The West Virginian. [volume] (Fairmont, W. Va.) 1914-1974, 1918-07-23
I THE DAILY
SHORT STORY
When the Ricardo Sailed.
~ kRcHEY cAMERow sew.
copyright, 1918. by the Mcclure
Newspaper Syndicate)

Newspaper Syndicate.)
THE motley noises and echoes Of
old Broadway, Broadway alive
= and happy. floated on the VIM
OF . light spring breeze into richly
appointed suite on the sixth floor %,
the Hotel Royale. But the face tina;
stared back on Broadway, through tie
low-slllc1 French window. did not re-
turn thu twinkle. nor the gaiety. 1,
was the grim. savage countenance of
Bob Saunders. the handsome football
hero OF Harvard OF four years before,
end PROBABLY this was the first time
IN his young life that his smile had
left him.
Huddlcd in a luxurious armchair,
he glarej IN the direction OF the Eud.
son, while behind him. on a wide
lounge, lay a young girl. whose eyes
were red and still wet with tears.
Bob, must 60. che repeated again.
for probably the twentieth time that
night. as she raised herself YEARLY on
one elbow. and glanced a2pealinsly at
his wide forbidding back lie merely
continued to stare into the night Bob
do you hear NE: I'm going to-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
forced her back upon the lounge.
And ] say you arc rot" he growled,
savageiy. "Bess. don't be an idiot.
He's on the Ricardo by this time. II
sails at nine. You'll simply make
scene it'll"
The phone jingled and Bob jumped,
then eyed the instrument with dumb
Amazement.
HAS he the nerve he started to
Oxclaim, then he ran TO the phone and
answered Il.
"Yes," he muttered into the mouth
niece, absently. "This is Mr.. Saunders.
Yes-kho's calling-whO?"
He dropped the receiver in dismay
and turned to the girl.
Good heavens. Bess,' he cried, In
low gasp ITS Ruth Stone. She's
herein New York-wants to see me.
What-oh-what can ] do?"
I'll don't know" came Bess's muf-
fled answer.
"Yes, Ruth" Bob was now saying.
through the phone. I'm here. Yes.
You're coming up--here?' he gasped.
"Oh--Ruth. I'm rather busy. Dinner
I've had mine. Why. it's seven-thirty.
Alone. no, NY
A hand went over his mouth. and
Bess stood before him. wildeyed!
Don't tell her - Im-here," cried
Dess. "Please don't mention-me."
"Er-Ruth," he continued. in confu.
sion, II can't see you-right 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-Pm not going
on it-no, I 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 he listening
inland you're on the register as my
husband"
Bob grOaned In despair.
"Ruth," he finally managed TO say.
an explain everything - tomorrow
mornina-at nine. THAT is-my vile
oh, plnase-=Ruth-Ruth@
A click in his ear told him she had
rung OF and he wheeled on Bess saw
agely.
snow, 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 Hervard about me-
and all. And now--this." Bob turned
and started to pace the room.
~Bob," she said softly after a few
minutes. Edo you think-Giocorde--
Don't mention his name again" he
hurled at her stopping in his tracks.
Hes 10 blame for all this" and
Going % the wall he pressed a button.
Bring me a bottle-and siphon."
he ord red. when the waiter opened
the door.
All night long Bob Saunders paced
the floor. while Bess slept fitfully. curl
ed 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. =.
"Whcre are you going?" demanded
! Bess.
ITO the pier" he snapped, and slam
med the door.
Ten minutes later. in reply 20 his
query as to the Ricardo. the dock Of
fieials regarded him coldly and sus'
piciously.
"Why do you wish to know" de-
manded one. surveying Bob from head
70 foot.
Bob thought quickly. They took him
for Q German agent. perhaps. he
would risk it
I'll want to engage-passage." he
snapped. quickly. II have business
''Well," said the official. with grim
smile. you're too late. She sailed this
moming-at three
eat ihrce!" he echoed. exeited!y.
"Tell me-did Count GIordorde sail
--toor
The official scanned the lis, and nod
ded his head.
"Yes-but why?'
Bob didn't stop to answer but fiew
for . taxi.
Quick" ordered the official TO a
plainly-dressed individual standing
nearby. Follow him. He looks Sus-