stest boat," said Monty, and hurried off
to learn the sailings and book his party. The first boat was to sail on
the 30th and he could only secure accommodations for twelve of his
guests. The rest were obliged to follow a week later. This was readily
agreed to and Bragdon was left to see to the necessary repairs on the
"Flitter" and arrange for her homeward voyage. Monty gave Bragdon
fifteen thousand dollars for the purpose and extracted a solemn promise
that the entire amount would be used.

"But it won't cost half of this," protested Bragdon.

"You will have to give these people a good time during the week
and--well--you have promised that I shall never see another penny of
it. Some day you'll know why I do this," and Monty felt easier when his
friend agreed to abide by his wishes.

He discharged the "Flitter's" crew, with five months' pay and the
reward promised on the night of Peggy's rescue, which was productive of
touching emotions. Captain Perry and his officers never forgot the
farewell of the prodigal, nor could they hide the regret that marked
their weather-beaten faces.

Plans to dispose of his household goods and the balance of his cash in
the short time that would be left after he arrived in New York occupied
Monty's attention, and most men would have given up the scheme as
hopeless. But he did not despair. He was still game, and he prepared
for the final plunge with grim determination.

"There should have been a clause in Jones's conditions about 'weather
permitting,'" he said to himself. "A shipwrecked mariner should not be
expected to spend a million dollars."

The division of the party for the two sailings was tactfully arranged
by Mrs. Dan DeMille. The Valentines chaperoned the "second table" as
"Subway" Smith called those who were to take the later boat, and she
herself looked after the first lot. Peggy Gray and Monty Brewster were
in the DeMille party. The three days in England were marked by
unparalleled extravagance on Monty's part. One of the local hotels was
subsidized for a week, although the party only stayed for luncheon, and
the Cecil in London was a gainer by several thousand dollars for the
brief stop there. It was a careworn little band that took Monty's
special train for Southampton and embarked two days later. The "rest
cure" that followed was welcome to all of them and Brewster was
especially glad that his race was almost run.

Swiftly and steadily the liner cut down the leagues