Evening star., 1914-02-08

night and day to see to that Miss Meyrcl does
change her mind Ii am the someone. | hope You
are not annoyed
"My dear chap Not in the least. When said this
morning that was quite set this marriage | was
frightfuly sincere" And his Lordship's face,
frank and boyish in wise beled his words. q shall
be deeply grateful for any aid Lloyds give And
am already grateful that Loyds has selected you to
be my ally"
Really, very decent of him. Dick Mnot bowed.
"You go south tonight? he ventured.
"Yes, the yacht Lleth belonging to my friend,
Mr. Martin Wall. You have heard Of him.
NO. | can't that have"
"Indeed | understood he very well known here.
big bluff, hearty chap. We met on the steamer
ing over and became very good friends.
A pause.
you will enjoy meeting Mr.. Wall, said his Lordship
1neaninglv, when | introduce you to HMM San
Marco
Lord Harrowby," said NIinot slowly, "ny instruc-
tons are to go south with you-on the yacht
For moment the two men stared into each others
eyes. Then Lord Harrowby pursed his thin lips and
gazed out Fftave gay and coorful in the February
"How extremely unfortunate he drawled 1T is not
boat, Mr.. Ainot. If were, nothing would give
greater pleasure than extend invitation you
q understand said Nlinot But | am to go-in-
vited or unnvited.
IN my interests?" asked Harrowby sarcastcally.
"As the personal conductor of the bridegroom"
"Mr. Minot really
a have no wish to be rude, Lord Harrowby; but it
is to be little fantastic Could anything
be fantastic than boarding yacht uninvited?'
4But Miss Meyrick-on whom after all, Mr. Jeph-
sons fate depends-is already in Florida.
with her lamp trimmed and burning How sad,
your Lordshp if unoward event should interfere
with the coming OF the bridegroom
Il perceive. smiled Lord Harrowby, that you do
not share Mr.. Jephson's confidence in my motives"
This is New York, and business proposition Every
in New York is considered guilty until he proves
himself innocent-and then move for trial
Nevertheless, : Lord Harrowbys mouth hardened,
II must refuse to ask you to join me on the Leth'
Would you mind telling where the boat is
chored?"
Somewhere in the North River, believe. l don't
know, really.
@You don't know? Won't it be bit dfficult-board-
ing yacht when you don't know where to find it''
"My dear chap" began Harrowby angriy.
"No matter" Ainot stood up "I'll say revoir
Lord Harrowby-untl tonight"
@Or until we meet in San Marco Lord Harrowby
regained his good nature I'm extremely sorry to be
impolte; but believe we're going to be very good
friends, the less. >.
Were going be very close each other, at any
rate" Minot smiled. "Once more-au revoir, your
Lordsllp."
Pardon me-goodby,7 answered Lord Harrowby
And Richard Minot was again threading his way be
tween awed tables.
WALKING slowly down Fthave., Mnot was
forced to admit that he had not made very
a1spicous beginning in his role. Why had Lord
Harrowby refused determinedy to invite him aboard
the yacht that to bear the eager bridegroom south
And what he to do now2 Might he not discover
where the yacht lay, board at dusk and conceal him
self in vacant cabin until the party well under
way? 1t sounded fairly simple
But it proved otherwise. He baked from the
outset For two hours, in the library OF his club in
telephone booths, and elsewhere, he sought for some
tangible evidence of the existence Of wealthy American