Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1910-04-16

Allard looked across the miniature din
ing table. of which the shaded candles
and slim vase of flowers, the translucent
crystal and frosty silver. all seemed to
typify and insist upon the life which so
strangely claimed him: and gazing at the
author Of this. the gray eyes grew splen-
didly luminous with something for which
gratitude was too pale and colorless a
term. All the boarded emotion Of the last
two years, all the despair and desolation.
added their strength to his eloquent re-
gard Receiving it. Stanief's own eyes
grew warm and almost femininely sweet.
No speech could have told much.
When the servant re-entered and the
lashes Of both men fell, chain unbreak-
: able had been forged, the clearness of
wordless understanding was between
them.
Neither spoke during the first course.
The rapid beat of q small engine finally
disturbed the silence, telling of launch
approaching from shore.
Try your Sauterne.' advised Stanief,
quietly
Allard obeyed. The food nauseated him.
the heavy pulse of his own heart seemed
tangled with the nearing throb of the
boat: the suspense was physical paI2.
The wine helped. sending its vivifying
warmth along his numbed nerves.
You know" the tranquil voice added.
this ship is foreign ground. There are a
few formalities attached. We should have
a little time, even
Aliard ilfted MS head with squlck
breath.
"Once. in such an hour, asked one
whom / believed friend to leave me a
revolver he said. Not being of the
class, he refused. If there should be-a
little time / will make that request of
you. your royal hghness.'
And l am Of the class. But there are
many things before that
Voices on deck. hurrying feet, stilled
the sentence.
Thank you Allard answered and
waited
Mario again. deftly removing plates
changing glasses. Then another entrance
the blond Vasili who had accompanied
Stanief that day.
''Well?" queried his chief
Your royal highness, Capt. Delsar re-
spectfulIy begs an interview
''Why?'
Your royal highness. boat from shore
has arrived and the officers request per-
mission to search the yacht for an es-
capped prisoner.
''Is that the reason for the din they are
creating?"
Yes. your royal highness."
Stanief selected a cigarette and pushed
the tray toward Allard.
''Of course they have no right to do so."
he replied, indinerently. but 1 have no
objection. Let them search. by all means.
Tell Capt. Delsar to aid them all he can.
although unless he swan, there was no
way for man to reach the yacht except
on the launch which brought Monsieur
John and me. Monsieur John, let me in
troduce Lieut.. Paul Vasili."
Allard turned to acknowledge the
others friendly salute. Stanief faced the
door, which consequently was behind his
companion.
Give the message. Vasii, and say the
yacht is open to them: even t-.ese rooms.
if they wish. And tell the captain that
we sail in an hour That is all.''
Silence again. Allard mechanically
maintained the pretense of eating with
each course while in reality he knew
nothing but the faint sounds Of the
search and the intermittent roar of the
whistle.
With the coffee came Vasili once more.
Stanief nodded permission for the mes
sage.
Your royal highness. the officers from
the prison have finished. AS a matter OF
form. they would accept your royal high
ness offered consent and glance in here,
in order to report every part OF the
yacht examined"
Very good: admit them. Mario, why
have you this electric light over the
table? Turn il out: the candelabra and
the side lights are ample"
Both orders were promptly obeyed.
Vasili disappeared and the f1aring light
went out. leaving the room softly glowing
with rosy color Stanief looked into the
set face opposite with the first trace of
annoyance on his own.
Il forgot the coat. left on the bench all
the afternoon. II any one saw it"
Allard made q movement, then the door
behind him opened.
Come in. officer Stanief invited.