"That's a matter of opinion, sir; but I know my own business, and I'm going to get out of here."
"Wait a week longer," suggested Mary Louise. "We are to sail ourselves on the boat that leaves Naples a week from Tuesday, and it will be nice for Alora and me to travel home together."
"No; I won't wait. Get your things, Alora, and come with me at once."
"Have you made reservations on the boat?" inquired Colonel Hathaway, refusing to be annoyed by the man's brusque words and rough demeanor.
"I'll do that at once, by telephone. That's one reason I came over. I'll telephone the steamship office while the girl is getting ready."
"I will go with you," said the Colonel, as the artist turned away.
While Jones used the telephone booth of the hotel Colonel Hathaway conversed with the proprietor, and afterward with the hall porter, who was better posted and spoke better English.
"This is outrageous!" roared the artist, furiously bursting from the booth. "To-morrow's boat is abandoned! The government requires it as a transport. Why? Why? Why?" and he wrung his hands despairingly.
"I do not know, sir," returned the Colonel, smiling at his futile passion.
The smile seemed to strike Jones like a blow. He stopped abruptly and stared at the other man for a full minute—intently, suspiciously. Then he relaxed.