caused him intense surprise, though he did not show it; for, like any
man of strong purpose, his face had but one expression, and that of
thoughtful attention. He saw Captain Cable, of the _Minnie_, crossing
the street, having just quitted the hotel. This was the business
acquaintance of Prince Bukaty's, who had come to speak of jettison.

Cartoner knew Captain Cable well, and his specialty in maritime skill.
He had seen war waged before now with material which had passed in and
out of the _Minnie's_ hatches.

The prince did not refer again to the affairs that had called him away.
The talk naturally turned to the house where they had first met, and
Wanda mentioned that her father and she were going to the reception
given by the Orlays that evening.

"You're going, of course?" said the prince.

"Yes, I am going."

"You go to many such entertainments?"

"No, I go to very few," replied Cartoner, looking at Wanda in his
speculative way.

Then he suddenly rose and took his leave, with a characteristic omission
of the usual "Well, I must be off," or any such catch-word. He certainly
left a great deal unsaid which this babbling world expects.

He walked along the crowded streets, absorbed in his own thoughts, for
some distance. Then he suddenly emerged from that quiet shelter, and