 CHAPTER 4 The Invitation Extended They were called by the porter early the next morning. The train was pulling into Washington five hours late. mindful wondered, as he dressed, whether fortune would permit him to see much of her during her brief day in the capital. He dreamt of a drive over the avenues, a trip to the monument, a visit to the halls of Congress, an inspection of public buildings, a dinner at his mother's home, luncheon at the Abbot, and other attentions which might give to him every moment of her day in Washington. But even as he dreamt, he was certain that his hopes could not be gratified. After the train had come to a standstill, he could hear the rustle of her garments in the next compartment. Then he heard her sweep into the passage, greet her uncle and aunt, utter a few commands to the maid, and, while he was suggesting his collar and necktie, pass from the car. No man ever made quicker time in dressing than did Laurie. She could hardly have believed him ideal, had she seen his scowling face, or heard the words that hissed through his impatient teeth. She'll get away, and that'll be the end of it. He growled, seizing his traps and rushing from the train two minutes after her departure. The porter attempted to relieve him of his bags on the platform, but he brushed him aside, and was off toward the station. "'Nice time for you to call a man, you idiot!' was his parting shot for the porter, forgetting, of course, that the foreigners had been called at the same time. With eyes intent on the crowd ahead, he plunged along, seeing nobody in his disappointed flight. "'I'll never forgive myself if I miss her,' he was wailing to himself. She was not to be seen in the waiting-rooms, so he rushed to the sidewalk. "'Baggage transferred?' "'Cab, sir?' "'Go to the devil.' "'Yes, here. Take these traps and these chicks, and rush my stuff to number so-and-so on W. Avenue.' "'Drunks just in on B.N.O.' he cried, tossing his burdens to a transferman, and giving him the check so quickly that the fellow's sleepy eyes opened wider than they had been for a month. Relieved of his impedimenta, he returned to the station. "'Good morning, Mr. Lorry. Are you in too much of a hurry to see your friends?' cried a clear musical voice as he stopped as if shot. The anxious frown flew from his brow, and was succeeded instantaneously by a glad smile. He wheeled and beheld her with aunt Yvonne standing near the main entrance to the station. "'Why, good morning,' he exclaimed, extending his hand gladly. To his amazement she drew herself up haughtily, and ignored the proffered hand. Only for a brief second did this strange and uncalled-for odor obtain. A bright smile swept over her face, and her repentant fingers sought his timidly, even awkwardly. Something told him that she was not accustomed to handshaking. That same something impelled him to bend low and touch the gloved fingers with his lips. He straightened, with face flushed, half fearful lest his act had been observed by curious loungers, and he had taken a liberty and a public place which could not be condoned. But she smiled serenely, approvingly. There was not the faintest sign of embarrassment or confusion in the lovely face. Any other girl in the world, he thought, would have jerked her hand away and giggled furiously. Aunt Yvonne inclined her head slightly, but did not proffer her hand. He wisely refrained from extending his own. "'I thought you had left the station,' he said. "'We are waiting for Uncle Kaspar, who is giving Hedrick instructions. Hedrick, you know, is to go on to New York with our boxes. He will have them aboard ship when we arrive there. All that we have with us is hand luggage. We leave Washington to-night. I had hoped you might stay over for a few days. It is urgent business that compels us to leave so hastily, Mr. Lorry. Of all the cities in the world, I have most desire to see the capital of your country. Perhaps I may return some day, but do not let us detain you if you are in a hurry.' He started, looked guilty, stammered something about baggage, said he would return in a moment and rushed aimlessly away, his ears fiery. "'I am all kinds of a fool,' he muttered as he raced around the baggage-room, and then back to where he had left the two ladies. Mr. Guggenslokker had joined them, and they were preparing to depart. Miss Guggenslokker's face expressed pleasure at seeing him. We thought you would never return so long were you gone.' She cried, gaily. He had been gone just two minutes by the watch. The old gentleman greeted him warmly, and Lorry asked them to what hotel they were going. On being informed that they expected to spend the day at the ebbot, he volunteered to accompany them, saying that he intended to breakfast there. Quicker than a flash, a glance, unfathomable as it was brief, passed between the three. Not quickly enough, however, to escape his keen, watchful eyes, on the alert since the beginning of his acquaintance with them, in conjunction with his ears, to catch something that might satisfy in a measure his burning curiosity. What was the meaning of that glance? It half angered him, for in it he thought he could distinguish annoyance, apprehension, dismay, or something equally disquieting. Before he could stiffen his long frame, and give vent to the dignified reconsideration that flew to his mind, the young lady dispelled all pain and displeasure, sending him into raptures, by saying, "'How good of you! We shall be so delighted to have you breakfast with us, Mr. Lorry, if it is convenient for you. You can talk to us of your wonderful city. Now say that you will be good to us. Stay your hunger, and neglect your personal affairs long enough, to give us these early morning hours. I am sure we cannot trouble you much longer.' He expostulated gallantly and delightedly, and then hurried forth to call a cab. At eight o'clock he breakfasted with them, his infatuation growing deeper and stronger as he sat for the hour beneath the spell of those eyes, the glorious face, the sweet, imperial air that was a part of her, strange and unaffected. As they were leaving the dining-room, he asked her if she would not drive with him. His ardent gallantry met with a surprising rebuke. The conversation up to that moment had been bright and cheery, her face had been the constant reflector of his own good spirits, and he had every reason in the world to feel that his suggestion would be received with pleasure. It was a shock to him, therefore, to see the friendly smile fade from her eyes, and a disdainful gleam succeeded. Her voice, a moment ago sweet and affable, changed its tone instantly to one so proud and arrogant that he could scarcely believe his ears. "'I shall be engaged during the entire day, Mr. Laurie,' she said, slowly looking him fairly in the eyes, with cruel positiveness. Those eyes of his were wide with surprise and the glowing gleam of injured pride. His lips closed tightly, little red spots flew to his cheeks, and then disappeared, leaving his face white and cold. His heart throbbed painfully with the mingled emotions of shame and anger. For a moment he dared not speak. "'I have reason to feel thankful that you are to be engaged,' he said at last, calmly, without taking his eyes from hers. "'I am forced to believe, much to my regret, that I have offended when I intended to please. You will pardon my temerity.' There was no mistaking the resentment in his voice or the glitter in his eyes. Impulsively her little hand was stretched forth, falling upon his arm, while into her eyes came again the soft glow, and to her lips the most pathetic, appealing smile, the forerunner of a pretty plea for forgiveness. The change startled and puzzled him more than ever. In one moment she was unreasonably rude and imperious, in the next gracious and imploring. "'Forgive me,' she cried, the blue eyes battling bravely against the steel in the gray ones above. "'I was so uncivil. Perhaps I cannot make you understand why I spoke as I did, but let me say, I richly deserved the rebuke. Pray forgive me, and forget that I have been disagreeable. Do not ask me to tell you why I was so rude to you just now, but overlook my unkind treatment of your invitation. Please, Mr. Laurie, I beg of you. I beg for the first time in my life. You have been so good to me. Be good to me still.' His wrath melted away like snow before the sunshine. How could he resist such an appeal? "'I beg for the first time in my life,' whirled in his brain. What did she mean by that?' "'I absolve the penitent,' he said, gravely. "'I thank you. You are still my ideal American. Courteous, bold, and gentle. I do not wonder that Americans can be masterful men. And now I thank you for your invitation, and ask you to let me withdraw my implied refusal. If you will take me for the drive, I shall be delighted and more than grateful. "'You make me happy again,' he said, softly, as they drew near the elder members of the party, who paused to wait for them. I shall ask your uncle and aunt to accompany us. Uncle Caspar will be busy all day, but I am sure my aunt will be charmed. Aunt Yvonne, Mr. Laurie has asked us to drive with him over the city, and I have accepted for you. When are we to start, Mr. Laurie?' Mr. and Mrs. Guggensocker stared in a bewildered sort of manner at their niece. Then Aunt Yvonne turned questioning eyes toward her husband, who promptly bowed low before the tall American, and said, "'Your kind offices shall never be forgotten, sir. When are the ladies to be ready?' Laurie was weighing in his mind the advisability of asking them to dine in the evening with his mother, but two objections presented themselves readily. First, he was afraid of this perverse maid. Second, he had not seen his mother. In fact, he did not know that she was in town. "'At two o'clock, I fancy. That will give us the afternoon. You leave at nine to-night, do you not?' "'Yes. And will you dine with us this evening?' Her invitation was so unexpected, in view of all that had happened, that he looked a-scance. "'Ah, you must not treat my invitation as I did yours,' she cried, merrily, although he could detect the blush that returns with the recollection of a reprimand. You should profit by what I have been taught.' The girl abruptly threw her arm about her aunt, and cried, as she drew away in the direction of her room. "'At two, then, and at dinner this evening, I bid you good morning, Mr. Lorry.' The young man delighted with the turn of affairs, but dismayed by what seemed a summary dismissal, bowed low. He waited until the strange trio entered the elevator, and then sauntered downstairs, his hands in his pockets, his heart as light as air. Unconsciously he jingled the coins. A broad smile came over his face as he drew forth a certain piece. Holding it between his thumb and forefinger, he said, "'You are what it cost her to learn my name, are you?' "'Well, my good fellow, you may be very small, but you bought something that looks better than Guggensocher on a hotel register. Your mistress is an odd bit of humanity, a most whimsical bit, I must say. First she's no, and then she's yes. You're lucky, my coin, to have fallen into the custody of one who will not give you over to the mercy of strangers, for the sake of a whim. You are now retired, on a pension, well deserved, after valiant service in the cause of a most capricious queen.' In an hour he was at home, and relating to his mother the story of his wanderings, neglecting, for reasons best known to himself, the events which occurred after Denver had been left behind, except for a casual allusion to a party of foreigners. At one o'clock, faultlessly attired, he descended to the brome, telling Mrs. Lloyd that he had invited some strangers to see the city. On the way downtown he remembered that he was in business, the law business, and that it would be well to drop in and let his uncle know he was in the city. On second thought, however, he concluded it was too near two o'clock to waste any time on business, so the office did not know that he was in town until the next day, and then to no great extent. For several hours he reveled in her society, sitting beside her in that roomy brome, Aunt Yvonne Opposite, explaining to her the many places of interest as they passed. They entered the capital, they saw the White House, and as they were driving back to the hotel, passed the President of the United States. Miss Guggen's locker, when informed that the President's carriage was approaching, relaxed gracefully from the stately reserve that had been puzzling him, and revealed an eager curiosity. Her eyes fastened themselves upon the President, Laurie finding entertainment in the changes that came over her unconscious face. Instead of noting the veneration he had expected, he was astonished and somewhat provoked to see a slight curl of disgust at the corners of her mouth, a pronounced disappointment in her eyes. Her face expressed ridicule, pure and simple, and he was shocked to observe the exposure was unconscious, therefore sincere. You do not like our ruler, he asked, as the carriage whirled by. He was returning his hat to his head as he spoke. I cannot say, I do not know him, she replied, a tinge of sarcasm in her voice. You Americans have one consolation. When you tire of a ruler, you can put another in his place. Is it not wise to do so quite often? I don't think wise is the word. Expedient is better. I am to infer that you have no politics. One house has ruled our land for centuries. Since I came to your land, I have not once seen a man wave his hat with mad adulation and cry from his heart, Long live the President. For centuries in my country, every child has been born with the words Long Live the Prince in his heart, and he learns to say them next after the dear parental words are mastered. Long live the Prince. Long live the Princess. Our tributes of love and honor that grate our rulers from birth to death. We are not fickle and we have no politics. Do your rulers hear tin horns, brass bands, campaign yells, firecrackers and stump speeches every four years? Do they know what it means to be the voluntary choice of a whole nation? Do they know what it is to rule because they have won the right and not because they were born to it? Has there ever been a homage-surfitted ruler in your land who has known the joy that comes with the knowledge that he has earned the right to be cheered from one end of the country to the other? Is there not a difference between your hereditary Long Live the Prince and our wild, enthusiastic, spontaneous Hurrah for Cleveland, Miss Guggen's Locker? All men are equal at the beginning in our land. The man who wins the highest gift that can be bestowed by seventy millions of people is the man who had brains and not tidal as a birthright. He was a bit exasperated. There I have displeased you again. You must pardon my antiquated ideas. We, as true and loyal subjects of a good sovereign, cannot forget that our rulers are born, not made. Perhaps we are afflicted at times with brainless monarchs and are to be pitied. You are generous in your selection of potentates. Be generous, then, with me, a benighted royalist who craves leniency of one who may someday be president of the United States. Granted without discussion, as possible, though not probable, president of the United States, I am magnanimous to an unfortunate who can never hope to be princess no matter how well she might grace the gilded throne. She greeted this glowing remark with a smile so intoxicating that he felt himself the most favored of men. He saw that smile in his mind's eye for months afterward, that maddening sparkle of joy which flashed from her eyes to the very bottom of his heart there to snuggle for ever with memory's most priceless treasures. Their dinner was but one more phase of this fascinating dream. More than once he feared he was about to awake to find bleak unhappiness where exquisite joy had rained so gloriously. As it drew to an end a sense of depression came over him. An hour at most was all that he could have with her. Nine o'clock was drawing nigh, with its regrets, its longings, its desolation. He determined to retain the pleasure of the present until, amid the clanging of bells and the roll of car-wheels, the dismal future began. His intention to accompany them to the station was expressed as they were leaving the table. She had begun to say goodbye to him when he interrupted, self-consciousness forcing the words hurriedly and disjointedly from his lips. You will let me go to the station with you. I shall deem it a pleasure. She raised her eyebrow slightly, but thanked him and said she would consider it an honour. His face grew hot and his heart cold with the fancy that there was in her eyes a gleam which said, I pity you, poor fellow. Notwithstanding his strange misgiving and the fact that his pride had sustained quite a perceptible shock, he drove with them to the station. They went to the sleeping-car a few minutes before the time set for the train's departure and stood at the bottom of the steps uttering the good-byes, the good-speeds, and the sincere hope that they might meet again. Then came the sharp activity of the trainmen, the hurry of belated passengers. He glanced soberly at his watch. It is nine o'clock. Perhaps you would better get aboard, he said, and proceeded to assist Aunt Yvonne up the steps. She turned and pressed his hand gently before passing into the car. I do, good friend. You have made it so very pleasant for us, she said, earnestly. The tall, soldierly old gentleman was waiting to assist his niece into the coach. Go first, Uncle Caspar, the girl made Lori happy by saying, I can easily come up unaided. Or I can assist her, Lori hastened to add, giving her a grateful look which she could not misunderstand. The uncle shook hands warmly with the young man and passed up the steps. She was following, when Lori cried, Will you not allow me? She laughingly turned to him from the steps and stretched forth her hand. And now it is good-bye, for ever. I am so sorry that I have not seen more of you, she said. He took her hand and held it tightly for a moment. I shall never forget the past few days, he said, a thrill in his voice. You have put something into my life that can never be taken away. You will forget me before you are out of Washington. But I shall always see you as you are now. She drew her hand away gently, but did not take her eyes from his upturned face. You are mistaken. Why should I forget you, ever? Are you not the ideal American whose name I bought? I shall always remember you as I saw you at Denver. Not as I have been since, he cried. Have you changed since I first saw you? She asked quaintly. I have, indeed, for you saw me before I saw you. I am glad I have not changed for the worse in your eyes. As I first knew you with my eyes, I will say that they are trustworthy, she said, tantalizingly. I do not mean that I have changed externally. In any other case my eyes would not serve, she cried, with mock disappointment. Still, she added, sweepingly, you are my ideal American. Goodbye, the man has called all aboard. Goodbye, he cried, swinging up on the narrow step beside her. Again he clasped her hand, and she drew back in surprise. You are going out of my land, but not out of my mind. If you wish your eyes to see the change in me, you have only to look at them in a mirror. They are the change, they themselves. Goodbye, I hope that I may see you again. She hesitated an instant, her eyes wavering beneath his. The train was moving slowly now. I pray that we may meet, she said, softly at last. So softly that he barely heard the words. Had she uttered no sound he could have been sure of her response, for it was in her tell-tail eyes. His blood leaped madly. You will be hurt if you wait till the train is running at full speed, she cried, suddenly returning to the abandoned merry mood. She pushed him gently in her excitement. Don't you see how rapidly we are moving? Please go. There was a terror in her eyes that pleased him. Goodbye, then, he cried. Adieu, my American! she cried quickly. As he swung out, ready to drop to the ground, she said, her eyes sparkling with something that suggested mischief, her face more bewitching than ever under the flicker of the great arc lights. You must come to Edelweiss to see me. I shall expect you. He thought there was a challenge in the tones. Or was it mockery? I will, by heaven, I will, he exclaimed. A startled expression flashed across her face, and her lips parted as if in protestation. As she leaned forward, holding stoutly to the handrail, there was no smile on her countenance. A white hand fluttered before his eyes, and she was gone. He stood, hat in hand, watching the two red lights at the end of the train, until they were lost in the night. If Laurie slept that night, he was not aware of it. The next morning, after he had breakfasted with his mother, he tried in vain to recall a minute at the time between midnight and eight a.m., in which he did not think. At the young woman who had flown away with his tranquility. All night long, he tossed and thought. He counted ten thousand black sheep jumping over a pasture fence. But after the task was done and the sheep had scattered, he was as far from sleep as ever. Her face was everywhere. Her voice filled his ear with music, never ceasing, but it was not the lulling music that invites drowsiness. He heard the clock strike the hours from one to eight when he arose, thoroughly disgusted with himself. Everything seemed to taste bitter or to look blue. The breakfast was a great strain on his natural politeness. He worshipped his mother, but in several instances that morning he caught himself just in time to prevent the utterance of some sharp rejoinder to her pleasant motherly queries. Twice she was compelled to repeat questions, his mind being so far away that he heard nothing say words that another woman had uttered so twenty-four hours before. His eyes were red, and there was a heavy droop to the lids. His tones were drawing, and his voice strangely without warmth. His face was white and tired. You are not well, Grenfell, his mother said, peering anxiously into his eyes. The trip has done you up. Now you must take a good long rest and recover from your vacation. He smiled grimly. A man never needs a rest so much as he does at the end of his vacation, O mother. Well, work will be restful. I shall go to the office this morning and do three days' work before night. That will prove to you that I am perfectly well. He made a pretense of reading the morning paper. There was nothing to interest him on those cold, commonplace pages. Not one thing, but wait. A thought struck him suddenly, and for ten minutes he searched the columns assiduously, even nervously. Then he threw down the paper with a sigh of relief. There was nothing to indicate that her train had been wrecked. She had undoubtedly reached New York in safety. He looked at his watch. She was probably enjoying her breakfast at that very moment. Perhaps she was thinking of him, and perhaps not. The memory of that last tender hand clasped, and the soft glow in her eyes stood like a wall between the fear that she had forgotten, and the certainty that she remembered. Had not his memory kept him awake, that and the final, mysterious emotion which had shown itself in her face as he had last looked upon it. A thousand times had he pondered over that startled look and the signs of agitation. Was it fear? Was it dismay? Was it renunciation? Whatever it was, it sorely disturbed him. It had partly undone the charm of the moment before. The charm that could not and would not, be game said. True to his intention he went to the office early, virtuously inclined to work. His uncle greeted him warmly, and a long conference over business affairs followed. To Laurie's annoyance and disconfiture he found himself frequently inattentive. Several important cases were pending, and in a day or two they were to go into court with a damaged suit of more than ordinary consequence. Laurie Sr. could not repress his gratification over the return of his clever, active nephew at such an opportune time. He had felt himself unable to handle the case alone. The endurance of a young and vigorous mind was required for the coming battle in chancery. They lunched together the elder eager and confidential, the other respectful and absent minded. In the afternoon the junior went over the case, and renewed search for authorities and opinions, fully determined to be constant in spite of his inclination to be fickle. Late in the day he petulantly threw aside the books, curtly informed his astonished uncle that he was not feeling well, and left the office. Until dinner time he played billiards atrociously at his club. At dinner his mother sharply reproved him for flagrant inattentions. After dinner he smoked and wondered despondently. Tomorrow she was to sail, if he could but see her once more. At 7.30 his mother found him in the library, searching diligently through the volume of the encyclopedia that contained the G's. When she asked what he was looking for he laughed idiotically, and in confusion informed her that he was trying to find the name of the most important city in Indiana. She was glancing at the books in the case, when she was startled by hearing him utter an exclamation and then lean to his feet. At 7.30 I can make it. What is the matter, Grandia? Oh, he ejaculated, bringing himself up with the start. I forgot, yes mother, I'll just have time to catch the train, you know. Will you kindly have Mary clean up these massive books, and so forth? I'm off, you see, to New York for a day only, mother, back tomorrow. Important business just remembered it, you know. Ah, goodbye mother, goodbye. He had kissed her and was in the hall before she fairly understood what he was talking about. Then she ran after him, going in the hallway in time to see him pass through the straight door. He sat on the side of his head, his overcoat fluttering furiously as he shoved his arms into the sleeves. The door slammed and he was off to New York. The train was ready to pull out when he reached the station and it was only by a hard run that he caught the last platform, panting but happy. Just 24 hours before she had left Washington and it was right here that she had smiled and said she would expect him to come to idle wise. He had had no time to secure a birth in the sleeper but was fortunately able to get one after taking the train. Grenfell went to sleep feeling both disappointed and disgusted. Disappointed because of his submission to sentiment. Disgusted because of the man who occupied the next section. A man who is in love and in doubt has no patience with the prosaic rich who can sleep so audibly. After a hasty breakfast in New York he telephoned to the steamship company's pier and asked the time of sailing for the Kaiser Willem. On being informed that the ship was to cast off at a usual hour, he straight away called a cab and was soon bowling along toward the busy waterway. Directly he sat bulk upright, rigid and startled to find himself more awakened to the realisation of his absurd action. Again it entered his infatuated head that he was performing the various schoolboy trick in rushing to a steamship pier in the hope of catching a final and at best unsatisfactory glimpse of a young woman who had appealed to his sensitive admiration. A lump-sick boy could be excused for such a display of invisibility, but a man, a man of the world, never. The idea of chasing down to the water's edge to see that girl is enough to make you ashamed of yourself for life. Grenfell lorry, he apostrophised. It's worse than any lovesick fool ever dreamed of doing. I am blushing, I'll be bound. The idiocy, the rank idiocy of the thing. And suppose she should see me staring at her out there on the pier. What would she think of me? I'll not go another foot. I won't be a fool. He was excited and self-conscious and thoroughly ashamed of the trip into which his impetuous adoration had driven him. Just as he was tugging at the door in the effort to open it, that he might order the driver to take him back to the hotel. A sly tempter whispered something in his ear. His fancy was caught and he listened. Why not go to the pier and look over the passenger list, just to see if she has been booked safely? That would be perfectly proper and sensible, and besides, it will be a satisfaction to know that she gets off all right. Certainly, there's nothing foolish in that, especially as I am right on the way there. And as I have come so far, there's no sense in going back without seeing whether she has secured passage. I can find out in a minute and then go home. There won't be anything wrong in that. And then I may have a glimpse of her before the ship leaves the pier. She must not see me, of course, never. She'd laugh at me. How I'd hate to see her laughing at me. Then, sinking back again with a smile of justification on his face, he muttered, We won't turn back. We'll go right ahead. We'll be a kind of a fool, but not so foolish as to allow her to see us and recognise us as one. Before long they arrived at the wharf, and he hurried to the office nearby. The clerk permitted him to look over the list. First he ran through the first-class passengers, and was surprised to find that there was no such name as Googan's Locker in the list. Then he went over the second class, but still no Googan's Locker. Hasn't Mr. Googan's Locker taken passage? He demanded, unwilling to believe his eyes. Not on the Kaiser Wellum, sir. Then, by George, they'll miss the boat, Laurie exclaimed. Maybe they'll be here in a few minutes. They can't get anything but steerage now, sir. Everything else is gone. Are you sure they haven't taken passage? Asked the bewildered Laurie weekly. You can see for yourself, answered the young man curtly. Laurie was again in a perspiration. This time the result of a vague, growing suspicion that had forced itself into his mind. He wandered aimlessly away. His brain a chaos of speculation. The suspicion to which he had given countenance grew, and as it enlarged, he suffered torment untold. Gradually he came to the conclusion that she had filled him, had lied to him. She did not intend to sail on the Wellum at all. It was all very clear to him now, the strangeness in her manner, those odd occasional smiles. What was she? An adventurist? That sweet-faced girl, a little ordinary coquette, a liar? He turned cold with the thought, nor was she alone in her duplicity. Had not her uncle and aunt been as ready to deceive him? Were they trying to throw him off their track for some subtle purpose? Had they done something for which they were compelled to fly the country as quickly as possible? No, not that. They certainly were not fleeing from justice. But why were they not on board the Kaiser Wellum? Suddenly he started, as if he had been struck, and an involuntary exclamation of pain and horror escaped his lips. Perhaps something unforeseen had happened, an accident, illness, even death. The clanging of bells broke upon his ears, and he knew that the great ship was about to depart. Mechanically, disconsolently, he walked out and paced the broad, crowded wharf. All was excitement. There was the rush of people, the shouts, the cheers, the puffing of tugs, the churning of water, and the Kaiser Wellum was off on its long voyage. Halfheartedly, miserably, and in a dazed condition, he found a place in the front row along the rail. There were tears in his eyes, tears of anger, shame and mortification. She had played with him. Moodily, he had watched the crowd of voyagers hanging over the rails of the moving leviathan of the deep. A faint smile of irony came to his lips. This was the boat on which his heart was to have been freighted from native shores. The craft was sailing, but it was not carrying the cargo that he had, in very good faith, consigned to Groestark. His heart was certainly not on board the Kaiser Wellum de Groce. Gloomily, his disappointed eyes swept along the rail of the big steamer, half interested in spite of themselves. Twice they passed a certain point on the forward deck, unconscious of a force that was attracting them in that direction. Third time he allowed them to settle for an instant on the group of faces and figures, and then stray off to the other parts of the ship. Some strange power drew them again to the forward deck, and this time he was startled into an intense stare. Could he believe those eyes? Surely that was her figure at the rail, there between the two young women who were waving their handkerchiefs so frantically. His heart began to jump up and down, wildly, doubtingly, impatiently. Why could not that face be turned toward the wharf, as the others were? There was the blue coat, but not the blue cap. A jaunty sailor hat sat where the never-to-be-forgotten cap had perched. The change was slight, but it was sufficient to throw him into the most feverish state of uncertainty. An insane desire to shout a command to this strange young woman came over him. The ship was slowly opening a gap between herself and the wharf, and he knew that in a few moments recognition would be impossible. Just as he was losing hope and was ready to groan with despair, the face beneath the sailor hat was turned squarely in his direction. A glaze obscured his eyes and numbness attacked his brain. It was Miss Guggen's locker. Why was her name admitted from the passenger list? That question was the first to whirl through his adult brain. He forgot the questionings, forgot everything a moment later, for to his amazement and delight and disconfiture, he saw that she was peering intently at him. A pair of big glasses were levelled at him for a second and then lowered. He plainly saw the smile on her face and the fluttering cambrick in her hand. She had seen him, after all, had caught him in a silly exhibition of weakness. Her last impression of him then was to be one of which he could not feel proud. While his heart burned with shame, it could not have been suspected from the appearance of his face. His eyes were dancing, his mouth was wide open with joy, his lips were quivering with a suppressed shout, his cheeks were flushed, and his whole aspect bespoke ecstasy. He waved his hat and then his handkerchief, obtaining from her vigorous and unrestrained signs of approbation. Her face was raised in smiles as she leaned far over the rail, the picture of animated pleasure. Making sure that her uncle and aunt were not visible, he boldly placed his fingers to his lips and wafted a kiss out over the water. Now she'll crush me, he cried to himself, regretting the rash act and praying that she had not observed it. Her handkerchief ceased fluttering in an instant and, with sinking heart, he realised that she had observed. There was a moment of indecision on the part of the fair one going out to the sea and then the little fingertips at both hands went to her lips and his kiss came back to him. The people near him were surprised to hear a wild gel from his lips and then to see him wave his hat so madly that there was some danger of its being knocked to pieces against the railing or upon the persons of those who stood close to escape the whirling consequences. So unexpected had been her reception of what he considered a calamitous indiscretion that he was to be pardoned for the emulation of relief and joy that followed. Had she drawn a revolver and fired angrily at him, he could not have been more astounded. But to actually throw a kiss to him to meet his imprudence in the same spirit that had inspired it, too much to believe. In the midst of his elation, however, there came a reminder that she did not expect to see him again, that she was playing with him, that it was a merry jest and not a heartache that filled her bosom at the parting. While he was still waving his handkerchief, debating savagely and joyously the wisdom of the act, she became a part of the distant colour scheme. The blue figure faded and blended into the general tone and could no longer be distinguished. She was gone, but she had tossed him a kiss from lips that he should always see. As he turned away from the water, he found himself wondering if there had been tears in her eyes, but the probability was so remote that he laughed foolishly and aloud. A couple of girls heard the laugh and giggled in sympathy, but he turned a scowling face upon them and disappeared in the throng. Upper most, in his bewildered mind, was the question, why is she not in the passenger list? Acting on a sudden impulse, he again sought out the clerk in charge and made a most thorough inspection. There was no Guggenslocker among the names. As a last resort, he asked, they could not have sailed under an assumed name, could they? I can't say as to that. Where are they going? Graw stark, but the young man shook his head slowly, lorry shaking in unconscious accord. Are you sure that you saw the young lady on board? Well rather exclaimed lorry emphatically. I was going to say there are a lot of Italian and German singers on the ship and you might have been mistaken, but since you are so positive, it seems very strange that your friends are not on the list. So lorry went away discouraged and with a vague fear that she might have been a primadonna whose real name was Guggenslocker, but whose stage name was something more euphonious, he instantly put away the thought and the fear. She was certainly not an opera singer, impossible. He drove back to his hotel and made preparations for his return to Washington. Glancing casually over the register, he came to the name that had been haunting him, Guggenslocker. There were the names, Casper Guggenslocker and four, Graw stark. Without hesitation he began to question the clerk. They sailed on the Kaiser Willem today, said that worthy. That's all I know about them. They came yesterday and left today. Mr. Greenfield Lorry returned to Washington as in a dream, a fairy dream. The air at mystery that had grown from the thirst was now an impenetrable wall, the top of which his curiosity could not scale. Even his fancy, his imagination, served him not. There was at one point on which he was satisfied, he was in love. His own condition was no mystery. Several weeks later he went to New York to question the captain of the Willem, hoping to clear away the clouds satisfactorily. To his amazement the captain said there had been no Guggenslockers on board, nor had there been persons answering the description so far as he could tell. Through the long hot summer he worked and worried and wondered. In the first he did little that was satisfactory to himself or to his uncle. In the second he did so much that he was advised by his physician to take a rest. In the last he indulged himself so extensively that it had become unbearable. He must know all about her, but how? The early months of autumn found him pale and tired and indifferent alike to work and play. Had found no pleasure in the society that had known him as a lion, women bored him, men annoyed him, the play suffocated him, the tiresome club was ruining his temper, the whole world was going wrong. The doctor told him he was approaching nervous prostration. His mother's anxious eyes could no longer be denied, so he realised grimly that there was but one course left open to him. He suggested it to the doctor, to his mother and to his uncle, and they agreed with him. It involved Europe. Having fully decided again to cross the sea, his spirits revived. He became more cheerful, took an interest in things that were going on, and by the time the Kaiser Wilhelm sailed in September was the picture of health and life. He was off for idol-wise to the strange Miss Guggensocker, who had thrown him a kiss from the deck that sailing day. End of Chapter 5, Chapter 6 of Grossdark. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Grossdark by George Barr McCutcheon. Chapter 6, Grossdark. Two weeks later, Grenfell Lorry was landed and enjoying the sensations, the lights of that wonderful world called by the name of Paris. The second day after his arrival, he met a harboured man of his time on the street. Harry Anguish had been a suede-o art student for two years. When at college, he was a hail-fellow well-met, a leader in athletics, and he matters upon which faculties frown. He and Lorry were warm friends, although utterly unlike in temperament, to know either of these men was to liking. Between the two, one found all that was admirable and interesting in man. The faults and virtues of each were along such different lines that they balanced perfectly when lumped upon the scale of personal estimation. Their unexpected meeting in Paris was as exhilarating pleasure to both, and for the next week or so they were inseparable. Together they sipped abstinence at the cafes and strolled into the theatres, the opera, the dance halls and the homes of some of Anguish's friends, French and American. Lorry did not speak to his friend of Groestark until nearly two weeks after his arrival in the city. He had discussed with himself the advisability of revealing his plans to Anguish, fearing the latter's ridicule with all the cowardice of a man who knows that scoffing is, in a large measure, justifiable. Growing impatient to begin the search for the unheard of country, its capital, and at least one of its inhabitants, he was at last compelled to inform Anguish to a certain extent of his plans of the future. He began by telling him of his intention to take a run over toward Vienna, Budapest and some of the eastern cities, expecting to be gone a couple of months. To his surprise and consternation, Anguish enthusiastically volunteered to take the trip with him, having had the same project in view for nearly a year. There was nothing left for Lorry but to make a clean breast of it, which he did shamelessly, expecting the laughter and rowery of his lighthearted friend as payment for his confidence. Instead, however, Anguish, who possessed a lively and romantic nature, was charmed by the story and proclaimed it to be the most delightful adventure that had ever happened outside of a storybook. Tell me all about her, he urged, his eyes sparkling with boyish enthusiasm, and Lorry proceeded to give him a personal description of the mysterious beauty, introducing him in the same manner to the distinguished uncle and aunt, adding all those details which had confounded and upset him during his own investigations. This is rich, exclaimed Anguish. Beats any novel written, I declare. Beg ad, old man, I don't blame you for hunting down this wonderful bit of femininity. With the curiosity and an admiration that had been sharpened so keenly as yours, I'll go to the end of the world myself to have them satisfied. I may be able to satisfy that one curiosity, and may be not that, but who knows of Groestark. Don't give up before you've tried. If these people live in such a place, why? It is to be found, of course. Any railroad guidebook can locate this land of mystery. There are so many infernal little kingdoms and principalities over here that it would take a lifetime to get them all straightened out in one's head. Tomorrow morning we'll go to one of the big railway stations and make enquiries. We'll locate Groestark, and then we'll go over and pluck the flowers that grow there. All you need, my boy, is the manager. I'll do the arranging, and your little act will be the plucking. Easier said than done. She threw a kiss to you, didn't she? Certainly, but confounded. That was because she never expected to see me again. Same reason why you threw a kiss to her, I suppose. I know why. I wasn't accountable. Well, if she did it any more wettingly than you did, she is accountable, and I'd hunt her down and demand an explanation. Laurie laughed at his apparent further, but was glad that he had confided in his energetic countrymen. Two heads were better than one, and he was forced to admit to himself that he rather liked the idea of company in the undertaking. Not that he expected to encounter any particular difficulty, but that he saw a strange loneliness ahead. Therefore, he welcomed his friend's avowed intention to accompany him to idle wise as a relief instead of an annoyance. Until late in the night, they discussed the coming trip, anguish finally startling him with the question, just as he was stretching himself preparatory to the walk to his hotel. What are you going to do with her after you find her, Grann, old man? Grann falls brown, puckered, and he brought himself up with a jerk, puzzled uncertainty expressing itself in his posture as well as in his face. I'll think about that after I have found her, he replied. Think you'll marry her? Persisted the other. How do I know? exclaimed the woman hunter savagely. Oh, of course you don't know. How could you? Apologised anguish. Maybe she won't have you. Maybe she is married. All sorts of contingencies. You know. But if you'll pardon my inquisitiveness, I'd like to ask why you are making this wild goose chase half around the world just to have another look at her. You ask me if I thought here he stopped. I take it for granted then, that you'll like too. Well, I'm glad that I've got something definite on which to base operations. The one object of our endeavours from now on is to exchange Guggensocker for Laurie, certainly no robbery. A charity, I should say. Good night, see you in the morning. The next morning the two friends took a cab to several railway stations and inquired about Grawstark and Idlewise. She was treating you, old man, said anguish, after they had turned away from the third station. He spoke commiseratingly as he really felt sorry. No, exclaim Laurie. She told me the truth. There is a Grawstark and she lives there. I'll stake my life on those eyes of hers. Are you sure she said it was in Europe? asked Harry, looking up and down the street, as if he would not have been surprised to see her in Paris. In his heart he believed that she and her precious relatives had deceived old Green. Perhaps their home was in Paris and nowhere else, but for Laurie's positiveness he would have laughed heartily at the other's simple credulity, or branded him adult, the victim of some merry actress's whim. Still he was forced to admit he was not in a position to see matters as they appeared and was charitable enough to provide his time and to humour the faith that was leading them from place to place in effort to find a land that they knew nothing about. Laurie seemed so sure, so positive, that he was loath to see his dream dispelled, his ideal shattered. There was certainty no Grawstark, neither had the Googan's lockers, sailed on the willow. All apparent evidence to the contrary, notwithstanding, Laurie had been in a delirium and had imagined he saw her on the ship. If there, why was not her name in the list? But the problem tortured the sanguine, searcher himself. At last, in despair, after a fruitless search for two days, Laurie was willing to submit, with the perseverance common to half-defeated fighters, anguished at once protested, forgetting that he had sought to dissuade his friend the day before. We'll go to the Library of Paris and take a look through the books and maps, he said. Or better still, let us go to the post office, there. Why have we not thought of that? What there is of Grawstark, they'll know in the postal service. Together, they visited the Chief Post Office, where, after being directed to various deputies and clerks, they at length found the department in which the information was obtainable. Inside of five minutes, they were in possession of facts that vindicated Miss Googan's locker, lifted Laurie to the seventh heaven, and put Mr. Anguish into an agony of impatience. Grawstark was a small principality a way off to the east, and Ida Wise was a city of some 75,000 inhabitants, according to the postal guidebook. The Americans could learn no more there, so they went to Baydecker's office. Here they found a great map, and, after a diligent and almost microscopic search, succeeded in discovering the principality of Grawstark. Then they looked at each other in dismay. It's a devil of a distance to that little red blot on the map, Muse Laurie, pulling his nose reflectively. What an outlandish place for a girl like her to live, she continued. And that sweet-faced old lady and noble Uncle Casper, yeah, gods, one would think barbarians existed there, and not such people as the Googan's lockers, refined, cultivated, smart, rich. I'm more interested than ever in the place. So am I. I'm willing and ready to make the trip, old man, if you are still of a mind. And besides, she may not be the only pretty and gracious girl there. We've had bad work to find it on the map. Let's not stop till we see, otherwise, on the earth itself. They made hasty preparations for the journey. Anglish, romantic and full of adventure, advised the purchase of a pair of pistols and a knife apiece, maintaining that as they were going into an unknown and mountainous region, they should be prepared for brigands and other elements of danger. Laurie poo-pooed the suggestion of brigands, but indulged his mood by buying some ugly-looking revolvers and inviting the prospect of something really thrilling in the way of an adventure. With their traps, they were soon whirling through France, bound for a certain great city on the road to Ida Wise, one filled with excitement, eagerness and boyish zeal, the other harassed by the somber fear that a grave disappointment was in store for him. Through the glamour and the picturesqueness of the adventure, they're always crept the unconquerable feeling that he was on a fool's errand, and he was committing a deed so weak and brainless that it was sure to make him a veritable laughing stock when it became known. After all, who was Miss Guggensocher, brewer, baker, gardener or sausage maker? Travelling, of course, was pleasant at this time of the year, and the two Americans saw much that interested them along the way. Their French, especially Anguishes, was of great value to them, for they found occasion to use it at all times and in all places. Both spoke German fairly well and took every opportunity to brush up in that language, lorry remembering that the Guggensockers used many expressions that showed a preference for the Teutonic. The blithe anguish, confident and in high feather, was heart and soul in the odd expedition of love, and talked incessantly at their reception by the faraway hostess, their impressions and the final result. His camera and sketching materials were packed away with his traps. It was his avowed attention to immortalise the trip by means of plate, pallet and brush. At the end of two days they reached a certain large city, the first change and then 700 miles to another. The distance from this point to the capital of Grawstark was 200 miles or more, chiefly through mountainous lands. Somewhat elated by the cheerful information they received, they resumed the journey to Ida Wise, the city of Vale, Slope and Park, Summer, Fall and Winter. Changing cars at the end of the second day out, they sat back in the dusty seats at their carriage and sighed with relief. Unless we jump the track, this train will land us in the city we are looking for, said anguish, stretching out his legs comfortably. I'll admit it has been a tiresome journey and I'll be glad when we can step into a decent hotel, have a rub and feel like white men once more. I am beginning to feel like these dirty slabs and hunts we saw way back there. There's one thing certain, said Laurie, looking out at the window. The people and the habitations are different and the whole world seems changed since we left that station. Look at those fellows on horseback over there. What did I tell you about the grans and robbers? exclaimed anguish. If those fellows are not bandits, I'll lose faith in every novel I ever read. The train rolled slowly past three mounted men, whose steeds stood like statues upon a little knoll to the right of the track. Men and beasts engaged in silent contemplation of the cars. The men picturesquely attired and looking fierce, carrying long rifles, certainly bore an aspect that suggested the brigade. When the guard entered the carriage, anguish asked in German for some information concerning the riders. Dear frontier police guards responded the man in English, smiling at their astonishment. Both Americans arose and shook hands with him. By George, it's good to hear a man talk white man's language, cried anguish. How do you come to be holding a job on this road? An Englishman demanded Laurie. He looked anything but English. I'm not an Englishman, said the guard, flushing slightly. My name's Sinski, and I'm an American serve. An American exclaimed Laurie. Sinski grew loquacious. Sure, I used to be a sailor on a United States manor war. A couple of years ago, I got into trouble down at Constantinople and had to get out of the service. After that, I drifted up this way and went to railroading. He hadn't exactly the manner of a man of Warsman. How long have you been on this road? Ask Grenfell. About a year, I should think. Been on this branch only two months, though. Are you pretty well acquainted in Ida Weiss? Oh, I run in there every other day, in and out again. It's a fine place. Pertious you ever saw in your life. The towns run right up in the mountain to the tip top where the monks are clear up in the clouds. They say it snows up there almost all the time. Later on, from the loquacious guard, the two Americans learned quite a good bit about the country and city to which they were going. His knowledge was somewhat limited along certain lines, but quite clear as to others. Discourse Dark, for as I know, is either a sword estate or something belonging to the Empire, governed by its own rulers. Ida Weiss is the capital. The big guns of the land lives there. I walked out and saw the castle where the princess and the royalty hangs out. The people speak a language of their own, and I can't get next to a tink they say. But once in a while you find some guy that talks French or German. They've got a little standing army of two, three thousand men, and they've got their hottest uniforms you ever did see, red and black and gold. I don't see why the United States can't get up something foxy for her soldiers to wear. Had a war over here not long ago, I understand. Something like ten or fifteen years ago, there's another little country up north of Graustach, and they got in a wrangle about something, and they tell me, in Ida Weiss, that for about a year they fought like Sam Patch, which was victorious, demanded Laurie, deeply interested. I'm not sure. To hear the Ida Weiss people talk, you'd think they looked the daylights out of the other slobs, but somehow I got next to the fact that then other fellows captured the city and went after a slashing big war indemnity. I don't know much about it, and maybe I'm clear off, but I think the Graustach army was trashed. Everything is prosperous now, though, and you'd never know there'd been a war. It's the most peaceable town I ever saw. Did you ever hear of the Guggen's Lockers ask the Impressible Anguish, and Laurie felt like kicking him? In Ida Weiss never did. Friends of yours? Acquaintances interpose Laurie hostily, frowning at Anguish. You won't have any trouble finding him, if there anybody at all, said Sinski, easily. The hotel people ought to be able to tell you all about him. By the way, what is the best hotel there? Asked Anguish. There's the Burnham Wents, one block north of the depot. The travellers looked at one another and smiled. Sinski, observing the action, oh, he said pleasantly. There's a swell joint uptown called the Regenkins. It's too steep for me, but maybe you, Gens, can stand it. You'll hang round the depot for a little while. After we get in, I'll steer you up there. We'll make it worth your while, Sinski, said Laurie. Never mind that now. Americans ought to stick together, no matter where they are. We'll have a drink, and that's all. Just to show where fellow countrymen. We'll have several drinks, and we'll eat and drink tonight at the swell joint you talk about, said Anguish. We may drink there, but I'll not eat there. They wouldn't let railroad guard inside the feeding pen. Why, nothing but royal guys eat there when they're downtown shopping or exposing themselves in public gaze. True to his word, when they regged idol-wise late that afternoon, Sinski, their friend of uncertain origin, hurriedly finished his work and joined the travellers in the station. Laurie and Anguish were deeply interested in all they saw, the strange people, the queer buildings, the odd costumes, and the air of antiquity that prevailed. Once upon the narrow, clean street, they saw that idol-wise was truly a city of the mountainside. They had expected something wonderful, but were not prepared for what they found. The city actually ran up into the clouds. There was something so grand, so improbable, so unusual in the spectacle confronting them that they stared like children, aghast and stupefied. Each had the startling impression that a great human dotted mountain was falling over upon his head. It was impossible to subdue the sensation of dissonance that the toppling town inspired. I know how you feel, observe Sinski laughing. I was just the same at first. Tomorrow you walk a little ways up the side of the mountain and you'll see how much of the city there is on level ground down here. Then buildings up there ain't more one fiftieth part of the town. There's mostly summer houses. It gets hot as blazes down here in the valley in the middle of the summer and the rich ones move up the mountain. How in thunder do people get up to those houses, demanded anguish. Mules answered Sinski specifically, say, see that little old fella coming on horseback with the white uniform. Well, that's the chief of police and the fellas behind him are police guards. That's old danglots himself. He's a peach, they say. A short, grisly-faced man attired in a white uniform with red trimmings followed by three men similarly garbed road by going in the direction of the passenger station. Danglots, as Sinski had called him, was quite small in statue, rather stout, grey-bearded and eagle-nosed. His face was keen and red and not at all the kind to invite familiarity. As he passed them, the railroad guard of American citizenship touched his cap and the two travellers bowed, whereupon the chief of police gave them a most profound salutation, fairly sweeping his saddle skirts with his white cap. Polite old Codger observed anguished. His company manners just let him get you in the sweatbox if you think he's polite. Ever been there? Well, a little confusedly, I pasted a grass-dark baggage smasher down in the yards two weeks ago and they had me up. I proved a fella insulted a lady. An old danglots let me off, saying I'd ought to have a medal. These guys are great on gallantry when ladies is concerned. If it hadn't been for Dad, I'd be in the lock-up now and say you ought to see the lock-up. It's a tower with dungeons and all that sort of thing. A man could no more vent out and he could fly up to the monastery. They're great on law and order here too. The princess has issued strictest kind of rules and everybody has to live up to him like as if they were real gospel. I thought I'd put you next, gents, so you wouldn't do anything crooked here. Thanks, said Laurie Dryley. We shall try to conduct ourselves discreetly in the city. Probably a quarter-mile farther down the narrow, level street, they came to the bazaars, the gaudy stores, and then the hotel. It was truly a hostility to inspire respect and admiration in the mind of such as Sinski, who was huge and well-equipped with modern appointments. As soon as the two Americans had been given their rooms, they sent for their luggage. Then they went out to the broad piazza with its columns and marble balustrades and looking for Sinski remembering their invitation to drink. The guard had refused to enter the hotel with them, urging them to allow him to remain on the piazza. He was not there when they returned, but they soon saw him. On the sidewalk, he was arguing with a white uniformed police guard, and they realised that he had been ejected from sacred precincts. They promptly rescued him from the officer, who bowed and strode away as soon as they interceded. Those fellows is slick enough to see you as swells, and I'm not, said Sinski, not a bit annoyed by his encounter. I'll bet my head, at inside ten minutes, old dangloss will know who you are, where you come from, and what you're doing here. I'll bet fifty heads he won't find out what we're doing here, grinned anguish, looking at Laurie. Well, let's hunt up the thirst department. They found the little apartment in which drinks were served at tables, and before they said goodbye to Sinski, in front of the hotel, a half an hour later, that worthy was in seeding good humour and very much flushed in the face. He said he would be back in two days, and if they needed him for any purpose whatever, they could reach him by a note at the railway station. Funny how you run across an American in every nook and corner of the world, used Laurie, as they watched the stocky X-man, a Warsman, stroll off towards his hotel. If we can run across the Guggen-Slockers as easily, we'll be in luck. When shall we begin the hunt? Tonight? We can make a few inquiries concerning them. They certainly are people of importance here. I don't see the name on any of the brewery signs around town observed anguish consolingly. There's evidently no Guggen-Slocker here. They strolled through the streets near the hotel and till after six o'clock, wondering at the quaint architecture, the pretty gardens, and the pastoral atmosphere that enveloped the city. Everybody was busy, contented, quiet and happy. There was no bustle or strife, no rush, no beggars. At six, they saw hundreds of working men on the streets, going to their homes, shops were closed, and they came to their ears, the distant boom of cannon, evidently fired from different points of the campus and from the highland as well as the lowland. The Toy Army is shooting off the good night guns, speculated anguish. I suppose everybody goes to bed now. All to dinner, substituted lorry, and they return to the regent gates. The dining hall was spacious and beautiful, a mixture of Oriental and the medieval. It rapidly filled. Who the Dickens can all these people be? They look well anguish-whispered, as if he feared their nearest neighbours might understand his English. They are unquestionably at the class in which we must expect to find the Guggensockers. Before the meal was over, the two strangers saw that they were attracting a great deal of attention from the other guests of the house. The women as well as the men were eyeing them and commenting quite freely. It was easy to see. These two handsome, smooth-faced, young Americans were as men from another world, so utterly unlike their companions were they in personal appearance. They were taller, broader and more powerfully built than the swervy face men about them, and it was no wonder that the women allowed admiration to show in their eyes. Toward the end of the dinner, several officers came in and the Americans took particular pains to study them. They were cleanly built fellows about medium height, wiry and active. As a class, the men appeared to average five feet seven inches in height, some a little taller, some a little shorter. The two strangers were over six feet tall, broad-shouldered and athletic. They looked like giants among these dwarf-stark men. They're not very big, but they look as if they'd be nasty in a scrap, observed anguish, unconsciously throwing out his chest. Strong as wildcats are wager. The women are perfect though. Have you ever seen a smarter set of women, Harry? Never, never. A paradise of pretty women. I believe I'll take out naturalization papers. When the two strangers left the dining room, they were conscious that every eye in the place was upon them. They drew themselves to their full height and strode between the tables toward the door, feeling that as they were on exhibition, they ought to appear to the best of vantage. During the evening, they heard frequent allusions to the Americans, but could not understand what was said. The hotel men were more than obsequious. The military men and citizens were exceedingly differential. The women who strolled on the piazza or in the great garden back at the hotel were discreetly curious. We seemed to be the whole show here, Grand said anguish, as they sat down at one of the tables in the garden. I guess Americans are rare. I've found one fellow who can speak German and French and not one except our guard who can talk English. That clerk talks German fairly well. I never heard such a language as these other people use. Say, old man, we'd better make inquiry about our friends tonight. That clerk probably won't be on duty tomorrow. We'll ask him before we go to bed, agreed Laurie, and upon leaving the brilliantly lighted garden, they sought the landlord and asked if he could tell them where Casper Guggensocker lived. He looked politely incredulous and thoughtful, and then, with profound regret, assured them that he had never heard the name. He said he had lived in Ida Wise all his life and knew everybody of consequence in the town. Surely there must be such people here, cried Laurie almost appealingly. He felt disheartened and cheated. Anguish was biting his lips. Oh possibly among the poorer classes. If I were you, sir, I should call on Captain Dangloss, the chief of police. He knows every soul in Ida Wise. I am positive I have never heard the name. You will find the captain at the tower tomorrow morning. The two Americans went to bed, one so dismayed by his disappointment that he could not sleep for hours. End of Chapter 6 They were very much fatigued after their long journey, second, for the reason that they had been unable to woo Slumber until long past midnight. Anguish stretched himself lazily in bed when he heard Laurie's voice from the adjoining room. I suppose we are to consult the police in order to get a clue to your charmer, he yawned. Nice friends you pick up on railway journeys. I'd be ashamed. Well, Harry, I'll confess I'm disgusted. This has been the most idiotic thing I've ever done, and if you say the word, we'll get out of here on the first train. Freight or passenger. The Guggen's Lockers. Pigs. Mr. Laurie was savage. Not a bit of it, my boy, not a bit of it. We'll make a house to house canvas if the police fail us. Cheer up, cheer up. You go to thunder. Hold on, don't talk like that, or I'll go back on you in a minute. I'm here because I choose to be, and I have more heart and the chase at this minute than you have. I've not lost hope. We'll find the Guggen's Lockers if we have to hire detectives to trace them from the United States to their very doorstep. We're going to see the police after breakfast. After breakfast they did go to see Baron Dunglos. After some inquiry they found the gloomy, foreboding prison, and Mr. Angish boldly pounded on the huge gates. A little shutter flew open, and a man's face appeared. Evidently he asked what was wanted, but he might as well have demanded their lives so far were they from understanding his query. Baron Dunglos asked Angish promptly. The man asked something else, but as the Americans shook their heads deprecatingly, he withdrew his face and presently swung open the gates. They entered, and he closed the doors behind them, locking them in. Then he directed them across the court to an open door in the aged mass of Greystone. As they strode away from the guard, Laurie created consternation by demanding, How are we to talk to the Chief if he doesn't understand us or we him? We should have brought an interpreter. I forgot about the confounded language, but if he's real he can talk Irish. Laurie told him he wasn't funny. Is this his Excellency Baron Dunglos? He asked Angish, stepping into a small room and stopping suddenly in the presence of the short, fierce man they had seen the day before. The Americans spoke in French. It is, gentlemen, of what service can I be to Messieurs Laurie and Angish? responded the grim little Chief, politely rising from beside his desk. The visitors looked at one another in surprise. If he knows our names on such short notice, he'll certainly know the Guganslockers. said Angish to his friend in English. Ah, are you looking for someone named Guganslocker? asked the Chief, smiling broadly and speaking excellent English. You must not be surprised, gentlemen. I speak many languages. I heard last night that you were inquiring about one Caspar Guganslocker, and I have wracked my brain, searched my books, questioned my officers, and I am sorry to inform you that there is no such person in Edelweiss. I was so well assured of it, Baron Dunglos, Laurie said. The name is totally unknown to me, sir. May I ask you why you are searching for him? Unfortunately, I met Mr. Guganslocker, his wife, and his niece last spring in the United States. They invited me to come and see them if I ever happened to be in this part of the world. As my friend and I were near here, I undertook to avail myself of their invitation. And they said they lived in Edelweiss, Grossdark? They did, and I'll humbly confess I did not know much of the principality of Grossdark. That is certainly complementary, but then we are a little out of the beaten path so it is pardonable. I was at first under the impression that you were American detectives with extradition papers for criminals bearing the name you mentioned. Oh! gasped anguish! We couldn't find ourselves if we should be separated, Captain. The grizzly-beard Captain laughed lightly with them, and then asked Lori if he would object to giving him the full story of his acquaintanceship with the alleged Grossdarkians. The bewildered and disheartened American promptly told all he knew about them, omitting certain tender details, of course. As he proceeded, the chief grew more and more interested, and when at last Lori came to the description of the strange trio, he gave a sudden start, exposed a queer little smile for a second or so, and then was as sphinx-like as before. The ever-vigilant anguish observed the involuntary start and smile quick as the chief had been to recover himself, and felt a thrill of triumph. To his anger and impatience, however, the old officer calmly shook his head at the end of the narrative and announced that he was as much in the dark as ever. Well, we'll search awhile for ourselves, declared anguish stubbornly, not at all satisfied. You will be wasting your time, said the chief, meaningly. We've plenty to waste, retorted the other. After a few moments they departed, Baron Denglaas accompanying them to the gate and assuring them that he and his men always would be at their command. His nation admired the American people, he warmly declared. That old codger knows our people, and I'll bet a thousand on it," said Harry angrily when they had gone some little distance down the street. Then he told of the queer exposure Denglaas had unwittingly made. Laurie, more excited than he cared to show, agreed that there was something very suspicious about this new discovery. They walked about the quaint town for an hour or two, examining the buildings, the people, and the soldiery with deep interest. From the head of the main street, Castle Avenue, they could plainly see the royal palace nearly a mile away. Its towers and turrets, gray and gaunt, ran up among the green treetops and were outlined plainly against the yellow hills. Countless houses studied the steep mountain slope, and many people were discerned walking and riding along the narrow, ledge-like streets which wound toward the summit, far up in the clouds. Clearly and distinctly could be seen the grim monastery, purged at the very pinnacle of the mountain, several miles away. Up there it looked bleak and cold and uninviting, in great contrast to the loveliness and warmth of the valley. Down below the grass was moist and soft, trees were approaching the stage where yellow and red tints mingle with the rich green, flowers were blooming, the land was redolent of the sweet fragrance of autumn, the atmosphere warm, clear, and invigorating. It was paradise surmounted by desolation, drear and deadening. Wherever the tall, distinguished Americans walked, they formed the center of observation and were the cause of comment that bore unmistakable signs of admiration. They bowed pleasantly to many of those who passed them and received in return gracious and profound recognition. Military men saluted courteously, the women stared modestly and prettily, perhaps covetously. The merchants and citizens in general bowed and smiled a welcome that could not have been hardier. The strangers remarked the absence of vehicles on the main streets. There were pack mules and horses, human carriers, both male and female, but during the entire morning they saw not more than six or eight carriages. Vehicles were used solely by the quality and as a means of transportation for their persons only. Everybody, with the few exceptions mentioned, walked or rode horseback. The two friends were delighted with the place and Angish advocated a sojourn of several weeks, even though they did not find the Guggen-Slockers. His object being to secure photographs and sketches of the picturesque people had changed scenery and to idle away some hours upon the glittering boulevards. Grenfell, since he was in the project so deeply, was so nearly reconciled as to be accelerated by the plan. They decided to visit the royal grounds in the afternoon, providing there was no prohibition, reserving a ride up the hill for the next day. A gendarm who spoke German fairly well and that they could enter the palace park if they obtained a signed order from the chief steward who might be found at any time in his home near the gates. They were strolling leisurely toward the hotel for the moment forgetting their quest in this strange sunny land when they aspired a carriage, the most conspicuous of any they had seen. The white horses were gaily comparisoned, the driver and the footman beside him were rich uniforms. The vehicle itself gleamed and glistened with gold and silver trimmings. A short distance behind rode two young soldiers, swords to their shoulders, scabbards clanking against their stirrups. Each was attired in the tight red trousers, shiny boots, close-fitting black coat with gilt trimmings, and the red cap, which the Americans had noted before because of its brilliancy. People along the street were bowing deeply to the occupants, to ladies. Harry, look! exclaimed Laurie, clutching his friend's arm like a vice. There in the carriage, on this side, his voice was hoarse and trembling. Miss Googan's locker? cried Angish. Yes, yes! they had stopped, and Laurie was grasping a garden-wall with one hand. Then it's funny nobody knows the name here. She seems to be someone of consequence. Good heaven! I don't blame you. She's the most beautiful. By this time the carriage was almost opposite and within forty feet of where they stood. The ladies, Miss Googan's locker's companion, as young and almost as beautiful as herself, had not observed the agitated too, but Laurie's face was beaming, his hat was off, and he was ready to spring to the carriage-side at a moment's warning. Then the young girl at the side of the woman, whose beauty had drawn a man half around the world, saw the tall strangers, and called her companion's attention to them. Once more Grenfell Laurie and Miss Googan's locker were looking into each other's eyes. The ladies started violently, her eyes grew wide, her lips parted, and her body was bent forward eagerly, a little gloved hand grasping the side of the open carriage. Her ideal American was bowing low, as was the tall fellow at his side. When he looked up again his eyes were glowing, his handsome face was flushed, and he saw her smile blush furiously and inclined her head gravely. The carriage had swept past, but she turned her head, and he detected an appealing glance in her eyes, a perplexed wrinkle across her brow, both of which were swept away an instant later by the most bewitching of smiles. Again her head was inclined, this time a trifle more energetically, and then the maddening face was turned from him. The Equipage rolled onward, and there was no effort on her part to check its progress. The men were left standing alone and disappointed on the streets of Edelweiss, the object of their search slipping away as soon as she had been found. Her companion was amazed by the little scene, it was evident judging by the eager look on her face as she turned with a question in her eyes. Turn down! exclaimed the irrepressible anguish dolefully. That's pretty shabby treatment, old man, but she's quite worth the journey. I'll not go back to America without her. Do you hear that, Harry Angish? He was excited and trembling. But why didn't she stop? he went on dismally. Oh, you dear old fool! said Angish. The two stood looking after the carriage until it turned into a side street, halfway down the shady stretch toward the castle. They saw her companion glance back, but could not tell whether she did or not. Laurie looked uneasily at Angish, and the latter read his thought. You are wondering about the Guggen-Slocker name, eh? I'll tell you what I've worked out during the past two minutes. Her name is no more Guggen-Slocker than mine is. She and the uncle used that name as a blind. Mark my words, she's quality over here. That's all there is about it. Now, we must find out just who she really is. Here comes a smart-looking soldier chap. Let's ask him, providing we can make him understand. A young soldier approached, leisurely twirling a cane, for he was without his side-arms. Angish accosted him in French, and then in German. He understood the latter, and was very polite. Who was the young lady in that carriage that just passed? asked Laurie eagerly. The face of the soldier flushed, and then grew pale with anger. Hold on, I beg pardon, but we are strangers, and don't quite understand your ways. I can't see anything improper in asking such a question, said Angish, attempting to detain him. The young man struck his hand from his arm, and his eyes fairly blazed. You must learn our ways. We never pass comment on a lady. If you do so in your land, I am sorry for your ladies. I refuse to be questioned by you. Stand aside, fellow. Angish stood aside in astonishment, and they watched the wrathful galant strut down the street, his back as stiff as a board. Damn touchy, growled Angish. You remember what Sitski said about their respect for the weaker sex. I guess we'd better keep off that tack, or we'll hatch up a duel or two. They seem to be fire-eaters. We must content ourselves with searching out her home and without assistance, too. I've cooled off a bit, Harry, and now that I've seen her, I'm willing to go slowly and deliberately. Let's take our time and be perfectly cool. I am beginning to agree with your incog proposition. It's all clearing up in my mind now. We'll go back to the hotel and get ready for the visit to the palace grounds. Don't you intend to hunt her up? Gad, I wouldn't miss a minute if I had a chance to be with a girl like that. And the other was no scarecrow. She is rather a beauty, too. Greatest town for pretty women I ever struck. Vienna is out of it entirely. They strolled on to the hotel, discussing the encounter in all its exhilarating details, scarcely had they seated themselves on the piazza after partaking of a light luncheon, when a man came galloping up to the walk in front of the hotel. Throwing his bridal reign to a guard, he hastened to the piazza. His attire was that of a groom, and something about him reminded them of the footman who sat beside the driver of the carriage they had seen a short time before. He came straight to where the Americans sat smoking, and bowing low, held before them an envelope. The address was Grenfell Lorry Esquire, but the man was in doubt as to which was he. Lorry grasped the envelope, tore it open, and drew forth a daintily written note. It read, My dear Mr. Lorry, I was very much surprised to see you this morning. I may add that I was delighted. If you will accompany this messenger when he calls for you at three o'clock tomorrow afternoon, he will conduct you to my home where I shall truly be charmed to see you again. Will you bring your friend? Sophia Guggen's locker. Lorry could have embraced the messenger. There was a suspicion of breathlessness in his voice when he tried to say calmly to Harry, an invitation for tomorrow. I knew it would come that way. Also wants you to come? Shan't I be in the way? Not at all, my boy. I'll accept for you. After this fellow goes, I'll let you read the note. Wait until I write an answer. Motioning for the man to remain, he hastened to his room, pulled out some stationery and feverishly wrote, My dear Miss Guggen's locker, I shall be delighted to accompany your messenger tomorrow, and my friend Mr. Harry Angish will be with me. I have come half way across the continent to see you, and I shall be repaid if I am with you but for a moment. You will pardon me if I say that your name has caused me despair. No one seems to have heard of it here, and I was beginning to lose hope. You may expect me at three, and I thank you for the pleasure you bestow. Yours sincerely, Renful Lori. This note, part of which had been written with misgiving, he gave to the messenger who wrote away quickly. She didn't wait long to write to you, I notice. Is it possible she is suffering from the effects of those three days on the other side of the Atlantic? Come to think of it. She blushed when she saw you this morning," said Angish. Lori handed him her note, which he read and then solemnly shakans with its recipient. Congratulations, I am a very farsighted young man, having lived in Paris.