Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1912-03-08

tnuS abandoning MN. de dared not
call her back. What should he say to
the admiral? There was one thing he
knew absolutely nothing about, and
this was the duties of a private secre-
tary to retired admiral who had
riches, a yacht, hobby and beauti-
full, though impulsive, daughter. His
thought became irrelevant, as is fire.
quent when one faces a crisis, humOr-
Gus or tragic. Here, indeed, was the
coveted opportunity to study at close
range the habits Of a man who spent
less than his income.
Come. come; draw up your chair,
Mr.. Fitzgerald. Are you sailor"
mot In the technical sense" an
swered Fitzgerald. Il know a stanchlOn
from an anchor and a rope from
smokestack. But, as for travel, ] be-
lieve that | have crossed all the high
and middle seas"
Sounds gOOd-Australia, East Indies,
China, the Antilles, gulf and the south
Atlantic.
"Yes: round the Horn, too, and east
Africa" Fitzgerald remembered his In
structions and spoke clearly.
well, well; you are a fnd In what
capacity have you taken these voy-
ages?"
Here was the young mans Oppor-
tunity This was a likable old sea-
dog, and he determined not to impose
upon him another moment. Some men,
for the sake of the adventure, would
have left the truth to be found out
later, to the disillusion Of all concern
ed. The abrupt manner in which Miss
Killigrew had abandoned him merited
some revenge.
Admiral, I'm afraid there has been
a mistake, and before we 60 any fur
Their I'll be glad TO explain. I'm not
private secretary and never have been
one. | should be less familiar with the
work than a Chinaman. am a special
writer for the magazines and have
been at odd times a war correspond
ent." And then he went on TO describe
the little comedy Of the statuettes, and
it was not without some charm In the
telling.
Plainly the admiral was nOnplused.
That girl, that mink, with her limo
cent eyes and placid face! He got up,
and Fitzgerald awaited the explosion.
His expectancy missed fire. The ad-
miral exploded, but with laughter.
Il beg pardon, Mr.. Fitzgerald. and
beg 1t again on my daughters be,
half. What would you do in my
place."
"Show me the door at once and have
done with it,"
I'm hanged if do! You shall have
q toddy for your pains, and. by cracky,
Laura shall mix il" He pushed the
buffers bell Tell Miss Laura that
wish to see her at once"
VERY well, sir"
She appeared shortly. II Fitzgerald
admired her beauty he yet more ad-
mired her perfect pOise and unconcern.
Many another woman would have
evinced some embarrassment. Not she.
Laura, what's the meaning Of this
hoax" the admiral demanded sternly.
"Mr. Fitzgerald tells me that be had
no idea you were hiring him as my
secretary"
81 am sure he hadn't the slightest"
The look she sent Fitzgerald was full
Of approval. He hadn't any idea at all
save that | asked him to come here at
this evening. And his confession
proves that haven't made any mis-
take"
But what in thunder
Father"
my dear. give me credit for resist.
ing the desire TO make the term strong.
er. Mr.. FitZgerald's joke, | take 1t,
bothered no one. Yours has put him
in q peculiar embarrassment What
does 1t mean? You went to the city
to get me a first class secretary"
"Mr. Fitzgerald has the making Of
one. I believe"
But on your word I sent capable
man away half an hour gone. he
could speak half a dozen languages.
'Mr. Fitzgerald Is, perhaps, as ef
fcient."
Fitzgerald's wonder grew and grew
But he doesn't want to be a secre
tary. He doesn't know anything about
the work. And I haven't got the time
to teach him. even II be wanted the
place"
Father" began the girl, the fun
leaving her eyes and her lips becom
ing grave. Il do not like the noises al
night. have not suggested the police
because robbery Is not the motive"
laura. that's all tOmmyrot This L
an old house. and the wood always
creaks with a change Of temperature
But this doesn't seem to touch Mr.
Fitzgerald"
The girl shrugged
'Well. I'm glad | told thai German
chap not to leave till be heard again
from me. I'll hire him. he looks Ike
q man who wouldn't let noises worry