“But the country will not be at war long. We expect the Germans to have conquered in a short time, and then they will want many albums for the snapshots they have taken during the campaign. I have been sent as an especial favor by my company, who wish to honor me. I hate to think of all my beautiful books being sunk in the Hirondelle.” Jim looked so sad and depressed that the young officer offered him a mug of beer and urged him to try the Bologna sausage that was among the viands waiting for them.
Kent’s reason for going to Paris was received with open doubt. It was very amusing in a way that they should be completely taken in by Jim’s ingenuous tale of albums while Kent, telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, should be doubted.
“Going to Paris to bring home a young lady? Is she your sister?”
“No, she is a friend of my sister,” answered Kent, feeling very much as though he were saying a lesson.
“Do you know Paris?”
“Yes, I studied architecture at the Beaux Arts last winter.”
“Ah, then your sympathies are with France!”
“I am an American and my nation is remaining neutral on the war.”
“Yes, your nation but not the individuals! What were your intentions after finding the young lady?”
“To take her back to United States as fast as we could go.”