Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1915-03-08

crowd, talking in low tones. or gazing
dreamily out across the sea.
"
THE BLUE BUCKLE IN JEOPARDY
One other course of action presented IT.
self to Rutherford and this he decided to
try at once. He would accost the secret
service man whom he had discovered in
the library and learn what he know con-
cerning the matter, and If possible why
he was trailing the Talcotts.
He rounded the deck again before find
ing the man he sought, but was at last
rewarded by seeing him come out and
relieve the fellow who had been lounging
against the bulkheads. within sight of the
Talcotts chairs. Craig marched straight
UP to him, with the intention of accost-
ing him; but was interrupted on the way.
"Oh, sir. may I trouble you?"
The voice was rich and low, and II
seemed, somehow, familiar. Rutherford,
with instructive courtesy. halted and
turned. A handsomely dressed woman
stood helplessly beside a steamer chair
and looked eXpectantly up at him, a
frown and a smile blending upon her ex-
pressive face. Her hands were busy with
the folds of her gown.
"I cannot get 1t loose!" she complained,
as Rutherford came toward her.
The hem of her skirt was caught and
held securely in the joint OF the chair.
While the secret service man moved
quickly away Craig busted himself in the
lady's release. Something in the grace
ana coquetry of her look and attitude
told ENTHUSIASTICALLY normal and
masculine in his self-appreciation-that
she was not at all displeased with the
adventure, He even regarded the fas.
tened skirt as an excuse. A moments
unavailing work. however, reduced his
conceit and enlisted his ingenuity.
I'm afraid 1 shall have to tear it," he
announced regretfully.
"Well-if you must But, of course,
am only woman-and gown is a gown,
you know"
Craig showed an instant approval of her
feminine attitude, and devoted himself
seriously to the task of releasing the
skirt from the clutches of the obstinate
chair. without harm.
TITS this little bunch-this small wad
in the hem that holds II so securely" he
said.
She laughed and he glanced up quickly.
Her veil was raised, enabling him TO loOh
straight into the warm brown eyes of a
woman whose features were almost per-
feet, and whose rapidly changing ex-
pressions reflected the vivacity which
has long made the Viennese women fa-
nous. Her height and graceful form
were not unlike those of another pas
htnBtT WHO WAS nut lOHk hDstHN from
Craig's thoughts; but her breezy, un-
conventional conversation was in marked
contrast to the shy reserve OF the other
THAT small wad is a tiny weight" she
said "The wind is no respecter OF
ankles, you know, so the hem must be
made-shall / say, conservatives"
She was cosmopolitan, certainly. CRAIG
knew that no American girl, who looked
so refined and beautiful as she, would
have cared to begin an acquaintance with
the suggestive coquetry of such words,
by quick downward glance
that invited his own scrutiny. He had
the impression that she was accustomed
to being judged as a beauty. and knew |
her power with mankind.
Rutherford recognized her charm ad- |
mired her beauty, and sensed the |
piquancy of the situation. but he was |
against the threefold appeal.
"TheTel At last you are free, madam |
he said, as final tug released the dress.
"At last? do not think you have been |
long! And, not madam, please, but ma |
amolselle-Madamoise Irene Arany to |
be exact Indeed, / thank you sir. You |
are an artist; it is not hurt at all. Mr.
Mr."
rutherford" he prompted.
Thank you. Mr., Rutherford"
She spoke with quantity tinged /
speech that showed she had another /
although her English was /
excellent she was frankly ready for Il
MIN 10 stay and make himself agreeable,
but CTaig's mind had already returned 70
The business in hand while transferring
his energies to her service. He bowed /
and hurried away somewhat abruptly Il
while Madamolselle Arany followed him /
with calculating glance which proved /
her to be clever woman, as well as
It suggested, too. that her in
.ersst In him was not born merely OF
his mornings adventure.
Craig was striding forward again at
hull speed, when a new thought inter-
-upted his progress as effectively as any
physical object could have done Sup
pose he should find the secret service
nan, what should he say 10 hlIn7 II
he questioned him directly about the
Talcotts would he not give the de-
ective an idea OF his own interest In
hem. and virtually get himself. TOO, into
he position Of being watched? an.
oeether, the Risest thing for him 10
10 would be 70 preserve the appearances
Il 4 mere travelling acquaintance hleh
sas ail he vas. be tod hinseif--to waten