The San Francisco call., 1910-02-20

~ YOU'RE queer chap, Carteret What
~ under the makes you think you're
" going the Water Kelpie?"
Bidwell expression of skeptical
good humor he watched the Virginian-
He had almost abnormal respect for this young
man and for his capabilities. He had gauged him
with his own quiet accuracy of judgment and had
found him shrewd and able. More than all else he
had had personal demonstration of Carters intelli
gence But the young mans intimation that he meant
be one OF a very especially select company to
leave for months cruise Calvin Stanhope's yacht
seemed mere boastful extravaganza.
"Why" said Carter coldly, do you any partic-
ular reason why.I shouldn't"
NO my dear fellow, not the slightest reason. But
you haven't been invited"
81 shall be-"
Bidwel shrugged his shoulders, smiling. Il like
your complete confidence in that desirable consum-
nation Incidentally, if l were close to Stanhope
myself you should have had your invitation anyway
But I'm parvenue in that crowd myself"
Carter smiled back He did not resent Bidwers
plain acceptance of R. Pendleton Carteret par
venue. He understood Bidwen perfectly and occa-
sionaly dropped the mask in his presence. The
insurance president rested under heavy debt him
and had remained his unreserved friend in spite of
that fact
q know you would have aided me if you could !"
he answered, land it's quite clear to me that the
presence of Mrs. Bidwel and yourself that craft
represents years of patient preparation. You nat
uraly doubt that l. not nearly we'll equipped
as yourself should count upon entering Stanhope's
charmed circle"
"a perfectly natural doubt, you'll admit" said the
other rappng the table to call the attention of
passing waiter.
Then you can see no possible opening for me?"
Absolutely none Carteret, if you to be
quite frank Without any desire to discourage your
laudable ambition to reflect undue credit upon
myself, Stanhope's cruises things marvel and
wonder at There always just many guests
on board, of just such character, picked, so the
stories go, artist might weave coors COM
pose bouquet OF flowers with studied care as to
the Complementary and contrasting qualities of the
various individuals. sort of social epicurean
dream. The mastery picking and choosing is said
make the voyages delightfully."- congenal, and it's
certain that there's not soul in New York who
won't jump at the chance to 60 No one is out of
place, no one is left and no one is lacking for
any of the entertainments and amusements with
which Stanhope so cleverly passes the time"
"And he's all filled up for this one' said Carter,
refectively.
"The invitations were out last week There are
to be IA in ALL Husbands with their wives account
for eight and the gathering is really remarkable"
81 know, you told me- The three remaining men
Bascom, Little and Stuyver, bachelors all. And
still I say that shall be of that remarkable
gathering"
THE $1,000 WAGER
Bidwell felt there small profit in carrying the
discussion further. The thing simply impos-
sble and if Carteret chose to think he could do it.
well, what matter2
"StH unconvinced? I'll give you chance to
back your view of it." laughed the Virgnian.
q shouldn't care to rob you" returned Bidwell
Don't mention it, old fellow. Come, are yor
with for thousand"
"If you press I'll say done"
Done it is" said Carter, and they shook on it.
"Now, l expect little help" continued Carter
Nothing that will place your wager in jeopardy
But really if I'm going to be along with you for
month l have something to wear, and it may b,
that only join you at the last minute. All
want you do is include trunk of mine witt
your baggage. No. don't crawl inside it
Il admire the way you have of still taking it 70
granted that you're coming" said Bidwel, with
laugh 81 wonder what Stanhope would say to hea
you talking? But there's trouble about the trunk
Wen fix that easily Perhaps you might be knc
enough TO send the key along l might be able
use the myself, and it would be too bad t.
have your outfit idle"
Don't you worry about my outfit I'm going t
use that myself I'll let you know when to expect tn
trunk and send it around. Goodby"
Carter knew Stanhope slightly and liked him. H,
hoped TO know him better, for the Sanhopes were th
leaders of a set he had never been able to enter
Robert Carter these several months in full bloom
as r Pendleton Carteret, was well and favorable
known in many desirable quarters. He was com
fortaby settled in modest but presentable bachelo
apartments and was longer in the position of tn
adventuring outlaw who sallics abroad with hungr
glance and ready weapon in search OF chance wind
fall He was safely ensconced part way up the sid