The Washington herald., 1912-08-25

get to the joke, if there is one. If not.
| should like a few words of expiana-
ton from you, sir" he added, address,
ing Peter.
Presently" the latter replied in
the meantime, let me persuade you that
| am not the only impostor here
He seized glass of water and DASH
ed it in the face of Mr.. Van Jool.
There was a moments. scufle. and no
more of Mr. Van Jool What emery
ed was good deal like the shy Maur-
ice Korust, who accompanied his BROTH
er at the music hall, but whose distaste
of these gatherings had been Andrea's
continual lament.
Let me suggest. Andrea Korust," be
said, that you send your guests-those
who are not Immediately interested IL
this 'affair-into the next room. will
offer Mr. Van Tassen then the explana-
ton to which he is entitled"
Andrea Korust staggered to his feet
shaking all over. He pointed to the
music room.
IF you would be so good, ladies and
gentlemen" he begged. I'VE will fol-
low you Immediately"
All their eyes seemed focused upon
Peter. He bore their scrutiny with
calm cheerfulness. For a moment he
had feared Korust, but that moment
had passed. A servant, obeying his
masters gesture, pulled back the cur
tains after the departing crowd. The
four men were alone
"Mr. Won Tassen," Peter said. easily,
you are a man who loves adventures.
Tonight you experience a new sort of
one. Over in your great country, such
methods are laughed at as the cheap de-
vice OF sensation mongers. Neverthe-
less, they exist. Tonight is proof
that they exist"
Get on to facts, Sir" the American
admonished. You've got to explain to
me what you mean by passing yourself
off as Thomas Won Tassen. before you
leave this room"
With much pleasure. Mr.. Won Tas-
sen," he declared. For your informa-
ton, might tell you that you are not
the only person in whose guise | have
figured. In fact. have had quite a
busy week / have been-let me Sec
have been Monsieur le Marquis de
Beau Kunel on the night when our shy
friend, Maurice Korust, was playing
the part of Gen. Henderson ! have
also been his grace the Duke of Ros-
shire when my friend Maurice here was
introduced to me as Francois Defayal,
known by name to me as one of the
greatest writers on naval matters. 4
little awkward about the figure l found
his grace, but otherwise | think that
should have passed muster wherever he
was known ! have also passed as Sir
William Laureston, on the evening
when my rival artistic here sang the
praises of imperial England"
Andrea Korust leaned forward with
venomouS eyes.
You mean that it was you who was
here last night in Sir William Laures-
toms place." he almost shrieked.
Most certainly" Peter admitted. but
you must remember that, after all, my
fcult than those OF your shy but ac-
to myself i strange personality | found
him there. equally good as to detail,
and with his subject always at his I'm
gertips We settled that little matter
of the canal. didn't WEI" Peter remark
ed. cheerfully. laying his hand upon tn.
shoulder OF the Young man.
They stared at him. those two white
faced brothers. like tiger cats about to
spring. Mr.. Won Tassen was getting
impatient.
Look here" he protested, you may
be clearing matters up so far as regards
Mr.. Andrea korust and his brother,
but I'm as much in the fog as ever.
Where do I come in"
Your pardon. sir" Peter replied. Il
am getting nearer things now. These
two young men-we will not call them
hard nameS-are suffering from an ex-
cess OF patriotic zeal. 1t occurred to
them that il might be interesting to
their country to know what Sir William
Laureston thought about the strength
OF the imperial navy, and to what ex-
tent his country was willing to go in
maintaining their allegiance to Great
Britain Then there was the Duke of
Rosshire They thought they'd like to
know his views as to the development
OF the navy during the next ten years.
There was that little matter, too, OF
the French guns. 1t would certainly be
interesting to them to know what Mon
sieur lie Marquis de Beau Kunel had
to say about them. These people were
all invited to sit at the hospitable board
OF our host here. !, however, had an
inkling on the first night of what was
going on, and l was easily able to per-
suade those in authority to let me play
their several parts. You, sir" Peter
added. turning to Mr.. Won Tassen,
you. sir, foored me. You were not
an Englishman, and there was no ap-
peal which l could make. ! simply had
to risk you. | counted upon your not
turning up. Unfortunately, you did.
Fortunately. you are the last guest
This is the seventh supper
Mr.. Won Tassen glanced around at
the three men and made up his mind.
What do you call YOURSELF" he ask
ed Peter.
Then. my friend the Baron de
Grost," Won Tassen said, Il think that
you and l had better get out of this.
So ! was to talk about Germany with
Mr. Van Jool, EN-"
81 have already explained your
views" Peter declared, with twinkling
eyes. "Mr. Van Jool was delighted"
Mr.. Won Tassen shook with laughter.
Say" he exclaimed, this is great
story! If you're ready. Baron de
Grost, lead the way to where we can
get whisky and soda and chat
Mile. Celaire came gliding out to
them.
81 am not going to be left here" she
n