fe and sports. He had a secret and far more important mission. His father was a steel magnate. He was also a silent but deeply interested partner in one of

ny alone could make the fastest torpedo-boat destroyer in the world, not only would the United States Government be forced to buy such boats

his patent, if it could be managed without the knowledge of the Government authorities. In any case,

order to hear the gossip of the Army and Navy people, to see Lieutenant Lawton, yet never in any way to be suspected of spying upon him. Fo

one evening, at least, he would leave Madge to herself. Had Madge been able to read his thoughts she would not have been disturbed at his decision. She was growing tired of her new acquaintance. She thought him dull and too curious about other

d to her that would not be overheard. For once Miss Jenny Ann Jones, who had always been the most lenient of chaperons, determined to play the part of a stern dragon. She decided that, of late, the young man had been altogether too at

he appoint the time and place where she could receive it if he never had a moment with her in private? Miss Jenny Ann entered first the revo

the tree on the south side of the hotel por

he caught Miss Jenny Ann gazing at her re

y so in hers. While Madge dreamed of lovely ladies and romantic knights in the days of chivalry, Phyllis had visions of the glory of self-sacrifice, of patriotism, of doing great deeds for other people. She wanted to study medicine because she th

Across the room she could see that Phyllis was pale and restless. Once or twice Madge saw Alfre

from the drawing room. As soon as the rehearsal of

of candy. Instead of returning to the room where Mrs. Curtis and her guests were, he strolled nervously about the grounds of the hotel. It was dark under the tree where

ime only to lean over and say, "Two hundred thousand dollars!" when

ord with Madge, but toward the close of the evening she

y, ahead of the others, into Mrs. Curtis's dressing room. They slipped into their evening coats, and, taking

was cool and the big front porch was almost deserted. The two girls felt like conspirators. Th

up and down in the darkness. It was too dark to distinguish Lieutenant Lawton's uniform. The gi

we may as well go out on the lawn to receive it. Miss Jenny Ann will be after us in a minute, if we don't hurry. I believe she

tanding under the tree. "Lieutenant!" Phyllis called softly. The young offi

ton?" he inquired. "He was here a few minutes ago. He has gone back to his hom

with embarrassment

ry. We did wish to see Lieutenant Lawton on a little matter of business. It was not im

ok rather ridiculous for them to be searching the hotel gr

posely dropped behind the party, apparently to talk to Flora Harris. He had seen Lieutenant Lawton reappear among the group of his friends. The young officer went st

. But she never put it down until she had safely reached the shelter

had decided, for reasons best known to himself, to spend the night on the Virginia side of the bay. Afte

didn't you once ask me to tell you if I ever heard that Lieutenant L

ousand dollars if he managed his detective work successfully. Was it possible that t

eason," he answered with

refore intended to tell him that which he wished to know, because she desired havi

ys. He has finished the model of that old torpedo-boat destroyer that everybody is making such a fuss about. It is a great secret, so don't let any one know that I have told you. Lieutenant J

st given. Yet she did know enough to understand that she should never have repeated a word t

naturally I am interested in anything pertaining to his invention. He has been so very stiff and close-mo

med Flora in alarm. "If you do, it will go straight to Father

on to purposely look offended and say haughtily, "

unt of sulky hesitation he condescended to accept her apology. If she had seen the expression of triumph that

hat had been arranged between them. When the messenger boy departed the young man we