The Paducah evening sun. [volume] (Paducah, Ky.) 1906-1929, 1908-07-22
Continued from last Issue. }
CHAPTER XXI.
liuhts In the Nloht.

10 earth in a portion OF Central Parl
adjacent to one OF the most exclusiv,
hotels. IL was not late in the evening
but while II did not court discover,
neither did II use any great endeavol
to avoid a. Those aboard had only
one wish. which was to avoid the gath
ering OF a crowd. The machine was
the Roberts. conveying the king and
| bis counselors for a short interview
with the higher officers OF the British
fleet. They had babe good-by TO the
man in the White House. who was
| henceforth TO hold a place in their
strongest admiration and friendship
and were now preparing for their
homeward journey.
The park entrances had been closed
In advance. and tho public debarrcd
from its paths, hence there was no
demonstration when the party stepped
| out OF the craft and took seats in a
motor car which had been awaiting
| their arrival. Only the secretary OF
state and Bevins accompanied them
as escorts TO the glazing entrance of
| the hotel. and even the august clerks
we're unaware of the identity Of their
visitors. With polite insolence the
party was directed to a parlor until
the manager could be summoned, and
he on being informed that the king
wished to meet his officers at once.
conducted them TO the elevator which
carried them upward.
BY requisition Of the government
the entire top floor had been given
up to the accommodation Of the Brit
ish guests. and with them on this
night as entertainers were many OF
the higher officers OF the American
navy who throughout the war had
been forced TO rest in idleness. The
ing were nearly at an end had not
come to them with full force. and all
within the extemporized naval club
were simply awaiting and hoping for
orders which would put an end to In
activity.
Beneath the shaded lights Of the
ceiling were many tables. at some Of
which men in fatigue uniforms were
being initiated into an American
game which seemed to find favor.
while at others spirited discussions
we're being held. Wreaths OF smoke
curling up to meet the lights added
to the air Of informality. and a burst
q laughter in one corner Of the room
indicated the success OF some racoa.
teur. The door swung open nolseless-
ly. and on it's threshold stood one who
looked smilingly at the idle veterans
Of two nations. He stood thus for an
instant before the cTusty old Scotch
admiral known to his fellows as Jim.
my" Barr lifted his eyes in the direc
ton OF the door. His mouth opened
In establishment beneath its boarding
Of red. and his sharp eyes frowned as
he peered across the shoulder OF the
man opposite, and then. with one hur
ried leap he gained his feet. upset
ting his chair in his haste. His heels
, came together. and his arm was raised
In salute as he exclaimed loudly:
Il Gentlemen, the kingl"
, Instantly those in the room looked
al the admiral and then at the en-
trance. There was. the mufied sound
Of chairs hastily showed across the
carpeted floor. startled EXPLANATIONS
and hurried rising Two score oi
hands came 10 the salute, and a dra
matte moment followed in which thelr
owners strove TO gather their wits
II was almost unbelievable that thelr
sovereign was before them.
The king looked at them gravely
and then took few steps forward
and his companions followed. He
stopped almost in front OF Barr, and
slowly raised his hand. with open
fingers in a gesture which combined
greeting and demand for attention
He wasted neither time nor words
MY men," ne said. Il have come
from a conference with his excellen
cy the president Of the United States
It's results will be made known Ia
you within the course of few days
at the most, or hours at the least.
have come TO say to you that in sub
hitting yourselves 10 an lnvincible
power for reasons which you could
not fathom YOU acted wisely and now
have our full approval"
The British officers exchanged
quick side glances of relief. Bari
alone had the temerity TO break intc
an open smile OF satisfaction. They
were not. then, 10 be censured by
their country. and the situation would
bear no disgrace. His majesty con
tinued:
You have unwittingly assisted In
reuniting the Anglo-Saxon race.
hope, after its separation OF nearly a
century and a half. You have been
made involuntary guests by a man
whose friendship esteem. and whom
honor above all men. refer to the
president Of this nation. and ! ask
that you remember him as kindly as
do. Your countrymen will have no
just cause for criticislng you or your
actions. Instructions will be sent you
In due time through the admiralty.
Until then you are 10 maintain pa
thence. wish you good night"