Page 101 (1/1)

"You two have been working your own plans while I have been working mine When you had finished your little secret conference, I went to St Patrick's and said Mass When I returned to the hotel, Mark didn't seeoing to Brookland, I called at the State Departh up, so I had no trouble I told hio he sent for ain and--" the priest smiled at his hearers' evident anxiety to hear the details--"and everything will be all right now We are to see the Minister as soon as he returns from the banquet He will probably be back by one o'clock, and he will listen--and listen well--to what I have to say The guard will be off before we leave, and Ruth will be at the hotel before noon"

"But, Father," said Mark, "how can you do it? The State Depart officially--cannot interfere at all It is too delicate To- Ruth will be on her way to the seacoast, as sure as fate She will be kept hidden there until that warship comes"

"The warship will not come," answered Father Murray "His Majesty's warships will be engaged very busily for some time to come My information--information which so far has not leaked out to the public--is that the Big Kingdo that flag on this side of the water for a long time"

"War!" said Saunders "But how does that help us?"

Before Father Murray could reply, an automobile passed swiftly

"That is the Minister," remarked Saunders

The priest looked up "Wehastily, the trio approached the Minister, who had stopped at the curb to give some order to his chauffeur The ladies of the party had already entered the house, accompanied by the secretary

It was Father Murray who spoke

"Pardon us, Your Excellency, for intruding on you at this hour, but it is necessary that we should speak to you at once With your pero inside"

The Minister looked disturbed

"Surely you know the hopelessness of it? I h violence My guard would not hesitate to take forcible measures"

"There is no need to worry about that, Your Excellency," replied the priest "No need at all We shall not resort to violence It will not be necessary But the matter is important, and we must speak to you at once"