Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1917-11-08
least understand.

something else to do, and kept
awake with great difficulty, hav-
ing smoked innumerable cigarets,
having snubbed an American
whose manner was distinctly fresh,
having tramped up and down the
decks, and looked into the library
to find Pachmann still asking
questions, the prince made a sud
den daring resolution, walked
quickly forward, assembled to the
first class promenade, and looked
about for lgnace Ward. With the
inventor, at least, he need wear no
disguise, and he simply must talk
to somebody. Besides, the inven-
tors talk gave him a good feeling
at the heart-the feeling that he
might really some day do some
thing worth while! Pachmann
would disapprove, Of course; but
who was Pachmann9 A younger
son of the inferior nobility! He
must remind Pachmann of that,
some day, for he seemed to have
forgotten it since the emperor had
taken him up!
He found the object of his search
leaning against the rail, far for
ward, staring ahead at the path
the ship was taking. Ward greeted
him with evident pleasure.
You have come to arrange for
the final conference?" he asked.
The prince shook his head.
81 know no more of that than
you," he said.
But | vas assured that your
decision would be made at once.
My plans depend upon your an
swer. This is Sunday. On Tues
day we reach New York"
81 know nothing" repeated the
prince. u have not spoken with
the admiral today-indeed, l have
scarcely spoken to him for three
days. On Friday and Saturday
and again today, he has spent ev-
cry moment in an examination Of
the passengers"
Why does he do that7" asked
Ward quickly.
81 do not know"
Yard glanced at the prince, and
his face softened a little.
$50 you have been left to amuse
yourself" he said, "and, not sue.
ceeding very well, have come to
me? Is that it?"
Yes" said the prince 81 must
talk to some one, and I find that |
cannot talk with people who dc
not know who | am. The men of,
lend me, the women | Offend"
This time there was genuine
friendliness in Wards face.
"Poor fellow!p' he laughed.
Well, | have never acted as court
Jester, but [ am willing to try.
Come with me.
He led the way back along the
deck and opened a door.
This is my room," he said.
Come in. You should feel more
at home here than I do, for it is an
imperial suite"
The prince assented gravely, en-
tered, and the inventor, his eyes
dancing, closed the door.
"Sit down." he said. "You NAV
smoke, and he proceeded to roll
himself a cigaret. "This is your
first visit to American Yes? The
first thing you will notice is that
not many Americans smoke cigar
cts. Until quite recently, the cigar
ct was believed to be in some mys-
FERROUS way debauching; 10 one
but degenerates were supposed to
use them. Even yet that is the pre-
vailing opinion outside a few Of
the large cities"
Most curious" commented the
prince, and blew a smoke ring
toward the ceiling.
"Outside Of New York. which
is fairly cosmopolitan, there is the
same prejudice against wine or
beer, OF any fermented or dis
titled spirit. No public man, no
teacher in a public school or uni
versity, no physician, no profess
sional man - no man, in a word,
who depends upon public opinion,
public approval, for a livelihood
would dare sit at a table on the
sidewalk and drink a glass of beer
or a liquor. He might do it once.
and escape with the reputation Of
an eccentric; but to do it twice
would be to brand himself as not
trustworthy"
"Astonishing!" said the prince.
edo you speak seriously
every seriohslN Some of the
states have even enacted laws
that no alcoholic beverage of any
kind may be sold within their Dor.
lo..