The Lexington intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1901-1949, 1908-05-16

a taken refuge. This ship headed
steadily eastward and seemed to have
settled down for a long voyage.
1t took but a short time for Sir
Charles to run alongside the Britain
mia. Bidding the men wait for him,
he scrambled up the battens to the
gangway and stepped aboard.
An officer met him at once.
81 am Sir Charles Seton" began the
soldier, captain in the Sussex light
infantry"
Il am pleased to see you, sir" an
swered the officer, %courteously, extend
ing his hand. Il am Lieutenant Col
lier Of the royal navy"
AS Sir Charles shook the sailors
hand he asked:
rs Admiral Kephard on the ship?"
Eyes, sir. He came aboard a half
an hour ago and went Immediately to
his cabin"
MAY l see himT
"Tll send your name In. Mr.. Mort.
lake." said the officer, turning about.
A smart midshipman ran across the
deck and touched his cap.
my compliments to Admiral KEEP
hard and say to him that Captain Sir
Charles Seton Of the Sussex light In
fantry desires the privilege Of speech
with him."
SAY, ay, sir" answered the midship-
man. saluting again and scurrying aft.
"Might l ask you, Mr.. Collier" said
Sir Charles, If the Britannia is ready
for instant service2"
The lieutenant smiled.
"All his majesty's ships are ready
for service at any time"
Eyes, yes, l know, of course" re-
turned Seton, but what l near is,
could this ship be got under way at
once?"
ION the instant"
"And is she prepared for a cruiser"
"She could go around the world and
take her departure within an hour
returned the lieutenant with a pleased
sense Of demonstrating the efficiency
of his majesty's navy beyond perad-
venture. May l ask why you wish
to know" he continued turning to
Sir Charles.
This was an embarrassing question,
but Sir Charles was saved the neces.
sity of answering, for the %midshipman
came running to the quarterback once
more and saluted.
"Well?' said the officer to the ex
pectant boy.
Admiral Kephard's compliments
to you, sir, and he begs you will escort
Captain Seton to his cabin OF once
You're in luck, captain returned
the officer, "the admiral is not always
so easy OF access. viii you step thi!
way. sir?"
After you, sir" said Sir Charles
| bowling and following the lieutenanI
until he was ushered past the marinl
orderly on duty and into the ad
mirals cabin.
The fdmiral was Just completing
his toilet. His body servant a help
Ing him on with his coat. lie la,
evidently just had a bath to refresl
him after the fatigues of his journey
"Oh, Seton he cried as the otAe
came in, 'giad to see you man 81
down. John,"-to the servant
fetch out a decanter Of navy sherry
Whisky. Seton, whisky, although pei
haps you army men affect port"
Il fuess we can ro.low the navy
lsad in something stronger than port.
laughed Sir Charles.
"What brought you here. 81
Charles?" continued the admiral as h
poured out a liberal glassful for 81
ton and another for himself, Il lei
you at Darlington. But, no. | remen
Der you rode away before | did. jus
after my lord. Have you come on an
trace OF fugitives?"
admiral" said Sir Charles, grav'
", Il know where they are"
"And that damned lubberly houn'
Strathgate, Is he
He isn't with them They CAV
him the slip"
You don't sayg Good laughed II