There was no happier crowd at the Island that day than their little party. They “shot the chutes”—got lost in the maze, and did all the things they thought they never would do—but that’s the spirit of the Island. In like spirit they joined the multitude in eating the famous “hot dog and sauerkraut,” or as Mr. O’Brien called it, “liberty cabbage.” He regretted this remark, because his better half broke in with “I suppose in the broadmindedness you have acquired since the war you call these frankfurters ‘liberty dogs.’ Don’t you have enough liberties forced down your throat without applying them to your food? Put some mustard on your liberties and the dogs will taste better.”
The following day the O’Briens accompanied Sana to the steamship pier to say “goodbye.”
Parting they exacted a promise that she would soon return to America and visit them. Readily Sana agreed, little dreaming of how the riddle of her life was to be solved by the Fates that guide us from the cradle to the grave.
CHAPTER IV
IN SPORTING EUROPE
IT was evening when Sana arrived in Paris. The weary railroad trip from the seaboard had made her rather tired, so instead of looking around for less expensive accommodations she went at once to the Hotel Mercedes, facing the Place de l’Etoile.
In her room, she spent the next hour or so removing the stains of travel and then, fresh as a rose, set forth to satisfy the cravings of hunger that were making themselves quite apparent. She gave the hotel dining-room but a passing glance. No, that would not do. Paris already had her in its grip! She must seek gayety and refreshment. Ah! The very place. The Café de Paris. Here she would surely meet someone of past acquaintance. For the Café was noted for the pleasure it afforded and also for the excellence of the food. Some friend of hers would surely be there.
Her assumptions proved correct. Hardly had she seated herself when a gentleman at an adjoining table spoke rather loudly, “Well, if it isn’t Mademoiselle Sana!”
Sana turned her head and recognized the speaker as a Mr. Johns, an Englishman and a friend of the head of the Companie le Developpement du Sahara. His companion was an elderly lady of distinct refinement and apparent wealth. In response to his polite bow Sana smiled back “Bon soir!”
Mr. Johns rose and came over to her table with an invitation to join his companion and himself at dinner. To this Sana gladly consented.
Mr. Johns introduced his companion as the Princess Cassandra, adding in way of explanation, “Left Russia in time to escape the Soviets.”