\">l \ \ ?R 6oa5' JMG N/3 CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES ITHACA, N. Y. 14853 sca^ John M. Echols Collection on Southeast Asia JOHN M. OLIN LIBRARY Cornell University Library PR6025.A16N3 Nedra / 3 1924 011 127 655 Cornell University Library The original of tliis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924011127655 NEDRA RECENT FICTION THE MIRACLE WORKER By Gerald Maxwell THE NORTH SEA BUBBLE Bv Ernest Oldmeadow THE BROKEN LAW By Harris Burland THE EARTHQUAKE By W. Holt White THE PRIVATE WAR By Louis J. Vanck Six Shillings each E. GRANT RICHARDS 7 Carlton Street, London, S.W. NEDRA BY GEORGE BARR McCUTCHEON AUTHOR OF "BEVERLEY OF GRAUSTARK," ETC. LONDON E. GRANT RICHARDS 1906 CONTENTS I THE INSPIRATION 11 THE BEGINNING OF FLIGHT III THE FIRST OBSTACLE IV READY FOR THE SEA V MR. AND MISS RIDGE SAIL FOR VI HENRY VEATH . VII GLUM DAYS FOR MR. RIDGE VIH THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER IX MR. RIDGEWAY's AMAZEMENT X A SHARP ENCOUNTER XI DISCOVERED XII THE harlequin's ERRAND . XIII THE CONFESSION OF VEATH XIV ONE LOVE AGAINST ANOTHER XV THE WRECK OF THE "TEMPEST XVI THE NIGHT AND THE MORNING XVII WAS THE SEA KIND? XVIII THE WONDERFUL LAND • I . i8 36 • 48 MANILA 58 . 70 . 80 87 • 94 • lOI • 117 126 • 133 • 142 QUEEN " 150 . 157 • 162 . 170 Vll CONTENTS XIX THE FIRST DAY IN THE WILDS XX THE SIGN OF DISTRESS XXI GODS FROM THE SEA XXII FLESH SUCCEEDS STONE . XXIII THE TRANSFORMATION BEGINS XXIV NEDRA .... XXV THE COMING OF THE ENEMY XXVI ON THE EVE OF BATTLE . XXVII THE LADY TENNYS RESERVES XXVIII TO THE VICTOR BELONGS — ? XXIX THE OTHER SURRENDER . XXX WHERE THERE IS NO MINISTER XXXI THE WEDDING RING XXXII THE CRUISER " WINNETKA " XXXIII APPARITIONS . XXXIV THE COURSE OF TRUE LOVE XXXV HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF PAGE . 187 • 193 • 205 217 226 • 236 246 • 252 • 263 • 273 . 281 . 290 . 298 • 305 • 311 . 320 THE INSPIRATION A TALL young man sped swiftly up the wide stone steps leading to the doorway of a man- sion in one of Chicago's most fashionable avenues. After pushing the button sharply he jerked out his watch and guessed at the time by the dull red light from the panel in the door. Then he hastily brushed from the sleeve of his coat the tell-tale billiard chalk, whose presence reminded him that a general survey might be a wise precaution. He was rubbing a white streak from his trousers leg when the door flew open and the butler admitted him to the hall- way. This personage relieved him of his hat, coat, and stick and announced : " Miss Vernon is w'itin' for you, sir." " How the devil did I happen to let eight o'clock strike nine before I knew it ? " muttered the visitor. He was at the drawing-room door as he concluded this self-addressed reproach, extending both hands toward the young woman who came from the fire- place to meet him. " How late you are, Hugh ! " she cried, half resent- fully. He bent forward and kissed her. " Late ? It isn't late, dear. I said I couldn't NEDRA come before eight, didn't I ? Well, it's eight, isn't it ? " " It's nearly seventy minutes past eight, sir. I've been waiting and watching the hands on the clock for just sixty minutes." " I never saw such a perfect crank about keeping time as that grandfatherly clock of yours. It hasn't skipped a second in two centuries, I'll swear. You see, I was playing off the odd game with Tom Dit- ton." He dropped lazily into a big arm-chair, drove his hands into his pockets, and stretched out his long legs toward the grate. " You might have come at eight, Hugh, on this night if no other. You knew what important things we have to consider." Miss Vernon, tall and grace- ful, stood before him with her back to the fire. She was exceedingly pretty, this girl whom Hugh had kissed. " I'm awfully sorry, Grace ; but you know how it is when a fellow's in a close, hard game — especially with a blow-hard like Tom Ditton." " If I forgive you again, I'm afraid you'll prove a begging husband." " Never ! Deliver me from a begging husband. I shall assert all kinds of authority in my house, Miss Vernon, and you'U be in a constant state of beggary yourself. You'll have to beg me to get up in the morning, beg me to come home early every night, beg me to swear off divers things, beg me to go to church, beg me to buy new hats for you, beg me to eat things you cook, beg me to " THE INSPIRATION " I suppose I shall even have to beg you to kiss me," she cried. " Not at all. That is one thing I'll beg of you. Lean over here, do, and kiss me, please," he said invitingly. She placed a hand on each arm of the chair and leaned forward obediently. Their lips met in a smile. " You lazy thing ! " she exclaimed, her face slightly flushed. Then she seated herself on one of the big arms, resting her elbow on the back of the chair beside his head. For a few minutes both were silent, gazing at the bright coals before them, the smile remaining upon their lips. Hugh had been squinting between the toes of his shoes at a lonely black chunk in the grate for some time before he finally spoke reflectively. " I can't afford to be lazy much longer, can I ? Married men never have a minute's rest, you know." .," We're not married." \C:'' No ; but we're going to be, let me remind you. We are to — to announce it to-morrow night, are we not ? It has come to that, you see." He did not look very cheerful, nor did she. " Yes, I suppose it's imperative. That is why aunt is giving her reception — just to tell everybody we're engaged." " And then everybody will shake hands with us and say, ' Congratulations,' ' How lovely,' ' So surprised,' ' Howdy do,' and so forth, and we say, ' Thanks,' ' How good of you,' and more so forth. It will be great ! " Another silence and inspection of the fire, he taking an altered aim at the black chunk. ' ' Say ! ' ' NEDRA he exclaimed, " wouldn't it do just as well if I didn't put in an appearance to-morrow night ? Your aunt can announce the thing, as agreed, and you can tell 'em that I have a sick uncle in Indianapolis, or have had my leg broken, or something like that. Now, there's a good girl." " No," she said. " We fell in love because we couldn't help it, and this is the penalty — an an- nouncement party." " I'll never quite understand why you fell," said he dubiously. " I think we were both too young to know," she responded. " It seems to me that we've been in love ever since we were babies." " And it never hurts a baby to fall, you know," said he, with fine logic. " Of course, it may cripple 'em permanently, but they don't know how it happened." For some moments she caressed his brown hair in silence, the smile lingering on her lips after it had left her eyes. His eyes closed dreamily under the gentle touch of her fingers. " But, dear," she said, " this is no joking matter. We have been engaged for nearly three months and not a soul knows of it. We'll have to tell them how we managed to keep it a secret for so long, and why, — and all that. And then everybody will want to know who the brides- maids are to be." " I believe I'd like to know that myself, as long as I'm to walk out of the church ahead of them — pro- vided I don't get lost." " Helen Grossman is to be the maid of honour. THE INSPIRATION I believe I'll ask Jean Robertson, Else Grant, Harriet Noble, Mayme McMurtrie, Ellen Boyland " " Are we to have no guests ? " -and Effa Samuels. Won't it be a pretty set of girls ? " " Couldn't be prettier." " And now, who is to be your best man ? " " Well, I thought I'd have Tom Ditton," a trifle confusedly. " Tom Ditton ! I thought you did not approve of him," she cried. " You certainly did not when he came to see me so frequently." " Oh, he isn't such a bad sort, after aU. I'd just as soon have him as any one. Besides, he's an ex- pert at it. If it was left to me, I'd much rather sit behind the pulpit until it is all over. People won't miss me while they've got you to look at." " We could be married so quietly and prettily if it were not for Aunt Elizabeth," pouted Miss Vernon. " She insists on the church wedding, the teas and receptions and " " All that sort of rot," he interjected, as if fearing she might not express herself adequately. " I like your Aunt Elizabeth, Grace, but she's— she's an awful " " Don't say it, Hugh. I know what you mean, but she can't help it. She lives for society. She's per- fectly crazy on the subject. Aunt Elizabeth made up her mind we should be married in church. I have talked myself black in the face — for your sake, dear — but it was like trying to convert a stone wall. She is determined. You know what that means." 5 NEDRA " No wonder she's a widow," growled Hugh Ridge- way sourly. ' ' Your father served you a mighty mean trick, dear, when he gave you over to her training. She might have spoiled you beyond redemption." " Poor father ! He loathed display, too. I've no doubt that is why he left me in her care until I reached the age of discretion. She was not always like this. Father's money has wrought the change. Aunty was as poor as a church mouse until father's death put her at the head of my household — it was mine, Hugh, even if I was only six years old. You know we could live pretty well on forty thousand a year." " You'll have a million or so when you're twenty- three, dear, and I'll venture to say your aunt has saved something in all these years." " Oh, she had at least two hundred thousand dollars by the will. It has cost her nothing to live all these years as my guardian and trustee. We just had to do something with my income, you know." " I don't see wliy you should let this fortune stand in the way, Grace," growled he. " Haven't I enough of my own to take its place ? " Hugh Ridgeway had a million in his own right, and he could well afford to be unreasonable. " The will says you are not to have your father's money until you are twenty-three years old. He evidently thought that was a discreet age. You are not to marry before you have reached that age. I've been waiting for two years, Grace, and there still remains two months " THE INSPIRATION " One month and twenty-eight days, Hugh," she corrected. " And in the meantime we have to stay here and face all this ante-nuptial wretchedness. It's sicken- ing, Grace. We hate it, both of us. Don't we ? I knew you'd nod your head. That's why I can't help loving you. You've got so much real good hard sense about things. If your confounded Aunt Lizzie — Elizabeth, I should say — would let us get married as we want Hang it all, Grace, it's our affair any- how, isn't it ? Why should we permit her to dic- tate ? It's not her wedding. She's been married twice ; why can't she let well enough alone ? " " She loves me, Hugh, after all," gently. " Well, so do I. I'm willing — not perfectly will- ing, of course — but reasonably so, that we should wait until the twenty-third of May, but I don't see why we should have the whole town waiting with us. Why don't you assert yourself, dear, before it is too late ? Once she pulls off this announcement party, it's all off with peace of mind and content- ment so far as we are concerned. Of course, she'll be enjoying it, but what of us ? Are you afraid of her ? " " Don't bully me, Hugh," she pleaded. He was contrite at once and properly so. " She has lived for this time in her life. She never has been crossed. I can't — honestly I can't go to her now and — quarrel. That's what it would mean — a quarrel. She would never give in." " Well, then, aU hope is lost," he lamented. For some minutes Miss Vernon gave no response, sitting NEDRA upon the arm of the chair, a perplexed pucker on her brow and a thoughtful swing to her slippered foot. These young people had known each other since earliest childhood. They had played together with the same neighbourly toys and they had grown up together with the same neighbourly ideals. Both had whirled in the social swing until the sensation palled. The most exclusive set in town regarded them as among its most popular members. It was quite natural that their wedding should be the most brilliant and fashionable of the year. Their position in society demanded the sacrifice, and her aunt saw the urgent need for making it, notwithstanding the opposition of the young people themselves. Ridgeway was a couple of years older than his affi- anced bride, and she was just short of twenty-three. She, an orphan since early childhood, lived with her widowed aunt — the social gourmand, to quote Hugh Ridgeway — and he made his home next door with his sister and her husband. The two brown stone houses were almost within arm's reach of each other. She had painted dainty water colours for his rooms and he had thrown thousands of roses from his win- dows into her boudoir. It had been a merry court- ship — the courtship of modern cavalier and lady fair. Ridgeway 's parents died when he was in college, and he was left to enlarge or despise a fortune that rated him as a milhonaire and the best catch in town — at that time. He was a member of the Board of Trade, but he was scarcely an operator in the strictest sense of the word. If he won he whistled, if he lost he whistled. 8 THE INSPIRATION It mattered little. Good-looking, well dressed, gene- rous to a fault, tainted but moderately with scandal, he was a man whom everybody admired, but who ad- mired few in return — a perfectly natural and proper condition if one but stops to consider. Miss Vemon was beautiful— of that there was no question. Tall, fair, brown-eyed and full of the life that loves, she ruled the hearts of many and — kept her hand for one. Her short, gay life had been one of luxury and ease. She had known few of its cares ; its vicissitudes belonged to the charities she sup- ported with loyal persistency. Her aunt, society mad, was her only mentor, her only guide. A path had been made for her, and she saw no other alter- native than to travel it as designed. A careless, buoyant heart, full of love and tenderness and warmth, allowed itself to be tossed by all of the emotions, but always sank back safely into the path of duty and rectitude. It was not of sufficient moment to combat her aunt's stubborn authority ; it was so much easier to do her own sweet will without conflict and then smile down on the consequences. Possibly it is true that she did not love her aunt. If that were the case, she kept it well to herself. She could not have been blamed, however, for disliking the dictator. Hugh Ridgeway was more or less right when he said that no one in town admired the old lady. She was hard, devoid of humour, wrapped up in her own selfishness, shrewd, capable, and re- sourceful. Her brother, on his deathbed, signed the instrument which made this arrogant relative the arbiter of the girl's future for many years to come. NEDRA She was appointed guardian and trustee until legal age was attained, and as such she was absolute in her power. The large fortune was to be held in trust by this aunt, Mrs. Torrence, and the Hon. Stanley Goodland, until Grace was twenty-three years of age. The income from the investments in bonds, real es- tate, and high-class securities was to be handled by Mrs. Torrence as she saw fit in the effort to better the young woman's mental and social estate. To do her justice, she performed the duties well and hon- ourably, even though her measure of hum.an nature was not full to overflowing. Grace, with a mind and heart of her own, undertook to cultivate human nature from her own point of view after years of tolerance, and she succeeded so well that her aunt was none the wiser. On one point, however, the paragon was so firm and unassailable that Grace was obliged to confess failure to her lover, after weeks and weeks of splen- did argument. Her aunt forced an issue. The marriage of her niece was to be brilliant to the verge of confusion, and the ante-nuptial season was to be one which the city should not forget while its pro- moter lived to enjoy the emoluments. She knew she was making her niece unhappy, but she argued that her niece was too deeply in love to appreciate the value of opportunity. Besides, on her wedding day, Grace Vernon would be twenty-three years of age, mistress of herself, her fortune, and her hus- band's home. That day would end the reign of Elizabeth Torrence. The arbiter was determined that the reign should end in a blaze of glory. THE INSPIRATION As for Grace and Hugh, they were to be married. That had been decided upon by destiny years and years ago, and ratified after Hugh had reached an age of discretion. He said that twenty-five was the year of discretion, if not of reason. After the first transports, each began to consider the importance of the union, not only to themselves, but to the world at large. In their reflective mo- ments they realized that the marriage would be the most wonderful event in the whole history of the homes of Vernon and Ridgeway. Never before had a Vernon married a Ridgeway, and — vice versa. Therefore, the whole world would visit upon such a union its undivided attention. That is the view all engaged people take of marriage. Miss Vernon had employed six weeks of argument in convincing Mr. Ridgeway that a church wedding was imperative, although she admittedly preferred the simpler form, where the minister conducts the ceremony in the presence of two witnesses and a ring. Society demanded the exhibition. Mr. Ridgeway warned her that he could not survive the ordeal and would leave her a widow at the altar. Their difficulties had at last resolved themselves into that condition which confronts every engaged pair ; and they, like others, were preparing to inform the world of their intentions. " There's no way out of it, Hugh," she finally sighed, " unless we decide to give up the hope of getting married. That would break my heart," she said, with her rarest smile. " This would be the most dehghtful period of my II NEDRA life if it were not for that distressing announcement, the two months of purgatory between now and the day of the wedding, and then the — calamity. I know it will be a calamity. I can't get through it alive." " You poor boy ! I wish we could have a quiet little wedding. It would be so sweet, wouldn't it, dear ? " she said plaintively, wistfully. " But instead we are to have a hippodrome. Bah ! " he concluded spitefully. " I wouldn't talk this way, dear, if I didn't know that you feel just as I do about it. But," and here he arose wearily, " this sort of talk isn't helping matters. It's a case of church against choice. To-morrow night we'll tell 'em, and then we'll quit sleeping for two months." " There's only one way out of it that I can see. We might elope," she said laughingly, standing be- fore him and rubbing the wrinkles from between his eyes. Gradually his gray eyes fell until they looked into hers of brown. A mutual thought sprang into the eyes of each like a flash of light plainly comprehen- sive. He seized her hands, still staring into her eyes, and an exultant hope leaped to his lips, bursting forth in these words : " By George ! " " Oh, we couldn't," she whispered, divining his thought. " We can ! By all that's good and holy, we'll elope ! " Hugh's voice was quivering with enthu- siasm, his face a picture of relief. " Honestly, do you — do you think we could ? " THE INSPIRATION The girl's eyes were wide with excitement, her cheeks burning. " Can we ? What's to prevent ? Will you do it, Grace — will you ? " cried he. " What will everybody say ? " " Let 'em say. What do we care ? Won't it be the greatest lark that ever happened ? You're the smartest woman in the world for thinking of it." " But I wasn't in earnest," she protested. " But you are now — we both are. Listen : We can slip away and get married and nobody will be the wiser, and then, when we come back, we can laugh at everybody." " And get our pictures in the papers." " Then, by Hokey ! we won't come back for five years ! How's that ? That'll fool 'em, won't it ? Say, this is great ! Life is worth living after all. You'll go, won't you, Grace ? " " I'd go to the end of the world with you, Hugh, but " " Oh, say you'll go ! Now listen to this," he urged, leaping to his feet. " We're going to be mar- ried anyway. We love one another. You can't be married until the twenty-third of May. Lots of people elope — even in the best of families. Why shouldn't we ? If we stay here, we'll have to face all the sort of thing we don't like " " Yes, but it won't take us two months to elope," she protested. " Sh ! Don't speak above a whis- per. Aunt Elizabeth has wonderful ears." " By Jove, darling, I believe you're two-thirds willing to try it on," he whispered. 13 NEDRA " We must be sensible, Hugh. You see, I can't be married until the twenty- third of May. Well, aunt is determined to announce the engagement to-morrow night. Don't you see we couldn't elope until the twenty-second at best, so we're doomed for two months of it in spite of ourselves. If we get through the two months why should we elope at all ? The worst will be over." " We can't escape the announcement party, I'll admit, but we can get away from all the rest. My scheme is to elope to a place that will require seven or eight weeks' time to reach. That's a fine way to kiU time, don't you see ? " " My goodness ! " " Why not ? We can do as we like, can't we ? And what a bully lark ! I'd be a downright cad to ask you to do this, Grace, if I didn't love you as I do. We can use assumed names and all that ! " " Oh, dear, dear, doesn't it sound lovely ? " she cried, her cheeks red with excitement. " The twenty-third of May isn't so far off after all, and it won't be half so far if we're doing something like this. Will you go ? " " If I only could ! Do you really think we — we could ? " " Whoop ! " he shouted, as he seized her in his arms and rained kisses upon her face. Then he held her off and looked into her eyes for a moment. Then he gave another whoop, kissed her, released her and did a wild dance about the room. She stood beside the big chair, equally as excited, laughing unre- 14 THE INSPIRATION strainedly at his hilarity. At last he brought up at the other side of the chair. " But where could — I mean, shall we elope to ? " she finally asked. " Anywhere. Bombay — Australia ? Let's make it a stunner, dear — let's do it up right." " And be married away over there ? Oh, Hugh ! " " Certainly. They can marry us over there as well as anywhere. Here, I'll write the names of ten places and we'll draw one from my hat." He sat down be- fore a table and feverishly wrote upon the backs of a number of his calling cards the names of as many cities, his companion looking over his shoulder eagerly. Without ado he tossed the cards into a jardiniere in lieu of a hat. " Draw ! " he said tragically. " Wait a minute, Hugh. What have we to elope from ? There isn't the faintest objection in the world to our marriage." " There you go — backing out ! " " No ; I'm just as willing as you, but doesn't it seem rather absurd ? " Her hand hung over the jardiniere irresolutely. " It will be the greatest wedding tour that mortals ever took. Draw ! " " Well, then, there's the card. Mercy ! " she cried, dropping a card on the table. " That's a long distance, Hugh." He picked up the card and his face paled a little as he read : " Manila ! " They sat down in the chair, she on the arm as 15 NEDRA before. After a moment he glanced at her perplexed face, and asked : " Are you afraid to go, Grace ? " " It isn't that, Hugh. I was just wondering if we could reach Manila by the twenty-third of May. It is unlucky to change the wedding day after it has been once selected," she said softly. " Grace Vernon, you are an angel. I was afraid you would show the white feather. It's a go, then — Manila ! We can start next week and get there in good time." " Next week ? Impossible ! " she cried in alarm. " Nonsense ! You can get ready for a trip to New York, making your preparations for a sea voyage secretly. I'll attend to aU the details. It will be easy. No one will ever dream of what we are doing until we cable the news home to your aunt." " Oh, I must tell Aunt EHzabeth ! " " Not much ! That's no way to elope. We must do it correctly or not at all. Nobody is to know until we are really married. Can you get ready in a week ? " " If I really must." " Can't take any more time than that if we want to reach Manila in time for the wedding." " Oh, Hugh ! We can't go to Manila ! " she cried, suddenly starting to her feet in distress. " My uncle Harry lives there. He is my mother's only brother, and he's been there since the close of the war. He's in the hemp business. Oh, dear ! How provoking ! " she concluded almost piteously. " It's fine ! " he exclaimed jubilantly. " We can i6 THE INSPIRATION be married at his home. I'm sure he'll be happy to have us. You can write and tell him we're coming, dear. Lord ! " with great relief in his voice, " that simplifies matters immensely. Now we have an ex- cuse for going to Manila. But above all things don't cable to him. Write a nice long letter and mail it just before wc start." She was silent a long while, staring soberly at the blaze in the grate. " There'll be no bridesmaids and ushers over there, Hugh." " We don't want 'em." Silence for a few minutes. " In a week, did you say ? " " Positively." " Well, I'll be ready," she said solemnly. He kissed her tenderly, lovingly, pressed her cold hand and said encouragingly : " We'll meet in New York next Monday afternoon. Leave everything to me, dear. It will be much pleasanter to go by way of London and it will help to kill a good deal of time." " Hugh," she said, smiling faintly, " I think we're proving that father was right. I can't possibly ar- rive at the age of discretion until I am twenty-three and past." II THE BEGINNING OF FLIGHT MR. RIDGEWAY paced back and forth out- side the iron gates in the Grand Central Station on the afternoon of April i, 190 — , a smile of anticipation and a frown of impatience alternating in his fresh, young face. Certain lines of care seemed to have disappeared since we saw him last, nearly a week ago, and in their stead beamed the light of a new-found interest in life. Now and then he took from his pocket a telegram ; spectators stared amusedly at him as he read and re-read : Detroit, Michigan, March 31, 190 — . To H. B. Ridge : Got away safely. Meet me Forty-second Street, New York, to-morrow at three. Feel awfully queer and look a fright. Sympathetic lady, next compart- ment, just offered condolences for loss of my hus- band. What are the probabilities of storm ? Be sure and find out before we start. „ „ Sister Grace. " Isn't that just like a girl ! " he muttered to him- self. " Where else would Forty-second Street be but New York ! London ? " 18 THE BEGINNING OF FLIGHT They had decided to travel as brother and sister and to adopt Ridge as the surname. Hugh had taken passage for Liverpool on the liner Saint Cloud, to sail on the second, having first examined the list of passengers to ascertain if there were any among them who might know him or his companion in the adventure. The list was now complete, and he, assured that there was no danger of recogni- tion, felt the greatest weight of all lifted from his mind. He had also considerately inquired into the state of the weather and learned that it promised well for the voyage. The whole affair was such a glorious lark, such an original enterprise, that he could scarcely restrain himself in his exhilaration from confiding in his chance hotel acquaintances. Purposely, the night before, he had gone to an hotel where he was unknown, keeping under cover during the day as much as possible. According to the pre-arranged plan, they were to go aboard ship that evening, as the sailing hour was early in the morning. He was waiting for her train. Every now and then his glance would shoot through the throng of people, somewhat apprehensively, as if he feared, instead of hoped, that some one might be there. This searching glance was to determine whether there might be any danger of Chicago or New York acquaintances witnessing the arrival of the person for whom he waited. Once he recognized a friend and dodged quickly behind a knot of people, escaping notice. That is why he audibly muttered : •9 NEDRA " Thank Heaven ! " Every nerve was tingling with excitement ; an in- describable desire to fly, to shout, to race down the track to meet the train, swept through him. His heart almost stopped beating, and he felt that his face was bloodless. For the twentieth time in the last two hours Ridgeway looked at his watch and frnwningly exclaimed : " Only five after two ! Nearly an hour to wait ! " He sat down for a moment, only to arise the next and walk to the board announcing the arrival of trains. Almost immediately one pulled into the sta- tion. Perceiving a bystander — one of the sort that always gives the impression of being well-informed — he inquired casually where it was from. " Chicago," was the ready answer. " Great Scott ! Lucky I came early ! Grace's idea of time — oh, well, only the small matter of an hour out of the way." ' f Quickly he sprang forward, taking up a good posi- tion to watch. First came a man hurriedly and alone. A bunch of people followed him. Hugh peered un- successfully here and there among them. Another bunch ; she was not in it, and he began to feel a trifle nervous. Now came the stragglers and he grew be- wildered. Finally, the last one — a woman hove in sight. With renewed hope he scanned her approach. It was not Grace ! His brain was in a whirl. What could have happened ? Where was she ? Again he jerked out the telegram. " Meet me Forty-second Street, New York, at three," he read half aloud. " Nothing could be THE BEGINNING OF FLIGHT plainer," he mused in perplexity, jj" No train at three ; another at — she must be on a later one." " What time is the next Chicago train due ? " he inquired anxiously at the Information Bureau. " Five-thirty, sir," politely answered the official. " Five-thirty I " he repeated disgustedly. Again the telegram was brought out and this time shown. " On what road did you expect the lady? " was the question, put with well-simulated interest that every few minutes was practised on different indi- viduals. " Road ? " Hugh stared blankly at his ques- tioner. " What road ? " Then, like a flash, the solution of the problem pierced his brain. " What an ass I am .' " he burst out, and added sheepishly : " West Shore ! " Purposely avoiding the other's face for confirma- tion of his self-depreciatory exclamation, together with its unmistakable expression of professional tol- erance for the imbecilities of mankind, Hugh looked at the time. It was two-thirty. Tearing out of the station, he hailed a cab. Inside, and moving fast, he winced a little as he thought of his late strictures on girls and their ways. What a shame to have abused Grace, when he him- self had told her to take the Wabash as essential to their plan. What a blooming idiot he was ! New York in the telegram meant, of course, the New York side of the river. He recovered his equanimity ; the world was serene again. With a sharp pull the cabman brought up at the NEDRA ferry and Hugh took his stand among those waiting for the boat to disgorge its load of passengers. At that moment a thought struck him, and acting on it, he called out : " Hi ! porter ! " " Here, sir ! " " Where can I get some note paper ? " " All right, sir ! " and in an instant a pad of paper was forthcoming. Hugh took out his pencil and wrote a brief note. Then, in a low voice, he said : " Here, porter ! I want you to do something for me." " Yes, sir ! " " I'll make it worth your while, but I won't have you attending to any one else — under- stand ? " The porter demonstrated with a nod his perfect comprehension of what was required, and there fol- lowed from his employer a minute description of the lady. " Young, slight, tall, fair, black hat and veil, and " " In mourning, sir, undoubtedly ? " Mourning ! No, of course not. Cannot a lady wear black without being in mourning ? " Hugh ex- postulated sharply. " Ccrt.iinly, sir ; but generally " Whatever costume the worldly-wise porter would have approved as en regie for a lady, under conditions to his thinking so obviously indiscreet, the descrip- tion was forestalled by the ingenuous young man. THE BEGINNING OF FLIGHT who, dissimilarly apprehensive and oblivious to the innuendo, was heard to grumble : " What on earth is the matter with people ? Everybody seems to delight in painting this most delectable of undertakings in the most funereal colours ! " and went on anxiously : " You're sure you won't miss her ? " With an indulgent smile for the youth and inex- perience of his patron, and glancing surreptitiously at the size of the bill in his hand, the attendant calmly announced that there was not the faintest possibility of an error. He took his position a little to the right of and behind Hugh, like an adjutant at dress parade. Through the ferry rushed the weary, impatient tra- vellers. Owing to the place Hugh had taken at one side of the run, Grace, at first, did not perceive him. Anxiety, almost fright, showed in her face ; there passed through her a thrill of consternation at the thought that perhaps he had not received her telegram. The tense figure clasped the travelling- bag convulsively, and her brown eyes flashed a look of alarm over the waiting throng. Another moment and their gaze met ; a voice ringing with happiness assailed her ; her heart throbbed again, and the blood rushed back to her troubled face. Hugh started forward. " Hello, old man ! " came suddenly from out of the crowd, and two heavy bags plunked down on the floor ; two strong hands grabbed Hugh by the shoulders and their owner cried out boisterously : " What in the name of all the gods are you doing here in New York ? " 23 NEDRA Hugh's heart was in his mouth. His blood froze within him. For, shaking him with the embrace of a playful bear, was his old friend McLane Woods — his chum at Princeton. Dazed, and not daring to look up, the entangled man made a wild, imploring gesture to the porter. The latter caught it, stepped forward and placed the note in the girl's hands. " In case I am held up, go to the Astor. Will fol- low," were the words she read quickly. With ready wit and only one stealthy glance at the two men, Grace speedily followed in the wake of the too ob- sequious porter, who placed her in a cab. " To the Astor ! " was the transferred instruction. The cabman, quick to note the ambiguity in the direction given, prepared, with the subtlety of his kind, for a long drive downtown. However, the little comedy had not quite escaped attention. There was a note of banter in the strident voice that again addressed Hugh, the speaker accom- panying it with a resounding slap on the back. " Congratulations in order, old man ? Come — you're caught — own up ! Who is she ? " This with a crony-like dig in the ribs. " Runaway match, eh? " At the other's greeting, Ridgeway promptly as- sured himself that all was lost, and was about to re- turn the welcome as best he could, when the danger in the final words checked him, compelled a sub- terfuge. Assuming a stony glare, an unnatural twist of the mouth, the " old man " turned his bewildered glance 24 THE BEGINNING OF FLIGHT upon the speaker, allowing it to resolve itself into a sickening show of reproachfulness, and said in a voice that almost made its owner laugh, it was so villainously artificial : " You have the best of me, sir ! " An amazed expression came over the face of Mr. Woods. His glowing smile dwindled into an in- credulous stare. " Don't you know me, Hugh ? " he finally de- manded, half indignantly. " I do not, sir. My name is not Hugh, by the way. It is evident that you mistake me for some one else," answered Mr. Ridgeway solemnly and gutturally. " Do you mean to say — oh, come now, old man, don't stand up there and try to make a monkey of me. When did you get in ? " cried Woods. " Pardon me," sharply responded the other, " but I must insist that you are mistaken. I am Dr. James Morton of Baltimore. The resemblance must be re- markable." Woods glared at Hugh, perfectly dumb with amazement. He passed his hand over his eyes, cleared his throat a time or two, but seemed com- pletely at a loss for words to express himself. " Are you in earnest ? " he stammered. " Are you not Hugh Ridgeway of Princeton, ninety " but Hugh interrupted him politely. " Assuredly not. Never was at Princeton in my life. Yale. Will you give me your name and the address of your friend, please ? By Jove, I'd like to hunt him up some time ! " Hugh was searching in his pockets as if for a pencil and memorandum- 's NEDRA book and waiting for his old chum to give him his name. " Well, of all the " muttered Woods, looking into the other's face penetratingly. " I never heard of anything like it. My name is McLane Woods, and the man who looks like you is Hugh Ridgeway of Chicago. I — I'll be hanged if it isn't too strange to be true." " Very strange, indeed," smiled Hugh, striving to maintain the expression he had assumed at the be- ginning — a very difficult task. " But this isn't all. At Newburg, I boarded the train, and happening to go through, I saw some one that I could have sworn was a Miss Vernon, whom I met when visiting Ridgeway in Chicago. I started to speak to her ; but she gave me such a frigid stare that I sailed by, convinced that I was mistaken. Two such likenesses in one day beats my time. Doesn't seem possible, by George ! it doesn't," exclaimed the puzzled New Yorker, his eyes glued to the counte- nance of the man before him, who, by the way, had almost betrayed himself at the mention of Miss Ver- non's name. A thrill of admiration ran through him when Woods announced his reception by the clever girl who was running away with him. " I'll do my best to meet this Mr. Ridgeway. I am frequently in Chicago," said he. " Glad to have met you, Mr. Woods, anyhow. If you are ever in Balti- more, hunt me up. I am in the E Building." " With pleasure, doctor ; how long will you be in New York ? " " I am going away to-morrow." 26 THE BEGINNING OF FLIGHT " Won't you come with me to my club ? " began Woods, but Hugh interrupted by beckoning to the omnipresent porter. " Thanks ! Much obliged ! Like to, you know, but have an appointment ! " And, shaking his hand " Good-bye ! " " Good-bye ! " gasped Woods reluctantly, as if de- siring one word more. But Hugh, with a grin on his face that awakened renewed expectations on the part of the porter, was making, stiff and straight, for the baggage-room. Once, looking back over his shoulder, he saw that Woods was standing stock still ; and again, with another smile, he watched his mystified friend slowly depart. " Now, then, my man, tell me quickly — you gave her the note ? What did she do ? Where did she go ? Out with it — why don't you speak ? " " All right, sir. Everything's all right. The lady has gone to the hotel," replied the man as soon as Hugh gave him a chance to answer. "Good. Find me another cab, quick. And here," handing him a dollar. Meanwhile, Grace Vernon, quite sanguine of soon being with Hugh, was approaching the lower part of the city, reasoning, quite logically, that a downtown hotel was selected on account of the probable ab- sence of the ultra-fashionable set. There, their secret would be safe, — and also they would be nearer the steamer. Arriving at her destination, Grace dismissed the disappointed cabman, and entered the ladies' wait- ing-room, where she rang for the clerk. 27 NEDRA " Is there a Mr. Ridge staying here ? " she asked of him with an assurance that, she flattered herself, was admirably assumed. " No such person with us, madam. Were you ex- pecting him ? " " Why, yes," she replied, a little confused. " He should be here any minute." And to his inquiry as to whether she would require anything in the meantime, there came a reply in the negative and he departed. With a sigh of relief at being alone, she crossed over to a desk and busied herself in writing a long letter. This accomplished, she arose, moved over to the window and looked out. The waiting-room faced the main artery of the city, and below her was the endless stream of humanity. Endeavouring to check a slight feeling of uneasiness that was fast coming over her at Hugh's unexpected non-appear- ance, she tried to concentrate her thoughts on the panorama of the streets. A half-hour passed. Then, in spite of herself, nervousness assailed her. What could be keeping him ? Had he met with an acci- dent ? Or, could she have made a mistake in the name under which he was to register — could he be waiting for her all the time ? Back and forth, to and fro the girl paced. Thoroughly alarmed and in spite of a sense of mortification at such an under- taking, she again interviewed the clerk. " Will it be convenient for me to see the register ?" she inquired, forced to conceal her embarrassment. The clerk obligingly brought the book and eagerly she scanned the list. Unfortunately, for her, there THE BEGINNING OF FLIGHT was no mistake. Nothing like Ridgeway, Ridge or Hugh's handwriting greeted her anxious eyes. A silence that seemed an inconceivably long one to the almost overwrought girl was broken by the clerk asking would she register ? Grace could hardly restrain her agitation. The critical moment had come. Something must be done. But what ? Should she register and under what name ? Or, should she wait longer ; and if not, where should she go ? Finally, with a desperate effort, she looked imploringly at him, and with heightened colour, gasped : " No, thank you ; I'll wait a little longer for my — my — brother." It was out. The prevarication had been uttered, and Grace felt as if she had committed a crime and punishment was at hand. Tears of distress came to her eyes ; the situation was becoming intolerable. It was just then that there came a shrill cry : " Miss Ridge ! " Grace remained immovable. The name she had inquired for a few minutes ago was called without bringing a sign or change of expression to the beau- tiful face, on which the wondering eyes of the clerk were fixed. He started to speak, but was withheld by her impassibility. Again the same cry, and this time the last word was accentuated. A boy entered. As the clerk, slightly raising his eyebrows, turned toward her, Grace gave a little start ; an enlightened glance shot from her eyes ; the significance of the call gradually dawned upon her. 29 NEDRA " I am Miss Ridge ! " came excitedly from her trembling lips, the hot blood crimsoning her cheeks. " A telephone " " For me ? " she asked uneasily. " From Mr. Ridge ; wants you to wait," iinished the boy. " Thank you ! Oh, thank you ! " The girl beamed her relief on the staring bell-boy. And, the message having been delayed, the grateful words were hardly spoken before Hugh, almost distracted, rushed into the room. Regardless of appearances or conse- quences, the tall young fellow seized her and kissed her in a fashion that would have brought terrible rebuke, under any other circumstance, and which certainly caused the clerk to consider this Mr. Ridge the most demonstrative brother that in a long experi- ence in hotel life he had ever encountered. When Hugh held her at arm's length to give his admiring gaze full scope, he saw tears of joy swimming in her eyes. Her voice quivered as she sighed : " I should have died in another moment ! " " You are the dearest girl in all the world ! " Then he explained to her the cause of the delay. After getting rid of Woods, he had rushed to the Hotel Astor, where he expected to find her waiting for him. All inquiries as to whether any lady answering to her description had been seen there had resulted in failure. He would have been there yet, growing an- grier all the while, had not a gentleman who had overheard his troubles suggested that he telephone the Astor House, in the hope that the lady might be waiting there. 30 THE BEGINNING OF FLIGHT At the end of this recital of his vexatious experi- ence Hugh seized her travelling-bag, and together they made their way out of the hotel. " Oh, Hugh ! " cried Grace, hanging back a little. " What did Mr. Woods say to you ? What did you say ? Do you know he tried to speak with me on the train ? " " Honestly, I don't remember, dear — sister. He's the most muddled man, though, in New York, I'll bet a dollar. And now that I think of it, it wasn't absolutely necessary ; but when he guyed me about a runaway match, it paralyzed me, and I had to do something, so I swore that I had never heard of such a person as Ridgeway." Grace was too astounded to speak. " Then he told me of meeting you," he continued, " and that settled it. Poor old Woods ! What a trump you were, Grace ! " " You wouldn't have thought so if you could have seen me when I first boarded the train. My ! I was blue ! Fortunately, I did not see him until we were nearly here. Hugh Ridgeway — Ridge, I mean — do you know what I did ? It will make you very angry ! " she said as they waited for a cab. " Nothing could make me angry." This was said ten seconds later, when they were inside the cab and a nervous, smiling young woman at his side was squeezing his arm expressively. " Driver ! " he called out, " go uptown — anywhere — through the park until I tell you to stop ! " and turning to her, added : " We'll have a bit of dinner somewhere and then go aboard. Now, what did you do ? " 31 NEDRA " Well," she went on, "I actually tossed up a quarter in the compartment to see whether I should go on or turn back." " You did ? Really ? Who won ? " " I did," she answered naively. " No ; I did. I am beginning to feel too lucky to be awake. And would you have turned back if you had lost ? Would you have left me here with all this anticipation to dispose of ? " he cried. " If it came tails, I was to turn back. It came tails." " What ! And you came anyhow ? " " Well, you see, after the first flip I concluded to make it two out of three trials. So I flipped again, Hugh, and it came tails. Then I made it three out of five. That was only fair, wasn't it ? " " Certainly. Seven out of thirteen or eleven out of twenty, just so you won." " I tossed that coin seventeen times, and the final count was nine for New York and eight for Chicago. The train had started, so I didn't flip again. Wasn't it a narrow majority, dear ? " " If it were not for appearing ridiculous, I would kiss you seventeen times right here. Oh, how about your baggage — luggage, I mean ? " he cried. " The transfer man will take them to the dock. I have ten big ones — new steamer trunks. You'll never know how much trouble I had in getting them packed and out of the house." " Ten ! Great Scott ! I have but two ! " " Don't worry, dear. You can pack some of your 32 THE BEGINNING OF FLIGHT things in mine — coming home, of course," she said laughingly. " Great, isn't it ? " he chuckled. " Nobody on earth ever did anything like it. But before I forget it, how did you leave your aunt ? " Poor Aunt Elizabeth ! She will be so dis- appointed. I promised to do a lot of shopping for her. But she's well and can endure the delay, I fancy. To prepare her for the shock, I told her that I might stay East for a couple of weeks, perhaps longer. She does not suspect a thing, but she was awfully cut up about my leaving at this time." " I'm glad you quieted Aunt Elizabeth, for it would be just like her to send detectives after us." Both laughed as he whispered this to her. As the cab whirled away she said : " What happy fools we are ! " " Sit back, quick ! Cover your face," he suddenly cried. " What — who is it ? " she giggled. " We just passed a policeman, and he looked rather hard at the windows," he cried, with a broad grin. " Oh, you ninny ! " " Well, we must elope with fear and trembling or it won't count," he cried. " Is there anything you have to buy before we sail ? If there is, we must attend to it now, because we leave at a most out- landish hour in the morning." Miss Vernon looked alarmed for a moment, the real enormity of the escapade striking her with full force. But she smiled in the next and said that she could make a few necessary purchases in a few D 33 NEDRA minutes if he would direct the cabman. " It's a long way to Manila, you know," she said. " Hugh, I noticed in the paper the other day that this is the season for typhoons, or whatever you call them, in the Indian Ocean. I looked them up in the dic- tionary. There's a picture of one in action, and they must be dreadful things. One of them could tear our ship to pieces in a minute, I should judge. Wouldn't it be awful — if— if " " Pshaw ! Typhoons are nothing ! It's a simoon that you're thinking about, and they happen only on the desert. In what dictionary did you see that ? " " Webster's, of course." Mr. Ridgeway did not continue along that line, but mentally resolved to look into Webster's on the sly, and, furthermore, to ask the captain of the Saint Cloud to tell him aU he knew about typhoons. " Have him drive to Arnold's, Hugh." She left him in the carriage in front of the store, promising to be gone not more than five minutes. Ten minutes passed and Hugh resignedly lighted a cigarette, stepping to the sidewalk to smoke. After he had smoked four cigarettes a perceptible frown approached his brow. He looked at the big door- way, then at his watch, then at the imperturbable cabman. Her five minutes had grown to half an hour. His good nature was going to the bad and he was about to follow in her footsteps when suddenly he saw her emerging from the store. " I had to mail a letter," she explained as they drove off. " Oh, Hugh, I'm so nervous, I know that I shall do something silly before we sail." 34 THE BEGINNING OF FLIGHT " A letter ? " " Yes ; I mailed one letter to Uncle Harry before I left Chicago, you know, but I forgot something important, so I had to write again to-day." " What did you forget ? " " I forgot to tell him you were coming out on the same ship and would look after me as if I were your own sister, Hugh." Strange to say, neither of them smiled as their hands met in a warm, confident clasp. 35 Ill THE FIRST OBSTACLE A DRIZZLING rain began to fall and an over- cast sky, cold and bleak, dropped lower and lower until it covered the dripping park like a sombre mantle. The glass in the hood of the hansom kept out the biting rain, but the drear approach of a wet evening was not to be denied. For nearly three hours Hugh and Grace had been driven through the park and up the Riverside, killing time with a ner- vous energy that was beginning to tell. The electric lights were coming on ; pavements glistened with the glare from the globes ; tiny volcanoes leaped up by thousands as the patting, swishing raindrops flounced to the sidewalks. " Isn't it dismal ? " murmured Grace, huddling closer to his side. " I thought the weather man said it was to be nice ? It's horrid ! " " I think it's lovely ! " said he beamingly. " Just the sort of weather for a mystery like this. It be- gins like a novel." " I hope it ends as most of them do, commonplace as they are. Anyhow, it will be fun to dine at Sherry's. If any one that we know should see us, we can say " 36 THE FIRST OBSTACLE " No, dear ; we'll not attempt to explain. In the face of what is to follow, I don't believe an account- ing is necessary. This is to be our last dinner in good old America for many a day, dear. We'll have a good one, just for history's sake. What kind of a bird will you have ? " A lark, I think," she said with a bright smile. " Oh, one doesn't eat the lark for dinner. He's a breakfast bird, you know. One rises with him. Be- sides, we should try to keep our lark in fine feather instead of subjecting it to the discomforts of a grid- iron in some " His observations came to an abrupt close as both he and his companion pitched forward violently, barely saving themselves from projection through the glass. The hansom had come to a sudden stop, and outside there was a confused sound of sliouting with the crunching of wood and the scraping of wheels. The horse plunged, the cab rocked sharply and then came to a standstill. " What is it ? " gasped Grace, trying to straighten her hat and find her bag at the same time. Hugh managed to raise the glass and peer dazedly forth into the gathering night. A sweep of fine rain blew into their faces. He saw a jumble of high vehicles, a small knot of men on the sidewalk, gesticulating hands on every side, and then came the oaths and sharp commands. " We've smashed into something ! " he said to her. " Some one is hurt ! Confound these reckless dri- vers ! Why can't they watch where " " Come down off that ! " shouted a voice at the 37 NEDRA wheel, and he saw a huge policeman brandishing his club at the driver above. " Come down, I say ! " " Aw, the d fool backed into me," retorted the driver of Hugh's hansom. His fare noticed that they were at the Sherry corner, and the usual crowd of seven-o'clock cabs was in full evidence. " That'll do— that'll do," roared the of&cer. " I saw the whole thing. Ye've cracked his head, you dirty cur." Two men were holding the horse's head and other policemen were making their way to the side of their fellow-ofhcer. Evidently something serious had happened. " What's the trouble ? " Hugh called out to the officer. " You'll find out soon enough," answered the policeman. " Don't butt in — don't butt in ! " " Here, here, now ! " exclaimed Mr. Ridgeway. " You've no right to talk like that to " " Oh, I ain't, eh ? Well, we'll see if somebody else has a right. You dudes can't kill people and then get off with talk like that. Not much, my Johnny. You go along, too, an' explain yer hurry to the captain." " But I've got a lady here " " Tush ! tush ! Don't chew the rag. Stay in there ! " Other officers had dragged the driver from the cab, jostling him roughly to the outer circle of wheels. The man was protesting loudly. Rain had no power to keep a curious crowd from collecting. Hugh, in- dignant beyond expression, would have leaped to the 38 THE FIRST OBSTACLE ground had not a second and superior oflicer stepped up and raised his hand. " Don't get down, sir," he said with gentle firm- ness. " I'm afraid you'll have to go to the station for a few minutes." " But, confound it, officer — I have nothing to do with this row." " That may be true, sir. You can explain all that at the desk. We have to get at the bottom of this. This is no place to argue." A moment later the hansom, with a bent axle, was hobbling its way down the street engineered by blue- coats. Hugh, seeing that it was useless to remon- strate, sank back in the seat and swore audibly. " Don't worry about it, Hugh," said a soft voice in his ear. " We can explain, can't we ? " " You can't explain anything to asses, Grace," he lamented, " especially if they wear buttons." They lapsed into a mournful, regretful silence. For five full minutes the hansom wobbled painfully along and then pulled up in front of a building which Hugh lugubriously recognized as a police station. " We've got to make the best of it, dear. Did you ever hear of such beastly luck ? I'll see if they won't let me go in alone and square things. You won't be afraid to sit out here alone for a few minutes, will you ? There's really nothing to be alarmed about. This driver of ours is in trouble, that's all. We're not to blame. A word or two wiU fix everything. I'U be out in a jiffy." But the bluecoats would not see it that way. Miss Vernon was compelled to climb down from the seat 39 NEDRA and march indignantly into the desk sergeant's pre- sence. Hugh at once began to explain and to^ ex- postulate against what he called an outrage. " What had we to do with it ? The truth is, I don't know what has happened," he was saying. " Neither do I," said the bewhiskered sergeant shortly. " Who are you, sir ? " " These people saw the whole thing, sir. They were in the hansom when Bernhardt smashed him, an' this felly had ordered him to get to Sherry's in five minutes if he had to kill some one," explained the officer who had first addressed Hugh in the crowd. " That's a lie," cried Hugh. " I said if he had to kill the old plug. Who is Bernhardt ? What the deuce is it all about ? " " I don't believe the gentleman saw the row," said the poHte roundsman. " It happened in the crush there." " Somebody shall pay for this outrage," exclaimed Ridgeway. " It's beastly to drag a lady and gentle- man into a police station like common criminals when they " " That will do, sir," commanded the sergeant sharply. " You'll talk when you're asked to, sir." Turning to the patrolman, he asked, "Has that fellow been taken to the hospital ? " " The ambulance came up just as we left, sir." " Bernhardt says he didn't hit him. He says the guy fell off his own cab." " Don't cry, dear," Hugh managed to whisper to Grace as they took the seats designated by a brusque man in blue. 40 THE FIRST OBSTACLE " Never ! " she whispered bravely. " It's a lark ! " ' ' Bravo ! We'll have that bird yet— at Sherry's. ' ' Then he approached the desk with determination in his eye. " Look here, officer, I demand respectful attention. Whatever it was that happened between those cabmen, I had nothing to do with it, and I am absolutely ignorant of the trouble. We have a dinner engagement, and I want you to take our statements, or whatever it is you want, and let us go our way." " What is your name ? " shortly. " Why — er — that isn't necessary, is it ? " floun- dered Hugh. " Of course it is. Name, please." " WiU it get into the papers ? " " That's nothin' to me. Will you answer now, or do you want to stay here till mornin' ? " " My name is Smith." " Place of residence ? " " Brooklyn." " Who's the lady ? " " My sister." " Step up here, lady, if you please ! " Hugh felt the floor giving way beneath him. That Grace could not have heard a word of the foregoing examination, he was perfectly aware. Vainly, and with a movement of his lips, he essayed to convey the name she should answer. " Don't butt in, you ! " was the instant warning given by the observant officer, and then " Lady, what is your name ? " For a moment the question bewildered the girl. 41 NEDRA With considerable misgiving she discerned that another occasion for prevarication was unavoidable, and something like a sigh escaped her lips ; but as suddenly fear gave way to a feeling of elation. How clever Hugh would consider her remembrance of his instructions ! What felicity to extricate him from this predicament ! Alone, she would save the situa- tion ! Unblushingly, and with a glance at him for instant approval, she stepped forward and pronounced jubi- lantly the alias agreed upon : " Ridge — Miss Ridge is my name." A smothered exclamation of dismay burst from Hugh's lips. " Eh, what ? Miss Ridge, and your brother's name — Smith ? " ejaculated the man of authority. For a brief moment there was a pause of embar- rassment ; and then with a dazzling, bewitching smile directed at her questioner, she electrified them both : " Most assuredly. Mr. Smith is my half-brother." Hugh could have shouted for joy, as he watched the somewhat amused discomfiture of the officer. " Where do you live ? " " St. Louis," gasped she, with blind confidence in luck. " Oh, humph ! Well, wait a minute," he said, and both were gratified to see a good-natured grin on his face. " Buckley, see if there is a family named Smith in Brooklyn with connection in St. Louis. Sit down. Miss Ridge, please, and don't be worried. This is what we have to do. Your driver slugged 42 THE FIRST OBSTACLE another of his kind and he's likely to die of the fall he got. We'U have to use you as witnesses, that's all, an' we must have you where we can put our hands on you in the mornin'. The captain will be here in an hour or two and you can probably manage to give some kind of bond for your appearance. People like you don't like to appear in court, you see, so we've got to make sure of you." " But we must go to our — our dinner," she wailed so prettily that he coughed to cover his official severity. " Can't be helped, ma'am. Duty, you know. The captain will soon be here. Would you like to tele- phone, sir ? " Hugh stared and looked embarrassed. Who was there for him to talk to over the 'phone ? And that brought another ghastly thought to mind. Who could he ask to give security for his or her appear- ance in the morning ? He found words to say he would telephone to his friends, a bright idea suddenly coming to the rescue. Grace looked her amazement and alarm as he marched into the telephone booth. Bravely he called up Sherry's and, with the sergeant listening, he sent word to the head waiter to inform Mr. (mentioning the name of a very prominent society leader) that Mr. Smith and Miss Ridge were unavoidably detained and could not join the party until quite late, if at all. He came from the booth very much pleased with himself, and sat down beside Grace to await developments. " What are we to do ? " she whispered. " Give me time to think, dear. I fooled him that 43 NEDRA time. Perhaps I can do it again. Great bluff, wasn't it ? What do you suppose Mr. will think ? " " But if they should insist upon holding us till morning," she cried, on the verge of tears, trouble looming up like a mountain. " They won't dare do that. They'll probably send us to a hotel with a plain-clothes man unless we give bond, but that's all. I'll try another bluff and see how it works. There's no use kicking about it. We're not in a position to stir up much of a row, you see, dear." He tried it when the captain came in unexpectedly a few minutes later, and with the most gratifying re- sults. He obtained consent to go with a plain-clothes man to a near-by restaurant for a " bite to eat." In the meantime he was to send a messenger boy with a note to an influential friend in Brooklyn, requesting him to hurry over and give security for their appear- ance. If this failed, they were to go to a hotel under guard. " The only thing that sounds fishy about your story, Mr. Smith, is that you say you are brother and sister," said the captain. " Driving all afternoon in the park with your own sister ? Queer." " She's from Missouri, you know," said Hugh with a fine inspiration. The captain laughed, even though he was not convinced. " Now, Grace, dear," said Hugh as they waited for the cab to be called, " our adventure is on in dead earnest. We have to give this plain-clothes man the slip and get aboard the Saint Cloud before they have 44 THE FIRST OBSTACLE time to think. They won't look for us there and we're safe." " Hugh, I'm frightened half to death," she whis- pered. " Can we do it ? Would it not be wiser to give up the whole plan, Hugh, and " " Oh, Grace ! " he cried, deep regret in his voice. " What a cad I am to be dragging you into all this sort of thing ! Yes, dear, We'll give it up. We'll go back to Chicago. It's too much to ask of you. I'll " " No, no, Hugh ! Forgive me. I'll be strong and iirm. I wouldn't give it up for all the world. I — I was just a bit weak for a second, you know. It does look pretty big and wild, dear, — all that is ahead of us. But, after all, it's like any sea voyage, isn't it ? Only we're going to be married when it's over. We wouldn't think anything of taking a trip to Manila under ordinary circumstances, would we ? It's £l11 right, isn't it ? " He squeezed her hand cautiously but fervently. To their disgust the plain-clothes man took the seat opposite them in the brougham, remarking as he did so that he had sense enough to get in out of the rain. They had no opportunity to concoct a plan for escape, and it was necessary for them to go on to the restaurant in Longacre Square. It occurred to Hugh that it would be timely to explain why they were not dressed for dinner. They were on their way to the hotel to dress when the fracas took place. The plain- clothes man was not interested. Evidently the au- thorities did not apprehend much trouble from the two young people ; their guardian performed his 4S NEDRA duties perfunctorily and considerately. He even disappeared from view after they entered the res- taurant. " We'll have that bird," said Hugh, " before we do anything else. I'm hungry. Haven't eaten since last night, dear. I've been too excited to think of eating — or sleeping." In a quiet corner of the big cafe they had their bird and just enough champagne to give them the courage that counts. With their heads close to- gether they planned and plotted until they forgot the rain that pattered against the window panes, and dreariness turned to rosy assurance. " Just a little nerve, dear," said he as they arose. " Do as I have told you and trust to luck. It can't fail." The plain-clothes man was just outside the door. Scores of people were hurrying past, umbrellas raised in the face of the drizzle. Down Broadway the glare of lights was broken and left hazy in the fog like rain. The sidewalks in the distance looked like a bobbing field of black mushrooms, shiny and sleek. The air was chill with the wet shadows of a night that hated to surrender to the light of man. " Where's the cab ? " demanded Hugh. " Get it up here quick. I don't want to keep my friend wait- ing at the station. Come in and have a drink, officer. It's no fun standing around this kind of weather. No job for a decent human being, I'd say. Especi- ally when one's set to watch respectable people and not criminals. This is a rattling good joke on me — and my sister. I need about three good, stiff 46 THE FIRST OBSTACLE drinks. We'll go in next door here. Get into the cab, Marian. We won't be inside two minutes." If the plain-clothes man was willing to take the drink, all well and good, but if he refused — but he did not refuse. He looked carefully about, shivered appropriately, and said he " didn't care if he did." Grace urged them to hurry as she entered the cab, and Hugh gave his promise. Scarcely had the two men passed beyond the light screen doors when Grace Vernon coolly stepped from the cab and hur- riedly made her way off through the crowd of um- brellas, first telling the driver to wait for her in front of the drug store. A moment later she boarded a Broadway car, nervous and excited, but intent only on reaching a place where she could safely engage a cab to take her to the dock. And all the time she was hoping and praying, not for herself, but for the important young gentleman who was clicking his righteous glass in a den of iniquity. 47 IV READY FOR THE SEA RIDGEWAY, his nerves tense and his eyes gleaming, marched his thoroughly chilled companion up to the bar. He manoeuvred so that the plain-clothes man stood with his back toward the door, and he seemed to be in no especial haste to attract the attention of the bartender. As they gave their order for drinks, Hugh saw Grace, in his mind's eye, slipping from the carriage and off into the crowd — and every fibre of his heart was praying for success to attend her flight. He found himself talking glibly even volubly to the watcher, surprised that he could be doing it with his mind so full of other thoughts. " Awful night to be out. I'd hate to have a job like yours," he was rattling on, heaving intermittent breaths of relief as he saw the size of the drink the other was pouring out for himself. " I've been at it for twelve years. I don't mind anything just so it helps to make a comfortable home for the old lady and the kids." " Ah, the kids," said Hugh, grasping at the sub- ject as if it were the proverbial straw. " How I love kids ! How many have you ? " " Four. The oldest is ten." 48 READY FOR THE SEA " They're worth working for, I'll bet. Nothing like children. How many have you ? " " Four," said the officer, looking at him in sur- prise. " I'm a little deaf," explained Hugh, recovering himself quickly. " I thought you said ten." " No ; the oldest is ten. Yes ; they're worth slaving for. I've hung on to this job all these years just because it might go hard with 'em if I gave it up and tried something else." Hugh looked into the sober, serious face and a lump flew to his throat. It struck him as probable that this man was to lose his position the next morn- ing. A sort of pity assailed Ridgeway for an instant, but he put it away resolutely. After all, he had Grace to think of and not the children of the plain-clothes man. They had a second drink and it fired his brain with a gleeful desire for action. The plain-clothes man shivered as he swallowed the fiery stuff. He looked thin and haggard and ill, a condition which Hugh, in his hatred, had failed to observe until this moment. " You certainly have a 'home and some money saved up by this time," he said, trying to suppress the eager gleam in his eyes. " We've had lots of sickness and it's taken nearly everything. Besides, I've been too d honest. It's my own fault that I haven't a big wad put away." " What is your name ? " demanded Hugh sud- denly. E 49 NEDRA " Friend." " I understand all that. But what is your name ? " " That's it— George Friend Street Station." " Oh, I see." Hugh also saw the picture of this poor fellow as he stood before his superior later on with his luckless tale, facing a thirty days' lay-off at the lowest. " By the way, I want to write a short note." He secured envelope, paper and stamp from the bar and hastily wrote a brief letter. The inscrip- tion on the outside of the envelope was " George Friend, Police Station, New York," and there were three one-hundred-dollar bills enclosed with the note of explanation. " I'll mail it later," he said. " Come on." They went forth into the rain, Hugh's blood leap- ing with excitement, the plain-clothes man shivering as if he were congealing. Mr. Ridgeway dashed across the pavement and peered into the cab. Grace was not there, just as he had hoped and expected. " The lady's in the drug-store below, sir," an- nounced the cabman. " Wait here," called Hugh to the plain-clothes man. " I'm afraid she's ill. She's gone to the drug-store." He hurried toward the drug-store as the officer began to question the driver. A second later Mr. Ridgeway turned the corner and was off like the wind toward Sixth Avenue. Turning into an alley, he fled southward, chuckling to himself as he splashed through the puddles and mudholes. He heard shouts in the distance and he did not decrease his speed until he neared the street opening below. There he ran into some one and fell. Besmeared 5° READY FOR THE SEA and bespattered, he quickly picked himself up ; and when, a moment later, he gained the sidewalk, no one would hardly have recognized in the dilapidated- looking creature the dapper Hugh Ridgeway. Pohce whistles were calling behind him, nearer and nearer, but he walked boldly out into the street and up to Sixth Avenue. His nerves were tingling and his breathing was hard to control after the mad dash through the alley, but he slouched along in the lee of the buildings to escape the downpour, stopping near the corner. Suddenly he rushed out and hailed a passing cab, climbed inside and gave orders to drive as quickly as possible to the Twenty-third Street Ferry. Then he sat up boldly and stared forth with all the courage that^his escape inspired. " By Jove," he was shouting inwardly, " that poor devil was on my heels. He looked hard as he hustled past, but I stared back just as hard. It took nerve to face him. Hang it all, I'm sorry for him. He wasn't to blame. But this letter will cheer him up. It's for the kids if anything happens to him." Apparently changing his mind at Herald Square, he instructed the driver to go down Thirty-fifth Street to Eighth Avenue and drop him at the corner. After leaving the cab he ventured into an all-night shop and bought a cheap raincoat, slouch hat and umbrella. Then, like a thief, he stole forth and warily made his way toward the dock. It was bad going and he hailed a second cab. Before climbing into it, he crossed and dropped an envelope into the mail- box. 51 NEDRA " There," he muttered," that helps my conscience. By Jove, this has been a corking start for the adven- ture. Talk about dime novels ! " He instructed the driver to take him to a point not far from the dock, a precaution which suddenly in- vented itself. It would be wise to approach the liner by stealth, taking no chances. They were sailing by one of the obscure lines, not for economy's sake, but to avoid possible contact with friends of their own class. As he rattled off through the night, huddled back in the blackness of the cab, Hugh began to have the first pangs of uneasiness. The distressing fear that all had not gone well with Grace flooded his brain with misgivings and feverish doubts. A clock in a shop window told him it was nearly ten o'clock. He was cursing himself for permitting her to rush off alone in a night like this, into a quarter that reeked with uncertainty and disorder. Vague horrors pre- sented themselves to his distressed mind ; calamity stared at him from the mouth of every dark alley ; outrage, crime, misfortune, danced in every shadow. As for himself, he was a sorry sight and enough to frighten Grace into convulsions at one glance. Rain- soaked, muddy, bedraggled, it was not the debon- naire Chicagoan of old who skulked away from the cab at a certain black corner and made his way stealthily, even fearfully, toward the distant dock. Every sound startled and alarmed him ; every pedestrian looked like a pursuer in plain clothes or blue. A couple of policemen eyed him sharply and 52 READY FOR THE SEA he trembled in his boots. The sudden, overpowering recollection that he had the passage tickets in his pockets with the reservations and the luggage checks almost sent him flying through the air, so swift was his pace. He lost his way twice, but was set straight by unsuspecting bluecoats. At last he zigzagged his way through devious channels and into the presence of a company's official who informed him that Miss Ridge had not gone aboard nor had she presented herself at the dock during the evening. Hugh's jaw dropped and a sick, damp perspiration started on his forehead. Hardly knowing what he did, he went aboard and plied his questions right and left, hoping that she might have come through unobserved. But she was not there, and it was half-past ten o'clock. Out into the drizzle he sallied once more, racked by a hundred doubts and misgivings. Reproaching himself fiercely for a fool, a dolt, he posted himself at the approach to the dock and strained his eyes and ears for the first sight of Grace Vernon. Other people went aboard, but an hour passed before he gave up all hope and distractedly made up his mind to institute a search for the missing girl. He conjec- tured all manner of mishaps, even to the most dread- ful of catastrophes. Runaway accident, robbery, abduction, even murder harassed his imagination until it became unbearable. The only cheerful alter- native that he could hope for was that she might not have escaped the authorities after all and was still in custody, crushed and despairing. Reviling him- self with a bitterness that was explicit but impotent, 53 NEDRA he started off resolutely to seek the aid of the police — the last extremity, A quick little shriek came to his ears, and then the door of a cab that had been standing at the opposite corner flew open. " Hugh ! Hugh ! " called a shrill voice. His heart gave a wild leap and then his long legs did the same — repeatedly. As he brought up beside the cab, Grace Vernon tumbled out, sobbing and laughing almost hysterically. " Good Heavens ! " shouted he, regardless of the driver, who grinned scornfully from his private box above, the only witness to this most unconventional comedy of circumstances. " I've been — been here an hour — in this cab ! " she cried plaintively. " Oh, oh, oh I You'll never know how I felt all that time. It seemed a year. Where did you' /get those awful-looking clothes, and " " What — aw — oh, the coat ? Great Jehoshaphat! You don't mean to say that " " I thought you were a detective ! " she sobbed. " Oh, how wretched I've been. Pay the man, dear, and take' me — take me any place where there is light. I'm dying from the sight and sound of this awful night." - Mr. Ridgeway lost no time in paying the driver and getting her on board the Saint Cloud. She tried to explain as they hurried along, but he told her there was time enough for that. " We may be watched, after all," he said, looking anxiously in all directions, a habit that had grown 54 READY FOR THE SEA upon him to such an extent that he feared it would cUng to him through Ufe. " Go to your stateroom, dearest, and I'll send you something hot to drink. Good Heavens, what an eternity it has been ! Oh, if you could only know what I've been calling my- self I " " I'm ashamed to admit it, dear, but I've been call- ing you things, too. And I've been so worried about you. How did you get away from that man ? " " Not now, dear. I'll meet you out here in the library in half an hour. I'll see about the luggage." " You must change your clothes, Hugh. You're frightfully wet. Send my small trunk and bag right up, dear." Like a thief and murderer, Hugh slunk out and attended to the trunks and bags, watching all the time for the dreaded plain-clothes man and his co- horts, trembling with a nervous fear so unbecoming in a strong man that the baggage master smiled in derision and imagined he was looking upon a " greenie " who was making his first voyage and was afraid of the sea. Offering up a prayer of thankful- ness, he bolted into his own stateroom soon after- ward and came forth later on in dry clothes and a new frame of mind. He was exuberant, happy once more. They did not look like brother and sister as they sat on one of the wide sofas and drank the toddy that came from below in charge of a well-fee'd steward. " Be careful, dear ! " he warned, with returning reason. " They'll think we're bride and groom." " Oh, dear me," she lamented. " It is almost out S5 NEDRA of the question to act like brother and sister after all we've been through to-night." " Now, tell me all about it. How did it all work out for you ? " he asked eagerly. " Well, it was all very simple — although I was frightened half to death — until I drove up to the spot where you saw me a little while ago. I thought it would be wise to take a look around before I tried to go aboard. Just as I left the cab a man rushed past me and I flew back into my seat like a bullet. He was a tall, slouchy fellow, with a sly look. All at once it came to me that he was a detective. You know, they're always mysterious-looking. So I stayed in the cab trying to think what to do next. I was quite sure you had not yet arrived, for I had come down as quickly as possible. And I wasn't real sure, either, that you had escaped. I didn't know how many drinks it might take, dear." " Don't let me forget to tell you how sorry I was for Mr. Plain Clothes and what I did afterward for the kids," interposed Hugh. " The kids ? " " Yes. His." " Oh, I see. Well, pretty soon that awful man came out and stood at the corner. He was waiting for some one. He was nervous and sleuth-like. He acted so queerly that I was sure of it. He was after you and me. Of course, I nearly fainted. All the time I was afraid you would run right into his arms, so I was watching from both windows to warn you if possible. My plan was to get you into the cab and 56 READY FOR THE SEA drive away like mad. Hours passed, it seemed to me, and " " I know the rest ! " he cried, laughing so loud that the steward looked up reprovingly. " Is everything ready, Hugh ? " she asked an- xiously. " The trunks, the tickets, — everything ? " " Yes, dear," he said tenderly, soberly. " We are ready for the sea." " God be with us," she said wistfully. 57 V MR. AND MISS RIDGE SAIL FOR MANILA LONDON. A thick fog, and the elopers on board the Tempest Queen, one of the fastest and most palatial of the liners which ply between England and the Far East, and for ten years under the command of Captain Shadburn, formerly of the British Navy. For the elopement was now an es- tablished fact, and Hugh, looking back on their Atlantic voyage, hoped that in this new ship fortune would be more propitious. Excitement, an exaggerated dread of being fol- lowed by detectives, together with seasickness, had been too much for Grace, and all those weary days she had scarcely left her stateroom. Alone in her bunk, ticketed to the other side of the world, running away from nothing but a foolish aversion, the girl had felt her heart grow cold with a nameless dread, a clammy fear that she had undertaken something that she could not accomplish. Almost hourly each day of that unending voyage, Hugh would knock at her door and beg to be allowed to do something to alle- viate her suflEerings ; then a thrill of new tenderness would dart into her soul as she thought of her cham- pion for all time. 58 MR. & MISS RIDGE SAIL FOR MANILA And Hugh. Never had time seemed such an eter- nity. Do what he would, he could not escape the Nemesis-like conviction that he had led the girl he loved into the most unheard-of folly ; had carried her to the point where ruin stood on equal footing with success, and joy itself was a menace. Yet during all these days of torment concerning her enfeebled condition and his recklessness, he remembered with sardonic satisfaction that he had left in the safety vault, in Chicago, a full statement of their plans and intentions, with instructions to have the seal broken on March 30th, one year after date of deposit. If anything happened to them, this was to be the means of shedding light on the mystery. And when in New York, he had deposited a second statement, with in- structions to send it to Chicago on April ist, one year later. In this he had made known their itinerary as fully as he could give it at the time. And although he cursed himself often for being a fool, there were moments, and especially as they neared the foreign shores, when he rejoiced over this maddest, jolliest of frolics. The fact that the short rest in London had done wonders for Grace, together with the hurry and bustle incident to sailing, sent Hugh's spirits higher and higher. As the two watched the ship drawn away from the pier and dragged slowly into clearer waters, the knowledge that they were irrevocably consigned to the consummation of their project acted on him hke a stimulant. Just before going on board he had asked, half-fearful that she was losing heart, if she still desired to complete the journey. He told 59 NEDRA her that it was not too late to turn back and that he would agree to any modification of the original plan that she might suggest. There was not a waver in the clear brown eyes, nor a quiver in her voice as she replied. Instead, there was a flicker indicating injured pride, followed by the sweetest, tenderest smile that he ever had seen on her face. " Dear old Hugh ! Did I not tell you that I would go to the end of the world with you ? " " But we may go to the bottom of the sea," he in- terposed, seizing her hands, his face lighting up gladly. " Then I shall go to the bottom of the sea with you. I never have felt the faintest desire to turn back. It has been my greatest happiness to think that some day we shall reach Manila, where our dear adventure may have its second and most delightful epoch. Would I turn back ? Would you ? " She looked divinely happy as she answered her first tri- umphant question with the second. And so they sailed again. As on their first voyage, their staterooms adjoined. Passage and accommodation had been booked for H. B. Ridge and Miss Ridge, Chicago, U.S.A. The following morning, Grace was awakened by a rattling at her stateroom door. " How are you feeling ? " called a well-known voice rather anxiously. " Quite well, thank you. Is it time to get up ? " " I should say so, Sis." " All right ; in ten minutes." As she set her feet 60 MR. & MISS RIDGE SAIL FOR MANILA upon the floor she observed a tendency on their part to touch twice before settling finally. A momentary dizziness came over her. She closed her eyes quickly and waited a moment before reopening them. Sud- denly Hugh's photograph, which was leaning against her hat on the steamer trunk, ducked slowly toward her as if bowing a polite good-morning, and then fell face downward. Miss Vernon rubbed her eyes and stared at the overturned picture for a full min- ute before resuming her toilet. Then she laughed nervously and made all haste to get on deck. She was one of the few women who dress quickly and yet look well. Attired in a becoming gown, a jaunty cap, checked raincoat and rough brown gloves, she ventured forth expecting to find Hugh waiting for her. At the same time she was thanking her lucky stars that no longer need she fear the authorities. Slightly dismayed and a little bewildered, she looked to the right and left, trying to remember which stateroom Hugh occupied. The left, she con- cluded, and forthwith applied her pretty knuckles to the panel vigorously. The door flew open, almost taking her breath, and a tall, dark man stood before her, but he was not Hugh Ridgeway. He looked askance in a very polite way. " I beg your pardon," she stammered in confusion. " I have made a mistake. This isn't Mr. — my brother's room, is it ? Oh, dear, how absurd of me." She was turning away as she concluded. " Can I be of service to you ? " asked the stranger, stepping forth. He had a very pleasant voice, but she did not remark it at the time. 6i NEDRA " No, I thank you," she hastily repHed. " His room is on my right, I remember. Sorry if I dis- turbed you," and she was pounding on the other door. She glanced back at the stranger's door in- voluntarily and then away instantly. He was staring at her in a most uncalled-for manner. And Hugh did'not answer ! She rapped again and — no response. The calm voice of the stranger came to her reddening ears. " The gentleman who occupies that room just passed me, going on deck. Straight ahead. That's right." He called the last injunction after her swiftly departing form. " Thank you, "came back to' him with a breath be- tween the words. Hugh met her at the bottom of the steps. She rushed recklessly toward him and cried. " Oh, you don't know how glad I am to see you. Where have you been, Hugh Ridgeway " " Sh ! Ridge without the ' way.' For Heaven's sake, don't forget that. It's every bit as important on this ship as on the other. I've been on deck for a look. Say, are you all right ? Are you still glad you're alive ? " He was holding her hands and looking into her eyes. " Of course I am. What a ridiculous question ! None but the good die young, and I'm not very good or I wouldn't be running away with you. But come, — take me on deck. Is it raining ? Why, your coat is wet. Hurry, Hugh ; I want to take a good look," she cried, dragging him up the steps hilari- ously. A peculiar smile came to his face as he followed her to the deck. 62 MR. & MISS RIDGE SAIL FOR MANILA Neither spoke for a full minute, she gazing dumbly at the bleak waste before her, he lovingly at her pretty, bewildered face. " Where are we, Hugh ? " she finally asked, terri- fied for the moment. " Where is London ? " " You are not afraid, are you, dearest ? " he whis- pered, his strong arm stealing about her. " We are on the bounding main, ticketed for a port thousands of miles away. London is back there," pointing astern. She placed her hand in his and looked out over the waters. Nothing but rain, leaden sky and rolling waves. What her thoughts were during the silence that followed he learned when she turned to him again, looking imploringly into his eyes. " Hugh, you will always be good to me ? " " So long as I live, sweetheart," he said, pressing her hand firmly. For some time they stood alone and silent beneath the awning which covered the promenade, the sleety rain pattering dismally over their heads. But few of the passengers were above deck. Several officers were chatting at the end of the deck-house. " We have not breakfasted yet, Grace, and I'm as hungry as a bear. Isn't it a relief, dear, not to feel the necessity any longer of keeping a sharp lookout for detectives ? Those days on the Atlantic, every other man I met I thought was a sleuth-hound bent on capturing the miUion-doUar reward that has been offered for our capture by Chicago society." 5(^|They went below and found the dining saloon almost deserted. Two or three late risers were 63 NEDRA drinking a last cup of coffee. Then she told him of the mistake she had made, and together they scanned their fellow-passengers in search of the man who occupied the stateroom adjoining hers on the left. He did not appear for luncheon or dinner, and Hugh cheerfully accused her of murdering him. The next morning, however, he was seated at the table, directly across from Hugh, a trifle pale and far from hungry. He was making a brave effort to conquer the sickness which had seized him. She nudged Hugh and nodded toward the quiet, subdued eater. He looked across and then gave her a ques- tioning glance. She winked affirmatively. " Poor devil," muttered Hugh. " I suppose he was just beginning to feel sick when you yanked him out, as if you were telling him the boat was on fire." " Yanked him out ? I did nothing but rap on his door. If he were sick, why did he open it and stare at me in such a remarkably healthy fashion ? " " Because you rapped, I suspect. It's no wonder that he stared at a beautiful young lady who had the temerity to visit him before breakfast. Nice- looking fellow, though, I'll say that much for your sake, sister. And what's more, I believe he's an American," said Hugh, surveying the stranger criti- cally. " I haven't observed his face," she responded curtly. " How did you happen to recognize him ? By his shoes ? You naturally looked down when you saw your mistake, of course, but I don't see how you can get a glance of his shoes now, under the table." 64 MR. & MISS RIDGE SAIL FOR MANILA " I mean I have not noticed whether his face is handsome, Hugh." " Better take a look then. He's particularly good- looking with that piece of beefsteak in his cheek." Grace glanced slyly at the man across the table, noting his pale cheeks and the dark rings beneath his eyes. Hugh had misrepresented the facts ; he was not eating at all. Instead, he was merely toying with his fork, making uncertain circles in the layer of brown gravy which covered the plate, his cheek resting on the other hand, a faraway look of distress in his eyes. They were directed at the plate, but saw it not. " Poor fellow," she murmured compassionately ; " he's been awfully sick, hasn't he ? " " Oh, I don't know," said Hugh heartlessly. " They don't go to eating in a day's time if they have been very sick." A bright look flashed into her eyes and they danced with merriment as she whispered something in his ear. " By George ! maybe you're right. He's a detec- tive and chasing us to earth." The stranger looked at them in a half interested manner when they laughed aloud over the harrowing supposition. They noticed that his eyes were blue and bloodshot, wan and fatigued. He gave Grace a second glance, sharper than the first, and politely resumed his manufacture of circles in the brown gravy and brown study. Miss Vernon flushed slightly. As they left the table she said to Hugh : F 65 NEDRA " He remembers me, but he certainly understands it was a mistake, doesn't he ? " Hugh looked at her distressed face and laughed. The weather later that morning was a delightful surprise for all. The sky had resumed its blue and the air was fresh and clear. Notwithstanding the pleasant weather, there was a heavy sea running, the ship roUing uncomfortably for those who were poor sailors. Deck chairs on all sides were occupied by persons who had heroically determined to make the most of the brightness about them. The elopers found their chairs and joined the long line of spectators. Hugh glanced admiringly at Grace now and then. Her cheeks were warm and glowing, her eyes were bright and flashing with excitement, her whole being seemed charged with animation. The wan-faced stranger followed them on deck a few minutes later. His eyes were riveted on a chair near by and his long body moved swiftly toward it. Then came a deep roU, the deck seemed to throw itself in the air, and, with a startled look, he plunged headlong toward Miss Vernon's chair. His knee struck the chair, but he managed to throw his body to one side. He went driving against the deck-house, sinking in a heap. Miss Vernon gave a little shriek of alarm and pity, and Ridgeway sprang to the side of the fallen man, assisting him to his feet. The stranger's face was drawn with momentary pain and his eyes were dazed. " Pardon me," he murmured. " I am so very awk- ward. Have I hurt you ? " 66 MR. & MISS RIDGE SAIL FOR MANILA " Not in the least," cried she. " But I am afraid you are hurt. See ! Thejre is blood on your fore- head." She instantly extended her handkerchief, and he accepted it in a bewildered sort of a way, placing it to his forehead, where a tiny stream of blood was showing itself. " A piece of court plaster will stop the flow," said Hugh critically, and at once produced the article from his capacious pocket-book. Grace immedi- ately appropriated it and asked for his knife. " You are very good," said the stranger, again pressing the handkerchief to his head. The act re- vealed to him the fact that he was using her hand- kerchief for the purpose, soiling it, perhaps. His face flushed deeply and an embarrassed gleam came to his eyes. " Why, I am using your handkerchief. I assure you I did not know what I was doing when I took it from you. Have I ruined it ? " Miss Vernon laughed at his concern and her face brightened considerably. As she looked into his clear blue eyes and his square, firm face she observed for the first time that he was quite a handsome fellow. " It won't soil it at all," she said. " But it was thoughtless, even rude of me, to take yours when I had my own. I am so sorry." " Do you think this will be large enough, Hugh ? " she asked, holding up a piece of black court plaster. The stranger laughed. " If the cut is as big as that I'd better consult a surgeon," he said. " About one-tenth of that, I should say." 67 NEDRA " All right," she said cheerfully. " It is your wound." " But you are the doctor," he protested. " I dare say it is too big to look well. People might think you were dynamited. Does it pain you ? " she asked solicitously. For an instant their eyes looked steadily, unwaveringly, into each other, • — one of those odd, involuntary searches which no one can explain and which never happen but once to the same people. " Not at all," he replied, glancing out over the tumbling waves with a look which proved they were strange to him. Hugh dashed away and soon re- turned with a glass of brandy, which the stranger swallowed meekly and not very gracefully. Then he sat very still while Grace applied the court-plaster to the little gash at the apex of a rapidly rising lump. " Thank you," he said. " You are awfully good to a clumsy wretch who might have crushed you. I shall endeavour to repay you both for your kind- ness." He started to arise from Hugh's chair, but that gentleman pushed him back. " Keep the chair until you get straightened out a bit. I'll show you how to walk deck in a rough sea. But pardon me, you are an American like ourselves, are you not ? I am Hugh Ridge, and this is my sister — Miss Ridge." " My name is Veath — Henry Veath," the other said as he bowed. " I am so glad to meet my own countrymen among all these foreigners. Again, let me thank you." " Hardly a good sailor ? " observed Hugh. 68 MR. & MISS RIDGE SAIL FOR MANILA " As you may readily guess." " It's pretty rough to-day. Are you going to Gibraltar and Spain ? " " Only as a bird of passage. I am going out for our government. It's a long and roundabout way they've sent me, but poor men must go where oppor- tunity points the way. I assure you this voyage was not designed for my pleasure. However, I en- joyed a couple of days in London." " An important mission, I should say," ventured Mr. Ridge. " I'm in the revenue service. It is all new to me, so it doesn't matter much where I begin." " Where are you to be stationed ? " asked Hugh, and something told him what the answer would be before it fell from the other's lips. " Manila." 69 VI HENRY VEATH MR. VEATH 'S abrupt announcement that he was bound for Manila was a decided shock to Grace, Hugh escaping because of his intuitive revelation. After the revenue man had gone below to lie down awhile before luncheon the elopers in- dulged in an animated discussion of affairs under new conditions. ■"" " Well, we can make use of him after we get there, dear," said Hugh philosophically. " He can be a witness and swear to your age when I go for the license." " But, Hugh, he thinks we are brother and sister, and we cannot tell him anything to the contrary. It would be awfully embarrassing to try to explain." " That's so," mused he. " I doubt whether we could make him believe that brothers and sisters marry in Manila. There's just one thing to do." "It seems to me there are a great many things to do that we didn't consider when we started," ven- tured she. " We must let him believe we are brother and sister until after we are married. Then we'll have the laugh on him. I know it's not very pleasant to 70 HENRY VEATH explain your own joke, or to tell the other fellow when to laugh, but it seems to be the only way. We can't escape him, you know. He is to be at his post by the twentieth of May." " After all, I think we ought to be nice to him. We can't put him off the boat and we might just as well be friendly. How would you enjoy travelling to Manila all alone ? Just put yourself in his place." " Maybe he thinks he's lucky to be travelling alone." " That's very pretty, sir. Would you rather be travelling alone ? " " Not at all. I'm only saying what he may think. The poor devil may be married, you know." " Oh, do you really think so ? " cried she. " He looks a little subdued." " That's because he's seasick." " But, to return to our own troubles — you think, then, we would better adopt Mr. Veath for the voy- age and break the news to him impressively after the deed is done ? " " I think so, don't you ? It is sure to be embar- rassing, any way you put it, isn't it ? " she asked, laughing nervously. " Oh, I don't know," he replied airily. " People of our nerve should not be embarrassed by anything on earth." He arose and assisted her to her feet. Then, slipping his arm through hers, he started for the companionway. " The prospect of being brother and sister for ten thousand miles is rather obnoxious to me," he went on. She looked at him in surprise and then blushed faintly. As they descended the 71 NEDRA steps, he put his arm around her shoulder. At the bottom he stopped and glanced around apprehen- sively, something like alarm appearing in his face. His arm slipped from her shoulder to her waist and contracted suddenly. " What is the matter, Hugh ? " she whispered, looking quickly about as if expecting a calamity. " Is any one in sight ? " he demanded anxiously. " I don't see a soul," she answered. " Then I'm going to give up the brother act for a moment or two. This is a good, sequestered spot, and I'm going to kiss you." And he did so more than once. " That's the first chance I've had to kiss you since we came aboard. What an outrage it is that brothers cannot be more attentive to their own sisters than to other men's sisters." " It seems to be customary for brothers to neglect their sisters," she suggested demurely. " A brother who neglects his sister ought to be horsewhipped," declared he. " Amen to that. They use the cat-o'-nine-tails on board ship, you must remember," she said, smiling. Shortly afterward he dropped in to see Veath and was welcomed gladly. He was lying in his berth, and Hugh sent for a bottle of his champagne. Two glasses of the wine put new life into him and some- thing of a sparkle flew to his dull eyes, as if cast there by the bubbling liquor. His tongue loosened a little, Hugh finding him to be a bright, sensible fellow, somewhat ignorant of the ways of the world, but entirely capable of taking care of himself. More- over, with the renewed vigour displaying itself, he 72 HENRY VEATH was far better looking than his new acquaintance had thought. His blue eyes, keen and clear, appealed to Hugh's love for straightforwardness ; his wide mouth bespoke firmness, good nature, and the full ability to enjoy the humorous side of things. The lines about his clean-cut, beardless face were a trifle deep, cind there was a network of those tiny wrinkles which belong to men of forty-five and not to those of twenty-eight. Evidently his had not been a life of leisure. As he lounged easily upon the edge of the berth, Hugh could not but admire his long, straight figure, the broad shoulders and the pale face with its tense earnestness. " Manila, you know, is an important post these days," said Veath. " There's a lot of work to be done there in the next few years. I'm from Indiana. Every able-bodied man in our district who voted right and hasn't anything else to do wants a govern- ment job. Of course, most of them want to be consul-generals, postmasters, or heads of bureaus, but there are some of us who wiU take the best thing that is offered. That's why I am going to Manila. Politics, you know, and my uncle's influence with the administration." Ridgeway observed that wine made loquacious a man who was naturally conserva- tive. " Where are you going ? " he continued. " We are going to Manila." " What ! " gasped Veath. " You don't mean it ! " " Certainly. Why not ? " and Hugh smiled de- lightedly over the sensation he had created. " Why — why, it seems improbable," stammered 73 NEDRA Veath. " I had looked upon Manila as the most wretched hole in the world, and yet I find you going there, evidently from choice." " Well, you'll have to change your opinion now," said Hugh. " I do — forthwith. It cannot be such a bad place or you wouldn't be taking your sister there. May I ask what is your object in going to Manila ? " Hugh turned red in the face and stooped over to flick an imaginary particle of dust from his trousers leg. There was but one object in their going and he had not dreamed of being asked what it was. He could not be employed forever in brushing away that speck, and yet he could not, to save his life, con- struct an answer to Veath's question. In the midst of his despair a sudden resolution came, and he looked up, his lips twitching with suppressed laughter. " We are going as missionaries." He almost laughed aloud at the expression on Veath's face. It revealed the utmost dismay. There was a moment's silence, and then the man in the berth said slowly : " Is Miss Ridge a — a missionary also ? " " The very worst kind," replied Hugh cheerily. " Going out among the natives, I suppose ? " " What natives ? " " Why, — the Igorrotes, or whatever they are, of course." " Oh, of course — to be sure," cried Hugh hastily. " I am so damned absent-minded." Veath stared in amazement. 74 HENRY VEATH " You must not think it strange that I swear," said Hugh, mopping his brow. " I am not the missionary, you know." " Oh," was the other's simple exclamation. An- other pause and then, " You don't mean to say that such a beautiful woman is going to waste her life among savages ? " " She's got her head set on it and we think the only way to break her of it is to give her a sample of the work. I am going with her ostensibly to pro- tect, but really to make her life miserable." " I rather admire her devotion to the Church," said Veath, still a trifle dazed. " She's a great crank on religion," admitted Hugh. Then he could feel himself turn pale. He was pars- ing Grace off as a missionary, and thereby placing her under restrictions that never before had entered into her gay life. Veath would treat her as if she were of fragile glass and it would not be long until the whole boat would be staring at the beautiful girl who was going to the heathen. Remorse struck him and he tried to flounder out of the position. " I should not have said that about her views. You would never take her to be an ardent church- member, and she is particularly averse to being called a missionary. The truth about the matter is that very few people home know about this move of hers, and there is no one on ship who even sus- pects. She would not have had me tell it for the world." " My dear Mr. Ridge, don't let that trouble you. She shall never know that you have told me and I 75 NEDRA shall never repeat it. Please rest assured ; her wishes in the matter are most certainly to be con- sidered sacred," cried Veath warmly. " Thanks, old man," said Hugh, very much re- lieved. " Your hand on that. I am not sorry I told you, for I'm sure you will be careful. She ob- jects to the — the — well, the notoriety of the thing, you know. Hates to be glared at, questioned, and all that sort of thing." " She is very sensible in that respect. I have but little use for the people who parade their godliness." " That's just the way she looks at it. She would be uncomfortable all the way over if she thought that a single person knew of her intentions. Funny girl that way." " If I were you, I don't believe I'd tell any one else," said Veath hesitatingly. " That's all right, Veath. Depend upon me, I'll not breathe it to another soul. It shall not go a bit farther. Grace wants to go about the good work as quietly as possible. Still, I am bound to make her forget the heathen and return to America another woman altogether." Mr. Veath, of course, did not understand the strange smile that flitted over his companion's face as he uttered the last remark. "I'm glad to meet you, Veath ; we'll get along famously, I'm sure. There's no reason why we shouldn't make the voyage a jolly one. I think we'd better get ready for luncheon," said Hugh, looking at his watch. Hugh took his departure, and fifteen minutes later was seated at one of the tables in the dining-room with Grace beside him. He had told her of the mis- 76 HENRY VEATH sionary story and was trying to smile before her display of genuine annoyance. " But I don't want him to treat me as if I were a missionary," she pouted. " What fun can a mission- ary have ? " " Oho, you want to have fun with him, eh ? That's the way the wind blows, is it ? I'll just tell Mr. Veath that you pray night and day, and that you don't like to be disturbed. What do you sup- pose he'd be if he interrupted a woman's prayers ? " demanded he, glaring at her half jealously. " He'd be a heathen and I should have to en- lighten him," she answered sweetly. Just then Mr. Veath entered the saloon and took a seat beside her. She looked surprised, as did Mr. Ridgeway. They looked to the far end of the table and saw that Veath's original chair was occupied by another man. " I traded seats with that fellow," murmured Veath, a trifle red about the ears. Miss Vernon's face assumed a stony expression for an instant, but the gleam of pure frankness in his eyes dispelled her momentary disapproval. " You don't mind, do you ? " he asked hastily. " Not at all, Mr. Veath," she said, forgetting that a moment before she had considered him presump- tuous. " On the contrary, I think it is so much nicer to have you on this side of the table. We can talk without having everybody in the room hear us." " I have just heard that we are bound for the same destination and we can certainly speculate among ourselves as to the outcome of our individual and 77 NEDRA collective pilgrimages. We can talk about ship- wrecks, pirates, simoons, cholera, sea serpents " " And the heathen," said Hugh maliciously, but not looking up from his plate. " Ahem ! " coughed loyal Mr. Veath. " Are there any heathen over there ? " asked Miss Vernon very innocently but also very maliciously. She smiled at Hugh, who leaned far back in his chair and winked solemnly at the bewildered Veath. That gentleman, manlike, interpreted Hugh's wink as the means of conveying the information that the tactful young lady asked the question merely to throw him off the scent. So he answered very politely but very carefully. " I hear there are more missionaries than hea- then." " Indeed ? Don't you think that the women who go out as missionaries among those vile creatures are perfect idiots, Mr. Veath ? " " Well, — ahem, ah," stammered Veath, " I can't say that I do. I think, if you will permit me to dis- agree with you, that they are the noblest women in the world." " Excellent sentiment, Veath," said the merry Ridgeway, " and quite worthy of endorsement by this misguided sister of mine. She despises the heathen, you know." " Oh, I am sure she does not despise them," cried Veath." " But I do — I think they ought to be burned alive ! " A dead silence, during which the two men were un- 78 HENRY VEATH necessarily intent upon the contents of their plates, followed this explosion. Miss Vernon demurely smiled to herself, and finally kicked Hugh's foot. He laughed aloud suddenly and insanely and then choked. Veath grew very red in the face, perhaps through restraint. The conversation from that mo- ment was strained until the close of the meal, and they did not meet at all during dinner. " Perhaps we have offended him," said Grace as they strolled along the deck that evening. " It's probable that he thinks we are blamed fools and does not care to waste his time on us." " Then why did he change his seat ? " " Evidently did not want us to be staring him out of countenance all the time. I notice, sister, that he took the seat next to yours and not to mine," remarked he insinuatingly. " Which proves that he is no fool, brother," she retorted. 79 VII GLUM DAYS FOR MR. RIDGE GIBRALTAR. And the ship stopping only long enough to receive the mail and take on pas- sengers ; then off again. During the voyage in the Bay of Biscay, Veath had done all in his power to relieve Hugh of the boredom which is supposed to fall upon the man who has a sister clinging to him. At first Hugh rather enjoyed the situation, but as Veath's amiable sacri- fice became more intense, he grew correspondingly uncomfortable. It was not precisely what he had bargained for. There was nothing in Veath's man- ner which could have been objectionable to the most exacting of brothers. When he was trespassing Hugh hated him, but when they were together, with Grace absent, he could not but admire the sunny-faced, frank, stal- wart Indianian. When Hugh's heart was sorest, a slap on the back from Veath, a cheery word and an unspoken pledge of friendship brought shame to take the place of resentment. She was troubled, as well as he, by the turn of affairs ; her distress managed to keep her awake of nights, especially when she began to realize there 80 GLUM DAYS FOR MR. RIDGE was no escape from consequences. That usually pleasant word " brother " became unbearable to her ; she began to despise it. To him, the word " sister " was the foundation for unpublishable im- pressions. Poor Veath knew nothing of all this and continued to " show Miss Ridge a good time." On the second night out of Gibraltar, he and Grace were strolling the deck. He was happy, she in deep despair. Down at the other end of the deck-house, leaning over the rail, smoking viciously, was Hugh, alone, angry, sulky. It was a beautiful night, cool and crisp, calm and soft. A rich full moon threw its glorious shim- mer across the waves, flashing a million silvery blades along the watery pavement that seemed to lead to the end of the world. Scores of passengers were walking the deck, and all were happy, save two. For two days Hugh had found but little chance to speak with Grace. She had plotted and calculated and so had he, but Veath gallantly upset the plans. " This can't go on any longer, or I'll go back," vowed Hugh as he glared with gloomy eyes at the innocent path of silver. " Your brother is not very sociable of late, is he, Miss Ridge ? " asked Veath, as they turned once more up the deck toward the disconsolate relative. " There are a great many pretty young women on board, but he seems to ignore them completely. I haven't seen him speak to a woman in two days." " Perhaps he is in love," she murmured half se- dately. Poor, lonely Hugh ! How she longed to steal up from behind and throw her arms about his G 8i NEDRA neck. Even though both fell overboard, it would be a pleasure, it seemed to her. " We ought to go over and jolly him up a bit," suggested Veath, innocently magnanimous. She hated him at that moment. " He is probably enjoying himself better than if we were with him," she said rather coldly. " Lovers usually like moonshine," he said. " I did not say he was in love ; ' perhaps ' was the word, I think," said Grace. " I believe one of the rules of love is that a brother never confides in his sister. At any rate, she is sure to be among the last." " I think Hugh would tell me of his love affairs," she answered, a merry sparkle coming into her eyes. " He thinks a great deal of my opinions." " And I suppose you tell him of your love affairs," he said jestingly. She blushed furiously. " He has a whole book full of my confidences," she finally said, seeking safety in exaggeration. " Quite an interesting volume. How does it end ? With an elopement ? " " Elopement ! What do you — oh, ah, I — ha, ha ! Wouldn't that be a jolly way to end it ? " She laughed hysterically, recovering quickly from the effects of the startling, though careless question. For a few moments her heart throbbed violently. Hugh came swinging toward them, his cigar tilted upward at an unusual angle because of the savage position of the lower jaw. His hands were jammed into his pockets and his cap was drawn well down over his eyes. He was passing without a word, ignor- 82 GLUM DAYS FOR MR. RIDGE ing them more completely than if they had been total strangers. He would, at least, have glanced at strangers. " Hello, Mr. Ridge, going below ? " called Veath. " I'm going wherever the ship goes," came the sullen reply. " Hope she's not going below," laughed the dis- turber. " It's my only hope," was the bitter retort from the companion way. " He's certainly in love. Miss Ridge. Men don't have the blues like that unless there's a woman in the case. I think you'd better talk to your brother. Tell him she'll be true, and if she isn't, convince him that there are just as good fish in the sea. Poor fellow, I suppose he thinks she's the only woman on earth," commented Mr. Veath, with mock solemnity. " She may be as much at sea as he," she said, — and very truthfully. " Well, if love dies, there is a consolation in know- ing that the sea casts up its dead," was his sage, though ill-timed remark. Grace slept but little that night, and went early to breakfast in the hope that she might see Hugh alone. But he came in late, haggard and pale, living evidence of a sleepless night. Veath was with him and her heart sank. During the meal the good- natured Indianian did most of the talking, being driven at last, by the strange reticence of his com- panions, to the narration of a series of personal ex- periences. Struggle as he would, he could not bring a mirthful laugh from the girl beside him, nor from 83 NEDRA the sour-visaged man beyond. They laughed, of course, but it was the laugh of politeness. " I wonder if she is in love, too," shot through his mind, and a thrill of regret grew out of the possi- bility. Once his eye caught her in the act of pressing Hugh's hand as it was being withdrawn from sight. With a knowing smile he bent close to her and whispered : " That's right, cheer him up ! " Grace admitted afterward that nothing had ever made her quite so furious as that friendly expression. But jealousy is jealousy. It will not down. The next three days were miserable ones for Hugh. The green-eyed monster again cast the cloak of morose- ness over him— swathed him in the inevitable wet blanket, as it were. During the first two days Veath had performed a hundred little acts of gallantry which fall to the lot of a lover but hardly to that of a brother — a score of things that would not have been observed by the latter, but which were in- wardly cursed by the lover. Hugh began to have the unreasonable fear that she cared more for Veath's society than she did for his. He was in ugly humour at lunch time and sent a rather peremp- tory message to Grace's room, telling her that he was hungry and asking her to get ready at once. The steward brought back word that she was not in her room. She had been out since ten o'clock. Without a word Ridgeway bolted to Veath's room and knocked at the door. There was no response. The steward, quite a distance down the passageway, heard the American gentleman swear distinctly and impressively. 84 GLUM DAYS FOR MR. RIDGE He ate his luncheon alone,— disconsolate, furious, miserable. Afterward he sought recreation and finally went to his room, where he tried to read. Even that was impossible. Some time later he heard her voice, then Veath's. " I wonder if Hugh is in his room ? " she was asking. " He probably thinks we've taken a boat and eloped. Shall I rap and see ? " came in Veath's free voice. " Please — and we'll tell him where we have been." " You will like thunder ! " hissed Hugh to himself, glaring at the door as if he could demolish it. Then came a vigorous pounding on the panel ; but he made no move to respond. Again the knocking and a smile, not of mirth, overspread his face. " Knock ! Confound you ! You can't get in ! " he growled softly but triumphantly. Veath tried the knob, but the door was locked. " He's not in. Miss Ridge. I'll see if I can find him. Good-bye — see you at luncheon." Then came Grace's voice, sweet and untroubled : " Tell him we'll go over the ship another time with him." " Over the ship," growled Hugh almost loud enough to be heard. " So they're going to square it by taking brother with them another time — eh ? Well, not if I know it ! I'll show her what's what ! " A minute later he rapped at Miss Vernon's stateroom. She was removing her hat before the mirror, and turning quickly as the irate Hugh entered, she cried : " Hello, Hugh ! Where have you been, dear ? " 85 NEDRA " Dear ! Don't call me dear," he rasped. " Why, Hugh, dear, — Mr. Veath looked every- where for you this morning. I said I would not go unless he could find you. You would have enjoyed it so much." " And you really wanted me ? " he asked guiltily. " Of course I did — we both did. Won't you ever understand that I love you — and you alone ? " " I guess I'll never understand love at all," he mused. " Now where were you all morning ? " she de- manded. " He didn't look in the right place, that's all." " Where was the right place ? " " It happened to be in the wrong place," he said. He had been playing a social game of bridge in the room of one of the passengers. At this moment Veath was heard at the door. Hugh heartily called out to him, bidding him to enter. ' ' Why, here you are ! Been looking everywhere for you, old man. Sorry you were not along this morn- ing," said the newcomer, shaking Ridgeway's hand. " I didn't care to see the ship," said Hugh hastily. " Why, how funny ! " cried Grace. " How did you know we had been over the ship ? " " Instinct," he managed to gulp in the confusion. Veath started for the dining-room, followed by Grace and Hugh, the latter refraining from men- tioning that he had already lunched — insufficiently though it had been ; but with the return of reason had come back his appetite and gradually he felt the old happiness sifting into his heart. 86 VIII THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER THEY were now well along in the Mediter- ranean. The air was cool and crisp, yet there were dozens of people on deck watching the sunset and the sailors who were trimming the ship. There were passengers on board for China, Japan, India, and Australia. A half hundred soldiers, returning to the East, after a long furlough at home, made the ship lively. They were under loose discipline and were inclined to be hilarious. A number were for- ward now, singing the battle songs of the British and the weird ones of the natives. Quite a crowd had collected to listen, including Ridgeway and Veath, who were strolling edong the deck, arm in arm, en- joying an after-dinner smoke, and had paused in their walk near the group, enjoying the robust, devil- may-care tones of the gallant subalterns. Miss Vernon was in her stateroom trying to jot down in a newly opened diary the events of the past ten days. She was up to her ears in the work, and was almost overcome by its enthusiasm. It was to be a surprise for Hugh at some distant day, when she could have it printed and bound for him alone. There was to be but one copy printed, positively, 87 NEDRA and it was to belong to Hugh. Her lover as he strode the deck was unconscious of the task unto which she had bent her energy. He knew nothing of the unheard-of intricacies in punctuation, speUing, and phraseology. She was forced at one time to write Med and a dash, declaring, in chagrin, that she would add the remainder of the word when she could get to a place where a dictionary might tell her whether it was spelled Mediterranean or Medi- teranian. Suddenly, Hugh pressed Veath's arm a little closer. " Look over there near the rail. There's the pret- tiest girl I've ever seen ! " " Where ? " " Can't point, because she's looking this way. Girl with a dark green coat, leaning on an old gentle- man's arm " " I see," interrupted Veath. " By George ! she's pretty ! " " No name for it ! Have you in your life ever seen anything so beautiful ? " cried Ridgeway. He stared at her so intently that she averted her face. " Wonder who she can be ? The old man must be her father. Strange we haven't seen them before. I'm sure that she hasn't been on deck." " You seem interested — do you want a flirtation?" " Oh, Grace wouldn't stand for that — not for a minute." " I don't believe she would object if you carried it on skilfully," smiled the other. " It wouldn't be right, no matter how harmless. I couldn't think of being so confoundedly brutal." THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER " Sisters don't usually take such things to heart." Hugh came to himself with a start and for a moment or two could find no word of response, so deeply engrossed was he in the effort to remember whether he had said anything that might have be- trayed his secret. " Oh," he laughed awkwardly, " you don't under- stand me. Grace is so — well, so — conscientious, that if she thought I was — er — trifling, you know, with a girl, she'd — she'd have a fit. Funniest girl you ever saw about those things — perfect paragon." " Is it possible ? Are you not a little strong on that point, old man ? I'm afraid you don't know your sister any better than other men know theirs." " What's that ? " demanded Hugh, suddenly alert and forgetful of the stranger. " The last person on earth that a man gets ac- quainted with, I've heard, is his sister," said Veath calmly. " Go ahead and have a good time, old fel- low ; your sister isn't so exacting as you think — take my word for it." It was fully five minutes before Hugh could ex- tract himself from the slough of speculation into which those thoughtless words had driven him. What did Veath know about her ideas on such mat- ters ? Where did he learn so much ? The other spoke to him twice and received no answer. Finally he shook his arm and said : " Must be love at first sight. Ridge. Are you speU-bound ? " Hugh merely glared at him and he continued imperturbably : " She's pretty beyond a doubt. I'll have to find out who she is." NEDRA " That's right, Veath ; find out," cried Hugh, bright in an instant. " Make her have a good time. Poor thing, she'll find it pretty dull if she hangs to her father all the time." " He isn't a very amusing-looking old chap, is he ? If that man hasn't the gout and half a dozen other troubles I'll jump overboard." The couple arousing the interest of the young men stood near the forward end of the deck-house. The young woman's face was beaming with an inspira- tion awakened by the singers. Her companion, tall, grey and unimpressionable, listened as if through coercion and not for pleasure. His lean face, red with apoplectic hues, grim with the wrinkles of three- score years or more, showed clear signs of annoyance. The thin grey moustache was impatiently gnawed, first on one side and then on the other. Then the military streak of grey that bristled forth as an im- perial was pushed upward and between the lips by bony fingers. He was a picture of dutiful rebellion. Immaculately dressed was he, and distinguished from the soles of his pointed shoes to the peak of his natty cap. A light-coloured newmarket of the most fashionable cut was buttoned closely about his thin figure. The young woman was not tall, nor was she short ; she was of that indefinite height known as medium. Her long green coat fitted her snugly and perfectly ; a cap of the same material was perched jauntily upon her dark hair. The frolicking wind had torn several strands from beneath the cap, and despite the efforts of her gloved fingers, they whipped and fluttered in 90 THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER tantalizing confusion. In the dimming afternoon the Americans could see that she was exquisitely beauti- ful. They could see the big dark eyes, almost timid in the hiding-places beyond the heavy fringing lashes. Her dark hair threw the rich face into clear relief, — fresh, bright, eager. The men were not close enough to observe with minuteness its features, but its brilliancy was sufficient to excite even marvelling admiration. It was one of those faces at which one could look for ever and still feel there was a charm about it he had not caught. " I've never seen such a face before," again mur- mured Ridgeway. " Tastes differ," said Veath. " Now, if you'U par- don me, I think Miss Ridge is the more beautiful. She is taller and has better style. Besides, I hke fair women. What say ? " The question was prompted by the muttered oath that came from Hugh. " Nothing at all," he almost snarled. " Say, Veath, don't always be talking to me about my sister," he finally jerked out, barely able to confine himself to this moderately sensible abjuration while his brain was seething with other and stronger ex- pressions. " I beg your pardon, Ridge ; I did not know that I talked very much about her." There was a brief silence and then he continued : " Have a fresh cigar, old man." Hugh took the cigar ungraciously, ashamed of his petulance. By this time the early shades of night had begun to settle and the figures along the deck were growing 91 NEDRA faint in the shadows. Here and there sailors began to light the deck lamps ; many of the passengers went below to avoid the coming chill. In her state- room Grace was just writing : " For over a week we have been sailing under British colours, we good Americans, Hugh and I, — and I may add, Mr. Veath." Another turn down the promenade and back brought Ridgeway and Veath face to face with the old gentleman and the young lady, who were on the point of starting below. The Americans paused to let them pass, lifting their caps. The old gentleman, now eager and apparently more interested in Hfe and its accompaniments, touched the vizor of his cap in response, and the young lady smiled faintly as she drew her skirts aside and passed before him. " Did you ever see a smile like that ? " cried Hugh, as the couple disappeared from view. "Thousands," answered his companion. "They're common as women themselves. Any woman has a pretty smile when she wants it." " You haven't a grain of sentiment, confound you." " They don't teach sentiment on the farm, and there's where I began this unappreciative existence of mine. But I am able to think a lot sometimes." " That's about all a fellow has to do on a farm, isn't it ? " " That and die, I believe." " And get married ? " " Naturally, in order to think more. A man has to think for two after he's married, you see." 92 THE BEAUTIFUL STRANGER " Quite sarcastic that. You don't think much of women, I fancy." " Not in the plural." Captain Shadburn was nearing them on the way from the chart-house, and the young men accosted him, Veath inquiring : " Captain, who is the tall old gentleman you were talking to forward awhile ago ? " " That is Lord Huntingford, going over to straighten out some complications for the Crown. He is a diplomat of the first water." " Where are these complications, may I ask ? " " Oh, in China, I think. He is hurrying across as fast as possible. He leaves the ship at Hong Kong, and nobody knows just what his mission is ; that's between him and the prime minister, of course. But, good-evening, gentlemen. I have a game of cribbage after dinner with his Lordship." The captain hur- ried below. " A real live lord," said Veath. " The first I've seen." " China," Hugh repeated. " I hope we may get to know them." 93 IX MR. RIDGEWAY'S AMAZEMENT AT dinner Hugh was strangely exuberant, jest- ing gaily and exchanging rare witticisms with Veath, who also appeared immensely satisfied. As they left the saloon he said : " Let's take a turn on deck, Grace." " Won't you include me ? " asked Veath. " Certainly," answered Grace promptly. " Be delighted," echoed Hugh, swallowing as if it were an effort. " I must get a wrap," said Grace. " I won't delay you more than five minutes." " I'll get my overcoat and some cigars," added Hugh. " And I'll write a short letter to post at Malta," said Veath, and they separated. A short while later, a steward passed Hugh's state- room, and he called to him to step to the next door and tell Miss Ridge that he was ready. " Miss Ridge just went up with her gentleman — " the man responded ; but Hugh interrupted, slam- ming the door. For several minutes he stood glaring at the upper corner of his berth ; then he said some- thing strong. Every vestige of his exuberance dis- 94 MR. RIDGEWAY'S AMAZEMENT appeared, his brow clouded and his heart seemed to swell painfully within its narrow confines. As he was about to ascend the steps of the com- panionway, he heard the swish of skirts and then a sharp scream. In an instant he was half-way up, his arms extended. Lord Huntingford's daughter plunged into them, and he literally carried her to the foot. She was pale and trembling and he was flushed. He had looked up in time to see her falling forward, vainly striving to reach the hand- rail. " Are you hurt ? " he asked anxiously. The young lady sat down upon the second step before answer- ing, a delightful pink stealing over her face. " I — I don't believe I am," she said. " My heel caught on a step and I fell. It was so clumsy of me. I might have been badly hurt if you had not caught me as you did." " These steps are so uncertain," he said, scowling at them. " Somebody'U get hurt here some day. But, really, are you quite sure you are not hurt ? Didn't you twist your — your " " Ankle ? Not in the least. See ! I can stand on both of them. I am not hurt at all. Let me thank you," she said, smiling into his eyes as she moved away. " May I assist you ? " he asked eagerly. " Oh, no ; I thank you, Mr. Veath. I would not have my preserver perform the office of a crutch. I am not hurt in the least. Good-afternoon." Hugh, disconcerted and piqued by her confusion of names, answered her wondrous smile with one 95 NEDRA that reflected bewildered admiration, and finally managed to send after her : " I wouldn't have lost the opportunity for the world." That evening he was sitting out on deck in con- templative silence enjoying his after-dinner smoke. Farther down were Grace and Veath. Suddenly turning in their direction, Hugh perceived that they were not there ; nor were they anywhere in sight. He was pondering over their whereabouts, his eyes still on the vacant chairs, when a voice tender and musical assailed his ears — a voice which he had heard but once before. " Good-evening, Mr. Veath." He wheeled about and found himself staring at the smiling face of the young lady who had fallen into his arms but a few hours before. " Good-evening," he stammered, amazed by her unexpected greeting. " Have — have you fully re- covered from your fall ? " " I was quite over it in a moment or two. I wanted to ask you if you were hurt by the force with which I fell against you." She stood with one hand upon the rail, quite close to him, the moon- light playing upon her upturned face. He never had seen a more perfect picture of airy grace and beauty in his life. " Why mention an impossibility ? You could not have hurt me in a fall ten times as great." His tall figure straightened and his eyes gleamed chivalrously. The young woman's dark, mysterious eyes swept over him for a second, resting at last upon 96 MR. RIDGEWAY'S AMAZEMENT those which looked admiringly into them from above. She made a movement as if to pass on, gravely smiling a farewell. " I beg your pardon," he said hastily. " You called me Mr. Veath a moment ago. It may be of no consequence to you, yet I should like to tell you that my name is Ridge — Hugh Ridge." " It is my place to beg forgiveness. But I under- stood your name was Veath, and that you were — were " — here she smiled tantalizingly — " in love with the beautiful American, Miss Ridge." " The dev — dick — I mean, the mischief you did ! Well, of all the fool conclusions I've ever heard, that is the worst. In love with my sister ! Ho, ho ! " He laughed rather too boisterously. " But there is a Mr. Veath on board, is there not ? — a friend ? " " A Mr. Henry Veath going into the American Revenue Service at Manila." " How stupid of me ! However, I am positive that I was told it was Mr. Veath who was in love with Miss Ridge." " But he isn't," hastily cried Hugh, turning hot and cold by turns. " He's just a friend. She — she is to marry another chap." Here he gulped pain- fully. " But please don't breathe it to a soul. She'd hate me forever. Can I trust you ? " To himself he was saying : " I am making a devil of a mess of this elopement." " This is a very large world, Mr. Ridge, and this voyage is a mere trifle in time. When we leave the ship we may be parting forever, so her secret would H 97 NEDRA be safe, even though I shrieked it all over the East. You will return to America before long, I presume ? " " I'm sure I don't know. We may stay a year or so." " Then the wedding is not a thing of the immediate future ? " " Oh, yes — that is, I mean, certainly not." " Pardon me for asking so many questions. It is very rude of me." She said it so penitently that Hugh, unable to find words, could only wave his hands in deprecation. " Isn't it a perfect evening ? " she went on, turning to the sea. The light breeze blew the straying raven hair away from her temples, leaving the face clearly chiselled out of the night's inkiness. Hugh's heart thumped strangely as he noted her evident intention to remain on deck. She turned to him swiftly and he averted his eyes, but not quickly enough to prevent her seeing that he had been scrutinizing her intently. What she may have intended to say was never uttered. Instead, she observed, a trifle coldly : " I must bid you good-night, Mr. Ridge." " Pray, not yet," he cried ; " I was just about to ask if we might not sit in these chairs here for a little while. It is early and it is so charming to-night." He looked into her eyes again and found that she was gazing searchingly into his. A light smile broke into life and she seemed to be satisfied with the momentary analysis of the man before her. " It does seem silly to stay below on a night like this. Shall we sit here ? " She indicated two vacant chairs well forward. The young lady scorned a MR. RIDGEWAY'S AMAZEMENT steamer rug, so he sat beside her, conscious that, despite her charming presence, he was beginning to feel the air keenly. But he could not admit it to this slight Englishwoman. For half an hour or more they sat there, finding conversation easy, strangely interesting to two per- sons who had nothing whatsoever in common. He was charmed, delighted with this vivacious girl. And yet something mournful seemed to shade the brilliant face now and then. It did not come and go, more- over, for the frank, open beauty was always the sg.me ; it was revealed to him only at intervals. Per- haps he saw it in her dark, tender eyes — he could not teU. He saw Henry Veath pacing the deck, smoking and — alone. Hugh's heart swelled gladly and he spoke quite cheerily to Veath as that gentleman sauntered past. " Now, that is Mr. Veath, isn't it ? " demanded his fair companion. " Yes ; do you think we should be mistaken for each other ? " " Oh, dear, no, now that I know you apart. You are utterly unUke, except in height. How broad he is ! Hasn't he a wonderful back ? " she cried, ad- miring the tall, straight figure of the walker. " He got that on the farm." "It is worth a farm to have shoulders like his, I should say. You must introduce Mr. Veath to me." Hugh looked at the moon very thoughtfully for a few moments and then, as if remembering, said that he would be happy to do so, and was sure that Veath would be even happier. 99 NEDRA At this moment the tall, lank form of Lord Hunt- ingford approached. He was peering intently at the people in the chairs as he passed them, plainly searching for some one. " There is Lord Huntingford looking for you," said Hugh, rising. He saw a trace of annoyance in her face as she also arose. " I overheard him telling the captain that Lady Huntingford — your mother — plays a miserable game of crib." She started and turned sharply upon him. " My mother, Mr. Ridge ? " she said slowly. ' ' Yes ; your father was guying Captain Shadburn about his game, you know." The look of wonder in her eyes increased ; she passed her hand across her brow and then through her hair in evident perplexity, all the while staring at his face. There was a tinge of suspicion in her voice when she spoke. " Mr. Ridge, don't you know ? " " Know what ? " " You surely know that I am not Lord Hunting- ford's " " You don't mean to say that you are not his daughter," gasped Hugh, dubious as to her meaning. " I am Lady Huntingford." " His wife ? " " His wife." Hugh, too dumbfounded to speak, could do no more than doff his cap as she took the arm of the grey lord and softly said to him : " Good-night, Mr. Ridge." X A SHARP ENCOUNTER THE Tempest Queen carried a merry cargo. The young officers, the Americans and rich plea- sure-seekers from other lands — young and old — made up a happy company. Of all on board, but one was despised and loathed by his f eUow-travellers — Lord Huntingford. Not so much for his manner toward them as for his harsh, bitter attitude toward his young wife. He reprimanded and criticized her openly, very much as he would have spoken to a child, and al- ways undeservedly. She endured patiently, to all appearances, and her cloud of humiliation was swept away by the knowledge