Billy suddenly awoke. His tone was one of excited interest.
“You got a uniform?” he demanded.
“Three,” said St. Clair impressively, “made to order according to regulations on file in the Quartermaster’s Department. Each absolutely correct.” Without too great a show of eagerness he inquired: “Like to see them?”
Without too great a show of eagerness Billy assured him that he would.
“I got to telephone first,” he added, “but by the time you get your trunk open I’ll join you in your room.”
In the cafe, over the telephone, Billy addressed himself to the field-marshal in charge of the cable office. When Billy gave his name, the voice of that dignitary became violently agitated.
“Monsieur Barlow,” he demanded, “do you know that the war-ship for which you cabled your Secretary of State makes herself to arrive?”
At the other end of the ‘phone, although restrained by the confines of the booth, Billy danced joyously. But his voice was stern.
“Naturally,” he replied. “Where is she now?”
An hour before, so the field-marshal informed him, the battle-ship LOUISIANA had been sighted and by telegraph reported. She was approaching under forced draft. At any moment she might anchor in the outer harbor. Of this President Ham had been informed. He was grieved, indignant; he was also at a loss to understand.