Withanexclamationofanger，Hemingwaycaughttheotherbytheshoulderanddraggedhimcloser。
　　"Tosaveyou！"hewhispered。"Noone'sthinkingofyou。Ididn'tdoitforyou。Ididit，thatyoubothcouldescapetogether，togiveyoutime——"
　　"ButItellyou，"protestedFearing，"shedoesn'twantmetoescape。
　　Andmaybeshe'sright。Anyway，we'resailingwithyouat——"
　　"We？"echoedHemingway。
　　Thatagainhewastoseethewomanheloved，thatforsixweeksthroughsummerseashewouldtravelinhercompany，filledhimwithalarm，withdistress，withawonderfulhappiness。
　　"We？"hewhispered，steadyinghisvoice。"Then——thenyourwifeisgoingwithyou？"
　　Fearinggazedathimasthoughtheotherhadsuddenlygonemad。
　　"Mywife！"heexclaimed。"Ihaven'tgotawife！"IfyoumeanPolly——Mrs。Adair，sheismysister！Andshewantstothankyou。
　　She'sbelow——"
　　Hewasnotallowedtofinish。Hemingwayhadflunghimtooneside，andwasracingdownthedeck。
　　Thedetectivespranginpursuit。
　　"Onemoment，there！"heshouted。
　　Butthemaninthewhitemess-jacketbarredhisway。
　　Inthemoonlightthedetectivesawthatthealert，bronzedyoungmanwassmiling。
　　"That'sallright，"saidFearing。"He'llbebackinaminute。Besides，youdon'twanthim。I'mthemanyouwant。"
　　THELONGARM
　　Thesafewasanoldonethatopenedwithakey。Asadjutant，CaptainSwansonhadchargeofcertainfundsoftheregimentandkeptinthesafeaboutfivethousanddollars。NoonebuthimselfandRueff，hisfirstsergeant，hadaccesstoit。AndasRueffprovedanalibi，themoneymighthavebeenremovedbyanoutsider。Thecourt-martialgaveSwansonthebenefitofthedoubt，andareprimandfornottakinggreatercareofthekeys，andSwansonmadegoodthefivethousand。
　　Swansondidnotthinkitwasaburglarwhohadrobbedthesafe。
　　HethoughtRueffhadrobbedit，buthecouldnotpossiblyprovethat。AtthetimeoftherobberyRueffwasoutsidethePresidio，inuniform，atamoving-pictureshowinSanFrancisco。Adozenpeoplesawhimthere。Besides，Rueffheldanexcellentrecord。
　　Hewasasilent，clerk-likeyoungman，betterat"paperwork"thancampaigning，butevenasasoldierhehadnevercomeuponthebooks。
　　Andhehadseenserviceintwocampaigns，andwassupposedtocherishambitionstowardacommission。But，ashekeptmuchtohimself，hisfellownon-comscouldonlyguessthat。
　　Onhiscaptain'saccounthewasloyallydistressedoverthecourt-martial，andinhistestimonytriedtoshieldSwanson，byagreeingheartilythatthroughhisowncarelessnessthekeysmighthavefallenintothehandsofsomeoneoutsidethepost。
　　Buthisloyaltycouldnotsavehissuperiorofficerfromwhatwasaverdictvirtuallyof"notproven。"
　　Itwasamostdistressingaffair，and，onaccountofthesocialprominenceofSwanson'speople，hisownpopularity，andthenamehehadmadeatBatangasandintheBoxerbusiness，wasmuchcommentedupon，notonlyintheservices，butbythenewspapersallovertheUnitedStates。
　　EveryonewhoknewSwansonknewthecourt-martialwasonlyamatterofform。Evenhisenemiesventuredonlytosuggestthatovernighthemighthaveborrowedthemoney，meaningtoreplaceitthenextmorning。AndtheonlyreasonforconsideringthisexplanationwasthatSwansonwasknowntobeindebt。Forhewasapersistentgambler。JustasatPekinhehadgambledwithdeathforhisnumber，intimesofpeacehegambledformoney。Itwasalwayshisownmoney。
　　FromthestartSwanson'sownattitudetowardtheaffairwasoneofblind，unreasoningrage。Inithesawnonecessaryroutineofdiscipline，onlycrass，ignorantstupidity。Thatanyoneshouldsuspecthimwassopreposterous，sounintelligent，astobenearlycomic。Andwhen，instantly，hedemandedacourtofinquiry，hecouldnotbelieveitwhenhewassummonedbeforeacourt-martial。
　　Itsickened，wounded，deeplyaffrontedhim；turnedhimquitesavage。
　　Onhisstandhisattitudeandanswersweresoinsolentthathisoldfriendandclassmate，CaptainCopley，whowasactingashiscounsel，wouldgladlyhavekickedhim。Thefindingsofthecourt-martial，thatneitherclearednorcondemned，andthereprimand，wereanintolerableinsulttohisfeelings，and，inafitofbitterdisgustwiththeserviceandeveryoneinit，Swansonresigned。Ofcourse，themomenthehaddonesohewassorry。
　　Swanson'sthoughtwasthathecouldnolongerassociatewithanyonewhocouldbelievehimcapableoftheft。Itwashisideaofshowinghisownopinionofhimselfandthearmy。
　　Butnoonesawitinthatlight。Onthecontrary，peoplesaid：
　　"Swansonhasbeenallowedtoresign。"Inthearmy，voluntarilyresigningandbeing"allowedtoresign"lestgreaterevilsbefall，aretwovastlydifferentthings。AndwhenitwastoolatenoonethanSwansonsawthatmoreclearly。Hisangergavewaytoextrememorbidness。Hebelievedthatinresigninghehadassuredeveryoneofhisguilt。Ineveryfriendandstrangerhesawamanwhodoubtedhim。Heimaginedsnubs，rebuffs，andcoldnesses。Hismorbidnessfasteneduponhismindlikeaparasiteuponatree，andthebrainsickened。Whenmenandwomenglancedathisalert，well-set-upfigureandshoulders，thatevenwhenhewore"cits"seemedtosupportepaulets，andsmiledapprovingly，Swansonthoughttheysneered。Inaweekhelongedtobebackinthearmywithahomesicknessthatmadeeveryonewhobelongedtoithisenemy。
　　HeleftSanFrancisco，wherehewasknowntoall，andtravelledsouththroughTexas，andthentoNewOrleansandFlorida。Henevercouldrecallthisperiodwithclearness。Herememberedchangingfromonetraintoanother，fromonehoteltothenext。
　　Nothingimpresseditselfuponhim。Forwhathehadlostnothingcouldgiveconsolation。Withouthonorlifeheldnocharm。Andhebelievedthatintheeyesofallmenhewasathief，apariah，andanoutcast。
　　HehadbeeninCubawiththeArmyofOccupation，andofthatbeautifulislandhadgrownfoolishlyfond。Hewasfamiliarwitheverypartofit，andhebelievedinoneoranotherofitsprettyportshecouldsocompletelyhidehimselfthatnoonecouldintrudeuponhismisery。IntheStates，inthenewspapersheseemedtoreadonlyofthoseplaceswherehehadseenservice，ofthoseplacesandfriendsandassociateshemostloved。InthelittleCubanvillageinwhichhewouldburyhimselfhewouldcuthimselfofffromallnewspapers，fromallwhoknewhim；fromthosewhohadbeenhisfriends，andthosewhoknewhisnameonlytoconnectitwithascandal。
　　OnhiswayfromPortTampatoCubatheboatstoppedatKeyWest，andforthehourinwhichshedischargedcargoSwansonwentashoreandwanderedaimlessly。Thelittletown，rearedonaflatislandofcoralandlimestone，didnotlongdetainhim。Themainstreetofshops，eating-houses，andsaloons，theprettyresidenceswithoverhangingbalconies，setamonggardensandmagnolia-trees，weresoonexplored，andhewasreturningtotheboatwhenthemartialmusicofabandcausedhimtohalt。Asidestreetledtoagreatgatewaysurmountedbyananchor。BeyonditSwansonsawlawnsofwell-keptgrass，regularpaths，prettycottages，thetwo-starredflagofanadmiral，and，risinghighabovethese，likefourEiffeltowers，thegiganticmastsofawireless。HerecognizedthathewasattheentrancetotheKeyWestnavalstation，andturnedquicklyaway。
　　Hewalkedafewfeet，themusicofthebandstillinhisears。InanhourhewouldbesteamingtowardCuba，and，shouldheholdtohispresentpurpose，inmanyyearsthiswouldbethelasttimehewouldstandonAmericansoil，wouldseetheuniformofhiscountry，wouldhearamilitarybandlullthesuntosleep。Itwouldhurt，buthewonderedifitwerenotworththehurt。Asmartsergeantofmarines，inpassing，castoneglanceatthemanwhoseemedalwaystowearepaulets，andbroughthishandsharplytosalute。TheactdeterminedSwanson。Hehadobtainedthesaluteunderfalsepretenses，butithadpleased，nothurthim。Heturnedbackandpassedintothegateofthenavalstation。
　　Fromthegateagrass-linedcarriagedriveledtothewatersoftheharborandthewharfs。Atitsextremeendwastheband-stand，flankedononesidebythecottageoftheadmiral，ontheotherbyasail-loftwithiron-barredwindowsandwhitewashedwalls。
　　Upontheturfwerepyramidsofcannon-ballsand，laidoutinrowsasthoughawaitingburial，old-timemuzzle-loadingguns。Acrosstheharborthesunwassinkingintothecoralreefs，andthespringair，stillwarmfromitscaresses，wasstirredbythemusicofthebandintogentle，rhythmicwaves。Thescenewasoneofpeace，order，andcontent。
　　ButasSwansonadvanced，themeasureofthemusicwasinstantlyshatteredbyafiercevolleyofexplosions。Theycamesosuddenlyandsharplyastomakehimstart。Itwasasthoughfromhisflankaquick-firingguninambushhadopeneduponhim。Swansonsmiledathavingbeentakenunawares。ForinSanFranciscoheoftenhadheardtheroarandrattleofthewireless。Butneverbeforehadhelistenedtoanattacklikethis。
　　Fromatinywhite-and-greencottage，squattingamongthefourgiantmasts，cametheroarofaforestfire。Onecouldhearthecrackleoftheflames，thecrashofthefallingtree-trunks。Theairaboutthecottagewastornintothreads；beneaththeshocksoftheelectricitythelawnseemedtoheaveandtremble。Itwaslikesomegiantmonster，boundandfettered，strugglingtobefree。Nowitgrowledsullenly，nowinimpotentrageitspatandspluttered，nowitlashedaboutwithcrashing，stunningblows。Itseemedasthoughthewoodenwallsofthestationcouldnotcontainit。
　　FromtheroadSwansonwatched，throughtheopenwindowsofthecottage，theelectricboltsflashandflareanddisappear。Thethingappealedtohisimagination。Itspower，itscapabilitiesfascinatedhim。Inithesawahungrymonsterreachingouttoeverycornerofthecontinentanddevouringthenewsoftheworld；feedingupontalesofshipwreckanddisaster，lingeringoversomedaintymorselofscandal，snatchingfromshipsandcitiestwothousandmilesawaythethrice-toldtaleofaconflagration，thescoreofabaseballmatch，thefallofacabinet，theassassinationofaking。
　　Inasuddenaccessoffierceness，asthoughinanecstasyoversomefreshhorrorjustreceived，itshriekedandchortled。Andthen，assuddenlyasithadbrokenforth，itsanktosilence，andfromtheendofthecarriagedriveagainrose，undisturbed，themusicoftheband。
　　Themusicianswereplayingtoaselectaudience。Onbenchesaroundtheband-standsatahalfdozennurse-maidswithknittingintheirhands，thebaby-carriageswithinarm'slength。Ontheturfolderchildrenoftheofficerswereatplay，andupanddownthepathsbareheadedgirls，andmatrons，andofficersinuniformstrolledleisurely。Fromthevine-coveredcottageofAdmiralPreble，setinagardenoffloweringplantsandbendingpalmettos，camethetinkleoftea-cupsandtherippleoflaughter，andatarespectfuldistance，seatedonthedismantledcannon，weremarinesinkhakiandbluejacketsinglisteningwhite。
　　Itwasafamilygroup，andhadnotSwansonrecognizedamongthelittleaudienceothersofthepassengersfromthesteamerandnativesofthetownwho，likehimself，hadbeenattractedbythemusic，hewouldhavefeltthatheintruded。Henowwishedtoremain。Hewantedtocarrywithhimintohisexileamemoryofthemeninuniform，ofthemusic，andprettywomen，ofthegorgeouscrimsonsunset。But，thoughhewishedtoremain，hedidnotwishtoberecognized。
　　Fromtheglancesalreadyturnedtowardhim，hesawthatinthislittlefamilygatheringthepresenceofastrangerwasanevent，andhewasawarethatduringthetrialthenewspapershadmadehisfaceconspicuous。AlsoitmightbethatstationedatthepostwassomeofficerorenlistedmanwhohadservedwithhiminCuba，China，orthePhilippines，andwhomightpointhimouttoothers。
　　Fearingthis，Swansonmadeadetourandapproachedtheband-standfromthewharf，andwithhisbacktoahawser-postseatedhimselfuponthestring-piece。
　　Hewasovercomewithanintolerablemelancholy。Fromwherehesathecouldsee，softenedintoshadowsbythewirescreensoftheveranda，AdmiralPrebleandhiswifeandtheirguestsattea。A
　　monthbefore，hewouldhavereportedtotheadmiralasthecommandantofthestation，andpaidhisrespects。Nowhecouldnotdothat；atleastnotwithoutinvitingarebuff。Amonthbefore，heneedonlyhaveshownhiscardtotheadmiral'sorderly，andtheorderlyandtheguardandtheofficers'messandtheadmiralhimselfwouldhaveturnedthepostupsidedowntodohimhonor。Butofwhatavailnowwashisrecordinthreecampaigns？Ofwhatavailnowwashismedalofhonor？TheynowknewhimasSwanson，whohadbeencourt-martialled，whohadbeenallowedtoresign，whohadleftthearmyforthearmy'sgood；theyknewhimasacivilianwithoutrankorauthority，asanex-officerwhohadrobbedhisbrotherofficers，asanoutcast。
　　Hisposition，ashismorbidmindthusdistortedit，temptedSwansonnolonger。Forbeinginthisplighthedidnotfeelthatinanywayhewastoblame。Butwithaflamingangerhestillblamedhisbrotherofficersofthecourt-martialwhohadnotclearedhisnameandwithacleanbillofhealthrestoredhimtoduty。Thosewerethemenheblamed；notRueff，thesergeant，whohebelievedhadrobbedhim，norhimself，who，inapassionofwoundedpride，hadresignedandsohadgivenreasonforgossip；
　　butthemenwhohadnotintoneslikeabugle-callproclaimedhisinnocence，who，whentheyhadhandedhimbackhissword，hadgivenitgrudgingly，notwithcongratulation。
　　Ashesawit，hestoodinaperpetualpillory。Whentheyhadrobbedhimofhishonortheyhadlefthimnaked，andlifewithouthonorhadlostitsflavor。Hecouldeat，hecoulddrink，hecouldexist。Heknewthatinmanycornersoftheworldwhitearmswouldreachouttohimandmenwouldbeckonhimtoaplaceattable。
　　Buthecouldnotcrossthatlittlestripofturfbetweenhimandthechatteringgroupontheverandaandhandhiscardtotheadmiral'sorderly。Swansonlovedlife。Heloveditsothatwithouthelp，money，oraffectionhecouldeachmorninghavegreeteditwithasmile。Butlifewithouthonor！Hefeltasuddenhotnauseaofdisgust。Whywashestillclingingtowhathadlostitspurpose，towhatlackedtheonethingneedful？
　　"Iflifebeanillthing，"hethought，"Icanlayitdown！"
　　Thethoughtwasnotnewtohim，andduringthetwopastweeksofaimlesswanderinghehadcarriedwithhimhisserviceautomatic。
　　Toreassurehimselfhelaidhisfingersonitscoldsmoothsurface。
　　Hewouldwait，hedetermined，untilthemusicianshadfinishedtheirconcertandthewomenandchildrenhaddeparted，andthen——
　　Thentheorderlywouldfindhimwherehewasnowseated，sunkenagainstthehawser-postwithaholethroughhisheart。Tohisdisorderedbrainhisdecisionappearedquitesane。Hewassureheneverhadbeenmorecalm。Andashepreparedhimselffordeathheassuredhimselfthatforoneofhisstandardnootherchoicewaspossible。Thoughtsoftheactivepast，orofwhatdistressinthefuturehisactwouldbringtoothers，didnotdisturbhim。Thethinghadtobe，noonelostmoreheavilythanhimself，andregretswerecowardly。
　　Hecountedthemoneyhehadonhispersonandwaspleasedtofindtherewasenoughtopayforwhatservicesotherssoonmustrenderhim。Inhispocketswereletters，cards，acigarette-case，eachofwhichwouldtellhisidentity。Hehadnowishtoconcealit，forofwhathewasabouttodohewasnotashamed。Itwasnothisact。
　　Hewouldnothavedied"byhisownhand。"Tohisunbalancedbraintheofficersofthecourt-martialwereresponsible。Itwastheywhohadkilledhim。Ashesawit，theyhadmadehisdeathasinevitableasthoughtheyhadsentencedhimtobeshotatsunrise。
　　Alinefrom"TheDrumsoftheForeandAft"camebacktohim。
　　Oftenhehadquotedit，whensomeoneintheservicehadsufferedthroughthefaultofothers。Itwasthedeath-cryoftheboyofficer，Devlin。TheknivesoftheGhazihadcuthimdown，butitwashisownpeople'sabandoninghiminterrorthathadkilledhim。Andso，withasob，heflungthelineattheretreatingbacksofhiscomrades：
　　"You'vekilledme，youcowards！"
　　Swanson，nursinghisanger，repeatedthissavagely。Hewishedhecouldbringithometothosemenofthecourt-martial。Hewishedhecouldmakethemknowthathisdeathlayattheirdoor。Hedeterminedthattheyshouldknow。Ononeofhisvisiting-cardshepencilled：
　　"TotheOfficersofmyCourt-Martial：'You'vekilledme，youcowards！'"
　　Heplacedthecardinthepocketofhiswaistcoat。Theywouldfinditjustabovetheplacewherethebulletwouldburnthecloth。
　　Thebandwasplaying"AufWiedersehen，"andthewaltzcarriedwithitthesadnessthathadmadepeoplecallthemanwhowroteitthewaltzking。Swansonlistenedgratefully。Hewasgladthatbeforehewentout，hislastmoodhadbeenofregretandgentleness。
　　Thestingofhisangerhaddeparted，themusicsoothedandsoberedhim。Ithadbeenaverygoodworld。Untilhehadbrokenthespineofthingsithadtreatedhimwell，farbetter，headmitted，thanhedeserved。Thereweremanyinitwhohadbeenkind，towhomhewasgrateful。Hewishedtherewassomewaybywhichhecouldletthemknowthat。Asthoughinanswertohiswish，fromacrosstheparade-groundthewirelessagainbegantocrashandcrackle；butnowSwansonwasatagreaterdistancefromit，andthesighingrhythmofthewaltzwasnotinterrupted。
　　Swansonconsideredtowhomhemightsendafarewellmessage，butasinhismindhepassedfromonefriendtoanother，hesawthattoeachsuchagreetingcouldbringonlydistress。Hedecideditwasthemusicthathadledhimastray。Thiswasnomomentforfalsesentiment。Helethishandcloseuponthepistol。
　　Theaudiencenowwasdispersing。Thenurse-maidshadcollectedtheircharges，themusiciansweretakingaparttheirmusic-racks，andfromthestepsofthevine-coveredverandaAdmiralPreblewasbiddingthefriendsofhiswifeadieu。Athissidehisaide，young，alert，confident，withill-concealedimpatienceawaitedtheirdeparture。
　　Swansonfoundthatheresentedtheaide。Heresentedthemannerinwhichhespeededthepartingguests。Evenifthereweremattersofimportancehewasanxioustocommunicatetohischief，heneednotmakeitplaintothewomenfolkthattheywereintheway。
　　When，amonthbefore，hehadbeenadjutant，inalikesituationhewouldhaveshownmoreself-command。Hedisapprovedoftheaideentirely。Heresentedthefactthathewasasyoungashimself，thathewasinuniform，thathewasanaide。Swansoncertainlyhopedthatwhenhewasinuniformhehadnotlookedsomuchtheconqueringhero，soself-satisfied，sosupercilious。Withasmilehewonderedwhy，atsuchamoment，amanhehadneverseenbefore，andneverwouldseeagain，shouldsodisturbhim。
　　Inhisheartheknew。Theaidewasgoingforwardjustwherehewasleavingoff。Theribbonsonthetunicoftheaide，thestrapsonhisshoulders，toldSwansonthattheyhadservedinthesamecampaigns，thattheywereofthesamerelativerank，andthatwhenhehimself，hadheremainedintheservice，wouldhavebeenabrigadier-generaltheaidewouldcommandabattle-ship。ThepossiblefutureoftheyoungsailorfilledSwansonwithhonorableenvyandbitterregret。Withallhissoulheenviedhimtherighttolookhisfellowmanintheeye，hisrighttodieforhiscountry，togivehislife，shoulditberequiredofhim，forninetymillionpeople，foraflag。Swansonsawthetwoofficersdimly，witheyesofbitterself-pity。Hewasdying，buthewasnotdyinggloriouslyforaflag。Hehadlosttherighttodieforit，andhewasdyingbecausehehadlostthatright。
　　Thesunhadsunkandtheeveninghadgrownchill。Atthewharfwherethesteamerlayonwhichhehadarrived，butonwhichhewasnottodepart，theelectriccargolightswerealreadyburning。
　　ButforwhatSwansonhadtodotherestillwaslightenough。
　　Fromhisbreast-pockethetookthecardonwhichhehadwrittenhismessagetohisbrotherofficers，readandrereadit，andreplacedit。
　　Savefortheadmiralandhisaideatthestepsofthecottage，andabareheadedbluejacketwhowasreportingtothem，andtheadmiral'sorderly，whowaswalkingtowardSwanson，noonewasinsight。Stillseateduponthestringpieceofthewharf，Swansonsomovedthathisbackwastowardthefourmen。Themomentseemedpropitious，almostasthoughithadbeenprearranged。Forwithsuchanaudience，forhistakingoffnootherpersoncouldbeblamed。Therewouldbenoquestionbutthatdeathhadbeenself-inflicted。
　　ApproachingfrombehindhimSwansonheardthebriskstepsoftheorderlydrawingrapidlynearer。Hewonderedifthewharfweregovernmentproperty，ifheweretrespassing，andifforthatreasonthemanhadbeensenttoorderhimaway。Heconsideredbitterlythatthegovernmentgrudgedhimaplaceeveninwhichtodie。
　　Well，hewouldnotforlongbeatrespasser。Hishandslippedintohispocket，withhisthumbheloweredthesafety-catchofthepistol。
　　Butthehandwiththepistolinitdidnotleavehispocket。Thestepsoftheorderlyhadcometoasuddensilence。Raisinghisheadheavily，Swansonsawtheman，withhiseyesfixeduponhim，standingatsalute。Theyhadfirstmadehislifeunsupportable，Swansonthought，nowtheywouldnotlethimleaveit。
　　"CaptainSwanson，sir？"askedtheorderly。
　　Swansondidnotspeakormove。
　　"Theadmiral'scompliments，sir，"snappedtheorderly，"andwillthecaptainpleasespeakwithhim？"
　　StillSwansondidnotmove。
　　Hefeltthatthebreaking-pointofhisself-controlhadcome。
　　Thisimpertinentinterruption，thisthrustingintothelastfewsecondsofhislifeofareminderofallthathehadlost，thisfutilepostponementofhisend，wascruel，unhuman，unthinkable。
　　Thepistolwasstillinhishand。Hehadbuttodrawitandpressitclose，andbeforethemarinecouldleapuponhimhewouldhaveescaped。
　　Frombehind，approachinghurriedly，camethesoundofimpatientfootsteps。
　　Theorderlystiffenedtoattention。"Theadmiral！"hewarned。
　　Twelveyearsofdiscipline，twelveyearsofrecognitionofauthority，twelveyearsofdeferencetosuperiorofficers，draggedSwanson'shandfromhispistolandliftedhimtohisfeet。Asheturned，AdmiralPreble，theaide，andthebareheadedbluejacketwerecloseuponhim。Theadmiral'sfacebeamed，hiseyeswereyoungwithpleasurableexcitement；withtheeagernessofaboyhewavedasideformalgreetings。
　　"MydearSwanson，"hecried，"Iassureyouit'samostastonishing，mostcuriouscoincidence！Seethisman？"Heflungouthisarmatthebluejacket。"He'smywirelesschief。HewaswirelessoperatoronthetransportthattookyoutoManila。Whenyoucameinherethisafternoonherecognizedyou。Halfanhourlaterhepicksupamessage——picksituptwothousandmilesfromhere——fromSanFrancisco——AssociatedPressnews——itconcernsyou；thatis，notreallyconcernsyou，butIthought，wethought"-asthoughsignallingforhelp，theadmiralglancedunhappilyathisaide-
　　"wethoughtyou'dliketoknow。Ofcourse，tous，"headdedhastily，"it'squitesuperfluous——quitesuperfluous，but——"
　　Theaidecoughedapologetically。"Youmightread，sir，"hesuggested。
　　"What？Exactly！Quiteso！"criedtheadmiral。
　　Inthefadinglightheheldclosetohiseyesapieceofpaper。
　　"SanFrancisco，April20，"heread。"Rueff，firstsergeant，shothimselfhereto-day，leavingwrittenconfessiontheftofregimentalfundsforwhichSwanson，captain，latelycourt-martialled。MoneyfoundintactinRueff'smattress。InnocenceofSwansonneverquestioned，butdissatisfiedwithfindingsofcourt-martialhasleftarmy。Brotherofficersmakingeveryefforttofindhimandpersuadereturn。"
　　Theadmiralsighedhappily。"Andmywife，"headded，withanimpressivenessthatwasintendedtoshowhehadatlastarrivedattheimportantpartofhismessage，"saysyouaretostaytodinner。"
　　Abruptly，rudely，Swansonswunguponhisheelandturnedhisfacefromtheadmiral。Hisheadwasthrownback，hisarmsheldrigidathissides。Inslow，deepbreaths，likeonewhohadbeendraggedfromdrowning，hedrankinthesalt，chillair。Afteroneglancethefourmenalsoturned，andinthefallingdarknessstoodstaringatnothing，andnoonespoke。
　　Theaidewasthefirsttobreakthesilence。Inapolitetone，asthoughhewerecontinuingaconversationwhichhadnotbeeninterrupted，headdressedtheadmiral。"Ofcourse，Rueff'swrittenconfessionwasnotneeded，"hesaid。
　　"Hisshootinghimselfprovedthathewasguilty。"
　　Swansonstartedasthoughacrosshisnakedshoulderstheaidehaddrawnawhip。
　　Inpenitenceandgratitudeheraisedhiseyestothestars。Highabovehisheadthestrandsofthewireless，swingingfromthetoweringmastslikethestringsofagiantAeolianharp，weresweptbythewindfromtheocean。ToSwansonthesighingandwhisperingwiressanginpraiseandthanksgiving。
　　THEGODOFCOINCIDENCE
　　TheGodofCoincidenceisfortunateinpossessinginnumerablepressagents。Theyhavemadethelengthofhisarmaproverb。Howatexactlytherightmomentheextendsitacrosscontinentsanddragstwoandtwotogether，thuscausingfourtoresultwherebutforhimsixesandsevenswouldhaveobtained，theyhavemadeknowntothereadersofallofourbestmagazines。Forinstance，HolworthyisleavingfortheCongotofindacureforthesleepingsickness，andforhimselfanysicknessfromwhichoneiswarrantednevertowakeup。Thisishisconditionbecausethebeautifulmillion-heiresswhoiswinteringattheAlexanderYoungHotelinHonoluluhasrefusedtoanswerhisletters，cables，andappeals。
　　Heisleaningupontherailtakinghislastneck-breakinglookattheWoolworthBuilding。Thegoing-ashorebuglehassounded，pocket-handkerchiefsarewaving；andJoeHutton，thelastvisitortoleavetheship，isatthegangway。
　　"Good-by，Holworthy！"hecalls。"Wheredoyoukeepyourself？
　　Haven'tseenyouattheclubinayear！"
　　"Haven'tbeenthereinayear——normeanto！"istheungraciousreplyofourhero。
　　"Then，forHeaven'ssake，"exclaimsHutton，"sendsomeonetotakeyourmailoutoftheHbox！EverytimeIlookforlettersIwadethroughyours。"
　　"Tearthemup！"callsHolworthy。"They'rebills。"
　　Huttonnowishalf-waydownthegangplank。
　　"Thenyourcreditors，"heshoutsback，"mustallliveattheAlexanderYoungHotelinHonolulu！"
　　ThatnightanexpresstrainshriekingthroughthedarknesscarriedwithittowardSanFrancisco——
　　InthishowevidentisthefineItalianhandoftheGodofCoincidence！
　　HadHutton'snamebegunwithanM；hadtheHinHuttonbeensilent；hadhenotcarriedtotheMauretaniaasteamerbasketforhisrichaunt；hadhenotresentedthefactthatsinceHolworthy'selectiontotheVanSturtevantClubhehadceasedtovisittheGrillClub——acureforsleepingsicknessmighthavebeendiscovered；
　　buttwolovingheartsneverwouldhavebeenreunitedandthatstorywouldnothavebeenwritten。
　　Or，Mrs。Montclair，withasuit-case，isleavingherhomeforevertojoinhandsomeHarryBellairs，whoisatthecornerwitharacing-carandallthemoneyofthebankofwhichhehasbeencashier。Astheguiltywomanplacesthefarewellletteragainstthepin-cushionwhereherhusbandwillbesuretofindit，herinfantsonturnsinhissleepandjabshimselfwithapin。Hishowlofanguishresemblesthatofapuppyonamoonlightnight。
　　Themotherrecognizeshermaster'svoice。Shebelievesherchilddying，fliestothebedside，tearsuptheletter，unpacksthesuit-case。
　　Thenextmorningatbreakfastherhusband，readingthenewspaper，exclaimsaloud：
　　"HarryBellairs，"hecries，"hasskippedwiththebank'smoney！I
　　alwaystoldyouhewasnotamanyououghttoknow。"
　　"Hismannertome，"shesaysseverely，"alwayswasthatofaperfectgentleman。"
　　Againcoincidencegetsthecredit。Hadnotthechildtossed——hadnotatthecriticalmomentthesafetypinproveduntruetothemanwhoinventedit——thathappyfamilyreunionwouldhavebeenimpossible。
　　Or，itmightbetoldthisway：
　　OldManMcCurdy，thePig-IronKing，forbidshisdaughterGwendolyneventothinkofmarryingpoorbuthonestBeefWalters，thebaseballpitcher，anddenieshimhishouse。Theloversplananelopement。
　　AtmidnightBeefistostandatthetradesman'sentranceandwhistle"WaitingattheChurch"；anddownthesilentstairsGwendolynistostealintohisarms。AttheverysamehourthebutlerhasplannedwiththepolicemanonfixedposttostealMotherMcCurdy'sdiamondsandpassthemtoabrotherofthepoliceman，whoistowaitatthetradesman'sentranceandwhistle"WaitingfortheRobertE。Lee。"
　　Thissoundsimprobable——especiallythatthepolicemanwouldallowevenhisbrothertogetthediamondsbeforehedid；but，withtheGodofCoincidenceonthejob，youshallseethatitwillallcomeoutright。Beefisfirstatthedoor。Hewhistles。
　　Thebutler——anEnglishbutler——withnoearformusic，shovesintohishandstiarasandsunbursts。HonestBeefhandsoverthebutlertothepolicemanandthetiarastoMotherMcCurdy。
　　"HowcanIrewardyou？"exclaimsthegratefulwoman。
　　"Yourdaughter'shand！"
　　AgaintheGodofCoincidencescoresandBeefWaltersiscreditedwithanassist。AndforpreventingtherobberyMcCurdyhasthepeg-postcopmadeacaptain；thusenablinghimtoweardiamondsofhisownandraisinghimabovetheneedoftakingthemfromothers。
　　Theseexamplesofwhatthegodcandoaremerefiction；thestorythatcomesnowreallyhappened。Italsoisastoryofcoincidence。
　　Itshowshowthistimethelongarmwasstretchedouttomaketwoyoungpeoplehappy；itagainillustratesthat，intheinstrumentshechooses，theGodofCoincidenceworksinamysteriouswayhiswonderstoperform。Thistimethetoolheusedwasahatofgreenfelt。
　　Thestoryreallyshouldbecalled"TheManintheGreenHat。"
　　AtSt。James'sPalacetheplenipotentiariesoftheAlliesandofTurkeyweretryingtobringpeacetoEurope；inRussellSquare，Bloomsbury，SamLowellwastryingtoarrangeapeacewithMrs。Wroxton，hislandlady。TheultimatumoftheAllieswas："Adrianopleorfight！"
　　ThelastwordsofMrs。Wroxtonwere："Fivepoundsormoveout！"
　　Samdidnothavefivepounds。HewasastrangerinLondon；hehadlosthispositioninNewYorkandthatverymorninghadrefusedtomarrythegirlheloved——PollySeward，theyoungwomantheSundaypaperscalled"TheRichestGirlinAmerica。"
　　Foranyman——foroneday——thatwouldseemtobetroubleenough；buttotheSultanofTurkeythatdaybroughttroublesfarmoreserious。
　　And，ashislosseswereSam'sgain，wemustfollowthetroublesoftheSultan。Until，withtheaidofagreenfelthat，theGodofCoincidenceturnsthemisfortunesoftheSultanintoafortuneforSam，Sammustwait。
　　Fromthefirstdaysofthepeaceconferenceitwasevidenttherewasaleak。Thenegotiationshadbeenopenedunderamostsolemnoathofsecrecy。Astotheprogressoftheconference，onlysuchinformationormisinformation——ifthediplomatsconsidereditbetter-
　　aswasmutuallyagreeduponbytheplenipotentiarieswasgiventoawaitingworld。Buteachmorning，inadditiontotheofficialreportoftheproceedingsofthedayprevious，onenewspaper，theTimes，publishedanaccountwhichdifferedfromthatineveryotherpaper，andwhichundoubtedlycamefromtheinside。Indetailsitwasfarmoregenerousthantheofficialreport；itgavenames，speeches，arguments；itdescribedthewordybattlesofthediplomats，theconcessions，bluffs，bargains。
　　Afterthreedaysthematterbecamepublicscandal。Atfirst，theplenipotentiariesdeclaredtheeventsdescribedintheTimeswereinventedeacheveningintheofficeoftheTimes；buttheproceedingsofthedayfollowingshowedthepublicthiswasnotso。
　　Someoneactuallypresentattheconferencewastellingtalesoutofschool。ThesetaleswerecabledtoBelgrade，Sofia，Athens，Constantinople；andhourlyfromthosecapitalstheplenipotentiarieswereassailedbyadvice，abuse，andthreats。Thewholeworldbegantotakepartintheirnegotiations；fromeverysidetheywereattacked；
　　fromhomebytheYoungTurks，ortheOntoConstantinopleParty；
　　andfromabroadbypeacesocieties，religiousbodies，andchambersofcommerce。Eventhearmiesinthefield，insteadofwaitingfortheresultoftheirdeliberations，toldthemwhattodo，andthatunlesstheydidittheywouldbetterremaininexile。Tomakemattersworse，ineverystockexchangegamblingonthenewsfurnishedbytheTimesthreatenedthefinancialpeaceofEurope。Toworkundersuchconditionsofpublicitywasimpossible。ThedelegatesappealedtotheirhostsoftheBritishForeignOffice。
　　Unlessthechielamangthemtakin'noteswasdiscoveredandtheleakstopped，theydeclaredtheconferencemustend。SpurredonbyquestionsinParliament，byappealsfromthegreatbankingworld，bycriticismsnotaltogetherunselfishfromtheothernewspapers，theForeignOfficesurroundedSt。James'sPalaceandtheofficeoftheTimeswithanarmyofspies。Everysecretary，stenographer，andattendantattheconferencewasundersurveillance，hispastrecordlookedinto，hispresentcomingsandgoingsnoted。Eventheplenipotentiariesthemselveswerewatched；andemployeesoftheTimesweresecretlyurgedtosellthegovernmentthemanwhowassellingsecretstothem。Butthosewhowerewillingtobe"urged"
　　didnotknowtheman；thosewhodidknowhimrefusedtobebought。
　　ByaprocessofeliminationsuspicionfinallyrestedupononeAdolfHertz，ayoungHungarianscholarwhospokeandwroteallthemongrellanguagesoftheBalkans；whoforyears，asacopyingclerkandtranslator，hadbeenemployedbytheForeignOffice，andwhonowbyithadbeenlenttotheconference。ForthereasonthatwhenhelivedinBudapesthewasacorrespondentoftheTimes，thepolice，inseekingfortheleak，centredtheirattentionuponHertz。But，thougheverymomenthewaswatched，andthoughHertzknewhewaswatched，nopresentlinkbetweenhimandtheTimeshadbeenestablished-andthisinspiteofthefactthatthehoursduringwhichitwasnecessarytokeephimunderclosestobservationwerefew。Thosewerethehoursbetweentheclosingoftheconference，andmidnight，whentheprovincialeditionoftheTimeswenttopress。Fortheremainderoftheday，sofarasthepolicecared，Hertzcouldgotothedevil！Butforthosehours，exceptwhenonhisreturnfromtheconferencehelockedhimselfinhislodgingsinJermynStreet，detectiveswerealwaysathiselbow。
　　Itwassupposedthatitwasduringthisbriefperiodwhenhewaslockedinhisroomthathewrotehisreport；buthow，later，heconveyedittotheTimesnoonecoulddiscover。Inhisroomstherewasnotelephone；hisdoorsandwindowswereopenlywatched；
　　andafterleavinghisroomshismovementswere——astheyalwayshadbeen——methodical，followingaroutineopentoobservation。
　　Hisprogrammewasinvariablythesame。Eachnightatsevenfromhisfrontdoorhewalkedwest。AtRegentStreethestoppedtobuyaneveningpaperfromtheagednews-venderatthecorner；hethencrossedPiccadillyCircusintoCoventryStreet，skirtedLeicesterSquare，andattheendofGreenStreetenteredPavoni'sItalianrestaurant。Therehetookhisseatalwaysatthesametable，hunghishatalwaysonthesamebrasspeg，orderedthesameHungarianwine，andreadthesameeveningpaper。Hespoketonoone；noonespoketohim。
　　Whenhehadfinishedhiscoffeeandhiscigarettehereturnedtohislodgings，andthereheremaineduntilherangforbreakfast。
　　Fromthetimeatwhichhelefthishomeuntilhisreturntoithespoketoonlytwopersons——thenews-vendertowhomhehandedahalfpenny；thewaiterwhoservedhimtheregulartabled'hotedinner——betweenwhomandHertznothingpassedbutthreeandsixforthedinnerandsixpenceforthewaiterhimself。
　　Eachevening，themomenthemovedintothestreetaplain-clothesmanfellintostepbesidehim；anotherfollowedathisheels；andfromacrossthestreetmoreplain-clothesmenkepttheireyesoneveryoneapproachinghiminfrontorfromtherear。Whenheboughthiseveningpapersixpairsofeyeswatchedhimplaceahalfpennyinthehandofthenews-vender，andduringtheentiretimeofhisstayinPavoni'severymouthfulheatewasnoted——
　　everydirectionhegavethewaiterwasoverheard。
　　OfthissurveillanceHertzwaswellaware。Tohavebeenignorantofitwouldhavearguedhimblindandimbecile。Butheshowednoresentment。Witheyesgraveanduntroubled，hesteadilyregardedhisescort；butnotbythehasteningofafootsteportheaccelerationofagesturedidheadmitthatbyhisaudiencehewaseitherdistressedorembarrassed。ThatwasthesituationonthemorningwhentheTreatyofLondonwastobesignedandsealed。
　　InspiteofthepublicitygiventotheconferencebytheTimes，however，whatthetermsofthetreatymightbenooneknew。IfAdrianopleweresurrendered；ifSalonikaweregiventoGreece；ifServiaobtainedaright-of-waytotheAdriatic——peacewasassured；
　　but，shouldtheYoungTurksrefuse——shouldAustriaproveobstinate-
　　notonlywouldthewarcontinue，butthePowerswouldbeinvolved，andthatgreater，moreawfulwar——thewardreadedbyalltheChristianworld——mightturnEuropeintoaslaughter-house。
　　WouldTurkeyandAustriaconsentandpeaceensue？Wouldtheyrefuseandwarfollow？ThatmorningthosewerethequestionsonthelipsofeverymaninLondonsaveone。HewasSamLowell；andhewasaskinghimselfanotherandmorepersonalquestion："HowcanIfindfivepoundsandpacifyMrs。Wroxton？"
　　HehadfriendsinNewYorkwhowouldcablehimmoneytopayhispassagehome；buthedidnotwanttogohome。HepreferredtostarveinLondonthanbevulgarlyrichanywhereelse。ThatwasnotbecausehelovedLondon，butbecauseaboveeverythinginlifehelovedPollySeward——andPollySewardwasinLondon。Hehadbeguntoloveheronclassdayofhissenioryear；and，afterhisfatherdiedandlefthimwithnooneelsetocarefor，everydayhehadlovedhermore。
　　UntilamonthbeforehehadbeenintheofficeofWetmore&
　　Hastings，asmartbrokers'firminWallStreet。HehadobtainedthepositionnotbecausehewasofanyusetoWetmore&Hastings，butbecausethefirmwastheonethroughwhichhisfatherhadgambledthemoneythatwouldotherwisehavegonetoSam。IngivingSamajobthefirmthoughtitwasmakingrestitution。Samthoughtitwasmakingthepunishmentfitthecrime；forheknewnothingofthewaysofWallStreet，andhavingtolearnthemboredhimextremely。Hewantedtowritestoriesforthemagazines。HewantedtobindtheminabookanddedicatethemtoPolly。Andinthiswisheditorshumoredhim——butnotsomanyeditorsorwithsuchenthusiasmastowarranthisturninghisbackonWallStreet。
　　Thathedidlaterwhen，afteratouroftheworldthathadbegunfromtheSanFranciscoside，PollySewardandhermotherandSenatorSewardreachedNaples。ThereSenatorSewardboughtoldItalianfurnitureforhisofficeonthetwenty-fifthflooroftheperfectlynewSewardbuilding。Mrs。SewardtriedtobuyforPollyaprincenearlyasoldasthefurniture，andPollyboughtpicturepost-cardswhichshesenttoSam。
　　Pollyhadbeenabsentsixmonths，andSam'sendurancehadbeensotimedasjusttolastoutthehalf-year。Itwasnotguaranteedtowithstandanychangeofschedule，andthetwomonths'delayinItalybrokehisheart。Itcouldnotrunovertimeonastarvationdietofpost-cards；sowhenhereceivedacablereading，"AddressLondon，Claridge's，"hishearttoldhimitcouldnolongerwait-
　　andheresignedhispositionandsailed。
　　OnhertriproundtheworldPollyhadlearnedmanythings。Shewasobservant，alert，intentonaskingquestions，hungeringforfacts。Andacharmingyoungwomanwhoseeksfactsratherthanattentionwillneverlackeither。ButofallthefactsPollycollected，theoneofsurpassinginterest，andwhichgaveherthegreatesthappiness，wasthatshecouldnotlivewithoutSamLowell。Shehadsuspectedthis，anditwaspartlytomakesurethatshehadconsentedtothetriproundtheworld。Nowthatshehadmadesure，shecouldnottoosoonmakeupforthedayslost。Samhadspenthismoney，andheeithermustreturntoNewYorkandearnmoreorremainnearPollyandstarve。Itwasanembarrassingchoice。Pollyherselfmadethechoiceevenmoredifficult。
　　OnemorningwhentheywalkedinSt。James'sParktofeedtheducksshesaidtohim：
　　"Sam，whenarewetobemarried？"
　　Whenforthreeyearsamanhasbeenbeggingagirltomarryhim，andsheconsentsattheexactmomentwhen，withoutcapitulationtoallthatheholdshonorable，hecannotmarryanybody，hispositiondeservessympathy。
　　"Mydearone，"exclaimedtheunhappyyouth，"youmakemethemostmiserableofmen！Ican'tmarry！I'minanawfulplace！IfI
　　marriedyounowI'dbeacrook！Itisn'taquestionofloveinacottage，withbreadandcheese。IfcottageswererentingforadollarayearIcouldn'trentonefortenminutes。Ihaven'tcheeseenoughtobaitamouse-trap。It'sterrible！Butwehavegottowait。"
　　"Wait！"criedPolly。"Ithoughtyouhadbeenwaiting！HaveIbeenawaytoolong？Doyoulovesomeoneelse？"
　　"Don'tberidiculous！"saidSamcrossly。"Lookatme，"hecommanded，"andtellmewhomIlove！"
　　Pollydidnottaketimetolook。
　　"ButI，"sheprotested，"havesomuchmoney！"
　　"It'snotyourmoney，"explainedSam。"It'syourmother'smoneyoryourfather's，andbothofthemdislikeme。Theyevenhavetoldmeso。YourmotherwantsyoutomarrythatItalian；andyourfather，havinghalfthemoneyinAmerica，naturallywantstomarryyoutotheotherhalf。IfIwereselfishandmarriedyouI'dbeallthethingstheythinkIam。"
　　"Youareselfish！"criedPolly。"You'rethinkingofyourselfandofwhatpeoplewillsay，insteadofhowtomakemehappy。What'stheuseofmoneyifyoucan'tbuywhatyouwant？"
　　"Areyousuggestingyoucanbuyme？"demandedSam。
　　"Surely，"saidPolly——"ifIcan'tgetyouanyotherway。Andyoumaynameyourownprice，too。"
　　"WhenIammakingenoughtosupportmyselfwithoutspongingonyou，"explainedSam，"youcanhaveasmanymillionsasyoulike；
　　butImustfirstmakeenoughtokeepmealive。Amanwhocan'tdothatisn'tfittomarry。"
　　"Howmuch，"demandedPolly，"doyouneedtokeepyoualive？MaybeIcouldlendittoyou。"
　　Samwasentirelyserious。
　　"Threethousandayear，"hesaid。
　　Pollyexclaimedindignantly。
　　"Icallthatextremelyextravagant！"shecried。"Ifwewaituntilyouearnthreethousandayearwemaybedead。Doyouexpecttoearnthatwritingstories？"
　　"Icantry，"saidSam——"orIwillrobabank。"
　　Pollysmileduponhimappealingly。
　　"YouknowhowIloveyourstories，"shesaid，"andIwouldn'thurtyourfeelingsfortheworld；but，Samdear，Ithinkyouhadbetterrobabank！"
　　Addressinganimaginaryaudience，supposedlyofmen，Samexclaimed：
　　"Isn'tthatjustlikeawoman？Shewouldn'tcare，"heprotested，"howIgotthemoney！"
　　Pollysmiledcheerfully。
　　"NotifIgotyou！"shesaid。Inextenuation，also，sheaddressedanimaginaryaudience，presumablyofwomen。"That'showIlovehim！"sheexclaimed。"Andheasksmetowait！Isn'tthatjustlikeaman？Seriously，"shewenton，"ifwejustgoaheadandgetmarriedfatherwouldhavetohelpus。He'dmakeyouavice-presidentorsomething。"
　　AtthissuggestionSamexpressedhisextremedispleasure。
　　"ThelasttimeItalkedtoyourfather，"hesaid，"Iwasinapositiontomarry，andItoldhimIwantedtomarryyou。Whathesaidtothatwas：'Don'tbeanass！'ThenItoldhimhewasunintelligent——
　　andItoldhimwhy。First，becausehecouldnotseethatamanmightwanttomarryhisdaughterinspiteofhermoney；andsecond，becausehecouldn'tseethathermoneywouldn'tmakeuptoamanforhavinghimforafather-in-law。"
　　"Didyouhavetotellhimthat？"askedPolly。
　　"Someonehadtotellhim，"saidSamgloomily。"Anyway，asasourceofrevenuefatheriseliminated。IhavestillonechanceinLondon。IfthatfailsImustgohome。I'vebeenpromisedajobinNewYorkreportingforaWallStreetpaper——andI'llwritestoriesontheside。I'vecabledformoney，andiftheLondonjobfallsthroughIshallsailWednesday。"
　　"Wednesday！"criedPolly。"Whenyousaythingslike'Wednesday'
　　youmaketheworldsodark！Youmuststayhere！Ithasbeensuchalongsixmonths；andbeforeyouearnthreethousanddollarsI
　　shallbeanold，oldmaid。Butifyougetworkherewecouldseeeachothereveryday。"
　　TheywereintheSewards'sitting-roomatClaridge's。Samtookupthedesktelephone。
　　"InLondon，"hesaid，"myonebestandonlybetisamannamedForsythe，whohelpseditthePallMall。I'lltelephonehimnow。
　　IfhecanpromisemeevenashillingadayI'llstayonandstarve——
　　butI'llbenearyou。IfForsythefailsmeIshallsailWednesday。"
　　ThetelephonecallfoundForsytheatthePallMalloffice。HewouldbecharmedtoadviseMr。Lowellonamatterofbusiness。WouldhethatnightdinewithMr。Lowell？Hewould。AndmighthesuggestthattheydineatPavoni's？Hehadaspecialreasonforgoingthere，andthedinnerwouldcostonlythreeandsix。
　　"That'sreasonenough！"Samtoldhim。
　　"Anddon'tforget，"saidPollywhen，forthefifthtime，Samrosetogo，"thatafteryourdinneryouaretolookformeattheDuchessofDeptford'sdance。Iaskedherforacardandyouwillfinditatyourlodgings。Everybodywillbethere；butitisabigplace-fullofdarkcornerswherewecanhide。"
　　"Don'thideuntilIarrive，"saidSam。"Ishallbeverylate，asIshallhavetowalk。AfterIpayforForsythe'sdinnerandforwhiteglovesforyourdanceIshallnotbeinapositiontohireataxi。ButmaybeIshallbringgoodnews。MaybeForsythewillgivemethejob。Ifhedoeswewillcelebrateinchampagne。
　　"
　　"Youwillletmeatleastpayforthechampagne？"beggedPolly。
　　"No，"saidSamfirmly——"theduchesswillfurnishthat。"
　　WhenSamreachedhislodgingsinRussellSquare，whichheapproachedwithconsiderabletrepidation，hefoundMrs。Wroxtonawaitinghim。Butherattitudenolongerwashostile。Onthecontrary，asshehandedhimalarge，squareenvelope，decoratedwiththestrawberryleavesofaduke，hermannerwashumble。
　　Samopenedtheenvelopeand，withapparentcarelessness，stuckitoverthefireplace。
　　"Aboutthatbackrent，"hesaid；"Ihavecabledformoney，andassoon——"
　　"Iknow，"saidMrs。Wroxton。"Ireadthecable。"Shewasreadingthecardofinvitationalso。"There'snohurry，sir，"protestedMrs。
　　Wroxton。"AnyofmyyounggentlemenwhoismadewelcomeatDeptfordHouseismadewelcomehere！"
　　"Credit，Mrs。Wroxton，"observedSam，"isbetterthancash。Ifyouhaveonlycashyouspenditandnothingremains。Butwithcredityoucancontinueindefinitelyto-to-"
　　"Soyoucan！"exclaimedMrs。Wroxtonenthusiastically。"Stayaslongasyoulike，Mr。Lowell。"
　　AtPavoni'sSamfoundForsythealreadyseatedand，withevidentinterest，observingthesceneofgayetybeforehim。TheplacewasnewtoSam，andafterthedarknessandsnowofthestreetsitappearedbothcheerfulandresplendent。Itwasbrilliantlylighted；
　　aceilingofgaypanelspickedoutwithgold，andredplushsofas，backedagainstwallshungwithmirrorsandfacedbyrowsofmarble-toppedtables，gaveitanairoftheContinent。
　　Samsurrenderedhishatandcoattothewaiter。ThehatwasasoftAlpineoneofgreenfelt。ThewaiterhungitwhereSamcouldseeit，ononeofmanyhooksthatencircledagildedpillar。
　　AftertwocourseshadbeenservedForsythesaid：
　　"Ihopeyoudon'tobjecttothisplace。Ihadaspecialreasonforwishingtobehereonthisparticularnight。Iwantedtobeinatthedeath！"
　　"Whosedeath？"askedSam。"Isthedinnerasbadasthat？"
　　Forsytheleanedbackagainstthemirrorbehindthemand，bringinghisshoulderclosetoSam's，spokeinawhisper。
　　"Asyouknow，"hesaid，"to-daythedelegatessigntheTreatyofLondon。ItstillmustreceivethesignaturesoftheSultanandthethreekings；andtheywillsignit。Butuntiltheydo，whatthetermsofthetreatyarenoonecanfindout。"
　　"I'llbettheTimesfindsout！"saidSam。
　　"That'sit！"returnedForsythe。"Hertz，themanwhoissupposedtobesellingthesecretsoftheconferencetotheTimes，dineshere。
　　To-nightishislastchance。Ifto-nighthecansliptheTimesacopyoftheTreatyofLondonwithoutbeingcaught，andtheTimeshasthecouragetopublishit，itwillbethebiggestnewspapersensationofmoderntimes；anditwilleithercauseafinancialpanicalloverEurope——orpreventone。Themantheysuspectisfacingus。Don'tlooknow，butinaminuteyouwillseehimsittingaloneatatableontherightofthemiddlepillar。
　　Thepeopleatthetablesnearesthim——eventhewomen——aredetectives。HiswaiterisintheemployofScotlandYard。Themaitred'hotel，whomyouwillseealwayshoveringroundhistable，isapoliceagentlentbyBulgaria。FortheAlliesareevenmoreanxioustostoptheleakthanweare。Weareinterestedonlyastheirhosts；withthemitisamatterofnationallifeordeath。Aweekagooneofourowninspectorstippedmeofftowhatisgoingon，andeverynightsincethenI'vedinedhere，hopingtoseesomethingsuspicious。"
　　"Haveyou？"askedSam。
　　"Onlythis，"whisperedForsythe——"onfourdifferentnightsI'verecognizedmenIknowareonthestaffoftheTimes，andontheothernightsmenIdon'tknowmayhavebeenhere。Butafterallthatprovesnothing，forthisplaceisaresortofnewspaperwritersandeditors——andtheTimesmen'sbeingheremayhavebeenonlyacoincidence。"
　　"AndHertz？"askedSam——"whatdoeshedo？"
　　TheEnglishmanexclaimedwithirritation。
　　"Justwhatyouseehimdoingnow！"heprotested。"Heeatshisdinner！Lookathim！"hecommanded。"Ofallintheroomhe'stheleastconcerned。"
　　SamlookedandsawthesuspectedAdolfHertzdanglingamassofmacaroniontheendofhisfork。Samwatchedhimuntilitdisappeared。
　　"Maybethat'sasignal！"suggestedSam。"Maybeeverythinghedoesispartofaciphercode！HegivesthesignalsandtheTimesmenreadthemandwritethemdown。"
　　"Amanwouldhaveafinechancetowriteanythingdowninthisroom！"saidForsythe。
　　"Butmaybe，"persistedSam，"whenhemakesthosestrangemovementswithhislipsheistalkingtoaconfederatewhocanreadtheliplanguage。Theconfederatewritesitdownattheofficeand——"
　　"Fantasticandextremelyimprobable！"commentedForsythe。"But，nevertheless，thefactremains，thefellowdoescommunicatewithsomeonefromtheTimes；andthepolicearepositivehedoesithereandthatheisdoingitnow！"
　　TheproblemthatsogreatlydisturbedhisfriendwouldhavemoredeeplyinterestedSamhadthesolvingofhisowntroublebeenlessimperative。Thatalonefilledhismind。Andwhenthecoffeewasservedandthecigarslit，withoutbeatingaboutthebushSamaskedForsythebluntlyifonhispaperarisingandimpecuniousgeniuscouldfindaplace。WithevenlessbeatingaboutthebushForsytheassuredhimhecouldnot。Theanswerwasfinal，andthedisappointmentwassokeenthatSamsoonbeggedhisfriendtoexcusehim，paidhisbill，androsetodepart。
　　"Betterwait！"urgedForsythe。"You'llfindnothingsogoodoutatamusic-hall。ThisisHoudinigettingoutofhishandcuffsbeforeanaudienceentirelycomposedofpolicemen。"
　　Samshookhisheadgloomily。
　　"Ihaveafewhandcuffsofmyowntogetridof，"hesaid，"anditmakesmepoorcompany。"
　　Hebadehisfriendgoodnightand，pickinghiswayamongthetables，movedtowardthepillaronwhichthewaiterhadhunghishat。ThepillarwastheonebesidewhichHertzwassitting，andasSamapproachedthemanhesatisfiedhiscuriositybyalonglook。UndertheglanceHertzloweredhiseyesandfixedthemuponhisnewspaper。Samretrievedhishatandlefttherestaurant。
　　Hismindimmediatelywasovercast。HerememberedhisdisappointmentandthatthepartingbetweenhimselfandPollywasnowinevitable。
　　WithoutconsideringhisdirectionheturnedtowardCharingCrossRoad。Buthewasnotlongallowedtomeditateundisturbed。
　　HehadonlycrossedthelittlestreetthatrunsbesidetherestaurantandpassedintotheshadowoftheNationalGallerywhen，atthebaseoftheIrvingMemorial，fromeachsidehewasfiercelyattacked。
　　Ayoungmanofeminentlyrespectableappearancekickedhislegsfromunderhim，andanotherofequallyimpeccableexteriormadeanhonestefforttoknockoffhishead。
　　Samplungedheavilytothesidewalk。Ashesprawledforwardhishatfellunderhimandinhisstruggletorisewashiddenbytheskirtsofhisgreatcoat。That，also，hehadfallenheavilyuponhishatwithbothkneesSamdidnotknow。Thestrangeactionsofhisassailantsenlightenedhim。Tohissurprise，insteadofcontinuingtheirassaultorattemptingaraiduponhispockets，hefoundthemengagedsolelyintuggingatthehat。Andsopreoccupiedweretheyinthisthat，thoughstillonhisknees，Samwasabletolandsomelustyblowsbeforearushoffeetcausedtheyoungmentoleaptotheirownand，pursuedbyseveralburlyforms，disappearintheheartofthetraffic。
　　Samroseandstoodunsteadily。HefoundhimselfsurroundedbyallofthosewhobutamomentbeforehehadleftcontentedlydiningatPavoni's。Inanexcitedcirclewaitersandpatronsoftherestaurant，bothmenandwomen，stoodinthefallingsnow，bareheaded，coatless，andcloakless，staringathim。ForsythepushedthemasideandtookSambythearm。
　　"Whathappened？"demandedSam。
　　"Yououghttoknow，"protestedForsythe。"Youstartedit！Themomentyoulefttherestauranttwomengrabbedtheirhatsandjumpedafteryou；adozenothermen，withoutwaitingforhats，jumpedafterthem。Therestofusgotoutjustasthetwomenandthedetectivesdivedintothetraffic。"
　　Abigman，withanairofauthority，drewSamtooneside。
　　"Didtheytakeanythingfromyou，sir？"heasked。
　　"I'venothingtheycouldtake，"saidSam。"Andtheydidn'ttrytofindout。Theyjustknockedmedown。"
　　Forsytheturnedtothebigman。
　　"Thisgentlemanisafriendofmine，inspector，"hesaid。"HeisastrangerintownandwasatPavoni'sonlybyaccident。"
　　"Wemightneedhistestimony，"suggestedtheofficial。
　　Samgavehiscardtotheinspectorandthensoughtrefugeinataxicab。Forthesecondtimehebadehisfriendgoodnight。
　　"Andwhennextwedine，"hecalledtohiminparting，"choosearestaurantwherethedetectiveserviceisquicker！"
　　Threehourslater，brushedandrepairedbyMrs。Wroxton，andagainresplendent，SamsatinasecludedcornerofDeptfordHouseandbadePollyalongfarewell。Itwasespeciallylong，owingtotheunusualnumberofinterruptions；foritwasevidentthatPollyhadmanyfriendsinLondon，andthatnottoknowtheRichestOneinAmericaandherabsurdmother，andthepompous，self-satisfiedfather，arguedoneselfnobody。ButfinallytheduchesscarriedPollyofftosupwithher；andastheduchessdidnotincludeSaminherinvitation——atleastnotinsuchawaythatanyonecouldnoticeit——
　　Samsaidgood-night——butnotbeforehehadarrangedameetingwithPollyforeleventhatsamemorning。Ifitwasclear，themeetingwastobeattheduckpondinSt。James'sPark；ifitsnowed，attheNationalGalleryinfrontofthe"AgeofInnocence。"
　　Afterrobbingtheduchessofthreesuppers，Samdescendedtothehallandfromanattendantreceivedhiscoatandhat，whichlattertheattendantofferedhimwiththeinsideofthehatshowing。Samsawinitthetrademarkofaforeignmaker。
　　"That'snotmyhat，"saidSam。
　　Themanexpressedpolitedisbelief。
　　"Ifounditrolledupinthepocketofyourgreatcoat，sir，"heprotested。
　　ThewordsremindedSamthatonarrivingatDeptfordHousehehadtwistedthehatintoarollandstuffeditintohisovercoatpocket。
　　"Quiteright，"saidSam。Butitwasnothishat；andwithsomehopeofstillrecoveringhispropertyhemadewayforotherdepartingguestsandatonesidewaited。
　　Forsomeclewtothepersonhebelievedwasnowwearinghishat，Samexaminedtheoneinhishand。Justshowingabovetheinsidebandwassomethingwhite。Thinkingitmightbethecardoftheowner，Samremovedit。Itwasnotacard，butalongsheetofthinpaper，coveredwithtypewriting，andmanytimesfolded。Samreadtheopeningparagraph。Thenhebackedsuddenlytowardagreatchairofgoldandvelvet，andfellintoit。
　　Hewasconscioustheattendantsinpinkstockingswereregardinghimaskance；that，astheywaitedinthedraftyhallforcarsandtaxis，thenoblelordsinstarsandribbons，thenobleladiesintiarasandshowingmuch-fur-linedgaloshes，werediscussinghisstrangeappearance。Theymightwellbelievetheyouthwasill；theymighteasilyhaveconsideredhimintoxicated。Outsiderosethevoicesofservantsandpolicecallingthecarriages。Insideotherservantsechoedthem。
　　"TheDuchessofSutherland'scar！"theychanted。"Mrs。TrevorHill'scarriage！TheFrenchambassador'scarriage！BaronHaussmann'scar！"
　　Likeoneemergingfromatrance，Samsprangupright。Alittlefatman，withmildblueeyesandcurlyredhair，wasshylyandwithmurmuredapologiespushingtowardtheexit。BeforehegaineditSamhadwriggledawaytohiselbow。
　　"BaronHaussmann！"hestammered。"Imustspeaktoyou。It'samatterofgravestimportance。Sendawayyourcar，"hebegged，"andgivemefiveminutes。"
　　Theeyesofthelittlefatmanopenedwideinsurprise，almostinalarm。HestaredatSamreprovingly。
　　"Impossible！"hemurmured。"I——Idonotknowyou。"
　　"Thisisaletterofintroduction，"saidSam。Intotheunwillingfingersofthebankerhethrustthefoldedpaper。Bendingoverhim，hewhisperedinhisear。"That，"saidSam，"istheTreatyofLondon！"
　　ThealarmofBaronHaussmannincreasedtoapanic。
　　"Impossible！"hegasped。And，withreproach，herepeated："Idonotknowyou，sir！Idonotknowyou！"
　　Atthatmoment，toweringabovethecrush，appearedthetallfigureofSenatorSeward。TherichmanoftheNewWorldandtherichmanofEuropekneweachotheronlybysight。But，uponseeingSaminearnestconversewiththegreatbanker，thesenatorbelievedthatwithoutappearingtoseekithemightthroughSameffectameeting。Withaheartyslapontheshoulderhegreetedhisfellowcountryman。
　　"Halloo，Sam！"hecriedgenially。"Youwalkinghomewithme？"
　　Samdidnoteventurnhishead。
　　"No！"hesnapped。"I'mbusy。Go'way！"
　　Crimson，thesenatordisappeared。BaronHaussmannregardedtheyoungstrangerwithamazedinterest。
　　"Youknowhim！"heprotested。"HecalledyouSam！"
　　"Knowhim？"criedSamimpatiently。"I'vegottoknowhim！He'sgoingtobemyfather-in-law。"
　　Thefingersoftherichmanclutchedthefoldedpaperastheclawsofaparrotclingtothebarsofhiscage。Helethissablecoatslipintothehandsofaservant；heturnedbacktowardthemarblestaircase。
　　"Come！"hecommanded。
　　SamledhimtothesecludedcornerPollyandhehadleftvacantandtoldhisstory。
　　"So，itisevident，"concludedSam，"thateachnightsomeoneintheserviceoftheTimesdinedatPavoni's，andthathishatwasthesamesortofhatastheonewornbyHertz；andeachnight，insidetheliningofhishat，Hertzhidthereportofthatday'sproceedings。AndwhentheTimesmanlefttherestaurantheexchangedhatswithHertz。Butto-night——IgotHertz'shatandwithitthetreaty！"
　　Inperplexitytheblueeyesofthelittlegreatmanfrowned。
　　"Itisaremarkablestory，"hesaid。
　　"Youmeanyoudon'tbelieveme！"retortedSam。"IfIhadfinancialstanding——ifIhadcredit——ifIwerenotastranger-
　　youwouldnothesitate。"
　　BaronHaussmannneitheragreednorcontradicted。Hemadeapoliteanddeprecatorygesture。Stillindoubt，hestaredatthepieceofwhitepaper。Stilldeepinthought，hetwistedandcreasedbetweenhisfingerstheTreatyofLondon！
　　Returningwiththeduchessfromsupper，PollycaughtsightofSamand，withahappylaugh，rantowardhim。Seeinghewasnotalone，shehaltedandwavedherhand。
　　"Don'tforget！"shecalled。"Ateleven！"
　　Shemadeasweetandlovelypicture。Samroseandbowed。
　　"I'llbethereatten，"heanswered。
　　WithhismildblueeyesthebaronfollowedPollyuntilshehaddisappeared。ThenheturnedandsmiledatSam。
　　"Permitme，"hesaid，"toofferyoumyfelicitations。Youryoungladyisverybeautifulandverygood。"Sambowedhishead。"Ifshetrustsyou，"murmuredthebaron，"IthinkIcantrustyoutoo。"
　　"Howwonderfuliscredit！"exclaimedSam。"Iwasjustsayingsotomylandlady。Ifyouhaveonlycashyouspenditandnothingremains。Butwithcredityoucan——"
　　"Howmuch，"interruptedthebanker，"doyouwantforthis？"
　　Samreturnedbrisklytothebusinessofthemoment。