The Spokane press. [volume] (Spokane, Wash.) 1902-1939, 1910-07-20
(COntinued)


Ellis Royal Highness told me
this morning to amuse you, if
could" he declared. indeed,
think he left me behind for that
purpose, Monsieur john
"Allard," the other corrected
pleasantly. 81 am infinitely Obliged
to his Royal Highness, then l am
sure"
"a thousand pardons; I misun
derstood your name last night"
"Not exactly, his Royal Highness
calls me John, my Christian name.
Vasili's eyes opened and he re
garded his companion with marked
respect.
HE told me he had known you
long time," he assented, land
that you had been i'll. The voyage
across will tone you up-if you are
a good sailor-before we reach
home"
Il am a good sailor" Allard af
firmed, rather astonished at Stan.
ief's account of his health. He lad
no idea of the extreme delicacy OF
his own appearance. of how those
years of torture had left him worn
and colorless.
Vasili tilted his chair against the
rail and smiled engagingly.
"For my part l am always hap.
piest at sea-" he confided. mot
that l am concerned with political
affairs-pas 81 bette; I leave that
for wiser heads. But still one is
never secure in a country like ours.
l walk straight ahead without ask
ing questions, and hope the Grand
Duke sees I am doing no more;
nevertheless, one is more comfort
able at sea. All, this America is
restful place! No intrigues, no
rivals, no salt mines in the back
ground"
"a delightful picture you are
painting for me-" suggested Allard
laughingly.
ooh, you are the friend of his
Royal Highness, monster. Moreover,
every one believes an American or
an Englishman when he declares
himself with one party; it is only
each other who mwe always sus-
pect. ITEMS, the little white boat"
The little white boat in question
was one of the city police launches,
and Allard's hand closed sharply
on the arm of his chair as the Of
ficer in charge hailed the yacht,
signifying his intention of coming
on Loard. Captain Delsar went
down to receive the visitors, not
without visible impotence at the
interruption.
Come" exclaimed the diverted
Vasili, after watching the colloquy
for a few moments, during which
several of the yachts officers join
ed their chief. "If it is droll."
what is it,"
"Why, of course we all speak
French-as does every one at home
except peasants-but since Dancla
went only the Grand Duke is left
who speaks English. And evident
ly our guests have no French"
Allard surveyed the group, and
glanced up at the gorgeous flag
fluttering in the breeze and cast
ing its shadow over him. Foreign
ground, Stanief had called this.
Il might play interpreter" he
offered slowly.
Surely! Am I dull not to think
of that? Shall we go?"
The mutually exasperated group
paused to look at the pair coming
down the deck toward them, Vasili
in his gold laced uniform and the
gentleman In yachting flannels.
Monsieur Allard, if you will in
deed assist u.s." welcomed the cap
tain gratefully. Consider that we
sail in an hour. and the moments
are going His Royal Highness
does not accept an excuse instead
of result
Delighted" Allard responded,
nodding an acknowledgment of the
sergeant's equally relieved salute.
Officer. can | translate for you?
His Royal Highness is not on board,
but | am his secretary"
Oh, Stanief was very thorough!
The cards Vladimer had presented
were waiting for their owner to use
on the occasion.
"You are very kind, Mr. .Allard,"
said the deferential officer, read
ing the square of pasteboard. You
see. we received telephone call
rom up the river at Peekskill.
asking us to get better descrip-
ton of the clothes that were
stolen by an escaping convict.
They've picked up a boat, but it
looks rather different from what
would be expected. In fact, there
was a man inside of 1t; but he
says he lost his hat in the wind,
and they haven't got the prison
people to identify him."
1t was so long since Allard had
really laughed that he startled
himself, but the humor of the stu
alton was too much.
IL think you want to see the
Grand Dukes valet" he explained.
and translated for the others.
Petro was hurriedly sent for, and
the Tuning captain left the affair
in charge of the two young men.
Poor wretch; hope he gives
them rum" commented Vasili.
Last year. at home, had to ride
second class on a crowded train.
In the compartment was just such
case as this man's-convict be-
ing taken back to fortress. We