have been one. I should be less familiar with the work than a
Chinaman. I am a special writer for the magazines, and have been at
odd times a war correspondent." And then he went on to describe the
little comedy of the statuettes, and it was not without some charm in
the telling.

Plainly the admiral was nonplussed. That girl; that minx, with her
innocent eyes and placid face! He got up, and Fitzgerald awaited the
explosion. His expectancy missed fire. The admiral exploded, but with
laughter.

"I beg pardon, Mr. Fitzgerald, and I beg it again on my daughter's
behalf. What would you do in my place?"

"Show me the door at once and have done with it."

"I'm hanged if I do! You shall have a toddy for your pains, and, by
cracky, Laura shall mix it." He pushed the butler's bell. "Tell Miss
Laura that I wish to see her at once."

"Very well, sir."

She appeared shortly. If Fitzgerald admired her beauty he yet more
admired her perfect poise and unconcern. Many another woman would have
evinced some embarrassment. Not she.

"Laura, what's the meaning of this hoax?" the admiral demanded sternly.
"Mr. Fitzgerald tells me that he had no idea you were hiring him as my
secretary."