Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1908-04-25

turned Seton, but what 1 mean is.
could this ship be got under way at
once?"
"On the instant"
And is she prepared for a cruises"
"She could go around the world and
take her departure within an hour"
returned the lieutenant with pleased
sense of demonstrating the efficiency
OF his majesty's navy beyond perad-
venture. May I ask why you wish
10 know?" he continued turning to
Sir Charles.
This was an embarrassing question,
but Sir Charles was saved the neces-
sity OF answering, fcr the midshipman
came running to the quarterback once
more and saluted-
"Well?' said the of1cer 10 the ex-
pectant boy.
to you, sir. and he begs you VIII 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 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 bath to refresh
him after the fatigues OF his journey.
"Oh, Seton" he cried as the other
came in, glad 70 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"
Il guess we can follow the navy's
lsad 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. Il left
you at Darlington. But. no. I remem-
Der you rode away before I did, just
after my lord. Have YOU come on any
trace OF fugitives?"
Admiral" said Sir Charles, grave
ly, Il know where they are"
"And that damned lubberly hound.
Strathgate, IS he"
He isn't with them. They gave
him the slip"
You don't say7 Good" laughed the
admiral How was that?"
Seton rapidly detailed the clrcum-
stances as he had deduced them.
We'll done. that woman has spirit
enough" continued the old soldier, TO
command a frigate. You will never
convince me that she's taken up with
a man OF Strathgate's caliber."
she went away with him, though"
said Seton thoughtfully.
"Ay ay. but she knows no more OF
the world than baby. She simply
made use OF his preferred assistance
TO escape from an intolerable situa-
ton. You take me. Seton2"
Il do. admiral. and I confess hard
ly blame her. How Darlington could
tolerate Lady Cecily for n moment
beside that splendid woman"
ITO say nothing OF that other splen-
did woman. Mistress Deborah Slocum,
eh. Seton?"
Even Saints Rest becomes
heavenly when looked at by the aid
OF such pair Of black eyes? And the
lady. boy?"
Il confess, sir" answered Seton,
somewhat abashed by the frank ques-
tioning OF the old man, that have
some reason to believe. in short"
I'm short, my boy. you've been chas-
ing her all night. have your"
You're right sir"
And what now2-
Il told you. admiral. that I knew
where they were"
We'll. where are they2 Out with
Il. lad. Disclose your information and
come TO the point. All these side is
sues are unworthy OF soidier."
laughed the old seaman. well knowing
that for most OF them he was respon-
sible
They're on a merchant ship bound
up the channel and going fast when
/ saw them last"
"What?" cried the admiral. GIVE
me the particulars"
Sir Charles rapidly ran over the
scene Of the morning.
The old admiral threw back his head
and laughed.
And she outwitted you all. shook
Strathgate on the track. led you
ashore. watched Darlington and
Strathgate fight il out under her very
eyes and got clean away?"
She hasn't got away yet, admiral"
What mean your"
Il came here to make a proposition
to you"
"a proposition TO met"
YES"
you have fast ship at your com.
mand. / take IT,"
DO you mean the Britannica" said
the admiral, mentioning his flagship.
II do"
"Of course she's fast. The admiral.
ty know me. wouldn't take a slow
ship"
rs she as fast as that merchant.
man, do you think?"
why. my boy, there isn't a mer.
chant ship on the seas that she could.
n -