“I would rather starve with you in New York,” said Claire, “than die here without you.”
At these words Billy desired greatly to kiss Claire, but the guards were scowling at him. It was not until Claire had gone to her room to pack her bag and the chance to kiss her had passed that Billy recognized that the scowls were intended to convey the fact that the beer bottles were empty. He remedied this and remained alone at his table considering the out look. The horizon was, indeed, gloomy, and the only light upon it, the loyalty and love of the girl, only added to his bitterness. Above all things he desired to make her content, to protect her from disquiet, to convince her that in the sacrifice she was making she also was plotting her own happiness. Had he been able to collect his ten thousand francs his world would have danced in sunshine. As it was, the heavens were gray and for the future the skies promised only rainy days. In these de pressing reflections Billy was interrupted by the approach of the young man in the Panama hat. Billy would have avoided him, but the young man and his two friends would not be denied. For the service Billy had rendered them they wished to express their gratitude. It found expression in the form of Planter’s punch. As they consumed this Billy explained to the strangers why the customs men had detained them.
“You told them you were leaving to-night for Santo Domingo,” said Billy; “but they knew that was impossible, for there is no steamer down the coast for two weeks.”
The one whose features seemed familiar replied:
“Still, we are leaving to-night,” he said; “not on a steamer, but on a war-ship.”
“A war-ship?” cried Billy. His heart beat at high speed. “Then,” he exclaimed, “you are a naval officer?”
The young man shook his head and, as though challenging Billy to make another guess, smiled.
“Then,” Billy complied eagerly, “you are a diplomat! Are you our new minister?”
One of the other young men exclaimed reproachfully:
“You know him perfectly well!” he protested. “You’ve seen his picture thousands of times.”