The Spectator., 1915-05-28

here for six days, and I was half mind to run home"
 Your times soon up, isn't it?" l remarked. as l lolled back in the easy deckchair, and gaZed away at the white port and its background of pur- pie Apennines.
 . The dark, good-looking fellow, in his smart summer uniform leaned over the bulwark and said, with a slight sigh, I thought Yes. This is my last trip to Leghorn, l think. l go back in November, and l really shan't be sorry. Three years is long time to be away from home. You go next week, you say? Lucky devil to be your own master! l only wish l were Year after year on this deck grows confoundedly wearisome, l can tell you, my dear fellow
 Durnford was a man who had writ ten much on naval affairs, and was accepted as an expert on several branches of the service. The ad- miralty do not encourage officers to write, but in Durnford's case it was recognized that of naval topics he pos sessed a knowledge that was of use. and, therefore, he was allowed to write books and to contribute critical articles to the service magazines. He had studied the relative strengths of foreign navies, and by keeping his eyes always open he had, on many oc- 1Nl f< fyf,r oil tnlf Ia in formation to our naval attaches at the embassies.
 T go as soon as you've sailed. l only stayed because l promised to act for Frank l said And, by love! a funny thing occurred while I was in charge-a real first-class mystery"
 "A mystery-tell me" he exclaimed, suddenly interested.
 Well, a yacht-a pirate yacht, l be- lieve it was-called here"
 "A pirate! What do you mean?"
 Well, she was English. Listen, and I'll tell you the whole affair It'll be something fresh to tell at mess, for know how you chaps get played out of conversation"
 By love, yes, Things slump when we get no mail But go on-Im listen ing" he added, as an orderly came up. saluted, and handed him a paper
 We'll I said, let's cross to the other side I don't want the sentry to overhear.
 As you like-but why such mys- tery?" he asked, as we walked togeth- CT to the other side of the spick-and span quarterback of the gigantic bat tleship.
 You'll understand when l tell you the story" And then, standing to- gether beneath the awning. I related to my friend the whole of the curious circumstances.
 "Confoundedly funny!" he remarked with his dark eyes fixed upon mine. "A mystery, by. love. it is!' What name did the yacht bear?"
 The Lola"
 What" he gasped, suddenly turn. ing pale The Lola? Are you quite sure it was the Lola-Lo-la?"
 Absolutely certain" replied. But why do you ask? Do you happen to know anything about the craft?"
 He paused a moment, and I could see what strenuous effort he was making to avoid betraying knowledge.
 "Its-well-" he said hesitatingIy. with rather sickly smile. It's a girls name-a girl l once knew. The name brings back to me certain mem ories."
 Pleasant ones-I hope"
 No. Bitter ones-very bitter ones" he said in hard tone, striding across the deck and back again. and saw in his eyes strange look, half of anger, half of deep regret
 Was he telling the truth. won dered? Some tragic romance or other concerning a woman had, knew. over shadowed his life in the years before We had become acquainted. But the real facts he had never revealed to me. Outwardly he was as merry as the other fellows who officered that huge floating fortress; on board he was a typical smart marine, and on SHoiN ht NdhACd anu Iltg th AtHLis and fiirted just as vigorously as did the others. But a heavy heart beat beneath his uniform.
 When he returned to where I stood saw that his face had changed; 1t had become drawn and haggard. He more the appearance of a man who had been struck blow that had stag gered him. crushing out all life and hope
 Whats the matter. Jack?" I asked. Come! Tell me-what ails you?"
 Nothing. my dear old chap" he an swered hoarsely. Really nothing only touch of the blues just for moment" he added. trying hard to smile. "It'll pass"
 What I've just told you about that yacht has upset you. You can't deny it."
 He started. His mouth was, saw, hard set. He knew something con Narnino hof hut