always of that word, 'business!'"

"I fear I am," Jack nodded.

"Bah! Then you will never be a success with the ladies," taunted
Mlle. Nadiboff, though her eyes were laughing, challenging.

"Of course, I'm only a green country boy," Jack replied, with admirable
coolness, and without any tone of offence. "So my highest ambition is
to be a success in the submarine business."

The young woman had tact enough to perceive that she had not quite
scored by her contempt for business. She was about to change subject
adroitly, when Mr. Farnum called, laughingly:

"Are you coming with us, captain? Or, have you found pleasanter company
for a drive?"

Jack's hand started toward his uniform cap. He was about to excuse
himself, when the young woman answered for him:

"He was just assuring me, Mr. Farnum, that he would gladly go with me,
but that you had the right of prior engagement."

"Oh, I'll release, him," volunteered Mr. Farnum, his eyes twinkling.

"Now, my Captain, you can no longer find excuse, unless you truly prefer
other company to mine."

Though Jack was interested in the vivacious manner of Mlle. Nadiboff, he