a bit reluctantly, a bit linearly. It was not until Monty was summoned to rescue Reggie Vanderpool from the stern arm of the law that he discovered the identity of Punchinello. Manifestly he had not been in a condition to recognise his assailant. And a subsequent disagreement had driven the first out of his head. The poor boy was sadly bruised about the face, and his arrest had probably saved him from worse punishment. I told you I couldn't wear a mask, he explained, roofily, as Monty let him home. But how could I know that he could hear me all the time? The day after the carnival, Bruce to drove his guests over to Monte Carlo. He meant to stay only long enough to try his luck at the tables, and lose enough to make up for the days at sea, when his purse was necessarily idle. Swerard and Jones was forgotten, and soon after his arrival he began to plunge. At first he lost heavily, and it was with difficulty that he concealed his joy. Peggy Gray was watching him, and in whispers implored him to stop. But Mrs. Dan excitedly urged him to continue, until the luck changed. To the girl Chagrin, it was the more reckless advice that he followed. In so desperate a situation, he felt that he could not stop, but his luck turned too soon. I can't afford to give up, he said miserably, to himself, after a time. I'm already a winner by five thousand dollars, and I must at least get rid of that. Bruce to became the centre of interest to those who were not playing, and people marvelled at his luck. They quite misunderstood his eagerness, and the flushed, anxious look, with which he followed each spin at the wheel. He had chosen a seat beside an English Dutchess, whose practice it was to appropriate the winnings of the more inexperienced players, and he was aware that many of his gold pieces were being deliberately stolen. Here he thought was at least a helping hand, and he was on the point of moving his stack toward her side when de Milne interfered. He had watched the Dutchess, and had called the creepyers attention to her neat little method. But that stair, individual, silenced him by saying in surprise, no see madam, l'aduchesse, que vole boy. Not to be downed so easily, de Milne watched the play from behind Monti's chair, and cautioned his friend at the first opportunity. Better cash in and change your seat, Monti, there robin' you, he whispered. Cash in when I'm away ahead of the game, never, and Monti did his best to assume a joyful tone. At first he played with no effort at system, piling his money flat on the numbers, which seemed to have least chance of winning, but he simply could not lose. Then he tried to reverse different systems he had heard of, but they turned out to be winners. Finally in desperation, he began doubling on one colour in the hope that he would surely lose in the end, but his particular fate was against him. With his entire stake on the red, the ball continued to fall into the red holes, until the creepier announced that the bank was broken. Dan de Milne gathered in the money, and counted $40,000 before he handed it to Monti. His friends were overjoyed when he left the table, and wondered why he looked so downhearted. Inwardly he berated himself for not taking Peggy's advice. I'm so glad for your sake that you did not stop when I asked you, Monti, but your luck does not change my belief that gambling is next to stealing. Peggy was constrained to say as they went to suffer. I wish I had taken your advice, he said gloomily. Amidst the fortune you have won, how foolish of you, Monti. You were a loser by several thousand dollars then. She objected with whimsical inconsistency. But Peggy, he said quietly, looking deep into her eyes, it would have won me your respect. End of Chapter 20 Chapter 21 of Brewster's Millions This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, all to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. This reading by Lucy Burgoyne. Brewster's Millions by George Bar McCutcheon. Chapter 21 Fairyland Monti's situation was desperate. Only a little more than six thousand dollars had been spent on the carnival and no opportunity of annihilating the roulette winnings seemed to offer itself. His experience at Monte Carlo did not encourage him to try again and Peggy's attitude toward the place was distinctly antagonistic. The Riviera presenting no new opportunities for extravagance. It became necessary to seek other worlds. I never before understood the real meaning of the phrase tight money thought Monti lord if it would only loosen a bit and stay loosened something must be done he realized to earn his living perhaps the role of the princely propogate would be easier in Italy than anywhere else. He started the outlook from every point of view but there were moments when it seemed hopeless. VDECA was provokingly barren of suggestions for extravagance and Monti grew impatient at the book small economies noticing some chapters on the Italian lakes. In an inspired moment he remembered that Pentagill had once lost his heart to a villa on the lake of Como. Instantly a new act of comedy presented itself to him. He sought out Pentagill and demanded a description of his castle in the air. Oh it's a wonder exclaimed the artist and his eyes grew dreamy. It shines out at you with its white terraces and turrets like those fascinating castles that Maxfield Parish draws for children. It is fairy land you expect to wake and find it gone. Oh drop that petty said Brewster or it will make you poetical. What I want to know is who owns it and is it likely to be occupied at this season. It belongs to a certain Marquis who is a widow with no children. They say she has a horror of the place for some reason and has never been near it. It is kept as though she was to turn up the next day but for the servants it is always deserted. The very thing declared Brewster petty will have a house party. You'd better not count on that Monty. A man I know ran across the place once and tried for a year to buy it but the lady has ideas of her own. Well if you wish to give him a hint or two about how to do things watch me. If you don't spend two weeks in your dream castle I will cut the crowd and sail for home. He secured the name of the owner and found that Pentagill had even a remote idea of the address of her agent. Armed with these facts he set out in search for a courier and through Philip he secured a Frenchman named Bertia who was guaranteed to be surprisingly ingenuous in providing methods of spending money. To him Brewster confided his scheme and Bertia realised with rising enthusiasm that at last he had secured a client after his own heart. He was able to complete the address of the agent of the mysterious Marquis and an inquiry was immediately telegraphed to him. The agent's reply would have been discouraging to anyone but Brewster. It stated that the owner had no intention of leasing her forsaken castle for any period whatever. The profligate learned that a fair price for an estate of that kind for a month was ten thousand francs and he wired an offer of five times that sum for two weeks. The agent replied that some delay would be necessary while he communicated with his principal. Delay was the one word that Brewster did not understand so he wired him an address in Genoa and the flitter was made ready for sea. Steen had been kept up and her coal account would compare favourably with that of an ocean liner. Philip was breathless with joy when he was paid in advance for another month at the hotel on the assumption that the party might be moved to return at any moment. The little town was gay at parting and Brewster and his guests were given a royal farewell. At Genoa the male had accumulated and held the attention of the yacht to the exclusion of everything else. Brewster was somewhat crestfallen to learn that the lady of the villa quarterly refused his princely offer. He won the lifelong devotion of his career by promptly increasing it to one hundred thousand francs. When this too met with rejection there was a pause and a serious consultation between the two. Bertia exclaimed Brewster I must have the thing now what's to be done you've got to help me out but the career prodigal as he was of gestures had no words which seemed pertinent. There must be some way of getting at this marquees. Monty continued reflectively what are her tastes do you know anything about her suddenly the face of the career grew bright I have it he said and then he faltered but the expense Montseor it would be heavy perhaps we can meet it suggested Monty quietly what's the idea it was explained with plenty of action to make it clear the career had heard in Florence that Madame Lamar keys had a passion for automobiles but with her inadequate fortune and the many demands upon it it was a weakness not readily gratified the machine she had used during the winter was by no means up to date possibly if Montseor yet it was too much no villa but Brewster's decision was made why the fellow he said that I will add to my last offer a French machine at the latest model and the best make say to that I would like immediate possession he secured it and the crowd was transferred at once to Fairyland there were protests of course but these Brewster had grown to expect and he was learning to carry things with a high hand the travellers had been preceded by Bertia and the greeting they received from the steward of the estate and his innumerable assistance was very Italian and full of colour a break in the monotony was welcome the loveliness of the villa and its grounds which slope down to the gentle lake silence criticism for a time it was supremely satisfying to do nothing pentagill wondered about as though he could not believe it was real he was lost in a kind of atmosphere of ecstasy to the others who took it more calmly it was still a sort of paradise those who were happy found inert and intensification of happiness and to those who were sad it offered the tenderest opportunities of melancholy mrs. Dan told Brewster that only a poet could have had this inspiration and Peggy added anything after this would be an anti-climax really Monty you would better take us home I feel like the boy who was shut in a closet for punishment and founded the place where they kept the dune said some way it is almost as good as owning Central Park the stables were well equipped and the days wore on in a wonderful piece it was on a radiant afternoon when 12 of the crowd had started out after tea for a long ride toward Lugano that Monty determined to call Peggy Gray to account he was certain that she had deliberately avoided him for days and weeks and he could find no reason for it hour after hour he had lain awake wondering where he had failed her but the conclusion of one moment was rejected the next the Monte Carlo episode seemed the most plausible cause yet even before that he had noticed that whenever he approached her she managed to be talking with someone else two or three times he was sure she had seen his intention before she took refuge with Mrs. Dan or Mary Valentine or Pentacle the thought of the last name gave Monty a sudden thrill what if it were he who had come between them it troubled him but there were moments when the idea seemed impossible as they mounted and started off the exhilaration of the ride made him hopeful they were to have dinner in the open air in the shadow of an abbey ruin some miles away and the servants had been sent ahead to prepare it it went well and with Mrs. Dan's help the dinner was made gay on the return Monty who was off last spurred up his horse to join Peggy she seemed eager to be with the rest and he lost no time with the preamble do you know Peggy he'd begun something seems to be wrong and I am wondering what it is why what do you mean Monty as he paused every time I come near you child you seem to have something else to do if I join the group you are in it is the signal for you to break away nonsense Monty why should I avoid you we have known one another much too long for that but he thought he detected some contradiction in her eyes and he was right the girl was afraid of him afraid of the sensations he awoke afraid desperately of betrayal pentagill may appeal to you he said and his voice was serious but you might at least be courteous to me how absurd you are Monty Brewster the girl grew hot you needn't think that your million gives you the privilege of dictating to all of your guests Peggy how can you he interjected she went on ruthlessly if my conduct interferes with your highness's pleasure I can easily join the Prestons in Paris suddenly Brewster remembered that pentagill had spoken of the Prestons and expressed a fleeting wish that he might be with them in the Latin Quarter with pentagill to follow I suppose he said I silly it would certainly give you more privacy and Mrs. Dan more opportunities she retorted as he dropped back toward the others the artist instantly took his place the next moment he had challenged her to a race and they were flying down the road in the moonlight Brewster not to be outdone was after them but it was only a moment before his horse shied violently at something black in the road then he saw Peggy's horse galloping riderless instantly with fear at his throat he had dismounted and was at the girl's side she was not hurt they found only bruised and dazed and somewhat lain a girth had broken and her saddle turned the crowd waited silent and somewhat awed until the carriage with the servants came up and she was put into it Mrs. Dan's maid was there and Peggy insisted that she would have no one else but as Monty helped her in he had whispered you won't go child will you how could things go on here end of chapter 21 chapter 22 of Brewster's Millions this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Brewster's Millions by George Barr McCutcheon chapter 22 Prince and Peasants the peacefulness of fairyland was something which Brewster could not afford to continue and with Bertie he was soon planning to invade it the automobile which he was obliged to order for the mysterious marquis put other ideas into his head it seemed at once absolutely necessary to give a coaching party in Italy and as coaches of the right kind were hard to find there and the changes of horses most uncertain nothing could be more simple and natural than to import automobiles from Paris looking into the matter he found that they would have to be purchased outright as the renting of five machines would put his credit to two severe attest accordingly Bertie telegraphed a wholesale order which taxed the resources of the manufacturers and caused much complaint from some customers whose work was unaccountably delayed the arrangement made by the courier was that they were to be taken back at a greatly reduced price at the end of six weeks the machines were shipped at once five to Milan and one to the address at the mysterious marquis in Florence it was with a sharp regret that Monty broke into the idol of the villa for the witchery at the place had got into his club but a stern sense of duty combined with the fact that the Paris chauffeurs and machines were due in Milan on Monday made him ruthless he was astonished that his orders to decamp were so meekly obeyed forgetting that his solicitous guests did not know that worse extravagance lay beyond he took them to Milan by train and lodged them with some splendour at the hotel cavall here he found that the fame of the princely profligate had preceded him and his poorly host was all deference and attention all regret too for Montseua was just too late to hear the wonderful company of artists who had been singing at La Scala the season was but just ended here was an opportunity missed indeed and Brewster's vexation brought out an ironical comment to Bertie Urb it rankled that it had its effect the courier proved equal to the emergency discovering that the manager of the company and the principal artists were still in Milan he suggested to Brewster that a special performance would be very difficult to secure but might still be possible his chief court at the idea and authorised him to make every arrangement reserving the entire house through his own party but the place will look bare protested the courier aghast fill it with flowers cover it with tapestries commanded Brewster i've put the affair in your hands and i trust you to carry it through in the right way show them how it ought to be done Bertie's heart swelled within him at the thought of so glorious an opportunity his fame he felt was already established in Italy it became a matter of pride to do the thing handsomely and the necessary business arrangements called out all these unused resources of delicacy and diplomacy when it came to the decoration of the opera house he called upon pentagonal for assistance and together they superintendent an arrangement which curtain off a large part of the place and reduced it to liveable proportions with the flowers and the lights the tapestries and the great faded flags it became something quite different from the usual empty theater to the consternation of the Italians the work had been rushed and it was on the evening after their arrival in Milan that Brewster conducted his friends in state to the scalar it was almost a triumphal progress that he had generously if unwittingly given the town the most princely sensation in years and curiosity was abundant mrs valentine who was in the carriage with Monty wondered openly why they were attracting so much attention they take us for american dukes and princesses explained Monty they never saw a white man before perhaps they expected us to ride on buffaloes said mrs dan with indian captives in our train no subway smith protested i've seemed to see disappointment in their faces they are looking for crowns and skeptas and a shower of gold coin really Monty you don't play the game as you should why i could give you points on the patentate act myself a milk white steed a few cluttering attendance in gorgeous uniforms a lofty nod here and there and little me distributing silver in the rear i wonder exclaimed mr stan if they don't get tired now and then a beam patentates can't you fancy living in palaces and longing for a thatch cottage easily answered subway with a laugh haven't we tried it ourselves two months of living upon nothing but fatted carbs is more than i can stand we shall be ready for a home for despectics if you can't slow down a bit Monty we're upon mr stan evolved the plan and promptly began to carry it out by inviting the crowd to dinner the next night Monty protested that they would be leaving the land in the afternoon and that this was distinctly his affair and he was selfish but mr stan was very sure my dear boy you can't have things your own way every minute in another month you will be quite spoiled anything to prevent that my duty is plain even if i have to use heroic measures you dine with me tomorrow Monty recognized defeat when he met it and graciously accepted her very kind invitation the next moment they drew up at the opera house and were ushered in with a deference accorded only to wealth the splendor at the effect was overpowering to brista as well as to his bewildered guests Aladdin it seemed had fairly outdone himself the wonder of it was so complete that it was some time before they could settle down to the opera which was Ada given with an enthusiasm that only Italians can compass during the last intermission brista and Peggy were walking in the foyer they had really spoken since the day of the ride but Monty noticed with happiness that she had on several occasions avoided pentagon i thought we had given up fairyland when we left the lakes but i believe you carry it with you she said the trouble with this Monty replied is that there are too many people about my fairyland is to be just a little different your fairyland Monty will be built of gold and paved with silver you will sit all day cutting coupons in an office of ala buster Peggy do you too think me vulgar it's a beastly parade i know but it can't stop now you don't realize the momentum of the thing you do it up to the handle she pulled in and you are much too generous to be vulgar but it worries me Monty it worries me desperately it's the future i'm thinking of your future which is beings followed up this kind of thing can't go on and what is to follow it you are wasting your substance and you are not making any life for yourself that opens out Peggy he answered very seriously you have got to trust me i can't back out but i'll tell you this you shall not be disappointed in me in the end there was a miss before the girl's eyes as she looked at him i believe you Monty she said simply i shall not forget the curtain rose upon the next act and something in the opera toward the end seemed to bring the two very close together as they were leaving the theater there was a note of regret from Peggy it had been perfect she breathed yet Monty isn't it a waste that no one else should have seen it think of these poverty-stricken peasants who adore music and have never heard an opera well they shall hear one now Monty rose to it but he felt like a hypocrite in concealing his chief motive we'll repeat the performance tomorrow night and fill the house with them he was as good as his word Bert here was given a task the next day which was not to his taste but with the assistance of the city authorities he carried it through to them it was an evidence of insanity but there was something princely about it and they were tolerant the manager of the opera house was less complacent and he had an exclamatory terror of the damage to his upholstery but Brewster had discovered that in Italian gold is a panacea for all ills and his prescriptions were liberal to him the day was short the Peggy's interest in the penance as it came to be called was so keen that she insisted on having a hand in the preliminaries there was something about the partnership that appealed to Monty to her regret that the meal dinner interfered with the opening of the performance but Monty consoled her with the promise that the opera and its democratic audience should follow during the day Mrs Dan had been deep in preparations for a banquet but her plans were elaborately concealed they culminated at eight o'clock in the cove not far from the scala and the dinner was eaten in the garden to the sound of music yet it was an effect of simplicity with which Mrs Dan surprised her guests they were prepared for anything but and when they were served with consomme spaghetti a concession to the chef and chops and peas followed by a salad and coffee the gratitude of the crowd was quite beyond expression in a burst of enthusiasm Subway Smith suggested a testimonial Monty complained vitally that he himself had never received a ghost of a testimonial he protested that it was not deserved why should you expect it exclaimed pentagill when you have risen from terrapin and artichokes to chops and chicory when have you given us nectar and ambrosia like this Monty was defeated by a unanimous vote and Mrs Dan's testimonial was assured this matter settled Peggy and Mrs Valentine with Brewster and pentagill walked over to the scala and heard again the last two acts of Ada but the audience was different and the applause the next day at noon the chauffeurs from Paris reported for duty and five gleaming French devil wagons steamed off through the crowd in the direction of Venice through Brescia and Verona and Vicenza they passed scattering larges of silver in their wake and leaving a trail of breathless wonder Brewster found the pace too fast and by the time they reached Venice he had a wishful longing to take this radiant country more slowly but this is purely a business trip he thought and I can't expect to enjoy it someday I'll come back and do it differently I could spend hours in a gondola if the blame things were not more expensive by the trip it was there that he was suddenly recalled to his duty from dreams of moonlight on the water by a cablegram which demanded three hundred and twenty four dollars before it could be read it contained word for word the parable of the ten talents and ended with the simple word jones end of chapter 22 chapter 23 of Brewster's millions this is a LibriVox recording all LibriVox recordings are in the public domain for more information auto volunteer please visit LibriVox.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Brewster's millions by George Barr McCutcheon chapter 23 an offer of marriage the summer is scarcely a good time to visit Egypt but Monty and his guests had a desire to see even a little of the northern coast of Africa it was decided therefore that after Athens the flitter should go south the yacht had met them at Naples after the automobile procession a kind of triumphal progress was disbanded in Florence and they had taken a hurried survey of Rome by the middle of July the party was leaving the heat of Egypt and finding it not half bad new york was not more than a month away as Brewster reckoned time and distance and there was still too much money in the treasury as September drew nearer he got into the habit of frequently forgetting Swaraj and Jones until it was too late to retrace his steps he was coming to the death struggle as he termed it and there was something rather terrorizing in the fear that the million might die hard and so these last days and nights were glorious ones if one could have looked at them with unbiased untroubled eyes but every member of his party was praying for the day when the flitter would be well into the broad Atlantic and the worst over at Alexandria Brewster had letters to some Englishmen and in the few entertainments that he gave succeeded once again in fairly outdoing Aladdin a sheik from the interior was a guest at one of Monty's entertainments he was a burly hot-blooded fellow with a densely populated harem and he had been invited more as a curiosity than as one to be honored as he came aboard the flitter Monty believed that the invitation was more than justified Muhammad was superb and the women of the party made so much of him that it was small wonder that his head was turned he felt desperately in love with Peggy Gray on site and with all the composure of a potentate who had never been crossed he sent for Brewster the next day and told him to send her around and he would marry her Monty's blood boiled furiously for a minute or two but he was quick to see the wisdom of treating the proposition diplomatically he tried to make it plain to the sheik that Miss Gray could not accept the honor he wished confer upon her but it was not my habit custom to be denied anything he asked for especially anything feminine he complacently announced that he would come aboard that afternoon and talk it over with Peggy Brewster looked the swarthy gentleman over with unconcealed disgust in his eyes the mere thought of this ugly brute so much as touching the hand of little Peggy Gray filled him with horror and yet there was something laughable in the situation he could not hide the smile that came with the mind picture of Peggy listening to the avowal of the sheik the Arab misinterpreted this exhibition of mirth to him the grin indicated friendship and encouragement he wanted to give Brewster a ring as a pledge of affection but the American declined the offering and also refused to carry a bag of jewels to Peggy I've let the old boy come aboard just to see Peggy look a hole through him he resolved no matter how obnoxious it may be it isn't every girl who can say an oriental potentate has asked her to marry him if this camel herder gets disagreeable we may tumble him into the sea for a change with the best grace possible he invited the sheik to come aboard and consult Miss Gray in person my heaven was a good bit puzzled over the intimation that it would be necessary for him to plead for anything he had expressed a desire to possess Brewster confided the news to Rip Van Winkle and Subway Smith who had gone ashore with him and the trio agreed that it would be good sport to let the royal proposal come as a surprise to Peggy Van Winkle returned to the yacht at once but his companions stayed ashore to do some shopping when they approached the flitter later on they observed an unusual commotion on deck my heaven had not turreted long after their departure he gathered his train together selected a few costly presents that had been returned from the heron and advanced on the boat without delay the captain of the flitter stared long and hard at the gaily bedecked launches and then called to his first officer together they watched the ceremonious approach a couple of brown faced heros came aboard first and announced the approach of the mighty chief captain Perry went forward to greet the sheik as he came over the side of the ship that he was brushed aside by the advanced guards half a hundred swarthy fellas crowded aboard and then came the sheik the persertification of prompt and pride where is she he asked in his native tongue the passengers were by this time aware of the visitation and began to struggle on deck filled with curiosity what the devil do you mean by coming aboard in this manner demanded the now irate captain Perry shoving a couple of retainers out of his path and facing the beaming suitor an interpreter took a hand at this juncture and the doubly captain finally was made to understand the object of the visit he laughed in the sheik's face and told the mate to call up a few jackies to drive the dagos off rip fanwinkle interfered and peace was restored the crews had changed rip into a happy and far more radiant creature so it was only natural that he should have shared the secret with mary valentine he had told the story of the sheik's demand to her as soon as he came aboard and she had divulged it to piggy the instant rip was out of sight bruised to found the sheik sitting in state on the upper deck impatiently waiting the appearance of his charm up he did not know her name but he had tranquilly commanded rip to produce all of the women on board so that he might select Peggy from among them van winkel and bragdon who now was in the secret were preparing to march the ladies past the ruler when monty came up has he seen piggy he asked a van winkel not yet she is dressing for the occasion well wait and see what happens to him when she gets over the first shot laugh monty just then the sheik discovered piggy who pretty as a picture grew near the strange group to her amazement two slaves rushed forward and obstructed her passage long enough to beat their heads on the deck a few times after which they arose and tended to magnificent necklaces she was prepared for the proposal but this action disconcerted her she gasped and looked about in perplexity her friends were smiling broadly and the sheik had placed his hands over his pulpitating heart lathario has a pain whispered rip van winkel sympathetically and bruised to laugh piggy did not hesitate an instant after hearing the laugh she walked straight toward the sheik her cheeks were pink and her eyes were flashing dangerously the persistent brown slaves followed with the jewels but she ignored them completely braver she intended to be she could not repress the shutter of repulsion that went over her as she looked full upon this aga arab graceful and slender she stood before the burlima heaven that his idol was not pulled by the presence of so many witnesses with a thug he dropped to his knees wobbling for a moment in the successful effort to maintain a poetic equilibrium then he began pouring forth volumes of shattered french english and arabic sentiment accompanied by facial contortions so intense that they were a little less than gruesome oh joy of the sun supreme jewel of the only eye hearken to the own treaty of mohaban it was more as if he were commanding his troops in battle than pleading for the tender compassion of a lady love i am come for you queen of the sea and earth and sky my boats are here my camels there and mohaban promises you a palace in the sunlit hills if you will but let me bask forever in the glory of your smile all this was uttered in a mixture of tongues so atrocious that subway smith afterward described it as a salad the written new bound impressively and two or three graceless americans applauded as vigorously as if they were approving the actions of a well-drilled comic opera chorus sailors were hanging in the rigging on the davits and over the deck house roof smile for the gentleman peggy commanded brooster delightedly he wants to take a short bask you are very rude mr brooster said peggy turning upon him coldly then to the waiting expectant chic what is the meaning of this eloquence mohaban looked bewildered for a moment and then turned to the interpreter who cleared up the mystery surrounding her english for the next three or four minutes the air was filled with the duels of aprica star sunlight queen heavenly joy pearl of the desert and other things in bad english worst french and perfect arabic he was making promises that could not be redeemed if he lived a thousand years in conclusion the gallant chic drew a long breath screwed his face into a simpering grin and played his trump card in unmistakable english it sounded pathetically like europe peach an indecorous roar went up from the white spectators and a jackie in the rigging suddenly thinking of home piped up with a bar or two from the star spangled banner having accomplished what he considered to be his part of the ceremony the chic arose and started toward his launch coolly motioning the herd to follow so far as he was concerned the matter was closed but peggy her heart thumping like a trip hammer her eyes full of excitement implored him to stop for a moment i appreciate this great honor but i have a request to make she said clearly mohammed paused irresolutely and in some irritation here's where the heathen gets it among the beads whispered monti to mrs dan and he called out captain perry do tell half a dozen men to pick up the beads that are about to slip from his majesty's neck end of chapter 23 chapter 24 of bruce's millions this is a libra vox recording all libra vox recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit libra vox.org this reading by lucy bergoyne bruce's millions by george bar mccutchen chapter 24 the chic's strategy peggy gave the chic an entrancing smile followed by a brief glance at the beaming miss valentine who nodded her head approvingly won't you give me time to go below and pack my belongings that they may be sent to shore she asked nobly thunder gas monti that's no way to turn him down what do you mean monti bruised her she cried turning upon him with flashing eyes why you're encouraging the old guy he protested disappointment in every inflection and what if i am isn't it my affair i think i am right in suspecting that he has asked me to be his wife isn't it my privilege to accepting if i wish bruised his face was a study he could not believe that she was in earnest but there was a ghastly feeling that the joke was being turned on him the rest of the company stared hard at the flushed peggy and breathlessly waited developments it won't do to trifle with this chap peggy said monti coming quite close to her don't lead him on he might get nasty if he thinks you're making sport of him you are quite absurd monti she cried pertulently i am not making sport of him well then why don't you tell him to go about his business i don't see any beads lying around loose said rip tormentingly the sheikh impatiently said something to the interpreter and that worthy repeated it for peggy's benefit the son of the prophet desires that you be as quick as possible queen of the world he tires of waiting and commands you to come with him at once peggy winced and her eyes shot a brief look of scorn at the scowling sheikh in an instant however she was smiling agreeably and was turning toward the steps holy mackerel where are you going peggy cried lotless the first to turn fearful to throw some things into my trunk she responded eerily will you come with me mary peggy cried bruised her angrily this has gone far enough you should have spoken sooner monti she said quietly what are you going to do margaret cried mrs dan her eyes wide with amazement i'm going to marry the son of the prophet she replied so decidedly that everyone gasped a moment later she was surrounded by a group of excited women and captain perry was calling the jackies forward in a voice of thunder bruised to push his way to her side his face as white as death this isn't a joke peggy he cried go below and i'll get rid of the sheikh just then the burly algerian asserted himself he did not like the way in which his adored one was being handled by the white dogs and with two spearmen he rushed up to bruised her jabbering angrily stand back you idiot or i'll punch your head off said bruised her with sudden emphasis it was not until this moment that peggy realized that there might be a serious side to the little farce she and mary had decided to play for the punishment of bruised her terror suddenly took the place of mirth and she clung frantically to monti's arm i was joking monti only joking she cried oh what have i done it's my fault he exclaimed that i'll take care of you never fear stand aside roared the sheikh threatening the situation was ominous frightened as they were the women could not flee but stood as if petrified sailors eagerly swarmed to the deck get off this boat said monti ominously calm to the interpreter or we'll pitch you and your whole mob into the sea keep cool keep cool cried subway smith quickly he stepped between bruised her and the angry suitor and that action alone prevented serious trouble while he parlayed with the sheik mrs demille hurried peggy to a safe place below deck and they were followed by a flock of shivering women poor peggy was almost in tears and the pittiest glances she threw at bruised her when he stepped between her and the effectuous sheik who had started to follow struck deep into his heart and made him ready to fight to the death for her it took nearly an hour to convince the algerian that peggy had misunderstood him and the american women were not to be wooed after the african fashion he finally departed with his entire train thoroughly dissatisfied and in a high dungeon at first he threatened to take her by force then he agreed to give her another day in which to make up her mind to go with him peacefully and again he concluded that a bird in the hand was worth two in the bush bruised distilled gloomily on the outside of the excited group glowering upon the ugly suitor cooler heads had relegated him to this place of security during the diplomatic contest the sheik's threats of vengeance were direful he's fooled by somebody's beard that he would bring 10 000 men to establish his claim by force his intense desire to fight for her then and there was quelled by captain perry's detachment a six lusty sailors whose big bare fists were shaken vigorously under a few startled noses it took all the fight out of the sheik and his train three retainers fell into the sea while trying to retreat as far as possible from danger the habit departed with the irate declaration that he would come another day and that the whole world would tremble at his approach disgusted with himself and afraid to meet the eyes of the other men bruised a went below in search of Peggy he took time to comfort the anxious women who crowded about him and then asked for miss gray she was in a state room and would not come forth when he knocked at the door a dismal troubled voice from within told him to go away come out Peggy it's all over he called please go away Monty she said what are you doing in there there was a long pause and then came the pitiful little whale i am unpacking please sir that night Brewster entertained on board the yacht several resident french and english acquaintances being the guests of honor the story of the day was told by mrs dan de mill commissioned especially for the duty she painted the scene so vividly that the guests laughed with joy over the discomforture of the sheik Peggy and Brewster found themselves looking sheepishly at one another now and then in the course of the recital she purposely had avoided him during the evening but she had gamely endured the railery that came from the rest of the party if she was a bit pale it was not surprising now that it was over the whole affair appalled her more than she could have suspected when several of the guests of the evening soberly announced that Mohammed was a dangerous man and even an object of worry to the government she felt a strange catch in her throat and her now mirthless eyes turned instinctively to Brewster who it seemed was the sheik's special object of aversion the next day sheer Monty talked it over the penitence of both was beautiful to behold each denied the other the privilege of assuming all the blame and both were so happy that Mohammed was little more than a preposition in their conversation so far as prominence was concerned but all day long the harbor was full of fisher boats and at nightfall they still were longing about sinister restless mysterious like purposeless buzzards and the dark men on board were taking up no fish neither were they minding the nets that lay dry and folded in the bottom of their boats far into the night there was revelry on board the flitter more guests having come out from the city the dark hours before the dawn of day had arrived before they put off for sure but the fisher boats still were bobbing about in the black waters of the harbor the lights gradually disappeared from the port holes of the yacht and the tired watch was about to be relieved Monty Brewster and Peggy remained on deck after the guests had gone over the side of the vessel they were leaning over the rail act listening to the jovial voices of the visitors as they grew fainter and fainter in the distance the lights of the town were few but they could plainly be seen from the offing are you tired Peggy ask Brewster with a touch of tenderness somehow of late he had often felt a strange desire to take her in his arms and now it was strong upon him she was very near and there was a drooping weariness in her attitude which seemed to demand protection I have a queer feeling that something awful is going to happen tonight Monty she answered trouble in her soft voice you're nervous that's all he said and you should get to sleep good night the hands touched in the darkness and the thrill that went over him told the truth of which he had been only vaguely conscious the power of it made him exultant yet when he thought of her and her too quiet affection for him it left him despondent something bumped against the side of the ship and a grating sound followed then came other gentle floods combined with the soft swish of water disturbed Peggy and Brewster were on the point of going below when their attention was caught by these strange sounds what is it she asked as they paused irresolutely he strode to the rail the girl firing close behind him three sharp little whistles came from above and behind them that before they had time even to speculate as to their meaning the result was in evidence over the sides of the ship came shadowy forms as if by magic and their backs panther like bodies dropped to the deck with stealthy thugs as if coming from the inky sky above there was an instant of dreadful calm and then the crisis a dozen sinewy forms held themselves upon Brewster who taken completely by surprise was thrown to the deck in an instant his attempt to cry out for help being checked by heavy hands Peggy scream was cut off quickly and paralyzed by terror she felt herself engulfed in strong arms and smothered into silence it all happened so quickly that there was no chance to give the alarm no opportunity to resist Brewster felt himself lifted bodily and then there was the sensation of falling he struck something forcibly with all his weight and fell back with a crash to the deck afterward he found that the effort to throw him overboard had failed only because his assailants in their haste had held him against an unseen stanchion Peggy was born forward and lowered swiftly into the arms that deposited her roughly upon something hard there was a jerky rocking motion the sudden flash of oars and then she knew no more the invaders had planned with a craftiness and patience that deserved success for hours they had waited silently watchfully and with deadly assurance how they crept up to the flitter in such numbers and how the more daring came aboard long before the blow was struck no one ever explained so quickly and so accurately was the abduction performed that the boats were well clear of the yacht before alarm was given by one of the watch who had been overlooked in the careful assault sleepy sailors rushed on deck with a promptness that was amazing very quickly they had found and unbound Brewster carried a couple of wounded shipmates below and had Captain Perry in his pajamas on deck to take command the searchlight cried Brewster frantically the devils have stolen Miss Gray while swift hands were lowering the boats for the chase others were carrying firearms on deck the searchlight threw its mighty wide arm out over the water before many seconds had passed and eager eyes were looking for the boats of the pillagers the Arabs had reckoned without the searchlight their fist exultation died suddenly when the mysterious streak of light shot into the sky and then swept down upon the scene hunting them out of the darkness like a great relentless eye the flitters boats were in the water and manned by a sturdy oarsman before the glad cry went up that the robber fleet had been discovered they were so near the yacht that it was evident the dusky tribesmen were poor oarsmen in the clear light from the ship's deck they could be seen paddling wildly their white robes fluttering as though inspired by fear there were four boats all of them crowded to the gunwaves keep the light on them captain shouted Monty from below try to pick out the boat that has missed gray on board pull away boys this means a hundred dollars to every one of you yes a thousand if we have to fight for her kill every day in one of them mr Brewster rober captain who had retired behind a boat when he became aware of the presence of women on deck three boats shot away from the side of the yacht Brewster and Joe Bragdon in the first both armed with rifles let's take a shot at him cried a sailor who stood in the stern with his finger on a trigger don't do that we don't know what boat holds pity commanded Brewster keep cool boys and be ready to scrap if we have to he was half mad with fear and anxiety and he was determined to exterminate the bands of robbers if harm came to the girl in their power she's in the second boat came the cry from the yacht and the searchlight was kept on that particular object almost to the exclusion of the others but captain Perry saw the wisdom of keeping all of them clearly located in order to prevent trickery Brewster's brawny sailor boys came up like greyhounds cheering as they dashed among the boats of the fugitives three or four shots were fired into the air by the zealous american lads and there were loud cries from the Arabs as they veered off panic stricken Monty's boat was now in the path of light and not far behind the one which held piggy he was standing in the bow take care of the others he called back to his followers we'll go after the leaders the response from behind was a cheer a half dozen shots and some of the most joyous profanity that ever fell from the lips of american sailors mingled with shrieks from the boats they were to take care of stop Brewster shouted to the Arabs stop or we'll kill every one of you his boat was not more than 50 feet from the other suddenly a tall white robe figure arose in the middle of the egyptian craft and a moment later the pursuers saw Peggy's form passed up to him she was instantly classed by one of his long arms and the other was lifted high above her a gleaming knife was held in the upraised hand fire on us if you dare came in french from the tall Arab dog of an american she shall die if you come near her end of chapter 24 chapter 25 of Brewster's millions this is a Libra box recording all Libra box recordings are in the public domain for more information or to volunteer please visit Libra box.org this reading by Lucy Burgoyne Brewster's millions by George Bar McCutcheon chapter 25 the rescue of Peggy Brewster's heart almost ceased beating and every vestige of color left his face clear and distinct in the light from the yacht the Arab and his burden were outlined against the black screen beyond there was no mistaking the earnestness of the threat nor could the witnesses doubt the ghastling intention of the long cruel knife that gleaned on height Peggy's body served as a shield for that of her captor Brewster and Bragdon recognised a man as one of Mohammed's principal retainers a fierce looking fellow who had attracted more than usual attention on the day at the Sheik's visit for God's sake don't kill her cried Brewster in agonised tones there was a diabolical grin on the face of the Arab who was about to shout back some defiant taunt when the unexpected happened the sharp crack of a gun sounded in the stern of Brewster's boat and an unearing bullet sped straight for the big Arab's forehead it crashed between his eyes and death must have been instantaneous the knife flew from his hand his body straightened and then collapsed toppling over not among his oarsmen but across the gun whale of the craft before a hand could be lifted to prevent the dead Arab and the girl were plunged into the sea a cry of horror went up from the Americans and something surprisingly like a shout of triumph from the abductors even as Brewster poised for the spring into the water a flying form shot past him and into the sea with the resounding splash the man that fired the shot had reckoned cleverly and he was carrying out the final details of an inspired plan the Arab's position as he stood in the boat was such as to warrant the sailors belief that he could fall no other way than forward and that meant over the side of the boat with all this clearly in mind he had shot straight and true and was on his way to the water almost as the two toppled overboard Monty Brewster was in the water an instant later striking out for the spot where they had disappeared a little to the left of the course in which his boat was running there was a rattle of firearms with curses and cheers but he paid no heed to these sounds he was a length or two behind the sailor praying with all his soul that one or the other might succeed in reaching the white robes that still kept the surface of the water his crew was backing water and straining every muscle to bring the boat around sharp for the rescue the sailors powerful strokes brought him to the spot first but not in time to clutch the disappearing white robes just as he reached out an arm to grasp the form of the girl she went down he did not hesitate a second but followed Peggy had fallen from the dead Arabs embrace and that worthy already was at the bottom of the sea she was half conscious when the shot came but the plunge into the cold water revived her her struggles were enough to keep her up for a few moments but not long enough for the swimmers to reach her side she felt herself going down and down strangling smothering dying then something vice like clutched her arm and she had the sensation of being jerked upward violently the sailor fought his way to the surface with the girl and Brewster was at his side in an instant together they supported her until one of the boats came up and they were drawn over the side to safety by this time the abductors had scattered like sheep without a leader and as there was no further object in pursuing them the little American fleet put back for the yacht in great haste Peggy was quite conscious when carried aboard by the triumphant Brewster the words he whispered to her as she lay in the bottom of the boat were enough to give her life the excitement on board the flitter was boundless fear gave way to joy and where to spearhead for a moment reigned supreme there was now the most insane delight Peggy was bundled below and into a berth dr lotless attending her assisted by all the women on board Brewster and the sailor drenched but happy were carried on the shoulders of enthusiastic supporters to a place where hot toddies were to be had before blankets you have returned the favor Conroy said Brewster fervently as he leaned across the heads of his bearers to shake hands with the sailor who was sharing the honors with him Conroy was grinning from ear to ear as he sat perched on the shoulders of his shipmates I was luckier than I thought in saving your life that day it wasn't anything mr Brewster said young Conroy I saw a chance to drop the big nigger and then it was up to me to get her out of the water you took a big risk Conroy but you made good with it if it had not been for you my boy they might have got away with Miss Gray don't mention it mr Brewster it was nothing to do protested Conroy in confusion I'd do anything in the world for you and for her what is the adage about casting your bread upon the water and getting it back again ask Rip Van Winkle of Joe Bregdon as they jubilantly followed the procession below there was no more sleep on board that night in fact the sun was not long in showing itself after the rescuers returned to the vessel the daring attempt of my habits and miseries was discussed without restraint and every sailor had a story to tell of the pursuit and rescue the event furnished conversational food for days and days among both the seamen and the passengers Dan Demille blamed himself relentlessly for sleeping through it all and moped for hours because he had lost a magnificent chance to do something the next morning he proposed a hunt for the sheik and offered to lead an assault in person an investigation was made and government officials tried to call Muhammad to account but he had fled to the desert and the search was fruitless Brewster refused to accept a share at the glory of Peggy's rescue pushing Conroy forward as the real hero but the sailor insisted that he could not have succeeded without help that he was completely exhausted when Monty came to the rescue Peggy found it hard to thank him gently while her heart was so dangerously near the riot point and her words of gratitude sounded pitifully weak and insufficient it would have been the same had anybody else gone to her rescue he mused dejectedly she cares for me with the devotion of a sister and that's all Peggy Peggy he moaned if you could only love me I I oh well there's no use thinking about it she will love someone else of course and be happy too if she'd appear only one-tenth as grateful to me as to Conroy I'd be satisfied he had the luck to be first that's all but god knows I tried to do it Mrs Dan Demille was keen enough to see how the land lay and she at once tried to set matters straight she was far too clever to push her campaign ruthlessly but laid her foundations and then built cunningly and securely with the most substantial material that came to hand from day to day her subjects were taking themselves too deeply to heart to appreciate interference on the part of an outsider and Mrs Dan was wise in the whims of love Peggy was not herself for several days after her experience and the whole party felt a distinct relief when the yacht finally left the harbor and steamed off to the west a cablegram that came the day before may have had something to do with Brewster's depression but he was not the sort to confess it it was from Swaraj and Jones of Butte Montana and there was something sinister in the laconic admonition it read Brewster U.S. consulate Alexandria have a good time while good times last Jones his brain was almost bursting with the hopes and fears and uncertainties that crowded it far beyond its ordinary capacity it had come to the point it seemed to him when the brains of a dozen men at least were required to operate the affairs that were surging into his alone the mere fact that the end of his year was less than two months off and that there was more or less uncertainty as to the character at the end was sufficient cause for worry but the new trouble was infinitely harder to endure when he sat down to think over his financial enterprises his mind treacherously wandered off to Peggy Gray and then everything was hopeless he recalled the courage and confidence that had carried him to Barbara Drew with the declaration of love to the stunning Will Glee Barbara and smile bitterly when he saw how basely the two allies were deserting him in this hour of love for Peggy Gray for some reason he had felt sure of Barbara for another reason he saw no chance with Peggy she was not the same thought she was different she was well she was Peggy occasionally his reflections assume the importance of calculations his crews were sure to cost two hundred thousand dollars a princely sum but not enough Swarajan Jones and his cable graham did not owe him to a great extent the spending of the million had become a mania with him now and he had no regard for consequences his one desire aside from Peggy was to increase the cost of the crews they were leaving Jill Rolter when a new idea came into his troubled head he decided to change his plans and sail for the North Cape thereby adding more than thirty thousand dollars to his credit end of chapter 25