Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1908-06-12

had taken refuge. This ship headed
steadily eastward and seemed to have
settled down for 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.
II am Sir Charles Seton" began the
soldier. captain in the Sussex light
infantry"
81 am pleased to see you, sir" an.
swered the officer, courteously, extend
Ing his hand. 81 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 | see him." ....,.
'I'll send your name in. Mr.. Mort.
lake." said the officer, turning about.
A smart midshipman ian 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."
GAY, ay, SIR" answered the midship-
man, saluting again and scurrying aft.
might ask you, Mr.. Collier" said
Sir Charles. II the Britannia 10 ready
for instant seryice!" 49,
The lieutenant smiled.
All his ma1esty's ships are ready
for service at any time"
Eyes, yes, know, Of course" re-
turned Seton, but what l mean Is
could this ship b got under way q,
once?"
"On the instant"
And is she prepared for q cruiser
"She could 60 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
I 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. Will you step this
way, sir?"
After you, SIR" said Sir Charles,
bowling and following the lieutenant
until he was ushered past the marine
orderly on duty and into the ad-
mirars cabin.
The admiral was just completing
his toilet. His body servant was help.
ing him on with his coat. lie had
evidently just had a bath to refresh
him after the fatigues of his Journey.
"0h, Seton" he cried as the other
came in, glad to see you, man. Sit
down. John, to the servant
fetch out a decanter of navy sherry.
Whisky, Seton, whisky, although per.
haps you army men affect port"
y guess we can Ioslow the navy's
laad In something stronger than port, {"
laughed Sir Charles.
What brought you here, Sir
Charles?" continued the admiral as he
poured out a liberal glassful for Sc
ton and another for himself. 81 left
you at Darlington. But, no, l remem.
Der you rode away before did. lust
after my lord Have you come on any
trace Of 'fugitives!g 49,
Admiral" said Sir Charles, grave
y, 7 know where they are"
And that damned lubberly hound.
Str1thgate, Is he 81 ,-aos :,
/ HE isn't with them. Thsy gave
him the slip.a.sgssI Il lssua., asa., !
,sltTeu don't say. Good" laughed the
admiral. How was thatf' ss@-- Q
Seton rapidly detailed fAs adfcan;
a1ness - b had dsduesd tAsn.
Ns1 deaA Ut Hsnaa - a1E1k