Having secured their tickets and checked their baggage, they rejoined Britomarte and took her to the train, and found comfortable seats in the ladies’ car, to which Britomarte’s companionship admitted them both.
They were scarcely seated, when the newsboys came into the car, crying the morning papers.
“Times, Herald, World, Tribune, et cetera. Full particulars of the Battle of Gettysburg!—Capture of the Pirate Sea Scourge!—Wonderful rescue of three shipwrecked passengers from a Desert Island!—Tribune, World, Herald, Times!”
“Now, who on earth could have put our adventure in!” exclaimed Justin, half amused and half annoyed at the circumstance.
Lieutenant Ethel blushed and then laughed, saying:
“I am afraid I am responsible for that! though I never supposed it would get into the papers. You see, yesterday I told the whole story of the cruise of the Xyphias to some friends and strangers that I met at dinner at the Astor House. I dare say there were some gentlemen of the press present, though I did not think so at the time.”
“That accounts for all, then,” said Justin.
And the party bought half a dozen papers. And the train started.
They had a swift and pleasant run to Washington, where they arrived safely at seven o’clock in the evening.
On reaching the station, Lieutenant Ethel left the car first, to go and secure a carriage for his friends.