 Chapter 9 of Prince or Chauffeur, A Story of Newport by Lawrence Perry This Liber Vox recording is in the public domain. Armitage changes his vocation. Half an hour after the incident at Trinity, Armitage hurried from the little ferry boat which had just landed him at the torpedo station and made his way to the house of the storekeeper who was out, of course. He had gone to Providence, his wife said, and would return about four o'clock. Armitage took the key to the shops only to find when he entered that the storekeeper's books were in the safe, the combination to which he did not know. This by no means improved his temper and he began to blunder about the office and the dragnet search. Finally when he found himself kicking over chairs which were in his way, in his aimless course the humor of the situation came to him. He sat down upon a tool chest and laughed aloud. Clearly there was nothing for him to do in the absence of Jackson except go to his dinner, which he did. A few minutes before three o'clock he went to the office again and sat down to wait for Yiske. He gave the man half an hour over time and then nodded grimly and dismissed an lingering notion he might have entertained concerning his honesty. When the storekeeper appeared sometime later, Armitage was still at his desk, idly drawing diagrams on a pad. Mr. Jackson, he said, I hate to bother you today but things have happened which seem to make it necessary to check those parts. Now Armitage arose briskly. The storekeeper waved his hands, oh I checked them up this morning, he said. Everything straight, snapped Armitage. Why yes, Jackson fumbled in his desk, here is the sheet. Armitage seized it and glanced up and down the various items. Will he work, Mr. Jackson? He looked up with a sigh of relief. Everything seems correct. George, that takes a load off my mind. Let's see, he went down the list with his finger. I understand you, don't I? He said handing the sheet to the storekeeper. Understand? I mean this is a list taken from the tally sheet of parts, all of which you have found to be in the office. In other words, he added rapidly, everything that appears on this sheet is now at the present time inside this office. Yes, everything except the storekeeper paused an instant, looking at Armitage with sudden doubt. Except what? cried the officer impatiently. Why that special core of the magnetic control? You have that, haven't you? It isn't in the shop. Isn't in the shop? Well, where the devil is it then? Why exclaimed the storekeeper, no one ever handled that, but you? Not even Yiski, you never let anyone even see it. I remember how careful you have been about that. I know Armitage rose from his chair, but it was never out of the shop. It was always in the big safe. Have you looked there? He turned to Jackson, hopefully. But the storekeeper shook his head. Are you sure you have looked everywhere? It is not in the shop. I thought sure you must have it. Does it? Was it vitally important? Important. Armitage threw himself into a chair and put his feet on the desk. Well, Jackson, I fancy you might call it so. Damn. The storekeeper whistled. I shall have the rooms of the workmen searched. Just one room, please. And quickly will you rejoin Armitage Yiski's. He is the only man who would have known its value. Give my compliments to the superintendent and ask him for someone to help you. As the storekeeper departed, Joe Thornton entered the office. Any luck, Jack? Rotten, the magnetic control of the model is gone. I was right this morning and you were wrong, Joe. Yiski got it. Why didn't I keep my hands on him when I had him? Something told me, too. The dues Thornton regarded his friend with a grave face. Is it very serious? Does it give the whole snap away? It gives about 90 percent more away than pleases me. It would take some genius, long nights of labor, to supply the other 10 percent, even with the aid of the plans which no doubt Yiski has copied. That is, there are one or two things that I kept off the paper. Kept in my head. He paced up and down the floor, but other men have heads, too. That thing has got to be returned the quicker the better. Well, Thornton smiled encouragingly. Yiski can't get out of the country and he'll be caught before he dopes the thing out. Even if he has mailed or expressed it, it can be held up before it leaves this country. You had the control in the model torpedo last night. Have you wired? I've sent a general call to this secret service for him to Boston, New York and Washington. They are holding the telegrams as long as letters at the telegraph office for release. I've also wired to the department on file telling what has happened. I wrote before I knew what was gone, so I wouldn't have to lie in case he took what he did take. Yes, agreed Thornton. There is no use in letting on how bad it really is. Thornton was growing quite optimistic. Yiski can't get away. You'll have the thing back here within three days. Armagedge smiled. Not through capturing Yiski. He hasn't it now. You don't suppose he is enough of a fool to risk being caught with the goods, do you? He got that thing off his hands quick. Transferred it. Who, too? Armagedge shrugged his shoulders. Two prints cold soft. Cold soft. How do you know? How do I know anything that isn't as plain as a pike's staff? Common sense. Prince Cold Soft has that thing right now. Armagedge grinned the noble guest of the House of Ronald Wellington playing the spy and rather successfully. Quite an interesting society item, eh? Thornton did not smile. Look here, old man. What is your drift? Prince Cold Soft. Oh, boy. This is serious. It is nothing to smile about. Say, do you know what this means? Oh, no, said Armagedge sarcastically. Oh, I don't mean the laws to yourself and the government. I mean the politics of it. Jack every nation knows about that torpedo. You know the attachés that have been snooping around here on one pretense or another since you have been working. Japan knows about it. You know her situation with Russia. Russia gets your torpedo. What's Japan going to do? What will England say? How can the government prove it was stolen? Well, we can say so, but we'd say so anyway, wouldn't we? How will you look? Thornton threw up his hands and confronted Armagedge. I tell you, Jack, it's a nasty mess. Your status in the matter will size up about like a pinpoint. At Washington, you've got to catch Yiski somehow. Fine, right boy, Armagedge twisted a newspaper in his hands, broke it and tossed the two ends away. I don't want Yiski. I tell you, you're off the track. I want cold salt. The secret service fellows can go after Yiski. It's perfectly certain he turned that control over to cold salt. After, if not before, I held him up. He knew he was suspected any way the Russian was undoubted to hear, to receive it. Why else would he be here? And Wellington, so the saunterer says, Armagedge turned quickly upon his friend and brother officer. And nothing, he fairly snarled. I remember about cold salt now. Worcester was once at Teche at St. Petersburg and told me all about him last summer. He's just a plain, ordinary, pikey and crook. But he's up against the wrong kind of diplomacy this time. I'll get him before he leaves Newport and choke that magnetic control out of him. Come over to the destang a minute, Joe. I want to show you something. Well, Mr. Jackson cleaned out. I thought so. Thank you. I'm going to be away for a few days. Don't let anything be touched. Please let the work stop until I return. Come on, Joe. In his cabin on the destang, Armagedge pointed to several more or less disreputable garments lying on his birth. Say, he said, would a candidate for a physical instructor for the Wellington boys wear such clothes? Thornton looked hard at his friend for a minute and then his face broadened into a huge smile of understanding. Not if he wanted the job, he said, you'll make more of a hit as you are. All right. And now, Joe, go into the yeoman's office like a good chap. Pick out a time-stained sheet of paper and type right a letter, saying your name as captain of the 19 so and so football 11 at Annapolis, saying that the bearer Jack Jack who McCall suggested Thornton. Yes, McCall saying that Jack McCall had given great satisfaction as trainer for the 11 and was honest and God fearing, you know how to do it. All right, said Thornton starting for the door. He paused in the corridor. Say, Jack, do you know you're taking all this mighty light? He frowned. This is serious. Armitage frowned, too. I know, but I'll be serious enough before it's over. I reckon you will sit. Thornton dryly. How do you expect to get the job anyway? Armitage shrugged his shoulders. Leave that to me. He said, oh, Joe, are you going to be on the island for supper? No, not for supper. He said, I'll be over from Newport about 11 o'clock, though. All right. Drop aboard then. Will you I want to see you. Right. Oh, said Thornton. For some time after his departure, Armitage sat writing a document covering the case today, outlining his plans, his suspicions and the light. It turned out to be lengthy. He sealed it in an envelope, labeled it Armitage versus cold salt, and locked it in a small safe in the yeoman's room. One of the engineers force came in to say that they had made progress in repairing the boiler baffle plates designed to keep the funnels from torching went under high speed, but that they were at the point where advice was needed. Armitage arose, put on a suit of greasy overalls, and went into the grimy vitals of the destroyer, a wrench in one hand, a chisel in the other. In about 10 minutes, he had solved the problem, explained it to the mechanics, gathered about him, and then demonstrated just how simple the remedial measures were. All torpedo boat officers do this more often than not. It explains the blind fidelity with which the crews of the craft of this sort accompanied their officers without a murmur under the boughs of swiftly moving battleships or through crowded ocean lanes at night without lights, with lifeboats aboard having aggregate capacity for about half the crew. Armitage was alone at supper, his junior taking tea aboard a German cruiser in the harbor. With the coffee, he lighted a cigar and half closed his eyes. He marveled at the strange thrill which had possessed him since Thornton had gone. The loss of that control was something which justified the gravest fears and deepest gloom. And yet, and yet, whenever he thought about it, he saw not Yeiske nor Koltzhoff, nor the torpedo, just a tall, flexible girl with wonderful hair and eyes and lips. He puffed impatiently at his cigar. Hang it all, he had gone to church that morning because he felt he had to see her. And the mar had been up blank because he knew he should not be able to see her again. But now, while it looked as though he should see her, swift blood tingled in his cheeks. Precisely at eleven, Thornton looked in. Armitage gave him the combination of the safe, told him about the letter, and explained how he expected to obtain employment. They parted at midnight. Good night, Jack, said Thornton, placing his hand affectionately on his brother's officer's shoulder. Now, don't forget to dodge the interference and tackle Lowe, and if you want me, phone. Consider me a minute, man, until you return. Thanks, replied Armitage. Oh, Joe, will you mail this letter to the department? His voice lowered as he added half humorously. It seems almost ashamed to set the dogs on a man who may prove to be a benefactor. What? asked Thornton. Nothing. Good night, Joe. End of chapter nine. Chapter ten of Prince or chauffeur. A story of Newport by Lawrence Perry. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. Jack McCall at your service. Armitage landed in Newport by the eight o'clock boat, and calling a hack drove out to the house of the chief of police. The chief was at breakfast and came to the door with his napkin in his hand. He greeted his visitor with a broad smile of welcome. Hello, Lieutenant. He said, what's doing another of your boys? You want turned loose. Good morning, chief. No, not exactly. May I talk to you a minute? Sure. The chief glanced about the dining room and closed the door with his foot. Talk as much as you like. Armitage glanced at the chief with an admiring smile. It never ceased to wonder at the multifarious qualities which enable the man to remain indispensable to native and cottager alike. Courteous, handsome, urbane, diplomatic, debonair, when a matron of the very highest cast sent for him to enlist his efforts in the regaining of some jewel, tiara, or piece of virtu, missing after a weekend. He never for a moment forgot that it was all a bit of carelessness, which the gentler sort of reminder would correct. This is to say that he usually brought about the return of the missing article and neither of the parties between which he served as intermediary ever felt the slightest embarrassment or annoyance. No wedding was ever given without consulting him as to the proper means to be employed in guarding the presence. He was at once a social register containing the most minute and extensive data and an index criminal's unabridged. As Armitage talked, the chief's eyes lighted and he nodded his head approvingly from time to time. I see, he said, it's rather clever of you. I'll hold myself for any word. I can do more. I know Mrs. Wellington quite well. You can ask her to call me for reference if you wish. I'll make you out of fine thug. That'll be fine, although I may not need you. In the meantime, have your men keep an eye out for Yiski and, Armitage paused, if called soft, never mind. We first approve our case. Yes, that would be about the wisest thing you could do. Observe the chief, good luck. An hour later, Armitage stood in the servant's sitting room confronting Miss Hatch, Mrs. Wellington's secretary, who was viewing him not without interest. Mrs. Wellington will see you, I think, she said. She usually breakfasts early and should be in her office now. Armitage had an engaging grin which invariably brought answering smiles, even from the various strangers. So now the crisp is speckled. Young woman was smiling broadly when Armitage shrugged his shoulders. Mrs. Wellington, he said, I had an idea I should have to see Mr. Wellington. By no means asserted the secretary. Wait a moment, please. In a few minutes, the young woman returned and nodded. Will you come with me, please? She led the way up a winding pair of stairs and down a long hall with heavy crimson carpet turning into a room near the rear of the house. Mrs. Wellington was at her desk looking over a menu which the housekeeper had just submitted. She glanced up as the two entered her face unchanging in expression. This is Mr. McCall, said the secretary, who without further words went to her desk and unlimbered the typewriter. As Mrs. Wellington brought Armitage under her scrutiny, which was long, silent and searching, he felt as he did upon his first interview with the secretary of the Navy. However, no one had ever accused him of lack of nerve. You apply for the position of physical instructor to my sons, she said at length. How did you know we wanted one? Armitage caught for the instant off his guard, stammered. I, at least, miss, I mean, I read it in one of the papers. Hmm, replied Mrs. Wellington, a rather misleading medium. Correct in this instance, though. I believe it was an advertisement, said Armitage. What qualifications have you? Armitage smiled easily. I've taught boxing, wrestling, and jujitsu in southern athletic clubs, he said, and I trained the 19 whatever year it was, Navy team at Annapolis. He submitted Thornton's eloquent testimonial. Mrs. Wellington laid it aside after a glance. Where is your home? Louisville, Kentucky, man. What have you been doing in Newport? I remember having seen you at church yesterday morning. I came up to see Winthrop of the Harvard Graduate Advisory Committee on Athletics about getting the job as trainer for the football team next month. He is away. Were you ever in college? Asked Mrs. Wellington. Armitage assumed a look of embarrassment. Yes, he said, but unless you insist, I'd rather not say where or why I left. Mrs. Wellington sniffed. I thought so. She observed, Roddy, what would you do for my sons? Armitage was on his favorite topic now. I tried to convince him that it pays to be strong and clean in mind and body. He began earnestly when a rustle of skirts and the click of footsteps at the threshold caused him to turn. Ann Wellington in an embroidered white linen frocks stood framed in the doorway, smiling at them. Pardon me, mother. She said, but I'm in a dreadful fix. She glanced toward Armitage. This is our new physical instructor. Is it not? He has applied for the position. Said Mrs. Wellington, not altogether blithely. How fortunate began the girl and then stopped abruptly. As soon as she was ready, she added, if he can drive a car. I helped make automobiles in Chicago. Armitage ventured. Good, exclaimed Ann. You know, mother, Mimini has gone to New York to receive that tan credit and Benoit. The second chauffeur is in the hospital. I must have a driver for a day or so. He may for a while. May he not, mother? She nodded to Armitage. If you will go out to the garage, please, I shall have Mr. Dawson give you some clothing. I think he can fit you. One moment, Ann interrupted her mother. You do run on so. Just wait one moment. You seem to forget I am or at least was about to engage my call as a physical instructor. Not that may call me see all. Mrs. Wellington was fundamentally opposed to being maneuvered and her daughter's apparent attendant at Vanessa in this matter irritated her. She was fully bent now upon declining to employ Armitage in any capacity. Was on the point of saying so when Ann, who had diagnosed her trend of mind broke in. Really, mother, I am perfectly sincere, but this situation, you must admit, was totally unexpected. And I must have a driver, don't you know? Why I've planned to take Prince Colt's off. Oh, everywhere. This one for her. Mrs. Wellington, even when irritated, was altogether capable of viewing all sides of a matter. Very well, she said. I shall consider it the other matter. When you are through with McCall, let me know. Ann's eyes sparkle with relief. Mother, you are a deer. She walked over and touched her affectionately on her arm. McCall, if you will go out to the garage, Mr. Dawson will show you your room and give you some clothes. I may want you anytime, so please don't go far from the garage. As Armitage passed out, guided by Miss Hatch, Mrs. Wellington turned to her daughter. Well, Ann, she said he lied and lied and lied. But I do believe some of the things he said and some he didn't. I believe him to be honest, and I believe he will be good for the boys. He himself is a magnificent specimen, certainly, but I don't reconcile one thing. What is that, Mother? He is a gentleman, and has been bred as one. That is perfectly evident. Oh, no doubt, replied her daughter with a parent indifference, one of the younger son variety you meet in and out of England. Fancy. I suppose so, said Mrs. Wellington. Is that why you invited him to sit with us in church? Why you spoke to him on the general? Why you wanted me to employ him? No, replied Ann. Frankly, he interested me. He does yet. He is a mystery, and I want to solve him. May an old woman give you a bit of advice, Ann. Thank you, as her daughter bowed. Remember, he is an employee of this house. He sought the position. He must be down to it. Keep that in your mind, and don't let him drive fast. In the meantime, how about his license? Ann stamped her foot. Oh, dear, she exclaimed, I forgot all about that beastly license. What can we do? She phased her mother. Mother, can't you think of something? I know you can arrange it, if you will. Well, said her mother thoughtfully. Suddenly, she looked at her secretary, who entered at the moment. Miss Hatch, you might get Chief Roberts on the phone right away, please. Now, Ann, I'm getting nervous. You'd better go. Yes, mother, Ann dropped a playful curtsy and left the room smiling. Half an hour later, Armatige squeezed into a beautifully made suit of tan whip cord. His calves swabbed in patees and a little cap with visor pressing flat against his brows, was loitering about the garage with Ryan, a footman, and absorbing the gossip of the family. Prince Coltsoff was still there and intended evidently to remain for some time. This information gained from what Ann Wellington had said to her mother, had relieved his mind of fears that his quarry had already gone, and he would have been quite at his ease, had not the thought that the fact of Coltsoff's presence here rather argued against his having the control in his possession occurred to him. Still, if the Russian had any of the instincts of a gentleman, he could hardly break away from the Wellington's at such short notice, and certainly not if he was, as Thornton surmised, interested in the daughter. Talk about the garage left him in no doubt of this. If the prince had the missing part, he would do one of three things. Hold on to it until he left, mail it, or express it to St. Petersburg. Then while he had learned, carried the Wellington mail as well as express matter to the city mornings and afternoons. In his absence, Armitage was he felt the logical man for this duty. So he did not worry about these contingencies. He had knowledge that up to 8 o'clock that morning no package for foreign countries had been either mailed or expressed. This eliminated the fear which might otherwise have been warrantable that the package had already been sent on its way to Europe. Besides, no man of cold soft experience would be likely to trust the delivery of so important an object to any but his own hands. Thus, the probabilities were that the thing was at this minute in the prince's room. If all these suppositions were wrong, then Yiski had it. Armitage knew enough of the workings of the Secret Service Bureau to know that if the man got out of the country, he would be an elusive person indeed, especially as he had a long-lived scar across his left cheek which could not be concealed with any natural effect. But somehow the conviction persisted in Armitage's mind that the prince had the control. In the short time he had spent at the crags, this impression had not diminished. It had increased without definite reason to be sure, and yet the fact remained. He would find out one way or another shortly. His room, not in the servants' wing, was on the third floor right over the apartments of the Wellington boys, which in turn were not far from cold self-speak. It would not be long before a burglary would be committed in the Wellington house at this thought Armitage threw with delightful emotions. In the meantime he addressed himself to the task of gleaning further information concerning the family into whose employ he had entered. He learned that while Mr. Wellington and his daughter were devoted to motoring, Mrs. Wellington would have none of it and that the boys were inclined to horses also. Ronald Wellington left things pretty much to his wife and she was a hellion, as Ryan put it, to those about her who were not efficient and faithful, but otherwise she was a pretty decent sort and willing to pay well. What sort are the boys, asked Armitage, recalling that his duties with them might begin at any time. Master Ronald, the oldest, is stuck on himself, replied Ryan. He ain't easy to get along with. Master Royal, the youngster, is as fine a little chap as ever lived. Ronald is learning himself the cigarette habit, which is all right. The quicker he smokes himself to death, the better. If he wasn't after learning, young Muck, as everyone calls him, to smoke too. They do it on the quiet here in the garage, although it's against the rules. Why don't you stop them then, asked Armitage. Ryan shrugged and laughed. If we stopped them, we'd be fired for committing an insult and if they are caught here, we'll be fired for letting them smoke. That's the way with those who work for people like the Wellington's, always between the devil and the deep sea. Oh, I don't know, said Armitage, whose combative instincts were now somewhat aroused. I don't think people get into great trouble for doing their duty whoever they work for. The footman grinned. Well, he said, you know more about that the longer you're here. As he spoke, the boys under discussion entered the doorway and seating themselves upon the running board of a touring car helped themselves to cigarettes from a silver case which they overtook from his pocket. They lighted them without a glance at the two men and had soon filled the atmosphere with pungent smoke. Do they do this often? Asked Armitage at length, turning to Ryan and speaking in a voice not intended to be hidden. The footman grinned and nodded. Against the rules, isn't it? Persisted Armitage, much to Ryan's evident embarrassment, who, however, nodded again. The older boy took his cigarette from his mouth and, rising, walked a few steps toward the new chauffeur. He was a slender stripling with high forehead, long straight nose and a face chiefly marked by an imperious expression. In his flannels and flapping Panama hat he was a reduced copy of such Englishman as Armitage had seen lounging in the boxes at Ascot or about the paddock at Arturo. Were you speaking of us, my man? He said, a gleam of amusement crossed Armitage's face. I, I believe I was, my boy, why? A corner of the youth's upper lip curled and snapping the half-burnt cigarette into a corner. He took another from the case and lighted it. Oh, he said nodding, you are the new man, impertinence is not a good beginning, I'm afraid you won't last. Armitage crossed quickly to the discarded cigarette which was smoldering near a little pool of gasoline under a large can of that dangerous food and rubbed the fire out with his foot. Returning he confronted the boy, standing very close to him. Look here son, he said quietly, that won't do a bit, you know. It's against the rules and besides, durking his head in the direction of the gasoline can, he sensed. Ronald's emotions were beyond the power of words to relieve as he stood glaring at Armitage's face, devoid of color, his eyes green with anger, the chauffeur placed his hand gently upon his arm. You can't smoke here, I tell you, there's a notice over there to that effect, signed by your father. Now throw that cigarette away or go out of here with it as you like. By way of reply, Ronald jerked his arm from Armitage's grasp and swung at his face with open hand. It was a venomous slap, but it did not come within a foot of the mark for the reason that Jack definitely caught the flailing arm by the wrist and with a powerful twist brought young Wellington almost to his knees through sheer pain of the straining tendons. As this happened, the younger brother with the shrill cry of rage launched himself at Armitage who caught him by the waist and swung him easily up into the tunnel of the touring car. Ronald had risen to his feet and in cold passion was casting his eye about the garage, a heavy wrench lay on the floor, he stepped towards it but not too quickly for Armitage to interpose. Slowly the ladder raised his finger until it was on a level with the boy's face. Now stop just a minute and think, he said, I like your spirit and yours too, kid. He added gazing up of the tunnel from which the younger Wellington was glaring down like a bellicose young tiger, but this won't go at all. Now wait as Ronald tried to brush past. In the first place, the other hears you've been smoking in the garage or anywhere else, you'll get into trouble with her. So Ryan has told me, and I don't believe that's any fun. Now listen will you, I'm employed here as physical instructor for you chaps, not as a chauffeur, although your sister has been good enough to press me into service for a day or two. And I imagine I'm going to draw pay for making you into something else than thin chested cigarette fiends. I can do it if you'll help. I can do it all about it. He said, smiling at Ronald. Will you be friends? Ronald had worked out of his passion sniffed. Thank you. I'd rather not. If you don't mind, I think you will find that you don't like your place. Will said, Armitage affably, then I can leave, you know. Yes, you can. All right. It'll be sooner than you think. Come on, Muck. And the older brother turned and left the garage. Muck, who for the past few seconds slipped down from the car and stood in front of him. Say, he exclaimed, You're the fellow I gave that note to in church. The one from my sister, aren't you? He grinned as Armitage looked at him, dumbly. Don't be afraid, he said. I shan't tell. Sister gave me a five dollar gold piece. I thought you didn't act like a chauffeur. Say, show me that grip you got on Ronnie. Will you? He has been too fresh lately. I want to spring it on him. Can I learn it? Not that one. Armitage took the boy's hand, the second knuckle, his fingers on the palm. He twisted backward and upward gently. There's one that's better, though. And easier. See? Not that way, as the boy seized his hand. Press here. That's right. Now you've got it. You can make your brother eat out of your hand. Thanks. Muck left beaming, searching for his disgruntled brother and Armitage have made a friend. A minute later, Royal or Muck, as his nickname seemed to be, thrust his head into the garage. You're not going to say anything to mother about the cigarettes, are you? That's the best guess you ever made, smiled Armitage. You and I'll settle that, won't we? Rather, replied the boy who departed with them not. Well, you've done it, said Ryan, gazing at Armitage admiringly. Master Ronald will raise hell. Armitage shook his head. I don't care. I just had to devil that rooster. He was insufferable. Aye. The telephone bell rang and Ryan with a significant I told you so, grimace took up the receiver. A second later, a smile of relief lighted his face. Very well. Thank you, sir, he said and turned to Armitage. The butler, Mr. Bakhan, says that Miss Wellington would have you bring out her car at once. She don't want any footmen. Armitage arose with a thrill which set his ears tingling, cranked the motor and within a minute was rolling out of the garage. End of chapter 10. Chapter 11 of Prince or chauffeur. A story of Newport by Lawrence Perry. This LibriVox recording is in the public domain. The dying gladiator. She was waiting when Armitage who was leaning back in his seat in the most professional manner shut off power under the port core share and glanced at her for directions. To Mrs. Van Valkenburg, she said, do you know where she lives? No, I don't, Miss Wellington. No matter. I'll direct you as they entered the ocean drive through an archway of Piddit. Miss Wellington indicated a road which dived among the hills and disappeared. Drive quite slowly, she said. It was a beautiful road, dipping and rising, but hidden at all times by hills, resplendent with black and yellow and purple spots, or great gray boulders so that impressions of scotch moorlands alternated with those of an Arizona desert. The tang of September was in the breeze from the moorlands which overlooked the jagged Brunton reefs came the faint aroma of burning sedge. From the wet, distant cliff a saline exhalation was wafted. It was such a morning as one can see and feel only on the land of Newport. As an additional charm to Anne Wellington there was the tone of time about it all. From childhood she had absorbed all these impressions of late summer in Newport. They had grown so to speak into her life had become a part of her nature. She drew a deep breath and leaned forward. Stop here a moment, will you please? They were at the bottom of a hollow with no sign of habitation so they went out, saved the roof of a villa which perched upon a rocky eminence half a mile to one side. Will you get out and lift the radiator cover and pretend to be fixing something McCall? I want to talk to you. Without a word Jack left his seat went to the toolbox and was soon viewing the internal economy of the car simulating search for an electrical hiatus with some fair degree of accuracy. The girl bent forward her cheek suffused but a humorous smile playing about her face McCall she said I feel I should assure you at the outset that I am quite aware of certain things. Armitage glanced at her and then quickly lowered his eyes she gazed admiringly at his strong clean face and the figure sharply defined by the close fitting livery. Your name is not McCall and I have not the slightest idea that you are by profession a physical instructor or a driver either. Armitage unscrewed a wrench and then screwed the jaws back into their place. We are what conditions make us Miss Wellington he said yes that is true she replied but tell me truthfully did you seek employment here only because of my of my interest in I mean because of the note or did you come because my note put you in the way of obtaining a needed position Armitage started to speak and then stopped short oh he said finally I really needed the position the girl gazed at him a moment Armitage bending low could see a patent leather pump protruding from the scalloped edge of her skirt tapping the half opened door of the tonneau you will then pardon me she said if I call to your mind the fact that you are now employed as driver of my car I feel I have the right to ask you who you really are your mother Mrs. Wellington catacys me quite fully and I don't think I could add anything to what I told her and what was that I was not present during the inquisition said the girl Armitage laughed while I told her I was Jack McCall that I came from Louisville that I had trained the Navy 11 of 19 some year an exclamation from the girl interrupted him and he looked up she was staring at him vacantly as though ransacking the depths of memory the Navy 11 of 19 something she said thoughtfully then she smiled McCall you are so clever really Armitage's eyes fell and he fumbled with the wrench thank you he said dubiously not at all McCall she said sweetly listen speaking rapidly I've always been crazy over football father was at Yale 79 you know she stuttered his face again and then nodded when I was a girl still in short dresses father took a party of girls in Miss Ellis's school to Annapolis in his private car to see a Harvard Navy game a cousin of mine Phil DeSauce-Sway was on the Harvard team they were much heavier than Annapolis but the score was very close particularly because of the fine work of one of the Navy players who seemed to be in all parts of the field at once I have forgotten his name Miss Wellington gazed dreamily over the hills but I can see him now diving time after time into the interference and bringing down his man catching punts and running it was all such a hopeless fight but such a brave determined one she shrugged her shoulders really I was quite carried away as girls will I we all of us wove all sort of romantic theories concerning him toward the end of the game we could see him giving in under the strain and at last some coaches took him out he walked tottering down the sidelines past our stand his face drawn and streaked with blood and dirt I snapshotted that player it was a good picture I had it enlarged and have always kept it in my room the dying gladiator I have called it I wonder if you have any idea who that girlhood hero of mine was was he a hero Armitage was bending over the carburetor he waited a moment and then Miss Wellington did not reply he added now that you have placed me I trust I shan't lose my position I always knew I should see you again said the girl as though she had not heard Armitage's banality I know now why I spoke to you on that general and why I wrote you that note in church her slipper beat an impatient tattoo on the door but why she began was she willing to enter service as a physical instructor or motor car driver I don't know your mother asked me if I had been in college I told her I had but I preferred not to say where or why I left oh she said in her eyes suffused with pity I'm so sorry but you must tell me one thing now was you're leaving because of anything that would make me sorry I have found she smiled but looked at him eagerly the subject of the dying gladiator I hope not you are not certain Miss Wellington there are certain reasons why the position you helped me to obtain was vitally necessary I am a dependent in your house I can assure you that you will never find anything half so grievous against me as that which you have already found gladiator a servant you must think of that but I'm not so deluded as to think you cannot explain that cried the girl how foolish you are not a servant never were and I'm sure never will be one and I know you haven't sneaked in as a yellow newspaper reporter or magazine writer tentatively you are not a sneak no I have not the intention nor the ability to make copy of my experiences said Armitage intention echoed the girl well since you suggest the word just what was or is your intention then if I may ask Armitage straightened and looked full at the girl suppose I should say that ever since that morning on the general I had Armitage hesitated I reckon I'd rather not say that he added no I reckon you had better be said placidly in the meantime how long do you intend staying with us before giving notice Armitage did not reply immediately he stood for a moment in deep thought when he looked up his face was serious Miss Wellington I have neither done nor said anything that would lead you to believe that whatever I may have been I am now in any way above what I appear to be with the Wellington livery on my back I say this injustice to you because I am grateful to you you may regard it as a warning if you will for a moment she did not reply sitting rigidly thoughtful while Armitage abandoning all pretense at work stood watching her very well she said at length and her voice was coldly conventional if you have finished your repairs will you drive me to Mrs. Van Vulcan Bergs follow this road through turn to your left and I'll tell you when to stop Sara Van Vulcan Bergs was one of the most popular of the younger matrons of Newport and New York as Sara Malaleer daughter of a prime old family believed that Vulcan Bergs had discovered her and their wedding had been an event from which many good people in her native city dated things then Vulcan Bergs was immensely wealthy and immensely wicked Sara had not sounded the black depths of his character when he was killed she had not drunk an automobile ride two years before but she had learned enough to appreciate the kindness of an intervening fate now she lived in an Elizabethan cottage sequestered among the rocks a short distance inland from the ocean drive she was very good to look at very worldly wise and very very popular she was 30 years old in age not to be despised in the cottage Tommy Osgood's motor was in front of the door which was but a few feet from the road with an expression of annoyance Anne ran up the steps and rang the bell the footman was about to take her card when Mrs. Van Vulcan Bergs voice sounded from the library come in Anne we saw you coming Anne entered the apartment and found her friend reclining in all her supple ease watching flushed face Tommy who had been expecting to summon his nerve to tell her how little he cared to continue his course through the world without her which was just what she did not wish to have him do because Tommy was a manly, likeable unassuming chap and had much yet to learn being several years her junior oh Tommy said Anne I wanted to speak to Sarah alone for a moment Tommy was on his way to the polo field said Mrs. Van Vulcan Bergs suggestively now he need an old lady by George said Tommy that so I must be on my way and he went not without some confusion Sarah watched him through the window as he walked to his car poor dear boy she said she turned to Anne with a bright smile what is it dear Prince Colt's off is with us as you know I think mother would be pleased if I married him I don't know that I'm not inclined to gratify her I haven't talked to father yet then he is not told you about the Russian railroad thingamajigs he is gunning for asked Mrs. Van Vulcan Bergs really Anne's eyes were very wide oh I don't know anything about it said Sarah hastily only the men were speaking of it at the Van Antwerp the other night and how about Colt's off his intentions are distressingly clear said Anne Mrs. Van Vulcan Bergs whistled congratulations she said with an upward inflection you've no idea Trish explained Anne don't try to be enthusiastic if you find it so difficult anyway there will be nothing to justify enthusiasm if I can help it really Sarah regarded the girl narrowly if you can help it what do you mean I don't know exactly what I do mean Anne laughed nervously he is so thrillingly dominant he had not been in the house much more than 30 hours before he had lectured me on the narrowness of my life I created a more alluring future kissed my hand and reposed in me a trust upon which he said his future depended and through all I had been as a school girl he's fascinating Sarah she leaned forward and placed her hand upon her friend's knee Sarah now don't laugh I'm serious I'm not going to laugh do you go on Sarah you know the world I thought I did don't you know but I'm a child a perfect simpleton I said Prince Colt's off was fascinating I meant he fascinates me he does really some time when he gets under full headway he is going to take me in his arms that's the feeling also that I shall let him although the idea now fills me with dread why Anne I know continue the girl isn't it too absurd for words but I'm burying my soul do you marry a man because his eyes seem to draw you into them whose hand pressure seems to melt your will is that love Sarah regarded the girl for a few minutes without speaking then she lifted her bras is it love she said ask yourself and shrugged her shoulders and grimaced helplessly it might be after all she said I'm sure I don't know yes it might be smile Sarah it's a question in which you must consider the personal equation I am rather finicky about men who exude what seems to pass for love they don't make good husbands the best husband is the one who wins you not takes you for heaven's sake and when you marry let your romance be clean awesome natural not a demonstration and psychic phenomena to use a polite term and smiled it isn't as bad as that I don't know what to say Sarah his family don't you know are really high in Russia and Kulsov himself is close to the reigning family as his father and grandfather were before him it is rather exciting to think of the opportunity and paused and gazed at the older woman with feverish eyes and yet she added I never before thought of things in this way I've always been quite content that coordinates in jewel court gowns and kings and emperors and dukes and she smiled princes should fall to the lot of other women I'm afraid I have been too much of an American in spite of mother who really underneath is a better American than any of us said Mrs. Van she had a reason and was standing looking out of the window touring with the silk and fringe of the curtain there's hope for you and of course I shan't advise you I couldn't don't you know not knowing Prince Kulsov she paused and gazed eagerly in the direction of Anne's car her lips framed an exclamation but she checked it by the by and she said I see you have a new driver and nodded absently yes mother employed him this morning as physical instructor to the boys commandeered him I believe that's the word because remedy is in New York and Benoit tried to knock down a telegraph pole and is in the hospital what a fine observed Mrs. Van Volkenberg and yet how curious suddenly she turned to the girl and I'm going to be dreadful and you must be honest with me you know you asked me to go to you the middle of the week to stay over the theft may I come now today I cannot tell you why I asked now but when you will be interested may I I know I am preposterous preposterous how absurd certainly you may you will do nicely as a chaperone mother I'm afraid is going to insist upon all the conventions you must know how delighted I am she kissed her enthusiastically we will expect you at dinner she said tentatively or will you come with me now she thought a second I don't know whether I told you I was to take Prince Kulsov motoring this afternoon and chaperoned why and if you are going to bother about me that way I'll withdraw my request please don't let me interfere in any way I couldn't possibly go before late in the afternoon in any event that would be fine then said and holding out her hand over a lot I'll send the car for you after we return after she had gone Mrs. Van Volkenberg stood watching the car until it disappeared and then snatching her bright-eyed Pomeranian she ran her fingers in her hair how ridiculous she said how absolutely ridiculous end of chapter 11 chapter 12 of Prince or Chaufer a story of Newport by Lawrence Perry this LibriVox recording is in the public domain Ms. Hatch shows she loves a lover when Armitage entered the servants dining room he found the head footman who presided in something of a quandary as to where he should place him. Emilia, Ms. Wellington's maid had of course lost no time in imparting to all with whom she was on terms of confidence that the new chaufer was the same with whom her mistress had flirted on the general consequently Armitage was at once the object of interest suspicion, respect and jealousy, but the head footman greeted him cordially enough and after shifting and rearranging seats indicated a chair near the lower end of the table which Armitage accepted with a nod he was immensely interested. The talk was of Cricket, some of the cottagers whose main object in life was aping the ways of the English had organized a Cricket team and as there were not enough of them for an opposing eight they had been compelled to resort to the grooms. There were weekly matches in which the Harlings invariably triumphed one of the Wellington grooms an alert young Cockney was the bowler and his success as well as the distinguished social station of his opponents appeared to Armitage to have quite turned his pert little head. There was a pretty Irish chamber mate at Jack's elbow whose eyes were as gray as the client's causeway but glittering now with scorn. Four here to four Henry Phipps had been a humble worshiper she permitted several of his condescending remarks to pass without notice, but finally when he answered a question put by another groom with a board monosyllable the girl flew to the latter's defense. Yes and no is it she blazed Henry Phipps you're like the ass in that colored skin proud as you're painted a bowler you are but you take your hat off after the game just the same and bowl out your masters with a thank you sir my mistake you grovelin thing yeah really yawned Henry and his rich dialect really mocked the girl I could give you talk about a real prince none of your rinse layers or van antwerps and the like had I Armitage leaned forward but anything more the maid might have been tempted to say was interrupted by a footman from the superintendent's table Mr Dawson says you're to come to his table he said nodding to Armitage who arose with real reluctance not because of any desire for intimate knowledge of the servants hall but because he had decided he could use the Irish maid to the ends he had in view now that was closed for the time at least and he took his place at the side of the decorous butler uncheered by Mr Dawson's announcement that Miss Wellington had ordered his promotion it was very good of Miss Wellington he said in a perfunctory manner oh not at all replied the butler frequently the chauffeur sits at our table he shrugged his shoulders it depends upon the manner of men they are of all then constantly changing Armitage glanced at Buckin and Grinde thanks he said the butler nodded and then apropos of some thought passing through his mighty glanced tentatively at the housekeeper we'll wake up I suppose with the prince here I hope so I've never seen everybody in Newport so quiet yes I imagine so replied Mrs Stetson several are coming this week and of course you know of the flower ball for Friday night of course said the butler who a second later belied his assumption of knowledge by muttering flower ball a gracious I wonder what won't Mrs Wellington be up to next I don't think I like Prince Coltsoff said Miss Hatch well agreed the superintendent he's a Russian oh I don't care about that replied the young woman to marry Miss Wellington and he's not the man for her he's not the man for any girl as nice as Anne Wellington think of it so interjected the tutor Dumois who had turned many a dollar supplying the newspapers with information for which they had been willing to pay liberally international alliance how interesting the latest day no it's not the latest replied the secretary if it were I should have said nothing it's only a restless fear but a potent one oh Dumois turned ruefully to his plate he attracts her resume the secretary that is to be seen plainly and she attracts him that is as far as it has gone that is quite far observed the tutor glancing up hopefully oh no said Armitage warmly he paused and then finding everyone looking at him he applied himself to his luncheon not without confusion I wish I could agree with you side Miss Hatch she is a dear girl but you don't understand girls of her class they have the queerest ideas I don't think they differ from other girls said Mrs. Stetson it is merely that they have the actual opportunity for realizing what to other girls are mere dreams I can imagine what my daughter would have done if a foreign nobleman had paid court to her I will say this for Miss Wellington though she would marry her chauffeur if she took the win Armitage caught off his guard looked up quickly you don't say he exclaimed where at everyone laughed and Dawson shook his head in mock seriousness of him see here young man if you make an attempt to demonstrate Mrs. Stetson's theory Ronald Wellington will drive you out of the country Armitage laughed well he said I'll pick Vienna as they were leaving the table Miss Hatch caught Armitage's eye she lingered behind the rest bending over some ferns which showed signs of languishing her eyeglasses glittered humorously at Armitage as he sauntered carelessly to her side it's all right Mr. McCall she said all right I mean the incident in the garage Master Ronald applied vigorously for your discharge Armitage smiled imagined he would the application was not sustained hardly at first of course Mrs. Wellington was quite indignant then Miss Wellington came in and really she was a perfect fury in your behalf she made Master Ronald confess he had been smoking and showed quite clearly that you were right bully for her as a matter of fact I don't think it was any of my business but that chap got on my nerves he gets on all our nerves but I'm quite sure he's all right at heart it's a disagreeable age and a boy she paused and gazed steadily at Armitage for a second I cannot imagine why you are here Mr. McCall and yet I wonder she shrugged her shoulders pray don't think me rude she said and smiled but I really am hoping I can read Ann Wellington at times and you oh I am rude but I seem to read you like an open book Armitage was looking at her curiously but obviously he was not offended she stepped towards him impulsively oh Mr. Arm Mr. McCall she stopped blushing confusedly the break was too much even for Armitage's presence of mind he jerked his head upward then collecting himself resumed his expression of amused interest the secretary made no attempt to disassemble her agitation I am so sorry she said but you must know now that I know whom you are never in his life had Jack felt quite so ill at ease or so utterly foolish who else knows he asked lamely only one beside myself Mrs. Wellington Mrs. Wellington naturally said Miss Hatch placidly did you suppose for a moment you could successfully hide anything from her Armitage was in the house an hour after you were employed oh a great white light illumined Jack's mind he turned to the woman eagerly do you know what Roberts told her why everything I imagine said Miss Hatch laughing everything but what Armitage gestured impatiently please don't think me inquisitive but I must know it will depend upon what our loquacious chief said whether I stay here for a minute the chief was not loquacious smile Miss Hatch he was quite the reverse you would have enjoyed the grilling Mrs. Wellington gave him he was no willing witness but finally admitted you were a naval officer a son of Senator Armitage and that you were here to observe the actions of one of the grooms formerly in the Navy whom the government thought needed watching inwardly relieved Armitage grinned broadly and said he is so secretive but Mrs. Wellington can't be pleased at having a Navy man masquerading about why hasn't she discharged me I can't imagine said Miss Hatch frankly unless yes I think she has taken a liking to you then for a woman of her mental processes discharging you offhand come to think of it would be the one thing she would not do I think she is interested in awaiting developments I'm sure of it I think she is interested in me to speak to no one concerning your identity Miss Wellington Armitage looked at the woman quickly her daughter was very particularly included in the orders Mrs. Wellington gave Armitage made no attempt to conceal the pleasure this statement gave him then a thought occurred to him by the way he said looking at Miss Hatch keenly if I recall you said you could not imagine why I am here in view of all you have told me why couldn't you Miss Hatch turned and walked toward the door at the sill she glanced back over her shoulder and smiled significantly oh that was an introductory figure of speech she said I think I think I can imagine then she turned and walking along the hall with Armitage following she sang as though to herself in days of old when nights were bold her arms held their sway a warrior bowed with spurs of gold saying merrily his lay oh what care I though death be nigh for love but Armitage had disappeared oh the little more and how much it is and the little less and what whirls away End of Chapter 12 Chapter 13 of Prince or Chauffeur a story of Newport by Lawrence Perry this LibriVox recording is in the public domain and exhibits the Prince Prince Koltzov had enjoyed his luncheon as only an exacting gourmet whose every canon of taste has been satisfied can his appetite was a many stringed instrument upon which only the most gifted culinary artist could play now as he sat dallying daintily with his compote of pears it was patent that Rambo the Wellington chef had achieved a dietary symphony Mrs. Wellington he said at length you have associate par excellence that sauce de cavitar if I may say so it lingers who is he it seems almost yet it cannot be true that I recognize the genius of Jules Rambo very well done Prince Koltzov replied Mrs. Wellington employing phrase theology more non-committal than Koltzov realized and who had been gazing languidly out a window giving on Brenton's reefed light ship where several black torpedo boats and destroyers were maneuvering smiled and glanced at the Prince you have the instincts of a virtuoso that was really clever of you the Duchess D's sent him to mother two years ago you must speak to him I'm afraid he feels he is not altogether appreciated here the Prince raised his hands what a fate he exclaimed when Rambo was chef for President Carnot kings and emperors bestowed upon him decorations I recall that when he created the parfait Rambo ah the governor of his province set aside a day of celebration Rambo unappreciated it is to say that genius is unappreciated he turned apologetically to Mrs. Wellington America what would you Mrs. Wellington sniffed ever so slightly she'd become a bit weary of the Russians assumption of European superiority she recognized that in Prince Koltzov she had a guest her possession of whom had excited among the cottage colony the envy of all those whose envy she desired so far she was concerned that was all she wanted now that Anne and the Prince appeared to be hitting it off she was content to let that matter take its course as might be with however a pretty well defined conviction that her daughter was thoroughly alive to the desirability not to say convenience of such an alliance in her secret heart however she rather marveled at Anne's open interest in the Koltzov to be frank the Prince was boring her and she had come to admit that she personally had far rather contemplate the noble guest as a far distance son-in-law than as a husband assuming that her age and position were eligible so she sniffed my dear Prince she said I will take you to a hundred tables in Newport Anne I was going to say ten thousand a thousand in New York where the food is better cooked than in any private house in Europe touched upon a spot peculiarly tender Koltzov all but exploded poof we cried then he laughed heartily you jest surely my dear madame no I fancy not replied Mrs. Wellington placidly oh but how can you know where is it that the writings of Karem are studied and known where is it that the memory of Obovie and the reputations of Ron Hoffer and Casimir and Mollard are preserved in Europe in Paris corrective Mrs. Wellington well and from Paris disseminated glowingly throughout Europe in the United States Koltzov struggled with himself for a moment pardon he said but ba it cannot be naturally you are at the disadvantage of not having had the experience at American tables that I've had abroad observed Mrs. Wellington rising but we shall hope to correct that while you are here as for the sauce you praised it was not by Rambo who is out today but by Taka Kika his assistant of Japanese who Mr. Wellington on from the Bohemian club I think in San Francisco if Koltzov did not catch Mrs. Wellington's intimation that he must have learned of the presence of Rambo in her kitchen which might have been more accurately described as a laboratory and Wellington did and she hastened to intervene oh Prince Koltzov she said I've been so interested in those torpedo boats out there they've been dashing about the light ship all through lunch what is the idea do you know the Prince glanced out of the window I cannot imagine he gazed over the ocean and silence for several minutes have you a telescope he said at length and nodded the large glass is on that veranda and you'll excuse me until half after three won't you still half after three said the Prince still rather ruffled as the result of his duel with the mother then he went out on the porch and for an hour had the torpedo boats under his almost continuous gaze nothing but hide and seek he muttered as he finally snapped the shutter of the glass and went to his room to dress he had quite recovered his spirits when he handed Anne Wellington into the motor car Armatige had half turned and she caught his eyes just the faintest suspicion of a smile appeared on her face as she leaned forward along the ocean drive McCall down Bellevue Avenue past Easton's Beach and out through Paradise drive slowly please which touched his cap and the car was soon rolling along the ocean drive they not turned Bateman's point when Anne had proof of the interest which the advent of the Prince had excited among her set the Wadsworth girls with young Pembroke Delaney drew on horseback and several others were gathered on the grass of the point watching the finish of the race for the Aster cups off Brenton's wreath as the Wellington car rolled slowly by everyone withdrew attention from the exciting finish which three Wadsworth girls were making and gazed so hard at the Prince that some of them forgot to return Anne's nod but the girl understood and smiled inwardly not altogether without pride on Bellevue Avenue old Mrs. Cunningham Jones all but fell out of her carriage while many ranced the layer who had been cool lately was all smiles and the entrance to the casino as Miss Wellington afterward described it might have been pictured as one great staring eye she did not attempt to deny to herself that she was enjoying all this she was a normal girl with a normal girl's love of distinction and of things that thrill, pleasurably she left nothing undone to heighten the effect she and the Prince or the Prince and she were creating Mrs. Rensselayer saw her gazing into the face of her guest with kindling eyes old Lady Cunningham Jones saw her touch his arm to emphasize a remark whatever may have been the exact degree of cold soft side attractions for Anne it was certain that in the course of the drive thus far the situation and not the Russian's personality constituted the strong appeal the girl was far from a snob and yet this yes public parading of a man whose prospective sojourner Newport had excited so many tea tables for the past fortnight had furnished so much pavilion for the digestion of society journalists involved many elements that appealed to her chiefly it must be confessed she saw the humor of it might have obtained mastery there was pride of course there was a world of things in fact and all enjoyable also perhaps a trifle upsetting in as much as her assumption of more than friendly interest in her guest was not altogether the part of wisdom the Prince was elated exalted it would not have taken a close observer to decide that in his devotion there was no element of the spurious and in his happiness no flaw as for amity John seeing but sensing the drift of things his eyes were grimly fixed ahead the muscles of his jaws bulging in knots on either side this chauffeur business he felt was fast becoming a bore as he started to turn the corner of the casino block and seized by a sudden inspiration ordered him to back around to the entrance wouldn't you like to stop in the casino for a few minutes and meet a few people she asked smiling at Coltson the Prince would be only too happy to do anything that Miss Wellington suggested and so with a warning honk honk amity ran his car up to the curb at the side the tide of motor cars brooms victorious coaches jaunting cars and whatnot swept unceasingly by three sightseeing barges had paused in their 12 miles for 50 cents journey around the island as the Prince and Anna lighted a small body of curious loiterers move forward among them several photographers seeing which Anne lowered an opaque veil over her face a precaution which the beautiful or famous or notorious of the Newport colony invariably find necessary when abroad the sightseeing drivers with whips poised eagerly viewed the alighting couple and then turning to their convoy announced in voices not to subdue Miss Anne Wellington daughter of Ronald Wellington the great railroad magnate and the Prince of Urusia are just getting out indicating the car with their whips they say they're engaged to be married so far only a rumour Miss Wellington is the one who put little pinching crabs in Mrs. Many Rancillator's finger bowls last year and made a coolness between these two great families Miss Wellington whose cheeks felt as though they would burn her veil saw armatiges shoulders quivering with some emotion as she hurried from the sidewalk into the doorway of the low dark shingle building and out into the circle of trim lawn and garden it regroups around a few of the tables in the two tiers of the encircling promenade that Anne did not know any of them they strolled on to a passageway under the structure leading to several acres of impeccable lawn with seats under spreading trees and tennis courts on all sides an orchestra was playing Handel's Largo below hanging branches sheltered many groups starting the green with vivid colored notes a woman with gray veil thrown back and with a wonderful white gown held court under a spreading maple half a dozen gallons in white flannels hanging homage all about were gowns of white of pink of blue of light green Dresden colors tones of rare delicacy mingling with the emerald turf and the deeper green of the foliage the spell of mid-summer was everywhere present to Anne it seemed as if the summer would last for always and that the casino would never be deserted again the grass sear and brown or piled with drifts of snow isn't it beautiful she exclaimed as the Prince shook his head negatively at a red-coated page with an armful of camp chairs the women smile the Prince they are superb I concede freely the supremacy of the American girl he paused it is beautiful yet certainly what place would not be beautiful where you are Miss Wellington do I say too much or how can I say less as I was suffused with his emotions don't please Prince Coleslaw she said lowering her eyes to the turf not here oh I mean not here I would willingly kneel here and kiss the hem of your skirt I should be proud that all should see and I'll let us not dissemble and thoroughly agitated suddenly face the Prince stop I want you to she interrupted you must you must not say such things she paused conscious that the eyes of many to whom she had proposed presenting the Prince were turned curiously upon them although fortunately from distance is comparatively remote she forced the vivacious mouth for the benefits of observers and continue you must not say these until I tell you you may now please as the Prince showed indications of disobeying her wishes he kept silence and as some manifestations of sulkiness not inclined to encourage and in her intentions of introducing him generally revealed themselves she turned and led the way back to the car where Armitage sat hunched in no blive mood himself implying in with questions as to himself and his deeds which developed a mood ardently and skillfully led Colesauce trend of thought from amateur channels they stopped a paradise and and the Prince walked from the roadside across the stretch of course to a great crevice in the cliffs known as the lover's leap here said the girl imitating the manner of a guy legend says an Indian maiden very beautiful was walking with one of our suitors when a rival accosted them they drew their knives and were about to fight when the girl interposed porting to the chasm she declared she would marry the man who first jumped across it ah the time worn lovers leap they have them in England Russia Germany everywhere America not to be behind the Prince wrinkled his brows let me see how closely the Indians followed their European originals did they leap they did smile the girl both I believe were killed she peered into the dark fissure where the waters wound among the crags 50 feet below uh what a fall their love must have been telling so replied the Prince gallantly and yet I should do it for a smile from you or at most for a he bowed low seized her hand and definitely bore it to his lips she drew it away hastily a wave of irritation flushing her face in a powerful revulsion from her former mood of exaltation took possession of her whole being you have improved upon nights errant of old she said slowly you seize your garden before paying your Devois she pointed to the chasm which was about eight feet apart where they were standing your lady waits sir night the Prince pushed his hand through his hair and laughed as Wellington indeed indeed I appreciate your humor it is well caught that is to say haha your father will enjoy your whip I am waiting said the girl as though she had not heard nights and gentlemen do not take from women that which they are not willing to pay for but the Prince glanced at the yawning hole you surely jest why my dear lady the Prince involuntarily awkward and smile maliciously her meaning was clear and the Prince flushed what man would attempt it he exclaimed what man indeed he added save one who would throw away his life to no purpose come this Wellington I'm sure you do not seek my life by no means said the girl beginning to relent but still enjoying the success of her coup but really that is a small leap for a man my driver I believe her face suddenly lighted with a new inspiration hastily she walked to the top of the block to come here a minute as the two arrived at the chasm she nodded to the opposite side if you cleared that would it be a remarkable leap Armity surveyed the gap with his eye looked behind him and studied the ground not especially Miss Wellington so far as distance is concerned he had done his 19 feet in the running broad jump I just so broke in the Prince it is the condition which would follow a slip or mistaken judgment and shook her head impatiently at cold soft obvious eagerness I do not believe McCall thought of that nervous systems vary in their intensity some part of the situation armitage grasped it was clear that for some reason she had dared the Prince to make the jump and that he had declined the ground upon which they were standing was a few feet above the rocks on the other side of the chasm and the three stood about a dozen feet from the mouth she turned to armitage am I right or do you share with us psychological views cold soft from the beginning had shaped at the position in which she had placed him pitting him against a servant walked to one side with a low sibilant exclamation not at all said armitage and without further words he drew back a few feet and started swiftly for the Fisher and who had not intended that the incident should thus get away from her acted upon flashing in sneak before the situation could formulate itself in her mind she sprang at armitage as he passed her her hands quietly clasp about his neck and pulled him backward with all her strength armitage half stumbling stopped and the girl releasing her hand stepped back with a sob of nervous anger you you owe you idiot she exclaimed how dare you frighten me so now go back to the car I did not mean to frighten you miss Wellington he replied not altogether in the mild and personal tone of a servant it was a perfectly easy jump I thought you go to your car please interrupt as for coal soft rankling with the knowledge that if he had taken her at her word and a say to make the leap she would have prevented him as she had her chauffeur his mood was no enviable one lost opportunities of any sort are not conducive to mental equanimity he maintained extreme taciturnity throughout the remainder of the drive miss Wellington whose thoughts seemed also absorbing made no attempt to restore his ardent spirits when they entered the Wellington driveway she glanced at armitage as well set back in shoulders and smile because she said as she stood on the veranda I want you to go to mrs. van lalkenberg's where you were this morning and bring her here you may have to wait into chapter 13 chapter 14 of Prince or chauffeur a story of Newport by Lawrence Perry this LibriVox recording is in public domain underground wires armitage was not obliged to wait however a tall well built young woman heavily veiled came down the winding path as he shut off power when he leaned around to open the door of the tunnel she threw back her veil and he caught sight of a full dark handsome face and eyes filled with a curious light he slammed the door and turned quickly to the wheel what is your name my man the deep outer voice contained a note of mirth McCall replied armitage gruffly jerking his head a bit sideways and then jerking it quickly back again you are not a very good driver came the voice but I should like to employ you would you consider leaving mrs. Wellington armitage shook his head grouchily for a consideration calm I won't use you as a chauffeur I want you for a statue in my Japanese garden I armitage suddenly pointed the car toward the ocean and stopped then he turned in his seat look here Sarah he said if you don't let up I'll run you into the ocean mrs. van valkenberg was rocking with laughter oh Jack Jack she cried this is too rich what on earth are you up to armitage she had not seen her since they had attended school together in Louisville paid no attention to her question I had no idea you were in Newport I suppose I should expect more of one of my very oldest and best friends she said I was in the Philippines when you married faint rumors of the event penetrated even there I was too prostrated to write besides I didn't receive any cards he paused a moment van valkenberg that's so I remember now he I'm a widow said Sarah soberly oh he was silent not knowing what to say she hastened to relieve his embarrassment smiling brightly I was to go to see and later in the week but when I saw you I simply couldn't wait another minute I wanted a front seat at this little comedy you see she raised her eyes knowingly I haven't asked you why you are here in the Wellington livery and driving the Wellington car because because I'd rather imagine I can guess the reason she glanced at Armitage who did not reply fancy am I missing this romance she went on laughing musically Jack it's perfectly delightful it's more than delightful it's sublimely rich you you of all men come won't you confide in me I'll go on her eyes were brimming with laughter Armitage frowned look here Sarah you're on the wrong tack oh is it possible all right you needn't confide in me if you don't wish to all I ask is permission to view events and you can't withhold that you know but seriously Jack can I be of any assistance I approve don't you know awfully and she's worth every bit of it but how are you going to win her in the guys of a chauffeur I always knew you possessed a large amount of self confidence but allow me to inform you sir there are some things your natural qualifications can't overshadow come Jack do strip off your motley and quarter as a naval officer you see I at least have kept track of you and a gentleman should I don't like this way I tell you you are wrong I can't say anything now but wait then you'll know and Sarah please not a word as to whom I am you'll keep still until I give you the word she smiled enigmatically don't you admire and Wellington come Sarah promise this is a serious matter with me don't you she persisted of course I do he snapped she's a corker now promise I promise nothing I shall act as I think best for you Armitage gazed at her thoughtfully for a moment you may trust me Jack I may be able to help you I feel sure I shall I want to help you and and raised his hand warningly don't Sarah please very well she smiles sweetly you may proceed to the crags McCall and met her at the doorway and Armitage took the car to the garage say said Ryan there's someone been calling you up for the past hour Armitage looked at the man excitedly who was it did he give his name no wouldn't give it he said he'd call up again though he there goes the bell now Armitage took up the receiver is this you Jack came to voice this is Thornton say they've got yeeski where Jack's voice was husky in Boston did they find anything no they went through everything he hadn't a thing except a note signed the ceiling something and some Austrian army data the family name of the man we're gunning for said Armitage has he said anything nothing they have not told him what he was captured for either although I guess he knows they want your orders alright said Armitage tell them to let him go provided he leaves Boston by the first boat what turn him loose get shed of him it'll simplify matters I'm getting this thing in hand now push the thing through for me will you Joe I'm busy as a pup here get it Rollins on the long distance at the Boston Navy Yard explain things to him and get him to help there's nothing to do just have him seen on board the boat that note was all I wanted have that sent to me now do it all nicely for me won't you old chap in a day or two we'll see the finish of the whole thing oh say have them hold those papers alright said Thornton by the way we are going to torpedo the Atlantic fleet tonight the battleships are on their way down from Provincetown at last for sure the one thing I wanted to be in on can't you get off and come along on the destang we shan't leave until eight o'clock we're going to try and do up the fleet off point do come on like a good chap I'd like to I will if I can you bet I think I can work it now so long and don't forget to have that pole shunted out of the country on the jump I won't don't worry see you later then right oh goodbye as Armitage hung up the receiver the bell of the house phone jingled and Armitage was summoned to bring out the car in a hurry when he arrived under the poor cool share Prince Colesaw was still talking to Anne in a corner of the library it is very necessary he was saying the summons is important it is even possible I shall not return all night his agitation seemed momentarily increasing but Prince Colesaw said and is it so very important I hardly know what to do I've arranged a box party for the vaudeville at free body tonight it's distressing cold soft bow and I you cannot suppose I view lightly being away from you tonight he shrugged his shoulders the rose stream paths are not always for diplomats you will know that better in good time perhaps but they are for that all the sweeter while we tread them he moved very close to her and she taking the fire from his mood did not step backward looking him in the eyes pulling slightly at the front of her skirt in the very web of a mood which she felt bordered on surrender to the masculine personality of the man before her she admitted a thrill which she never before had recognized the blood mounted swiftly to her temples and she straightened and threw her head back with lips parted and hot his face came so close to hers that she felt are you sorry for this afternoon he asked caressingly yes her voice was a half whisper his arms were raising to take her when the voice of Sarah van valkenburg came to their ears with an effect very much like a cold stream upon a bar of white hot steel and oh and did you know the car was waiting for Prince cold soft she appeared in the doorway to find and turning over magazine and the prince adjusting his coat I beg pardon but you said Prince cold soft was in a hurry I thought you didn't know the car had arrived we I didn't and smile thinly thank you they moved to the veranda where Anne and Sarah stood with arms intertwined I'm sorry so sorry cried cold soft as he climbed into the car as I say I shall possibly not return all night at all events over a while he turned to Anne and half raised his arm the trust he said she nodded and smiled have no fear Prince cold soft she said good he glared toward to town and fast he said as arm it is not it and his mood was past praying for called mischievous Lee McCall always touch your hat when you receive an order and come right back please I shall want to go to town this time arm it is made a faultless salute when they had gone and walked to a sati drawing Mrs. van valkenberg by the arm and flung herself down laughing hysterically why what is the matter and Sarah gazed at her in amazement as anything she paused significantly happened and drew her handkerchief across her eyes no she said not yet but oh Sarah if you hadn't she stopped and gazed at her friend wide-eyed Sarah she said is it possible I love Prince cold soft no it is not replied Sarah decidedly and don't be a goose what is it tell me I cannot but yes I think it is it must be oh I wonder and Sarah for goodness sake let me alone a moment come she added throwing her arm about the young matrons race let's talk about other things now come with me while I telephone and call off that stupid theater party then we'll go to town exchange the tickets and Sarah let's have a regular bat alone you know one of our old ones I dare you done said Mrs. van valkenberg thankful to change the girl's mood while Anne was telephoning and offering various explanations to various persons Sarah sat thinking it had not taken her 10 minutes to decide that she detested cold soft and that Anne was under a spell not easily to be broken if armadage had tried to break it if he were there for that purpose it was a long way of success he had chosen in any event a poor method of campaigning if he did not know what was good for him so much the worse she did and accordingly when Anne had finished with the last of her list of prospective guests she said Anne I've fallen quite in love with your new chauffeur I don't blame you one bit said Anne carelessly he's a stunner but I don't believe he's a chauffeur by profession I happen to know he isn't you know he isn't how do you know tell me what he is then I don't believe I'll ever have any more curiosity about anything I've used it all on him he's a naval officer and a very promising one I believe he is John Armadage and his father is United States Senator Armadage from Kentucky they're really a very fine family one of the best in the state how did oh of course you were a Kentuckian you don't mean to say I am I know all his family very well why I've known Jack Armadage all my life she raised her eyebrows but Anne promised you won't let on the full significance of the information imparted by her friend gradually rose to supremacy in Anne's mind her eyes turned slowly to Sarah's face well of all idiots I am the worst why I even placed him at Annapolis and then let him turn me off and mother too that's a good one on her well what's his play I confess I'm stumped his play Sarah regarded her with a significant smile I wonder and gazed at her a moment and then buried her face in her hands with a mock grown saints and ministers of grace defend us she exclaimed then girl like they clung to each other and laughed and laughed aren't you flattered as Sarah had linked flattered oh you mean about she grimaced Sarah is perfectly ridiculous and it isn't true the very idea the audacity don't tell me Sarah there's something else but Sarah caught the tentative note oh naturally she interposed you are far from being sufficiently attractive to draw an ardent young man into a romantic situation especially as you told me after you had written him a note virtually inviting him to try his luck Sarah you are beastly forgive me dear but why not face facts well and smiled residedly mother mustn't know not until the play is over said Sarah and gazed moodley at her friend it soon will be I fear she said as for the unsuspecting Armitage he burned the road smiling to think that underground wires were working for him as well as the prince he had no fear that if Colt's off had the control with him which Armitage did not for a moment believe the vigilance of the express companies to authorities would be found wanting Colt's off spent half an hour in the telegraph office and then alighting from the car in Turo Park that Armitage returned to the crags shall I call anywhere for you ask Armitage pleasantly no replied Colt's off who stood on the sidewalk watching until the car disappeared End of Chapter 14 Chapter 15 of Prince or chauffeur a story of Newport by Lawrence Perry this LibriVox recording is in the public domain Anne and Sarah seek adventure Anne said Mrs. Wellington as she came in from her drive a few minutes later your chauffeur drives too fast the car passed me cutting through Brenton Road a while ago at a perfectly insane pace someone how do you do Sarah I'm delighted to have you with us was in the Toronto whom I took to be Colt's off although there was such a blur I wasn't certain was it he yes mother Anne glanced at sir isn't it maddening some urgent summons he said made it necessary for him to go and he may be away all night of course that punctured the party at free body it is maddening Sarah hastened to observe Mrs. Wellington compressed her lips I had told him your father would arrive this evening but of course to fail to remember that fortunately he will not come on from New York until tomorrow I've had a wire if you any idea the Prince will be with us tomorrow Sir Arthur badly will be down from Bar Harbor for the week Bob Marie is coming with your father and two or three of the tuxedo crowd Sally and Blanche turn your and Willie Whipple will be here by Wednesday for the ball certainly I don't know really said and but I imagine so of course Sarah gazed at Mrs. Wellington curiously it was true the woman was outwardly unperturbed characteristically so but Sarah had never before been able to read in that mask like face so many indications of inward irritation and sly glance told her that she too had been able to enjoy a rare opportunity of penetrating beneath the surface Mrs. Wellington toyed with her lawn yet for a moment and if cold soft returns and I don't see him let me know the very first minute will you please she glanced at the girl with an expression best described as detached if it interests you any my daughter you succeeded in making a sensation this afternoon you and cold soft I gather that everything was done but placard in him and I've heard of at least eight persons you cut in the casino Oh mother by the way if I am not too inquisitive and hastening to change the trend of thought I read or heard somewhere that father was interested in getting hold of a Russian issue of railroad bonds or something of the sort is Prince cold soft concerned your father has no business dealings with him dismiss that thought railroad bonds I believe he was looking into them I don't know the details or rather do not recall them I do remember though his saying that he had relinquished the opportunity to the French with great pleasure Oh sedan I imagined his visit here was a mingling of business with pleasure I don't know what it is a mingling of I'm quite sure said Mrs. Wellington she turned to go I'm dining out tonight at the Cunningham Jones I shouldn't have accepted but you were to be at burgers with your theater party you won't mind Sarah not at all Mrs. Wellington don't bother about me I hope I'm not company Mrs. Wellington smile she was very partial to the young widow the boys are at point for the night you might call up people if you want company for dinner and do you think quite and as her mother left the room how events have shaped themselves for us of course we shan't dine at home I'll have Amelia tell Mrs. Stetson after we've gone now Sarah what can we do exciting her eyes flash with animation as she gazed at her friend shall it be shop girl disguises with dinner on Tim's street or what I know quite Sarah we'll put on short way suits and plain hats must our hair a bit and take a trip on a sightseeing barge lovely Mac Mr. Armitage can take us to the starting place at Easton's beach and then pick us up there when we get back after the hoop la laughs there and the two young women nothing but school girls now fell into each other's arms hugging joyously when Armitage appeared again at the port course share a few minutes before five o'clock two very changed but Mary young women awaited him and flashed her eyes at Armitage to Easton's beach McCall she said sweetly Easton's beach was at the height of the day's exodus of excursionist to Providence Fall River Taunton and elsewhere as Armitage drew alongside the sunbaked board walk in front of the main bathing pavilion trolley cars which had rolled empty down the long hill by the ocean side were now ascending laden to the guards and the ocean relieved of its bathers whose suits of multifarious cuts and colors had grievously marred the blue waters had recovered its beautiful serenity we are going to take a barge ride McCall said and as they alighted from the car you might follow us at a respectful distance though so you can pick us up when we decide to get out Armitage touched his cap and sat watching amusedly while Anne and Sarah with exaggerated swinging strides walked toward a barge comfortably filled with a heterogeneous assemblage of sightseers they paused uncertainly at the side of the clumsy vehicle and were thus inspired by the driver it was on the point of starting his horses whoa he cried pulling at the reins here you are ladies two seats in the onset drive last chance of the day all the way round for 50 cents all points pointed out with inside information Sarah glanced out fully Dan but the girl already had her food on the step we ain't going all the way she said can we get out where we please sure the sooner the better cried the driver cheerfully all rights at Anne clamoring in come on Jane Sarah followed obediently kneeing her way along the seat to Anne's side the cliff walk said the driver his whip to the left as they drove up the hill is that where society people walk past and not only the common people replied the Oracle any society person found there would be ostracized they would exclaimed an elderly Irishman smoking a pipe at Anne's side is the ground to pour for their frown feet only think said a stout woman behind them leaning forward the college owners have been trying to close up the walk to the public my brother's a grocer clerk here and he says the city would be better off without the cottagers they're awful don't pay their bills and such carry ins on you've no idea you you to live here as Sarah I thought I seen you in the city not me I live over to Jamestown said the stout woman in the meantime and had noted to her disgust that two men in white duck trousers and straw yachting caps were trying to catch their attention it was not to be wondered at for despite the broad brim tats tilted well over their foreheads and hair and studied disarray by way of disguise no more dashing pair had ever patronized Newport's sight seeing system of course this aspect of their adventure had not occurred to Anne and she was about to pull Sarah skirt and suggest that abandoned the trip forthwith when that young woman glancing about for a fresh material suddenly turned pale and she whispered for heaven's sake there's my cook at the other end of that back seat the fat redheaded man what shall I do and without replying touched the driver and handed him a two dollar bill keep that she said and please let us out at once and so just a bit panicked stricken but with ardor undimmed the two awaited the motor car we might have known observes there do you suppose he recognized me and was laughing how in the world could he help it of course said Sarah her face lighting with the humor of the incident I shan't care at all provided he doesn't give me notice they were quite ready for armitage when he came up in the car where to now Sarah and stamped her foot isn't that the way when you've had the opportunity and the desire for a good time you can't imagine what to do well let us get into the car anyway said Sarah those detestable creatures actually followed us so they entered the motor armitage turned inquiringly but and shook her head one moment if you please I wanted to ask you miss Wellington if you thought I could get away tonight about seven o'clock he glared defiantly at Sarah who was ostentatiously concealing her face in her hand I've rather an important engagement why and glanced at Sarah who's seeing an opening for a new avenue of fun was now laughing deservedly you really can't think of it you know dear she said why at seven o'clock he will just begin to be useful and saw the chauffeur's shoulders shrug angrily and it amused her cut through here and drive toward the training station she commanded and we'll think about seven o'clock McCall Sarah who had been vigorously nodding and screwing up her eyes at armetages back laughed musically and she said your chauffeur is badly trained as to manners really he suggests a man graduated from the fifth avenue buses don't you know you must make allowances there he's only an improvised chauffeur I know but he's hardly of the chauffeur type now as a detective can't you imagine him in a pair of false whiskers I've always suspected him of a wig and giggle or reinforced putties with a quick jerking of levers armetages stopped the car he turned around looked at Sarah quietly for a moment and then at hand something in her face told him what he wanted to know Sarah he said for a first class large gauge said I commend you to anyone end of chapter 15 chapter 16 of Prince or chauffeur a story of Newport by Lawrence Perry this LibriVox recording is in the public domain the adventure materializes Sarah bowed with mock humility and then raising her head looked and straight in the eyes Miss Wellington I present Mr. Armetage an officer a lieutenant I think of the United States Navy and sat silent for a second and then stretched her hand out over the seat laughing what a situation she exclaimed I'm pleased to know that my dying gladiator she paused and looked inquiringly at Armetage who had taken and released her hand in silence I don't wish to be impertinent she continued at length flushing vividly but I feel it is my right to know why you posed as a physical instructor and entered service in our house surely I you must have had some good reason and Sarah hastened to relieve Armetage of apparent confusion or irritation she could not tell which naturally his reasons for the deceit were excellent she looked at her friend with a significant raising of the browse I those reasons still exist do they not Jack she scowled admonishingly at him Armetage you plainly diagnosed Sarah's drift was smiling broadly as I looked at him with a curious wondering expression they still exist decidedly Sarah he said he paused for a second and then continued in the lamest sort of way will you let me be a driver just a little while longer miss Wellington it is really important when I explain everything you'll understand of course I've been governed by the best motives and was somewhat more dignified certainly I have not the slightest objection to having a naval officer for a driver if you have none I must say though I shall be eager to learn the reasons for your rather unconventional behavior you shall be the first one to know replied Jack with quite a different meaning in mind than that which Sarah Van Vulcan Berg read whose eyes by the way were dancing with excitement there was an awkward silence for a moment and Jack was turning to the wheel when Anne leaned forward you must tell me about the Navy sometime she said I've begun to feel I am rather a poor American where are you attached I'm with the torpedo flotilla at present said Armetage by the way miss Wellington that reminds me of my request for liberty tonight the boats are going out and and it's rather important I go with them to be back before midnight oh Sarah's exclamation was so sharp and eager that both Jack and Anne started I have it she leaned forward eagerly as both turned to her I know we'll make him take us out with the boats tonight can you imagine anything more thrilling I've never been on a naval vessel in my life and they'll shoot torpedoes night attack Port Arthur and all that sort of thing don't you know was quite carried away good oh that would be she stopped short as a sudden thought came to her do you suppose she said slowly that you could miss Armetage I should love the experience but perhaps nonsense interrupted sir of course he can take us didn't we see that crowd of women on one of the torpedo boats at the King's Cup race that boat was not in commission said Jack might be court martial if the commanding officer of the flotilla saw you he spoke lightly but running clearly through his mind was the uncompromising phrase theology of article 250 of the Navy regulations officers commanding fleets divisions or ships shall not permit women to reside on board of or take passage in any ship of that Navy in commission for sea service violation of this meant court martial and perhaps dismissal from the service and yet Sarah's proposition thrilled him potently he could not deny his eagerness to do as the young women wish to have and at his side for long hours on a footing of equality as he looked at her now with her lips parted her eyes blazing with interest her cheeks flushed the penalty of disobeying that odious article 250 seemed at worst slight besides Diane was assigned to him for special service to do with her as he saw fit there might be a loophole there and who had been pondering his words looked up if you are thinking only of us I shouldn't mind one bit I should love dearly to go I've often seen the torpedo boats from my windows and wish to be on one of them they look so black and venomous all right I'll take you Armitage looked at them with pleasure it isn't yachting you know of course it isn't said Sarah certainly not Echo Dan and besides Mr. Armitage I've never faced real danger in my life except once when my polo pony ran away oh I want to go I should like to change my clothes Armitage glanced humorously at his livery of course said and I tell you you leave us at burgers drive home and change your clothes then you can pick your nails until we return how is that we will have a lobster ordered for you don't bother about that please I shall have to run over to the island when I come back from the crags to prepare the way take a taxi cabin be it the navy landing no that wouldn't be wise someone might see you go to the New York yacht club station and I or Johnson my second will be there in the distance launch we are the outer boat in the slips and you can come aboard don't be a minute later than seven thirty o'clock that is he added if you are serious about making the trip serious exclaimed Sarah oh we are serious said and and Mr. Armitage you're awfully good a tall grave young ensign met the two excited girls at the hour designated and shot them across the bay to the torpedo boat slips in silence he's a nice looking boy whispered there but I wonder what it seemed altogether to approve and who had been studying the officer smiled easily that isn't it he's embarrassed for heaven's sakes Sarah don't try to make me feel to throw at this stage the young man was embarrassed and had diagnosed correctly and it was with great relief that he turned them over to Armitage who led them to a hatch and danced down a straight iron ladder to the ward room and watched the precise steward adjusting a center piece upon the mess table and then glanced around the apartment which was lined with rifles cutlasses and revolvers and holsters how interesting Mr. Armitage he said do you recall the last time we were in a cabin together smiling how absurd it was wasn't it left Armitage he left the ward room and returned in a few minutes with two officers long blue overcoats and caps these are your disguises I'll send an orderly down to take you up to the bridge when we get well underway do we really have to wear these Sarah reviewed the overcoats with mock concern must left Armitage it is going to be cold and it looks like rain I took my hair up under the caps as much as possible if I were you damp salt air is bad for hair you mean you wish us to look like men asserted Sarah I merely want you to be appropriate to the picture Sarah looked at him mischievously why not the entire uniform then Sarah cried and as Jack ducked out of the door and Sarah placed her hand on Anne's arm are you interested in Jack Armitage the girl looked at the dark burning cheeks of the handsome full blooming young woman in front of her don't be silly Sarah I'm not silly said Mrs. Van Balkenberg half humorously I really want to know why why because if you're not I want you to keep in the background for I think I'd rather like to enlist in the Navy and could not tell why but Sarah had succeeded in irritating her end of chapter 16