The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-07-27
EVENING STORY
When the Ricardo Sailed.
BY ARcHBY CAMERON NEW

BY ARCHEY CAMERON NEW
The motley noises and echoes Of old
Broadway. Broadway alive and happy
fIoated on the wings of a light spring
breeze into a richly appointed suite
on the sixth floor Of the Hotel Royaie.
| But the face that stared back on
Broadway, thru the lew-silled French
window, did not return the twinkle.
nor the gaiety. It was the grim. sav-
age eeuntenance of Bob Saunders, he
handsome football hero Of Harvard of
four years before. and probably this
was the first tine in his young life
that his smile had left him.
| Huddied in a luxurious armchair.
| he glared in the direction of the Hud-
son, while behind him, on wide
lounge, lay a young girl, whose ayes
| were red and still wet with tears
| Bob, I must co. she repeated again.
| for probably the twentieth time that
night, as she raised herself YEARLY on
| one elbow, and glanced appealingly at
| his wide forbidding back. He merely
| continued to stare into the night
I Bob, do you near me?. I'm going to
I him."
| He heard a slight rustic behind him,
and, leaping to his feet. he crossed the
| room in a bound, and grasping her
slender wrists in his strong hands. he
And I say you are not" he growied
savagely. "Bess. don't be an idiot.
He's on the Ricardo by this time. It
sails at nine. You'll simply make
scene-it'li-"
4 The prone lingled and Bob jumped.
then eyed the instrument with dumb
amazement.
Has he the nerve" he started to
exclaim. then he ran to the phone
and answered IT.
| he fnfo
| piece, absently. This is Mr.. Saun-
ders. Yes-who's caIling-who?"
He dropped the receiver in dismay
and turned to~tfIe girl.
low gasp. TITS Ruth Stone. She's
herein New York-wants to see me-
What-oh-what can dor"
Il don't know" came Bess's
muffled answer.
Yes; Ruth" Bob was now saying,
You're coming up-here?" he gasped.
"Oh-Ruth, I'm rather busy. Dinner
1--we had mine. Why. it's seven
thirty Alone. no, my"
hand went over his mouth, and
Bess stood before him. wild eyed.
Don't tell her-Im-here," cried
Bess. "Reese don't mention-me"
'Er-Ruth." he continued, in con-
| fusion, Il can't see copyright now.
No, I'm sorry, but I must wait until
the Ricardo sails. The Ricardo-for
some italian port, don't know which
Oh. no, I'm not going. Really, I'm
| not. No, you mustn't come here-IIn
not going on it-no. have a lady"
Again the hand closed over his
mouth. and Bess gasped.
"Bob-you idiot" she cried. do you
| want to be thrown out of here. The
telephone operator may be listening
in-and you're on the register as my
husband"
Bob groaned in despair.
Ruth" he finally managed to say.
I'll explain observation-disclosures
morning at nine. THAT is-my wife
oh, please-Ruth-Ruth-
A click in his ear told him she had
rung off and he wheeled on Bess saw
agely.
Now. I hope you're satisfied" he
Numbered at her. Great heavens,
what will she do? And her father?
He's opposed me from the very start.
Those tales from Harvard about me-
and al. And now-this.'' Bob turned
and started to pace the room.
Bob" she said softly after a few
minutes, do you thfnk-Giocorde-
Don't mention his name again." he
hurled at her stopping in his tracks.
Hes to blame for all this" and
going to the wall he pressed a button.
Bring me a bottle-and a siphon,''
he ordered, when the waiter opened
the door.
All night long Bob Saunders. paced
the floor. while Bess slept fitfully
curled up on the lounge. Several
times he flung himself on the bed, but
sleep wouldn't come.
At eight-thirty he grasped his hat
and made for the door.
Where are you going?" demanded
Bess.
ITO the pier" he snapped, aid slam
med the door.
Ten minutes later, in reply to his
query as to the Ricardo. the dock Of
ficials regarded him coidiy and sus-
piciousiy.
why do you wish to know" de-
manded one, surveying Bob from head
to foot.
Bob thought quickly. They tool. him
for a German agent, perhaps. He
would risk it.
snapped. quickly. Il have business
WELL" said the official, with-a grim
smile, you're too late. She sailed this
morning-at three"
'.At three," he echoed. excitedly
Tell me-did Count Giorcorde sail
The official scanned the list and
nodded his head.
"Yes-but why?"
Bob diGh't stop to answer, but flew
Quick" ordered the official 10 a
: plainly-dressed individual standing
nearby. Follow him. He looks sus-
picious."
, Bob Ieaped from the taxi at the
: Royaie and darted up to his suite
Hes gone, Bess," he announced,
t quickly, as he entered the room. Now
: come with me--to the Bnesley. / must
see Ruth"
, But. Bob" she protested, with a
little sob. ''She mustn't know"
ROT" he threw at her. She's to
be one of the family isn't she? Come ~
Fifteen minutes later. a tall beautiful
: girl entered the parlor at the Bresiey,
and seeing Bess ran and threw her
arms around her.
Bessie Saunders, what are you do
ing here?" and then turning. she eyed
Bob coldly.
Ruth, please" he pleaded. Let me
explain. This=Xas@er-mx wife >,