s I may say: that, after
Roumania dropped out of the war, the new Chancellor of Azuria wired
imploringly for me to leave my classes at the University and come to
him--because for years I have advised with Azurian statesmen, frequently
going on special missions. By the recent death of the old Chancellor a
certain paper came to light. This was a secret agent's report sent from
Havana in 1914----I may not divulge its contents. But for the war it
would have been followed up at once. Whether the same hopes exist
now--well, I am here to discover. Ah, my young friends," his voice
trembled, "much depends upon this! I must--I must find the child if it
lives!"

Tommy's eyes grew round.

"I can say no more," Monsieur added. "Accept my thanks and gratitude for
the help you have given me. And now--_bon soir_."

He bowed, backing himself toward the stairs as though leaving a royal
presence, doing it so easily, so naturally, that we did not even smile.
When he had quite disappeared we turned and faced each other.

"What do you think now?" I asked.

"I think he's a treasure," Tommy cried. His face had lighted with a new
excitement. "If we want any fun on this trip, don't let him get out of
our sight! Stick to him! I won't deny he has a screw loose, but----"

"That makes it all the better," I laughed, adding: "Looks like the
Mater's toast might come true, after all, doesn't it!"--for I had
described our New Year's Eve to Tommy.

"Sonny, I've a hunch we won't even have to tiptoe over the hill to find
adventures with him around! He's their regular hanging-out place!"

Gates came up, and seemed vastly amused when we told him of our hopes.

"He doesn't look like much of an adventurer, sir, but he's certainly a
change from the great run of people I've met. Still, I carn't see how
we're going to keep him against his will!"

"Neither can I, Tommy."

"Use a little persuasion."

"But suppose he won't persuade?"

"What's the use of crossing bridges," Tommy grinned. "If he won't
persuade, then sit on his head--anything, I don't care! The main thing
is--keep him!"

CHAPTER III

THE GIRL IN THE CAFE

Next morning began the conversion, or rather the persuasion, of Monsieur
Dragot to remain a while longer with the _Whim_. Pete started off with
another triumphant breakfast and before our guest had gone far with it
his face was agleam with pleasure. Tommy and I put ourselves out to be
agreeable, telling him jokes that someti