UNDER-THE-BIG-D1PPER 
 
 D- GEORGE -DERY
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER
 
 HELENE
 
 UNDER 
 THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 V 
 D. GEORGE DERY 
 
 BRENTANO'S :: :: :: NEW YORK 
 MCHXVI
 
 COPYRIGHT, 1916, BY D. GEORGE DERY
 
 TO HER 
 
 TO WHOSE GRACIOUS FORBEARANCE 
 AND NEVER FALTERING FAITH THE 
 EXISTENCE OF THIS BOOK IS DUE, 
 I HEREWITH DEDICATE THIS, MY 
 FIRST LITERARY EFFORT 
 
 TO MY DEAR WIFE 
 MARCH NINETEENTH, 1916 
 
 2135237
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 BOOK I 
 
 CHAPTER I 
 
 INDIA the wonderful India the home of Buddha 
 and the land of mystery and misery. The country 
 of glorious traditions and unsatisfied desires! 
 What ambitions have not been dreamed, what visions 
 not conjured in your cause! Assyrian and Greek, 
 Mongol and Parsee, Portuguese rover, Dutch trader, 
 Russian diplomat and English merchant prince all 
 have sought thee and thy wealth, all have fought and 
 striven, chicaned and murdered, sneaked and schemed 
 for thy gold and dominion over thy people. 
 
 And the result ? A land teeming with beings abject 
 and low ; a land where Paradise might have been nes- 
 tling amongst the giant hills of the North, now laid 
 waste and desolated of its ancient splendors a land 
 of dreams, but a land of unfulfilled desires. The coun- 
 try of caste and the grave of unborn ambitions; the 
 country of dirt and superstition ; the cradle of plagues 
 and epidemics and famines; the land of the noblest 
 palaces and temples, as well as of the meanest hovels 
 which serve as dwellings for its sad-eyed patient in- 
 habitants. 
 
 And over all rises and sets the sun of the tropics, 
 over all shine the moon of Gautama and the stars of 
 Zoroaster. Over all there rest the curses of disease, 
 dirt and ignorance, the ready tools of greed and lust
 
 4 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 of power, the outcome of lack of coherence and the 
 terrible rule of classes. 
 
 This cradle of humanity is still a couch of prodigious 
 productiveness and to our eternal shame be it con- 
 fessed these all-enduring, passive, gazelle-like crea- 
 tures are really white white like we are, of the same 
 color as are the gay crowds of Hyde Park, or the Bou- 
 levards of Paris, Rome or Vienna, New York or Bos- 
 ton ! And older as race and nearer to Eden than any of 
 these. They pray to Brahma and many-armed Shiva, 
 to Buddha and Mohammed, to the sun and fire of Zo- 
 roaster and even to the cobra of the jungle ; but for- 
 lorn and without hope as they seemingly are, they are 
 still human beings. 
 
 Along the dusty highway leading from Madras to 
 Pondisherry, well inland and therefore removed from 
 the life-giving breezes of the Coromandel coast and the 
 Bay of Bengal, under a straggling group of ficus, a 
 native dwelling on low stilts raises its squalid roof 
 above the yellow grime of its surroundings. 
 
 From the distant hills resounds the shrill blast of 
 the locomotive; every once in a while the contour of 
 gently rolling land permits a glimpse of a curious look- 
 ing behatted smokestack, copied after the model of 
 early Pacific days, belching soot and smoke, and pull- 
 ing noisily amidst groans and creaks their little dingy 
 cars. Along the highway the ungainly telegraph poles 
 with their odd crosspieces copied after the favorite gal- 
 lows-construction of remote rural England, bear wit- 
 ness to the encroaching hand of western civilization on 
 the land. Even India is now but another source of sup- 
 ply for trade and commerce. 
 
 Near this native structure, in the shade of a clump 
 of hybiscus and a few doleful fig trees, some saddle- 
 horses and donkeys are tethered; sprawling in the 
 deep weed-like grass and scrubby undergrowth a num-.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 5 
 
 ber of natives with swathed limbs and streaky, greasy 
 turbans are contemplating with expressionless mien the 
 cloudless sky in which float and soar buzzards and vul- 
 tures upon seeming motionless wings. At some dis- 
 tance from this group and seated on a well-filled saddle- 
 bag, a European is smoking a cigarette, as if unaware 
 of the proximity of his humbler companions. 
 
 The stilted building itself, containing two compart- 
 ments separated by a narrow hallway, is made acces- 
 sible from the tangle of weeds and caked mud by a 
 crude ladder-like few steps of filth-covered boards. 
 
 Even the bounty of the tropics and wealth of vegeta- 
 tion in this favored clime have not succeeded in hiding 
 the unattractive nakedness of the mean dwelling. 
 Straggling, unkempt brush and creepers but emphasize 
 the wild condition of its near surroundings. Rough 
 weathered beams, decaying boards, cracked dirty bam- 
 boo and sunbaked grayish clay afford the only pro- 
 tection against burning sun, heating wind and drifting 
 rain. 
 
 In the larger of the two compartments, which hardly 
 justify the appellation of rooms, two men are seated 
 upon a low, rough-hewn bench. In the middle of the 
 space an irregular heap of straw, covered with a torn 
 and unclean sheet of unbleached muslin, serves as a 
 couch upon which a man is lying prostrate pale and 
 evidently very ill. 
 
 One of the two seated men, a dark-skinned, bright- 
 eyed native, heavily bearded and dressed in garments 
 denoting a position of high standing, rises from the 
 bench to kneel before the prostrate form. He holds 
 the unresisting wrist in his capable brown hand and 
 feels carefully with long prehensile fingers the pulse of 
 the invalid. 
 
 The eyes of the sick man are covered by silky lashes ; 
 the features are calm and resigned ; the nostrils expand
 
 6 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 and contract while the native physician, machine-like, 
 listens and counts. Then the hand he holds is laid 
 gently down on the coverlet and slowly rising he beck- 
 ons to the other figure in the room to follow as he 
 moves towards the door. 
 
 This other figure, until now silent and rigid In its 
 vigil on the bench, sends a look of deep concern and 
 pity upon the recumbent young man, and follows his 
 companion into the adjoining space, where both retire 
 to the wall farthest removed from the sick youth. 
 
 "There is no hope for your young friend, my lord. 
 The ague has weakened his frame, the drug and excess 
 have sapped his strength. He will die before the set- 
 ting of the sun. I shall give him a draught that will 
 ease his pain and hold the spirit to the last. Help I 
 cannot ; he is beyond the power of man." 
 
 His companion, a tall, lean man of fine features, and 
 even in his begrimed linens and dusty pith helmet a 
 man of importance, gave the speaker a searching look 
 and then bowed his head in evident grief. 
 
 "Doctor Saklava, I know you to be a physician of 
 great judgment and equal skill. The governor vouches 
 for you and I am more than grateful to have had your 
 aid so promptly. If you say there is no hope, I must 
 cease to indulge in any. But oh if only something 
 could be done !" Then in a calmer voice he continued : 
 "The boy is young, his constitution strong, and after 
 all youth clings to life! Is there truly no hope? It 
 means so much to me !" The Parsee remained motion- 
 less and silent. The other went on : 
 
 "When I asked the governor for help he dispatched 
 his chief surgeon at the same time he sent for you; 
 Major Murdock might arrive at any moment. Will 
 you not await him, pray, while I go in to the boy? 
 How soon do you think will he awaken to conscious- 
 ness ?"
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 7 
 
 "In less than half an hour, my lord. And I think 
 his mind will be clearer; indeed he may be perfectly 
 rational. But his heart is very weak and his vitality 
 low. The next attack of fever, which I beg to assure 
 you cannot be prevented, will be his last, I fear. His 
 temperature is now as high as any man can bear and 
 live; his pulse is galloping and his lungs are under the 
 maximum tension. I shall join your man in the grove 
 and will await Major Murdock's arrival. I presume 
 he will bring a nurse and a cot ?" 
 
 "The governor had arranged with the hospital at 
 Mahabalibar. Would we could have found the boy 
 a day sooner!" 
 
 \ "My lord, the seed of death is in man when the seed 
 of life is planted. Any time during the past week 
 your friend's chances would have been no better. This 
 district of ours is not the place for passionate youth 
 from foreign lands, nor is it the country where in- 
 dulgence can be committed with impunity. Our sun 
 is cruel, our climate is deadly. He who cares not for 
 his life here is lost. Grieve not, my lord; fate has 
 overtaken your young friend, but he will pass out 
 free from pain and unconscious of the end that is in- 
 evitable. Until later, my lord." 
 
 While the deeply salaaming physician retired, his tall 
 companion returned with careful, noiseless step to the 
 sick-room and seated himself facing the sufferer. 
 
 His elbows on his knees and his face buried in his 
 palms, he contemplated the white and almost lifeless 
 features of the dying youth. The regular, finely 
 moulded face was fair like a woman's, the proud, bold 
 nose, high faultless brow and beautiful, wavy, chestnut 
 hair, arched lips and delicate chin betokened a dis- 
 tinguished and even noble ancestry. Two spots of 
 crimson showed on the cheeks, almost the only signs 
 of life, and imparted an appearance of extreme youth-
 
 8 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 fulness and innocence; the lips were red and bright, 
 the closed eyelids clear and smooth. Must the boy die? 
 
 This silent musing brought a flood of memories to 
 the motionless watcher. His eyes grew clouded, tears 
 gathered in them. The boy slept on insensible to the 
 bitter grief he was causing, unconscious of everything, 
 peaceful and still. 
 
 A shadow fell across the doorway. Brushing his 
 eyes the man rose quickly and cautiously passed out 
 to greet the new arrival. It was Major Murdock, the 
 surgeon, a severe-looking, stout man in undress uni- 
 form. A few whispered words, a handshake and the 
 two physicians follqwed the tall man into the sick- 
 room. 
 
 Dr. Murdock examined the sleeper's face carefully, 
 thoroughly investigated chest, heart-beat, pulse and 
 temperature. His examination over he, in a low voice, 
 requested the others to join him in the primitive porch. 
 
 "Your Excellency, I can but confirm the diagnosis 
 and prediction of Dr. Saklava; your friend cannot be 
 saved. He lives but under the influence of the nar- 
 cotic that the doctor gave him, the only drug we know 
 which will hold life until the next fit of this awful 
 fever consumes it finally. Dr. Saklava has more ex- 
 perience in enteric fevers than anyone in this province ; 
 he is both competent and skillful in the knowledge and 
 treatment of all native diseases. You could not have 
 had a better physician. Your friend will pass away 
 with the next attack. He will regain consciousness 
 and there can be no harm in speaking to him. But 
 after his fever returns he will be delirious and in his 
 weakened state neither drug nor cold bath nor nurse 
 can avail. Do you wish me to watch with you beside 
 your young friend, Count Rondell?" 
 
 "No, Major, I think I will remain alone with him 
 and save him the shock of seeing too many strange
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 9 
 
 faces upon his awakening. He doesn't know of my 
 presence, if you remember. Will you gentlemen kindly 
 remain within hearing?" 
 
 "Certainly, my lord ; when you want us, pray call." 
 
 The Parsee doctor deposited a cup and bottle upon 
 the bench, and after giving some whispered instruc- 
 tions to the man who had been addressed as "Count," 
 he followed the surgeon out of the dwelling. The 
 tall man resumed his post of observation. 
 
 The oppressive quiet of the chamber was broken 
 after a long interval by a sigh followed by the sound 
 of a slight cough. Count Rondell leaned forward 
 eagerly. The invalid had moved, an arm had been 
 thrown up and the hand was feeling for the throat. 
 Gradually the eyes opened and the sick man gazed 
 stupidly upward at the dingy mud-plastered bamboo 
 lace work of the ceiling, and then slowly and almost 
 devoid of intelligence swept the foreground and rested 
 curiously upon the watcher. Count Rondell half rose 
 as he intently observed the change, and wondered 
 vaguely whether he should speak or await the actions 
 of the sufferer. 
 
 The void expression of the eyes, now free of fever, 
 slowly yielded to one of recognition and then of shame. 
 A heightened color mantled the brow of the sick youth 
 and an elusive twitch upon the poor lips as they spoke : 
 "How are you, Count? So you have caught me at 
 last?" 
 
 The old man flushed, sank to his knee and with both 
 arms extended, leaned over the invalid. 
 
 "God greet you, Your Highness! I am more than 
 happy to have found you!" 
 
 His voice broke and he grasped the nerveless hands 
 of the youth before him with deep emotion, whisper- 
 ing huskily, "My Prince my boy!" 
 
 Tears gathered into the now softened eyes of the 
 2
 
 io UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 sick youth. The deep feeling shown by the man kneel- 
 ing at his pallet touched him keenly. 
 
 "Do not grieve, dear Count! I am not worth it. 
 Why should you weep for me? Why should you still 
 extend your love and care for one so useless as I?" 
 
 "My Prince, I beseech you, do not speak thus of 
 yourself! Let us forget what has passed and look 
 forward to what is to come. I am glad to have found 
 you, so glad to be with you. Now, all will be, must 
 be, well!" 
 
 "No no, my dearest friend and guardian. No 
 there is nothing to look forward to. I feel that the 
 end has come. I know I shall never again see my 
 loved ones, my land, my king. I knew it when they 
 brought me here. Ill as I was, I was not unconscious. 
 How long have I been lying here? Raise my head 
 so that I may look at you well and, pray, be seated !" 
 
 The Count gently adjusted the head and sat down. 
 
 For some moments not a word was spoken, then 
 the young man broke the stillness: 
 
 "Dear General, I have given you and all the world 
 a great deal of trouble, have I not? It will be all 
 over and done with soon pray, don't grieve, don't 
 worry. What difference will it make to the world or 
 to our Roumelia if I go and another succeeds to the 
 throne? It could only be a worthier man whoever 
 he may be ! Why should you waste a thought on one 
 who has been foolish as I have been? Why waste 
 time on the dreamy fool who bartered a throne, the 
 love and respect of a people, your friendship, Count, 
 for the smiles of a false woman, a wanton? Have 
 I not shown myself a coward? A man who after his 
 first failure turned tail and ran off like a sulking boy ? 
 A good riddance I call it! Better to know the truth 
 now than burden a hopeful land with so worthless a 
 ruler. Do not weep; truly, I am not worth it!"
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 11 
 
 Count Rondell, his cheeks wet with the tears that 
 were freely coursing down his now deathly pale face, 
 extended his hands imploringly. With a great effort 
 he recovered his calmness, and vehemently exclaimed, 
 "I beg of you, my Prince, do not let us harp on 
 actions which must have been beyond your control. 
 Let us rather speak of your welfare and your health. 
 May I ask you to look at it in this light, your High- 
 ness?" 
 
 "Very well, my good teacher; let it be as you will. 
 What do you wish me to say or tell?" 
 
 "Your Highness, I trust and confidently believe we 
 shall get you well and out of this deadly place very 
 soon. But you may shortly relapse into a fever and 
 with it into unconsciousness. I beg of your Highness 
 to state now what you wish to have attended to. I 
 ask for your commands! But first take this draught 
 the physician has left for you." 
 
 Indifferently at first, but after a sip or two, with 
 grateful expression in his features, the invalid partook 
 of the drink. 
 
 "Ah, that is good, General! I was very thirsty 
 without realizing it. Well, there is really not much 
 to tell and surely nothing to command. I am here 
 alone, with no obligations towards anyone. As it 
 possibly may be my last chance, you may want to hear 
 how I came to this place?" 
 
 "I beg of your Highness not to tell more than you 
 wish. Of course I shall be glad to know your reasons 
 for choosing this dangerous country" then once more 
 breaking down, he murmured: "Why did you, my 
 boy, why did you?" 
 
 The sick man lightly pressed the older man's arm, 
 letting his hand rest upon the sleeve. Count Rondell 
 mutely gazed upon the suffering youth, and saw that 
 the boy before him knew the price he was to pay for
 
 12 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 his folly, knew it all and it seemed as if he wanted 
 to pay it. Through his mind there flitted thoughts 
 of the futility of man's plans when God willed other- 
 wise. With this bitter reflection there came the grief 
 of the thought of the death of this young life that had 
 had no chance for fulfillment. 
 
 "Count, the woman who made me forget my duty, 
 who caused me to quarrel with you and his Majesty 
 the woman for whose sake I was willing to give up 
 honor, glory and a throne she was nothing but a 
 wanton. I shall be brief. Returning one day to our 
 villa in Mentone, rather earlier than usual, I found 
 her with Monsieur Goddard, her late business manager 
 as I thought, in very intimate seclusion. I asked for 
 explanations she laughed! The man had the best, 
 the only right in the world to be intimate with her 
 he was her lawful husband the only man she ever 
 really loved and always had loved. What cared she 
 for a romantic boy a fooll He was the man who 
 had introduced me to her, who had aided my wooing 
 and who had conspired with her to gull me! Dur- 
 ing the months I was whispering words of love and 
 endearment to the woman I was craving to make my 
 wife, she and he were in a conspiracy to ruin me. 
 All they wanted was my money. 
 
 "Humiliated and desperate, I grew reckless. How 
 well you knew it, my friend! How you pleaded with 
 me when first this great passion took hold of me! 
 Would I had listened to you and obeyed your wise 
 counsel ; but it was too late. The poison of this ignoble 
 passion, which I mistook for the holy fire of love, 
 had entered my heart, had clouded my brain! 
 
 "After this discovery I felt I had broken with 
 everything in life. As I sinned I became reckless." 
 
 The sick boy sank back, breathing hard and gazed 
 absently into space. His friend rose to soothe his
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 13 
 
 agitation, but was arrested by an imperious motion 
 of the feeble hand. 
 
 "Let me conclude, General. After this blow I 
 chose to show that I cared not for one woman's treach- 
 ery and tried to prove this by publicly making love 
 to other women. And when one morning my valet 
 reported your arrival in the town, I felt that I dared 
 not see you, that I must flee ! That day I joined the 
 troupe of 'Le Ballet Occidental/ which was to leave 
 for Naples. I joined the company as the admirer of 
 Mademoiselle Genee, and I followed this troupe to 
 Alexandria and Cairo, thence to Bombay and Calcutta 
 and finally to Madras. 
 
 "On the way to the French settlement at Pondi- 
 sherry I became very ill and they thought it best to 
 take me off the train and put me in charge of the hos- 
 pital. And the first night I could bear it no longer 
 they wouldn't give me morphine to ease my pain and 
 I ran away and here I am. During all these latter 
 weeks I always felt and sometimes knew that you, my 
 dear Count, were near me but fate was against you, 
 my would-be saviour against you and with me the 
 lost one and so here I am !" 
 
 The last words came almost in a whisper. The 
 Count sat still, his forehead damp with cold perspira- 
 tion. The young man had spoken like a judge pro- 
 nouncing his own doom ! 
 
 He could not move, he could not speak. His lips 
 were parched, his mind numb. He gazed at the ashen 
 face of the boy, at the crimson lips of the smiling, 
 bonny face God, what should he do? 
 
 "And now, General, the last stage has been reached," 
 said the youth recovering his voice. "All there is left 
 to do is for me to ask your forgiveness, the pardon 
 of his Majesty, my uncle, for all the unhappiness 
 caused by me. You have in the vaults of the Credit
 
 14 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Lyonnaise at Nice my formal renunciation of all claims 
 to the succession and all family rights. There never 
 was a marriage between Madelain and me the proofs 
 are with the Austrian Legation at Rome. Madelain 
 was paid and all my dancer and actor friends are set- 
 tled with. Come, General, be brave, be strong! For- 
 get me and if you can forgive me. You in your 
 wisdom will find a way to alter the succession, per- 
 haps my little sister can secure the dynasty. Come, 
 be cheerful, and do not grieve. It is but a worthless 
 life that is about to pass out I have lived my life 
 and lost. May God forgive me 1" 
 
 The hand clutching the arm of the General fell 
 back. The Count, in his agitation, mumbled terms 
 of love and endearment as he eased the sick boy upon 
 the mean couch but the youth had swooned. Quiv- 
 ering and faint he hastened to the porch and sum- 
 moned the physicians. 
 
 They came quickly, the Parsee first, who bent 
 over the prostrate form. A light touch upon the sick 
 youth's chest and brow and Doctor Saklava announced 
 the fit of fever had returned. He begged the Count 
 to retire to the adjoining room or outdoors. Nothing 
 could be done; he would watch and render all the 
 help needed. 
 
 With the sinking of that day's sun, in the meager 
 light of a battered lantern, and attended by the doc- 
 tors and servants, General Rondell knelt by the couch 
 of straw and closed forever the eyes of the boy who 
 was to have been his king but who had willed it 
 otherwise. The falling darkness found a sad caval- 
 cade slowly riding back to Madras, carrying all that 
 remained of one of the world's chosen. And the tall, 
 sorrow-stricken man rode on alone behind and found 
 no balm for his broken heart in his thoughts.
 
 CHAPTER II 
 
 A NARROW strip of haze above the western 
 horizon obscures the coastline and dims the 
 burning rays of the setting sun. The blood-red 
 ball, just visible above that indefinite line where ocean, 
 sky and land might meet, burnishes the lazy leaden 
 waves of the sea, oily and sluggish as if affected by 
 the oppressive heat. Purples and blues, reds and greens 
 vie with each other in a seeming desire to extinguish 
 the burnt orange which fades but slowly and reluc- 
 tantly. Everywhere reigns the deep dusky yellow 
 heat, with an utter absence of either sound or motion. 
 
 It is as if a thick sheet of glass had been interposed 
 between the observer and the rest of creation, with 
 nothing tangible, nothing real except the one all-pre- 
 vailing sensation of oppressive heat. 
 
 The P. & O. liner gliding through the fiery molten 
 bronze seems as if it were "a painted ship on a painted 
 sea" ; its motion barely perceptible, like that of a phan- 
 tom ship, the wake in its path but a feeble streak in 
 the dull coloring, and the funnels reluctantly and faint- 
 ly releasing a timid cone of hazy smudge. 
 
 Dimly outlined against the Northeast the slowly re- 
 ceding line of grayish ochre marks the mute sentinels 
 of Arabia; to the West a heavy bank of sienna-edged 
 clouds veils the shore of Dana Kill and the African 
 hill desert. 
 
 On the aft deck are grouped in nondescript neglect 
 a few men in the uniforms of British East India 
 troops. A stolid, swarthy Sikh and some lean Ben- 
 gals with their patient, gentle eyes, clad in filthy 
 
 IS
 
 16 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 though picturesque garments, huddle in the shade of 
 dirty awnings. Forward, the solitary figure of the 
 watch drowsily moves with halting nerveless steps 
 in the narrow confines of his little realm. All is per- 
 vaded by quiet and repose, a sort of fatalistic waiting 
 for the cooler evening. 
 
 A man reclining in a steamer chair on the hurri- 
 cane deck is the one human being on the upper struc- 
 ture of the vessel. He is a slender sunburnt man past 
 middle age with commanding features and a close- 
 cropped beard flecked with gray. He is well groomed 
 in immaculate white flannels. The half-hidden gray 
 fathomless eyes, created to observe and to remain dis- 
 creet, the fine mouth closely compressed, the long slen- 
 der hands idly crossed on his knees, he sits seemingly 
 as if in a dream. 
 
 He strikes a close observer as one who could not 
 easily be overlooked in any gathering. His face would 
 remain in the memory a face of one born to direct 
 the thought and work of others, to lead and command. 
 It shows the marks of the inroads of time and care, 
 the severe pallor of weariness beneath the tan of ex- 
 posure. His posture betrays the soldier beaten in life's 
 battle. 
 
 A nearby cabin door is opened and a pleasant-faced 
 young man in the uniform of a ship's officer steps 
 toward the dreamer. 
 
 "How do you feel on this hot afternoon, Your Ex- 
 cellency ?" 
 
 The dreamer turns with a smile and replies, "Very 
 well indeed, but a little lazy. Won't you sit down a 
 minute, doctor?" 
 
 "Thank you, Excellency." Dr. Brown, the ship's 
 surgeon, with a little nervous motion and a quiet apol- 
 ogy, draws a camp-stool near and seats himself facing 
 the older man.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 17 
 
 "I have completed the examination and analysis 
 which my limited equipment permits, Count. I have 
 read up the case and I should like to make my report. 
 You know that my practice of late years has been re- 
 stricted to the traveling public, but I feel I am com- 
 petent to diagnose fairly accurately." 
 
 "My dear doctor, I have the fullest confidence in 
 your judgment," with a deprecating gesture. 
 
 "I should say that owing to your sojourn in that 
 confounded India your case has been considerably ag- 
 gravated and has become more severe; it is not now 
 acute or at all serious, but requires careful attention. 
 Avoid excitement and do not undertake anything 
 which will strain your physical powers. I regret that 
 I must be strict with you with regard to your diet and 
 habits. But when you arrive at BrindisI, go to Karls- 
 bad, and in a few weeks you'll be well enough to take 
 up the affairs of your country." 
 
 "Thank you, doctor. But to me time means the 
 trust and perhaps the fate of others. It is, therefore, 
 more than a question of self. Doctor, how long do 
 you give me?" 
 
 The doctor flushed and looked pained. "Count, you 
 must believe what I have said. I will not hide from 
 you that you are in a serious condition but once you 
 get on land and out of this floating inferno, you'll be 
 as well as ever, I think. Don't attempt to do too much 
 now and don't worry." 
 
 "Thank you most sincerely, doctor. Well, I sup- 
 pose even a diplomat can live plainly and give up wine 
 and tobacco." 
 
 He bade the doctor a pleasant "au revoir" and saun- 
 tered toward the ship's side. In deep thought he' leaned 
 against the railing, gazing into the now fiery sienna 
 of the horizon. The smile on his lips faded, his as- 
 sumed indifference had left him. Deep lines of care
 
 18 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 contracted his brow and the eyes looked troubled and 
 sad. 
 
 A quick step and a cheerful voice called out heartily, 
 "Good evening, Excellency! Dreaming or thinking 
 or both?" 
 
 Heavily set, smooth-faced and jovial, Captain Pol- 
 lard of the ship walked toward him. 
 
 "My dear Captain, I am only too glad to have you 
 break in on my dreams. They were not the rosiest 
 just now, even though the evening looks beautiful 
 enough to charm an anchorite/' 
 
 The Captain nodded his head. "That red sky is 
 rather a promise of another hot day for to-morrow, 
 Count. In a few hours we'll be in the Red Sea, the 
 furnace of creation. I am afraid to-morrow will be 
 a broiler. Look, Count, there to our left is the Ras 
 Sean with the cloud wreath on top of him. In an 
 hour we shall be in 'Bab El Mandeb,' the Gate of 
 Dirge of the Arab. Gloomy premonition, I call that. 
 We are going fine and are ahead of our schedule." 
 
 "All right, Mr. Malone, what is it?" This to the 
 officer of the deck who was rapidly approaching. 
 
 "The pilot is signalling from Tadshurra Bay, sir. 
 Shall I slow down, Captain?" 
 
 "Very well, sir, glad to get him promptly. What 
 is the boat's number?" 
 
 "Seven, sir.'^ 
 
 "Good, that is old Abdullah, a good sailor and a 
 fine fellow. Report when he gets aboard, please." 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 The officer hurried away and shortly after the siren 
 gave two short blasts and the boat lost headway. 
 
 "May I join you for a bit, Count?" Captain Pol- 
 lard took the stool vacated by the doctor following 
 the gesture of polite assent of the Count. 
 
 "The doctor's report left a bad taste in your mouth,
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 19 
 
 eh? If you don't mind, I'd like to say a few words 
 more on this same subject, your Excellency." 
 
 The Captain stuck his hands deeply into his coat 
 pockets, looking straight at the Count. "You are an 
 old soldier and a gentleman who knows the world, 
 Count. Dr. Brown came to me this afternoon some- 
 what worried. He doesn't want to scare you need- 
 lessly but neither does he intend you should get off 
 the boat a sick man. He is probably a little over-cau- 
 tious. Now, just to please us all, let him look after 
 you until we land. There is nothing more trying after 
 a residence in India than the passage we have ahead 
 of us for the next five or six days. Do as Dr. Brown 
 advises and when you get home send him a nice letter 
 telling him he was right. Is it a bargain?" 
 
 "My dear Captain, it certainly is; and I appreciate 
 your interest very much and won't fail you and the 
 good doctor." 
 
 He had regained his smiling manner: "Captain, 
 why are we men such restless wanderers ? You could 
 settle down in your nice little cottage at Bournemouth, 
 draw your pension, trim your apple trees, read your 
 old friend Marryat, chat with Mrs. Pollard and curse 
 the Liberal Party; and I I could write my memoirs, 
 raise tulips and roses and blooded sheep, sneer at the 
 Radicals and Progressives, and criticize the weak pol- 
 icy of the Hapsburgs! .What fun we could have, 
 Hein?" 
 
 "Your Excellency, I guess we both do what we be- 
 lieve to be our duty. Neither of us is good at idling, 
 I think, and our work is our life. Some day I might 
 do as you say but I hope that day is a long way off," 
 with a merry chuckle. 
 
 A crunching sound against the ship's side and the 
 pilot's dingy pulled by two powerful negroes had come 
 alongside. .With the pilot two other figures were
 
 20 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 visible in the dim light. The nimble, old, beturbaned 
 Arab pilot, with broad red sash around his ample waist, 
 swung himself aboard, the two men following him. 
 
 On the* upper deck the conversation which had 
 lagged during this busy interval was further inter- 
 rupted by the approach of a steward in search of the 
 Captain. 
 
 "Two passengers boarded with the pilot, sir. One 
 of them requests permission to speak to you for a 
 minute, Captain." 
 
 "Has the purser seen him?" 
 
 "Yes, sir ; but he asked for you ; he says you know 
 him." 
 
 "Very well, send him up." 
 
 The steward left and shortly after a heavily bearded, 
 well-set-up, broad-shouldered man, in rather shabby 
 linen blouse and baggy trousers, a pith helmet in hand, 
 walked towards the Captain. In the rapidly failing 
 light the deeply tanned features with calm eyes and 
 pleasant smile were just visible. With hand out- 
 stretched he stepped up to the group and in a hearty 
 voice exclaimed: "How do you do, Captain Pollard! 
 I was most anxious to meet an old friend again and 
 couldn't wait. Don't you remember me, Captain? 
 The clothes and beard make it hard, I guess. I am 
 John Morton." 
 
 "Why, bless my soul, I wouldn't have known you! 
 My dear Mr. Morton, I am delighted to see you!" 
 He shook the visitor's hand heartily. 
 
 "My, but you do look like a globe trotter and one 
 that has done some trotting! It is good to shake hands 
 with you once more and to have you on the 'Hindoo- 
 stan.' ' 
 
 "I am, indeed, glad to have the chance to get your 
 boat, Captain. From my last camp the bay was easier 
 to make than the upper Nile, and when I found at
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER ii 
 
 Aa-nm that you were expected to-night, I made a run 
 for the shore and was just in time for the pilot's sloop. 
 I haven't been near civilization in eighteen months, 
 Captain! I have with me my man, Donald, whom 
 you may remember. He looks, if anything, even worse 
 for wear than I. May I see you again after the clean- 
 ing-up process, Captain?" 
 
 "Certainly, my dear Mr. Morton. I shall be de- 
 lighted if you will honor me. I am as curious as an 
 old magpie to hear what brought you here of all spots 
 in the world! Are you nicely placed aboard?" 
 
 "Yes; thank you." 
 
 He made a movement to withdraw but Captain Pol- 
 lard took him by the arm and led him towards the 
 Count. 
 
 "Your Excellency, will you permit me ? This is Mr. 
 Morton, an old friend of mine, an American gentle- 
 man who is quite a traveler and explorer his Ex- 
 cellency Count Rondell." 
 
 "Happy to make your acquaintance, Your Excel- 
 lency; I trust you will pardon my appearance." 
 
 "Very glad to meet you, Mr. Morton. Don't apol- 
 ogize. You look fit and ready for good sport." 
 
 The men shook hands. Morton stepped back: 
 "Gentlemen, permit me to retire. I trust I shall have 
 the honor later, Your Excellency." 
 
 "There goes one of the finest young men," said the 
 Captain, looking after the rapidly retiring form, "a 
 man in a million, Count." 
 
 "He looks keen and strong; a bold man and true," 
 gently said the Count with almost a sigh. "Sports- 
 man?" 
 
 "I don't quite know, Count. I think he went out 
 to explore the Soudan and the Blue Nile country, if 
 I remember correctly. He comes of a very fine family 
 a man of rare good judgment and the very man to
 
 22 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 have around when trouble is brewing. Some time I 
 will tell you how I met him. If you'll permit me, 
 Count, I'll now look up that pilot. We are getting 
 under way. Good evening, Excellency!" 
 
 "Au revoir, Captain. I shall have to interview the 
 chief steward and see if Dr. Brown will allow me 
 another meal to-day." 
 
 Now that he was once again alone, the Count for- 
 got the evening meal, forgot the steward and the man 
 he just had met he had weightier matters on his 
 mind. This man of the world, trained to think while 
 chatting and seemingly enjoying small talk this old 
 diplomat realized that he had arrived at a parting of 
 the ways. The oppressive heat of earlier day had 
 yielded somewhat to the gentle breeze rising from the 
 ever-nearing mountainous shore. A brilliant crimson 
 band silhouetted sharply the deep purple of Ras Sean, 
 the bluish haze half hid the frowning abrupt cliffs of 
 Perim Island ; the first twinkle of the lighthouse shone 
 like a firefly, coming and going in rhythmic flashes. 
 To the north the broad dome of Disohebel Mengheli 
 rose high, the towering guardian of the strait, the 
 dread of the unwary skipper. Over the ultramarine 
 hills rose the red moon of the silent East, mysterious 
 and alluring, the light of the romantic night. Count 
 Rondell, obeying the promptings of weary limbs, sank 
 into his seat and gazed as if fascinated into the glory 
 of the tropical eve. 
 
 The world was so beautiful and life so promising! 
 Moments of the years gone by passed in rapid suc- 
 cession through his mind ; the days of youth and hope 
 the years of ambition and fulfillment. The shadows 
 of beloved faces rose to disappear; the joy of deeds 
 performed, the regret of acts omitted. As in a pano- 
 rama he saw his life over again and lived it once more. 
 
 A flock of buzzards flying across the hazy light of
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 23 
 
 the moon that looked for all the world like a flattened 
 giant orange, by a curious disconnection of the phe- 
 nomenon so well known to him, awoke him to the 
 present; to the warning he had received, to the call 
 of a life which was to end. A slight tremor passed 
 over the frame of the man, who seemed to have aged 
 considerably within the last hour. 
 
 The training of decades, the inbred desire to sup- 
 press thoughts and control the mind, supervened. He 
 lightly passed his hand over the smoothening brow, 
 caressing the thick hair upon his temple and the old 
 gentle smile appeared again in his eyes. "Well, I 
 have run a long race and on the homestretch I am 
 beaten. Vivat sequent!" he whispered to himself. 
 
 He rose and walked freely to the rail, contemplating 
 the wondrous evening, admiring the marvelous light 
 effects in the now rapidly darkening sky. He gazed 
 at the minute wavelets springing from the sides of the 
 boat and spreading their gory crests endlessly toward 
 the east, ever widening and disappearing in purplish 
 black shadows. The first stars as if by magic had 
 leaped upon the zenith, new born, blinking mockingly 
 to him. 
 
 A smile gentler than before illuminated the fine fea- 
 tures. "God is great, nature is full of wonders, and 
 I shall not cry quits and sulk. There is work before 
 you, my boy, work and duty. And when that is done, 
 my beloved, I shall be glad to join you." 
 
 With a deep sigh and a proud smile he wearily 
 turned toward the line of cabins from whence a light 
 step now proceeded. 
 
 His valet came forward, cap in hand. "Your Ex- 
 cellency, dinner will be ready in twenty minutes. 
 Will you not come to your room, sir?" 
 
 "Very good, Jean; but I believe I shall not dress 
 to-night. I am fatigued and I expect no one else will.
 
 24 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Just a little touching up and a dark coat and scarf. 
 I shall follow you." 
 
 Musing-, he turned once more to the waters which 
 had lost their mirror-like smoothness upon entering 
 the narrow channel. Before him rose the escarpment 
 of Perim's forts, with their twinkling lights ; the breeze 
 carried to his ears the bugle call from the barracks, 
 the one discordant sound in the serene stillness of the 
 fairy landscape. 
 
 "Gate to an ocean England will hold it," he mut- 
 tered. "Passage to power and trade Albion will rule 
 it. Other nations may strive and plan, dream and 
 scheme, but Albion takes and holds. I wonder if, 
 when my last call comes, I shall find a Briton guarding 
 the Pearly Gates ? Well, I have done the best I could 
 for my king and my country. I must not grudge the 
 men who have done theirs for their queen and land 
 and with more glorious and happier results. The race 
 is to the swift, the laurel to the victor, glory to the 
 lucky! L'homme propose, Dieu dispose!" 
 
 He gave one more look round, turning in all direc- 
 tions, and then slowly left the deck. 
 
 The moon had risen above the haze and shone a 
 lustrous brightness. The sky, a deep unfathomable 
 marine, was dotted with countless blinking stars; the 
 shimmering sea was scales of silver; the hum of giant 
 machinery throbbed on the balmy air. It was a night 
 so glorious that one doubted if there could be any- 
 thing but beauty and happiness on earth. 
 
 And yet how much misery and sorrow, pain and 
 tears are mingled with joy in life! The lure of the 
 East, the mystery of dreamed-of Eden and with it 
 strife and labor! The nobility of creation, the pet- 
 tiness of life; the loveliness of nature, the emptiness 
 of man's efforts. 
 
 Five bells the Vesper on shipboard.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 25 
 
 The muffled call of the Muezzin from the nearby 
 minaret of Perim town drifted across the silvery 
 stream. 
 
 And the bells, re-echoing from fore and aft. seemed 
 to call out : "All's well, good night !"
 
 CHAPTER III 
 
 AFTER a long, weary night, made seemingly 
 longer by the slow passage through the tortuous 
 channels, threatened by reefs and coral shallows, 
 the "Gate of Dirge" was passed. The pilot dropped, 
 the P. & O. liner entered through the picturesque 
 Dacht il Mayum, the sluggish waves of the Red Sea. 
 
 Through the wondrous waters the ship cut her way 
 energetically. The moon had set long since, the east 
 was bathed in sulphur light and one by one the stars 
 dropped out of existence. 
 
 The lower decks, forsaken the evening before, are 
 now lively with passengers. The heat had made sleep 
 impossible and now, one after another, they came up 
 to breathe the reviving morning air. 
 
 What wind blows is from the starboard, but the 
 port side is the shadier for the greater part of the 
 day. It is this side which is quickly taken possession 
 of by the Mohammedan part of the passengers. The 
 gaunt Sikh, bewhiskered and beturbaned, the Persian 
 venders with their fierce mustachios and fiercer eyes, 
 shrewd-looking Syrians and fleshy Mamelukes, all con- 
 gregate or segregate according to their individual de- 
 sires, and all are bent upon their morning worship. 
 
 More or less gaudily colored patches of carpets and 
 prayer rugs are spread upon the boards, devout heads 
 bow down from prostrate bodies, turned to the east, 
 to the rising sun, to praise Allah and to pray to Mo- 
 hammed his prophet. They will turn to the east, even 
 though Mecca is due north of the boat ! 
 
 On the promenade and hurricane decks a couple of 
 
 26
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 27 
 
 early risers are taking their constitutionals. On the 
 bridge strides the fresh-looking skipper, and a neat 
 second officer in glaring white is adjusting his sextant 
 as he awaits the sun's coming. A few deckhands and 
 sailors are holystoning the decks and adjusting the 
 striped awnings. 
 
 Upon the free and lofty upper structure in the broad 
 space between the cabins and the captain's quarters 
 some privileged travelers, to judge by the important 
 bearing of the men and the well-groomed appearance 
 of the ladies, are languidly settling themselves down. 
 They show scarce a sign of sleepless tossing in heated 
 berths. One of these, a tall, lean man in Pongee, cap 
 and scarf to match, bearing carefully trimmed little 
 chops below the grayish hair, is Sir Balingbroke-Smith, 
 Under-Secretary of the Colonies. He is holding forth 
 to his daughter Muriel on the history of the islands 
 which are just sinking below the southern horizon. 
 
 Miss Muriel endeavors to show some interest, ap- 
 pearing to listen with careful attention; but her eyes 
 are wandering around the deck. She is waiting for 
 the appearance of the stranger who had come on board 
 the evening before and whom the Captain had dis- 
 cussed at dinner. The new passenger had declined 
 coming to table as he needed "civilizing." So Captain 
 Pollard had put it ; but he was a gentleman, though an 
 American, who had spent the last eighteen months in 
 the wilds of the Soudan and the mountains of Somali, 
 instead of lounging at Shepard's Hotel at Cairo or at 
 the Casino at Nice. He was young, rich, independent 
 and "as fine a chap as ever came out of Eton or Ox- 
 ford, my lord." 
 
 "Muriel seems tired or sleepy, or both," said her 
 aunt and duenna, the Hon. Mrs. Fitzhugh, the wife 
 of an Indian officer. The good lady was returning to 
 winter in London to recuperate after a trying season
 
 28 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 with her husband at Lahore, and incidentally was act- 
 ing as chaperon to Miss Muriel. The ladies of the 
 group duly agreed. Who would dare to differ from 
 her ? But all are casting side glances in the direction in 
 which Miss Muriel insists on keeping her pretty face. 
 
 The Rev. Mr. Akley, in sober gray, with solemn 
 face and pained, bloodshot eyes, is gazing intently at 
 a group of prostrated orientals, a martyr to faith and 
 duty. The latter, however, do not seem to mind the 
 sad, pained expression in the eyes of the churchman. 
 But even the countenance of the reverend gentleman is 
 somewhat askew from the vertical since he also is 
 partaking in the general interest. Will this much- 
 talked-of young man ever make his appearance? 
 
 And now that the sun has risen above the slight 
 mist to the east, chairs are being pushed into shady 
 and cool places. Chatting and fussing and good-na- 
 tured pushing, the one business of the day must be at- 
 tended to first how to avoid the heat of the day. 
 
 "It is going to be beastly hot! If one could but 
 get one's Times and know what the world is doing? 
 Muriel, my dear, if you insist upon taking such violent 
 exercise before your breakfast you will not be really 
 comfortable for the rest of the day. May I remind 
 you that the next few days are the most trying of the 
 voyage and that the best means to make it bearable 
 would be a-a-absolute rest very little food and 
 liquid refreshments?" 
 
 Sir Balingbroke was very impressive. As breakfast 
 had been mentioned by so high an authority as the 
 Under-Secretary of the Colonies, the subject became 
 now the general topic of conversation. 
 
 But the ladies managed to turn it into a more in- 
 teresting channel, and Sir Balingbroke was gradually 
 drawn into speaking of the new passenger whom he 
 had met in the smoking room.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 29 
 
 "A very estimable young man, I believe; Captain 
 Pollard tells me that he met him on transatlantic liners 
 he says he is a well-connected, affluent American 
 a Mr. Morton, I think; quite refined and unassuming. 
 I understand he has been engaged on some exploring 
 or observation work in southern Egypt and the ad- 
 jacent territory. It may be semi-officially of course 
 that he is under the wings of the Royal Geographical 
 Society. He mentioned that Lord Salisbury was kind 
 enough to recommend him to the authorities expects 
 to go to London to report the results of his research. 
 Very nice fellow, indeed." 
 
 Eight bells, and shortly after the gong sounds for 
 breakfast the first important function of the day. 
 The little coterie gathered on the forepart of the deck 
 abandon chairs and troop down to the dining saloon. 
 
 In the saloon Mr. Morton was duly presented to 
 the ladies at the Captain's table and to a few of the 
 gentlemen to whom he had not been introduced the 
 evening before in the "smoker." 
 
 The Hon. Mrs. Fitzhugh sarcastically remarked that 
 there were still some men who were old-fashioned 
 enough to remain on deck with the ladies after dinner 
 denying themselves their whiskey and soda. The 
 men thus referred to tried to look pleased, but those 
 who had sinned did not seem to mind the lady's sar- 
 casm. 
 
 Captain Pollard was evidently taking great pains 
 to impress those sitting around the table that Mr. 
 Morton was a man of importance. He singled him 
 out in conversation and gave marked attention to what 
 the traveler said. On a liner everyone takes his cue 
 from the captain, and the American immediately be- 
 came a full fledged member of the select coterie. 
 
 Mr. Morton frankly and almost boyishly admitted 
 his delight at being once more in civilized surround-
 
 30 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 ings. He smilingly pleaded guilty to an enjoyment of 
 the society of ladies and hoped that his manners had 
 not deteriorated. The ladies were charmed with him. 
 He was good to look at and his pleasant voice and de- 
 lightfully sympathetic smile won them over completely. 
 His ignorance of the news of the day afforded them 
 an opportunity for further conversation, and he 
 listened with an old-world courtesy that only edu- 
 cated Americans show to their women. The ladies 
 lionized him. 
 
 To the many inquiries about his adventures in the 
 desert, he answered good-naturedly and in a rather 
 off-hand way. Life in the desert had its interesting 
 side and the months he had spent there had enabled 
 him to gather valuable data which he expected to ap- 
 ply to w r ork in the Great Basin of his own country, 
 where his father and the federal government were 
 interested in the question of irrigation. There had 
 not been much danger in his adventures, for the natives 
 were human and rather helpful than otherwise. 
 
 As he sat at table enjoying anew the amenities of 
 civilized society, Morton confessed to himself that 
 really the most important thing to him was the stimu- 
 lating and pleasant expectation of being soon home 
 again among his own people, with his dear mother 
 and fine-souled, humor-loving father. How pleased 
 and happy they would be to have him with them again ! 
 How jolly to sit once more in the cozy den, his friends 
 and loved ones listening to his tales of adventure! 
 Unconsciously his mind wandered to scenes of his in- 
 timate family circle. When the longing heart travels 
 homeward, the half-way inns are but little conven- 
 iences on the journey; we take advantage of them be- 
 cause we must ; always the heart's eye looks longingly 
 forward to its goal home. His little sister by 
 George, she would be a young woman now, like the
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 31 
 
 blue-eyed, clear-skinned English girl across the table, 
 and better looking, if the promise of earlier remem- 
 brance was to be fulfilled. Two years do make a great 
 change ! 
 
 Yes he must stop off at Paris for a couple of days 
 and buy his sister and mother something worth bring- 
 ing home. His heart grew warm as he pictured their 
 happy eyes and heard their pleased exclamations. And 
 his father! Won't the governor be proud of the re- 
 ports he was bringing back. Figures don't lie, his 
 father used to say. And what else should he bring 
 him ? Yes he would have to go to London, too. 
 
 He hoped the fine old Nubian sarcophagus which 
 he had shipped by stealth from Assab by the old rascal 
 Ben Bandar (the old chap surely dealt in slaves on 
 the sly) on a Greek sailing vessel had reached New 
 York safely. What would his neighbor, Sir Baling- 
 broke, have said if he knew that the Egyptian custom- 
 house servants were the same old grafters they had 
 been before Alexandria was bombarded and the Khe- 
 dive all powerful on the Nile? 
 
 Almost with a start he awoke to his surroundings, 
 mumbling some words of apology for his absent- 
 mindedness. Mrs. Fitzhugh had addressed some re- 
 marks to him Miss Muriel's eyes were dancing as 
 she smiled wickedly at him. Mrs. Fitzhugh haughtily 
 forgave him. 
 
 This meeting at the table was the type of many 
 others which took place during the next days, varied 
 with some small talk on deck, and broken by some 
 lengthier and more interesting conversations in the 
 smoking room. 
 
 Whether the ladies approved or not, the shady 
 depths of the small "smoker" on the upper deck proved 
 a veritable Mecca for all the men. Here one always 
 was pretty sure to find some of the passengers en-
 
 32 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 joying their cigars or cigarettes or even pipes, chat- 
 ting of trade and drinks, horses and games, politics 
 and policies. 
 
 Here was to be found the man who could foretell 
 the number of knots the boat would cover that day; 
 who knew the hour they would sight the African shore 
 again. Another would descant of the ever-inspiring 
 topic the great Canal the time it took to go through 
 it, the money a boat had to pay, the advantages of 
 being on a British boat and so on. 
 
 Here also it was where Jones told of Smith's affairs 
 while the latter was with the ladies, where Smith in 
 turn was telling what Jones had been doing in India 
 when the last-named gentleman had to obey the call 
 of his better half and absent himself from the round 
 table. It was not long, therefore, before everyone 
 knew all about everybody else; or, at least, thought 
 they did. 
 
 For Morton and some of the older men there was 
 the evening gathering in the Captain's roomy cabin, 
 the exchange of tales and adventures with the jolly- 
 faced seaman and the recital of some traveler's tale of 
 older days by some visitor. 
 
 From the Captain, Morton obtained his information 
 about Count Rondell, who had once been the Captain's 
 superior officer some years back, when the latter had 
 been in the service of Roumelia as a nautical in- 
 structor. 
 
 He heard from Sir Balingbroke how, during the 
 memorable days of the Congress of Berlin, Count Ron- 
 dell, then at the head of the diplomatic corps of his 
 little country, fought hard and unremittingly for ad- 
 mission to the inner chambers of the historic confer- 
 ence, and how, in spite of the weighty opposition of 
 Giers and the fact that he could not get official ad- 
 mission as a delegate, he had so won the esteem of
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 33 
 
 all the statesmen there present that he had secured full 
 independence, autonomy and great economic advan- 
 tages for his country, and, then and there, had laid 
 the foundation of the kingdom of Roumelia. 
 
 From this austere and cautious member of the Brit- 
 ish cabinet he also learned of the Count's romantic 
 quest in eastern lands for the young prince who had 
 disappeared from home, and how necessary this only 
 heir to the throne was for the continuance of existing 
 conditions in the little kingdom. But Sir Balingbroke 
 could not say whether the Count's search had been 
 crowned with success or not. 
 
 Captain Pollard pictured the Count as a man of un- 
 bending character, thoroughly upright and just. A 
 man who ruled at court with iron hand but who had 
 remained unsullied by its machinations an aristocrat 
 in office, a student and loving husband in his home. 
 Sir Balingbroke nodded his head emphatically by way 
 of confirmation of the Captain's statements. 
 
 Morton spent considerable time in his own cabin, 
 tabulating his collected material with the help of his 
 assistant. During his absence from the ship's circle 
 he was largely discussed. The ladies especially were 
 eager for information. 
 
 All the skipper knew, it seemed, was that Mr. Mor- 
 ton was the only son of Daniel B. Morton, the Ari- 
 zona Copper King, one of the wealthiest and most in- 
 fluential of the many powerful men which America's 
 mineral wealth had created during the last decades. 
 Young Morton was said to be a chip of the old block, 
 well educated, manly and straight. After his college 
 days at home, he had pursued special post-graduate 
 studies at Oxford and Bonn, and had prepared him- 
 self to take up his father's work. The Captain couldn't 
 explain why the young man had gone seemingly on 
 a new tack. Rich as Croesus and living in a tent with
 
 34 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 no one but a man servant for over a year! Sir Bal- 
 ingbroke was puzzled. 
 
 Count Rondell was the least regular attendant at 
 the Captain's board. The latter explained that the 
 Count's health was not good. Dr. Brown had so re- 
 ported to him. 
 
 Thus the days of heat and monotony stretched their 
 weary lengths. They passed the harbor of Dshidda 
 with its many picturesque boats, from little catama- 
 rans to large clumsy steamers. On the southern hori- 
 zon disappeared also the rocks of Yanbu Bar, Sudan, 
 Suakim and Loheia. On the fifth day after Morton 
 had boarded the liner, when the sea once more showed 
 the fiery red of sunset, they reached the head of the 
 Gulf of Suez and the ship slid carefully into the basin 
 which marks the southern terminal of the great Canal. 
 
 From Suez town the lights shot their sporadic blink- 
 ing; the great tangle of boats of all descriptions and 
 sizes tied up in the basin and adjoining docks began 
 to show their mast lights and port lamps; the light- 
 house on the narrow tongue of land stretching into 
 the shadowy bay sent out its rhythmic signal flashes. 
 
 Morton, sitting opposite Count Rondell, gratefully 
 leaned back in his flattened steamer chair and re- 
 marked: "What a relief to be so far north and at 
 last on the eve of leaving this insufferable quarter 
 of the world ! I am glad to see a town once more, glad 
 to see lights and real streets and hear real human 
 noises even if they are as hideous as these are. It is 
 good to look up to the heavens of our own familiar 
 constellations and find our polar star promising the ar- 
 rival home. See, Count, there, for the first time, can 
 be distinguished all the stars of the Big Dipper! The 
 Southern Cross is glorious, and I have admired it 
 during many soundless nights in the desert; but give 
 me our own starry sky, our own air, my own people!"
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 35 
 
 Count Rondell looked up with a smile. "To tell 
 you the truth, my dear sir, I have traveled along lati- 
 tudes I never expected to see and I barely noticed the 
 Southern Cross. I certainly must be getting old and 
 unobservant. But I can appreciate how you feel when 
 you think of the loved ones who are waiting for you 
 in your distant country, and to know that your com- 
 ing home means so much happiness to them. I also 
 am glad to see again the stars of the north my stars 
 though I am returning with a heavy heart. 
 
 "I cannot help thinking," added the Count, "of the 
 part this waterway has played in the history of the 
 world's civilization. I see it as the highway of the 
 trend westward of our humanity's progress. You will 
 recall, Mr. Morton, that in the dawn of civilization the 
 traders of Egypt brought their spices and gold and 
 ivory from India. They resigned their profitable trad- 
 ing to the shrewder Phoenician sailors who were fol- 
 lowed by those of Syracuse and Carthage. Then came 
 in the Middle Ages the merchant princes of the Vene- 
 tian, Pisan and Genoese republics. 
 
 "It was a marine from this lost city who, with the aid 
 of Spanish gold, discovered your own country when 
 the trade of the then known world had already drifted 
 into the hands of the enterprising people of the His- 
 parian peninsula. We know what the aggrieved Por- 
 tuguese and the stolid Dutch contributed to this west- 
 ward march; but then had to yield, in their lives, to 
 the superior gifts and stronger physique of the Eng- 
 lish race. 
 
 "Always it has been the cry of the 'Westward Ho !' 
 And it always will be so. It would seem as if man 
 could not resist following the path of the sun. Your 
 people, Mr. Morton, your country will now step into 
 the heritage of the world's commerce. I am sure of 
 it. It is the will of destiny."
 
 36 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Morton looked at the speaker with a feeling- of awe. 
 The thought so clearly developed was entirely new to 
 him, and he had no answer to make. 
 
 A bond of mutual sympathy had grown up between 
 the two men, so divergent in their aims and ambitions, 
 so far apart in their ages. The younger admired the 
 poise, the gentle courtesy and faultless manner of the 
 elder. He admired his freedom from prejudice, his 
 absolute toleration of the failings and frailties of 
 others, and his prompt, unqualified condemnation of 
 everything wrong, cowardly and selfish. 
 
 The older man on his part had become strangely at- 
 tached to this virile, modest young man with his quiet 
 calm ways, his broad and sound judgment of men and 
 things and his democratic heartiness, which Morton 
 possessed with all his seeming indifference towards 
 others. An affection truly paternal had been awakened 
 in him for this American who could not fail to repre- 
 sent to him a national type. He had met but few of 
 his kind and had to confess to himself that in the past 
 he had wronged them by his opinion. An American 
 had meant to him an overaggressive boor; but in this 
 young Morton he found as fine a gentleman as even 
 he could wish for, a man also without the flaws of arti- 
 ficial mannerisms. 
 
 He could not help comparing him to the youthful 
 prince who, by failing to suppress a morbid tendency 
 to resist authority and restraint, had brought such fa- 
 tal consequences upon himself and his country. "Why 
 couldn't this clean-cut young man have been of the 
 line of the King's dynasty?" he asked himself despair- 
 ingly. 
 
 The subject discussed by the two had been of a 
 broad character and general interest. Just before the 
 interruption caused by the sight of land, they had 
 been talking about the great similarity in the desires
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 37 
 
 and aims of all people. Morton, who had intimated 
 that his isolation in the desert had been somewhat of 
 an intentional retirement to study himself and his own 
 duty toward his country, had expressed himself in 
 ways highly interesting to his companion. Return- 
 ing to the subject, Morton said: 
 
 "It is remarkable that the seeming great dif- 
 ferences between races and tribes are but outward 
 and rather in their customs and habits than 
 in their mental processes. I believe that the es- 
 tablished use of the dromedary as a beast of 
 burden, the necessity of living in tents owing to the 
 absence of water courses and springs, the diet of fruits 
 and sweetmeats, are really the things that remove 
 the Arabs of Africa from the Europeans far more than 
 their actual thoughts, their ambitions and emotions. 
 These outward signs are what, next to language, strike 
 us first as distinguishing marks. Once we get over 
 these, to me at least, minor characteristics, it is sur- 
 prising how easy it would be to trace the course of 
 their thoughts, their actions, as running on lines al- 
 most similar to those that actuate the Frenchman or 
 Italian or even the man from more northern countries. 
 I have found love of truth, manliness and honesty, 
 pride of descent, loyalty to kindred, affection for one's 
 own offspring, appreciation of learning, strong traits 
 with these primitive men ; while gluttony, drunkenness 
 or license in almost any form is entirely absent from 
 the nature of these children of the desert" 
 
 Count Rondell had listened with close attention to 
 Morton's remarks. "There is no doubt," he said, 
 "much truth in your observation, my friend. To me 
 it has ever been a matter for wonder how short the 
 step is from the highest to the lowest. I am a mem- 
 ber of a proud aristocracy and have been called the 
 'Kingmaker,' and yet I confess that beneath the outer
 
 38 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 skin of manners and polished bearing there is often 
 but common clay indeed, the common man frequently 
 gains by being compared to his more exalted brother. 
 I remember," he continued, thoughtfully, "our party 
 was very much entertained in Paris by the fine play 
 of a small band of Gypsies then performing at our 
 favorite restaurant. One evening, while giving the 
 customary douceur to the leader, I asked him for his 
 address as it was my intention to engage his orchestra 
 for some small affair. The man could not write, and 
 he asked me to put his address into my memorandum 
 book. He owned but a single name. His pockmarked 
 face, his little beetle eyes and low forehead gave but 
 scant promise of intelligence. I asked him some ques- 
 tions about his life and ambitions the man grew quite 
 loquacious. He liked France and the French, He 
 made a nice living, he had saved quite some money, 
 had a good and thrifty wife, a cozy apartment and 
 many comforts. The one thing which marred his 
 happiness was the sad fact that his marriage had 
 proved childless. The 'bon Dieu' had not blessed 
 them. But for that he would not change with the man- 
 ager of the hotel or any other man in Paris! I was 
 deeply impressed because my own king had said the 
 same words to me. But still, my dear Mr. Morton, 
 blood will tell. And a nobleman is the product of 
 many generations of thought, virtue and manliness." 
 
 Morton nodded thoughtfully as he lighted a cigar. 
 Both remained silent. From the shore came the sounds 
 of murmuring crowds, the splashing of oars, the shrill 
 tones of muleteers and the hoarse laughter of negroes. 
 Then followed the clanking of chains, the straining of 
 ropes, a few short commands from the bridge and the 
 anchors had dropped. 
 
 Everyone was delighted to have reached another 
 milestone in the long journey home. Passengers were
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 39 
 
 discussing as to whether they should continue in the 
 "Hindoostan" or take the night train to Ishmaila or 
 Alexandria. Perhaps there might be some excitement 
 in Suez, or at Port Said? Congestion of traffic in 
 those days delayed the passage through the Canal and 
 even the P. & O. liner might lose two days. 
 
 Stewards passed back and forth, in and out of sa- 
 loons, and announced, in loud voices and in intona- 
 tions ranging from Cockney to the resonant drawl of 
 Aberdeen, "Mail distributed in Purser's office at 6.30." 
 One, more respectful than the rest, approached the 
 Count, "Your Excellency, the chief has cables for you ; 
 shall I bring them to you?" The Count rose and with 
 a courteous leave went to the purser's cabin. 
 
 Morton, to whom the sights were not novel, leaned 
 over the starboard side, looking toward the quiet dark 
 waters of the bay. He thought over the past few days 
 of his life on shipboard, the acquaintances he had 
 made, and the new experiences that had come to him. 
 How strange these all were ! What would they mean 
 to him in after years ? Then thoughts of home surged 
 over him, and a great longing seized him to be there 
 again. If he took the express boat from Alexandria 
 he would be in Brindisi in time to take the train for 
 Paris and then London, and then the Cunarder for 
 home New York by the twentieth and a whole 
 month before Christmas! Christmas and the snow! 
 He'd cable and advise his folks. No, perhaps he'd 
 better wait for his mail. His eyes wandered back to 
 the deck below and saw his man leaning against the 
 bulwark. He gave a low whistle and addressed the 
 upturned face : "Don, I am going down to get the mail. 
 Shall I bring you yours ?" 
 
 "Allright, Mr. John, thank you. There won't be 
 much to carry when you get it, I guess. Haven't 
 many correspondents these days."
 
 40 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 "I'll see you in the smoker, Don." 
 
 The mail he received was more voluminous than he 
 had expected. There were several letters, some with 
 dates months back, and a cable. 
 
 He retired into a quiet corner of the smoking room. 
 Don was there and handing him one lean looking let- 
 ter, he excused himself and broke the seal of the cable. 
 It was but one day old. "Glad know you out of desert 
 well and homeward bound. Mother sister well. Send 
 love. Am not very well myself. Better hurry home, 
 boy." 
 
 Mechanically he look'ed for the signature which was 
 lacking. It seemed less personal without his father's 
 name, and he was puzzled that his father had not used 
 the code. 
 
 The letters contained nothing but good tidings. 
 There was no reference to his father's health except 
 in the one from his mother bearing the latest date. 
 She wrote : "Father seems quieter than usual and some- 
 what restless. Nothing wrong but the doctor advises 
 putting off his usual trip to the Rockies for the present 
 and would like to see him go South before the cold 
 weather sets in. We expect to leave Bar Harbor 
 earlier than usual and go to Cleveland before the 
 middle of October as father would be more happy if 
 we joined him there. If you, my dear boy, could get 
 home in time, we might spend Christmas in Cali- 
 fornia together and for once escape the cold of the 
 lakes." 
 
 Morton grew pensive ; he had never before given a 
 thought to his father's health. His father had always 
 seemed to him as young as ever and a more rugged 
 and sturdy man, a man of better habits could not be 
 found. He hoped the plaintive word meant nothing 
 nothing but the longing of the old man for his son. 
 Still he guessed it was time for him to step in and
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 41 
 
 ease the governor's burden. After all what better 
 work could he do? 
 
 He lay back, smoking and dreaming, somewhat in 
 revival of his solitary habits of the past months, and 
 abandoned himself once more to the charm of being 
 alone alone with his thoughts and removed from 
 undesired companionship. 
 
 After an hour or so he rose and went to his cabin, 
 where he threw himself on his couch. Unable to rest, 
 he busied himself with a survey of his few belongings 
 that might need packing. Then nervously drawing up 
 a table he began working on his report. But he could 
 not collect his thoughts. Evidently he was not in the 
 humor. He was about to put his things away pre- 
 paratory to trying once more the darkened deck, when 
 the door opened and a steward entered with a note. 
 
 In the envelope he found a card bearing the inscrip- 
 tion: 
 
 "Count Arnim Barton-Rondell." 
 and on the reverse side in a precise clear handwriting, 
 "May I request you to call at my cabin at your con- 
 venience ? Rondell." 
 
 Morton hesitated but an instant. "Tell his Excel- 
 lency I shall be with him right away." 
 
 Anything was better than this moping, and the 
 Count was the very companion to brush away the cob- 
 webs from his mind. He stuffed his papers into the 
 nearest table drawer, gave a cursory examination to 
 his appearance before the mirror, locked his cabin door 
 and sauntered over to the Count's quarters. 
 
 Why had Count Rondell sent for him? He won- 
 dered.
 
 CHAPTER IV 
 
 WHEN Morton entered Count Rondell's state- 
 room he found him standing behind a small 
 flat desk in the middle of the room, his com- 
 manding, almost gaunt figure erect and tense. As he 
 looked at the man, he experienced the same peculiar 
 sensation he had felt upon receipt of the message ask- 
 ing him to call a sense of indefinable anxiety mingled 
 with curiosity. 
 
 In response to an expressive motion of the slender 
 pale hands he seated himself opposite the Count. His 
 eyes slowly traveled around the stateroom and noted 
 its appearance in some detail. 
 
 Two swinging bracket lamps lit up the wall to his 
 right, leaving the lower part of the room in deep 
 shadow. The stateroom itself, somewhat roomier 
 than the customary steamer cabin, had been trans- 
 formed into a rather pleasing den. Along the lighted 
 walls a low couch in some dark plush was enlivened 
 by the brilliant coloring of a leopard skin thrown care- 
 lessly over the back and by a saddle bag in bright 
 crimson and gold. Above it were fastened a garniture 
 of Persian helmet, shield and battle-axe, the gold 
 inlay upon the damascene scintillating in the slightly 
 moving light which fell upon it. 
 
 The floor, covered with a soft rug in deep maroon 
 and with tan arabesques in design, contrasted oddly 
 with the green baize of the traveling desk piled with 
 books and portefeuilles. A curiously wrought bronze 
 lamp shed a bright circle of light over it; an unusual 
 
 42
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 43 
 
 article of furniture, it struck Morton, to take on a 
 voyage. It was a handsome thing and he made a 
 mental note to obtain one like it. His glance now 
 rested upon the figure and face of the Count, who had 
 sat himself in his deep, low chair and was resting his 
 hands upon his knees. 
 
 "You will forgive an old and ailing man, my dear 
 Mr. Morton, for making the most of his privileges as 
 such. I trust my request to have you call has not in- 
 convenienced you?" 
 
 "Not at allj Excellency; I was glad to come." 
 
 "Thank you. It may not be considerate of me to 
 ask you here but I believe you won't mind the lim- 
 ited space and closed portholes. I imagine your camp 
 life has accustomed you to a great extent to discomfort 
 and heat. What I want to say to you demands pri- 
 vacy." 
 
 He paused and continued. "Mr. Morton, I beg you 
 to permit me to approach what I wish to say in my 
 own way, even if it may seem odd and unwarranted 
 to you." 
 
 "Go ahead, Your Excellency, I am listening." 
 
 The older man leaned back and pushed a box of 
 cigars toward his visitor. "Won't you take one? I 
 think you will like the flavor." 
 
 His voice, until now somewhat strained, had be- 
 come calm, and with an assumed nonchalance of man- 
 ner, he added: 
 
 "I was told by the steward, Mr. Morton, that you 
 had received considerable mail and some cables upon 
 our arrival here. Does the receipt of these in any way 
 alter your plans, which you were so good as to intimate 
 to me the other evening ? Pardon the question, but it 
 is necessary that I should know in view of what I 
 wish to say." 
 
 "It does, Your Excellency. My letters from home
 
 44 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 are of little moment, but a cable, sent some two days 
 ago, I think, tells me that my father's health is not sat- 
 isfactory and asks my quick return." 
 
 "Ah, that makes it more difficult, then, for me to 
 speak of what lies close to my heart, my dear sir. But 
 necessity knows no law and I am in the position of 
 a man who has no choice. Mr. Morton, I beg you to 
 let me say a few words to you, in the hope that you 
 will grant me your attention and if possible, sym- 
 pathy." 
 
 Morton nodded and, reaching for the cigars, selected 
 one at random and carefully lit it. "Very fine aroma 
 indeed, Count; I haven't had as good a smoke as this 
 in many a day. Please begin; I am all attention." 
 
 The Count nodded and began : "More than twenty- 
 five years ago my king, then a young and little known 
 prince of the Coburg family, was called to the throne 
 of Roumelia by the vote of its people. Among the 
 younger men whom he asked to join him in this new 
 country to aid him in establishing a good government, 
 I was one. I was a young Army officer at the time, 
 with little ambition and with scarcely any diplomatic 
 experience. I settled down in the new country. I 
 was very enthusiastic, a prerogative of youth the world 
 over, and became very much enamored with my work. 
 Since then I have been very closely bound up with the 
 fortunes of Roumelia and those of my king. I was 
 one of the few of my Prince's Court who succeeded 
 in gaining the confidence of the Roumelians. I ac- 
 quired their language and customs thoroughly. I suc- 
 ceeded in gaining the friendship of some of the leading 
 men of all parties. I won the respect and I think even 
 the love and perhaps the admiration of the Court by 
 my loyalty to the cause of the country, my devotion 
 to my duties, my work and my fidelity to the inter- 
 ests of the principality and later the kingdom, the ere- s
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 45 
 
 ation and growth of which, I may be permitted to say, 
 may be due, in a small measure, to my efforts. 
 
 "My king, God bless him, one of the noblest men 
 who ever lived, was kind to me and trusted me im- 
 plicitly. The work to which I had devoted my life 
 was successfully done ; the dynasty of my king firmly 
 established : a clean, fine constitution, safe-guarding 
 the interests of the people and assuring the welfare 
 and development of my country, strongly founded. 
 The one cloud in the blue sky of destiny was the lack 
 of a son and heir. 
 
 "Many years ago, his majesty assenting, we secured 
 an amendment to our laws of succession, by which the 
 King's brother was to be his heir, thus securing the 
 succession to a younger brother and through him to 
 his son, then a youth of health and promise. Thus 
 far our work in perpetuating a dynasty had been 
 wisely and well done. Do I weary you with these 
 particulars, Mr. Morton?" 
 
 "Not at all ; I am more than interested ; I am learn- 
 ing. Please continue!" The Count smiled and went 
 on: 
 
 "This structure, which, as I explained before, was 
 of the utmost importance to a still broader plan, was, 
 in this manner, erected as we felt on a firm foundation. 
 Our land had developed wonderfully; from an almost 
 unknown Turkish province in 1866 we had created a 
 principality of several millions of frugal, thrifty and 
 moral inhabitants, engaged in fostering trade and agri- 
 culture. We built railroads and highways, opening 
 the country to foreign intercourse and markets ; we laid 
 telegraph lines connecting all corners of the land; we 
 also introduced and firmly established an efficient 
 school system. In brief, we transformed into a com- 
 munity of order and civilization a previously chaotic 
 Turkish dependency. A dozen years after the begin-
 
 46 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 ning of our, I might almost say, my work, we fought 
 a glorious and victorious war against our old oppres- 
 sors and, although the jealousy and greed of the great 
 Powers robbed us of the full reward of our victory; 
 although the very nation whom we enabled to win 
 what, without our aid and valor, they would have lost, 
 deprived us of some of our territory, yet we grew in 
 wealth, education and well being. When my prince 
 was acclaimed constitutional king of the realm he had 
 created, I, his servant, was rewarded by being chosen 
 his faithful adviser and friend. Honored and trusted 
 for many years, I believe I helped to form and execute 
 those policies that I feel went far toward the estab- 
 lishment of peace and happiness in our beloved king- 
 dom." 
 
 Count Rondell rose to his feet and strode the floor 
 of his cabin agitatedly. Resuming his seat after a 
 while, he smiled pathetically at the younger man, and 
 said : "Pray pardon me, Mr. Morton ; my feelings get 
 the better of me, I am afraid. My disease seems to 
 have made sad inroads on me. Shall I go on ?" 
 
 "Pray do, Count Rondell. Don't disturb yourself 
 about me. I am all ears." 
 
 The Count crossed his legs and closing his eyes 
 turned his face upward. His cheeks, lately flushed 
 and feverish, now looked drawn and gray. Reaching 
 for a portfolio he began automatically fingering its 
 lock. Then with eyes wide and in a voice husky with 
 emotion, he said : 
 
 "I now come to a dark chapter, my young friend. 
 Men work day and night, plan and scheme, bribe and 
 lie all for fame and their country. The plans seem 
 perfect, their execution faultless, the road to certain 
 success assured and then a little thing happens, a 
 bolt becomes loosened, some man or woman fails you 
 or steps unexpectedly on the scene et voila! the
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 47 
 
 perfect structure is but a house of cards and 
 tumbles. 
 
 "And this usually comes when the architect has 
 passed his prime; when the resisting power of the 
 body has been sapped by the wearisome labor. When 
 this crisis comes, instead of a strong man, it finds the 
 statesman at a terrible disadvantage, perhaps with 
 mind still active and resourceful but oh, feeble and 
 powerless against fate." 
 
 Count Rondell spoke the last words as if in a trance. 
 He had evidently forgotten the existence of his com- 
 panion. He seemed to be lost in visions and dreams. 
 
 Morton's cigar had gone out; he stared as if fas- 
 cinated at the noble face before him, looking so sad 
 and forlorn. He, too, had often wandered into the 
 spheres of empire building. He, too, had had his 
 dreams of being a leader of peoples, of opening up 
 those vast desert spaces of his own country to the 
 influences of civilization. Without knowing what 
 tragedy was to be unfolded to him, he looked at the 
 worn old aristocrat across the desk and felt that fail- 
 ure and disappointment, rather than success, were 
 oftener the reward of great ambitions. He essayed 
 a mental guess at what might be further revealed to 
 him and awaited the rest of the tale with bated breath. 
 
 After a slight pause the Count relaxed his tightly 
 compressed, bloodless lips and went on: 
 
 "My king was getting old; his brother had never 
 been capable or active; he was just a gentleman of 
 leisure and the promising boy? I wish it were not 
 necessary for me to go into this chapter of our history. 
 The boy, a lovable, fine young man, the pride of his 
 parents and of his uncle the king, the idol of the coun- 
 try and my hope the boy fell in love with a heartless 
 and scheming adventuress. She broke his heart, 
 brought our finely wrought plans to naught, and the
 
 48 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 youth to his end. Four weeks ago I closed the tired 
 eyes of my Prince closed them in a squalid hut in 
 Madras, where, after an unceasing hunt of months, I 
 found him. I was too late to save him for this world 
 I hope I preserved his soul for the next for 
 heaven 1" 
 
 Count Rondell raised his hand to his brow as if 
 making the sign of the cross. Absent-mindedly he 
 stroked his hair, while a melancholy smile came to 
 his lips. "May God be merciful to him !" he breathed, 
 a tear in his eye. 
 
 With deeper feeling and a vibrant voice, he went on : 
 
 "Our house of cards had fallen. My labors were 
 all in vain, my mission a failure and, perhaps, my life 
 also. You are still patient, my friend, are you not?" 
 
 Morton leaned across the desk, lightly touching the 
 other man's arm with an encouraging pressure. "You 
 did the best your wisdom dictated, Your Excellency. 
 Regrets are useless now. It may be there is a silver 
 lining to your dark cloud. Please, go on with your 
 tale." 
 
 "Well thus far I have been relating to you the his- 
 tory of Roumelia, the rise and fall of my chosen 
 fatherland. Now we reach the last chapter the day 
 we are living now. Will you not light a fresh cigar, 
 my dear Mr. Morton? Permit me to retire for a 
 moment." 
 
 Going to his sleeping room, Count Rondell filled 
 a goblet of water and drank feverishly. Morton lit a 
 cigar the while he watched the Count sinking back into 
 his seat. 
 
 The stateroom had become very close and oppressive. 
 No sound but the rhythmical beat of the auxiliary 
 engine, rather felt than heard, fell upon the ear. The 
 steady yellowish light on the wall threw into relief 
 the ghastly features of the old diplomat; the smoke
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 49 
 
 from Morton's cigar hung heavily against the ceiling, 
 taking odd and fantastic shapes. The younger man 
 was strangely moved. What a terrible drama had 
 been laid bare! He could not take his eyes away 
 from the pitiful figure before him the old nobleman 
 looking the very picture of despair. 
 
 "I am coming now to the last chapter, Mr. Morton. 
 A few hours ago I received two cables informing me 
 of events which have happened during my absence. 
 The earlier cable says, in substance, in code of course, 
 that within the last ten days a revolt had occurred in 
 the capital. Rumors of the heir's disappearance had 
 emboldened the disaffected factions of the .kingdom, 
 who struck and struck fearfully! The king had al- 
 ways lived simply and trusted his people and his 
 army. The few palace guards were easily over- 
 powered; the king was taken prisoner and with him 
 his consort. The ministers of state were forced to 
 resign, a de facto republican government was pro- 
 claimed, and Demeter Sturdza, the leader of the Radi- 
 cals, an old schemer and a villain masquerading as a 
 patriot, has been appointed acting President. Every- 
 thing is in chaos. The later cable is still more dis- 
 tressing. A trusty friend of mine, the late minister of 
 Finance, sends it to me from Constantinople, to which 
 place he has flown. He is one of the few of the old 
 administration who escaped." 
 
 The Count opened the portfolio nervously, took 
 some papers lying on top, and with trembling hands 
 adjusted his glasses. After a futile attempt to read 
 he resignedly put both papers and glasses down and 
 with a pitiful gesture resumed his narrative. 
 
 "My dear Mr. Morton I cannot read it I shall 
 have to give you the contents from memory. The 
 fearful facts are engraven on my mind only too deeply! 
 The king has been assassinated the queen is dead
 
 50 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 from shock. Prince Fernand was shot down in cold 
 blood by a drunken Colonel of the Territorials, the 
 ministers and counsellors are either dead, imprisoned 
 or fugitives. The army, at first indifferent, is now 
 obeying the newly formed government. The country 
 has been isolated from the rest of the world, as the 
 wires were cut. Martial law prevails and a reign of 
 terror instituted. The property of the old regime has 
 been confiscated." 
 
 The old diplomat had risen before he finished his 
 recital, staggered nervously and weakly to and fro, 
 and, leaning on the back of his chair, he spoke the 
 last words in jerky sentences. 
 
 "There remains the only member of the Royal fam- 
 ily a lovely young girl a mere child the sister 
 of the unfortunate boy I had seen die. This innocent 
 princess is without friend or protector. She has 
 found a precarious refuge in the summer castle of 
 the late prince in the hills of the North. When this 
 cable was sent she was alive and, although deprived 
 of her freedom, still unharmed. 
 
 "The poor girl has no knowledge of life, and is 
 utterly helpless. Reared in the seclusion of the court 
 under the care of the late queen a most noble and 
 saintly lady she is still but a child in experience. 
 She was my beloved king's favorite a beautiful, pure 
 girl, a noble princess. She must not perish !" 
 
 Morton felt dizzy and sick. His cigar had gone out 
 long since. He had almost ceased to think or feel. 
 With a great effort he pulled himself together, and 
 staring fixedly at his narrator, murmured thickly: 
 "Why why do you tell me of all these fearful things ? 
 What do you want from me?" 
 
 Count Rondell came to a stop at his desk and, lay- 
 ing his hands upon the back of the chair, said quietly : 
 
 "Mr. Morton, I am a doomed man. The doctor
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 51 
 
 tells me I have, at best, but a very little while to live 
 and I feel he is right. I would not hesitate an instant 
 to do what is my duty but I know I cannot. My 
 weak body will not obey my will. You are young, 
 strong and resourceful. God has led you to this boat, 
 led you to me in my hour of great need. Mr. Mor- 
 ton, I ask you, in the name of humanity, to rescue the 
 girl from the fury of an insane populace from the 
 nameless horror that might be her fate I ask you, 
 my friend, to take my place and bring this girl safely 
 out of Roumelia !" 
 
 He waved aside Morton's protesting gesture and 
 continued with deep emotion but with impressive dig- 
 nity : 
 
 "Pray my dear sir do not answer me now. Take 
 it under consideration. In an hour, two hours if you 
 wish, let me know your decision. Do not act on the 
 spur of the moment." 
 
 Morton could hardly restrain himself. He felt he 
 could not wait. Rising nervously, he exclaimed, his 
 voice filled with indignation: 
 
 "Count Rondell, this is not fair ! Why do you come 
 to me, a stranger, with so impossible, so absurd a 
 proposition? What right have you to unload your 
 burden upon a chance acquaintance and put the blame 
 of a possible fearful fate of a young girl at my door 
 my door of all men? What do I know of kings and 
 princes ? What do I care ? Why do you come to me 
 with this? Much as I esteem you much as I feel 
 for you in your sorrow " 
 
 The Count drew himself up proudly and placed his 
 hand firmly upon Morton's shoulder. 
 
 "I have asked myself those same questions many 
 times during the last two hours, when I was seeking 
 for a solution, looking for a ray of hope in my despair. 
 I came to you, sir, because I must do all that I can do
 
 52 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 and there is not a soul to whom I can appeal or who 
 can do what I ask, but you! I can hold out no 
 inducements to you. I know not if glory or money 
 means anything to you. Honors I cannot offer, for 
 I have fallen from my proud position by the very 
 events that have brought me pleading to you. Riches 
 I have none my property has been confiscated. I 
 am a ruined man. I have some forty thousand francs 
 with me the money is at your disposal to cover your 
 expenditures for the labors I am praying you to un- 
 dertake. Why do I come to you? Because you are 
 the last resource and the only hope left me ; because I 
 would do anything and everything to save this girl 
 and " 
 
 Morton was about to interrupt, but the old man, 
 trembling violently, collapsed in his seat. Recovering 
 himself slowly he reached for the large portfolio and 
 opening it, slowly and almost mechanically fingered and 
 folded the papers within it. 
 
 Morton watched him, stern and wide-eyed, resolved 
 to remain calm and patient. 
 
 In a low voice, made the more impressive by its 
 gentleness, the Count spoke: 
 
 "Forgive my vehemence my insistence. I must 
 employ every means at hand. I have not told you 
 all ; I have not told you the full depth of my despair. 
 With the Princess Marie Louise is my little daughter 
 my only child. The child of my love my pride, my 
 only reward in this world the child of my beloved 
 wife! Here is a letter of hers, written but a few 
 weeks before the awful events. A letter full of love 
 and happiness she did not then dream of the fearful 
 days that were to come! When I left Holstein to 
 follow my prince to a new and promising life, I had 
 the plighted word of a beautiful girl to join me when- 
 ever I called her. In time my beloved came to me.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 53 
 
 We lived in a strange country, among strange people 
 and stranger gods ; but we lived in joy and love, mak- 
 ing a heaven for us in this new land! When, after 
 some years, our child came, our lovely little girl, my 
 dear wife had heart and love for us both. She 
 brought up this child of our affection, the only child 
 God gave us, as only love can! Her own goodness 
 is reproduced in the child her beauty of heart and 
 mind, her loving ways all live again in her daughter! 
 Five years ago she died, leaving our child to my 
 care. And now, here I am, a man with one foot in the 
 grave feeble and useless thousands of miles away 
 from my child her child. My God! what " 
 
 The old diplomat's head fell upon his arms, amongst 
 his papers, his shoulders heaving with his inarticulate 
 sobbings. His hand had grasped a photograph from 
 among the scattered documents and he was convul- 
 sively caressing it. Raising his head he looked at it 
 with an agonized look and murmured brokenly t "Mein 
 Kindchen Mein Kindchen." 
 
 It was more than Morton could bear. His lethargy 
 dropped from him; the spell was broken, his energy 
 returned. A second time he had been shown the 
 hideousness of life. He knew not what to say. Then 
 through his thoughts came the words of his own 
 father's cable : "Am not very well, better hurry, boy !" 
 It was impossible for him to engage in what, after 
 all, was but a romantic adventure. 
 
 What right had this old scion of a decayed aris- 
 tocracy to appeal to him to him, who had duties of 
 his own, just as urgent, to perform? What right had 
 anybody to tell him these hideous things, that grip 
 the mind and distress the heart? What was this young 
 woman or this princess to him that he should wait a 
 moment before deciding? A refusal, prompt and 
 emphatic surely that was the only proper answer to
 
 54 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 make ! Was the old man acting in good faith or was 
 he, perhaps, staging this whole business, in order to 
 entangle him into a foolhardy enterprise! What 
 would his father say? What would mother think? 
 What would his little sister ah ! his little sister, a girl 
 like this girl! His throat felt dry and contracted, 
 as if a cord had been tightened about his neck. 
 
 Good God! And if he declined would he ever 
 get rid of the awful thought that these girls might 
 have been helped and he had failed them ? Could he 
 ever look any woman in the face without thinking of 
 the fate of these two gently reared women? A cold 
 perspiration beaded his forehead and face. With an 
 effort he rose from his seat and strode toward the old 
 man, who sat now staring before him with glassy eyes. 
 
 All this had taken but a few moments, a few heart 
 beats of agony and resentment. 
 
 The proposition was absurd unheard of ! He had 
 better leave this raving lunatic alone tell him most 
 emphatically that he refused. At that moment his eye 
 caught sight of the photograph on the desk. In the 
 benumbed state of his mind he unconsciously looked 
 and made out some writing across the lower part of 
 the card 
 
 "Meinem lieben Papa als Gruss. Seine Helene." 
 
 Immediately before his agitated mind there rose 
 the vision of Bonn, and the old days of his "Burschen- 
 schaft." The happy voices and songs of his student 
 years came back to him and with them the poetry of 
 the German sentimentalist the lovely sunshine and 
 the cheer of youth. 
 
 Mechanically taking up the photograph he looked 
 at it for a moment idly. The next moment he was 
 riveted by what he saw. What a beautiful face ; what 
 lovely eyes; what a sweet smile! It seemed to him 
 as if the young girl had spoken to him, had smiled at
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 55 
 
 him why this child why this beautiful girl must 
 not die she must be saved! 
 
 All at once it seemed as if he heard an inner voice 
 calling on him to bring her into safety, into life, to 
 her dear father and, above all, to himself! What 
 had he been thinking of a moment since? Why 
 nothing could be simpler! He and Don could do the 
 trick all right the girl must be saved . 
 
 He replaced the photograph gently amongst the 
 papers strewn over the desk, and leaning forward, 
 said with hearty determination : "Count, I have thought 
 it over. I will do what you propose. I will go gladly 
 to the assistance of the young ladies. Do you under- 
 stand me, Count? We must get down to work and 
 plan. Do you hear what I am saying?" 
 
 But his host did not hear him. He had sunk deep 
 in his chair, his chin upon his breast, the eyes heavy 
 and dull, barely showing reason. Morton was shocked. 
 
 "Count come, man, pull yourself together; say 
 something. I have agreed." 
 
 A wan smile, like sunshine, stole over the drawn 
 features of the helpless man. 
 
 "I must apologize for my rudeness," he whispered 
 more than spoke. "I shall be better in a moment." 
 He stretched out a trembling hand for the goblet of 
 water, but Morton had reached it before him, and the 
 old man drank the refreshing liquid thirstily. 
 
 The cool drink revived him. Some color returned 
 into the blanched cheeks and the eyes regained some- 
 what of their normal lustre. He sat up more erect. 
 "Did I do I understand you to say, Mr. Morton 
 that you will undertake the task? Did I understand 
 you correctly?" 
 
 "Your Excellency, that is exactly what I mean. I 
 shall undertake it and by Jove if it can be done, 
 I'll do it! And now, lie down for an hour or so.
 
 56 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 You must rest so that we can go ahead with our 
 plans. I must learn all I can about the lay of the 
 land and I guess time counts more than anything 
 else, right now?" 
 
 Gently pushing his host, who had tried to rise, into 
 the seat, he said, "I'll send your man to you." 
 
 "My dear sir, my dear boy ! Permit me to call you 
 that for once you have made me very happy! I 
 feel confident you will succeed if any man can. I 
 already have a plan but you are right, I must pull 
 myself together first and be ready for the work. 
 Please, ring for my man and in an hour I shall be at 
 your disposal." 
 
 "Good, let's shake hands on it. Call me anything 
 you please. I am proud you have chosen me. Don't 
 you worry; we'll beat the entire crazy outfit and I 
 will have your girl out and in your arms in quick 
 order. So long, Count, rest well!" He was about 
 to leave when he recalled the older man's stiff punctili- 
 ous ways. Reddening slightly he turned and, with 
 courtly bend, added, "Au revoir, your Excellency!" 
 
 Pausing upon the threshold he looked back. "Have 
 you a book on Roumelia with a map of the country? 
 I might as well get posted before I see you again." 
 He laughed : "I am that way, Count ; first slow and 
 hard to move; but once I see my way clear why, I 
 get enthusiastic and forget that I am no longer a boy." 
 
 The Count had the very book on the desk, map and 
 all. Morton took it and retired.
 
 CHAPTER V 
 
 MORTON reached the cooler air and took sev- 
 eral turns around the deck. The soft breeze 
 playing on his face, the sight of the twinkling 
 lights and the bustle from the shore, awoke him to 
 himself. He began to realize the situation in which 
 he had placed himself, and to regret the enterprise 
 to which he had, in a sense, committed himself. It 
 was so different from the plans he had already formed, 
 so entirely at variance with his thoughts and his aims. 
 Was it really to be so? Or was it but a dream from 
 which he had just awakened? He felt like a boy 
 caught in a forbidden act. By Jove, the most sensible 
 thing would be to go back to the cabin and tell the 
 Count that the whole scheme was impossible! Surely 
 the man was not quite right in his head! What had 
 he to do with so absurd an adventure ? Don would be 
 certain to think he had been talking with a lunatic if 
 he came to him with the story. Oh, yes, Don was the 
 very man to consult about this matter. He would see 
 him at once. 
 
 Then, into the kaleidoscopic whirl of his thoughts 
 rose again the portrait of the beautiful girl he had seen. 
 That was real, without a doubt. How lovely she was ! 
 He recalled the fine outline of the oval face, the 
 thoughtful brow, the slightly parted lips with their 
 faint curve of a smile. He wondered what color her 
 hair and eyes were. And then he saw the slender 
 throat, the simple, graceful pose of the child-woman. 
 She surely must have a mind as beautiful as her face. 
 5 57
 
 $8 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 He could almost see the little mouth pout, and the 
 beautiful blue eyes (yes, they were blue) fill with tears. 
 
 He swore silently under his breath and lit his pipe. 
 He could think better smoking. A few puffs and he 
 had made up his mind. He was in for it, right or 
 wrong he couldn't and wouldn't back out. He was 
 wasting time, even now. He must be up and doing. 
 Don must be told at once. He wouldn't tell him more 
 than a bare outline simply announce the change in 
 his program and order him to prepare for a journey 
 the Count would have some plan worked out. 
 
 As to his people his father? Oh, well, he had 
 already intimated that he might go to Turkestan. 
 The governor was all right and two or three weeks 
 more wouldn't make an absence of two years seem 
 much longer. He would get ready. 
 
 On the main deck in a cozy spot he found Don, 
 surrounded by youngsters of all ages and both sexes, 
 telling the little ones some fairy tale. It was remark- 
 able how fond Donald was of children and how quickly 
 the children took to him. 
 
 "I am sorry, Don, to disturb this little party. 
 Would you mind coming to my cabin I have an im- 
 portant matter to talk over with you." 
 
 If Don felt surprise he succeeded in hiding it. 
 Smilingly depositing a mite of a girl from his knee on 
 to the deck, he disentangled himself from the swarm 
 about him, and said quickly : "All right, Mr. Morton, 
 I'll be down in a minute." 
 
 Promising the children to resume his tale next morn- 
 ing, and accompanied by shrill calls of: "Don't for- 
 get, Mr. McCormick," and "Don't tell anything when 
 I aren't here," he followed Morton. 
 
 Arrived in his cabin, Morton silently motioned his 
 man to a seat and sat down himself. He at once in- 
 formed Don that important matters about which for
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 59 
 
 the present he could say nothing, obliged him to 
 change the original plan of travel. The journey to 
 Italy would have to be interrupted by a couple of 
 weeks' stay in Eastern Europe. An important under- 
 taking had to be accomplished that needed cool judg- 
 ment and careful preparation. Don must leave by the 
 midnight train and embark the next evening on the 
 Lloyd boat for Brindisi. Further orders would be 
 ready for him when he arrived there. Donald simply 
 nodded and made ready to rise when Morton suddenly 
 changed his mind. 
 
 "Don, we have serious work laid out for us I am 
 not ready to tell you what I don't quite know myself 
 what it is but you will have to be over there at once 
 and start at the business. I'll have our agent from 
 Rome meet you in Brindisi and he will act on your 
 instructions. I'll cable him and have letters of intro- 
 duction ready. Now let's put down what we need." 
 
 Don was to secure a large amount of money in 
 gold and bills current in Balkan countries; especially 
 gold for Roumelia. 
 
 He was to obtain all the information available about 
 Roumelia, collect newspaper articles on Roumelian 
 affairs beginning with October fifteenth, tabulate them 
 so that they could go over them quickly, and get in- 
 formation about the best train connections with 
 Bucharest. Morton would need the help of an Ameri- 
 can Consul. Don must induce the Consul at Rome or 
 Naples to come to Brindisi to meet him, Morton. 
 Morton would explain things later. Passports good 
 for all the Balkan states, and especially Roumelia, 
 would be needed. Also introductory letters to Amer- 
 ican Consuls and to such men of standing as the 
 consul or the agents of the firm could influence. 
 
 Don's face had, during this recital, been assuming a 
 more and more puzzled expression. "Is it all on the
 
 60 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 level, Mr. John?" he asked. "It sounds kind o' 
 crazy." 
 
 John grunted : "It's all right enough ; just wait until 
 you know why." 
 
 Don was further instructed to obtain a full equip- 
 ment for three men four rifles, revolvers and am- 
 munition all of the best make. A camp outfit for five 
 or six people, rugs, furs, tools, canned meats and prov- 
 ender for horses for ten days. 
 
 Don looked so astonished that Morton couldn't sup- 
 press a grin. He decided to take his man further into 
 his confidence, and impressed him with the need of 
 discretion. 
 
 Once Don had the outline of the "job" clearly in 
 his mind, he looked relieved. Morton knew now that 
 all his instructions would be obeyed to the letter, and 
 that he was certain of a faithful adherent. Don's in- 
 terest took on an enthusiasm which showed that he 
 was eager for the adventure. The primitive man in 
 him had begun to assert itself. He would do and dare 
 anything. 
 
 When everything had been agreed upon and settled 
 to their satisfaction, Morton dismissed his man and re- 
 turned to the Count in his cabin. He found the old 
 man feeling much better the eyes were brighter and 
 the tone of his voice stronger. He was glad that 
 Morton had come because he was anxious to lay out 
 the plans of action. 
 
 He informed Morton that he had cabled to his friend 
 in Constantinople asking further information and ex- 
 pected a reply the next morning. When he was told 
 that Donald was going to Brindisi ahead of them, he 
 was pleased that would gain time, he thought. 
 
 Mr. Morton was to go to Kronstadt in Transyl- 
 vania, only a short distance from the Roumelian bor- 
 der and equip there, A good priest of that town, a
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 61 
 
 faithful and well-informed man, would be of great 
 help to him. His good will was assured he was 
 under obligation to the Count and could be relied on. 
 With native guides and helpers obtained there men 
 that knew the country and language Mr. Morton 
 could assume the dress of an ordinary citizen and give 
 out some purpose of travel not likely to awaken sus- 
 picion. The guides would drive into Padina as farm- 
 ers bringing their produce to the town market. 
 
 At Padina there was one man there, a Jewish 
 merchant who was very loyal to the Count and his 
 family, a very shrewd and resourceful man who, in 
 all likelihood, would be standing well with the new 
 powers. The man was absolutely true and loyal and 
 would be of great assistance. 
 
 These matters clearly understood the Count sug- 
 gested that perhaps an outline of the history of Rou- 
 melia during the past quarter century would help Mr. 
 Morton to understand the situation. Morton ex- 
 pressed himself as eager to be enlightened. 
 
 No one could be with Count Rondell without suc- 
 cumbing to the charm of his magnetic personality. 
 He told his tale with the skill of an accomplished 
 raconteur and with the knowledge of personal experi- 
 ence. The man who was speaking had played a great 
 part in the drama he unfolded. It was a rare pleasure 
 that Morton enjoyed. 
 
 "I know, my dear Mr. Morton," said the Count 
 when he had finished, "that as a republican you 
 may not be in sympathy with monarchy, but if you 
 will permit me to explain it may help to straighten 
 out any false ideas you may have at least, so far as 
 my own country is concerned." 
 
 "By all means, Count," replied Morton heartily. 
 
 "I shall not attempt to discuss which is or which is 
 not the most proper and most enlightened form of
 
 62 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 government that would be futile now we certainly 
 agree that some form of government is absolutely 
 needed to secure the peaceful development of any com- 
 monwealth. You Americans, with a virile and highly 
 gifted population descended from peoples who have 
 lived under liberal laws for many generations, in- 
 habiting a virtually virgin land of great resources, 
 without a history of oppression to live down you are 
 capable of existing and prospering under a democracy. 
 Believe me, my dear sir, Roumelia never could and 
 never will survive under a similar form of govern- 
 ment. The novelty may appeal to them, the delusion 
 of a new kind of freedom may delude them, but the 
 people are not educated for it, they are not ready for 
 it. They need the pomp of a court, the strong per- 
 sonality of an acknowledged ruler to temper dema- 
 gogue ambitions and to curb the desire of the common 
 mind to become enriched at the expense of the country. 
 There must be some one who is above bribery, who 
 will not be swayed by selfish motives but who has 
 the public welfare at heart such a man can only be 
 the king. His position is God's gift; and he is re- 
 sponsible to his Maker alone! A republican form of 
 government in the Balkans! My dear sir, it would 
 be a farce, were it not a tragedy !" 
 
 Morton made no reply, and Count Rondell crossed 
 his legs and leaned further back in his chair. 
 
 "My dear Mr. Morton," he said, with a plaintive 
 smile, "may I speak my mind to you ? I cannot explain 
 it, but I was drawn to you from the first. You are 
 a man whose kind I have always loved and admired 
 perhaps it is because we do not raise the like in my 
 own country. I wish I had a son like you !" 
 
 "Count, I am proud of your esteem and regard." 
 
 "My dear boy!" and impulsively the Count pressed 
 Morton's hand. "I am very, very happy and feel
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 63 
 
 certain you will succeed. Save my beloved daughter 
 and the noble Princess and, perhaps, save also Rou- 
 melia from herself and her abominations." 
 
 "At present, Count Rondell, it will be well if I 
 think less of politics or kings and more of the two 
 ladies who will need all our help. If one of them re- 
 gains her right well and good." The old man puffed 
 at his cigar thoughtfully. "You are right," he said 
 at last. 
 
 The two men sat in converse until a late hour. Mor- 
 ton smoking incessantly, was satisfied to sit and listen to 
 this remarkable old man, who in spite of his delicate 
 frame possessed a will of iron, a mind as keen and as 
 brilliant as a diamond and a heart as noble and tender 
 as a woman's. The Count had told him of his search 
 for the weakling of a prince and its tragic end. Mor- 
 ton marvelled at the devotion and nerve of this faithful 
 servant of the Crown. "What a man!" he said to 
 himself. "What a splendid example for any highly 
 resolved youth to emulate !" Surely he would do well 
 to be moved by a like spirit! "Nihil sine Deo," was 
 Roumelia's motto, the Count had told him. Hence- 
 forth his motto would be "Omnia cum Deo." His 
 heart expanded in sympathy for the long-suffering 
 statesman he would be worthy of the trust imposed 
 in him and would succeed. 
 
 Again the likeness of the beautiful girl came before 
 him. An overwhelming desire to see the photograph 
 once more seized him. With the instinctive cun- 
 ning of a lover, he remarked: "Bye-the-bye, Count, 
 you will, of course, furnish me with proper cre- 
 dentials." 
 
 "Certainly. The letters I shall have ready for you 
 are carefully listed on the memorandum I have pre- 
 pared for you. I shall also ask you to take this ring. 
 It will vouch for you with all my friends and follow-
 
 64 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 ers. When showing it say the words, 'Arnim's pledge/ 
 And I must also give you the photographs of the 
 young ladies." 
 
 Count Rondell, to Morton's delight, reached for 
 the portfolio and opened its quaint and curious lock. 
 
 "This I think is the best likeness of the three I 
 have with me," and he handed over the very photo- 
 graph Morton had first seen. "I shall have a copy 
 of it made early to-morrow and will include it with 
 the other papers." Morton had seized the portrait and 
 was devouring it with his eyes. "She is a beautiful 
 girl, Mr. Morton!" 
 
 John turned his face away so that the Count should 
 not notice his expression, and remarked politely but 
 with an air of nonchalance : "Yes, Count, she is very 
 bright and attractive. It is a little difficult for a 
 stranger to see a likeness does she favor you in any 
 way?" In his heart he felt it was the most adorable, 
 the most beautiful face he had ever seen. 
 
 "She may, a little ; but to me she has always seemed 
 like her sainted mother. Although a child in appear- 
 ance, she is past nineteen and quite tall." 
 
 Morton thought nineteen was young enough. He 
 longed to keep the photograph. He felt he could look 
 at it for ever. Reluctantly he handed it back. 
 
 The hour was late and Morton regretted he had 
 kept the sick man from his bed. Rising quickly he 
 excused himself and, promising to look in early the 
 next morning, he retired to his own cabin. There 
 he learned that Donald had completed his packing, 
 and was ready for the journey. 
 
 He at once sat down and wrote a letter to his 
 father's agents at Brindisi introducing Don and giving 
 him full power to act in his stead, and requesting 
 them to aid his representative in every way they could. 
 Don was to be given such funds as he needed and
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 65 
 
 instructions to this effect would come from head- 
 quarters by cable. 
 
 To his father he cabled : "Will leave England second 
 week November. .Will advise steamer. Take care 
 yourself, love all. Please approve by cable heavy 
 drafts on your agents Rome, Brindisi. Am well." 
 
 To his mother : "Cable Hindoostan Port Said and 
 later Brindisi father's health. Can I stay in Europe 
 two weeks longer? Love." 
 
 Having despatched the cables he settled down to 
 write his letters one each to his father and mother. 
 The cable he had received disturbed him. He was 
 anxious about his father's health. 
 
 The letters, indicative of John's character and his 
 relations to his parents are, perhaps, worthy of re- 
 production. 
 DEAR FATHER: SUEZ, October , 189. ^ 
 
 At last I am out of the desert and once more within civi- 
 lization on my way home. I cabled you to-night: 
 
 "Will leave England second week November. Will ad- 
 vise steamer. Take care yourself, love all. Please approve 
 by cable heavy drafts on your agents, Rome, Brindisi. Am 
 well." 
 
 I shall have to go to Paris for some days, see some friends 
 in Germany and report in London to the Secretary of the 
 Colonies about my work in Egypt; expect to take the Cu- 
 narder that leaves November I4th from Liverpool. 
 
 Have had your letters of August loth and September i6th 
 upon arriving here, and some letters from mother and sis. 
 
 Also have your cable of the in which you ask me to 
 
 come home as you are not feeling well. 
 
 I hope, dear father, this does not mean that you are ill. 
 You work too hard and play too little. When I get back 
 I'll want you to make use of me, put me into harness and 
 ease up on yourself. I have had any amount of time in 
 the desert to think o'f my work and my duty, and I assure 
 you, father, I will settle down and try to carry on your work 
 and your plans. I have always admitted that you knew best 
 and were ever right. I repeat that now and want to put 
 myself at your service.
 
 66 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 I am hearty and strong. You will find me fit and willing, 
 and the life abroad and the knowledge I have gained have 
 done me good, I think. How I do look forward, dear Dad, 
 to seeing you again ; to sit by you and chat and plan ! How 
 proud I am that my work here has been so successful ! Dad, 
 you will be pleased. Your ideas are absolutely borne out, 
 and with the data we have of Jackson's Hole country I am 
 positive the work can be done and finished in two and a 
 half or three years. We can rely on at least 300 million 
 gallons of storage reserve and a useful supply oi not less 
 than 18 million per day. Isn't that glorious? 
 
 Remember, father, you always hinted that my duty, as the 
 last of the Mortons, was to settle down, marry and see to 
 it that I shan't remain the last of your doughty clan. Well, 
 I am as "dour" as any Morton ever was and willing. As 
 I am writing in similar strain to mother I expect between 
 you two you will try and pick the mother of my future off- 
 spring. I guess you will want her to be fair and mother 
 dark I will thus, at least, have a chance of choosing 'for 
 myself I 
 
 But, joking aside, Dad, I am ready to quit roving for 
 good, ready to give up adventure, ready to settle down in 
 the dear old home and go into business. And if I can't 
 duplicate you, father, I'll make a good try anyway ! 
 
 Have you gotten the Mummy which I shipped in May; 
 and did the Sarcophagus reach you that I sent by "under- 
 ground" in July? The latter is certainly a very fine speci- 
 men and will just fit into your gallery. 
 
 I feel fine. I am, if anything, heavier than two years ago, 
 and didn't have a sick minute while in Africa. I am 
 browned as dark as the headwaiter at the Lake House and 
 with a little practice could beat you on the links. 
 
 Unless I have cable from you will stick to the above plan 
 and be in New York on November 22d. 
 
 Donald is well and glad to turn his nose west. He asks 
 to be remembered to you. You will be satisfied with him 
 when you look at me. 
 
 Dearest love to you all, my loved ones. 
 
 Give my regards to all our 'friends whom I shall be glad 
 to see again this winter. 
 
 I embrace you, my dear Dad. Your loving J OHN> 
 
 P.S. "Am going to draw rather heavily on your agents 
 in Rome or Brindisi, as I won't have time to see bankers
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 67 
 
 before getting to London. Will settle by transfer from my 
 account when I return." 
 
 The other letter to his mother, he wrote more care- 
 fully. 
 
 SUEZ, October , 189 . 
 
 MY DEAREST MOTHER: 
 
 By this same mail I am writing to father and you will 
 get all information about me from that letter. You are not 
 supposed to show this, your own letter, to Dad; it is partly 
 for you only, as you will see in the next 'few sentences. 
 
 I have cabled to you inquiring if father's health is in any 
 way alarming and expect your reply promptly. If the an- 
 swer is favorable I shall take a week or so in Europe for 
 an enterprise which looks very important to me and of which 
 you, I am certain, would approve. 
 
 I haven't even time to write a long letter, but as I shall 
 be but a week or two later than these lines, my tale can 
 well wait. 
 
 This enterprise, dear mater, I cannot specify more exactly 
 than to say that I know you would applaud the principle 
 involved and would yourself urge me to undertake it. 
 
 I can hardly wait until I am home with you, dearest 
 mother, and with father and Ruth. I shall have an awful 
 lot to tell, of strange countries, experiences and a study of 
 life that has been granted to few men. You may lionize 
 me, mother, and ask all the swell people of the ultra cul- 
 tured crowd to come and listen to your son's adventures. I 
 shall let my hair grow, raise again the beautiful whiskers 
 that were four days ago sacrificed on the altar of comfort 
 and decency (tell Ruth I have preserved a photo with them 
 on) and satisfy the craving of society for something novel. 
 
 Mater, dear, you always claimed I was a good deal "Ran- 
 dolph" in my exterior; did the R's ever run into red hair? 
 My whiskers save the mark were of a hue which an enemy 
 of your proud Virginia ancestry might designate as red! 
 Please don't mention it to Ruth ; the photo doesn't show the 
 color and she might be shocked. 
 
 Now, Mother dear, be happy and be sure to be just as 
 pretty as you always were. I think the natural bird will be 
 ready to be substituted for the fatted calf by the time I get 
 home, because Thanksiving will put me at your table and 
 Oh, won't the turkey taste good !
 
 68 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Love to Ruthie and thousands of kisses to you both, dear- 
 est mother. 
 
 Ever Your Loving Admirer and Son. 
 
 "Apropos! If Ruth really pesters you as she surely will 
 and starts a guessing match tell her the lady is five foot 
 eleven, hair raven and eyes a deep violet bordering on 
 purplish black she's proud and has refused me three times. 
 I am going to follow her into her retreat, play the guitar 
 outside her little window for ten consecutive nights, moon- 
 light or no light. If she melts under the influence of the 
 sweet strains, my pleadings and the proofs of dad's wealth 
 I shall bring her home dragging her along by a chain of 
 Marshal Niel roses; if she remains cold and disdainful 
 she, I mean Ruth, can pick the girl for me in old America. 
 But mind you only one at a time, please, for safety's sake. 
 You must remember I have dwelt in the Orient for two 
 years, and the Orient you recall the hundred wives of Solo- 
 mon? So don't subject me to the charms of more than one 
 divine lady at a time. Love to all I mean you of course 
 and not the prospective ladies ! JOHN/' 
 
 The writing and sending of the cables and letters 
 quieted John's mind; he had acquitted himself of his 
 filial duties for the time being at least. With renewed 
 zest he again entered into his plans for the enterprise 
 before him and it was not until a very late hour that 
 he found his bed. 
 
 The steamer reached Ishmaila and Port Said in 
 good time. Here he received his one cable answer 
 from his father informing him that the delay would 
 not matter in the least and wishing him good luck and 
 an early termination of the new work. Agents in 
 Rome and Brindisi had been notified to honor his 
 drafts. 
 
 Early next morning the Mediterranean was entered 
 and the last stretch of the voyage begun. 
 
 Count Rondell had become feebler and appeared 
 less frequently and for shorter periods on deck or in 
 the smoking room. His features had become duller
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 69 
 
 and John caught Dr. Brown more than once looking 
 anxiously at his new friend. The Count never com- 
 plained, rarely referred to his health at all and, when 
 with John, would speak only of his country and his 
 early life. Each interview served but to knit him 
 and John more closely together. 
 
 One afternoon, when Morton, as usual, was visiting 
 the count in his stateroom, he found the old man 
 strangely silent and seemingly very depressed. John 
 tried to draw him into conversation, asking questions 
 about his beloved Roumelia, but the Count replied 
 only in monosyllables. He seemed curiously embar- 
 rassed. Finally, however, the old man roused himself. 
 
 "My dear Mr. Morton I feel ashamed and hu- 
 miliated I am at a loss how to apologize to you." 
 
 John looked at him in astonishment. 
 
 "This morning," continued the Count, "I was visited 
 by some kind-hearted gentlemen who were so courteous 
 as to wish to entertain me in my forced seclusion. I 
 learned from them, for the first time, who you really 
 are. I am distressed to think that I had offered you 
 money as the price of your services. I knew, of course, 
 of a Mr. Morton, one of the financial bulwarks of the 
 Western world, but I never thought of connecting 
 you with him. I humbly beg your forgiveness." 
 
 "My dear Count, pray, don't distress yourself on 
 that account. We can devote the money to the ex- 
 penses of the undertaking itself if it is needed. Let 
 us not refer to it again, Your Excellency." John spoke 
 heartily and with emphasis. 
 
 "You are very good. You absolve me, Mr. Mor- 
 ton?" 
 
 "Absolutely, Count." 
 
 "I am greatly relieved. Thank you." 
 
 By the time they had arrived at the Italian littoral 
 Morton was well posted on Roumelia and also com-
 
 70 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 pletely in love with his tutor's daughter. It gave him 
 a curious pleasure to hear the father talk about his 
 child. The Count never, for a moment, suspected that 
 John was skillfully guiding the conversation to that 
 subject, for he himself was an enthusiast on it. John, 
 on the other hand, did not realize that he was playing 
 with fire but sat opposite the old man and kept saying 
 to himself, "You don't know what I am thinking, old 
 chap! I wonder what you'd say, if you did know? 
 I am ready to fall in love with your daughter, head 
 over heels ! Just you wait I hope you'll like it." 
 
 The Count's valet had made a very excellent print 
 of the photograph selected and this copy was now 
 safely stowed away in Morton's breast pocket. It 
 remained there until he reached the privacy of his 
 stateroom, and then he placed it in the palm of his 
 hand and gave free vent to his excited imagination. 
 
 She did have beautiful eyes, this "little Helene!"
 
 CHAPTER VI 
 
 PAST Santa Andrea, the Forte a Mare of the 
 harbor of Brindisi, the steamer crept slowly 
 through the narrow channel connecting the 
 outer bay with the splendid and well-protected inner 
 waterway, and drew up alongside the fine stone Molo 
 di San Giovanni across the heart of the town. 
 
 Morton, standing on deck aloof from his fellow 
 passengers, extended his silent greetings to Europe. 
 His heart beat with gladness and expectation. The 
 last days had seemed never-ending, so eager was he 
 to begin the adventure on which he had now set his 
 heart. He had made his adieus to the ship's company 
 and passengers. Friendships easily and quickly 
 formed on board a ship are, as a rule, built on the 
 slender foundation of the ennui of the moment; the 
 boon companions of the smoking room soon become 
 merely pictures for the memory to paint in after days ; 
 even the charming lady whose deck chair adjoins yours 
 fades into the hazy past "Out of sight, out of mind !" 
 
 Morton's first care on landing, after meeting his 
 agent from Rome who had come to the ship, was to 
 see that Count Rondell had been safely and comfort- 
 ably housed in a hotel. The old man was very feeble 
 and it was with difficulty that he was removed from 
 the ship. The ship's doctor had seen to it that a good 
 physician was in attendance to give him all the neces- 
 sary attention and care. This done to Morton's 
 satisfaction, he promised the Count to return in a short 
 time and went himself to a nearby osteria for any 
 cables or letters which might have arrived for him. He
 
 72 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 learned that all his orders and instructions had been 
 properly carried out and, what was more pleasing, 
 that none of the cables or letters awaiting him called 
 for any alterations in the plans he had made with 
 Count Rondell. 
 
 Learning that a fast train left Brindisi for the North 
 in a couple of hours, he gave Donald his final instruc- 
 tions and the letters he had prepared for him and saw 
 him off for Kronstadt, promising to meet him there 
 the day after his arrival. 
 
 With his agent Morton then went to the hotel and 
 met the American Consul who had come from Naples 
 to offer his services. The Consul turned out to bo. a 
 pleasant and bright young man who was fairly well 
 acquainted with the Balkan countries. He provided 
 Morton with passports and letters of introduction to 
 American Consuls in the section which he expected 
 to visit. He suggested that Morton should travel 
 tinder his own name as an American capitalist inter- 
 ested in oil lands and as being also interested in pur- 
 chasing some of the highly bred horses for which 
 Roumelia was noted. The rest must be left to 
 Morton's own quick wit, he said, and the length of 
 his purse especially the latter. The political state 
 of the country was not quiet; but he thought 
 that Morton, as an American trader, should meet with 
 few or no difficulties. The people of the Balkans were 
 tradesmen and loved to meet anyone by whom they 
 could profit. With this parting advice he left. 
 
 Returning to the Count's hotel, Morton found him 
 in bed, weak but cheerful, with his valet and a newly 
 engaged nurse in attendance. Dr. Brown, who was 
 in the adjoining apartment, had telephoned for a 
 prominent specialist from Rome who was expected to 
 arrive within a few hours. 
 
 Morton took a chair, and begging the nurse to
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 73 
 
 leave him alone with her invalid, sat down by the 
 Count's bedside. He told him in detail of what he 
 had done since leaving the ship. The information 
 cheered the sick man and brought a brighter look into 
 his tired eyes. He pressed the young man's hand 
 gratefully. "I trust you implicitly, dear friend," he 
 murmured. 
 
 Morton smiled and promised that he would wire 
 and write whenever he could do so without endanger- 
 ing the attainment of his ultimate object. He begged 
 him to be of good cheer and to be patient all would 
 end well. His father's agent had instructions to be 
 at the Count's service. Mr. Kelly, Morton's agent, 
 would call on him from time to time, and he begged 
 Count Rondell to make liberal use of his time. 
 
 The old man could not speak, so overcome was he 
 with emotion; but he pressed Morton's hands and 
 looked the gratitude he felt. 
 
 The hour had now approached when Morton must 
 leave. The doctor also had come in and whispered 
 that the patient was being overtaxed. Morton there- 
 fore rose : 
 
 "Count Rondell, my dear friend, I know what is in 
 your mind. Let me assure you, that come what may, 
 I shall do my best to look after your daughter. If you 
 should not be here to protect her I will. If she does 
 not find a suitable home at the court, I shall bring 
 her to my mother, who will be her friend. Have no 
 anxiety, dear friend. Think only of yourself think 
 only of getting well again. But, again, whatever hap- 
 pens she will never want a friend so long as I live." 
 He reached for the sick man's hand and as a final 
 word, said earnestly, "I will succeed." 
 
 Count Rondell's eyes had been closed while Morton 
 was speaking. He now opened them wide, and a wan, 
 happy smile irradiated his face. He pressed with 
 6
 
 74 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 feverish clasp the hand held out to him and whispered 
 rather than spoke : "May God reward you, my son. 
 If I get well I shall be your debtor for life ; if I die 
 before your return I shall die happy. May God bless 
 you, my boy Good-bye!" 
 
 "Au revoir, Count be of good courage and get 
 well!" 
 
 Morton withdrew hastily, afraid to trust himself 
 any longer because of the stress of his emotions, and 
 glad to relieve his mind in discussing the final arrange- 
 ments for the Count's care with Dr. Brown. To his 
 agent, who was also waiting in the hotel, he entrusted 
 the moneys the Count had given him with the request 
 that they be deposited at the local branch of the "Banca 
 Nationale" in the name and to the order of the Count. 
 He was to draw on Morton's funds for all that was 
 needed for the Count's comfort and to stop at no ex- 
 pense, if necessary. 
 
 Leaving the hotel, he threaded his way through the 
 narrow and crowded streets and arrived at the railway 
 station, very tired and hungry. A nearby osteria in- 
 vited him with its cheerful aspect. In the sunny back- 
 room the brown-faced comely hostess served him a 
 bountiful meal of which he ate heartily. When he had 
 finished, he looked at his watch and found he had still 
 plenty of time. He thought of the cables he had 
 received and took them from his pocket. "Father 
 rather unwell but not serious according Brooks. Delay 
 permissible. All well and send love, Mother." His 
 father had cabled more laconically: "Go ahead. 
 Christmas will do. Agency has orders." 
 
 He rang the bell and asked for pen, ink and paper. 
 The smiling landlady bowed and returned with a green 
 and orange, striped penholder and a tiny bottle partly 
 filled with a pale bluish fluid. What should he write ? 
 He leaned over the table and played with the penholder
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 75 
 
 idly, sipping occasionally the chianti from a many- 
 colored glass goblet. The slanting rays of the October 
 sun lighted up the plainly furnished room with its 
 whitewashed walls on which hung a chromo of a rosy- 
 cheeked Madonna and child, and a dark crucifix. The 
 wax flowers on the mantelpiece attracted a bee which 
 buzzed noisily against the bell-shaped glass covering. 
 Occasionally Morton would look up and glance through 
 the open window through which he dreamily noticed 
 the little brick-paved garden, deeply shaded by the 
 high wall and the buildings enclosing it. A few bril- 
 liantly colored dahlias, some clumps of chrysanthe- 
 mums, and a few tomato plants despoiled of their 
 crimson glory waved gently in the wind. A solitary 
 starling skipped in and out from between the beds 
 furtively glancing about with bright eyes and seem- 
 ingly quite unenthusiastic over the place in which he 
 found himself. Even in sunny Italy, the autumnal 
 season has its sad forebodings. 
 
 Morton felt he owed his mother some reason for 
 the change he had made in his original plans. She 
 would certainly expect an explanation. What should 
 he say without betraying the confidence imposed in 
 him by Count Rondell ? And yet he longed to tell her 
 of what was really impelling him. Should he send her 
 the photograph? And if he did what could he say? 
 No he must say nothing about the girl. He must 
 write generalities, perhaps drop a hint or so, and 
 let it go at that. 
 
 The monotonous regular ticking of the clock in the 
 adjoining public room reminded him forcibly that 
 time was passing and that the train would not wait. 
 Dipping the pen into the bottle, he began and wrote 
 rapidly :
 
 76 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 BRINDISI, October , 189 . 
 
 MY DEAREST MOTHER : 
 
 Since leaving Port Said I have had time to reflect on my 
 lengthened stay here, of which I advised you by cable from 
 Suez. 
 
 In Port Said I received your reply saying that father's 
 illness was not serious and my further stay in Europe per- 
 missible. Also that you and Sis were well. Here in Brin- 
 disi I received further confirmation by cable from you and 
 father. 
 
 Of course I am very happy that dear father's ailment (I 
 can't imagine what it can be) is not serious and fervently 
 hope that you will be getting him into fine shape soon. I 
 hope by the time I get home, he will be his old self again. 
 I am equally glad that you and Ruth are well and happy. 
 
 As to myself physically I am disgracefully fine, mentally 
 I have nothing to worry me. I am more than anxious to 
 get home, to embrace you and kiss you, and tell you of my 
 work, my adventures, and what I have learned and done. I 
 want to settle down, do anything you want me to do, mater 
 dear, either in business, in society or even as a husband! 
 Yes, dear mother, I am willing to do what you always hinted 
 I should do take unto myself a wife, emulate father's exam- 
 ple and be a good American business man and a "pater- 
 familias." 
 
 I didn't intend to write all this, but since the cat is out o' 
 the bag, I may as well confess it. I can imagine you now 
 going over the list of eligible girls; for of course there isn't 
 a girl living who would not jump at the chance of marrying 
 your boy, your handsome John all we have to do is to pick 
 the best ! 
 
 Seriously, mother, I feel it is time for me to cease wan- 
 dering and to look for happiness and satisfaction in a home. 
 It is time for me to be a true Morton (tempered, oi course, 
 with the blue blood oi the Randolphs) and try my best to 
 carry out father's wishes and work with him 
 
 I have seen and learned a great deal, but all that I have 
 learned only confirms me in my conviction that all work is 
 ennobling, that all true labor is equally honorable to a man. 
 And I will do all I can to make you proud of me. I am 
 going to show you a trick or two! So you'd better sit up 
 and take notice ! 
 
 To come back to the subject of girls don't smile, mater
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 77 
 
 I have gotten a glimpse of a girl I want to know better. If 
 she is what I believe her to be, I shall try to win her. If 
 all goes well, and my ideal is realized I am sure, dearest 
 mother, you will love her. I do not think I can lose my 
 heart to one not worthy of your regard, and I am too much 
 your son not to have my judgment swayed by feelings and 
 sentiments like yours. 
 
 My taste has never been impugned I must take after 
 father, who certainly had an eye for beauty if his choice of 
 a wife is to be anything to go by. This, between you and 
 me, dearest mother, is a confession. 
 
 Just think of it, in a 'few hours I shall have shaken the dust 
 of Italy (and with it the nasty little fleas that accompany 
 it) ; in two weeks both Africa and Europe will have become 
 a memory, and I shall be on the water sailing for my beloved 
 home, eager to breathe the free air of America, greet the 
 star spangled glory of our own land and be with you my 
 dears for better and for worse for worse for you, eh? 
 
 Tell Ruth to be good, not to eat too much turkey or pud- 
 ding on Thanksgiving and keep up her French. I shall 
 bring her some new books and, perhaps, a poodle to talk to. 
 And give her my love and for goodness sake don't tell her 
 about the nonsense I have written on the previous page. 
 
 To 'father give my dearest love and best wishes. If his 
 work and health permit we might, after New Year, run 
 down to the Everglades while you and Sis stay in St. Augus- 
 tine, and get some sport. 
 
 You, dearest mother, I embrace many, many times. 
 
 I kiss and greet you all, my dears, 
 
 Your loving son, 
 
 JOHN. 
 
 The letter sealed and addressed, John gathered up 
 his belongings, paid his modest reckoning to the buxom 
 lady of the osteria and walked briskly to the station, 
 whence now shone the first lights of the evening 
 against the yellowish sky. 
 
 Dr. Brown and Mr. Kelly were both there to see 
 him off. Soon the song of the wheels kept time to his 
 thoughts as the train sped on its way to the North 
 to the new land of his adventure.
 
 78 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 It was a relief to be once again entirely alone, alone 
 with his thoughts and his romance. His hand stole to 
 the inner pocket of his coat. From among the papers 
 he carefully selected the photograph and held it at 
 arm's length, contemplating it with happy anticipation. 
 
 "It seems like a fool's errand, but, by Jove, you are 
 a beautiful girl! May success attend me and may I 
 bring you back with me, to my people my sweet- 
 heart my wife !"
 
 CHAPTER VII 
 
 SPARKLING sunshine and a clear blue sky re- 
 minding him poignantly of the glory of the 
 Indian Summer of his own land, greeted Morton 
 upon his arrival at the neat and attractive ter- 
 minal of Kronstadt his present goal and the town 
 that was to be his Rubicon. Kronstadt once behind 
 him, and he on his way south, his adventure would 
 have begun. He thought of Khartoum, recalling an 
 earlier experience when this furthest bulwark of civ- 
 ilization had been his last outfitting station before 
 going into the unknown regions of Africa, and ex- 
 perienced a similar sensation now that he had felt 
 then Was it a good omen? 
 
 The questions and doubts which had beset him so 
 frequently during the tedious and solitary railway 
 journey across Italy, Austria and Hungary again 
 assailed him. He tried to put them out of his mind. 
 There would be no turning back for him. The pru- 
 dent caution of the Mortons died hard, but the Ran- 
 dolphs won out in the end. Of course, he was a fool, 
 but it was good to be a fool among so many wise ones 
 of the earth good to be this kind of a fool. 
 
 Deeply occupied as he was with these and other 
 thoughts thoughts of the instructions Count Rondell 
 had given him he was yet sufficiently diverted by the 
 glorious day, the novel and stimulating sights, to 
 enjoy the short ride from the station to the St. Aloy- 
 sius Rectory. He admired the well-paved beautiful 
 avenue leading from the railway station to the town 
 nestling among the green and brown hills, which 
 
 79
 
 8o UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 stood out clearly against the ultramarine background 
 of bold mountains. 
 
 Equally attractive was the town itself with its quaint 
 and quiet square, its clean gravel walks and the groups 
 of religious statuary guarded by massive chains hang- 
 ing from moss-covered stone pillars. 
 
 The red-faced cabby, who looked like a character 
 in a musical comedy, stopped his vehicle before a nar- 
 row, red brick building somewhat retired from the 
 square, flanked by the gray walls of a nondescript 
 church. He pointed with his whip-handle to the small 
 stone- faced door above which was a tarnished cross 
 and grunted something that John could not for the 
 life of him make out. Above the door, in a circular 
 panel, he made out the words, "St. Aloysius." This 
 was the place, no doubt. Dismissing the cabby, he 
 walked up to the door and gave a vigorous pull at the 
 bell-handle. After waiting a few minutes, he heard 
 steps along the corridor within and the grating in the 
 door slowly opened revealing the wizened features of 
 an old woman who peered inquiringly out at him. He 
 spoke to her in German and inquired after Herr 
 Reverend Moskar. The little woman, after a pro- 
 longed and careful examination of Morton, evidently 
 found him satisfactory, for she opened the door and 
 begged him to enter. 
 
 He was ushered into a darkened sitting room and 
 had scarcely time to look around him, when a door 
 communicating mysteriously with the interior of the 
 house was opened and there entered a heavily built, 
 stout man in cassock and mitred cap. The features 
 were grave and imposing; but when Morton gave his 
 name, he was pleased to notice the face relax and glad 
 to grasp the fleshy palm extended to him in welcome. 
 
 "You are most welcome, Herr Morton, as any friend 
 of the noble Count Arnim is. I have already seen
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 81 
 
 your servant, Mr. McCormick, and received the letter 
 you sent by him." Had the gracious gentleman, how- 
 ever, brought any letters from his noble patron the 
 Count, the priest humbly asked. 
 
 John handed him a letter from Rondell and showed 
 the ring. Immediately the priest's attitude took on 
 an even more friendly and courteous manner. 
 
 "If you are not too tired after your lengthy journey, 
 perhaps you will come upstairs where we can be more 
 comfortable and private." 
 
 Morton bowed. The priest led the way back to the 
 foyer and whispered a few words to the old woman 
 who was standing near the door with her withered 
 hands complacently folded. She retired at once. 
 
 "Pardon me," remarked the priest as they were 
 ascending the creaking stairs, "but our people are in- 
 quisitive and somewhat given to gossip." John smiled 
 his understanding. 
 
 Morton was then ushered into a well-lighted room, 
 the sombre walls of which were lined with well-filled 
 book-cases, above which hung a number of paintings 
 of religious subjects. When they were comfortably 
 seated, Father Moskar begged his visitor to speak as 
 frankly as he wished of all that he desired him to 
 know. 
 
 From a little closet he brought out a couple of gob- 
 lets, a bottle of golden wine and filled the two glasses. 
 On the table was a box of cigars which he pushed over 
 to his guest. The ice thus broken, Morton entered on 
 his subject while the old priest listened most atten- 
 tively, taking in every word said to him. When Mor- 
 ton had concluded, the old man said quickly : 
 
 "Herr Morton I will do everything in my power 
 but do not tell me your plans. It will be better if I 
 am not in your confidence. Count Arnim has told 
 you that you could rely on me. I am honored; but
 
 82 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 it will be wiser if I act according to your instructions 
 without being acquainted with your reasons. As I 
 understand, your man, Herr McCormick, is now at 
 the wagoner's, who is one of my flock. He will be 
 well served there. I am expecting, at any moment, 
 the arrival of another member of my congregation 
 a certain Papiu Ilarian, who knows well both the 
 mountains of our land and those south of the divide. 
 He speaks German, Roumelian and Bulgarian well ; 
 he has been a soldier and knows how to obey; he is 
 also strong, hardy and reliable. After I have talked 
 with Ilarian, you will find him ready to do anything 
 you ask from him. On receipt of the letter your man 
 brought me, I thought it well to attend to a few of the 
 preliminaries. At the wagoner's you will find horses 
 bred in our own hills and inured to the mountains. 
 The wagoner has ready what you require and you 
 will find he will deal honestly with you. I shall pray 
 for you and the success of your venture. Ach I 
 hear the voice of Ilarian pray permit me to see him 
 alone first. Kindly make yourself at home." 
 
 Father Moskar left Morton puffing idly at his cigar. 
 He returned, however, in a few minutes followed by 
 a man of medium height, with broad shoulders, short 
 neck, close-cropped, round head, small, brown eyes 
 deeply set under bushy brows, and a heavy mustache 
 giving the deeply lined and tanned face a rather fierce 
 expression. His large hands with prominent knuckles 
 fingered nervously a well-worn plush cap. His stocky 
 limbs were encased in leather breeches and heavy cow- 
 hide boots. 
 
 "This, honorable and gracious Herr Morton, is 
 Papiu Ilarian," remarked the priest. Morton nodded 
 smilingly and a broad grin spread over Papiu's face 
 as he shyly shuffled and bowed. "I have been speaking 
 to him and he tells me he is ready to start at once.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 83 
 
 He expects to receive two florins per diem, the cus- 
 tomary fee of an Alpine guide, and his term of hire 
 begins now and may end whenever you choose. I 
 have given him information about the character of the 
 work to be performed. You may rely on him. He 
 has a younger brother, Mihai, lately a resident of Rou- 
 melia, who can also be hired, if you wish. He vouches 
 for him. Mihai, however, speaks very little German, 
 but he is quick and bold. I have sworn Papiu to obey 
 and follow you. He wishes to shake hands with you 
 to bind the agreement. If you will shake hands with 
 him, Herr Morton the oath to me will have been 
 transferred to you. I will leave you together now 
 and will return when you call me." 
 
 He bowed gravely and passed through the door 
 silently. 
 
 Morton had been scrutinizing the face of the guide 
 while Father Moskar was speaking. Not a muscle 
 of it moved, nor did he stir an inch from his rigid 
 upright posture. The small, intelligent eyes looked at 
 Morton steadily with calm assurance. 
 
 Morton rose and offered his hand with a hearty 
 gesture. Papiu seized it in a vice-like grip. Morton 
 felt the man would be as true as steel. 
 
 "Papiu, when we get back, I shall pay you liberally, 
 and if we are successful, I shall make you rich !" 
 
 "Herr von Moorton a bargain is a bargain. I am 
 your man and you are my master. Whatever your 
 nobleness orders Papiu will do." 
 
 Looking boldly into Morton's face, he continued: 
 "And my brother, he is good with horses, quick with 
 the rifle, has eye like a hawk and knows Roumelia 
 and the people. If I hire him for you, he will swear 
 and his oath is good. You pay him the same money 
 and give his sweetheart a present when we come back 
 Mihai will help good."
 
 84 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 "Very well, Papiu, tell him he is engaged. And 
 now let us go and look up the wagoner, where my 
 friend waits for us. Do you know him?" 
 
 "I have seen him judging the horses. He looks 
 good and strong and is kind to the beasts. He comes 
 with us, he my friend." 
 
 "Good, Papiu, let's go then." 
 
 Morton had a very busy time of it during the rest 
 of the forenoon. He found Donald waiting for him 
 and with his and Papiu's help, they made the necessary 
 purchases and loaded the wagon. The things he had 
 shipped from Italy had been delivered and were also 
 included in the load. 
 
 During a frugal meal partaken of in the smithy, 
 Morton arranged that he would start early that very 
 afternoon by the regular train for Bucharest, in his 
 assumed character of prospective investor and buyer 
 of blooded horses. Donald and the two brothers were 
 to leave next morning with the vehicle and the relay 
 horses. They were to join him on Saturday at Padina, 
 where they would make arrangements for relay horses 
 and prepare a safe stopping place a night's drive be- 
 yond Padina on their way to the mountains. 
 
 Mihai now came on the scene and was duly intro- 
 duced. Papiu held some speech with him, looking 
 very serious and impressive. He explained to Morton 
 that the holy father had instructed Mihai and that his 
 brother would like to shake hands with Herr von 
 Moorton. Morton accepted the hearty grip of the 
 mountaineer who smiled his gladness. 
 
 Mihai proved to be an elongated copy of his elder 
 brother. On being consulted, he suggested the "Bovu 
 Aro" (Golden Calf) Inn as a good rendezvous, a 
 little beyond Padina. Morton congratulated himself 
 on having secured the services of two such fine fellows. 
 He impressed upon them, however, the necessity for
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 85 
 
 avoiding giving cause for suspicion to the natives of 
 the country they were about to travel, and especially to 
 steer clear of any military guards. His own man, 
 Don, would keep out of sight as much as possible, so 
 that a great deal would be left to their discretion. If 
 they were asked their business they were to say that 
 they were but going to market and returning; they 
 would enter Padina from the Northwest, on the road 
 running in from the Aluta Valley. On this road they 
 were to make a careful record of all telegraph sta- 
 tions, villages and houses between their last stop and 
 Padina. He gave them money sufficient to carry them 
 on their way and for any further expenses they might 
 be compelled to incur. The two men said they under- 
 stood his instructions and would follow them carefully. 
 
 The horses were hitched into the shafts of the stout, 
 canvas-covered wagon now all loaded and ready. Don 
 and the two men got in; the wagoner mounted the 
 seat and with a parting good-bye and a crack of the 
 driver's whip, they lumbered away, leaving Morton 
 alone in the yard. He looked after the wagon and 
 as he saw it disappearing in the distance, he speculated 
 as to what would be the outcome of this enterprise 
 an enterprise so suddenly put to him and so suddenly 
 entered on. Surely it would end well ! Nay, it must 
 end well. Putting all doubts out of his mind, he made 
 his way to Father Moskar's rectory. He thanked the 
 old priest heartily for his kindness and promised to 
 come back and tell him the result of his undertaking. 
 The old man gave him his blessing in return. 
 
 At the depot he found his train waiting. It was 
 made up of a number of baggage cars and but one car 
 for passengers. Finding a comfortable seat, he amused 
 himself in watching the conductor, in resplendent uni- 
 form, running alongside the train as he kept blowing 
 energetically through a little horn the signal to the
 
 86 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 engineer to start. Soon the labored puffing of the 
 locomotive told him that he was at last on his way. 
 It was a wearisome journey, all up-grade, through 
 deep cuts and over widely stretched viaducts; but he 
 was too much occupied with anxious thoughts of the 
 coming days to notice the beauty of the mountain 
 scenery. He felt the pulling power of the engine and 
 realized hazily that they were climbing, climbing, 
 climbing. Suddenly it seemed to him as if the train 
 had been lightened of a load, and looking out he saw 
 that the engine had slowed down and that they had 
 arrived at a little station on a small plateau. A promi- 
 nent sign-post caught his eye. It was printed red, 
 white and green on one side, and a bright yellow and 
 crimson on the other. They had reached the boundary, 
 the divide, and all around him rose up the great peaks 
 of the Carpathians. 
 
 The gorgeous conductor stepped up to the compart- 
 ment and informed Morton that he would have to 
 change now. On the platform he found a number of 
 gendarmes busily engaged in examining the passen- 
 gers' baggage. One of these accosted Morton in for- 
 eign-sounding German, and asked him for his valise 
 and passport. 
 
 Everything was found to be in order. The gen- 
 darme, made happy by the gift of a cigar, ushered 
 Morton into another car on a side-track. A shrill 
 blast and the train moved slowly out. Soon the 
 descent began and the rapid motion roused Morton to 
 his surroundings. It was a truly magnificent sight to 
 behold. White peak on white peak gleamed in the bril- 
 liant golden light of the afternoon sun. Then came 
 rounded hills and after these the sharper contours 
 of the Alpine range; and before he had had time to 
 take it all in, the train had entered the rolling meadows 
 and glades of the Great Danubian plain.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 87 
 
 The splendid panorama had passed and Morton's 
 interest subsided. He leaned back against the leather 
 upholstery of the compartment once more alone with 
 his thoughts. Occasionally the conductor would look 
 in at the window from the stepping board on the out- 
 side of the car and nod pleasantly to him. Morton 
 would return the greeting automatically and resume 
 his meditations. Yes, he was learning, and learning 
 fast. In the desert from which he had but lately 
 stepped out, so to speak, a man was measured by his 
 offensive or defensive value whether he would pro- 
 tect himself or be a danger to others. In the coun- 
 tries of civilization, he was similarly appraised, al- 
 though in terms of social standing or money. In this 
 isolated Transylvania, however, into which he had 
 come, he had found a difference. Here was a loyalty 
 founded on faith in human nature and religion. Father 
 Moskar had gently but firmly declined even his offer 
 of a contribution for the poor; while the two rough 
 men had refused more than their just wages for their 
 services. How different were these from those he had 
 known in his past life! Nay, how different even from 
 himself! Why had he undertaken this enterprise? 
 He could not help confessing to himself that his mo- 
 tives were really selfish ones. What lay behind his 
 readiness to rescue the Count's daughter if not his own 
 desires? Was not even love itself a selfishness the 
 supremest of all selfishness ? 
 
 "I have been too long in the desert," he muttered 
 to himself; "it is high time I came back to civilization. 
 Man was not created to live alone." 
 
 The train crossed a bridge and the noise made by 
 the sound roused him to his whereabouts. He was 
 nearing his destination. The approach to the capital 
 of Roumelia was not marked by the usual signs of a 
 large city's outlying districts. He missed the fac-
 
 88 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 tories and the tall chimneys belching forth smoke; he 
 saw no railroad crossings, or culverts, or streets 
 crowded with toilers. Instead, he made out, in the 
 dark and gloom of the fast oncoming evening, gaunt 
 buildings against a leaden sky and sparsely lit thor- 
 oughfares. Then, with snortings and puffings, the 
 train entered the ill-smelling and smoky shed of the 
 depot. He was in Bucharest. 
 
 Scarcely had he alighted when a villainous looking 
 porter grabbed his valise from him and said some 
 words in a language which was Coptic to Morton. He 
 decided to allow the fellow to have his way and fol- 
 lowed him, through the press of outgoing people, to 
 the entrance. Here he found a uniformed individual 
 with a magnificent beard black as coal. Catching the 
 porter by his sleeve, he held him while he asked of the 
 soldierly Swengali, in English, the name of a good 
 hotel. He was evidently understood, for the uniformed 
 person spoke to the porter and in wretched English 
 asked Morton to follow him to the Grand Hotel Metro- 
 pole. John then noticed that the name of this hotel 
 was embroidered in gold on the man's cap. 
 
 The porter was feed and relieved of his burden, 
 and Morton found himself installed in a hotel bus 
 which was soon rattling noisily over the stones. Ar- 
 rived at the hotel, he registered as from Cleveland, U. 
 S. A., and was given fairly decent rooms. 
 
 His first business, after he had made himself pre- 
 sentable, was to write a short note to Mr. Bronson, 
 the American Consul, to whom he had letters of intro- 
 duction from Brindisi. He invited him to dine with 
 him that same evening. Morton knew that there was 
 magic in his visiting card and had no doubt that his 
 invitation would be accepted. 
 
 This done, he leisurely descended the broad stair- 
 way that led to the large and rather garishly deco-
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 89 
 
 rated foyer there to await the return of his messen- 
 ger. 
 
 He had no sooner stepped into the hall than he was 
 accosted by a tall and lean individual in faultless 
 lounging suit, who addressed him in perfect French 
 by name and presented his card. He was M. Pus- 
 cariu, Agent of the Department of the Interior 
 Would Monsieur Morton permit him to ask him a 
 few questions excusable in the present state of the 
 country? He was sure that Monsieur would have no 
 objection. 
 
 Monsieur Morton had none. He held the card 
 before him and read the name slowly and with perfect 
 composure. Trouble was beginning already, he 
 thought. He begged Monsieur Puscariu to pro- 
 ceed. 
 
 The sergeant of gendarmes had reported that Mon- 
 sieur Morton had an American passport and had 
 registered from Cleveland. The passport, however, 
 had been issued at Rome, and within five days it 
 seems. Would Monsieur Morton kindly explain. 
 
 John was nonplussed. He looked anxiously around 
 for his messenger and, luckily, spied the boy just en- 
 tering and moving toward the clerk's desk. If there 
 was one man on earth more than any other that he 
 wanted for a moment, it was the American Consul. 
 Begging Monsieur Puscariu to excuse him for a 
 moment, he hurried towards the messenger boy and 
 was informed by him that Signer Bronson would be 
 at the hotel without delay. 
 
 Greatly relieved, he rejoined Monsieur Puscariu 
 and informed him that the American Consul would 
 arrive presently and explain for him. In the meantime, 
 would not Monsieur join him in a cigarette? Mon- 
 sieur Puscariu would be delighted. What a bond of 
 fellowship there is in a smoke! It is well called the 
 
 7
 
 90 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 pipe of peace. Morton and the agent to the Secretary 
 of the Interior, as they sat together on the broad 
 lounge would, to a stranger entering the hotel, have 
 seemed to be life-long friends, so quickly had the 
 cigarette dissipated all feelings of restraint. Surely 
 it is the frailties rather than the virtues that cement 
 human relations ! It would, indeed, seem as if it were 
 the touch of weakness which makes the whole world 
 kin. Perhaps, this it was which made Monsieur Pus- 
 cariu look on the American stranger as a gentleman. 
 Had he, however, entertained any other thoughts there 
 was no time to dwell on them for Mr. Bronson just 
 then entered hurriedly. 
 
 Morton rose to meet him and was greeted in return 
 with considerable effusion. When the Consul learned 
 the object of the agent's presence, he drew the official 
 aside and told him very impressively who this Mr. 
 Morton was. The change that came over the face of 
 Monsieur Puscariu was amusing. From an official 
 solemnity, it melted almost instantaneously into smil- 
 ing respect. Here was a man whose very breath was 
 odorous of ready cash. Ah, yes, this was quite a dif- 
 ferent matter. There was no necessity for any ex- 
 planations none whatsoever. 
 
 But Morton insisted. He informed the two gentle- 
 men that he was to be in Bucharest but for a few days. 
 He had come to make a preliminary and merely cursory 
 investigation of the status of certain oil concessions. 
 He was desirous to find out how the government would 
 take the investment of foreign capital for developing 
 this natural product of the country. At present, how- 
 ever, he would prefer to engage an attorney of high 
 standing to make these inquiries and report to him. 
 Incidentally, he might seize the occasion of his visit to 
 secure some good stallions and a few brood-mares of 
 the celebrated strain of Carpathian percherons for his
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 91 
 
 farms in Ohio. These were his principal reasons for 
 asking the Consul to call on him. 
 
 Monsieur Puscariu and the Consul exchanged quick 
 glances here was a fine opportunity for both. The 
 Roumelian was now convinced that the quiet young 
 man must be made much of there was no doubt 
 about that. He was the more firmly convinced after 
 smoking one of Morton's fine cigars and drinking a 
 glass of Tokay. He knew the very attorney for Mon- 
 sieur Morton's business. He would send the gentle- 
 man to call if Monsieur Morton desired it. As Mon- 
 sieur Morton did desire it, Monsieur Puscariu was 
 still more firmly convinced of John's importance. 
 Assuring Monsieur Morton of his most sincere esteem 
 and promising that the honored visitor to his beloved 
 country would receive every consideration, the agent 
 bowed himself out, leaving John alone with the 
 Consul. 
 
 Mr. Bronson, a bright young fellow from one of the 
 South Atlantic states, quickly took occasion by the 
 ear and informed John of his disappointment with the 
 position he occupied in Bucharest. His salary was 
 far from adequate for his office. It was bad enough to 
 be in Bucharest before the political upheaval ; but since 
 the revolution, the place had become absolutely a 
 hell's hole. There was no money in his job! His 
 fees for the past few weeks wouldn't buy a square 
 meal. 
 
 If John had any scruples, they vanished at hearing 
 Mr. Bronson's words. He felt himself justified in 
 throwing out hints of the "governor always taking 
 care of his friends," and spoke of fees and commis- 
 sions for parties handling the proposition rightly. He 
 indulged in some "tall talk" about petroleum, and 
 asked the Consul's opinion as to the fitness of the 
 attorney the agent had recommended. The Consul
 
 92 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 knew him and advised his retention; he was in with 
 the powers that be, and that, just now, was impor- 
 tant. 
 
 The attorney was sent for and arrived so quickly 
 that Morton concluded Puscariu had not wasted any 
 time. The lawyer proved to be the very man he 
 wanted shrewd, obsequious and greedy. A fat re- 
 tainef to this powerful gentleman and he was sure he 
 would neither be disturbed nor watched. From this 
 same individual he obtained the name of a breeder of 
 horses whose stud was an hour's drive from Padina, 
 in a small town at the foothills of the Arges. He ob- 
 tained this information, as well as a letter of introduc- 
 tion, on the plea that, as he would be going north for 
 a couple of days' hunting, he would like to utilize the 
 time looking for horses. He thought he would be 
 back in Bucharest the following Saturday or Sunday, 
 in which event he would advise the Consul and Mr. 
 Attorney. 
 
 When the two gentlemen left Morton, they were 
 both richer by many dollars than they had been prior 
 to their visit. They parted from him with still larger 
 hopes of future reward, and anxious to do the rich 
 American every service in their power. 
 
 Morton, as he mounted the staircase, congratulated 
 himself on having done a good day's work he was 
 convinced he had provided for the removal of many 
 unknown obstacles in his way. 
 
 In his room he sat down at the table and wrote the 
 following letters: 
 
 The first in German, and written with a stub pen 
 and in a disguised and uneducated hand, on plain 
 paper, was addressed to Sig. Jacobo Rosen, Casa 
 Cornu, Via Colomba, Padina. Rosen was the name of 
 the Jewish merchant recommended by Count Ron- 
 dell.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 93 
 
 HON. SIG. ROSEN: 
 
 Your friend, the good Sig. Nimar, the merchant returning 
 from India, Arabia and Egypt, was taken seriously ill in 
 Italy and could not come in person. He has heard from 
 Constantinople and so as to admit settlement of the business 
 pending between yourselves has requested and empowered 
 me to act for him. 
 
 I shall be in your town to-morrow evening intending to 
 purchase horses from the Olata ranch for export. I desire 
 to buy the two famous mares about which Sig. Nimar spoke 
 to me. 
 
 Upon my arrival I shall call upon you and ask you to 
 arrange the affairs of your friend so that I can conclude 
 my business at an early date. I have moneys with me and 
 papers. 
 
 I shall stop at the "Bovu Oru." 
 
 Most Respectfully, 
 
 JOHN R. MORTON. 
 
 This letter he enclosed in a soiled envelope. 
 
 The second letter, written on the hotel's paper and 
 with a fine pen, was addressed to his father at 210 
 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, U. S. A. : 
 
 BUCHAREST, October , 189 . 
 
 DEAR FATHER: 
 
 I arrived here to-night, and immediately got into touch 
 with the Consul, Mr. J. S. Bronson, and through him with 
 an attorney, Sig. Andra Jonescu, whose card I herewith en- 
 close. He was recommended to me as the best lawyer on 
 affairs of land titles, etc., and looks and acts like a capable 
 business man. He understands English well and you can 
 correspond with him directly. I have paid him his retainer 
 and he will make a preliminary report shortly. 
 
 I am going to try to get some good percherons from 
 the "Olata" ranch our own strain will stand some new 
 blood. If I secure any good animals I will try and ship 
 them while I am here. 
 
 Everything appears to me to be quite normal ; transfer of 
 titles would be perfectly legal and all acts of the de facto 
 government will stand test, I am told. We should have no 
 difficulty in dealing either with owners of land or the ad- 
 ministration.
 
 94 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Of course, I shall act with due caution and have some 
 official of high rank confirm this before acting finally. 
 
 The government, I am told, would welcome the investment 
 of foreign capital in land and industries and will give both 
 protection and guarantee. 
 
 I am well and have enjoyed the trip. I will not remain 
 longer than the business requires. I might get a chance 
 at some good shooting (there is fine game to be had in the 
 mountains and in the Delta), in which case I may prolong 
 my stay a few days. If I don't get to Paris by November 
 2oth, will cable. 
 
 With love to dear mother and Ruth, I am, dear 'father, 
 
 Your loving son, 
 JOHN. 
 
 Putting on his coat and cap, John walked down to 
 the foyer, and having learned from the gloriously 
 arrayed and imposing chief porter the location of the 
 nearest mail box, he leisurely sauntered toward it. 
 
 The street was totally deserted, not even a lighted 
 shop window was to be seen. This surprised him. 
 He had been told that Bucharest was known as the 
 "Paris bf the East." It looked like anything but that 
 just now. He surmised the change was owing to the 
 troubled times. As he slipped the letters into the mail 
 box, he had a feeling that he had been followed. 
 Without in the least betraying his suspicions, he paused 
 and lit a cigar and then slowly made his way back to 
 the hotel, smiling quietly. "You are welcome to read 
 both letters but one of them, I guess, you won't 
 recognize as mine," he muttered to himself. 
 
 The next morning was spent in making a few 
 necessary purchases. He visited the principal streets, 
 and made it his business to look into the largest stores. 
 He observed that he was being followed wherever he 
 went; but he took no notice and went about his busi- 
 ness as if seeing nothing. The town was in that state 
 of suspended animation that betokens an unusually 
 unsettled condition. Shopkeepers seemed surprised to
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 95 
 
 find a patron ; the few women he saw were sober and 
 barely let their glances fall on him, though it could be 
 easily seen that Morton was a stranger he had taken 
 good care to get himself up like the typical English 
 tourist. Few conveyances of any description dis- 
 turbed the curious quiet that had come over the city, 
 a quiet as if from drowsiness. 
 
 Evidently, an ominous cloud was hovering over the 
 place, and Morton felt that he was walking on the thin 
 crust of a lake of molten lava, when any moment his 
 feet might break through. Wherever he went he was 
 certain to meet either a "Guarda Civil" with his fierce 
 mustachios, or an officer with clanking sword and 
 spurs, or a gendarme in his bizarre hat and baggy pan- 
 taloons many inches too long for him. But no one 
 said a word tc him, nor did he hear any words spoken. 
 
 He was not sorry to find that a train would take 
 him to Padina and land him there that evening. 
 Quickly packing a valise and informing the clerk that 
 he would retain his room, he made his way to the rail- 
 way station and found the train on time. 
 
 At the Padina depot, he inquired from a sleepy look- 
 ing guard after the best hotel, and was glad to have 
 the man point down the street to the very house he 
 had intended to stay at. It was but a short walk and 
 the foggy evening air hid the inhospitable appearance 
 of the place. But it could not hide the miserable con- 
 dition of the roadway, a trench-like, broad furrow, 
 between low, dingy buildings of box-like structure. 
 It was full of holes and pitfalls, and a pedestrian sank 
 ankle-deep in its mud. John recognized the hotel by 
 its swinging sign an unnaturally meaty bull painted 
 with garish, coppery bronze which glittered in the 
 feeble rays of an antiquated oil lamp fastened above 
 it. He set down his bag and with a resigned sigh 
 gave a vigorous pull at the bell-handle.
 
 96 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 The door was opened by the landlord in person. 
 He looked astounded to see a man with a valise evi- 
 dently, guests were not an event of everyday occur- 
 rence. But his countenance quickly assumed its pro- 
 fessional smile and, with a nod of his unkempt head, 
 he invited Morton in. To Morton's inquiries, he re- 
 sponded in a curious jargon of German and Roume- 
 lian, which Morton understood sufficiently to be satis- 
 fied that he would find the accommodation he needed. 
 
 Bearing aloft an ill-smelling and smoky tallow can- 
 dle in a tin receptacle, the landlord led the way up a 
 stairway, the walls of which had been anciently plas- 
 tered and whitewashed. Arrived at the upper floor, 
 he entered a room and placed the light on a small 
 table and the guest's bag on a most uninviting looking 
 bed. Then, turning, he gave vent to some more gut- 
 tural sounds and left Morton alone. The sounds were 
 intended to convey the information that the gentle- 
 man's dinner would be ready in half an hour in the 
 tap-room. 
 
 It was with many misgivings that Morton looked 
 about the cell that was to serve as his residence for 
 the next few days. The prospect was by no means a 
 pleasing one. The walls of a dirty white, roughly 
 plastered, showed many cracks and nail-holes, and 
 numerous blotches of soot or smoke where previous 
 visitors had evidently sent up burnt offerings on the 
 altar of a night's peace from vermin. The bed, piled 
 high with pillows and quilts, assured warmth, but not 
 cleanliness; a rickety washstand with rough bowl 
 and pitcher, both chipped and cracked, two rickety 
 chairs, a small table, and a number of wooden pegs 
 driven into the wall, completed the furnishing. This 
 was the first real shock to John's fortitude. He had 
 realized that he might have to encounter dangers, but 
 he never thought that he might be nauseated, In his
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 97 
 
 camp in the desert, vermin and insects were a part of 
 the natural order of things, so to speak; but in this 
 "hotel" faugh! Morton's lips twisted themselves 
 into an expression of disgust. 
 
 Still, it was an ill wind that did not blow some good. 
 The very primitiveness of the place would protect him 
 from an espionage which might prove to be far more 
 inconvenient than the discomfort. And he was not 
 just now interested in offering suggestions for run- 
 ning model hotels. He was about to make up his mind 
 to risk a descent to the tap-room, for he was very 
 hungry, when a gentle knock sounded on the door. 
 Taking the battered candlestick in one hand and cau- 
 tiously opening the door, he peered into the dark stair- 
 landing. In the flickering light, the shadow of a man 
 stretching along the deal boards of the hall seemed 
 gigantic. But the feeling aroused by the size was 
 quickly dispelled by the voice which emanated from 
 the person. In a low, whining and apologizing tone, 
 and in a language which was intended for German, 
 the man inquired for the most honorable and respected 
 Signor Moor-ton. 
 
 John made himself known. The little man bowed 
 low, removed his hat, and begged permission to intro- 
 duce himself. He was the unworthy and humble 
 store-keeper Rosen, a purveyor to the wants of trav- 
 elers whatever their needs or desires might be. Would 
 not his Honor permit him to be the first merchant of 
 the town to offer his services to provide whatever the 
 gentleman wished to purchase in Padina? His stock 
 of goods was the choicest to be had anywhere outside 
 of Bucharest and the prices the lowest. 
 
 John was very much taken aback. Was this gro- 
 tesque and trembling shadow, this ridiculous little 
 figure the man in whom the Count had placed such 
 reliance? Was he to be the mainstay of his enter-
 
 98 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 prise ? It surely could not be. And yet he must have 
 come in response to the letter Morton had sent him, 
 the night before. Perhaps the fellow was playing a 
 part of set purpose! Still, it was an untimely hour 
 for a visit. 
 
 "Why do you come here? Why did you not wait 
 and see me downstairs? You Jews don't waste any 
 time, that's certain. Well, now that you are here, come 
 in and state your business. Be quick about it for I 
 haven't much time 1" 
 
 He had spoken roughly, and with a quick turn he 
 walked into the room.
 
 CHAPTER VIII 
 
 WITH much bowing- and scraping and apolo- 
 getic mumblings, the Jew passed through the 
 doorway and into the room. Once within, 
 he gave a quick turn and, closing the door quiet- 
 ly, he carefully pushed home the bolt on the inner 
 panel. When he turned again, John was astonished 
 at the transformation in the man's features and 
 bearing. 
 
 The bent figure had assumed an erect attitude and 
 carried a head surmounted by a brow indicative of 
 high intellectuality. In the light of the candle which 
 now shone fully on his face, the fine, dark eyes were 
 full of intelligence. He continued to speak in a whin- 
 ing voice, as he held out a piece of paper to Morton, 
 of matters of trade ; but as soon as Morton had taken 
 the paper from him he whispered : "Read while I talk. 
 Answer questions without using names; we may be 
 overheard or even watched." 
 
 The whisper, in perfect German, was spoken with 
 the intonation of a man of education. John needed no 
 further explanation as to the real personality of his 
 uninviting caller. He examined the writing and read : 
 
 "Pay no attention to what I am saying now 
 read!" 
 
 "Where did you leave my patron?" 
 
 "Have you vouchers to prove who you are ?" 
 
 "What do you want?" 
 
 Morton walked to the table, and on the reverse side 
 of the paper wrote : 
 
 99
 
 IPO UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 "In ill health at Brindisi." 
 
 "Have letter from Nimar and the Count's ring; 
 countersign, 'Arnim's pledge/ ' 
 
 "Want to take two girls out for a long drive." 
 
 He handed the paper back to the Jew, who never 
 ceased from talking and gesticulating while he glanced 
 quickly at the replies Morton had written. Morton 
 took the Count's ring from an inner pocket and held it 
 out in the light. Rosen bowed courteously. 
 
 "All is well !" he said in low, clear tones. "To-mor- 
 row morning at nine walk along the street to your 
 right, and under the third tree after passing the corner 
 you will see a small boy in a red cap, playing. When 
 he sees you, he will walk off. Follow him. He will 
 enter a doorway. Pass through after him. Twenty 
 paces further you will see an open gate in a high wall. 
 Pass through that also and bolt the gate after you. 
 To your right in the garden, you will find a green 
 door. It will be unlocked; enter, and if anyone asks 
 you your business say you want to see Sig. Rosen 
 about the rare old crucifix he offered you. My daugh- 
 ter Rachel will be there. She will guide you. Is every- 
 thing clear?" 
 
 Morton nodded. 
 
 The Jew then resumed his cringing manner and, 
 backing softly to the door, he slipped the bolt back and 
 passed through, whining aloud in his sing-song tones : 
 "I thank your Honor for your indulgence. I hope you 
 will let me show you the articles I spoke of. I can 
 also exchange foreign money for our own. I have 
 beautiful jewelry that would please your ladies, and 
 very fine Turkish arms and antiques to show you. The 
 best and rarest articles from Persia and Anatolia can 
 be found in our town. I am your obedient servant 
 Good night! and thank you, your Honor." 
 
 The last words came up to Morton from the bottom
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 101 
 
 of the stairway and were accompanied by the sound 
 of the man's feet shuffling along the hallway. 
 
 Things were developing! Morton blew out his 
 candle and felt his way to the tap-room where he 
 found the promised supper awaiting him. The land- 
 lord looked unconcerned and served him rather surlily 
 and with ill-concealed indifference. Sitting at a small 
 table in the corner, and removed from the range of an 
 oil lamp suspended from the ceiling in the middle of 
 the room, sat a man apparently engrossed in the con- 
 tents of a black bottle before him. Ah this, then, 
 was the explanation for the Jew's caution ! The fellow 
 did not even glance at Morton, foreigner as he must 
 have struck any native to be. He was evidently there 
 for a purpose. Morton took no notice of him, but 
 busied himself in doing justice to the savory dishes 
 provided for him. He took his time about eating and 
 ordered a bottle of wine which he found excellent. 
 
 His hunger appeased, he invited the landlord to 
 help him finish the bottle. The landlord, nothing loth, 
 drank heartily and answered readily the questions Mor- 
 ton put to him, which related only to horses and hunt- 
 ing, and took a second bottle to satisfy. And still the 
 man in the corner said not a word, but kept on sipping 
 the liquid in his glass and staring vacantly before 
 him. When Morton had finished, he bade the land- 
 lord good night and ascended the stairs to his room. 
 
 In spite of his first distaste for the bed, Morton 
 found it more inviting now that he had had a decent 
 meal and was feeling the effects of the wine he had 
 drunk with the landlord. He slept very soundly, 
 though his sleep was filled with dreams of running 
 fights with rough men and hairy beasts, of scaling 
 rocky heights and sliding into deep pits, of detectives 
 following him wherever he went and of a greasy- 
 looking Jew grinning at him.
 
 102 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 When he awoke, the full daylight was slanting 
 through the openings of the blinds. He was soon 
 dressed and in the tap-room eating his breakfast. His 
 meal finished, he lit a cigar and walked carelessly 
 down the street. 
 
 Keeping to the right, he found, as Rosen had told 
 him, a boy, under the third tree, deeply intent on play- 
 ing with some glass balls. Before he had approached 
 to within some yards of the spot, the urchin had col- 
 lected his marbles and was throwing and catching his 
 fez in the air. When he had almost reached the lad, 
 the little fellow ran off and disappeared through a 
 low door in a plastered wall. Morton noted the spot 
 and, walking nonchalantly, passed through it, with a 
 carelessness of manner that betokened utter indiffer- 
 ence. 
 
 He now found himself in a narrow garden plot 
 bordered by a red brick walk. There was little enough 
 in the garden to attract the attention only a bed or 
 two of autumn flowers, and at the far end, a grape 
 vine roofing a small rustic kiosk. Beyond, the view 
 was cut off by a low rambling structure with heavy tile 
 roofing, the weather-worn eaves of which were covered 
 with deep moss. There was no sign of life anywhere, 
 except the chattering of a few sparrows in the dense 
 boxwood hedge along the walk, and the cooing of 
 some pigeons strutting on the brick walk. 
 
 Remembering the Jew's instructions, he threw away 
 his cigar and turned to his right. A green door in 
 the plastered building confronted him. When he had 
 closed the door behind him a voice from the dark 
 shadows of the hallway called out : "Who is there ?" 
 He gave his name to the invisible interlocutor and 
 added that he had come to see the crucifix Herr Rosen 
 had for sale. 
 
 By this time his eyes had grown accustomed to the
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 103 
 
 darkness and he could make out the figure of a woman 
 approaching. A door was thrown open and he was 
 asked to enter. 
 
 The room in which he found himself was invitingly 
 cozy. It was furnished with an old-fashioned hair- 
 cloth couch and deep chairs. A finely carved round 
 table and an old desk, littered with papers, occupied 
 the rest of the space. The walls were covered in dark 
 leather and decorated with choice etchings. In a 
 corner a choicely carved cupboard stood out in its 
 classic distinction. He had barely time to note these 
 things when he heard the creaking of a door to his 
 left. The hanging was thrust aside and a small but 
 well-built young woman approached smilingly and 
 courtesied to him with quiet self-possession. 
 
 "I am Herr Rosen's daughter, Rachel. Please be 
 seated." 
 
 John bowed, sank into the nearest chair, the bounti- 
 ful proportions of which he thoroughly enjoyed it 
 was very comforting after his restless night. At once 
 the young woman plunged into the subject, speaking in 
 fluent German. 
 
 "What do you wish me to tell you, Herr Morton? 
 Have no hesitation; you may trust me fully." 
 
 "I am here to take two ladies out of the country, 
 Miss Rosen. Perhaps it will be better if I do not give 
 their full names." Miss Rosen nodded knowingly. 
 "Very well, then," continued Morton, "my first object 
 is to be introduced to Miss Mary and Miss Helene. 
 Then I want to find out how they are being detained." 
 
 Miss Rosen hesitated for a moment and then spoke 
 rapidly as if she were thoroughly conversant with the 
 whole matter. 
 
 "Miss Marie is more or less a prisoner in the castle 
 exactly opposite this house" she pointed in the direc- 
 tion of the red tiled building he had observed in the
 
 io 4 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 garden. "Miss Helene, however, is allowed more 
 freedom. She will be here in less than an hour. She 
 would not forsake Miss Marie and is with her as her 
 companion. She comes here every day after chapel 
 for some of the things they are permitted to have. She 
 is supposed to be at her prayers, but she comes to us 
 instead. I will see that you meet her in this room. 
 It would be no use for you to speak to Miss Marie; 
 the poor girl could not help you in any way. Miss 
 Helene is different. She will do whatever you ask 
 her if it means their freedom." 
 
 "How are they confined, Miss Rosen?" 
 
 "The Princess pardon the slip, but no one can 
 hear us here Miss Marie is in the south wing of the 
 castle, adjoining the chapel, which is built close to the 
 enclosure of the grounds and at the South Gate the 
 side entrance to the summer castle. If you go through 
 our house that way," and she pointed to her right, 
 "you will reach Calla Aurel; almost directly opposite 
 to our house is the entrance gate. Marie is never al- 
 lowed to go out, but Helene is permitted to walk in 
 the town for an hour. If she exceeds that time, she 
 will not be allowed to go back." 
 
 "Then Miss Helene could leave Padina if she 
 wished?" inquired John in surprised tones. 
 
 "No, the gates of the town and the railway are 
 guarded day and night. No one can leave unobserved ; 
 indeed, scarcely a soul has left town in the last two 
 weeks. But she could be gotten out of town, however, 
 if she could find anybody to undertake the task. 
 Father has offered to arrange it; but she declines to 
 go. Miss Helene will not leave the Princess." 
 
 "Can you suggest a way by which Miss Marie 
 could be smuggled out?" 
 
 "I know of only one way which I think would be 
 feasible."
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 105 
 
 The young woman looked earnestly at Morton as 
 if trying to read his mind. "May I tell it to you?" 
 
 "By all means. Your father has told me I can rely 
 on you. Tell me what you have in your mind." 
 
 The girl smiled. "I will, but my plan requires quick 
 action. Our maid is the sister of Sergeant Valera, 
 who is in command of the guards at the south en- 
 trance to the palace. One of the guards is her sweet- 
 heart they are to be married as soon as he can afford 
 it. The girl tells me that her Marco will do anything 
 for her. She can arrange that he shall be the guard 
 on any required night. The rest would be simple 
 merely a liberal sum of money." 
 
 John looked at the girl admiringly. "Splendid, 
 Miss Rosen, splendid! The money will be easy I'll 
 attend to that. Arrange for Marco to be the guard for 
 to-morrow night and I'll get them both out of this 
 place. Can you manage it?" John had risen in his 
 excitement. "I'll look over the ground now, if I may." 
 
 "Not so fast, Herr Morton," came in quiet tones 
 from Miss Rosen. "You will only arouse suspicion. 
 Wait here for the present. Miss Helene will be here 
 now any minute and you can talk it over with her 
 first." 
 
 "You know best, dear lady," and John, somewhat 
 calmed, reseated himself. 
 
 "Tell me, Herr Morton, what news from the 
 capital ?" 
 
 "Things are in a very unsettled state there, I am 
 afraid, Miss Rosen. The fate of the royal family 
 and the imprisoned leaders of the nobility is not known 
 positively. The Parliament has adjourned for the 
 celebration of the feast of All Souls and will not 
 re-open until Saturday evening. It is expected that 
 Flava will, on that day, try to carry the assembly in 
 favor of his extreme views and that the Flavarists
 
 io6 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 and the liberal Left will cast their vote with him if he 
 so chooses. Everybody takes it for granted that he 
 will ask for a vote condemning the royal family and 
 nobility to expulsion or, perhaps, worse. He will not 
 spare any of them. In the cafes it is rumored that 
 he is seeking to duplicate the proceedings of the 
 French Chamber after the fall of the Gironde and 
 you know what that means ! If we are to act, we must 
 act promptly, or it may be too late. The two ladies 
 must be out of this town by Sunday at the latest." 
 
 Rachel's face had grown pale. Her hands kept 
 crossing and uncrossing convulsively, and a look of 
 deep fear came into her eyes. 
 
 "God of my people," she whispered in an awed voice, 
 "this is terrible! You are right, Herr Morton, the 
 ladies must be taken away. Oh, Herr Morton our 
 peasants and our townspeople here are so good and 
 obedient if only they are left to their own good na- 
 tures. So happy and contented! They love their 
 homes, they love peace and adore their king! Un- 
 happy land the football of ambitious villains! Yes, 
 yes, Herr Morton, the ladies must be rescued. And 
 we, too, my father and I will go also. God help us !" 
 
 Morton listened silently to this outburst, unable to 
 say a word. What crimes are not committed in the 
 name of liberty ! And what fearful sufferings are not 
 endured for those so-called rights of man! 
 
 "Father has told me that you are an American. You 
 are the first from that country I have met. You look 
 as if you could accomplish what you undertake. Oh, 
 how I wish I could help !" 
 
 "You can, nay, you are helping, Miss Rosen. But 
 you are too young to have such a burden and sorrow 
 thrust upon you." 
 
 "The daughters of our race become women very 
 early in life. We ripen soon. Our people have had
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 107 
 
 to bear a life of persecution for many generations. 
 We know what it is to suffer. That has ever been the 
 lot of the Jew. Believe me, Herr Morton, ours is but a 
 brief childhood." 
 
 Morton could say nothing; he could but look the 
 sympathy he was feeling. The color had mounted to 
 the girl's cheeks and she was speaking from an over- 
 flowing heart : 
 
 "It will help you, perhaps, to know that my father 
 has always been very close to to Miss Helene's father. 
 They were friends for many years. Father is a very 
 learned and wise man, Herr Morton, and very brave 
 and loyal. Once he is your friend, he is always your 
 friend. You can rely on my father. He will be here 
 shortly. He is absent on purpose. He did not want 
 to be in when you called, so as to put off suspicion." 
 
 Morton could not help admiring the fine poise and 
 keen mind of this remarkable young woman seem- 
 ingly a child in years, but a woman in sense. "You 
 and your father should come to my country, Miss 
 Rosen. Your father's talents would be recognized 
 there, and you also, with your wit and beauty. In 
 my country, your people are powerful and honored. 
 Persuade your father, won't you? If he needs help I 
 will help him." 
 
 "Thank you, Herr Morton; but I hear some one 
 coming. It is Miss Helene." 
 
 Rachel bounded up and was through the door in a 
 flash. In that moment, however, he realized whom he 
 was to meet. He stood up, his heart beating, and 
 waited. He had not to wait long, for the curtain was 
 pushed aside and the lovely face of the photograph was 
 framed in the doorway. 
 
 The clear, mellowed light which filtered through 
 the lace curtains of the windows fell full on the sweet 
 countenance and revealed the slender figure as it stood
 
 io8 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 against the velvet background of the portieres. Miss 
 Rosen had thought it best not to come in with her. 
 
 The door behind the curtains closed with a gentle 
 click. She came toward the center of the room and 
 leaned one hand against the table whilst the other 
 timidly rested upon her bosom, which was rising and 
 falling in her agitation. 
 
 Morton's gaze was riveted on her. He saw as in a 
 vision the pale face of soft contour, the delicate nose 
 with quivering nostrils above slightly parted tremulous 
 lips moist as with the dew of innocent childhood, 
 the eyes encircled by dark shadows blue eyes, the 
 blue of the wood-violet. She was more beautiful 
 than his dreams. She was looking at him with a piti- 
 ful, questioning look, which went to his heart and 
 roused him from his state of trance. All his manhood 
 rose up in him in response to the appeal, and bowing 
 deeply, he said : 
 
 "I am Mr. John Morton, Comtesse, a friend of your 
 dear father. I am the bearer of a letter from him to 
 you." He held the package towards her. "I am 
 here to be of service, if I can, to you and the Prin- 
 cess." 
 
 With her hand still upon her bosom, she whispered 
 rather than spoke: 
 
 "Miss Rosen has told me you have letters from my 
 father pray forgive me I have been walking fast 
 and am a little out of breath 
 
 She took the letter in a delicate, white hand and 
 saw that its envelope was unaddressed. It was sealed, 
 but in the corner she noted her father's mark. 
 
 "Thank you. Permit me." 
 
 With trembling hands she broke the letter and, 
 turning towards the window, began to read. 
 
 During the reading, John stood drinking in the 
 beauty of the agitated girl. He was exultant and
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 109 
 
 distressed by turns. Exultant in that fate had led 
 him to her distressed at the sorrow that had come 
 into her life. Come what may, he would, at least, 
 rescue her from her present cruel position and bring 
 her to where life would be worth living 1 . His whole 
 soul welled up in him, and it was only after a great 
 effort of will that he calmed himself to the exigen- 
 cies of the moment. 
 
 The letter read, the girl dropped her arms listlessly. 
 She turned to Morton, her eyes filled with tears : 
 
 "How was my father when you left him, Mr. Mor- 
 ton ? Was he very ill ?" 
 
 Her voice broke a little from the stress of her 
 feelings. She spoke in excellent English, though 
 with a distinctly foreign accent, and both tone and 
 words went to the young man's heart. 
 
 "Count Rondell was not well, but he was not suf- 
 fering. He wished me to hand you this ring as a 
 further guarantee of myself. I was also to repeat to 
 you his message : 'From Arnim to his Kindchen.' ' 
 
 Helene broke down utterly at these words. She 
 took the ring with trembling hand and kissed it pas- 
 sionately the while tears coursed down her pale 
 cheeks. 
 
 John turned away and watched the sparrows flit- 
 ting across the garden. The scene in the stateroom 
 with her father rose before his mind, and again a deep 
 yearning filled him. 
 
 "Forgive me, Mr. Morton. My father's letter un- 
 nerved me. What am I to do ?" 
 
 John turned a face full of smiling sympathy : 
 
 "Comtesse, let me first assure you that I am en- 
 tirely at your service. Your father could only sug- 
 gest some plans, but I hope I shall be able to find 
 a way out. But, pray, be seated." 
 
 Comtesse Helene sank into the chair lately occu-
 
 no UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 pied by Miss Rosen. She looked up at Morton with 
 eager questioning in her eyes. 
 
 "Can you obtain for me an interview with the Prin- 
 cess, Comtesse?" Morton asked. 
 
 Helene shook her head. "That would be impossi- 
 ble," she whispered. 
 
 "Well, it may not be necessary. Miss Rachel has 
 suggested a plan which fits in excellently with the 
 preparations I made before coming to Roumelia. 
 Could you and the Princess be ready to leave by Sat- 
 urday evening?" 
 
 Helene gasped with wide eyes. Morton, seeing her 
 state of mind, smiled reassuringly. 
 
 "Have no fear, dear lady, all will be well. But 
 you will help me if I know how to proceed. Are 
 either of you permitted to leave the castle?" 
 
 "Why I I can go out every forenoon for an 
 hour. The Princess is not permitted to leave the 
 castle. We live on the second floor of the wing ad- 
 joining the chapel the wife of Captain Gradsiano, 
 of the guard, shares the floor with us. On the floor 
 below us are the guard rooms and the Captain's 
 office. We are permitted to go to chapel for our 
 devotions every morning and evening and on Sun- 
 days for mass at eleven. I am the only attendant on 
 the Princess. Signora Gradsiano sends a woman 
 with our meals at the regular hours." 
 
 "Who goes with you to chapel?" 
 
 "The guard." 
 
 "Comtesse, to-morrow, on your way to vespers, 
 walk as close to the gate as you can. I understand 
 the chapel adjoins the South Gate. I shall be there 
 with my men, ready to take you both away. A 
 closed carriage will be in waiting, with good horses. 
 Bring nothing with you, for everything will be pro- 
 vided for your comfort and needs. Put on your
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER in 
 
 stoutest shoes and your stoutest hearts. If you have 
 any papers or jewels that you value you may bring 
 them, but nothing else. Will you do this?" 
 
 "But where are we going to?" the girl asked 
 piteously. 
 
 "Your father instructed me to take you to Thu- 
 ringia. Did he not tell you that in his letter ?" 
 
 "Yes. He says I am to follow her Highness there. 
 But how are we to get there ?" 
 
 "I will see to that, Comtesse. Every preparation 
 has been made, even to the securing of fresh horses 
 for the road. Believe me, you need have no fear. I 
 have trusty men to help me, and they will be ready." 
 
 Morton spoke confidently and looked the confidence 
 he felt. 
 
 "Time flies, Comtesse. Your hour is almost up. 
 When you see the Princess, pray tell her of the plan 
 and see that she is ready. I will be here to-morrow 
 at this time and give you final instructions." 
 
 The girl rose, her lips trembling and her eyes filled 
 with doubt. She walked slowly to the curtained 
 door, her head bent. John drew aside the drapery, 
 and opening the door bowed deeply, saying: "Until 
 ten to-morrow, then, Comtesse. I beg of you to be of 
 good cheer; and permit me to say that we are deeply 
 devoted to your cause." 
 
 Helene bowed her head lower and left the room 
 without a word. 
 
 Once more he was alone but not lonely. He had 
 seen her and spoken to her face to face. He felt 
 as if he had been on that high mountain and had 
 come down again, his face shining. "God is good 
 to me," he breathed to himself. He was grateful 
 for the silence of the room, grateful also that no one 
 came in to disturb his thoughts. Mechanically he 
 sat down and lit a cigarette. Everything was going
 
 ii2 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 well everything would go well, if the Princess 
 agreed. How easy it would be if the Comtesse alone 
 were concerned! And as he thought of Helene his 
 whole being dissolved into pity. How worn she 
 looked and yet how beautiful! The blue of her eyes 
 was the color of heaven itself. Would they ever shine 
 on him with love? 
 
 The sound of voices in the hall woke him from 
 his dreams. A moment later the door was pushed 
 open and the alert face of Rachel with its dark and 
 flashing eyes showed itself in the doorway. She was 
 followed into the room by her father. 
 
 The Rosen who appeared now was an entirely 
 different Rosen from the servile trader of the pre- 
 vious evening. He was neatly dressed in sober black 
 and faultless linen, and gave the impression of being 
 a scholar rather than a tradesman. As Morton shook 
 hands with him, he could not help noting the well- 
 cared-for ringers which met his in a hearty pressure. 
 A smile lighted up his features. John was drawn to 
 the man. 
 
 In obedience to a nod from her father, Rachel with- 
 drew and left the men to themselves. 
 
 John was full of his plans and eager to have 
 Rosen's opinion. The latter listened attentively to all 
 the details, nodding occasionally in approval. Mor- 
 ton had taken from his pocket a map of the country, 
 laid it on the table and pointed out the routes he had 
 arranged on. Rosen agreed that the plan was a 
 good one, but as John alone was to get the girls out 
 of the castle it would be necessary for him to have a 
 diagram of the town. Rosen supplied this by draw- 
 ing one very carefully on a sheet of paper. He ad- 
 vised John that bribes were dangerous in the present 
 juncture of affairs there was too much risk in them. 
 There would, however, be nothing to fear from Marco.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 113 
 
 Once the girls were out of the town the sparsely set- 
 tled country would offer few obstacles to his getting 
 across the border. If John could cut the telegraph 
 wires on the way as he planned to do, it would help 
 by delaying the police. 
 
 But he would meet his greatest difficulty in the 
 actual crossing of the border, thought Rosen. There 
 was no road over the mountains for hundreds of 
 miles, except by means of the passes, and these were 
 well guarded by the military and the Lingari gen- 
 darmes. If he attempted to cross without a passport, 
 Herr Morton might have to fight for it. That was 
 the weak part of the plan. Did Herr Morton real- 
 ize it? 
 
 John coolly said he did realize it; but he would 
 take the risk. He was of the firm opinion that he 
 would manage to get through somehow. 
 
 Rosen suggested that Morton and his men should 
 pass as smugglers. Tobacco smuggling was quite 
 common over the border, and the guards were amen- 
 able to the persuasive power of gold. "It's the yel- 
 low metal, Herr Morton," remarked Rosen with a 
 smile, "and not paper, that will get you across." 
 
 Morton said that he would see to it that he had a 
 sufficient supply of this with him. 
 
 These matters having been settled to both their 
 satisfactions, John begged Rosen to instruct his 
 daughter to purchase a proper outfit for the young 
 ladies an outfit proper for the journey and at the 
 same time befit their station in life. Rosen promised 
 to see to that, and the two men parted for the day. 
 
 The late noon found John at his hostelry partaking 
 of an excellently cooked dinner served in the most 
 primitive fashion. He then drove out to the Olata 
 rarich, where he purchased several fine horses and 
 arranged for their removal on the following Monday.
 
 ii 4 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 His man, he told the horsedealer, could call for them 
 and pay the balance of the purchase price. 
 
 John had now done everything that would bear 
 out the statement he had made as to the purpose of 
 his visit to Roumelia. He was satisfied that there 
 would be no cause for suspicion. He would retire 
 early, since it was imperative he should be fully pre- 
 pared for what had to be done the next day. The 
 morning would find Donald and the men in Padina, 
 and he must be up betimes to give them their instruc- 
 tions for the evening. 
 
 The man he had seen drinking in the tap-room the 
 night before was sitting in the same place busily en- 
 gaged eating. As before, he took no notice of the 
 stranger in English clothes, and John was well satis- 
 fied that it should be so. Evidently, the authorities 
 were still deeply interested in him. 
 
 The windows rattled from a strong wind which had 
 risen. Gusts found their way through cracks in 
 the panes, chilling the room and almost extinguish- 
 ing the candle. But John's thoughts were far away 
 from the wretched room in which he lay. He was 
 in a palace in his dreams, gazing at the beautiful 
 maiden who walked in stately grace over its marble 
 floors. 
 
 A great gust almost blew the shutters off their 
 hinges. John awoke and shivered. The wind was 
 roaring outside. "Good," he thought, "a storm will 
 be my Providence."
 
 CHAPTER IX 
 
 MORTON had set the alarm clock for a very 
 early hour, so that it was still almost dark 
 when its insistent ringing roused him from 
 his slumbers. He was still drowsy and scarce knew 
 where he was. Then he remembered that the day was 
 Saturday and the place Padina. In a moment he was 
 out of bed and dressing rapidly in the dawning day- 
 light. He was thinking quickly, too, wondering if 
 Rachel Rosen had arranged with the maid's sweet- 
 heart, Marco. That was the key to the first gate 
 which barred the undertaking. If she had failed, then 
 there was nothing for it but to make a bold dash 
 and, if the worst came to the worst, fight for it. Well, 
 he would be ready even for that, though he hoped 
 sincerely it would not come to that. 
 
 But another doubt assailed him. Would the Prin- 
 cess be willing to take the step? Confound the Prin- 
 cess! He would compel her to go. He would not 
 permit himself to stand on ceremony, now that every- 
 thing had been arranged. 
 
 Morton hurried below and found a stupid-looking 
 lout sweeping the tap-room floor. The door of the inn 
 stood open, and a cold damp wind was blowing into 
 the room. He stepped out and saw with satisfaction 
 that it was raining heavily, with a cold east wind 
 blowing in sharp gusts. Returning to the room he 
 inquired of the servant if his breakfast was ready; 
 but the man looked at him blankly with unintelligent 
 bovine eyes. Evidently he was not understood. Re- 
 sorting to signs he finally got the fellow to catch his 
 
 "5
 
 meaning, for he ceased dusting and began to lay the 
 table. 
 
 From the back part of the inn came now the sound 
 of wheels rumbling on cobblestones. John realized 
 that this must mean the arrival of Papiu. Stepping 
 quickly through the hallway to the rear exit he saw 
 the very man alighting from a primitive and cum- 
 bersome conveyance, the wheels of which would have 
 supported a six-inch gun. Papiu took no notice of 
 John, but kept looking at the sky and examining the 
 house. Morton caught his cue from the man's actions 
 and returned to the tap-room, where he found his 
 breakfast waiting for him. A few minutes later 
 Papiu entered, dripping wet, and, seating himself by 
 the table adjoining the one at which John was eating, 
 called loudly for the waiter. The landlord, in shirt- 
 sleeves and leather apron, appeared now on the scene, 
 and after exchanging a few words withdrew to attend 
 to Papiu's requirements. 
 
 Immediately they were alone, the driver leaned 
 over and deftly slipping a piece of paper into John's 
 hands, quickly resumed his seat and yawned lazily 
 and loudly. Morton read the note, which was from 
 Donald. 
 
 Everything had been done as ordered and all was 
 ready. Mihai was waiting with the reserve team at 
 the crossroad, Kilometer 34 of the map, and Papiu's 
 saddle horse was just beyond the town gate. He, 
 Don, would remain in the wagon until he received 
 further orders from Mr. Morton. 
 
 John was greatly relieved. Returning to his room, 
 he put on a heavy ulster. On his way through the 
 tap-room he whispered to Papiu, who was munching 
 black bread and fat bacon, "Remain here till you hear 
 from me," and passed out into the rain. 
 
 The street was utterly deserted. Disregarding the
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 117 
 
 sweeping, cold downpour, he made his way to Rosen's 
 house by the gateway he had entered the day before. 
 Rachel greeted him cordially and smilingly put aside 
 his apologies for his soaking condition. It was the 
 very weather father had been praying for, she told 
 him. When he was snugly seated in the room which 
 had now become sacred to him, she told him that 
 everything had been arranged as they had planned. 
 Marco would be on guard at the South Gate between 
 five and seven that evening. The watchword was 
 "Luna Dragu." He would permit two ladies to pass 
 out unchallenged. It had been settled that after he 
 had been relieved Marco was to strike out for the 
 big river, where his people would be waiting for him, 
 and cross over into Bulgaria. His sweetheart would 
 meet him there later. As to the clothes for the girls, 
 she pointed to three packages, each marked with a 
 number. No. I was the Princess's, No. 2 the Comtesse 
 Helene's and No. 3 the articles both ladies might use 
 in common. John was perfectly satisfied, and ex- 
 pressed his sincere thanks for all the trouble she had 
 taken. 
 
 "I am only too happy to serve them," Miss Rosen 
 replied. "I shall be fully repaid when I know they are 
 once again in a safe place." 
 
 "You may rely onj me, dear lady," said John earn- 
 estly, "to do everything in my power." 
 
 "Father will be in soon," remarked the girl, "he's 
 just gone out to the cafe to hear the news. Won't 
 you sit in his office until he returns ? You may smoke 
 there," she added, laughing. 
 
 John thanked her as she led him into a small but 
 well-furnished study adjoining. "Here is where 
 father does all his important business," she said. 
 "You will be quite safe here." 
 
 "Thank you. I will wait for Mr. Rosen's arrival,"
 
 u8 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 The bright girl courtesied, and with a look of ad- 
 miration at John left the room precipitately. Left 
 alone, John lit a cigar and began studying the map 
 he always carried with him. He calculated that he 
 would make Kilometer 34 in about four hours, despite 
 the rain and bad roads. This would mean that their 
 first resting place would be some thirty kilometers 
 further in the mountains. That would be well, indeed. 
 But, again, doubts arose in his mind as to what the 
 Princess herself would do. She was the unknown 
 quantity which he knew not how to allow for. How- 
 ever, he would cross that bridge when he came to it. 
 
 The door was softly opened and Rosen entered, care- 
 fully closing it behind him. The two men wasted no 
 time in idle talk but set themselves at once to the 
 business in hand. Rosen was pleased to learn that 
 the team and the men had arrived. He himself would 
 seq to the delivery of the packages at Herr Morton's 
 inn to Papiu. It would not be necessary for John 
 to return to the inn as he, Rosen, would discharge 
 the bill and see to his baggage. The landlord was all 
 right, there was nothing to fear from that quarter; 
 but there were spies about. He knew that. He was 
 glad of the storm; it would be their best friend. 
 Everything was working for them and Rosen would 
 see to the rest. 
 
 John was greatly relieved. He had to confess to 
 himself that the enterprise had assumed, now that 
 he was face to face with it, a rather dangerous as- 
 pect. He could never have managed without the 
 assistance of this devoted man and his equally devoted 
 daughter. He thanked Rosen, and proceeded to count 
 out the gold for Marco, which Rosen would deliver. 
 
 John found the merchant quick and decisive in 
 action, and a most interesting companion. He was 
 a great admirer and devoted adherent of Count
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 119 
 
 Rondell, whom he regarded as his benefactor. And 
 as for the Comtesse Helene ah he and his would 
 gladly die for the dear young lady. He mourned the 
 sad turn of affairs, which for the time being, at least, 
 would leave the Count penniless. He, Rosen, would 
 remain in Roumelia for some time to look after Count 
 Rondell's affairs as best he could. 
 
 A discreet knock and Rachel whispered : "The Com- 
 tesse is awaiting Mr. Morton in the sitting room." 
 Morton rose at once and made his way to the room. 
 
 Helene stood near the window, apparently in deep 
 thought. She was dressed in the identical garments 
 she had worn the day before, but she looked even 
 paler than then. Evidently she had spent a restless 
 night. Her eyes were heavy, with dark rings around 
 them; but the blue in them was a glimpse of heaven 
 to Morton. She returned his cheery greetings with 
 a wan smile and in words scarcely above a whisper. 
 
 John placed a chair and begged her to be seated. 
 He told her of the success their preparations had so 
 far met with and assured her smilingly that all would 
 go well. What had the Princess said? 
 
 Helene sat and looked as if she were not listening 
 to him. Her lips quivered and she nervously fingered 
 the lace handkerchief she was holding in her hand. 
 
 "Mr. Morton, Her Highness is afraid to trust her- 
 self to a stranger. She is unstrung and I have not 
 succeeded in persuading her to act as you pro- 
 pose." 
 
 Helene leaned forward, resting her elbows upon her 
 knees, and pressed the lace against her tired eyes. 
 Suppressing a sob with a quick intake of her breath, 
 she continued in a trembling voice, though with no 
 trace of resentment in it: 
 
 "Why did not papa send someone we know one of 
 our own people? Please, do not misunderstand me.
 
 120 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 I have done all I could I told her everything you 
 bade me say," the tears were not to be denied now ; 
 they fell slowly unchecked. 
 
 John felt as if he would choke. It was as he had 
 feared ! He looked at Helene confounded and utterly 
 at a loss what to say. 
 
 "Do not blame Her Highness, Mr. Morton. She 
 has had much to bear. She has been waiting, hoping, 
 expecting news from her brother, the Prince, who 
 was abroad when the dreadful upheaval came. She 
 has not heard a word, and she is almost distracted. 
 She cannot believe that she is alone now that she has 
 no friends any more. And I don't know how to con- 
 vince her." 
 
 Morton had recovered himself. He no longer felt 
 any commiseration for the Princess but instead an 
 overpowering resentment filled him. Was this girl 
 to be sacrificed to satisfy an hysterical weakling of 
 a Princess ? Once the Comtesse returned to the castle, 
 she would be a prisoner for the day, and the arrange- 
 ments for the evening would have been made for 
 nothing. Why, it was absurd, ridiculous! Confound 
 all Princesses! He must take things in his own hands 
 now. 
 
 His face flushing he rose and planted himself firmly 
 before Helene. "Comtesse, under the circumstances 
 there is but one thing to do. I am ready now, this 
 very minute, as ready as I shall ever be. In half 
 an hour the team will be here. You will get into it 
 just as you are and we shall start north at once ! The 
 Princess has chosen, and we we cannot be expected 
 to sit down and wait for Providence or a miracle! 
 I shall call Herr Rosen." 
 
 He expected, nay, dreaded, a breakdown and a 
 flood of tears. But in place of hysterics, he met a 
 woman as determined and as proud as himself.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 121 
 
 Helena rose, her eyes flashing, her face pink with 
 indignation. 
 
 "How dare you, sir, speak of Her Highness in 
 that manner! How dare you take advantage of my 
 helplessness ! I am a Rondell, sir, and a Rondell has 
 never forsaken his king. My duty and my choice are 
 with the Princess. Permit me, sir, to retire." 
 
 John was dumbfounded. This was worse than any- 
 thing he had even dreamed of. Good God, she must 
 not be permitted to leave the house. What was he to 
 do? Where was Rosen or Rachel? He must plead 
 with her until one or the other came. 
 
 "I beseech you, Comtesse, not to do anything rash! 
 I implore you to be calm and to listen to me ! I assure 
 you, nothing was further from my thoughts than 
 disrespect towards the Princess or yourself. Will 
 you not oblige me by permitting me to reason with 
 you?" 
 
 Helene, somewhat calmed, looked piteously at Mor- 
 ton. Her resentment had vanished and in place of 
 the proud royalist there stood the helpless woman- 
 child. Her lips quivered and the tears fell uncon- 
 trollably. She collapsed rather than sat in the chair, 
 her head sank upon her arm. 
 
 "Oh, papa why did you abandon me?" she 
 moaned. "Why didn't you come for us yourself 
 why did you leave me here without anyone to advise 
 me?" 
 
 Anguish in face and heart, John stood gazing at 
 her in pitiful sympathy. He realized what a hard 
 fight the child must have gone through pleading and 
 persuading with the Princess. He began to think 
 quickly. He must abandon reasoning and plead 
 plead and beg for a favor. He remembered some 
 words his father had once said to him : "Never argue 
 with a woman, my boy; kneel down to her, confess 
 9
 
 122 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 you have been wrong, throw yourself upon her 
 mercy beg forgiveness. She will follow you 
 then." 
 
 "Comtesse, I beg you once more to forgive me! 
 Pray listen to what I have to say." He broke off 
 with a catch in his voice. 
 
 "I have traveled five thousand kilometers to get 
 here. I have disobeyed the call of my loving parents, 
 of a father who is ill, of a mother who has not seen 
 me her only son in years. I have come here with 
 other brave and loyal men, to bring you out of this 
 dangerous land. Be just to me, dear lady. I may 
 not have the fervor of loyalty for royalty, for I am an 
 American a republican. In my country kings and 
 queens are but as other men and women. It is their 
 worth that counts with us there. I wish I could have 
 brought your dear father with me. But that was 
 impossible. He sent me to act for him. Your father 
 is most devoted to Her Royal Highness, and I I am 
 ready to do all that he would have done. But first 
 in his heart is his child. He enjoined me, Comtesse, 
 to think of the Princess first; but, if I could not pre- 
 vail there, I was to think of you. 'For God's sake.' 
 he said, 'help my child.' That is why I am here, 
 and that is why I spoke as I did. If I have done 
 wrong I beg you to pardon me." 
 
 John had put his whole heart into his words. 
 Helene lifted her head and turned her eyes on him 
 in questioning wonderment. But he left her no time 
 to interpolate. 
 
 "Can you blame me, dear lady, if your words un- 
 balanced me? Faithful to my promise to your noble 
 father, I have made every preparation. My men are 
 ready and waiting. They will perish if the Princess 
 fails us at this the eleventh hour. And after to-day 
 there will be no hope; for to-morrow the tyrant of
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 123 
 
 Bucharest will inaugurate a reign of terror and God 
 alone knows what will happen to us all, then." 
 
 Helene's eyes showed the remorse she was feeling. 
 She gazed with awed look at the man who had thus 
 unselfishly taken upon himself a duty which should 
 have concerned her own kin. She was ashamed of 
 her words and knew not how to express her changed 
 feelings. 
 
 "Comtesse, will you not speak with the Princess 
 again? Tell her of what I have said now. Convey 
 to her your father's earnest desires. She should think 
 of that, for your father was her father's most devoted 
 friend. A new duty has devolved on her ; in addition 
 to the duty she owes to herself, she owes a duty to 
 Count Rondell, to you and, I will say it, to me, who 
 has her honor at heart. I am now, I must say 
 it, the one hope left. Assure her that she may trust 
 me implicitly. Your noble father, the Count, would 
 not otherwise have sent me. Go back to the Prin- 
 cess and use your most persuasive powers. If she 
 consents, all will be well, and I shall be very happy. 
 But give me, first, your solemn promise that, come 
 what may, Princess or no Princess, you will be at the 
 chapel at six o'clock this evening, and that you will 
 come to the gate where I shall be waiting for you. 
 Comtesse, I cannot let you go without that promise." 
 
 His eagerness had carried him away. He stepped 
 up close to the trembling girl and took her unresist- 
 ing hand and held it firmly in his own warm, strong 
 one. 
 
 With parted lips and with wide eyes Helene had 
 taken in every word of his passionate pleading. This 
 man would keep his word. She was satisfied of that 
 now. And her father had written to her: "Obey im- 
 plicitly and follow Mr. Morton's instructions abso- 
 lutely." He must be right.
 
 124 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Trembling she groped for the little cross hanging 
 upon her breast. God would not let the dear Prin- 
 cess perish and she ? Well, she would try again 
 she would convince her mistress! 
 
 "Yes, Mr. Morton, yes! I will do what I can. I 
 promise everything. You are right we must act at 
 once! But, oh, what will happen?" 
 
 She was trembling all over, fearful of the picture 
 her fancy had conjured up. 
 
 Morton, still holding her hand, gently led the girl 
 to her seat. 
 
 "Please, Comtesse, be calm and take heart. Noth- 
 ing at all will happen. We shall get away and you 
 will be safe and happy in a few hours. Do not fear. 
 I swear to you that we shall bring you safely across 
 the border." 
 
 Helene grew calmer. She felt her native energy 
 coming back, and with a blush she gently withdrew 
 her hand from Morton's grasp. 
 
 "Mr. Morton, I want to thank you for your good- 
 ness and your forbearance. You have been more than 
 kind. I promise to be at the gate at six; with the 
 Princess if I can, and as I pray I may be alone, if 
 I cannot." 
 
 John had won. Rising and bowing with reverence 
 before the beautiful young woman: 
 
 "Comtesse I thank you. I shall always cherish 
 your brave and noble words. And now, if you will 
 permit me, I must give you your instructions. Take 
 nothing with you, so that no suspicion may be aroused. 
 The corner window opening toward the street is, I 
 understand, that of your room. I shall watch that 
 window. If the Princess consents to go, leave the 
 curtains closed as they are now. If she does not, 
 draw them apart, and I will understand. On your 
 way to chapel, walk slowly along the chapel front,
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 125 
 
 which will be in deep shadow at that time, and go 
 to the South Gate. The sentinel will not stop you. 
 The small door nearest the wall will be open and I 
 will be awaiting you there. If the Princess is with 
 you, lead her. And now, Comtesse, until six this 
 evening!" 
 
 The sound of Helene's steps in the hall brought 
 the alert Rachel in apron and turned-up sleeves from 
 the kitchen. She glanced questioningly at Morton, 
 who simply nodded and said : "The Comtesse knows 
 what to do." 
 
 The rest of the day passed quickly in the house of 
 the Rosens. A, very excellent dinner was served him 
 by his hostess. After dinner he smoked his cigar 
 and chatted with Herr Rosen in the study. Later he 
 sat in the little enclosure fitted as a counting room 
 adjoining Rosen's store, and looked across the quiet 
 street at the gray walls of the castle. The storm 
 had abated somewhat though the rain still came down 
 and kept the street deserted. Through the grayish 
 veil of mist he could distinguish the solitary figure 
 of the sentiy in hooded cloak, rifle reversed with bay- 
 onet pointing downward, slowly walking back and 
 forth. He could not help speculating what the night 
 would bring. Now and again he would look up at the 
 window, but no sign of parted curtains was to be 
 seen. Towards dark Rosen came to inquire if he 
 had received any word. No, the curtains still re- 
 mained closed. 
 
 An early and silent supper was hastily partaken of, 
 and sunset found each man at his post. John saw the 
 wagon drawing up at the gate in the narrow street 
 to the rear. Good, Donald and Papiu were on the job. 
 
 Don, who was introduced to Rachel, seemed to be 
 the least nervous among them all. He took things 
 phlegmatically as if they were a part of his regular
 
 126 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 duties. Outside the wind had shifted and blew as 
 strongly as ever. The men waited for the hour to 
 strike. Rachel came in and told John that the maid 
 had reported to her that Marco was on duty. John 
 shook hands with her silently. Then, with a final 
 word of warning to Don, he hurried to his post.
 
 MORTON braced himself against the gusts of 
 wind and squalls of icy rain which! drenched 
 his face and body. It was with difficulty 
 that he was able to see his way. There was no need, 
 he said to himself, to keep a lookout on a night like 
 this. All the better. The flickering smoky flame of 
 the oil-lamp over the main gate cast a faint yellow 
 light around and threw ghostlike, moving shadows 
 about the entrance. Stumbling frequently against the 
 large pebbles in the roadway and wading almost ankle- 
 deep through pools of muddy water, he managed to 
 reach the denser blackness along the castle wall, and 
 stopped under its protection to take a breath. 
 
 Glancing toward the sentry-boxes he saw the out- 
 line of a human figure as a dim motionless silhouette. 
 His hand sought the butt end of his ready revolver, 
 and the touch gave him confidence. Cautiously he 
 groped for the door. It yielded easily to his pressure. 
 With careful glances he satisfied himself that no one 
 was about the street totally deserted the only 
 sounds to be heard were the steady splash and beating 
 of the rain and the? groaning roars of the wind. 
 
 Through the heavy bars of the gate he could see 
 the dim murky rays filtering through the befogged 
 window panes of the guardroom under the wing 
 which harbored the girls. As he stood peering into 
 the distance a faint light shone through the transom 
 over the entrance to the chapel, and he knew they 
 were lighting up the place. It was followed by red 
 
 127
 
 128 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 and green rays of light streaming through the stained- 
 glass windows of the nave. 
 
 Some minutes, which to John seemed an age, 
 passed, when the sound of a plaintive bell was borne 
 to him in muffled tones on the damp, foggy air. It 
 was the vesper bell. Immediately through the drifting 
 veil of slanting rain he perceived figures flitting across 
 the vaulted opening in the castle wing. He was con- 
 scious of some one moving in the shadow on his right, 
 and before he realized it, a heavily cloaked figure came 
 into view followed by a similarly clothed but smaller 
 form, a bare rod behind. 
 
 Morton at once pushed the gate open and waited 
 breathlessly. 
 
 "It is I Morton," he whispered, as the first figure 
 neared him. 
 
 "I am Helene and " she seized her companion's 
 hand, too excited for words. 
 
 "We must hurry quick, quick," he whispered 
 sharply. He led them along the shadowy border so 
 as to avoid the range of light, and urge them across 
 the street to the scant protection of the trees along the 
 opposite pavement. 
 
 He could almost hear his heart beating above the 
 panting of the girls by his side. He dared not run 
 and feared to walk too slowly. One minute and the 
 worst would be over. 
 
 Helene walked steadily, but her companion stumbled 
 frequently and was trembling in every limb as she 
 held on to his arm. Ah here at last was Rosen's 
 house. 
 
 Donald was ready and passed the girls through 
 without a moment's delay. They were met by Rosen, 
 who stood, his hands up as if in the act of blessing, 
 in the dimly lit hall. The noise brought Rachel from 
 the sitting room. She guided them through the house
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 129 
 
 to the exit on. the further side. With an affectionate 
 pressure of Helene's hand and a kiss on the sleeve 
 of the Princess's cloak, she murmured her parting 
 wishes. 
 
 Once more they were in the rain, but this time 
 sheltered from view by the walls of the garden. Don- 
 ald walked ahead, lantern in hand, and opened the 
 gate for the girls to pass through. Behind them came 
 Morton alert and ready. 
 
 In a ( few minutes they arrived at the place where 
 the wagon stood waiting. Quickly lifting the Prin- 
 cess, he whispered to her to lie down on the right. 
 Then turning to Helene he gently passed her in bid- 
 ding her lie to the left. The next instant the black- 
 ness of the cart's interior had swallowed him also, 
 and the vehicle rumbled and splashed its way as if 
 it were being driven to market. Don alone remained 
 without, walking rapidly by its side and searching 
 intently to the right and left. 
 
 The girls huddled close together, and lay with their 
 arms about each other. The rain beat down on the 
 canvas covering, drowning all other sounds ; only occa- 
 sionally could they hear the crunching of the wheels 
 rolling clumsily over 1 the roughly paved road. It was 
 with difficulty that they kept themselves from falling 
 on one side or the other. As they were wondering 
 what might happen, they heard the voice of Morton 
 raised above the din, assuring them, in German, that 
 everything was going well ; they need have no anxiety. 
 He would light the lantern after they had put the town 
 gate behind them. He had barely finished speaking 
 when the wagon gave a great lurch and bounded for- 
 ward with a fearful clatter. They had entered the 
 main road leading out of the town, an abominably 
 paved causeway which seemed to have been made for 
 preventing--anyone either leaving the place or coming
 
 i 3 o UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 into it. It was with the utmost difficulty that John 
 could now make himself heard but he managed to 
 convey to the girls the information as to where they 
 were and that they would soon arrive at the gate. It 
 would be necessary for them to keep perfectly quiet, 
 until that danger was passed. 
 
 Helene held on to the hand of the Princess, whis- 
 pering endearing and encouraging words. She knew 
 that Morton would protect them at all hazards, 
 even though she could not see him. He had shown 
 her that he was neither a man to be trifled with nor 
 one to give in at the first difficulty. Her thoughts of 
 him were of confidence; she remembered the appeal- 
 ing words he had spoken to her that morning. He 
 was brave, or her father would not have sent him, 
 and he must be good or her father would not have 
 trusted him. 
 
 The wagon rumbled less now, and the driver could 
 be heard speaking to his horses. The wheels crunched 
 the gravel more heavily as they turned more slowly, 
 and the next moment they had come to a halt. Soon 
 voices werq heard, and a shaft of light streamed into 
 the wagon through a small opening in the canvas 
 covering at the rear. Helene saw John looking out 
 from between the canvas flaps. He was crouching 
 silently, a pistol in each hand. 
 
 A loud laugh followed by a command and some 
 exclamations, and then a cheery: "Bene, avante." 
 The rain was now falling in a soft patter on the cart's 
 covering, so that the clinking sound of the driver 
 urging the horses on could be easily heard. A creak- 
 ing of the harness, and they were off once more at a 
 slow trot. 
 
 "We are safe," came in a loud whisper from John. 
 "A few minutes more and we can have a light." 
 
 For the first time since they had left the castle the
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 131 
 
 Princess now spoke. "Mr. Morton," she said in Eng- 
 lish and in a voice betokening the strain consequent 
 on her condition, "I know not how to thank you. 
 I " 
 
 "Please, say no more/' begged Morton. 
 
 Helene could not speak. The tension had been al- 
 most more than she could bear. She found relief, how- 
 ever, in laughter, an hysterical kind of laughter it 
 sounded to Morton's ears. But he was glad to hear 
 it; it told him that he need have no further anxiety 
 about the girls' courage; they would measure up to 
 what was still before them. 
 
 The wagon came to a halt and John stepped out, 
 carefully closing the canvas flaps benind him. He 
 returned soon, however, and informed the girls that 
 there was nothing the matter; he would leave them 
 alone now and take his seat alongside the driver, and 
 a man would precede the cart on horseback. In a few 
 minutes a brass lantern was swinging from the fore 
 peak of the canvas hood, its grateful light spreading a 
 pleasant warmth into the interior of the vehicle. 
 
 The girls, curious as to their situation, looked about 
 them. At first they could make out nothing but vague 
 shadows, but as their eyes became accustomed to the 
 flickering light they saw with surprise the excellent 
 arrangements that had been made for their comfort. 
 Two strong, but soft and yielding couches ran length- 
 wise along the floor of the wagon, with a space be- 
 tween them. In the corners were a number of downy 
 pillows, while from the canvas covering hung two 
 robes of fur. 
 
 Helene was delighted. "See, Princess," she ex- 
 claimed, "see "What a cozy place we are in." The Prin- 
 cess lay huddled, sobbing softly. "Oh, dear lady, do 
 not give way. Come, rest yourself on this couch." 
 She lifted the girl as best she could, laid her on one
 
 132 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 of the boxes and covered her with one of the robes. 
 "There is nothing 1 to be afraid of." 
 
 "I am not afraid, dear Helene," said the Princess, 
 "but the suddenness of all that has happened has 
 unnerved me. I'll be quite well again soon." 
 
 The flash of a lighted match flared in and the odor 
 of a cigar was wafted to them on the breeze. How 
 good it was to smell the fragrance. It meant a man, 
 and a man meant protection. The next moment Mor- 
 ton's cheery voice came through: "Make yourselves 
 comfortable, ladies. You'll find everything you want. 
 Take my advice and get a sleep." 
 
 Helene thanked him and said they would. She went 
 back to where the Princess lay and saw with satisfac- 
 tion that she was sleeping. Without, the storm 
 seemed to have renewed its fury. The rain beat on 
 the canvas, the wheels groaned and crunched, the 
 wagon lurched from side to side in its heavy prog- 
 ress, and the swish of water poured from overhang- 
 ing trees. Helene had now grown accustomed to 
 these sounds. She looked at her watch and noted 
 with surprise that it was but just gone eight. They 
 had been only two hours on their journey two hours 
 that had seemed to her like two days! She felt very 
 tired ; her head ached and her limbs were cramped. She 
 would take Mr. Morton's advice and rest; perhaps 
 she would feel better after a sleep. 
 
 "Are you asleep?" It was Morton whispering 
 loudly to her from the front seat. 
 
 "No," she whispered back, "what is it?" 
 
 "I just wanted to tell you that you must not be 
 anxious if you hear noises soon; we are about to cut 
 the telegraph wires. In another hour we shall make 
 our first stop for a change of horses." 
 
 Helene thanked him for the information and lay 
 down. She tried her best to sleep but failed. She
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 133 
 
 heard the driver halt his horses and distinguished 
 Morton's voice giving orders. Then she heard the 
 clinking of steel implements and the sound of branches 
 snapping. They must be cutting the wires, she 
 thought. A few minutes later she heard Donald call 
 out: "All's finished, Mr. Morton/' and the journey 
 was resumed. 
 
 And now she knew that they were ascending, for 
 she felt the straining of the horses in the creaking 
 harness, and counted deliberately the squelching of 
 their feet in the muddy track. It had grown quite cold, 
 and the fragrance of spruce and hemlock came to her. 
 She lay on the couch looking up at the swaying lan- 
 tern, half dozing, half waking. 
 
 As in a dream she heard Morton speaking to Papiu 
 and Donald : "It is snowing. We certainly are in luck. 
 It'll cover up all our tracks. Say, Don, isn't it good 
 to feel the snow again? We haven't seen any in 
 three years, have we?" And Donald's hearty laugh 
 came back in response. "It ain't much of a snowfall," 
 he said, "but if things work anyway like they do at 
 home, I guess we're in for a good blizzard." 
 
 She cuddled herself closer in the fur robe and felt 
 happy in its comforting warmth. How long she lay 
 there thus she did not know, but she rose up suddenly 
 and looked about her in wide-eyed surprise. The 
 wagon had come to a halt, and she heard the flaps at 
 the rear of the vehicle being drawn aside. The Prin- 
 cess, too, had "been aroused, and she, too, was staring 
 with frightened eyes about her. 
 
 "Here we are, ladies," came the cheery voice of 
 Morton. He was standing outside, a lantern swing- 
 ing from his arm. "Our first stopping place. You 
 may come out now." He assisted them in gallant 
 style out of the wagon and led them to a wood-built 
 shack. "Welcome!" he cried, laughing. They en-
 
 134 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 tered and found themselves in a low roughly built 
 room in the center of which stood a table made of 
 boards and by its side a crude bench. 
 
 Placing his lantern on the table he bade them be 
 seated. He would bring them some food. Helene 
 and the Princess looked about the place and shivered 
 beneath their furs. It was cheerless and bare enough 
 to satisfy the most fanatic of hermits. The yellow 
 light from the lantern filled the distant parts of it 
 with unearthly shadows. The two girls instinctively 
 moved closer to each other. 
 
 John returned almost immediately carrying a prom- 
 ising looking basket from which he took out some 
 snow-white napkins, a goodly supply of sandwiches, 
 oranges, cakes, tin cups, a flask of wine and a carafe 
 of water. 
 
 "There, ladies, is a feast for the gods, or, I should 
 say, for the goddesses. Eat heartily because you will 
 need all your strength. I will leave you now to your- 
 selves. I shall be back in half an hour. Have no 
 anxiety." 
 
 The girls were hungry, and the food and drink 
 were very welcome. Their appetite satisfied they felt 
 both strengthened and cheered. Donald came in 
 and introduced himself by addressing the peaked roof. 
 They smiled and nodded kindly at him. He busied 
 himself removing quickly the remains of the dinner 
 and disappeared. 
 
 The Princess was smiling happily now. "Dear 
 Helene," she said, "I was very wrong. I ought to 
 have known that you knew best. Please forgive me !" 
 
 Helene pressed her friend's hand with happy tears 
 in her eyes. "The Holy Virgin," she said, "will pro- 
 tect us, and Mr. Morton is a gentleman." 
 
 Punctual to the minute John came in and found 
 them ready to. continue their journey. Helping them
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 135 
 
 into their place of refuge, he carefully closed the rear 
 flaps and resumed his seat by the side of Papiu. Once 
 more the cart took up its rumbling and the wheels 
 their crunching. The road was hilly, and the four 
 horses strained and pulled, urged on by the driver 
 and a man who sat astride one of the leaders. The 
 girls lay comfortably covered and snugly embedded on 
 their couches, but the steep incline caused them to slip 
 occasionally, and once Helene came to the floor of the 
 wagon with a thud. Morton called in that they should 
 put up the boards they would find near the end of their 
 couches and brace their feet against it. Helene car- 
 ried out his instructions, and could not help wondering 
 at Morton's forethought. He had thought of every- 
 thing. He might be in the business of rescuing girls 
 in distress. 
 
 Their progress now was much slower than it had 
 been so far the climb was becoming steeper and 
 steeper. Soon the squeaking of the wheels ceased 
 and the wagon swayed no more they had come to a 
 smoother road. The wind had almost gone down en- 
 tirely ; but the sound of swaying trees, the crisp swish 
 of evergreen branches against the sides of the cart, 
 the whisper of the woods, came to them in softened 
 drones and murmurs and soothed them drowsily. 
 Soon both were Asleep. 
 
 Morton, in front, puffed silently at his cigar, per- 
 fectly happy and deeply thankful for the success which 
 so far had followed him in this undertaking. It had 
 been a day of no little anxiety; for, in spite of the 
 cheerfulness he assumed before the girls, he had had, 
 it must be confessed, many qualms. The Princess 
 was an unknown quantity to him, and he did not 
 know but that she might be difficult to manage. His 
 hope lay in the Comtesse in Helene he dwelt lov- 
 ingly on its syllables as he murmured the name softly.
 
 136 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 She was a great girl, he kept saying to himself a 
 great girl. What lovely eyes she had ! And her 
 smile Ah! her smile it was like golden sunshine 
 after rain. He puffed at his cigar and found it had 
 gone out. 
 
 Then the rider on the leader gave a loud grunt, 
 and Donald's voice came to him, calling out, "Whoa, 
 boys, Whoa!" 
 
 Papiu had reigned in his horses, and the 1 cart came 
 to a full stop with a shock. 
 
 Helene awoke with a start. She heard the horses 
 shaking their bits and the men hurrying about as they 
 undid their harness. Then Morton came in and said : 
 "Time to get up, ladies. We have arrived at our own 
 house." 
 
 She rose quickly and gently woke her companion. 
 The Princess rubbed her eyes and inquired what was 
 the matter. Helene told her what Morton had said. 
 In a minute both were ready and Morton assisted them 
 to alight. 
 
 They were before a low, roughly built hutlike 
 building, under snow-covered trees, the drooping 
 branches of which swept the roof-planks, which were 
 glittering in a crystalline snow-mantle. A couple of 
 lanterns hung from the eaves over the entrance to the 
 hut and lit up the strange scene. Opposite this struc- 
 ture stood a loftier building. The lantern on a bench 
 showed a narrow porch with a low door leading into 
 a lighted room. Boards on the wet snow were 
 placed as a foot-walk, and over these the two girls 
 were led by Morton into the house. 
 
 "Welcome home!" he said gaily, his eyes laughing.
 
 CHAPTER XI 
 
 HELENE awoke the next morning wild-eyed 
 and distraught. She had had a most fright- 
 ening dream. She had dreamed that she was 
 bound and enveloped in a coarse rug, carried like the 
 captive of some barbarian soldiery. Two terrible 
 looking men in shaggy furs and great turbans were 
 taking her down a narrow winding step-way hewn in 
 a steep rock. She saw the slimy walls dripping with 
 water and felt the heavy, damp air weighing on her 
 chest so that she could scarcely breathe. She tried 
 to scream in her terror. She heard the roaring of 
 the surf beating against a door into which she realized 
 she would soon be carried a prisoner. She must act 
 at once cry aloud for help. Straining at the thongs 
 that bound her cruelly she gave a groan. It was then 
 she awoke. 
 
 Her throat felt dry and almost parched. Trembling 
 in every limb, she passed her hands over her face 
 and took courage to look about her. Her eyes caught 
 a purplish color against yellow boards; irregular 
 cracks and knot holes let in faint streaks of light. 
 Where was she? She pushed aside a heavy braid of 
 hair that had fallen across her face and tried to col- 
 lect herself. A grating noise from without drew her 
 attention to the wall, where she saw a partly opened 
 broad low window across which floated a purple scarf. 
 Gradually she remembered. One by one the events 
 of the past hours came back to her. She recalled the 
 last words the young American had addressed to her. 
 He had asked her to leave the window open, and she 
 10 137
 
 I 3 8 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 remembered carrying out his suggestion to put some- 
 thing over the opening so as to keep out the morning's 
 light. He had left her a lamp and a clock. Yes, the 
 lamp was still there, its pale yellow flame flickering 
 feebly now. The clock also was by the bedside ticking 
 quickly. It's "tick-tock, tick-tock," somehow comfort- 
 ed her ; there was a human quality in the almost impu- 
 dent carelessness with which it was doing its business 
 so regardless of her own feelings. How silly of her 
 to be frightened by a dream! , 
 
 By her side lay the Princess, her face and hair almost 
 pansy-tinted in the light that filtered through the im- 
 provised purple-colored scarf-curtain. She was breath- 
 ing regularly in a sleep that would be strengthening 
 in its refresing rest. And then came thoughts of the 
 dangers yet to be endured and overcome. Would they 
 once again be free and happy? Would it be granted 
 to them to see their loved one again? The questions 
 brought a longing hope shot through with pain. But 
 come what may she would play her part as her father 
 would have wished her to play it. 
 
 Stepping out of bed so as not to arouse her com- 
 panion, she dressed herself in the rough peasant's 
 costume she had worn the day before, and crept on 
 tip-toe to the window. 
 
 Pushing aside the scarf, she leaned out to inhale the 
 cool, balmy air. But the sight that met her eyes made 
 her start back. Surely this was fairyland! Through 
 majestic tree trunks and spreading boughs of noble 
 firs, shafts of sunlight shot down on an earth white 
 with snow. In the golden light the crystals shone and 
 glittered again. The light wind blew the flakes and 
 showered them abroad so that they seemed like float- 
 ing diamonds as they dropped noiselessly to the ground. 
 High up through the branches she caught a vista of a 
 deep-blue sky, crossed and recrossed by the gleaming
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 139 
 
 white bars of branches and making a pattern of lace 
 work as intricate as it was wonderful. She felt as if 
 she had been transported by some genii into a palace 
 of snow and stalactites. And through it all through 
 this indescribable maze of virgin whiteness floated 
 and vibrated a bluish haze, an azure atmosphere that 
 seemed as if it could be felt pulsating light and liv- 
 ing shadows playing a bewildering dance. Helene 
 could scarcely breathe, so entranced was she. She 
 leaned over the window-sill and watched the downy 
 snow as it fell, released from its hold on the branches 
 under the redeeming influence of sunlight. The blood 
 coursed rapidly through her veins; her heart quick- 
 ened and a new courage and hope came to her. She 
 forgot her anxiety, she forgot the dangers, she thought 
 of nothing but fairies and flowers and the sweet 
 visions of her childhood. She was all compounded of 
 wonder and worship, and happy, happy, happy ! 
 
 A clear shrill whistle, the intimate call of a bird, 
 drew her attention to the mysterious depths of the 
 lower foliage. A little crossbill was hopping and flit- 
 ting back and forth ; and then she remembered that it 
 was still autumn irr the valleys below. And with this 
 remembrance she was brought back to the reality of 
 her present situation of her escape from the palace 
 with the Princess; of Mr. Morton how brave and 
 gentle he was! Of the terrible journey through the 
 storm how kind and considerate he had been! of 
 their arrival at this place how encouraging and cour- 
 teous he had proved himself! Who and what was 
 this man? The little bird flew off with a whirr, and 
 a knock sounded on the door. Helene jumped back 
 quickly. 
 
 "Good morning, ladies!" came Morton's voice 
 through the closed door, "it is a lovely morning and 
 breakfast will be ready as soon as you are."
 
 I 4 o UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Ah, what a friendly sound his words carried with 
 them ! She stepped quickly to the door and called out 
 heartily : 
 
 "Good morning, Mr. Morton. I am already dressed, 
 and the Princess soon will be. Isn't it glorious out- 
 side?" 
 
 "Glorious, in'deed. Don't hurry. Call out the mo- 
 ment you are ready. We are just in the next room." 
 
 "Thank you ; we shall be with you in ten minutes." 
 
 She listened to his firm steps and heard the outer 
 door being closed. For a moment she stood smiling at 
 the wooden partition. 
 
 "Helene, Helene, where are we?" 
 
 She turned quickly and found the Princess sitting 
 up in bed, her hair in disorder and her great dark 
 eyes staring frightened at her. 
 
 "Oh, my darling," she cried, running up to her, 
 "get up and dress at once. It's so lovely and beautiful 
 outside. I have just been speaking with Mr. Morton, 
 who came to tell us that breakfast would soon be ready. 
 I am so hungry that I could eat all Roumelia*." 
 
 "I didn't know where I was when I woke up," sighed 
 the Princess, "and when I found you were not by my 
 side I got frightened." 
 
 "There is nothing to be afraid of now. Mr. Morton 
 says we are quite safe. Come, let me be your maid 
 this morning, we must put on pleasant faces if only 
 to show Mr. Morton that we have confidence in him." 
 
 "You are right, dear Helene. I am afraid I've been 
 a bit of a kill-joy. But, oh, you don't know what I've 
 suffered." 
 
 "I do know, dear Princess, and I feel for you in 
 all my soul. But the danger is passed now, and you 
 will soon be with your friends." 
 
 Thus comforting and cheering her companion Hel- 
 ene helped her to dress. In a little more than the
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 141 
 
 ten minutes they were both ready, and with fresh, 
 smiling faces walked timidly into th'e adjoining 
 apartment. 
 
 They found no one there; but a table all laid out 
 with tablecloth, plates and eating utensils was in 
 the center of the room, giving it a homelike and in- 
 viting air. Helene walked to the door, and in her 
 clear, ringing voice called out : 
 
 "We are ready, Mr. Morton!'* 
 
 Instantly, almost, it seemed to her, John appeared, 
 and greeting both girls, he led them to their places 
 at the table. Papiu entered with a bountifully loaded 
 tray, and the meal was begun under his grinning wait- 
 ing. He beamed on them all as if there were no 
 higher duty than service. John took the occasion to 
 tell the girls of their present situation. 
 
 "We are quite safe here," he assured them. "The 
 men and I were out at daybreak exploring the country, 
 and I was glad to find that the tracks of the wheels 
 have been quite covered up. We took the precaution, 
 however, to cut the telegraph wires on the other side 
 of the valley, so th5t no communication can be sent 
 to the border on the northwest, for which we are 
 bound. I am sure we have nothing further to fear. 
 All that it needs now is to be patient. There may 
 be a few difficulties; but these can easily be over- 
 come." 
 
 The Princess smiled at Morton graciously. "You 
 have placed us, Mr. Morton," she said, "under a debt 
 of gratitude which we can never repay. I must ask 
 you to forgive me for my seeming lack of faith in 
 you; but you will, I am sure, appreciate the circum- 
 stances of my position." 
 
 "Please, Your Highness, say no more. I quite un- 
 derstand. In my eagerness to help you, I forgot that 
 I was a total stranger to you. Count Rondell made
 
 142 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 it so imperative I was not to leave you to the mercy 
 of the new government, at any cost. That was why 
 I begged your friend, the Comtesse Helene, to see you 
 again and do her utmost to persuade you and to in- 
 form you of the political conditions about which you 
 might, perhaps, be in ignorance." 
 
 "You were very kind and thoughtful, Mr. Morton. 
 I assure you I can never forget what you have done." 
 
 Helene looked delighted at the happy outcome of 
 this the first real meeting between her beloved Prin- 
 cess and Mr. Morton. Her face was all roses and 
 her eyes beamed the emotions she was feeling. 
 
 "And now everything will be all right, won't it?'* 
 she asked jocularly. They all laughed, as they rose 
 from the table. 
 
 John explained that it was necessary for him to 
 leave them now for an investigation as to the next stage 
 of their journey, but he would see that Donald and 
 Papiu remained behind to keep guard. He would go 
 with Mihai. If they liked they could sit on the porch 
 running along the south side of the cabin, but in that 
 case they must be careful to wear their fur coats. He 
 then shouldered his rifle and was soon seen to disap- 
 pear in the close timber. 
 
 Helene and the Princess, only too eager to enjoy 
 the freedom of the open air, put on their coats and 
 sat sunning themselves under the sheltering wing of 
 the house, drinking in the pine-laden air and filling 
 their souls with the silent, imposing beauty of the 
 forest-clad mountains. [What a change from the 
 rooms in the castle! Surely nature was kinder than 
 man! She gave so freely of her bounteous treasures 
 and asked nothing in return nothing but the heart 
 to feel and the spirit to enjoy her gifts. Helene 
 looked at her companion and saw that her face had 
 become clouded again. With a quick movement she
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 143 
 
 drew close to her and put her arms about her, and 
 thus they sat for many minutes in silent sympathy 
 with each other. Nature is kind, but she is sadness- 
 breeding even in her most generous moods, and it is 
 then that the heart sends out its tendrils feeling for 
 another heart. Perhaps that is why people are hap- 
 pier and simpler in the country than they are in the 
 city. 
 
 Their meditations were disturbed by the sound of 
 footfalls on the mushy snow. It was Donald emerg- 
 ing from the wood, rifle under his arm. 
 
 The girls greeted him smilingly. 
 
 "Fine morning, ladies, but kind o' mean under- 
 foot," and he smiled a little sheepishly as he stood 
 before them. They relieved him of his shyness by 
 encouraging* nods. 
 
 "Is there anything I can do for you? Mr. Morton 
 told me to look after you." 
 
 "Nothing, thank you," replied Helene; "we are 
 quite comfortable and enjoying the splendid air." 
 
 Both, however, were hoping he would not go away. 
 They longed for some companionship rather than 
 their own some other human being who would 
 speak to them and tell them things anything. Hel- 
 ene caught the Princess's eyes and saw the same de- 
 sire in them. 
 
 "Please, Mr. McCormick, won't you sit down?" 
 she asked in her soft, seductive voice. "Sit down and 
 talk to us." 
 
 "Thank you, miss, I don't mind if I do." 
 
 Donald's social instincts, like those of all true Amer- 
 icans, were very strong in him. Moreover, he had not 
 had many opportunities of exercising his English- 
 speaking tongue since he had left Brindisi. His in- 
 tercourse with Papiu and Mihai had been in the deaf 
 and dumb language, mostly. Laying aside his rifle,
 
 144 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 he brought out a roughly made stool, and sitting down, 
 cap in hand, faced the girls. 
 
 "Ah, it does a fellow like me good to see your sweet 
 faces, ladies. And how did you like my breakfast ?" 
 
 Of course it was delicious. So was he, they thought. 
 
 "Well, now, miss, that's awful kind of you. But I 
 would have done better if I'd had some time and 
 things, and less strictness." 
 
 "Strictness? What does that mean?" 
 
 "Why, miss, I wasn't allowed to build a fire until 
 the sun was way up. Mr. Morton didn't want no 
 smoke about." 
 
 "Your friend is a very cautious man." 
 
 "My friend? Oh, I see, you mean Mr. Morton. 
 Well, he's a friend all right, and a very good one; 
 but he's really my boss, you know my master, I 
 guess you'd call it." 
 
 "Oh! I thought you were comrades." 
 
 "Well, bless your pretty eyes, miss, we've been pals 
 and comrades many a year and in many a land; but 
 as I get paid for my part of it, I guess it's a job with 
 me. With Mr. Morton, it's sport and study. A 
 mighty good sport he is, and a fine student, too." 
 
 Don was warming up. 
 
 "You interest us greatly please go on." 
 
 Donald's leathery face creased itself into numerous 
 wrinkles as he smiled. 
 
 "There ain't much to tell, I guess. I've known Mr. 
 John ever since he was a boy of ten or twelve, and 
 a finer youngster never lived. His father, old Dan 
 Morton, used to come every summer to the Upper 
 Lakes for the fishin', and when the boy got old enough 
 to travel he took him along. In those days, I used to 
 work as a guide in summer and fall and did loggin' 
 in winter and spring. After the great catch of 1874, 
 the old gentleman had me for guide regularly; and
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 145 
 
 when young John started to come up alone, I always 
 rowed and cooked for him." 
 
 Don paused for a moment; mechanically, his 
 hand slipped into a side pocket of his coat to reappear 
 with a pipe in it. He glanced at it, then recollecting 
 himself, he quickly put it back. The Princess smiled : 
 "Please, Mr. McCormick, don't deprive yourself. 
 Light your pipe." 
 
 Don looked queerly dubious and hesitated. "You 
 are very kind, but I'm afraid my tobacco ain't a 
 cigar." The girls laughed and assured him they 
 would enjoy the aroma. Don nodded and lit up; but 
 as he puffed he was careful to blow the smoke so that 
 the wind would carry it away from where the girls 
 were sitting. These girls were all right, he said to 
 himself nice and pretty and considerate. He began 
 to feel quite at home with them. Puffing serenely he 
 took up his narrative- with added zest. 
 
 "Mr. John wasn't very strong as a youngster; he 
 had some fever when a baby that left him kind o' 
 delicate. But he was fearless, quick and mighty 
 steady. After a couple o' years he started to pick up 
 and now there ain't a logger in Minnesoty that 
 can beat him in rowing or wrastling or at huntin'. I 
 took to him from the start, and I love him as I would 
 if he were my own son. The Lord don't make 'em 
 any better than John Morton let me tell ye !" 
 
 "It is fine of you to say so, Mr. McCormick," said 
 Helene; "and I've no doubt Mr. Morton thinks very 
 highly of you, too." 
 
 "I guess he does. He took me to the city, gave 
 me all kinds of chances ; but somehow or other I never 
 could cotton to straight town life. Always wanted to 
 go back to the woods and the water I am satisfied 
 to end my days there." 
 
 A pause for a few more puffs.
 
 146 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 "Well, about two years ago, Mr. Morton comes up 
 to his camp pretty late in the season and wants me 
 to go huntin' and fishin* with him. It was kind o' 
 late for fish, and Mr. John is a queer hunter, he is. 
 He would just watch the game, follow them up, may- 
 be but shoot? You can't get him to kill anything. 
 He has all the trophies he wanted, he said and as 
 long as we had grub there wasn't no need of killing 
 God's creatures. 
 
 "He was quieter than usual, and he says to me that 
 he wants me to go with him to Africa doing some 
 exploration work, some observing and says he, 
 'Don,' he says, 'you come with me and we'll have a 
 good time; you'll learn some new things, see new 
 kinds o* game, and get fine experience ; and I can do 
 something I wanted to try for years/ It was kind o' 
 sudden like, but I agreed. And so, the week after 
 Christmas we went to London and Paris and from 
 there to Egypt and there we stuck out for nigh on 
 twenty months. I ain't seen snow in two years 
 'most forgot how real cold feels and I'm mighty 
 glad to get a taste of both once more! And to 
 think that some ten days or so ago I was in the hot- 
 test part of the world now, would you believe 
 it?" 
 
 "WHere was that, Mr. McCormick?" 
 
 "Why, bless your pretty face, Miss, in Egypt and 
 the Red Sea. Hot? two minutes of that climate, 
 and there wouldn't be a trace o' this snow left !" 
 
 Helene could barely suppress showing her keen in- 
 terest. Now, perhaps, would come what she had been 
 longing to know. "And was it in Egypt that you 
 met my father? Did Mr. Moiton know my father 
 very long?" 
 
 "I don't know anything about that, Miss; Mr. John 
 didn't tell me much."
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 147 
 
 "Then you and Mr. Morton you are not officers 
 or soldiers in our the Roumelian Army ?" 
 
 "Why, bless your hearts, miss, so far as I am con- 
 cerned, I didn't know such a place as Roumelia was 
 on the map ten days ago ; and it's very little more that 
 I know now ! Mr. John, he came to me the night we 
 got to Suez, saying I should get ready to take the mid- 
 night train, go to Brindisi and act under written 
 orders and I went. From there I took a train to 
 Kronstadt; and four days ago I drove the teams 
 down to Padina with the dagoes that's all I know. 
 When Mr. Morton gives you orders you ain't askin' 
 no useless questions, I guess. He knows what he 
 wants and you are supposed to go ahead and do 
 what you're told. But you needn't worry, young 
 ladies, there ain't no better man living than Mr. John 
 and few have as level a head as he's got !" 
 
 "You are a great admirer of your master, Mr. 
 McCormick," remarked the Princess, who till now 
 had sat very quietly, quite willing to leave the con- 
 versation to her friend. It took her some time to 
 become accustomed to the peculiar drawl of the lanky 
 foreigner ; but when once she caught the quaint humor 
 of the man she enjoyed him greatly. She wondered 
 also at the simple directness of his manner, which was 
 deferential without being in the least subservient. 
 This must be due to the democratic spirit of his 
 country. 
 
 "I don't know if it's admiration, young lady, but I 
 have learned that Mr. Morton knows what's right. 
 There isn't a man anywheres that can teach him 
 much! You can build on him and never get left. If 
 he says a thing it's so ; and if he stands up for you 
 you're all right. And then, he ain't putting the load on 
 the other fellow, either! When it comes to hard 
 knocks, he takes his share and takes it without a
 
 I 4 8 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 murmur. He is square, is Mr. John and white all 
 through ! You can bet on that !" 
 
 "White all through? What does that mean, 
 please ?" 
 
 "It means, miss, that he is good and true and fair 
 all over. Not a yellow streak in him! Why, out in 
 the desert the niggers and them Arabs they found 
 it out quick enough and Mr. Morton, he had the 
 run of the country and their good-will pretty soon 
 after we got settled there and they had a chance to 
 see what kind of a man he was ! After we had a lit- 
 tle ruction with them once why, after that, they 
 would eat out of our hands !" 
 
 "Eat out of your hands ?" The Princess's eyes were 
 big with inquiry. 
 
 Helene gave a little laugh equally at loss. "Now, 
 Mr. McCormick, please tell us what that means." 
 
 "Oh I guess my talk ain't just the easiest for you 
 to get on to. I always forget that not all people come 
 from America. Why, after these natives found 
 out we were square, that Mr. John wasn't afraid of 
 them or anyone else, for that matter, that he wouldn't 
 stand for any crooked deal why, they were just 
 good that's all! I remember it as if it was yester- 
 day; out there in the Soudan a God-forsaken coun- 
 try that I can't see why people will insist on living in 
 when Mr. Morton got to investigate our store tent 
 one mornin' he found a tripod and some instruments 
 missin'. We looked 'round, found tracks in the dust 
 and sand proving that some barefooted rascals had 
 stole in over night. Mr. Morton, he just throws his 
 rifle over his shoulder, says, 'Come along, Don, we 
 must see about this.' Well, we got our Arab driver 
 to bring the horses and rode over across the valley 
 to a camp of Wadi-Arabs we know'd were stoppin' 
 there. Mr. John rides up and asks for the Chief.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 149 
 
 And when this feller a fine-looking old chap with 
 whiskers like Moses comes up 'Can I talk to all 
 o' your people for about five minutes?' says he. The 
 Chief just stares, asks Achmed that's our servant 
 a thing or two and then gives a call like a foghorn. 
 Out come a crowd o' men, big and small, old and 
 young, and they all lined up behind him without sayin' 
 a word. 
 
 "And then John Morton asks them to step up to the 
 hollow into the shade of the rock it was gittin' 
 mighty hot by that time he just stands up on a 
 boulder, leans on his rifle not caring any more than 
 if he were in Euclid Park in Cleveland, you know 
 and he says to the Chief: 'I'll say what I got to say 
 in English, and I want you to translate it to your peo- 
 ple.' And the old man nods and grunts somethin', an' 
 my boss he goes on. And he tells 'em all right! 'I 
 have come here a stranger/ says he, 'to be a neighbor 
 to you ; I am peaceful. I don't bother about you and 
 I mind my own business. Now I want you to do to 
 me as I am doin' to you 1 Somebody, last night, took 
 my tools and instruments, and I need them in my work 
 and I want 'em backl If any of you men is in need 
 you can come to me and if I can help ye I will ! If 
 you need food I'll share mine with you. If you are 
 in trouble and I know a way out you can have my 
 assistance. But I won't allow any man to steal my 
 things, and I am a feller you want to leave alone. I 
 never wronged anybody but neither will I permit any 
 man living to do a wrong to me.' Then he motions 
 to the Chief and the old man he translates it to his 
 people." 
 
 Don stopped out of sheer breathlessness ; his enthu- 
 siasm had carried him at a rapid pace, while the girls, 
 fascinated, bent over, devouring every word. He 
 paused long enough to relight his pipe and send out
 
 150 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 a few mouthfuls of his beloved golden-leaf smoke. 
 Its pungent odor came to the girls' nostrils and added 
 to the reality of the mental pictures they had built out 
 of his narrative. 
 
 "You ought to have seen him standin' there among 
 those savage people, alone against a hundred but as 
 steady as a rock and as cool as a cucumber! Not an 
 eyelash did he move ! I wasn't sure what would come 
 next but I guess Mr. Morton, he knew. He looked 
 fine ! I wish his father could ha' seen him ! The old 
 man always was proud of his boy as he had a right 
 to be. He used to say to me: 'Don, I want my boy 
 to be a man first and a gentleman after !' And I guess 
 Mr. John is both, and both to the limit." 
 
 He paused and gave a reminiscent stare into the 
 infinite space above him. A! few thoughtful pulls at 
 the pipe followed by a copious discharge of saliva and 
 he proceeded with his tale: 
 
 "Well after the Chief Had finished, two young 
 fellers just drawed their burnooses a bit tighter over 
 their faces and sneaked off. A minute later they 
 brought the instruments, laid them down before Mr. 
 John, and, walking with their heads bent in shame, 
 they passed before the Chief. The old priest he just 
 looked dark and grieved and waved them off without 
 a word. Then he up and walks to John, hands him 
 bread and salt and says: 'Noble stranger, my people 
 and me are humbled by your just complaint. Here- 
 after you needn't lose sleep over my men; none of 
 'em will ever wrong you again, none of my people will 
 do anything toward you that he don't want you to do 
 toward us. If we can do anything to please you say 
 the word we are your slaves. And Mr. John he 
 took the bread and salt. Then we mounted the horses 
 and rode home. Our servant, he carried the instru- 
 ments and after that none of them fellers came with-
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 151 
 
 in a big spell of our camp! Those Arabs know a man 
 when they see him pretty damn quick, I guess !" 
 
 He shifted uneasily in his seat and shut his mouth 
 tight. In his excitement he had forgotten he was 
 speaking to ladies. "I guess I'm talking too much. 
 I must apologize. But you've been so interested that 
 I couldn't help myself." 
 
 The girls assured him that they had enjoyed his 
 story extremely and begged him to tell them some 
 more of his interesting adventures. But Don was too 
 cautious now to be caught a second time. 
 
 Morton now appeared, followed by Mihai. He 
 looked up at the porch and took the situation in at 
 a glance. Don approached his master looking as if he 
 had been caught, like a child in a naughty act. A few 
 whispered words passed between them, and Don 
 walked off without even giving the girls a glance. 
 
 "I suppose Donald has been chattering," remarked 
 Morton as he stepped on to the porch, "he's a great 
 yarn-spinner and doesn't know when to stop. I hope 
 he has not bored you." 
 
 "Oh, no not at all ! He was telling us some of the 
 
 incidents of your life in the desert " Helene was 
 
 attempting to shield the fellow. 
 
 "A-h then I guess he's been sounding my praises. 
 But you must not believe everything he says. He's a 
 true Yankee, and knows how to drag the long bow. 
 Have you rested?" 
 
 Both the girls assured him that they had and that 
 Mr. McCormick had entertained them immensely. 
 Morton smiled, and excusing himself, left them to 
 themselves. The Princess, however, was tired; the 
 bracing air had made her drowsy. She begged Helene 
 to remain while she lay down in her room. 
 
 Morton was really disturbed about Don's chatter; 
 he was afraid he might have spoken of Count Ron-
 
 152 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 dell's illness. He would find out, and warn the man 
 to say nothing about that matter to the Comtesse. 
 
 Helena sat for a long time thinking over what she 
 had learned from Don's narrative. Instead of clear- 
 ing up the situation it had only aroused in her more 
 questionings. She could not explain Mr. Morton's pres- 
 ence in Roumelia. Why had he undertaken this mis- 
 sion? It was true that her father had written beg- 
 ging her to place implicit confidence in him but why 
 this man, this American of all men? Even if it were 
 dangerous for him to come himself, could he not have 
 sent one of his own friends? It was more than she 
 could understand. And yet and yet she was glad 
 it had been this man. He was so different from the 
 men she had met. He came from a country where 
 there were neither kings nor nobles and yet, he knew 
 how to command and be obeyed. His father wanted 
 him to be a man first yes, he was that the equal 
 to the best she had known. She felt herself blushing 
 at her thoughts. No, no, no, she must not let herself 
 think like this. Rising suddenly she crossed the open 
 space before the cabin, and with quickened steps passed 
 under the firs, to where a rushing stream was frothing 
 its way down a deep gorge.
 
 HER back against the protecting trunk of an 
 ancient hemlock, whose exposed gnarled roots 
 gave a good foothold and a secure seat, Helene 
 sat curled up with her feet tucked under her warm skirt 
 She was watching intently the turbulent waters hurry- 
 ing in the direction that meant freedom and safety 
 to her, the Princess and to their escort also. The 
 child in her felt the longing for refuge, the desire to 
 flee from the land that had denied her, but that was 
 yet her own land. The woman in her, the existence 
 of which the girl did not suspect, mingled with these 
 fears and desires the mysterious feeling of having 
 found a man who would, with strong arm, come be- 
 tween her and danger. 
 
 Helene had never been in so wild a country. She 
 had never been alone in the woods, and the peaceful- 
 ness of her surroundings, the grandeur of it all, im- 
 pressed her deeply. Her situation seemed so unreal, 
 as though it were almost impossible to believe in its 
 fact. Was she little Snow-White with the Seven 
 Dwarfs across the Seven Hills? Was she like Saint 
 Elizabeth driven into the wild forests by her jealous 
 spouse? It seemed as if some gnomes or fairies were 
 peeking out from under the tumbled chaos of roots and 
 boulders; as if every little heap of dried pine needles 
 were the seat of some good little goblin. No, it really 
 was true; here she was sitting watching the cataracts 
 of an unknown mountain stream tumbling and gam- 
 boling down hill, dressed in peasant's garments, with 
 hobnailed shoes on her feet, provided by a strange
 
 154 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 man speaking a foreign tongue, from some most un- 
 known part of a distant world, and yet, strange to say, 
 she was quite happy ! Would anyone ever believe her 
 if she told the tale? Stowed in a wagon equipped 
 like a gipsy's caravan, in the dark storm and driving 
 rain, dreading discovery every instant! And the ar- 
 rival at the hidden house under the whispering trees, 
 still under the calm protection of a strange man who 
 provided everything and seemed to rule even the ele- 
 ments. It was all so wonderful ! And how good and 
 brave he was! 
 
 "Miss Helene, may I sit and talk to you?" Her face 
 turned scarlet as if he had heard her thoughts. She 
 stammered and attempted to rise. "Pray, don't dis- 
 turb yourself, Miss Helene. You have selected a 
 charming spot, and if you will permit me, I'll join you 
 in your retreat. But first take this robe; the air is 
 damp here." 
 
 Morton came up to her with steady, quick steps. 
 Helene scarcely dared to look. 
 
 A soft rug was laid across her lap, and John stood 
 beside her. "Is it not fascinating to watch a mountain 
 stream straining and speeding towards its future ? I 
 love it, and it is so long since I have been near one. 
 A glorious day, Miss Helene, and all the elements in 
 our favor. May I sit down?" 
 
 Helene looked up. "Certainly, Mr. Morton." 
 
 Her gaze sank again and rested on her shoes. How 
 clumsy the boots were! Looking up she met John's 
 questioning eyes. 
 
 "I am glad your feet are resting on a dry spot, Miss 
 Helene; you must guard yourself against catching 
 cold." 
 
 "Are you not over cautious, Mr. Morton ?" 
 
 "Possibly, but you know I have just come from a 
 country where it never rains, where it is always hot
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 155 
 
 and dry, and it may be I am worrying about the effects 
 of dampness more than the people here would do. It 
 seems a crime to ask you to wear those heavy boots, 
 but " 
 
 "Oh, Mr. Morton, I don't mind them at all. You 
 are very kind and thoughtful. We are under a deep 
 obligation to you." 
 
 "Please forget the obligation. Just be brave and 
 help the Prin I mean Miss Marie, to keep her cour- 
 age, and we shall soon be out of this forsaken land. 
 May I adjust your rug? Ah now you are snug and 
 comfortable." 
 
 "Thank you. It is delightful to sit here and watch 
 the brook. Isn't the contrast between the pure white 
 on the ground and the deep green of the trees strik- 
 ing?" 
 
 John assented. "This is as beautiful a spot of moun- 
 tain scenery as I have ever seen. The Carpathians 
 are far wilder than I imagined. I have never been in 
 these Eastern sections of Europe. This fine Alpine 
 landscape equals that of Switzerland and the Tyrol. 
 Do you know this country well, Miss Helene?" 
 
 "Not very well. Three years ago my father took 
 me to Kimpola at the foot of the Negoi, our highest 
 peak, you know. The mountains there are covered 
 with snow and ice all the year round; the slopes are 
 very steep and rocky, devoid of all vegetation. It is 
 far more attractive here." 
 
 It seemed providential that he had come at this time ; 
 her doubts could be satisfied why not take courage 
 and ask him to explain? 
 
 "Mr. Morton may I ask you some questions?" 
 
 She tried to look unconcerned though inwardly she 
 was greatly agitated. Would he resent her presump- 
 tion? 
 
 "My dear Miss Helene, I am quite at your service."
 
 IS6 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 On his open countenance she could not read the mental 
 reservation he had registered in his thoughts; she 
 might ask, but he would tell her only what was good 
 for her to know. 
 
 "First, then, allow me to apologize for my rudeness 
 to you upon our second interview. I I was very 
 much agitated and I felt humiliated that a stranger 
 had been sent to us to succor the Princess. Even now 
 I cannot understand why one of our own cavaliers had 
 not come forward on behalf of his monarch's niece." 
 
 In the pause that ensued a deep frown puckered the 
 young man's brow. Helene continued: "I am in the 
 idark as to what happened at the Capital, but our army 
 and our court boasted of many a noble devoted to their 
 King ; I I do not know what to think, what to say ! 
 Mr. Morton I hope you are not offended at my fool- 
 ish questions?" 
 
 John looked at her steadily with eyes serious, his 
 face alight with sympathy. "Pray, Miss Helene, do not 
 disturb yourself about feelings; but take my advice 
 and let well enough alone ! It might be better not to 
 inquire too curiously. What need you care what hap- 
 pened at the Capital, or what motives have prompted 
 the inaction of your Roumelian cavaliers? Be brave 
 and patient and when we are once across the border 
 line why you may ask all the questions you like. 
 Think now only of Transylvania and safety." 
 
 "Mr. Morton how long have you known my 
 father?" 
 
 "I have not known the General very long, but I have 
 known him long enough to have obtained his confi- 
 dence. Evidently, I was the most available man for 
 the job I mean the plan, and here I am. Are you 
 dissatisfied with me?" 
 
 Helene colored deeply, raising her hand almost as 
 if in supplication. "Oh, Mr. Morton please! You
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 157 
 
 have been so kind, so considerate, that I scarcely know 
 what to say. The Princess feels as I do. But she also 
 feels so forlorn, so abandoned by her own people that 
 she can only wonder how you came to be our pro- 
 tector." 
 
 "Comtesse pardon the slip Miss Helene, please do 
 not dwell on that. Of the affairs of Roumelia and the 
 Count I know but little. I am here but for one 
 purpose, and we are well on the way towards its 
 accomplishment. Nothing else matters. You may 
 recall, however, I have never claimed any allegiance 
 to the cause of royalty. All that has been and still 
 is on my mind is your safety and that of the Prin- 
 cess " He broke off with an assumption of impa- 
 tience. "Your father, dear lady, felt it was his duty 
 to do all he could to protect Miss Marie of course, 
 you were in his thoughts also. It has been my hap- 
 piness to be of service to the Count. Please, Miss 
 Helene, do not live in the past, but look ahead ! The 
 world is beautiful, you are young. All happiness is 
 before you. In a few days you will have forgotten 
 these dark weeks. You will then be restored to your 
 father. Tell me now about yourself, Miss Helene. 
 What kind of a life does a lady of a court, a petted 
 and admired Comtesse, lead?" 
 
 His assumed lightness of manner deceived the un- 
 sophisticated girl. Youth does not dwell on misfor- 
 tunes forever it is more comfortable to be irrespon- 
 sible! Her frown disappeared. How delightfully 
 naive this foreigner was! 
 
 "There is very little to tell, Mr. Morton. Until six 
 years ago I have lived at home with my dear parents 
 very quietly studying languages, a little art and 
 music. When my dear mama died after a dark and 
 lonely six months papa sent me to the 'Seurs de 
 Sacre Coeur' in Gratz. Last year he called for me and
 
 158 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 I joined him in Bucharest. When Princess Marie and 
 her court left for their annual stay at the Summer 
 Castle in Padina her Majesty the Queen proposed 
 that I should join the Princess. I think father wor- 
 ried about my being left alone, but it seemed to be the 
 best arrangement for both of us. I have really never 
 been at the Court itself; indeed, I have not yet been 
 presented !" Her eyes danced with fun. "This frock 
 would look fine for my debut would it not?" 
 
 She rose, shook herself free from the folds of the 
 rug and gave him a deep courtesy, mischief and laugh- 
 ter in her eyes, as she murmured : "Your Highness 
 Your obedient servant!" 
 
 John, entered into the spirit of the rekindled happy 
 moment, and holding out his hand to the charming 
 maiden, bowed low and murmured back : "Your slave, 
 my lady." Both laughed aloud. 
 
 Helene was the first to recover herself. She glanced 
 at the fine frank face before her, and recalling her neg- 
 lect of her companion, exclaimed, with somewhat 
 heightened color : "I must see if the Princess requires 
 my presence! Permit me to go into the house." 
 
 "Please stay. Before I came here Miss Marie told 
 me that she would lie down and rest. She is probably 
 asleep." 
 
 "Are you not afraid I shall catch cold, Mr. Mor- 
 ton ?" Helene asked roguishly. 
 
 "Now, you are teasing, Miss Helene !" 
 
 "Forgive me, Mr. Morton. No, you have been more 
 than kind. I can never thank you sufficiently. The 
 Princess and I must be a great anxiety to you. I shall 
 tell my father how good you were. Shall we return 
 to our old observatory?" 
 
 All shyness and timidity had now left the young girl. 
 She was safe with this strange American. His quiet 
 strength inspired confidence.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 159 
 
 Resuming her seat, she snugly wrapped herself up 
 and abandoned herself to the charm of the view. The 
 warmth of the sun sent her blood coursing freely 
 through her veins, and she gave a free rein to the 
 happiness of the moment. Without realizing it, her 
 protector meant more to her than she would have dared 
 to admit to herself. Certainly he was good to look 
 upon. His eyes were so frank and gentle and they 
 looked at her with such protecting glances, in their ex- 
 pression. He was telling her now of his travels and 
 his home life. He spoke warmly of his father and 
 with devotion of his mother. He seemed glad of the 
 opportunity to speak of his people. 
 
 "You know, Miss Helene, I have a little sister at 
 home, about your age a jolly, fine girl; you would 
 like her, I am sure. And my mother you would love 
 her everybody does. She is tall and very handsome, 
 with the loveliest gray hair, and the face of a young 
 girl. I wish you could meet my people some day. 
 You would like them, I think. And father, oh, he's a 
 splendid fellow. He is the kind of man who is every- 
 body's friend. He'd adopt you as his own, five minutes 
 after he saw you." 
 
 The Comtesse laughed heartily. "But your sister 
 how old is she and what is her name ?" 
 
 "Ruth is just twenty; she is named after her aunt, 
 my mother's sister." 
 
 "What a beautiful name Ruth! I have heard that 
 your country loves the Bible names. Is she fair?" 
 
 "No, Ruth is quite a brunette. Father is dark 
 Ruth favors him." 
 
 "And when do you expect to see your family again, 
 Mr. Morton?" 
 
 "I expect to be in New York toward the beginning 
 of December. I had some disquieting cables about 
 my father's health you know I haven't been home
 
 160 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 in almost two years. He isn't old, but he has worked 
 hard all his life. I should have been home earlier, but 
 but for some things that had turned up unexpect- 
 edly," he concluded rather lamely. 
 
 The girl grew thoughtful; she guessed to what he 
 referred. She began to realize what a sacrifice it had 
 been for him. What could she say ? Dared she speak 
 her thoughts ? With blood mantling to her cheek and 
 brow, she remained silent. 
 
 "A penny for your thoughts, Miss Helene!" 
 
 "We have no pennies in Roumelia, we call them 
 'banu.' And I don't think they are worth even a 
 penny." 
 
 "I will take my chances on their value." 
 
 Providence has endowed woman with a sixth sense 
 which, when called upon, forms a defensive armor of 
 no mean strength. Helene's intuition told her she was 
 on dangerous ground, and she changed the subject of 
 their conversation. Mr. Morton's eyes had been in- 
 sistently directed to her face, not for an instant had 
 they faltered and the expression in them was a little 
 disquieting to her. 
 
 "Please, Mr. Morton may I inquire what we are 
 to do next?" 
 
 Poor John! He had noticed the heightened color, 
 cursed himself for an imbecile that could not govern 
 his tongue, saw the glorious eyes covered by their 
 silken lashes, and perceived the embarrassment. He 
 took it for a hint. 
 
 "The men are clearing the short stretch of lane that 
 leads from the road to our camp here. The road itself 
 is in very fair state. The moon rises about midnight, 
 and if sufficiently light we shall start at that hour. If 
 very cloudy, or if it snows or rains I wouldn't care 
 to travel. It wouldn't do to light lanterns ; we might 
 run into a patrol or something like that, and would
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 161 
 
 be seen before we had warning. I have examined the 
 road and country with Mihai, some kilometers to the 
 north of us ; the brothers know the country thoroughly. 
 Still I would wait another day, if necessary, rather 
 than risk all by undue haste." 
 
 The thoughtful blue eyes looked confidingly into his, 
 and John decided that prudence had indeed become a 
 virtue. 
 
 "We are quite safe here, Comtesse, and could re- 
 main undetected for days. Still I hope it will be clear 
 to-night and that we can start. As it is, we shall have 
 to rest the horses about halfway. We must cover the 
 last stretch in the dusk or at night. Mihai, who is an 
 experienced woodsman, suggests that even a light 
 cloudiness should not prevent us from starting. You 
 remember, Comtesse, that the men had a little mishap 
 with their reserve horses, and that we have no relay 
 between here and the Pass; and, of course, horses are 
 all-important to us just now/' 
 
 Voices from the wood drew their attention. 
 
 "Hello, here come the men ; I had better see them at 
 once. Do you wish to go in, Miss Helene ? At three 
 o'clock," consulting his watch, "we shall call you to 
 dinner. Thank you for a pleasant hour, Comtesse; I 
 hope I haven't bored you." 
 
 "I enjoyed our chat immensely and thank you 
 ever so much, Mr. Morton." 
 
 The afternoon meal was very much like the break- 
 fast, and consisted mainly of canned meats and fruits. 
 
 John sat with the ladies, helpful and cheerful as 
 always, telling tales of his life in the Soudan. It was 
 his business to keep them in good spirits, and he ac- 
 quitted himself admirably. 
 
 The sun sank lower, the shadows lengthened, the 
 blue of the sky deepened ; there was not a cloud on the 
 horizon. Helene had begun to enter into the spirit of
 
 162 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 the adventure, and felt quite proud of being in the 
 confidence of their leader. 
 
 Towards evening the packing began, and every ar- 
 ticle was gone over with great care and deliberation. 
 John was everywhere, calm and quiet, seemingly seeing 
 everything, the men accepting his absolute authority 
 as a matter of course. 
 
 The fast sinking sun found them ready, their 
 work finished. Papiu went forward up the lane, tak- 
 ing his place as sentinel. Donald took up his post as 
 watch in the wood to the north, while Mihai retired to 
 his quarters to sleep. 
 
 John approached the ladies, who had now retired 
 to their cozy sleeping apartment, and begging permis- 
 sion came to the door. 
 
 "We are in good luck, ladies; we shall start shortly 
 after midnight. Everything is in order. Get some 
 sleep now, as there may not be an opportunity for 
 another rest for many hours. I will call you at eleven 
 for a little supper before we start." 
 
 The girls thanked him for his advice, and, after a 
 hearty "Good night," John withdrew. 
 
 Left alone, the two girls made themselves com- 
 fortable and settled down to sleep and rest, lying to- 
 gether in close embrace. The Princess was soon fast 
 asleep, but Helene could not sleep. Her thoughts kept 
 her awake. Through her brain coursed the events that 
 had .happened, the dangers yet before them, and the 
 strange circumstances in which she now found herself. 
 Where would she meet her father? Where would 
 they live? How would she find him? The Prin- 
 cess, she knew, would eventually go to the Court of 
 Saxe- Weimar but what would she, the daughter of 
 an ex-Minister, do there? She did not long for life 
 at Court and what position could her father occupy 
 in a foreign land himself a stranger?
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 163 
 
 What did it mean? And what was Mr. Morton's 
 relation to her father and to this affair? These ques- 
 tions puzzled her again and again ! She could not rest. 
 
 Stealthily she lowered her limbs to the floor, scarcely 
 disturbing the covers, and crept from the bed. Slip- 
 ping into her fur slippers she tiptoed into the far cor- 
 ner to the tiny lamp that shed a bright light upon the 
 diminutive table. She drew up a stool and took from 
 her blouse the letter from her dear father Morton had 
 delivered to her. She read it again slowly, studying 
 each sentence. No, there was nothing there of his 
 plans, and not a word about himself. He simply said 
 he could not come in person. 
 
 During her reading she had not noticed the chill 
 which prevaded the room. Now she could see her 
 breath as vapor against the still rays of the lamp. 
 Creeping back to the couch for a rug she wrapped it 
 around her and curled herself up on the crude parapet 
 of logs running along the outer wall. 
 
 Was her father a prisoner somewhere in a strange 
 land? Was he ill or tears gathered in her burning 
 eyes. 
 
 What did it mean ? And she without a friend or a 
 relative in the world without experience of the 
 world ! She recalled the girls at the convent, and how 
 much more they seemed to know of life than she did; 
 how astonished they had been on many occasions at her 
 ignorance. They had dubbed her "Diana the Ingen- 
 uous." 
 
 She was without clothes or money ! How did people 
 get these things ? She stared into the gloomy recesses 
 of the darkened room and shivered, oppressed, afraid. 
 The Princess could neither help her nor clear up her 
 doubts the poor child knew less than she did herself. 
 Was ever anyone so forlorn, so abandoned ? 
 
 Then her pride and her natural energy came to her
 
 164 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 assistance. She must think and she could not think 
 in this prisonlike room. She would go out, and breathe 
 the night air, and pray pray for enlightenment. 
 "Oh, father," she sobbed, "why do you not come for 
 me?" 
 
 With her rug about her she crept to the door and, 
 cautiously opening it, peered into the darkness of 
 the adjoining space. Not a sound was to be heard. 
 She closed the door behind her and moved swiftly 
 towards the exit leading into the open and stepped out 
 onto the porch. 
 
 There was light enough by which to distinguish 
 the outlines of beams and eaves against the bit of sky 
 visible above the tops of the tall trees. In the deep 
 shadow of the porch her eyes, now accustomed to the 
 doubtful light, made out the shapes of the bench and 
 the packages with which it was loaded. She hoped 
 no one would find her there. It was very cold, but she 
 wrapped herself in the rug, glad of its protection. 
 
 Through the firs came the sound of the rushing 
 waters of the stream in the gully; she could see the 
 stars and a faintly brighter spot in the heavens toward 
 the east. Leaning against the roughly hewn pillar in 
 an attempt to rest, she now began to regret her child- 
 ish flight from the room. 
 
 "Hello!" came in suppressed, but very peremptory 
 tones, "who is there?" 
 
 The ever-watchful Morton stepped from the offing 
 towards the gully. 
 
 "Oh Mr. Morton it is only I !" Her words came 
 in timid gasps. "I couldn't sleep. I was restless and 
 unhappy, and I thought I would sit outdoors a while. 
 I am sorry if I have disturbed or startled you I shall 
 go right in!" 
 
 Morton threw away his lighted cigar and went to- 
 wards the house.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 165 
 
 "My dear lady, what is the matter?" WitH quick 
 steps he reached her and took a limp little hand pro- 
 tectingly into his own. "You haven't startled me. Of 
 course if you could not sleep I know how stuffy the 
 room is. Is the Princess asleep ?" 
 
 "Yes, sound asleep, poor darling; but I couldn't 
 rest." 
 
 "Come, Miss Helene, let me arrange a seat for you 
 here on the porch. Sit down and rest yourself." Suit- 
 ing his action to his words, he removed the bundles 
 from the bench, pulling his seat somewhat nearer to 
 the edge of the flooring, spread the blankets that had 
 covered the packages over the boards, and leading 
 Helene to it gently urged her to sit down, and he care- 
 fully wrapped her in the rug. 
 
 "Now you can sit in comfort. I am sorry you must 
 be here in the dark, but I do not dare to light the 
 lanterns, and cannot give you a fire in the room there 
 is no chimney. In an hour or so our supper or rather 
 breakfast will be ready and shortly after that we shall 
 start. Do you see that light streak over the hillside, 
 Comtesse? That is where our friend the moon will 
 appear in sixty minutes or so, and then we shall bid 
 good-by to this gloomy place." 
 
 "Oh, Mr. Morton, you are so kind. I ought not to 
 add to your burden by my foolishness. Please, don't 
 mind me don't let me keep you from your intended 
 work. I am making your duties only the more ardu- 
 ous." 
 
 Morton gave vent to a hearty though subdued laugh. 
 "I haven't a thing to do but to wait until the fixed 
 time arrives. I also couldn't sleep. If Donald catches 
 me he will scold me, too. So you see, Miss Helene, we 
 are culprits together. It is a glorious night it couldn't 
 be better for our plans if we had ordered it. Mihai 
 will ride ahead. The horses are in fine form, and by
 
 166 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 daybreak we shall be fully twenty-five miles up the 
 road. Then, after a good rest we will start out towards 
 the saddle of the mountain range, and get there just in 
 the right time. Why, to-morrow at this hour I will 
 have you both in a nice cozy room at the best hotel in 
 Raros. The morning after you will be in a warm 
 coupe on the railroad, speeding on your way to your 
 friends! It couldn't have gone better in the piping 
 times of peace!" 
 
 "You are very good," murmured the girl. His con- 
 fident cheerfulness was infectious. Fear and doubt 
 had vanished, and she resolved to be obedient to his 
 earlier request and refrain from worrying. But as to 
 one thing she had made up her mind she must know 
 about her father. 
 
 "Mr. Morton why doesn't my father write where 
 I am to meet him? And why didn't he at least come 
 to the border?" 
 
 Luckily it was dark. "More trouble coming this 
 young person has a mania for questioning!" Mor- 
 ton reflected, but he was now thoroughly on the alert ! 
 
 "Oh, did I forget to explain that ? Why, the General 
 felt that if he were recognized anywhere near the Rou- 
 melian line, the alarm might be given and then my 
 opportunity to get you two ladies away would be gone. 
 The only thing to do was to be bold and avoid arousing 
 suspicion. We were informed as to the conditions in 
 Padina and elsewhere through Baron de Haas, who 
 wired from Constantinople, as you know. Where will 
 he join you? Hm I am not certain, but I have ar- 
 ranged to wire him the moment it can be done safely 
 and I think he expects to meet you at Weimar. He 
 will be there ahead of us, no doubt." 
 
 "Mr. Morton where did you first meet my father?" 
 
 "On his return trip from India. We spent days in 
 each other's society, and became quite intimate. I am
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 167 
 
 very proud indeed to be a friend of the General, whom 
 I admire above all men. I deem the confidence he 
 has placed in me a great compliment nay, even a noble 
 condescension !" 
 
 There are many workings of the human mind not 
 yet understood a girl's courage seems to expand in 
 direct ratio to the cube of her obscured sight. The 
 timid Helene knew she could not be observed and sus- 
 pected her informant, whom she could not see in the 
 darkness. She was, therefore, the more determined 
 to find out more of her father. 
 
 "Oh, you met him on the steamer from India ? How 
 was my father when you saw him last?" 
 
 John was quick in his answer, and took refuge in 
 rapid speech. 
 
 "The last time I spoke to the Count was on an even- 
 ing as lovely as this. The stars were shining just as 
 bright as they do now. We were discussing astronomy 
 and kindred subjects. The General is an unusually 
 well-informed man and a delightful companion! I 
 asked him if he admired the much glorified Southern 
 Cross, sung in verse and praised in prose and your 
 father surprised me by confessing that he had never 
 noticed it at all! Then we spoke of the stars of our 
 own latitudes you know we in America see the same 
 heavens as you do. He was pleased when I told him 
 that our own 'Big Dipper' was far more beautiful 
 than the famed southern constellation. I remember 
 well his remark: 'Give me our own land, our own 
 stars, our ' " 
 
 "The Big Dipper? What is that?" 
 
 John was delighted to find he had succeeded in turn- 
 ing the conversation. 
 
 "Why, Comtesse, don't you know the beautiful con- 
 stellation of seven big, bright stars that point to the 
 Polar Star ? To men living in the free air of primitive
 
 i68 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 and thinly settled countries, it is their guide in their 
 travels their compass at night. See, Miss Helene, 
 yonder in the north that fine group looking like a 
 giant S? That's the constellation which we Anglo- 
 Saxons in our practical, non-poetic way call 'The 
 Big Dipper/ In form it looks like a pot with a crooked 
 handle, doesn't it?" 
 
 "Oh, we call it the 'Great Bear' it is the 'Ursus 
 Major' of the old Romans! I I have always loved 
 it. Astronomy is one of my favorite studies, Mr. 
 Morton." 
 
 John mentally patted himself on the back; he cer- 
 tainly had managed it well. He entered with renewed 
 enthusiasm on the subject and allowed her to instruct 
 him in a science the study of which had taken up many 
 nights of his life. Never in his life had John Morton, 
 the learned savant and traveler, enjoyed himself so 
 thoroughly. He was perfectly happy to sit at the feet 
 of his new teacher. 
 
 He turned eagerly towards Helene, and though he 
 could but faintly make out the outlines of her hooded 
 figure, he yet saw the eyes that shone intermittently 
 under the protecting shadow. Once more he relapsed 
 into the stage of adoration. He pictured to himself the 
 glorious eyes, the temptingly arched lips, the delicate 
 cheeks. His heart went out towards the lonely, for- 
 saken girl. He longed to take her into his arms to 
 comfort and caress her. But what was he think- 
 ing of? He pulled himself together with a mighty 
 effort. 
 
 Helene, all unconscious of the turmoil in the breast 
 of her companion, leaned towards him and pointed 
 upward. 
 
 "You will hardly believe it, Mr. Morton, but I 
 don't think I ever sat up as late as this, nor do I re- 
 member ever having seen the sky so beautiful and so
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 169 
 
 full of stars as it is to-night. It is a most glorious 
 sight." 
 
 "It is, indeed, Miss Helene. Even I, who have lain 
 awake numberless nights, the entire dome and horizon 
 free and unobstructed above me have never seen it 
 more gorgeous. For me the night skies always have 
 a curious charm the lure as of a mystery they fill 
 me with unknown longings. I believe I could easily 
 become a devotee to the worship of the starry heavens." 
 
 Without knowing, perhaps without even realizing it, 
 he had taken hold of the extended hand of the girl, and 
 drew it gently to himself in a light and tender grasp. 
 Helene was utterly unconscious of his action; she was 
 so happy. 
 
 "They have a strange power over me," she whis- 
 pered rather than spoke the words. "I could sit and 
 look at them and forget everything else." 
 
 Morton's voice, equally subdued, whispered back: 
 "Is it not your own famous Queen, the poetic and noble 
 'Carmen Sylva,' who says: 'The night has thousands 
 of eyes watching its children' ? There is a lovely lady !" 
 
 "Oh, Mr. Morton, is she not? Noble and good 
 and so beautiful ! Have you read her books ?" 
 
 "Some of them, Comtesse, and I admire them exceed- 
 ingly. But don't forget that for more than two years 
 I haven't seen a new book. During those two years 
 I have dreamed of happiness to come, my longings 
 have become crystallized and under these stars, I 
 feel, my fate is being sealed here or at some other 
 place who knows? Miss Helene for two years I 
 haven't looked upon I haven't spoken to a woman. 
 Meeting you has shown me so much more clearly the 
 great treasure of a noble woman. Do not attribute 
 my words to the hour or the stars. Let me plead 
 plead for myself. Permit me to tell you that from the 
 bottom of my heart, I am glad to have known your 
 12
 
 170 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 father; glad he selected me to be the bearer of his 
 letter; happy to be of service to you. I shall always 
 bless the fate that let me meet you ! And when you are 
 back among your friends, I hope you will let me still 
 be your friend and grant me the opportunity to be 
 worthy of your friendship your regard." 
 
 Rising, he lightly touched the hand he had been hold- 
 ing and gently released it. Then he added : "And may 
 the 'Big Bear' plead for me !" 
 
 Helene sat motionless. Her heart was beating wild- 
 ly. His words filled her with a curious warmth as 
 though in response to a desired caress. She blessed 
 the darkness that hid the telltale burning in her cheeks, 
 she felt she didn't know what she knew only that 
 she was happy, at peace with everything and above 
 all she was glad it was dark! 
 
 She rose confusedly and, to his great surprise, said 
 in a low voice, quite clearly : 
 
 "Mr. Morton I have known few gentlemen other 
 than my father; but it has been my privilege to meet 
 you. I shall be proud of your friendship any time 
 and anywhere." 
 
 She bowed slightly, but suddenly recalling herself to 
 her position, she became afraid and added : "And the 
 unhappy Princess, I am sure, feels as I do." 
 
 "I thank you. And now, won't you go in and waken 
 Miss Marie ? I see the silvery strip over the hill wid- 
 ening; Mihai is scraping in the shed and breakfast 
 will soon be ready." 
 
 Then to himself he whispered : "God bless you, dear 
 love!" Aloud, he added: "Till breakfast, Miss 
 Helene!"
 
 CHAPTER XIII 
 
 THE frowning and forbiddingly gloomy slope! 
 of the hillside across the gorge to the East 
 showed clear against the sulphur streak in the 
 sky, when the lumbering vehicle drew up before the 
 porch and the order came to start. 
 
 Morton in short serviceable sheep furs that set off 
 his square shoulders and powerful chest, helped the 
 ladies into their wagon-recess. The horses strained 
 and pulled; the sled-runners squeaked and scratched 
 but luckily held; the drivers, by turns, coaxed and 
 threatened, prayed and swore, until at last? the vehicle 
 was gotten under way. Papiu walked at the head of 
 the horses, Donald handled the reins while the younger 
 of the brothers, astride the leader, encouraged the 
 animals in the subtle, mysterious ways which only the 
 experienced teamster knows. As they emerged from 
 the protection of the firs and the thick undergrowth 
 the road became brighter and sloped perceptibly to- 
 wards the narrow valley which marked the location of 
 the mountain road leading to the West. 
 
 John, who was following on behind the vehicle 
 which had now become in reality a sled on wheels, 
 aided the runners, with the help of a stout stick. There 
 was no opportunity for conversation. 
 
 The girls, snugly wrapped in furs, sat in silence ob- 
 serving the mighty efforts of the men and after a 
 while picked up sufficient courage to inquire if they 
 could not aid the poor animals by walking. Morton 
 shook his head and begged them to remain where they 
 
 171
 
 172 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 were, for the present. Later on, when the climb would 
 begin, he might ask them to do what they had sug- 
 gested. 
 
 With many oaths and imprecations on the part of 
 the men and with not a few misgivings on the part of 
 the girls, the valley was finally reached. They then re- 
 moved the appended runners and hid their tracks as 
 best they could. They followed the fairly firm road- 
 bed winding along the banks of a noisy mountain 
 stream, and struck off to the North. 
 
 The stars were shining brightly, the narrow crescent 
 of the pale moon had risen high and clear above the 
 mountain slopes and timber, the rattle and clatter of 
 the wagon had ceased and instead was heard the 
 crunching of crisp snow on frozen ground. 
 
 The road wound through densely wooded inclines, 
 over rocky bare stretches without a semblance of cul- 
 tivation or a sign of human dwelling. From time 
 to time an owl would flit across their path. Their 
 progress was accompanied by the sound of rushing 
 waters, the heavy breathing of the laboring horses and 
 the occasional creak of a breaking twig. 
 
 Helene had noticed that John's rifle was lying across 
 the opening at the rear of the wagon and saw that he 
 himself had fastened his cartridge belt over his fur 
 coat. The other men also had their rifles ready and 
 their pistols in their belts. Papiu, she saw, had been 
 sent forward, as a scout. With trepidation she asked 
 Morton if he expected an attack. 
 
 John smiled and reassured her. At the same time, 
 he told her, it was best to be prepared for any emer- 
 gency. The wires had all been cut from Padina and 
 the South, and as they were traveling on the only road 
 leading to the Aluta Valley, they must be on the alert. 
 
 At that moment, a short sharp call rang out in 
 the distance and the horses were halted. John rushed
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 173 
 
 hurriedly away. Helena was left in anxious expecta- 
 tion, but he returned after a few minutes' absence and 
 explained that the delay was due to a tree which had 
 fallen across the road, and which had now been re- 
 moved. If she wished, she and the Princess could 
 now leave the wagon and walk. 
 
 The Princess was too tired, but Helena was de- 
 lighted at the suggestion. She clambered out of the 
 vehicle and joined Morton. 
 
 The moon had now reached the high heavens and 
 spread its gentle light silvering the entire snow- 
 covered landscape. Looking back on the road they 
 were traveling she saw the deep furrows made by the 
 wheels of the wagon edged with glinting crystals. 
 The rare mountain air sent the blood tingling through 
 her veins. She experienced a sense of renewed 
 strength and her supple and strong limbs marched to 
 the musical rhythm of her thoughts. A delightful 
 feeling of comradeship with this man by whose side she 
 was walking pervaded her. She felt content, quite 
 happily content that it should be so. How strange it 
 was that she should be so perfectly at ease with one 
 whom she had known but three days ! 
 
 As for John his heart beat time to her steps. He 
 was ever ready to help her over a tree-stump or a 
 stone. He chatted ceaselessly of his hunting expedi- 
 tions in America, of his enjoyment of the present ad- 
 venture, of the beauty of the Carpathian landscape. 
 And all the time Helene noted his eyes were every- 
 where, taking in everything, noting the least untoward 
 sound. A capital companion and a chivalrous pro- 
 tector, surely, was this stranger from America! Un- 
 consciously, his bearing transmitted its spirit to her. 
 The noble blood in her asserted itself and she walked 
 more erectly and felt a new desire steal into her heart, 
 to help and be of service to others. Thus did they
 
 174 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 climb together the rocky ascent, each thinking of the 
 other and both happy in their thoughts. 
 
 The moonlight which had grown paler and more 
 mysterious now gradually gave way to the first hazy 
 drab of the dawn. They had reached the more rugged 
 parts of the mountains where the ribbed cliffs lay ex- 
 posed, uncovered by snow. Sparse brown patches of 
 grass and withered ferns showed on the small open 
 spaces. A bleak wind which had risen and was sweep- 
 ing over the unfriendly landscape made the air bit- 
 ingly cold. John threw occasional glances at the girl 
 by his side and noted with pain her pale, haggard face, 
 the eyes bright from the exercise, the parted lips 
 almost blue with the cold. But he also saw that she 
 was happy. What a splendid, noble-hearted creature, 
 he thought, was this! And then the longing arose in 
 him again to tell her of what he felt io speak to her 
 of his heart's desires; but he restrained himself, 
 although it cost him a great effort to do so. Helene, 
 all unconscious of the emotions she had excited in 
 Morton, would look at him, from time to time, silently 
 thank him with a smile and a grateful glance, gladly 
 accepting the helping arm he proffered. Her little 
 hand rested there with easy confidence, the while her 
 silvery laughter rang out in the clear air when the 
 obstacle had been overcome or avoided. And all the 
 way John kept thinking: "I have found the pearl of 
 the land I have found her and am taking her home 
 home to comfort and love. Do you love me, my 
 queen? Shall I win you in the end?" 
 
 At that moment, a low exclamation of warning 
 came from Mihai who was leading the tired horses. 
 John and Helene looked anxiously before them and 
 saw the advance guard holding up his rifle and wav- 
 ing his hand. Donald also was motioning to Morton 
 to come forward. Urging Helene gently into the
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 175 
 
 wagon, John seized his rifle and bounded forward. 
 He found the men crouching behind a rock and 
 learned that Papiu had gone on to investigate. 
 
 The girls, in the meantime, sat huddled close to- 
 gether in the wagon, wondering what had happened. 
 They listened intently, but could hear nothing but a 
 sound like the loud cracking as of a whip, which was 
 repeated several times and then ceased altogether. The 
 Princess was trembling from fear. She begged her 
 companion to let her go out, but Helene kept her back. 
 
 In a few minutes Morton appeared at the opening 
 of the wagon and nodded to them smilingly. He was 
 holding a compass and a map in his hands. He in- 
 formed them that they were about to take a branch 
 road and that there was nothing to fear. 
 
 Morton seized the leader of the horses by the hand 
 while the men pulled at the wheels. In a short pace 
 of time the wagon was turned round and the party 
 retraced the road they had traversed. 
 
 Soon they entered the branch road and found it to 
 be but a woodsman's run. It was thickly carpeted 
 with pine needles and wound its narrow way through 
 a dense growth of hemlock, as far as the eye could see. 
 They drove for some time in silence, crossing a few 
 shallow streams and arrived at last at the foot of a 
 rocky height which rose sheer. Here they came to a 
 halt, and Morton informed Helene and the Princess 
 that they were to stop here for rest and refreshment. 
 
 Baskets were quickly unpacked and a substantial 
 repast was spread out before the weary travelers. The 
 girls ate in anxious silence while Morton explained 
 to them that the men had gone merely to clear the 
 road. They could hear, from where they were sitting, 
 the sound of wood being sawn and the occasional 
 breaking of branches. After what seemed to the girls 
 an endless time, the men returned and Morton an-
 
 176 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 nounced that they would shortly continue their jour- 
 ney but this time on foot. The men knew of a foot- 
 path over the mountains along which it would be more 
 prudent to travel than on the highway, and a tramp 
 of nine or ten kilometers would bring them to the 
 main road along the Aluta and across the divide into 
 Transylvania. Morton explained all this cheerfully 
 and said they must travel with light baggage the 
 most necessary things only. 
 
 The girls gladly assented and in a short time they 
 had made their preparations for the journey. Mihai, 
 who had left a short time before, now returned and 
 mounting the wagon, drove off following the woods- 
 men's road. As soon as he was out of hearing Papiu 
 rose and in response to a nod from Morton, struck 
 out to the right, carefully skirting the ledge. Donald 
 followed with the girls behind him and John brought 
 up the rear. In this Indian-file fashion they advanced 
 through the timber, slipping occasionally over the 
 thick carpet of pine needles, but making good progress 
 and always mounting higher and higher. 
 
 Helene, whom the events of the morning had filled 
 with vague doubts and to whom the climb thus far 
 had been quite easy, waited impatiently for a favor- 
 able opportunity to question Morton. The halt and 
 the return as well as the men's disappearance had 
 puzzled her. 
 
 The opportunity came when they arrived at a rela- 
 tively level stretch, a small plateau bordered on their 
 left by the dense timber and gradually losing itself in 
 the opposite direction into the forbidding rocky ex- 
 panse of the mountain. She waited for Morton to get 
 up to her and then asked him what the sudden change 
 in their route betokened. Had he suspected any 
 danger ? 
 
 Morton met her honest eyes with a perfectly as-
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 177 
 
 sumed innocence of gaze in his own and explained 
 quietly that they had encountered a small patrol of a 
 few men on foot, who had ordered them to halt. To 
 avoid being questioned too closely they had started to 
 withdraw when one of the gendarmes had fired. 
 This fire they had returned and had put the patrol 
 to flight. One of the soldiers, unfortunately, had 
 been hit and left behind. Mihai, pretending to be a 
 peasant casually passing by, had gone forward and 
 had bandaged the man's slight wound. He had left 
 him in a protected spot, with food and water, where 
 he would be easily found by his returning comrades. 
 It was from this soldier that Mihai had received the 
 information which prompted them to turn back and 
 take this' new path. Very few people knew of a pas- 
 sage or road crossing the slopes of the dreaded 
 "Caineni" his own military map did not show it 
 Papiu and Mihai were well acquainted with the path, 
 and . . ... 
 
 "You haven't killed one of those poor soldiers, have 
 you, Mr. Morton?" exclaimed Helene in awestruck 
 tones. 
 
 Morton smiled and assured her that no one had 
 been killed. The shots were intended to frighten them 
 only. Mihai had reported that the soldier who had 
 been wounded would be all right his mates would be 
 certain to find him. Miss Helene need have no 
 anxiety. All her strength was now needed for the 
 climb that was before them. He begged her to keep 
 up heart and cheer the Princess. 
 
 They had now reached the narrow gully from 
 which the spring descended. Helene could not re- 
 press a slight shudder as she saw the native guide 
 turn and pointing upward begin the precipitous 
 ascent. 
 
 It needed all the strength the girls possessed to
 
 178 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 follow. Don gave a helping hand to the Princess and 
 John supported Helene's faltering steps. It was a 
 long, tedious and heart-breaking climb. The Prin- 
 cess, again and again, begged to be allowed to rest, 
 saying that it was impossible for her to continue much 
 longer. But Donald would put his arm around her 
 and almost carry her up bodily. Helene, pale and 
 staggering, found Morton's ever ready arm to aid her 
 and his quiet cheerful smile to encourage her. 
 
 The climb once begun they dared not stop. So 
 up, up they went and after an hour or two the sun 
 became visible through the light haze which an icy 
 wind was dissipating. Before them appeared a hori- 
 zontal ledge and on this the exhausted girls lay down, 
 panting for breath. Morton decided to remain here 
 for a space so as to allow them to recover themselves. 
 He was deeply distressed to witness their prostrated 
 condition. He ordered the men to unroll and spread 
 the rugs on the ground for the better comfort of the 
 Princess and Helene. 
 
 From his blouse he drew the soft, fur-lined boots 
 the girls had worn in the cabin, and displaying them, 
 said with as much cheer as he could muster : "Here, 
 brave ladies here is comfort for your feet!" With 
 faint glad cries they seized them and managed with a 
 little difficulty to exchange them for the hard leather 
 boots which had sorely rubbed their delicate feet. 
 Soon the color had returned to their pale faces and 
 Morton was rewarded by seeing them embrace each 
 other with tearful smiles. He seized the opportunity 
 to further encourage them by telling them that the 
 worst of the journey was over. "Another ascent of 
 1 60 meters," he said, "and then the easy descent to 
 the smiling plains below. Let me know when you are 
 sufficiently rested and we will start." 
 
 Princess Marie tried to smile through tears which
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 179 
 
 were now freely coursing down her pale cheeks. "You 
 ought not to be burdened by me, sir. I feel I shall be 
 the cause of your being overtaken I am putting 
 all of you into jeopardy!" Crying, Helene put her 
 arms about the Princess and begged her to be of good 
 courage. All would be well, soon. 
 
 Morton waited in silence, knowing that Helene 
 would succeed where he must fail. When he saw that 
 the Princess had somewhat recovered, he said : ''Dear 
 lady, I assure you the worst is over. It is my duty 
 and my honor to protect you and lead you both to 
 safety. As soon as Mihai rejoins us we shall make 
 better progress. There, upon that little ridge," point- 
 ing ahead, "we shall rest once more and before long 
 we shall be at the divide. You have done nobly, Prin- 
 cess." 
 
 Helped by Helene, Marie rose, smiling through 
 tears, and finding her limbs would support her, said 
 bravely: "Thank you, Mr. Morton, I shall manage 
 now." 
 
 The men rolled up the rugs, and the party, taking the 
 same order of march as before, resumed the climb. 
 
 Patiently and silently the girls trudged along; the 
 path had become almost undistinguishable, but the 
 footing was much firmer and easier. The ascent, how- 
 ever, was steeper. 
 
 After great difficulty, Donald and Mihai, half car- 
 rying the Princess between them, the party at last suc- 
 ceeded in reaching the ridge Morton had indicated. 
 By this time the Princess could scarcely stand on her 
 legs. She collapsed on the rug spread on the rock. 
 Although suffering acutely, she begged Morton, in a 
 whisper, to forgive her for her weakness. Her 
 strength seemed to have gone from her. 
 
 Morton remained cool, though somewhat alarmed. 
 He forced some brandy from his flask between the
 
 i8o UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 girl's lips and wrapped her carefully in his robe. 
 Helene, tired and worn out as she also was, assisted 
 him in his ministrations. He could not help admiring 
 the splendid courage of this girl the brave daughter 
 of a brave man. When he had satisfied himself that 
 both were resting he stood up and with a light laugh, 
 remarked : "There is not the slightest need for worry 
 now! We have any amount of time we can wait 
 here for hours, if necessary. Not a soul will dispute 
 our path any more ; and Papiu will have no difficulty in 
 guiding us down even after dark." 
 
 He turned and paced the ledge with short steps The 
 men sat removed, rifles in hand, eagerly scanning the 
 downward slope and the distant valley all about them ; 
 utter quiet reigned. 
 
 A scarce half hour had thus passed when Helene, 
 looking up, saw that Morton's face wore an anxious 
 expression. She noted that he was consulting his 
 watch and glancing frequently and impatiently about 
 him with an evidently carefully suppressed concern. 
 She dared not ask any questions, and besides, she was 
 too tired and worn out to summon the necessary 
 energy. 
 
 Just then the thrice-repeated call of a partridge fol- 
 lowed by a peculiar, long-drawn whistle, broke into 
 the dead silence of the desolate fastness, and from the 
 left, behind some gigantic boulders, Mihai was seen 
 approaching with long swinging stride, bearing on his 
 back two stout poles and what looked like a tent-cover. 
 The brothers exchanged a few whispered words, and 
 Papiu hastened back to Mr. Morton and reported that 
 his orders had been executed. Mihai had not encoun- 
 tered any guards or militia, and he was now awaiting 
 further instructions. They were on the right path and 
 there was no snow to speak of on the divide. 
 
 John went forward with Papiu, and receiving from
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 181 
 
 Mihai confirmation of Papiu's statement, he hurried 
 back to the resting- girls, and in a voice of renewed 
 cheer, said: "Mihai's report is most satisfactory. 
 LA.bout a thousand feet from here our path crosses a 
 road, which leads from the state-chausse toward the 
 western country. He had been over it and found 
 neither patrols nor any signs of the enemy. And here 
 is a conveyance which will mean relief to you, Your 
 Highness." 
 
 The girls turned their eyes to where Morton had 
 pointed and saw to their astonishment that what they 
 had thought were tent and poles had been unfolded and 
 converted into a strongly constructed stretcher a 
 heavy canvas sheet suspended between two stout bars. 
 
 John spread a rug over it, and, folding another for a 
 cushion at the head, led the Princess to it. In this wise 
 they began the last stage of their ascent 
 
 Mihai took the lead, rifle in the crook of an arm, 
 his older brother and Donald bore the crude palankin ; 
 and, as before, Helena and Morton brought up the 
 rear. 
 
 The sun was now nearing the western slope, the 
 wind had died down, the air had grown colder, but 
 was bracing and refreshing. They reached the cross- 
 road so dreaded by Morton, advanced over it for some 
 hundreds of paces, and then once more Mihai struck 
 off due north the continuation of the indistinctly 
 marked path that was to lead them to safety. 
 
 They followed this difficult road for a considerable 
 distance silently, every man observing carefully the 
 place in which his predecessor had put his foot. In 
 this manner they at last reached a rounded plateau 
 beyond which the eye saw but the unobstructed sky, 
 clear and cloudless, stretching its blue vault as if with 
 a benign promise of freedom. 
 
 From time to time Helene had stolen a glance at
 
 182 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Morton, who untiring and ever present guided her 
 steps and aided her progress by silent encouragement. 
 She noticed that his face had gradually cleared, the 
 eyes had lost their grim expression, the deep furrow 
 between the brows had vanished, and his step seemed 
 more elastic and confident. Catching one of her looks 
 he smiled and pointing ahead of them, said, "There 
 is the divide the boundary line !" 
 
 Helena's head swam and her limbs shook. John 
 sprung to her support. Timidly glancing up at him 
 she whispered, "Are you sure? You are not saying 
 that just to cheer me, Mr. Morton, are you?" 
 
 "No, Comtesse, I am not. Look at our guide !" 
 
 Mihai had stopped upon the crest of the saddlelike 
 bare expanse of smooth rock they had now attained. 
 He had lifted his cap and was standing grinning. He 
 was pointing straight ahead toward the hazy deep 
 green valley that had unfolded itself to their view. 
 
 Morton reluctantly released the girl's arm and hur- 
 ried forward. In a voice in which he could not hide 
 his deep emotion he announced to Princess Marie that 
 they were on Transylvanian soil. A quick, happy flush 
 came to the haggard cheeks and glad tears filled the 
 soft eyes. Helene stood nearby, her bosom heav- 
 ing in happy sympathy and her eyes shining brightly. 
 Reverently she bent and kissed her companion's cold 
 wrist. To Morton she raised a look of mingled grati- 
 tude and admiration, the tribute of a thankful heart 
 that gladly acknowledged noble merit. 
 
 The red ball of the sinking sun threw their elongated 
 shadows grotesquely on the rocks gleaming in rosy 
 reflection. The steep parapets of the deep gorge to 
 their left was lit up, showing the fiery glinting narrow 
 ribbon of the river. Aluta, winding in a wide sweeping 
 curve beneath them. To their right stretched forth 
 and loomed overpoweringly the commanding peak of
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 183 
 
 snow-capped Negoi against the delicate gleam of the 
 east. And straight before them unrolled hill after hill 
 slope after slope the welcome sight of deep ever- 
 green, of rustic brown and sere yellow, the purplish 
 plowed fields and darkening meadows spread out like a 
 checker-board. A needlelike white spire and little 
 bright red-capped dots of houses in the midst told of 
 human life, of comfort and safety. 
 
 Mihai had stepped aside from the path so as to 
 allow Papiu and Donald to put down the stretcher and 
 permit the Princess to alight. He was all smiles and 
 bubbling over with happiness. 
 
 The girls stood together in close embrace and fol- 
 lowed with eager looks the arm of their guide, who 
 was pointing back and downward. 
 
 "El Tornu Ros!" and they beheld the deeply cut 
 "Red Tower Pass," the connecting link between the 
 turbulent Balkans and the well-ordered country into 
 which at last they had entered, opening before them 
 like a wondrous gate. It seemed to them that they had 
 conquered fate. 
 
 Morton, quietly exultant, approached Papiu and 
 shook the man's rough and soiled hand. "You have 
 made good, and you are all true and brave men. I 
 freely acknowledge your fine devotion, your quick wit 
 and splendid performance. In addition to the agreed 
 amount each of you will receive two thousand florins. 
 I shall never forget your services. Tell your brother 
 what I have said, and I shall write to Father Moskar 
 at the earliest opportunity." 
 
 The brothers looked proud and glad, and beamed 
 sheepishly at each other. The words of the "gospo- 
 dar" had made them happy the sum they had gained 
 meant independence to them. 
 
 John left the men to talk the good news over among 
 themselves, and approached the two girls, who were
 
 i8 4 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 now resting 1 against a boulder. Cap in hand, his damp 
 hair straggling- over his forehead, he looked down and 
 suddenly found himself shy and awkward. The jour- 
 ney over he was no longer their guide. These ladies 
 were noble women and one a Princess. His words 
 came stammeringly : "Your Highness Comtesse Ron- 
 dell all danger is past " 
 
 Helene was the first to speak: "Mr. Morton, we 
 cannot tell you how much we feel ourselves beholden 
 to you. I hope that a more fitting occasion will offer 
 itself to express our deep appreciation and gratitude 
 for the service you have rendered us." Her words 
 sounded strained to his ears ; but he smiled and bowed. 
 "The Princess feels herself strong enough to walk," 
 continued the Comtesse, "we are ready when you are." 
 Morton bowed without a word and turned to the 
 guides with orders. 
 
 They resumed their downward march, and entered 
 the protecting woods of pink-tipped trees. At dusk 
 they reached the highway, broad and smooth in gleam- 
 ing gray, silently following the guides, who were 
 laughing and chatting with careless ease, as they 
 munched their bread and cheese. 
 
 Soon they came to a neatly gravelled path which led 
 to a low, rambling cottage some hundred feet back 
 from the highway. Here they stopped and Papiu an- 
 nounced that their journey's end had been reached. 
 
 It was the house of Toni Brasic, a God-fearing man 
 and the husband of their good sister Amuska. The 
 gracious Gospodinas and Gospodar Morton would be 
 in good hands here and very welcome. 
 
 A loud call accompanied by the growling of a sheep 
 dog brought to the door a strapping young woman, 
 whom the brothers greeted with sounding smacks as 
 their beloved niece Rossika, and who was told to hurry 
 and call her mother.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 185 
 
 In the cheerfully lighted and warm room the girls 
 sank gratefully into stiff tulip-painted chairs and greed- 
 ily drank the clear cool water offered them. A roaring 
 fire through the open door of an ovenlike brick stove 
 lit up the place and spread comfort all around. In its 
 warmth the girls brightened and their faces shone with 
 happiness. The comely stout hostess with the leathery 
 weather-beaten face stood looking at them with open 
 mouth and adoration in her eyes. In the next room 
 could be heard Rossika busy with her preparations for 
 the supper, and in a few minutes she rushed in with 
 a shy, smiling mien to inform the "Gospodinas" that 
 their rooms were ready for them. Here they found 
 warm water, clean linen and garments, and soft red 
 "saffian" boots for their tired feet The girl helped 
 them, blushing and shy at the honor of serving the 
 noble ladies. 
 
 Dressed at last in their hostess's best gowns, which 
 were so ample as to envelop them, they reappeared in 
 the living room, where they were immediately joined 
 by the men, and where a plentiful repast had been 
 spread. The natives sat at one end of the long table, 
 close together, whispering to each other of their ad- 
 ventures and glorifying their deeds. 
 
 At the upper end of the table sat the two girls, their 
 faces flushed, their tired, deep-sunken eyes sparkling 
 in wondering happiness. Morton sat opposite them 
 in deep thought 
 
 The Junolike Rossika flitted from chair to chair 
 piling goodies upon their plates, filling their glasses and 
 constantly throwing glances of intense admiration at 
 the girls. How different they were from the girls she 
 knew. They were Princesses or perhaps Queens 
 beautiful as the pictures of the angels in lace-paper bor- 
 ders in her prayer book. 
 
 Supper over, everybody expressed themselves as 
 13
 
 1 86 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 being too tired to sit up. The girls withdrew to their 
 rooms, and the men retired to the kitchen for a smoke 
 and a talk with their relatives. Morton, however, re- 
 mained to consult with Don about the program for 
 the next day. Soon, even these were too wearied to 
 stay awake, and retired to their beds. 
 
 The low-burning night-lamp was placed in the 
 chimney corner, and the house locked up for the night. 
 Peace and quiet soon reigned in the house where our 
 worn-out travelers had found their well-earned rest.
 
 CHAPTER XIV 
 
 MORTON'S sleep was heavy but restless. He 
 had thrown himself down, glad of the chance 
 to rest, with his mind still busied over the 
 day's happenings, and doubting if he had done right 
 in relying on his host, Toni, to keep a careful watch 
 during the night. He had not "sworn" the man, so 
 that he was uncertain if the fellow would keep his 
 word. He fell asleep with the question and he awoke 
 with it. It had kept his mind working even in his 
 slumbers. He sat up quite wide awake with all his 
 faculties keenly alert. The sonorous breathing of Don- 
 ald jarred on his ears. In the distance he heard the 
 baying of a hound. Had they been followed? They 
 were but a little w r ay from the border, and a quick 
 raid could undo all that had been done. He determined 
 to satisfy himself that all was right. 
 
 Dressing hurriedly he seized his rifle and throwing 
 a rug over his shoulders slipped out of the room 
 quietly, withdrew the heavy bolts of the entrance door 
 and locked it after him. It was a beautiful moonlight 
 night. As he stepped into the open, the faithful house 
 dog came bounding towards him and licked his hand. 
 Morton stroked the animal's head affectionately as it 
 followed him in the tour he made round the house. 
 As he had suspected, he found no one on the look-out. 
 Toni had, evidently, preferred the comforts of a warm 
 bed to breathing the cold night air. 
 
 Well, there was nothing for it but to keep watch 
 himself. He found a wooden bench opposite the gar- 
 den, and wrapping the rug about him, sat down with 
 
 187
 
 1 88 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 his rifle across his knees. The stillness and the glory 
 of the night soothed his tired mind. Now and again 
 he would doze off, but he quickly roused himself. 
 Once again he thought of the strange adventure of the 
 past days. If anyone had told him a month ago 
 that he would be acting the part of a knight-errant 
 he would have laughed in scorn. That he of all men 
 should have done this thing! 
 
 He could not help smiling at the situation in which 
 he now found himself. And yet why not? Would 
 he be deserving the name of a man if he had left these 
 two helpless creatures to their fate ? Two nay, one ! 
 And his heart filled with tenderness as he thought of 
 Helene the beautiful child-woman; so lovely a being, 
 so lovable a girl, so noble a woman. How brave she 
 had been ; how splendid in her self-sacrificing devotion 
 to her friend, the Princess ! Surely, there was no other 
 like her in this wide world ! 
 
 What did it mean ? Was this love ? If it was, then, 
 certainly it had been love at first sight. Strange that 
 he, the practical man of the world, should have so eas- 
 ily succumbed to this mysterious power ! What would 
 his father have said to him ? 
 
 The question was but a natural one, but he did not 
 know that however experienced and worldly-wise a 
 man may be, the heart of him ages less than does the 
 mind. And he had kept his heart pure in spite of the 
 world of business in which his father lived. To the 
 young and pure in heart Love is the one power which 
 must be obeyed; for that is nature's wonderful way 
 of preserving her own. That is the meaning of 
 woman. Strive as we will in our efforts to escape, un- 
 less some ignoble passion such as the craving for gold 
 or power deadens the soul within us, we must serve 
 God ; and we can only serve him through Love. 
 
 Morton had taken Helene's photograph out of his
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 189 
 
 pocket and was gazing raptly at the face in the moon- 
 light that shone fully where he was sitting. Should he 
 speak to her in the morning the last day before they 
 parted? No he could not take the advantage her 
 helplessness gave him. He must wait until she was 
 free to think and decide free of the sense of obliga- 
 tion which she might now feel. 
 
 Replacing the photograph he rose from the bench, 
 and looking at his watch found that it was still three 
 hours before the dawn. He let himself in the house 
 and tried the chimney seat. But he was restless he 
 was too far from where the girls were sleeping. It 
 would be better if he lay down in the room adjoining 
 theirs. He found the place empty of any couch or 
 bed, but spreading his rug on the floor he used his coat 
 as a pillow and was soon at peace in what the Easterns 
 call "the outer court of the Seven Heavens" the deep 
 sleep of tired limbs and a clear conscience. 
 
 Helene and the Princess had enjoyed the evening 
 fully. Before retiring to bed they had exchanged 
 glad expressions at this happy issue out of their afflic- 
 tions. Their hearts were full to overflowing with 
 gratitude towards their deliverer. They realized now 
 fully what Mr. Morton had done for them, and could 
 find no words in which sufficiently to express their 
 feelings. The Princess began to quiz Helene about 
 him, but by that time the two were in bed and the light 
 lowered, and Helene was glad of the darkness. She 
 managed, however, to reply to her friend's remarks 
 in a voice of cold indifference. She thought him rather 
 curt and domineering she said. The Princess laughed 
 quietly and told Helene to go to sleep and dream of 
 knights of old. 
 
 Helene said nothing and pretended to go to sleep. 
 It was long, however, before she did sleep. When she 
 awoke, after what seemed to her but a few minutes
 
 190 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 later, she heard a cock crowing lustily outside. In the 
 low light of the lamp her watch told her that it would 
 soon be daybreak and time to begin making prepara- 
 tions for continuing their journey. Mr. Morton would 
 be punctual, she was sure. She would get up and dress 
 now. 
 
 Throwing aside the voluminous quilts she stepped 
 out of bed, though not without some pain, for her 
 limbs were still sore and aching from the previous 
 day's exertions, and in a few minutes had clothed her- 
 self in the garments of the stout Rossika. 
 
 Stepping softly so as not awaken her companion, she 
 left the room, walked into the outer room in which 
 Morton lay, and stood looking through the window. 
 In the darkness behind her Morton, who slept lightly, 
 had heard her soft footsteps. He looked up from 
 where he lay and saw her head and slender neck sil- 
 houetted against the lattice-work of the window. He 
 could but faintly distinguish her outline, but, faint 
 as it was, it was enough to cause his heart to leap to 
 his throat and a wave of exquisite emotion to surge 
 over him. 
 
 Quickly rising he put on his coat and, before Helene 
 had become aware of his presence, he was by her side. 
 
 "Is that you, Comtesse ?" he whispered. 
 
 "Oh, Mr. Morton, I I hope I didn't disturb you. 
 I am so sorry. I was not aware that anyone was up 
 yet " 
 
 "I am afraid I frightened you, Comtesse. I have 
 been around the house and found that our host has been 
 remiss in his duty. Instead of watching he is sound 
 asleep in his bed. Have you had a good rest? I see 
 you are all prepared." 
 
 "Oh, yes, I feel splendidly and I I am so happy. 
 But, please, Mr. Morton, go back to your sleep. You 
 must be very tired. I'll go to my room."
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 191 
 
 "Don't go, Comtesse. The day will be breaking soon 
 and we shall have to make ready for our next stage. 
 Besides I am glad of this opportunity to be alone 
 with you." 
 
 The mist was clearing and above the dark timber a 
 golden expanse was heralding the coming of the life- 
 giving sun. Small, fleecy clouds of amethystine hues 
 floated above the snow-clad tops of the Divide, now 
 flushing rose. They seemed like flower petals that had 
 been blown across the sky. In the bare autumnal 
 garden the last flowers, slender feathery stalks of 
 cosmos, stood greeting the dawn in colors matching the 
 coming glory and tiny dew-drops reflected the golden 
 sheen as they glinted on leaves and petals trembling in 
 the morning's breeze. 
 
 Helene's eyes sought the distant enchantment, not 
 daring to look at the man who had now approached 
 her so closely that he almost touched her. She felt 
 her hand being taken in a gentle grasp. Her heart beat 
 fast; she could feel the pulse beat in her throat. 
 
 "Comtesse," and Morton's voice was very tender, 
 "the few days of our common purpose, the hardships 
 that brought us together, are now ended. To-morrow 
 you will be in Vienna and with your friends. You will, 
 I hope, soon forget the trials you have endured, the 
 days of anxiety in which I have come to know you. 
 To me they will remain ever unforgettable. You have 
 your way to go and I mine duties await you as they 
 do me. May I hope that we shall meet again?" 
 
 Helene knew not what to say. Her hand trembled 
 in his and her head was bent away from his ardent 
 gaze. She felt his eyes though she could not see them. 
 
 "Comtesse, may I ask you to think of me as your 
 friend? I shall come back in this part of the world 
 soon, and if I knew the door of your friendship would 
 still be open for me it would make me very happy."
 
 192 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Helena had raised her head and was now gazing at 
 the ever brightening horizon. 
 
 "Mr. Morton the Princess and I owe you our 
 freedom, our honor and, perhaps, our lives. Not only 
 my friendship but my eternal gratitude is yours." 
 
 She found courage to turn and look at him, but 
 quickly looked away again. 
 
 "Comtesse, it is not gratitude I care for. Will you 
 do me a favor will you make me a promise?" 
 
 Helene looked at him with wide, questioning eyes. 
 
 "I want you to tell me that you will take no impor- 
 tant step in the near future until I see you again. 
 Promise me that you will call on me if you need help? 
 Will you do this, for me, Comtesse?" 
 
 The deep, resonant tones in which he uttered these 
 words swept over her like the music from a fine- 
 stringed instrument. It brought from her responsive 
 chords which found expression in involuntary sighs. 
 She felt a curious pride and realized that she was happy 
 and inexplicably glad to obey when that voice com- 
 manded. 
 
 "I promise," she whispered. Then her voice gather- 
 ing strength she went on: "I do not know why you 
 should value the friendship of an inexperienced girl, 
 but I am proud that you ask for it." 
 
 Reverently Morton bowed over the little hand he 
 had been holding, afraid to trust his eyes to look at 
 her face, and kissing it softly, released it. 
 
 "Thank you and God bless you." 
 
 Gathering up his rug and rifle he hurriedly left the 
 room. Helene remained motionless for a time, then 
 she slowly turned to the window, on her lips a happy 
 smile and in her eyes a new lustre. The first rays of 
 the now risen sun shot through the serrated tops of 
 the forest and found their straight paths into the em- 
 brasure of the window, casting a wondrous light on,
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 193 
 
 her dreamy face. Her heart felt light as thistledown. 
 She saw the flowers opening how beautiful they 
 were ! Unconsciously her eyes fell upon the hand he 
 had held she still felt the lingering imprint of his 
 lips on it, and her face took on a color that rivalled 
 the rosy tints of the dawn. The great secret of nature 
 had been imparted to her. She could not speak of it in 
 words, even to herself, for the power of it had over- 
 come her. Instead, her hands mutely unfolded like a 
 flower opening under the morning's sunlight, and her 
 face shone as if transfigured.
 
 CHAPTER XV 
 
 BREAKFAST that morning was, indeed, a seri- 
 ous business. Everybody was ravenously 
 hungry. They knew that it would be some 
 hours before they could partake of the next meal. 
 Even the Princess and Helene did justice to the food 
 which their host had provided with true rustic gener- 
 osity. Papiu and Mihai, whom Morton had paid ac- 
 cording to his promise, were talking over their riches 
 with their relatives. They had also been presented 
 with the rifles and equipment used on the journey. 
 They were discussing Morton in awed tones, as if he 
 were some being of a superior world. And Toni, him- 
 self, had occasion to agree with them, for both he and 
 his family had likewise been very liberally dealt with. 
 
 The party that gathered around the carriage in which 
 the two gently-bred ladies were seated, waiting for the 
 signal to start was, therefore, a happy if a noisily hilari- 
 ous one. Chatterings as of magpies and greetings 
 in Roumelian and German came from all sides. Ross- 
 ika especially was everywhere in evidence ; for had not 
 the Gospodinas worn her clothes? She ran about 
 smiling and nodding and advising with heightened 
 color and heavy tread, as if the very lives of the ladies 
 depended on her final ministrations. At last Papiu, 
 his face all wreathed in smiles, ascended the driver's 
 seat, and amid loud exclamations of thanks and adieus 
 he cracked his whip and the carriage rolled away, fol- 
 lowed by Morton and Donald in a low dray. 
 
 The drive to the railway station was a pleasant one, 
 though a longer route was taken at Morton's orders, 
 
 194
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 195 
 
 to avoid a possible meeting with soldiers from the 
 border. During the slow drive, it occurred to both 
 the Princess and Helene that their old friend the can- 
 vas-covered wagon had disappeared. They wondered 
 what had become of it. Helene questioned Papiu. 
 
 The wagon? Oh, yes the wagon had been de- 
 stroyed. Gospodar Morton what a leader of great 
 wisdom he was! Gospodar Morton had sent Mihai 
 away in it to deceive the soldiers who had been fol- 
 lowing them. He was to send the wagon over a ravine 
 after he had set the horses free to roam in the woods. 
 
 Had they really been followed by soldiers ? Oh, yes ! 
 Papiu, by this time, had quite forgotten that he had 
 been ordered to say nothing to the ladies about the 
 matter. Yes, Mihai had seen them "duke drag" 
 (devil take them). One of the six fellows had es- 
 caped their rifles, for he had evidently brought assis- 
 tance, and the whole crew had been after them. But 
 the wagon's tracks to the ravine had done the trick. 
 Ha ! ha ! ha ! That Gospodar Morton was some leader ! 
 
 Helene and the Princess said not a word. This then 
 was the explanation for Morton's strange behavior at 
 the time. Then there had been fighting and killing! 
 What an escape ! 
 
 When they alighted at the railway station both the 
 girls were very quiet ; but Morton was too busily occu- 
 pied to notice the change. He monopolized the little 
 telegraph office for so long a time that the operator 
 in charge of the place thought the foreigner must be 
 some government official or one of those newspaper 
 correspondents who were everywhere. By the time the 
 train for Hermanstadt drew in Morton had sent off 
 all his messages. Within the hour they were in Her- 
 manstadt, the first real town they had seen since leav- 
 ing Padina, a city of early Saxon character and enter- 
 prise.
 
 196 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 As the train for Vienna was not due for two Hours, 
 Morton drove the girls in a droshky and left them in 
 the rehabilitating hands of the head of the best out- 
 fitting establishment the town possessed. He then took 
 the occasion to see to his own person, and make some 
 purchases which he knew would be welcomed by the 
 ladies on the long journey before them. When he met 
 them again at the station they hardly knew each other. 
 What a difference clothes make ! 
 
 Morton had been careful to secure a private com- 
 partment for the ladies so that they might obtain the 
 rest of which they were in real need; and when he had 
 seen them comfortably placed in their seats, he joined 
 Donald in an adjoining compartment of the same car. 
 
 The long ride was uneventful, except for the usual 
 bustle at the stopping places and the interest which 
 this aroused. It was at one of these that the Princess 
 procured a newspaper. She was eager to learn of what 
 had happened since she had left Padina, and anxiously 
 scanned the columns for news of her country. Sud- 
 denly, she uttered a loud exclamation of distress, and 
 Helene, startled, saw her lean back and point to the 
 sheet lying spread in her lap. 
 
 Read this, Helene," she cried, pointing to the head- 
 line : "News from Roumelia." Helene took the paper 
 and read: 
 
 "From Sophia, under date October , we received 
 the following communication, which evidently escaped 
 the strict censorship. The Divane met on Saturday, 
 October , and was attended by a majority of the 
 members. The meeting, presided over by Demeter 
 Sturdza, was one of intense excitement throughout. 
 M. Flava, after making an impassioned address, moved 
 a resolution demanding the expulsion of all the re- 
 maining officials of the old regime, unless they took the 
 oath of the new constitution. It asked that the mem-
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 197 
 
 bers of the royal family be placed under arrest and 
 tried under the laws as administered by the Triumvi- 
 rate. The resolution also called for plenary authority 
 for himself and his two colleagues, MM. Balescu and 
 Calorasi. It was carried by virtually the unanimous 
 vote of the assembly, and President Sturdza was com- 
 pelled to sign the warrants presented. Great excite- 
 ment still prevails in the capital. 
 
 "Reports from Padina, so far unconfirmed, state 
 that the Princess Marie-Louise has disappeared with 
 the Comtesse Rondell, her lady-in-waiting. It is said 
 that the disappearance of the two ladies was connected 
 with the arrival of a party of some forty foreigners, 
 who came to Padina ostensibly on a prospecting visit 
 to oil-lands and for the purchase of horses. These 
 people bought a number of blood animals and dis- 
 bursed fabulous sums of money in other directions. 
 The strangers had left Padina on the very Sunday on 
 which the absence of the Princess was discovered. The 
 borders are being closely guarded, and no one is per- 
 mitted to leave the country without a passport from 
 the Committee of Safety. 
 
 "A reward has been offered for the capture of the 
 
 Princess, dead or alive. Colonel A , commanding 
 
 at Padina, has been arrested, and the Mayor and Chief 
 of Police of the town have been suspended. They are 
 suspected of being implicated in the plot for the ab- 
 duction of the ladies. 
 
 "The Bulgarian government has ordered the mobil- 
 ization of the Third and Fifth Divisions of the army. 
 The Roumelian garrison along all the borders has been 
 strengthened. All officers suspected of royalist ten- 
 dencies have been imprisoned. The country is again 
 under martial law." 
 
 Helene turned deathly pale as she came to the last 
 words. She looked at the Princess and found her
 
 198 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 leaning against the window her head bowed on her 
 arms. 
 
 "Oh, my darling," she cried sobbingly, embracing 
 her friend, "what would have become of you had you 
 remained in Padina? What has become of all our 
 friends?" 
 
 "God alone knows," murmured the Princess. "We 
 should have shared their fates if Mr. Morton had not 
 come to us when he did. I cannot forgive myself." 
 
 They comforted each other and found relief in tears. 
 But they were free free free and their hearts 
 filled with gratitude for the kind fate that had sent 
 Morton to them. 
 
 "We owe that to your father, the Count," said the 
 Princess ; "he had the foresight to know and the cour- 
 age to act. Without him and Mr. Morton we should 
 certainly have perished." 
 
 They were glad they were alone, and when the at- 
 tendant came to tell them that their sleeping berths 
 were ready, they lay down with thankful prayers in 
 their hearts and on their lips. God had been good to 
 them the poor, helpless, defenseless girls ! 
 
 The early forenoon of the succeeding day saw the 
 train glide slowly into the brightly lit and imposing 
 terminal at Vienna. It had scarcely come to a stop 
 when Morton appeared at the door of the compartment 
 with a tall and distinguished gentleman, who was in- 
 troduced as Mr. Tyler, the American Minister to Ger- 
 many. He told the ladies that Mr. Tyler would see 
 them to their hotel and look after them. He himself 
 had much to do and with very little time in which to 
 do it. He was leaving for England that very after- 
 noon. He promised to call on them later at the hotel. 
 
 With a courtesy that is now, alas, rarer than it once 
 was, Mr. Tyler placed himself at the entire disposal 
 of the Princess and Helene. They soon realized that
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 199 
 
 there were gentlemen in America as well as in Europe. 
 He drove with them to the "Bristol," where they were 
 already expected. Morton had telegraphed for rooms 
 from Hermanstadt. Here maids were assigned to 
 them, and their every requirement attended to, while 
 Mr. Tyler waited for them in the foyer. He had been 
 requested by Morton to take them around the shops 
 and see that they were amply supplied with everything 
 they might need, so that when they came down to him 
 he was ready for them. He acquitted himself admir- 
 ably, and the girls enjoyed their shopping to the full, 
 as only girls can. On their return to the hotel, they 
 found a telegram from Brindisi, which had been 
 opened and sent on by Morton, instructing them to 
 carry out the original program laid out for them, and 
 to travel by quickest route to Weimar, where they were 
 expected, and where they would be well taken care of. 
 Helene breathed a sigh of great relief. The telegram 
 must be from her father. Then he was alive, and, 
 therefore, well. God be thanked! 
 
 When Morton called to make his adieux, he was an 
 altogether changed man. The Princess, who saw him 
 first, scarcely recognized in the elegantly dressed and 
 formally polite gentleman before her, the rough leader 
 of the men of Padina. Her first impulse was to re- 
 turn his formality with a like show of dignity; but her 
 heart was too full. Approaching him with outstretched 
 hand, she said in a voice drowned with emotion : 
 
 "I cannot thank you, Mr. Morton, for all that you 
 have done. I may never forget it. But you will, I 
 know, understand my feelings. I am deeply, heartfully 
 grateful." 
 
 Morton smiled and bowed: "Your Highness, you 
 over-estimate my poor services. I have been honored 
 in your trust. I shall carry with me to my own coun- 
 try the beautiful memory of a noble lady."
 
 200 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 She extended her hand to him, and as he bowed over 
 it and kissed it softly, she said : 
 
 "I hope I may have the pleasure of seeing you at 
 Weimar, Mr. Morton. I shall be proud to make you 
 known to my people." 
 
 Morton thanked her and bowed himself out. He 
 was glad that parting was over when he was again in 
 the little salon. It was the other parting which he now 
 awaited that filled him with emotion and fear. He 
 walked to and fro with quick, nervous steps, thinking 
 of what he should say when he saw her. He wished 
 it were over so that he might get away the sooner 
 he went the sooner he could come back. As he had 
 begun, so he would finish. He had engaged himself in 
 a dangerous enterprise for Helene's sake, moved to it 
 by a mere face in a picture ; but now that he had seen 
 and come to know her very self, his whole being clam- 
 ored for her love. Nothing should come between her 
 and him, once he was assured of his father's health. 
 If only he could wait until he had fulfilled his duties 
 to his dear ones at home! Ah, then, he would come 
 back on wings and claim her, if if she would have 
 it so. God grant that he had found favor in her eyes ! 
 
 He was interrupted in his impassioned thinking by 
 the opening of the door. It was the maid who had 
 come to tell him that the Comtesse Rondell would be 
 pleased to see him. With considerable trepidation 
 and many misgivings he entered the apartment. The 
 scent of flowers were wafted sweetly to his nostrils 
 he recognized it as the scent of the flowers he had sent 
 her a little while ago, and his heart beat again. He 
 saw them in a tall vase on a table near the window, 
 and the sight of them deepened the turmoil within him. 
 It was as if he had met his self-confessed self. 
 
 The soft frou-frou of silken skirts on carpet rustled 
 and Helene stood before him in all the glory of her
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 201 
 
 heightened beauty. She was dressed very simply in 
 silver gray, but the rose color in her cheeks gave the 
 contrast and drew his charmed gaze to the shining eyes 
 that looked at him as if they were the windows of her 
 noble spirit. 
 
 Morton stood gazing at the vision, spell-bound. He 
 drank in the sweetness and the light of it as if these 
 were the one food he craved. With a bewitching smile 
 she moved towards him conveying a pretty greeting 
 with the gesture of her outstretched hand. "Thank 
 you, Mr. Morton, for the lovely flowers. You are 
 too kind. But how changed you are ! Yesterday, you 
 were the knight of old in armor, now you look like a 
 gallant of the Ringstrasse." 
 
 The girl was excited and felt an unaccountable shy- 
 ness before him. She was trying to hide her embar- 
 rassment with an attempt at badinage. Morton 
 sensed her feelings and tried to help her by smiling, 
 but he could find no words. Instinctively she saw what 
 was the matter with him, and with womanly quickness 
 she changed the subject. 
 
 "Have you heard from papa ?" 
 
 The important question brought Morton to himself 
 again. He seized it gratefully. "Only the message I 
 transmitted to you advising your early departure for 
 Weimar nothing more. I have arranged that Mr. 
 Tyler accompany you to Weimar." 
 
 "Ah, yes- I forgot ; you are leaving us." The rose 
 in her cheeks had faded slowly and left the color of 
 the lily behind, imparting a new beauty to the sweet- 
 ness of the childlike face. Her long dark lashes had 
 drooped and were quivering on the satin of her skin-. 
 He dared not look longer or he would forget himself. 
 And time was pressing. He must be gone; but he 
 must say just one word more before he left her. 
 
 "Comtesse, I am come to remind you of your promise 
 14
 
 202 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 given me at our last conversation together. You will 
 not forget, will you, to call on me if you need help? 
 I want to remain your friend, if you will permit me. 
 This is my card; it will tell you where you can reach 
 me at any time. Send me word and I will come. And 
 here also is a package from your father. It contains 
 such funds as you will need until Count Rondell joins 
 you at Weimar." 
 
 Helena took the card and package and laid them list- 
 lessly on the table on which stood the vase of flowers. 
 An unknown fear had suddenly taken possession of 
 her; she experienced a dread of dangers yet to come, 
 and knew not how to account for it. Her father 
 what of him? Would she ever see him again? And 
 this gentleman would she ever meet him again? 
 Morton's voice came to her as if from a long way off. 
 
 "Dear lady, I have nothing more to say, except that 
 I must tell you that my meeting you has been a great 
 pleasure to me. I am leaving to return to my own 
 people whom I have not seen in two years, and who 
 are anxiously waiting for me. But I leave with the 
 determination fixed to come back. May I hope that 
 you will be glad to see me when " 
 
 He hesitated, not daring to say more. Helene had 
 kept her eyes lowered, and at the pause she raised 
 them to his face. What she saw there caused her to 
 step back involuntarily and to speak quickly in low 
 but impressive tones: 
 
 "Mr. Morton, I shall pray that you find your dear 
 ones at home all well. When next you come to Europe 
 you will find no heartier welcome than we shall extend 
 to you at Weimar papa, the Princess and myself." 
 Then looking him bravely full in the face, she added : 
 "And I promise you that if ever I am in need of a 
 friend, I shall turn to you." 
 
 Morton drew nearer to her, breathing in the faint
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 203 
 
 odor of roses which exhaled from her. He took the 
 hand she had unconsciously stretched towards him, and 
 bending over it touched it softly with his cold lips. 
 
 "Thank you. Good-bye, dear lady, till we meet 
 again." 
 
 "Au revoir, Mr. Morton." 
 
 She allowed her hand to remain in his, and with the 
 other drew a little rosebud from among its sisters on 
 her breast and offered it to him. 
 
 "This," she said, smiling saucily, "is for our Bayard 
 le preux chevalier sans peur et sans reproche." 
 
 Morton took the flower reverently "I shall keep it 
 in memory of the honor you have conferred on me," 
 he said. "Au revoir, Comtesse May God bless you 
 and guard you." 
 
 He bowed once more and kissed her hand again. 
 Then letting it gently slip from his hold he turned to 
 the door. 
 
 "Auf wiedersehen, Mr. Morton and my deepest 
 gratitude goes with you." 
 
 He hesitated for a moment, and then quickly walked 
 out of the room. 
 
 As he descended the stairs sweet strains of music 
 reached him from the band playing in the dining-room. 
 They came to him as a fitting accompaniment to her 
 parting words, lingering in his memory. When Mr. 
 Tyler met his friend in the foyer he saw a face trans- 
 figured in a new light and wearing a smile of ineffable 
 happiness. 
 
 Tyler was a man of the world and drew his own 
 conclusions. Ah the old, old story! Well, he 
 thought, good luck to you, my boy; but aloud he re- 
 marked to Morton that they had but very little time in 
 which to catch the Ostend Express. 
 
 END OF COOK ONE
 
 BOOK II 
 
 CHAPTER XVI 
 
 THE express for Ostend was punctual to the 
 minute, and John ensconced himself in the 
 luxurious seat of his compartment, glad to 
 be alone with his thoughts, alone for the first time 
 in many weeks. As he took a mental survey of what 
 had happened in the past three weeks, it seemed to 
 him as if he had lately lost his identity. Instead of 
 John Randolph Morton, he had been some soldier of 
 fortune. It was indeed time he came back to himself, 
 for the latest advice from home had been very disquiet- 
 ing. His father had been badly shaken in an elevator 
 accident and, although no bones were broken, yet 
 coming on a previous illness, his condition might, any 
 day, be serious. 
 
 He blamed himself for his absence, thinking that 
 the accident, perhaps, might not have occurred had 
 he gone with his father on that trip to the western 
 mines. Then he remembered that it would have been 
 impossible for him to get to New York from Brindisi 
 until three days after the accident, and felt relieved. 
 
 Brindisi ? Ah, yes Where was the Count ? He 
 was afraid the old man was no better or he would 
 have sent word. "I shall not see you again, my 
 son," he had said on parting. Were the words to be 
 prophetic? If he should die, what would become of 
 Helene? Who would take care of her? Who will 
 take care of her? He repeated the question so often 
 that he suddenly found the clicking of the train's 
 wheels over the rail-joints keeping time to them. 
 
 205
 
 206 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Who will take care of her? Who will take care of 
 her? It was as if they were reminding him of the 
 greater duty he had left unfulfilled the duty he owed 
 to his own heart's promptings. 
 
 Why had he not taken her with him? She would 
 have been so tenderly cared for by his mother and 
 by sister Ruth. And he had left her with no friends 
 to protect her, with no one near to whom she could 
 turn in her loneliness or distress! 
 
 And what if her father died ? Who would tell her 
 the sad news? How would she be able to bear up 
 should she hear of it in the cold words of a telegram? 
 Thank heaven, he had Tyler to help him. He would 
 provide for" that, at any rate. 
 
 Should he write to her from London and offer her 
 his heart and hand? He began thinking of the pos- 
 sible outcome of such an action on his part. If he 
 did write, was there not the danger that she might 
 refuse him without her father's consent? And sup- 
 pose he heard in the meantime that Count Rondell 
 was dead, how could he dare to plead his own cause 
 at a time of such distress? Surely her heart and 
 mind would be closed to him, then! What a quan- 
 dary he was in! 
 
 Thinking thus, he lost himself in a tangle of his 
 own weaving. It seemed as if he were beset by 
 worry and anxiety from all sides. Look which way 
 he would, he found illness, trouble and portending 
 disaster there. Of what value to him his wealth and 
 education in this present predicament? He was up 
 against it, as he put it to himself. 
 
 What had Tyler, his father's old friend and ex- 
 perienced man of the world, what had he said to him ? 
 "Never forget, my boy, that not one of us can escape 
 the rules of life as the world lays them down. The 
 very restraint of the conditions is salutary, aye, even
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 207 
 
 for the freedom of choice we occasionally must exer- 
 cise. Our rights would cease to be rights were it not 
 at the price of the corresponding duties. If a man 
 thinks he can cheat life evade the rules he'll find he 
 is only cheating himself." 
 
 Duties ? Ah, yes, Tyler was right. His duty must 
 come first and he owed that to his father and to his 
 anxious mother. If the Comtesse Helene could not 
 bear up before that test why he must lose her. He 
 rose excitedly and raised the window. The night air 
 rushing in cooled his hot head. He stood for some 
 moments breathing in deep gulps of it as if it were 
 allaying a great thirst, staring stonily into the dark- 
 ness. 
 
 By God, no ! He would never lose her. The win- 
 dow closed with a crash and he threw himself once 
 more on the cushions. Never, for an instant, would 
 he doubt her. It was up to him everything was up 
 to him. He must be a man or he was not deserving 
 of her. And she, oh, she was worth the winning! 
 Thus determined, he slept heavily and awoke the next 
 morning to the refreshing sounds of the Bavarian 
 country life. 
 
 All journeys have an end and in time Morton ar- 
 rived at the Hotel Cecil in London. Here he found 
 his mail awaiting him. A cable from home con- 
 firmed the one he had received in Vienna. They 
 were glad he was soon to sail. His father's condition 
 remained unchanged. The telegram from Brindisi 
 from the doctor was a shock. It read : "Our friend 
 died on November twelfth, conscious to the last, of 
 acute uremia and heart failure. Body in vault. 
 Property all sealed, your agent in possession. Wire 
 or write further instructions. Detailed letter mailed 
 you Mont Cenis mail, reach you seventeenth." 
 
 Morton held the flimsy paper in his hand scarcely
 
 208 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 believing what he had read. It had come at last. He 
 expected it and yet it shocked him deeply. Well, he 
 must be up and doing quickly. 
 
 The wire from Donald told him that the ladies 
 were leaving for Weimar that day. Mr. Tyler was 
 with them and everything had been satisfactorily ar- 
 ranged ; he had received no news from Brindisi. 
 
 He also opened a note from his friend Stillman 
 which said that he would call on him at nine that even- 
 ing. 
 
 Morton looked at the clock; he had just forty min- 
 utes before Stillman was due. 
 
 It was absolutely necessary that some person should 
 convey the sad tidings to the poor girl. Tyler was the 
 man, of course; there was time to wire him asking 
 him to wait for a letter. He rang for a messenger 
 and sent off the following telegram : "Please wait at 
 Weimar for my letter mailed you via Oriental Ex- 
 press. What we anticipated has happened. Rondell 
 is dead. Say nothing to the Comtesse Helene until 
 you receive my letter." 
 
 Morton was putting the finishing touches to a hasty 
 toilet when his friend Stillman was announced. 
 
 "Hello, Jack!" 
 
 "How do, Harry!" 
 
 The two exchanged cordial and prolonged hand- 
 shakes. 
 
 "Well, upon my soul, Jack, old man, you've not 
 changed nearly as much as I expected. You look 
 perfectly civilized. Where have you been and why 
 are you leaving us so quickly? We surely will have 
 a couple of days together, eh? How's the governor 
 and Mrs. Morton? What do you hear from Ruth?" 
 
 "My dear Harry, you are asking for my biography. 
 I came here from Egypt and I must leave to-morrow 
 for home because father has had a serious accident in
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 209 
 
 a mine elevator. Mother and Ruth report being- well. 
 Are you satisfied, now? I suppose you are still on 
 deck at the Embassy? But you look fine quite 
 like a Britisher. Still the same old Harry, though, 
 eh?" 
 
 "The same, I guess. Same job, too, a bit closer to 
 the chief, perhaps, and a bit of raise in the salary. 
 But, say, I'm awful glad to see you. Have you 
 dined?" 
 
 "No, I was hoping you would be free so that we 
 could go out together. I wanted to see you about 
 presenting some reports I have made to the British 
 Colonial Office. I haven't much time, as I tell you, 
 and, perhaps, I may not be able to manage it this 
 time. But you'll come and eat with me first. How 
 will the Red Room below suit you? You see, I'm 
 not in evening clothes and I know you fellows of the 
 Diplomatic Corps are sticklers on that score. Will 
 you take a chance with me?" 
 
 "Who wouldn't with John R. Morton, my dear 
 boy. You're above clothes. The 'Red Room' is all 
 right; but why not come up to my club, the Hoard- 
 ers? They serve a bully good dinner there and you 
 may meet some of our fellows. I expect the Chief 
 may drop in after ten and, I am sure, he wouldn't 
 want to miss you while you're in town. How does 
 that strike you?" 
 
 "It suits me down to the ground." 
 
 "Then come right along, old man." 
 
 As they were passing the clerk's desk, Morton 
 turned to his friend and excusing himself for a mo- 
 ment, left with the clerk the address of the club 
 where he could be found in case a message came for 
 him. 
 
 "Lady, eh, Jack?" 
 
 "No such luck. Speaking of ladies, Harry, how
 
 210 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 do you manage to escape all the beautiful English 
 girls not to mention the beauties from our own 
 land? I should think they'd be glad to bag a Secre- 
 tary of the American Legation." 
 
 "A prophet, my boy, is not without honor save in 
 his own country. Our girls take no stock in Secre- 
 taries of the Legation; and as for the English girls 
 they've enough Secretaries to choose from of their 
 own. We're all of us only cogs in a big wheel." 
 
 They stepped out of the hansom and entered the 
 splendid home of the Hoarders. John enjoyed the 
 novelty of the place it's refined atmosphere ap- 
 pealed to him. The dinner was excellent and excel- 
 lently served. It was his first real taste of civilization 
 in two years. The two friends chatted and gossiped 
 over old times and new. John was treated to a; good 
 deal of politics and not a few instances of the Chief's 
 peculiarities. Evidently, it was not all beer and skit- 
 tles at the Legation. He was not much interested 
 really, though he gave Stillman the politest attention 
 and sympathy. But he could not put out of his mind 
 the many matters which just then were weighing 
 heavily on him. The very brilliancy of the room 
 with its coruscating crystals and heavy crimson and 
 gold draperies served but to accentuate the dif- 
 ference between his own present situation and that 
 of the dear girl he had left alone and friendless. He 
 would write that letter to Tyler immediately he got 
 back to the hotel. 
 
 They were about to retire to the lounging room 
 when a servant came up to Stillman and handed him 
 a note on a salver. Stillman read it with a puzzled 
 expression on his face. 
 
 "I say, Jack, what does this mean? There are sev- 
 eral newspaper fellows in the hall who want to inter- 
 view you. They learned at the hotel that you were
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 211 
 
 here and have come in a body? I didn't know you 
 were a celebrity of that kind. What's the game?" 
 
 "I haven't the slightest idea. I suppose I'd better 
 see them and find out. Can they come up to the read- 
 ing-room ?" 
 
 Stillman turned to the waiting servant and told him 
 to bring the gentlemen into the reading-roon the 
 small one, he added. 
 
 When they entered the room they found awaiting 
 them four gentlemen of various ages who introduced 
 themselves as representatives of the Associated Press, 
 the Times, the New York Herald and the Sphere, 
 respectively. Their spokesman, a Mr. Worcester, 
 begged permission to explain their seeming intrusion. 
 Morton nodded his willingness to listen. 
 
 "Mr. Morton," he began briskly, "we have been 
 advised of the arrival in Vienna of Her Royal High- 
 ness Princess Marie-Louise of Roumelia and her 
 Lady-in- Waiting, the Comtesse Helene Rondell. We 
 have been given to understand that you escorted the 
 ladies over the border, or, in other words, that you 
 rescued them from the castle in which they had been 
 confined. Are we correct in our information?" 
 
 John was both astonished and chagrined. Who on 
 earth had spread the news ? It never occurred to him 
 that any publicity would follow his adventure. Con- 
 found these newspaper fellows! However, he knew 
 the class well from past experience and also that it 
 would be better if he told them the facts himself 
 rather than leave them to their imaginations. Assum- 
 ing a friendly and frank manner, he smiled and said : 
 
 "Why, gentlemen, I shall be very glad to tell you 
 all I know. Pray, be seated. Harry, will you be good 
 enough to order some drinks and cigars for the gen- 
 tlemen ?" 
 
 He was gaining time and doing some quick and
 
 212 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 hard thinking as well. "Now, Mr. Worcester, go 
 ahead with your questions so that I may know what 
 you want me to tell you." 
 
 "Would it not be better, Mr. Morton, if you told 
 us the story in your own way?" Evidently, Mr. 
 Worcester was no tyro at the game. "We shall ask 
 questions and, perhaps, more than you care to answer, 
 after we have had your story?" 
 
 The waiter came in with the refreshments and by 
 the time glasses were filled and cigars lit, John was 
 ready for them. 
 
 "There is not much to tell/* he remarked in a tone 
 of admirably assumed regret. "So, I think, you'd get 
 more out of me if you put your questions first." 
 
 "As you wish, Mr. Morton. Reuter's report the 
 arrival of the two ladies at the Bristol in Vienna. 
 They came to the city accompanied by you and your 
 man. The report says further that they were left in 
 charge of Mr. Gordon S. Tyler, the American Minis- 
 ter to Germany. Mr. Tyler denies any knowledge as 
 to how the ladies got out of Roumelia, nor does he 
 give any other information except that he is escorting 
 them to their friends in Germany. He refused per- 
 mission to have the ladies interviewed. We had 
 heard, of course, all kinds of rumors from Sophia and 
 Belgrade, but nothing in which we could place any 
 confidence. The papers have been full of the escape 
 during the past few days, but gave no details. That is 
 what we are here for now?" 
 
 John had made up his mind. He would tell the 
 story or some simple, plausible tale that would satisfy 
 the papers so that they would leave the rest alone. 
 
 "Well, gentlemen, if you will have it, here it is 
 all I know. My friend, Count Rondell, shortly after 
 I arrived in Italy on my return from Egypt, asked me 
 to assist him in getting his daughter to him. He
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 213 
 
 gave me full instructions, provided me with the neces- 
 sary guides and equipment and led me to a place close 
 to the Roumelian border where we remained in hiding. 
 When all was ready, one stormy night, we entered a 
 small town, you will pardon me if I do not give its 
 name and took the ladies away in a closed carriage. 
 The ladies had been prepared for our arrival, so that 
 there was little or no delay. We managed to elude 
 the officials and guards and, after crossing the border, 
 arrived at a railway station where we took the train 
 for Vienna. The rest you seem to know." 
 
 "Were you acquainted with the ladies before you 
 undertook to assist Count Rondell ?" 
 
 "Not at all. I am sure my fame never reached the 
 Princess's ears. I had neither time nor opportunity 
 to see much of them on the journey and I question if 
 they know even my name. To them I was simply the 
 man in charge of the expedition." 
 
 John sipped his brandy and soda and puffed calmly 
 at his cigar as he looked his interlocutor steadily in 
 his face. 
 
 "Of course," he added, smiling, "I am happy and 
 proud to have succeeded. It was certainly exciting 
 driving over those hills. But Count Rondell had 
 seen to everything and there wasn't a hitch. Will you 
 have another glass, gentlemen?" 
 
 "May I inquire what you are going to do now?" 
 
 "Oh, I am sailing for home on the Umbria from 
 Liverpool on Saturday morning. I haven't seen my 
 people for two years. What I shall do when I get 
 there is hard to say." 
 
 "May I be permitted to ask a question?" The voice 
 came from a young, red-haired dapper little fellow 
 with an upturned nose on which were placed thick eye- 
 glasses. 
 
 "Certainly, Mr. Witherspoon."
 
 214 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 "You must have driven at a break-neck speed. 
 Were the ladies frightened?" 
 
 John smiled at the inanity of the question. "I was 
 hardly in a position to know. As you say, we rode 
 fast and I sat with the driver, so there was not much 
 opportunity for conversation. The only occasion for 
 talk was when we took the train for Vienna." 
 
 "How did the Princess appear to you, Mr. Mor- 
 ton?" Mr. Witherspoon was insistent. 
 
 "The Princess appears* to be a very noble and seri- 
 ous-minded young- woman. Perhaps I am wrong in 
 using the word woman she looked so young." 
 
 "The Almanach de Gotha gives her age as nine- 
 teen." 
 
 "Well, the Almanach de Gotha ought to know the 
 poor thing does not look it." 
 
 "Were the ladies surprised to find that their rescuer 
 was no other than the son of the richest living Amer- 
 can?" 
 
 John rose in all his dignity. The pup was getting 
 unbearable with his impertinent questions. But he 
 kept himself well in restraint. 
 
 "I think, Mr. Witherspoon, you heard me say that 
 the ladies knew nothing about me. There was no 
 occasion when it was at all necessary for them to 
 know who or what I was. As I have already said, 
 they knew me only as Count Rondell's deputy they 
 obeyed his instructions as I did. I think, gentlemen, 
 that will be all." 
 
 The reporters rose quickly and withdrew as quickly. 
 
 It was late when Morton got back to his hotel and 
 he was very tired. He would write his letter to Tyler 
 to-morrow, and by that time he would most likely 
 hear from the Brindisi doctor, and then he would 
 know better what to say. 
 
 Early next morning he received a telegram from
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 215 
 
 Tyler, who expressed his willingness to remain over in 
 Weimar and act on John's letter when it should reach 
 him. Somewhat later in the day the French mail 
 brought him the anxiously expected letter from Brin- 
 disi. It was more of a physician's report than a letter, 
 and was written in a dry, professional style. Count 
 Rondell had rallied a little two days after landing. He 
 constantly inquired for letters which he was expect- 
 ing. On the fourth day, he received a letter which 
 made him very happy. He was much better that day. 
 Then he began to fail again. His heart became so 
 weak that it was deemed advisable to call in a special- 
 ist from Rome. This was done, but he proved of no 
 help. For two days the Count remained in a coma- 
 tose condition. On Tuesday morning, he rallied some- 
 what. <When the message from Hermanstadt ar- 
 rived he had it read to him. The news seemed 
 to make him very happy and he murmured 
 words of prayer. He dozed off in the afternoon, 
 awoke in the evening and dictated a few sentences 
 which the nurse wrote down. Soon after he sank 
 slowly and expired towards midnight. The report 
 went on to say that Mr. Morton's agent was in pos- 
 session of all the papers and personal property of the 
 deceased gentleman as well as such letters he had 
 written or dictated while in Brindisi. Mr. Morton's 
 agent had discharged liberally all the costs, for which 
 the writer begged to thank him herewith. 
 
 Another letter, one from Morton's agent, confirmed 
 the doctor's report. He now had all the information 
 for which he had! been waiting. Sitting down imme- 
 diately, he wrote his letter to Tyler at Weimar : 
 
 "My DEAR MR. TYLER: 
 
 "I have your wire advising that you will await in Weimar 
 the arrival o'f this letter. Thank you for this most heartily. 
 
 "I enclose herewith letter of Dr. of Brindisi which
 
 216 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 gives the details of Count Rondell's death. I have wired 
 my agents in Rome to forward promptly all letters and 
 papers left by Count R. to you and to hold other personal 
 property at the order of yourself or the Countess. 
 
 "As, perhaps, you are aware, my dear Mr. Tyler, my 
 interest in Comtesse Helene is very deep and sincere. I want 
 you to be the person to tell her of her sad loss. You will 
 know how to soften the blow. She will need all her courage 
 and the help of a good friend in this hour of her sorrow. 
 
 "I would give a great deal were it possible for me to be 
 there to protect and comfort her; but my duty calls me home. 
 I have received another cable confirming the earlier one and 
 I "fear I must be prepared for the worst. 
 
 "Please advise the Comtesse in all things; you will know 
 best what and how. It would be best if the money left by her 
 father were to be deposited in an ordinary checking account 
 to her order. The Comtesse is a minor and you must avoid 
 a guardianship. She is a foreign subject and it would lead to 
 complications and red tape. She will do what you suggest, I 
 am confident. Don't allow her to act on her own initiative, 
 and urge her to keep her affairs to herself. The German 
 laws are tedious but you know all about that ! 
 
 "I shall be back in Europe right after New Year, I think, 
 and will then take occasion to thank you in person for your 
 splendid friendship. Father will, I hope, perhaps be also able 
 to thank you for having done this 'for his son. 
 
 "Once more assuring you of my deepest appreciation and 
 hoping to see you soon, I am, 
 
 "Yours very sincerely, 
 
 "MORTON." 
 
 The letter written, John felt greatly relieved. But 
 he had other tasks before him one, the most dif- 
 ficult of all his letter to Helene herself. She had 
 never, for one moment, been out of his thoughts since 
 he left her in Vienna. He dared not put it off any 
 longer, especially now when she would need the 
 heartfelt sympathy of a dear friend. 
 
 "MY DEAR COMTESSE RONDELL: 
 
 "My friend, Mr. Tyler, whom I trust you will permit to be 
 your friend also, has, no doubt, told you of your loss and of 
 the calm and happy last hours of your beloved father.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 217 
 
 "He will also have let you know that my dispatch telling 
 your father that you were well and safe in Transylvania had 
 reached him when perfectly conscious. His mind had been 
 freed from worry about your welfare. He died with a smile 
 upon his lips, whispering a blessing. 
 
 "In this sad hour of your bereavement, I, a friend of but 
 recent date, should perhaps not presume to dwell upon it. 
 But I remember that I was probably the last man to whom 
 your father spoke 'freely ; and it is the honor he did me by his 
 confidence that moves me to write to you now. 
 
 "I dared not tell you, but we both knew, even before our 
 arrival in Italy, that the days remaining to him were few, 
 and that he despaired of seeing you again. He made me 
 promise to look after you, his most beloved in this world. 
 He was afraid you would be left friendless. You know now, 
 perhaps, that I am happy and proud to have this privilege. 
 
 "My own dear father is in serious condition and I fear 
 that before long, I, too, shall lose a parent. The information 
 I have received in another cable makes it imperative for me 
 to sail to-morrow for America. But for this duty which I 
 owe to my mother and father nothing would have pre- 
 vented me from returning to Weimar and telling you the sad 
 tidings myself. Mr. Tyler, for whom I beg your full confi- 
 dence, is a most honorable and experienced gentleman. His 
 official position puts him where he may well be able to lighten 
 the terrible burden which has now fallen upon your young 
 life. 
 
 r 'It may be presumptuous on my part, but I would remind 
 you again of our last interview in Vienna. I beg oi you not 
 to take any important step in your life until I can present 
 myself once more before you. 
 
 "May God bless you, and soften the heavy blow that has 
 come to you now. May He in His great goodness and wisdom 
 guide your thoughts and give you the strength you need. 
 
 "Rest assured, dear lady, that I shall be ever ready to 
 devote myserf, if you and the kind fates permit, to your hap- 
 piness. With my highest regard and my most fervent hope 
 that you will still permit me to be your sincere friend and 
 servant, I am, in deepest sympathy and devotion, 
 "Yours most sincerely, 
 
 "JOHN RANDOLPH MORTON." 
 
 He enclosed this letter in one he had written to 
 Don, because he wished Helenef to read it after Tyler 
 15
 
 218 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 had seen her. He then drove to the Post-office and 
 despatched the letters himself. 
 
 The rest of the afternoon he spent in making 
 various calls on officials and agents, and by midnight 
 he was on the train rushing to Liverpool where early 
 the next morning he boarded the steamer which was 
 to carry him home home at last!
 
 CHAPTER XVII 
 
 THE following Sunday Morton, standing on the 
 upper deck of the good ship Umbria, saw in the 
 distance the serrated outline of his country's 
 real metropolis. Up the bay, past the gaunt and gray 
 structures looming above the sands of Coney Island, 
 through the leaden murk and mist of the late autumn 
 day, his eyes roved and lingered, glorying inwardly 
 at the pride and pomp of New York. He took in 
 deep draughts of the air. It was good to be back 
 again, and his heart lifted. 
 
 He was met at the pier by a representative from 
 the office who told him that his father's condition 
 was still unchanged. He had received word to tell 
 Mr. Morton that he was to take the train for Cleveland 
 without delay. 
 
 At daybreak, the following morning, he was once 
 again in Cleveland, the city of his childhood, the 
 place of his home. The coachman, an ancient servitor 
 of the Mortons, greeted him with welcoming smiles 
 and glad words. Even the horses knew him and 
 neighed as he stroked their manes. The drive through 
 the deserted streets, so familiar to him, brought back 
 to his mind so many memories that he could scarce 
 see the houses for the moisture in his eyes. The 
 tinkling of the silver harness, the hoof-beats of the 
 spirited animals were music to his ears. Ah, at last, 
 there was the tall iron gate that led to home ! With 
 a bound he was through it and running swiftly up the 
 pebbled approach he almost fell into the waiting, out- 
 stretched arms of his mother and sister, 
 
 219
 
 220 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 "Home at last, John," cried the mother, kissing and 
 hugging him while Ruth had her hands on his arms. 
 
 "Yes, dear mother, home at last. But how is 
 father?" 
 
 Bravely restraining her tears she told him: 
 
 "Father is very weak, but cheerful. The doctors 
 are non-committal, but won't you go up to him, dear ? 
 He was sleeping a little while ago, but I think he's 
 awake now. And, ah, he does so want to see you." 
 
 Then followed more embracing. The handsome 
 mother held her boy at arm's length, bathing him 
 with the lovelight that streamed from her eyes. "Oh, 
 but you're so altered so brown and big and and 
 just the same dear boy." Her voice broke in 
 sobs. 
 
 "Of course, I'm just the same, dear mother. Would 
 you have me different? And here's our little Ruthie. 
 Little? Why bless me, Ruthie, but you've grown to 
 be quite a lady ! Yes, and a mighty good-looking one 
 at that ! I suppose I shall have to behave myself now, 
 eh?" He kisse*d her affectionately, his arms about 
 her shoulders. 
 
 "Oh, Jack, I'm so glad you're home again. You'll 
 stay with us now, always, won't you? We did miss 
 you awfully. You do look nice, John. I like your 
 mustache, but you've quite a serious look in your 
 eyes. He looks just like you, mamma, really he does, 
 although not so handsome, of course. But you'll pass 
 in a crowd." 
 
 John laughed and gave her another hug. 
 
 "All right, old girl, I don't mind; so long as I 
 look like mother I guess I'll do." 
 
 The nurse preceded him up the stairs to the bed- 
 room. Propped up in bed lay a thin, gray-haired 
 man, looking pale and wan, but with eyes bright and 
 with a look in them anticipatory of pleasure.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 221 
 
 "Father, dear father," John whispered brokenly as 
 he bent lovingly over the smiling and happy face. 
 
 "Ah, dear boy, welcome home. Stand back, John, 
 and let me get. a good look at you. My, but you do 
 look fit ! I am glad to see you again, my lad, though 
 I'm sorry you find me in this scrape." The sick 
 man's eyes twinkled and a humorous smile bent the 
 pale lips. "Well, well, so you are ready to settle 
 down with the old folks, eh ? No more exploring and 
 adventure? By George, you're some man, John, 
 some man. You make me want to ask her name. 
 Never mind, lad, you needn't tell me right now. My 
 but it's good to have you home again." 
 
 "Dear dad, I am so glad to be home again. You 
 are looking fine and not a bit changed. Get well again, 
 dad, because I want you to teach me how to be of use 
 to you. I want you to be proud of me." 
 
 "Proud of you, John? Why, I always have been 
 and still am proud of you. There isn't a finer fel- 
 low in Ohio. You'll make good; I'm dead sure of 
 that. All right, nurse, I'll be good. John, I'm 
 afraid we'll have to obey Miss Persing. She says that 
 six in the morning is too early for children of my age 
 to be up. I've got to sleep for a couple of hours 
 longer. No, you go back to mother and Ruth. I 
 guess they're dying ta hear all you have to tell them. 
 Hello, mother; good morning, my dear." Mrs. 
 Morton and Ruth had that moment appeared in the 
 doorway. His wife went to the bedside and 
 kissed her husband tenderly while Ruth stroked his 
 hand. 
 
 "What's the orders, nurse?" Mr. Morton asked as 
 he looked at her over his wife's shoulder. 
 
 "You would better be resting, Mr. Morton. The 
 doctor will be here at half past eight and he'll scold 
 me if he finds you feverish."
 
 "All right, Miss Parsing, I'll be good." 
 
 The family withdrew leaving the old man, weak 
 and pale but with a face wreathed in happy smiles. 
 His head sought the pillow gratefully and soon he 
 was sleeping like a child. 
 
 It was now that John heard the full details of the 
 accident to his father. He had been suffering all 
 summer, diabetes the doctors had said. When they 
 came to New York from Newport, he was much im- 
 proved and felt himself well enough to go out to Utah 
 to look over his pet mine, the Calumet Minnie. It was 
 there the accident occurred. Nobody knew just how 
 it happened. The elevator had been inspected only 
 the week before. In the cage with him were the man- 
 ager, Carson, the superintendent, two engineers and 
 a foreman. At the hundred and fifty foot level some- 
 thing went wrong the safety clutch didn't work 
 and the cage dropped some eighty feet. Carson was 
 killed, the foreman also, and the rest badly hurt. His 
 father's weakened state before the accident compli- 
 cated things and the doctor considered the case seri- 
 ous. Later in the seclusion of her own room, his mother 
 broke down utterly before him. She knew his father 
 would never get better, she said, and she feared the 
 worst. John tried all in his power to comfort her, but 
 he succeeded only in bringing pathetic smiles to her 
 face and hopeful looks in her eyes as she looked 
 at him. He understood what was passing in her 
 thoughts and swore inwardly that he would never fail 
 her. 
 
 Then came the anxious days of hope and fear, when 
 the elder Morton's strength failed to respond to the 
 doctors' treatment. To John these days were in- 
 expressibly distressful. Gloom settled on the old 
 mansion which had seen the happiest times for both 
 parents and children. John did all he could to brighten
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 223 
 
 the home, and spent many hours with his father in 
 intimate talk of his ambitions and aims in life. It 
 was in these confidences that he learned to know his 
 father and, in knowing him, to honor and admire 
 him. 
 
 Dan Morton prided himself on the great fortune he 
 had made, because in making it he had never wronged 
 another and he had brought the treasures of the earth 
 to enrich his fellowmen's lives. That was the secret 
 spring of his success and power; and he knew how to 
 use that power because he was most keenly aware of 
 the responsibility which its use entailed. 
 
 The younger son of a Connecticut banker, who had 
 made considerable money in his native state, Dan 
 Morton, quite early in life, had become impatient of 
 the narrow New England environment. He decided 
 to go West. With the legacy left him by his father, 
 he followed the then drift towards the great undevel- 
 oped country beyond the Mississippi. Mines, ranches 
 and the building of railroads claimed his enthusiastic 
 attention. The astonishing development of the Mid- 
 dle West gave his investments a solid foundation and 
 furnished opportunities for realizing greatly increased 
 values. During the second half of the decade fol- 
 lowing the Civil War, Dan Morton had become a 
 power in the financial world of America. Great sec- 
 tions of the Pacific Slope and the country of the Ore- 
 gon trail were largely opened up by the aid given by 
 him and his associates. It was in this way that he 
 helped to promote the country's wonderful growth. 
 
 He had married a beautiful girl, the daughter of an 
 old Southern family and had settled in Cleveland 
 where he built a fine mansion. In spite of his increas- 
 ing wealth, his tastes remained simple and his man- 
 ners unassuming. Neither he nor his wife took any 
 active part in what is known as "Society," though
 
 224 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 they maintained a beautiful country house overlooking 
 the Hudson. 
 
 When his son was born, he was called after his 
 grandfather, John Morton. As the boy grew up he 
 became his father's pride and hope. Dan Morton 
 looked on him as the reincarnation of himself, the 
 child who would grow up to be a man to carry on 
 the work he had begun. When the young man was 
 ready to enter college, he developed a rather unex- 
 pected taste for study and research most un-Morton 
 like, as his mother would say. His father decided 
 not to discourage the youth, but hoped that in time 
 he would turn from these strange gods and worship 
 the gods of his fathers. Indeed, he even encouraged 
 him, possibly because he realized that opposition 
 might but confirm him in his inclinations. But so 
 wise a man as was Dan Morton knew also that an 
 earnest search for truth and a true desire for knowl- 
 edge are in themselves ennobling and must result in 
 useful work. That John should apparently be engaged 
 in profitless labor, never for a moment touched his 
 almost religious conviction, that his son would re- 
 turn to the Morton fold and hold the belief that life 
 meant working for a reward and that it was the 
 reward that gave meaning to life. 
 
 During the years John spent at the various col- 
 leges, he attended at home and abroad, acquiring 
 learning if not wisdom, his father kept on piling up 
 riches, and patiently waiting for the young man to 
 exhaust himself of his dreamy desires and to come 
 back to earth, as he put it. But he always spoke of 
 him with great pride, and if anyone referred to his 
 son's aimlessness, he would say : "John won't play 
 second fiddle to anybody not even to me. And when 
 I'm ready to quit, John will take my place a better 
 man than his old dad was."
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 225 
 
 This was the man that John came to know as he 
 had never known him before during their quiet chats 
 in the sick-room. It was to this man, so practical in 
 his every thought that it seemed as if there could 
 not possibly be a chord in his being that would 
 vibrate to romance, it was to this man that John un- 
 bosomed himself of his secret. He told him in detail 
 of all that had happened, descanted, as only a lover 
 can, of the beauty of the girl and wound up by say- 
 ing: "I intend, dad, to make that girl my wife 
 if if she will have me." 
 
 "My boy, I am proud of you," said his father. 
 "You showed yourself a man. If she won't have you, 
 she's no judge of what a man is and the future gen- 
 erations of Mortons won't be the losers. But if she 
 is all you describe her to be, she knows a hawk from 
 a hernshaw." 
 
 John laughed at his father's way of stating the 
 case; but the words made him very happy. As time 
 passed and but scant and unsatisfying news came 
 from either Tyler or Don, he became very restless. 
 He had received one letter from Helene which he 
 treasured ; but it contained what he took as merely a 
 courteous acknowledgment of her gratitude. He took 
 several flying trips to New York at his father's re- 
 quest, but always returned distrait and unhappy. He 
 wrote several heartfelt letters to the Comtesse, but 
 received no replies. 
 
 Christmas came and with it a severe winter. It 
 was a quiet and subdued Yule-tide for the Mortons. 
 Old Dan Morton was failing fast. The shadow of 
 the coming tragedy had fallen on the house. Before 
 the New Year had arrived, the elder Morton lay dead 
 in the stilled solemn room. The man who had been 
 such a power in the world had no longer any power. 
 Henceforth the forces of nature which he had con-
 
 226 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 quered would deal with him in their own silent, re- 
 sistless and inevitable fashion. 
 
 John took his heartbroken mother and sister South, 
 away from the place where they had known joy and 
 experienced sorrow. They recovered somewhat their 
 interest in life amid the richer scenes and more vivid 
 life of the sun-bathed lands. It was here that he 
 spoke, for the first time, to his mother of his feelings 
 for a girl he had met in Europe. She said very little, 
 because she knew it would be of no use ; and she also 
 knew that she could trust his taste. She saw that it 
 was very near to his heart, and urged him to go back. 
 If, she said, he felt convinced that the girl was, 
 indeed, necessary to his happiness, he must lose no 
 time in winning her. He had not told her everything 
 and declined to give the girl's name or station in life. 
 She was good and beautiful, he said, and he was sure 
 his mother would welcome her and love her. In that 
 case, his mother urged, his first duty was to himself. 
 He must go at once. 
 
 It was not his mother's words, however, but a cable 
 from McCormick that decided him. Donald had 
 cabled that the Comtesse Helene had left the Ducal 
 Palace secretly five days ago leaving no trace behind. 
 She had been hunted for high and low and even 
 detectives had been employed. Would Mr. Morton 
 cable further instructions. 
 
 John lost no time in instructing Don to continue 
 the search and advised him that he was sailing for 
 Europe by the first boat. To his mother he gave an 
 envelope with Helene's handwriting on it, at the same 
 time begging her, if a letter came from Europe for 
 him addressed in the same hand, to notify him by 
 cable of its receipt. 
 
 While New York matrons who had their daughters' 
 welfares to think of were busy planning a season's
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 227 
 
 .siege of the bachelor millionaire's heart, the uncon- 
 scious object of their thoughts was sailing away from 
 them back to a land he longed to see because some- 
 where in it lived one for whom his whole being 
 yearned, and without whom life would not be worth 
 living for him.
 
 CHAPTER XVIII 
 
 AFTER her trying experiences in that drive from 
 Roumelia, Helene welcomed the harbor of ref- 
 uge afforded her by the castle at Weimar. A 
 small and pretty suite of rooms had been assigned to 
 her in the older east wing, where her mistress, the Prin- 
 cess Marie-Louise, was also provided for. Her at- 
 tendance at the Court was to begin after she had been 
 presented to the Dowager Duchess Clementine. A 
 maid had been assigned to her, and in her new sur- 
 rounding's she forgot for a while her troubles, though 
 she could not overcome the waves of depression which 
 continually assailed her when she thought of her 
 father. 
 
 The maid, Josephine, a pert, little Parisian person, 
 proved to be an adept at her business ; which is to say, 
 that, in addition to a capacity for ministering to a 
 lady's toilet, she was a most valuable and insistent 
 gossip and a consummate flatterer. During her minis- 
 trations she told Helene that she was prettier and had 
 hair more beautiful than any other lady of the Court. 
 The hair, especially, seemed to possess most remark- 
 able qualities. By its quality, she judged the gracious 
 Comtesse to be a lady of fine mind and of a strong con- 
 stitution ; by its lustre, that the lady's heart was pure 
 as gold; by its tendency to waviness, that its owner 
 would have a long life and be wealthy and happy, and 
 that her future husband would be great and powerful 
 and love her always. 
 
 Helene listened patiently with a smile. She knew 
 the tribe and knew also that it would be her comfort 
 
 228
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 229 
 
 and peace of mind if she said nothing but appeared 
 interested. Besides, the girl was really shrewd and very 
 amusing. Without her chatter, life in the castle would 
 have been like that of a nunnery. For the atmos- 
 phere of the place was heavy with ceremonies and for- 
 malities. Helene's free spirit soon felt the restraint 
 keenly. She learned that it was not proper to speak 
 except in subdued tones, and then only of insipid mat- 
 ters. Laughter was rarely indulged in, for the Mis- 
 tress of the Ceremonies ruled with an iron hand. Her 
 first, brief interview with this handsome and stately 
 dame was an experience she had no desire to renew. 
 She felt that she had been in a gigantic, upholstered 
 refrigerator after she had been permitted to retire 
 from that august presence. 
 
 Helene sat in her pretty boudoir thinking of her 
 father. Mr. Tyler had called the day before to tell her 
 that he had received a wire from Brindisi advising 
 that a letter was on the way. She was expecting him. 
 Oh, if only her dear father were with her how dif- 
 ferent things would be ! She pictured his meeting with 
 the fat Dowager and almost laughed aloud. How ex- 
 quisitely polite he would be and yet how finely inde- 
 pendent ! She could almost see the twinkle in his eyes 
 at the air these princelets gave themselves. She hoped 
 it would not be long before he would come and take 
 her away from these Arctic regions to a quiet and 
 sunny retreat where they could be alone together in 
 freedom and happiness. When would he come ? Her 
 eyes fell on a little side-table on which stood a Dres- 
 den vase with a cluster of roses in it. Ah, and Mr. 
 Morton, would she ever meet him again ? They were 
 the roses he had sent her, full-blown and withering 
 now, the flowers hanging on wilted stalks in spite of 
 the care Josephine had bestowed on them. 
 
 It was late in the afternoon and the fading light
 
 230 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 of the short autumn day spread a gloom through the 
 room. She rose and switched on the electric lights of 
 the candelabra, and turning to put the blinds down, 
 she almost ran into the outstretched arms of a slender 
 prim woman rustling towards her in silk. Helene gave 
 a glad cry. 
 
 "Anna ! dear Anna, where do you come from ?" 
 
 "Ach, mein Liebchen, but it is good to see you," 
 and the elderly woman embraced and kissed her over 
 and over again, the tears running down her face. 
 "Forgive me, Comtesse," she begged, releasing the 
 girl, "but I could not help it. I wanted to see you 
 again." 
 
 "Oh, Anna, I am so glad you are here, so glad. 
 Now that I have my dear nurse again, all will be well." 
 
 "Why, my little lamb, what is the matter ? Are you 
 sick or lonely or unhappy? Of course, everything will 
 be well. I am going to stay with you, my little golden 
 mistress. I only just heard of the Princess's arrival, 
 and did not lose a minute getting here. Certainly all 
 will be well now." 
 
 Helene looked at the dear face of her second mother, 
 and felt so comforted that she believed a Providence 
 had sent the good woman to her. How good it was to 
 be loved and to have some one near you in whom you 
 could trust and to whom you could tell the doubts that 
 were racking your heart ! 
 
 "But how do you happen to be in Weimar, Anna?" 
 
 The question was sufficient to open the sluices of the 
 nurse's reservoir of talk ; she talked so rapidly that she 
 barely gave herself time to catch her breath. She was 
 married now to Anton Schreiber Anton had been 
 chief valet to His Highness, the old Duke. They lived 
 now in Altenburg, in a beautiful cottage with a lovely 
 garden. Oh, and they were happy and comfortably 
 off, what with her savings and Anton's. She had come.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 231 
 
 to Weimar to visit her niece, Josephine. Why the very 
 Josephine who attended on her sweet lambkin! Of 
 course ! And, oh, how her darling had grown ! How 
 beautiful and grand she looked! And what lovely 
 hair! How long was it since she had seen her? Yes 
 three years. Dear, dear, how time does fly! And 
 what had she been doing? And what brought her to 
 Weimar ? 
 
 Helene waited patiently, smiling delightedly all the 
 time. However, the good lady's breath gave out, at 
 last, and Helene had the opportunity to open up her 
 heart's woes. She was so unhappy in the castle, she 
 explained. 
 
 "My dear/' replied the nurse promptly, "take no 
 notice of the people they're not worth it. And we'll 
 begin at once." She rose up quickly and ringing for 
 Josephine said to her, "Tell the man to serve dinner 
 here for two. I am dining with the Comtesse. 
 There," she turned to Helene, "we'll make ourselves at 
 home, and do as we like." 
 
 Helene was astonished to find how easily it could 
 be done. She spent one of the happiest evenings in 
 her life with this nurse, waited on and served by the 
 lackey who looked to her the reflection of the fearful 
 formality of the dining-room below. The hours passed 
 so pleasantly that she knew not they were passing, and 
 was surprised to find that it was time to retire for the 
 night. 
 
 Even then Anna would not be gainsaid ; she must put 
 her darling to bed and see that she was snug and com- 
 fortable. 
 
 "You are so like your sainted mother," Anna would 
 say over and over again, as she helped her to undress. 
 And Helene would cry only to be soothed again by 
 gentle caresses and soft murmuring words. It was 
 just like the days of her childhood when Anna would
 
 232 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 send her to sleep with plaintive songs and tales of 
 "Red Riding Hood," and "Aladdin's Wonderful 
 Lamp.'* And when at last she fell asleep she slept 
 without a dream, the peaceful, happy sleep of a 
 child. 
 
 The next morning 1 , early, Anna was at the bedside 
 to see to Helene's wants. She insisted on dividing 
 Josephine's duties and taking it upon herself to dress 
 her "baby," as she called her. 
 
 "Isn't she the loveliest child you ever saw?" she 
 asked of Josephine. Josephine agreed laughingly. 
 
 "Ah, there isn't a beauty like this in any other part 
 of the Schloss. Won't those dry old maids be jealous ! 
 They've no chance for a husband with our little girl, 
 have they, Josephine?" 
 
 "No, indeed," asserted that demoiselle. "They're 
 sour enough to frighten any man away the cats!" 
 
 Helene was overcome with her blushes at the irre- 
 sponsible twittering of the two women, and begged 
 them to spare her feelings. But she couldn't close their 
 mouths they had not had such an opportunity in 
 which to indulge themselves in many a day. Josephine 
 went so far even as to hint of a beau, at which Anna 
 bridled up. Beau, indeed ! Her darling had no thought 
 of beaux. How could she, at her age only nineteen 
 the dear, sweet lamb ! 
 
 Helene really was relieved when the time came for 
 the two to retire. She was impatient, too, for Mr. 
 Tyler to come. It was an anxious moment for her 
 when his card was brought up. He came in quietly, 
 a gentle, sad smile on his distinguished face. She 
 could not restrain herself, and made a quick move- 
 ment towards him, her eyes streaming the question 
 that her open lips could not utter. With grave cour- 
 tesy he took both her hands very affectionately in his 
 and led her to a seat. And then he told her the sad
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 233 
 
 news told it with all the kindliness and tenderness 
 of his finely sympathetic heart. The truth could not 
 be hidden, but he softened its harshness as only a prac- 
 tised diplomatist like he could do. And yet the truth 
 was bitter. His heart went out to the poor orphaned 
 girl for whom he had now come to feel a father's affec- 
 tion. It was very painful to see her suffering 1 . At first 
 she could not believe what she heard, and stood gazing 
 with wide eyes unable to move. But under Mr. Tyler's 
 gentle words, she broke down utterly and sobbed as 
 if her heart had burst. Fortunately, Anna came in, 
 and carried her darling to her bedroom. 
 
 Mr. Tyler told Anna to tell the Comtesse that he 
 would look after everything, and would call later in 
 the day, when he expected to bring with him Count 
 Rondell's papers and last letters. He would remain 
 in Weimar a few days longer, and would hold himself 
 at the Comtesse's orders. "And give this letter," he 
 added, "to the Comtesse. It is from a friend. She 
 will be glad to receive it." 
 
 It was, indeed, a Providence that had sent her nurse 
 to her at this juncture; for Count Rondell's death had 
 left Helene practically alone in the world. It is not 
 well to linger over such agonies as the poor girl en- 
 dured. They are the common lot of our humanity. 
 Happy are they whom they leave unbroken in spirit 
 it is those they strike down who are to be pitied. Hel- 
 ene was of the sterner stuff, and she was helped by her 
 nurse. Nothing softens sorrow as love does and 
 of love Anna's motherly bosom was filled abundantly. 
 Herself childless, she had it all to give to this child 
 of her adoption and she gave it freely, with a large 
 measure. 
 
 The Princess, also, when she heard the sad tidings, 
 came to her full of affectionate sympathy; but, alas, 
 what could she do to help her friend ! She was an exile 
 16
 
 234 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 now a nobody. She would see that the presentation 
 was put off. 
 
 "Oh, my dear," she cried, with tears in her eyes, 
 "If we only had some wise and powerful friend! We 
 are both of us dependent on the charity of strangers." 
 
 A friend's troubles act as a salve to our own 
 troubles, as fire extinguishes fire, and in her loyalty to 
 the Princess, Helene realized that she was not alone in 
 her sorrow. The two girls thus helped each other in 
 their hour of need. 
 
 Mr. Tyler kept his word and came, courteously kind 
 and sympathetic as always. He had seen to everything. 
 He brought with him a considerable sum of money 
 her father's possession and he proposed to deposit 
 that in the local bank in the Comtesse's name. There 
 were a few formalities to be gone through in that mat- 
 ter, and he had brought Herr Blume of the Laender- 
 bank to witness her signature to some documents. 
 
 Mr. Tyler reassured her of his devotion and begged 
 her to keep her courage for her father's sake. 
 
 "You owe it to him, Comtesse," he said, "as his 
 daughter. Here in this package you will find his let- 
 ters. They will tell you everything you ought to 
 know." 
 
 She took the package reverently. 
 
 "I do not know how to thank you, dear sir, for all 
 you have done. I shall never forget it." 
 
 Mr. Tyler smiled, and with the liberty of his years, 
 bent over and kissed her hair. "Fear not, be of good 
 heart, and all will be well. Good-by, and God bless 
 you." 
 
 For some minutes she sat alone, staring straight be- 
 fore her with unseeing eyes, her fingers playing ner- 
 vously with the package on her knees. Then slowly she 
 broke the seals and listlessly removed the contents of 
 a small box.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 235 
 
 She found in it her father's watch, some rings, a 
 small locket containing a miniature of her mother, a 
 bundle of letters tied with a faded ribbon and inscribed, 
 "To my daughter to be retained, but not read," and 
 three envelopes, two of which were sealed and ad- 
 dressed to her. 
 
 The sight of the trinkets moved her deeply, especially 
 the wedding ring. She took them into her bedroom 
 and sat down near the window. Taking one of the 
 envelopes, dated October , she broke the seal and 
 read. It seemed to her as if she were holding a com- 
 munion with the spirit of her father as if she were 
 listening to a message from the grave : 
 
 "My most beloved child," it began : 
 
 "The mission I had undertaken has failed; my journey 
 ended in nothing. It has left me so enfeebled that I am 
 not able to move with any freedom from pain. The doctor 
 tells me I am very ill, and I realize that I am a doomed man. 
 
 "How long a time is still left me I know not; but I must 
 write to you while I still have the strength. If this letter 
 should reach you, you will know that I have not been vouch- 
 safed the blessing of coming to you myself. 
 
 "And in this there is no cause for either tears or mourning. 
 I ran a good race and have reached the goal. My one great 
 grief is born of the knowledge of the pain my going will 
 give you, my dearest child. You are so young to be left 
 friendless in this world ! 
 
 "But I have arranged with my dear friend, Baron Robert 
 de Haas, to undertake your guardianship. He is in posses- 
 sion of my will. You know him and like him. He is a man 
 of noble mind and large heart and he will take my place 
 worthily. I cannot leave you riches, my darling, but I com- 
 fort myself with the thought that you will not regret that 
 fact. What I have is yours, and, with Baron de Haas's help, 
 it will be sufficient to keep you independent and free from 
 want. For the rest you will, I know, bravely work out your 
 destiny in your own way. 
 
 "And now, dear one of my heart, a few last words from 
 your father. A woman was created by God to be the mate of 
 a man a good man. If, as I fervently pray, such a man
 
 236 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 should enter your life and win your love, think of your gra- 
 cious mother to whose influence I owe so much. A man 
 deserving of your love should be honorable in the absolute 
 sense of that word a gentleman, not in title, but in thought 
 and deed. He must be such that you will always be proud 
 of him and proud to be the mother of his children, if God so 
 give it. You will recognize him by these signs : that he is a 
 good son to his parents, loyal to his country and God and 
 proud of his honor. And i'f I have judged my child aright, 
 you will deserve him. In body and in mind, you are your 
 mother over again, and the earth knew not her like in beauty 
 of form and nobility of spirit. 
 
 "Forgive me for seeming to preach Your happiness is 
 so close to my heart. You have been the reward of my life, 
 my pride and my joy. May you find peace and love all your 
 life. I am holding you in my arms as I write these last 
 words : 
 
 "Mein Liebchen Good-bye, until we meet again in God's 
 own good time. YouR FATHER . 
 
 A postscript, dated the same month and written at 
 Suez, followed: 
 
 "I have "forgotten my illness in my anxiety about you. 
 Word has just reached me that de Haas is no more, and I 
 know not now to whom to turn. With this news came terri- 
 ble tidings of the happenings in our poor, stricken Roumelia. 
 I am so far from you and cannot help you. God alone must 
 help and He will. 
 
 "I think it was God's Providence that sent me Mr. John 
 Morton, a young American. He agreed, last night, to take 
 my place and go to Roumelia and rescue you from the 
 clutches of those rebels. He is to bring you and Princess 
 Marie-Louise to Weimar. If he succeeds, and I am confident 
 he will, let him guide you in your next step. He is a gentle- 
 man, and he can help you. You may rely on his word and, 
 if I am a judge oi human nature, he will not fail you. 
 
 "It is useless to say much and needless to say more. 
 
 "If I could have come myself, I would not have sent a 
 substitute. 
 
 "May God take you under His protection." 
 
 Helene's face was bathed in tears. It was with 
 trembling hands that she opened the second letter. The
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 237 
 
 handwriting was feebler and the lines very uneven. 
 Evidently, her father had written it under great mental 
 stress. 
 
 "BRINDISI, November 6, 189 
 "Mv DARLING CHILD: 
 
 "Mr. Morton left two days ago for Roumelia with my 
 prayers. I have heard no news oi what is happening there 
 and I fear the worst. 
 
 "My strength is 'failing fast and the doctor sent me from 
 Rome by my American friend has been very frank with me. 
 I have but a few days more in which to live. 
 
 "As I am still able to think clearly and write, I must make 
 full use of the time left me. I omitted to tell you in my 
 previous letter something which I think you ought to know. 
 When I first spoke to Mr. Morton of going to Roumelia, I 
 spoke on behalf of the Princess. He refused absolutely to 
 undertake the journey or to mix in any way with the political 
 affairs of the country. Indeed, he was indignant with me 
 for what he considered my presumption in asking him to 
 engage himself in an enterprise of such danger and risk. 
 His first duty was to his parents and he was called to them. 
 I was not surprised at his attitude, but I had no alternative. 
 
 "It was during my pleading that I accidentally uncovered 
 a portrait of yourself, and, to my utter astonishment, he sud- 
 denly changed his mind and accepted the task. I tell you this 
 because I think you should know it. The man is a noble 
 fellow. I feel that in my heart. If he should succeed in his 
 mission and you are once more free, do not hesitate to accept 
 his friendship. If I knew that you would do this I should die 
 the happier for knowing it. 
 
 "I can say no more, but pray and hope. 
 
 "God bless you and protect you, dearest." 
 
 The third unsealed envelope contained a simple note 
 written in a strange, feminine hand, in French. 
 
 "BRINDISI, November 14, 189 
 
 "I am Paola Rimoni, nurse and attendant to his Excel- 
 lency Count Rondell-Barton who has requested me to write 
 down his last words, as follows : 
 
 "A telegram from Monsieur Morton has just arrived an- 
 nouncing that his party has safely crossed the border. The
 
 238 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 man has justified my faith in him. May God reward and 
 bless him. 
 
 "I send my daughter my blessing and my dearest love. I die 
 happy knowing that she is safe. 
 
 "My gratitude to Monsieur Morton, my homage to Her 
 Highness, my last kiss and blessing to my beloved child. 
 Koumelia "forever !" 
 
 Below was scrawled in letters that were barely de- 
 cipherable "Rondell." 
 
 Helene was too overcome to move from where she 
 sat. Through the window came the pale light of the 
 waning day tinged with the red of the sinking sun. 
 The room was filling with deep shadows. She saw 
 nothing. Darkness seemed to have fallen on her. 
 Slipping to her knees she laid her aching head upon the 
 seat and prayed inwardly, the while the scalding tears 
 fell down her cheeks. It was thus that the faithful 
 Anna found her an hour later. 
 
 The first great sorrow of youth is the inheritance of 
 tears that have fallen before. It is the burden of ex- 
 istence for an erring humanity. It means and must 
 ever mean that the blood which has flowed from others' 
 hearts is the blood which will flow from our own. One 
 generation must depart to make room for a generation 
 to come; and the burden of sorrow we have received 
 from those who have gone before us we shall pass on 
 to those who come after us. Happy are they who can 
 weep in their sorrow, for tears are a blood-letting of 
 the spirit. 
 
 When she opened her eyes in the morning they fell 
 on the Dresden vase now bereft of its flowers the 
 petals lay scattered on the table and carpet, and only 
 dried stalks showed where a few days ago glowed the 
 red damask of roses. Was this to be an omen of her 
 own life? She shivered at the question. Rising 
 quickly she gathered the petals with loving care, and
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 239 
 
 taking the dried stems from the vase placed both in 
 a drawer of her dressing-table. She knew now that 
 her heart lay with the faded leaves. 
 
 She remembered the letter Mr. Tyler had left with 
 Anna. It was a message from the man whom her 
 father had blessed with his dying words. So he was 
 going sailing over the ocean to that far country where 
 was his home. Would he, too, lose his father ? How 
 cruel life was? He had signed himself, "in deepest 
 sympathy and devotion." The words were like balm to 
 her sore heart. No she was not alone in the gray 
 world ! And the sunlight of the morning was repeated 
 in her smile. 
 
 In the company of her faithful nurse, Helene trav- 
 eled the short distance to Sigmaringen, the home town 
 of her mother's family, to attend her father's funeral. 
 Mr. and Mrs. Tyler were present, and their presence 
 helped her not a little to bear the trial. On her return 
 she found Donald waiting for her at the railway sta- 
 tion. Her heart gave a bound when she saw his lanky 
 figure and hard yet kindly face. The sight of him 
 comforted her greatly, and she was glad to accept his 
 escort to the Schloss. 
 
 The next day she was compelled to undergo the 
 trial of an interview with the Mistress of the Cere- 
 monies, Baroness Radau. It was necessary that she 
 should be coached in the duties incumbent on a lady 
 of the Court of Saxe- Weimar. While expressing sym- 
 pathy for her in her bereavement, the majestic dame 
 admonished her to repress her grief. It was not 
 proper to show undue emotion. She must read the 
 lives of the forty-nine dukes of the blessed realm and 
 become acquainted with the works of Goethe and 
 Schiller, who were the glory of Weimar. It would 
 also be very necessary for her to know the proper way 
 to bow and the precedence of rank; and, above all,
 
 240 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 she must never forget that next to God came Duke 
 Ernest Victor the Seventeenth. 
 
 On account of her mourning, the color of her pres- 
 entation dress was to be a subdued gray, under a 
 special dispensation. It would be of the regulation 
 style. Perfumes were permitted, but only of a particu- 
 lar kind. Her Highness did not favor any but that of 
 lilac. Her hair must be plainly arranged and drawn 
 tight and smooth across the brow. She might wear 
 pearls. 
 
 The day of the ordeal of the Presentation came at 
 last. She went to it with the greatest trepidation and 
 returned from it almost prostrated from the strain of 
 waiting her turn. She had been permitted to touch the 
 gloved hand of the voluminous Dowager and the hands 
 of the reigning Duke's consort and her own Princess. 
 Poor little Marie-Louise looked like a martyr waiting 
 to be led to the stake as she stood on a slightly lower 
 dais than that on which the Dowager sat, dressed in 
 stiff silk weighted with gold embroidery. When Hel- 
 ene approached her, she cast big sad eyes on her friend 
 like those of a doe flying from the hunters. 
 
 Having been presented, Helene was now permitted 
 the freedom of the Court. Her duties were simple 
 but weariedly monotonous. They amounted to a regu- 
 lated routine of formality and enforced idleness. She 
 was permitted to appear in white or gray at the gath- 
 erings, but at the Chapel, which she attended twice a 
 week, she was allowed to wear black. She was de- 
 prived of Josephine's services and given in her stead 
 a soured old maid, who was far more experienced and 
 would be able to instruct her in the punctillios of the 
 Court. Anna was no longer in Weimar; she had gone 
 back to her little cottage and her beloved Anton. 
 
 But there was one pleasant interlude in the dreary 
 round of her week's life, and it came to her on her
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 241 
 
 way to and from Chapel. On these occasions she 
 would find McCormick waiting for her at the castle 
 gate to learn of her health and to know if he could 
 be of any service to her. Sometimes, after service was 
 over, she would invite him to accompany her in her 
 promenade round the Square within sight of the 
 Schloss. On those occasions she would lead him to 
 talk of his master, a subject on which Don was ever 
 ready to descant. She would listen to him with down- 
 cast eyes, but with secret delight. These talks added 
 fuel to the flame in her heart and warmed her lonely 
 spirit. 
 
 Winter came, and with it the snow, which buried the 
 little Thuringian castle in its white mantle. The mo- 
 notony of her life palled more and more on her since 
 she was now deprived of her walks. Occasionally a 
 letter from Mr. Tyler and Anna would come as a ray 
 of sunshine. 
 
 One never-to-be-forgotten day she received a box 
 which, when she opened it, she found filled her chamber 
 with the delicious scent of flowers. They were orchids 
 of the purest white, sent by Morton. "Heartiest good 
 wishes to you on your birthday. May you see many, 
 many more in health and happiness." The words 
 were inscribed on his card. She had not realized that 
 this was the last day in November, and that she was 
 now twenty. That morning at the levee she attracted 
 the curious glances of the women by the lovely orchids 
 she wore at her breast. Not a few whispered malicious 
 insinuations to each other. 
 
 Helene had but few opportunities of meeting her 
 friend, the Princess. When she did she found her very 
 unhappy. The poor girl had been made to feel her 
 equivocal position at the Court, where she was treated 
 as though she had come there uninvited. She had no 
 means of her own, and this compelled her to be depen-
 
 242 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 dent on the good-will of people who, though royal in 
 blood, were very mean in spirit, especially where money 
 was concerned. There is no king so pompous as the 
 kinglet, and as a consequence he attracts to him the 
 effete and the provincial in mind men who will cringe 
 and fawn and flatter, and women whose only enjoy- 
 ment is in gossip and slander. It was from the latter 
 especially that the Princess suffered and Helene also. 
 
 With the coming of December came preparations 
 for the Christmas festivities. The Court was all agog, 
 Helene excited with the rest. She had a better oppor- 
 tunity to know the "noble ladies" now. In mixing 
 with them she occasionally caught whispers about 
 "Americans," and people who sacrificed their pride of 
 descent on the altar of money. And she would notice 
 that they cast side glances at her as they spoke. She 
 did not altogether comprehend the meaning of their 
 attitude, but she realized vaguely that she had become 
 a persona non grata with these high-born tatlers, and, 
 as a consequence, her unhappiness increased. She 
 thoughts of her bank account. Perhaps these women 
 had found out about it! Surely, it had been her 
 father's money that Mr. Tyler had brought her ! The 
 half question brought a doubt. Had Mr. Morton sent 
 it ? How absurd ! And yet yet he was so generous. 
 She would speak with the Princess about it. 
 
 The two girls talked it over and even went into 
 calculations, in their simple way, as to the cost of the 
 expedition Morton had undertaken. They were forced 
 to the conclusion that Morton must have borne that 
 himself; nay, that it was to his generosity they owed 
 the very clothes they wore. Now they understood the 
 dark references to "Americans" and money. Helene 
 determined to find out the truth by writing to Mr. 
 Tyler. 
 
 The reply she received did not clear the matter, Mr, 
 

 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 243 
 
 Tyler thought she was making a mountain out of a 
 mole-hill. She had far better leave well alone. So far 
 as he knew, the moneys he had brought her came from 
 her father. It could not be otherwise since they were 
 drawn out of the Banca Nationale, where they had 
 been deposited in Count Rondell's name. He expected 
 Mr. Morton's arrival early next month, and no doubt 
 he would call on her. He advised her to forget the 
 matter until then. 
 
 Helene was torn by doubt, and humiliated in her 
 pride. She did not know what to do nor where to turn.
 
 CHAPTER XIX 
 
 CHRISTMAS morning- came and with it came 
 another box of flowers glorious roses, this 
 time, of a deep red and of a scent breathing 
 sympathy to the lonely girl. Enclosed was a card 
 bearing the one word, "Greetings." She pressed the 
 lovely flowers to her face as if kissing the hand that 
 had sent them. The contact with the velvet petals 
 soothed her troubled spirits. When she met Donald 
 that day she asked after his master. Don shook his 
 head he had nothing to tell her. 
 
 "Why are you still in Weimar, McCormick?" she 
 said. 
 
 McCormick grinned. "Weimar is all right, Miss," 
 he said, "and I've no home to go to. Besides, orders 
 are orders, Miss, and I've got to stay here in case you 
 might need me. Say the word, Miss, and I'll be ready." 
 
 She thanked him with a pathetic little smile. The 
 roses and Don's words were enough for one day. 
 She re-entered the castle thinking that her Christmas 
 had been a very happy one. 
 
 The next day the Princess came into her room 
 looking greatly distressed and holding a periodical 
 in her hand, which she held out to Helene. 
 
 "Here," she said, "is the explanation of the ma- 
 licious gossip." It was a copy of an English society 
 paper, three weeks old, which an English friend had 
 sent the Princess. It contained a scurrilous article 
 dealing with Morton and his adventure with the two 
 ladies in Roumelia. As Helene read her heart seemed 
 to turn to a stone a feeling of nausea overcame her. 
 
 244
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 245 
 
 After stating the fact of their escape from Roume- 
 lia, the article went on to say that Morton, the hero 
 of the adventure, had received but scant courtesy 
 from the two ladies. They treated him with cold 
 indifference, scarcely deigning to hold any conversa- 
 tion with him. As for Count Rondell-Barton, who 
 was supposed to have planned and financed the expe- 
 dition, he could not have been very active in the mat- 
 ter, since so far from being on the Roumelian border, 
 he never came closer to it than Brindisi. When, 
 however, the proud ladies arrived in Vienna and 
 learned from the American Minister to Germany who 
 and what their rescuer, Mr. Morton, was, their whole 
 bearing and attitude towards that gentleman changed 
 entirely. They became as friendly then as they had 
 been cool before. The millionaire was quite a dif- 
 ferent person from the stranger who had risked his 
 life for them. What a tale Mr. Morton would have 
 to tell when he went back to America ; and what would 
 he think of Europe's nobility ! 
 
 And now, as she had finished the vile writing, she 
 was filled with indignation. 
 
 "Who inspired this disgraceful composition?" she 
 asked her friend. The Princess shook her head. 
 
 "I spoke to Count Radau about it and he said 
 that no one would pay any attention to what this 
 paper printed. It had a bad reputation in England 
 and, no doubt, lived on purveying this kind of 
 stuff to readers who like it. He advised me to 
 forget it." 
 
 "But it's such a tissue of lies and misrepresenta- 
 tions," cried Helene in her anger. 
 
 "I know; but that's the way these vile creatures 
 live by debasing their talents." 
 
 "Oh, it is too terrible. I shall be ashamed to show 
 my face anywhere now."
 
 246 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 "We cannot help ourselves, dear Helene; we must 
 bear up in the hope that the good taste of the Court 
 will leave us free from gossip." The Princess spoke 
 lightly, but in her heart she was deeply chagrined and 
 distressed. 
 
 As for Helene, she could not put the thing out of 
 her mind. It was as if she had been soiled with the 
 mud of the streets. She never, for one moment, be- 
 lieved that Mr. Morton had had anything to do with 
 it. Some enemy of her father's must have in- 
 spired it, she thought. What a cruel thing to do! 
 What degradation of mind to sell itself to such a 
 service ! 
 
 It was with a breast filled with indignation and 
 pride that Helene attended the gathering in the small 
 reception-room, that afternoon, to take her part in 
 the Christmas-tree ceremony. She stood a little way 
 from the rest as they waited the arrival of "their 
 highnesses." There was much chattering going on 
 and not a little simpering and giggling among the less 
 reserved women who had evidently come to enjoy 
 themselves. She could not help noticing one particu- 
 lar gentleman who passed as a wit among these light- 
 headed ones and was the centre of a bevy of dames 
 all seemingly delighted at some of his witticisms. 
 And then she heard an ample young countess remark 
 that the Hebe from the Balkans was not interested in 
 cutting them out she was too much taken up with 
 Mr. Moneybags from America. 
 
 Helene turned white and grasped the balustrade of 
 the nearby stairway. She could scarcely stand on 
 her legs and her bosom heaved from her labored 
 breathing. 
 
 An elderly lady, a Madame de Martis, had also 
 heard the words and saw the girl's condition. Quickly 
 stepping up to her, she whispered: "Compose your-
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 247 
 
 self, my dear child, and come with me to the dining- 
 room." 
 
 Helene clutched at the lady's arm and gave her a 
 pathetic smile. 
 
 "Oh, Madame, they have no hearts." Then recov- 
 ering herself, she added: "But cost it what it may, 
 I will tell them what I feel. I have borne it so long 
 that I can hold out no longer." 
 
 Her recovered anger brought the color back to her 
 face and gave her strength. Advancing rapidly 
 towards the group, the members of which were gazing 
 at her in supercilious surprise, she stood before them 
 boldly erect and with her eyes shining a thing of 
 ineffable beauty. 
 
 "You will listen to what I have to say," she cried 
 in clear, ringing tones, and the whole assembly turned 
 spellbound at such colossal temerity. "I know I am 
 transgressing all the laws of this Court, but you may 
 do your pleasure after I have finished." 
 
 Several gentlemen came forward to beg her to be 
 composed, but she waved them away with a fine 
 gesture. 
 
 "I shall have my say. The Princess and I came 
 here to a place of refuge we are alone in the world 
 with no man to help us. The common laws of hos- 
 pitality demand that we be treated, at least, with some 
 show of courtesy, but you have thought fit to ignore 
 them. You have not only made me realize my de- 
 pendence, but you have insulted my honor and ques- 
 tioned my motives. And now that you have learned 
 from a vile paper the base insinuations of a base mind, 
 you have accepted them as the truth, to afford you a 
 little amusement in the dull circle of your lives." 
 
 Madame de Martis had taken one of the girl's arms 
 and was hysterically appealing to her to leave the 
 room with her.
 
 248 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 "Pardon me, Madame, it is too late now. I have 
 begun and I will finish what I have to say to these 
 distinguished members of the Court." Her voice had 
 grown stronger; the expression on her face became 
 as if a holy light had transfigured it. The women 
 were terrified and the men admiringly interested ; but 
 neither moved a foot; they stood as if under a hyp- 
 notic influence. 
 
 "The gentleman to whom we owe our freedom is 
 not here to speak for himself. If he were, you would 
 not be so free with your insinuations. He did what 
 I doubt any man here would have had the courage to 
 do he helped a dying man and two friendless girls. 
 Without that help we should never be alive to-day, 
 and I am proud to acknowledge the debt I owe him. 
 You, gentlemen of Thuringia will, I am sure, appre- 
 ciate my sentiments. And as for the lying gossip of 
 that paper which you ladies of the Court have so 
 eagerly accepted, you are welcome to make of it what 
 you will." 
 
 She turned proudly and marched majestically out 
 of the room. But the door once closed, she staggered 
 blindly up the stairs and fell fainting on her bed. 
 
 The spell, over the assembled courtiers was broken. 
 There succeeded a noise of talk such as that reception 
 room had never heard since the castle was built. From 
 all sides resounded indignant protestations, disclaim- 
 ers and denials. Here and there came expressions of 
 commiseration and even avowed desires for apologies. 
 When, finally, the Baroness Radau's voice could be 
 heard, they quieted down. The Baroness would 
 confer with the Dowager Duchess and the Comtesse 
 Helene's conduct adjudged. In the meantime, the 
 ladies and gentlemen would do well to await Her 
 Highness's arrival. 
 
 When Helene recovered consciousness, she lay
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 249 
 
 thinking dully of what had occurred. There was, no 
 doubt, in her mind about the consequence of her act. 
 She made up her mind not to wait for the royal ver- 
 dict and its inevitable punishment. Anywhere was 
 better than to be in this heartless place. She would 
 rather live with servants and working people than 
 with these so-called high-born men and women. She 
 had money thank God for that! She would use it 
 whether it was rightly hers or no. She would go to 
 Anna, her nurse, who was the only one who really 
 loved her. Anna was good and wise. She would 
 help her and guide her. She would know what was 
 best to do. 
 
 Thus firmly resolved, she bathed her hot, tear- 
 stained face and retiring for the night, cried herself 
 to sleep. 
 
 The next morning she rose, rested and greatly 
 refreshed. After partaking of a hearty breakfast, she 
 left the castle and took a "droschky" to the Laender- 
 bank. The ordeal she had feared proved a very 
 simple affair after all. Her request for money was 
 immediately attended to and she left with several thou- 
 sand marks snugly tucked away in her pocketbook. 
 
 Her absence from the castle had not been noted. 
 Once in her room again, she set about collecting the 
 articles she held as her treasures, including the faded 
 rose leaves and orchids, and packed them carefully in 
 a box. Opening the door softly, she beckoned to a 
 passing lackey and asked him to send Josephine to her. 
 
 Josephine came in haste. She had not seen her 
 dear Comtesse for days and wondered what she had 
 been called for. Helene told her she was going on a 
 visit to Mr. and Mrs. Tyler in Berlin, who had in- 
 vited her to spend New Year with them. At once 
 the maid became excited and busied herself most en- 
 ergetically in packing the Comtesse's trunk and valise. 
 17
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 The proceeding took but a short time Helene's ward- 
 robe was not extensive. A carriage was ordered to 
 be at a side door and a lackey helped to load it. 
 Before leaving Helene left a note for the Princess in 
 which she begged her friend's forgiveness for the 
 step she was taking. 
 
 At the railway station her courage oozed out of 
 her. She was afraid she had been followed and terri- 
 fied at the thought of the Baroness Radau's cold 
 eyes. Her eyes filled with tears as she glanced help- 
 lessly around her. But a guardian angel in the shape 
 of a dignified railway official, seeing her evident dis- 
 tress, approached her with a bow and begged the 
 "Gnadiges Fraulein" to permit him to take charge 
 of her baggage. She could hardly keep from hug- 
 ging him, so great was her relief. The uniformed 
 giant soon had her settled comfortably in a first class 
 compartment with her baggage safely on board the 
 train. "The train will leave in twenty minutes for 
 Altenberg, gnadiges Fraulein," he informed her, 
 well pleased with the change she had left with him. 
 Ah, at last, the train was moving. At last, she was 
 safe, and laying her aching head against the uphol- 
 stered back of the compartment, she closed her eyes 
 and dozed happily to the rhythmic jolting of the 
 wheels, which were carrying her away from the gilded 
 prison and its cruel jailers. 
 
 At Altenberg the patriarchal conductor came to her 
 assistance. The sweet face of the girl with its plain- 
 tive expression had touched him. He ordered a por- 
 ter to see to her baggage and procured a carriage for 
 her. She looked at him, for a moment, as he held 
 out a hand, then she nodded and smiled and left him 
 feeling fully recompensed, with the smile. 
 
 Anna lived at Garten-strasse No. 60 in this the 
 smallest of capitals of Duke-ridden Thuringia. The
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 251 
 
 way to it lay through the Main Street and by little 
 snow-covered garden plots to the still outskirts. The 
 neat cottage stood behind a brick wall in which was 
 a prettily wrought iron gate. 
 
 A pull at the bell-handle was succeeded by the shrill 
 barking of a diminutive dog between the bars of the 
 gate, and the appearance of Anna in a bibbed apron. 
 
 "Ach, my baby!" she almost screamed, and gath- 
 ered the girl to her warm bosom. "So you did come, 
 after all. Oh, I'm so glad, so glad." 
 
 "What a lovely little home you have," cried Helene 
 as she looked around the room into which Anna had 
 ushered her and which was so inviting in its furnish- 
 ing and reposeful effects. 
 
 "Yes, it is nice, is it not," assented Anna with 
 pride in her face. "But, my dear, you are tired from 
 the journey and will enjoy a little luncheon, won't 
 you? Of course. I'll have it ready very soon; but 
 come to your own room first. You see I have it all 
 ready for you. Ach, won't Anton feel honored when 
 he sees you here!" 
 
 It was not until after luncheon, when the two were 
 seated together in "the best room," that Helene found 
 her opportunity to tell Anna of the real reason which 
 had brought her to Altenberg. The nurse listened 
 quietly at first, but towards the end of the narrative 
 she became so excited that she kept jumping from her 
 seat, pressing her hands together out of sheer indig- 
 nation, and ended by embracing and petting her 
 "child" with all the sympathetic words her full heart 
 enabled her to murmur. 
 
 "Oh, the mean, nasty cats," she cried. "I knew 
 from the first that you would never be happy in a 
 place like that. I told Josephine so. You did quite 
 right in leaving as you did. You will stop here, 
 which is your proper place now; and you can stay as
 
 252 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 long as you wish. We shall have the loveliest time, 
 and the house and everything is yours. The idea, 
 their not letting you go in mourning for your dear 
 papa ! Why, I never heard such a thing ! It's wicked, 
 positively wicked. We'll see to a proper dress for you 
 at once. We have a very good dressmaker here who 
 will fix you up elegantly. Oh, the cats, the vipers!" 
 
 Anna would have gone on much longer if Helene 
 would have listened. But she laughingly smothered 
 the dear lady in an embrace and begged her to forget 
 it now as she herself had done. She would be glad 
 to find her home here for the present and was grate- 
 ful to Anna for her loving kindness. 
 
 Thus, at last, did Helene find a resting place for 
 her tired head. Here she could be alone with her 
 thoughts, study a little and arrive at some definite 
 plans for the future. Perhaps, her troubles were now 
 over and things would take a change for the better. 
 For the winter, at least, she would accept Anna's kind 
 hospitality. 
 
 Soon the spring would come ah, the spring! 
 She would not plan so far ahead. She would leave 
 it in God's own merciful hands. The lines from the 
 English poet came into her mind. She smiled hap- 
 pily as she murmured the hope-giving words : 
 
 Oh, Wind, 
 li Winter comes, can Spring be far behind? 
 
 Spring with its budding of trees and flowers and 
 growing of green grass ; with the coming of the hope- 
 giving sun and blue skies, and all the thousand beauties 
 that make the heart glad, then surely would come to 
 her a new strength and a kinder life. Perhaps per- 
 haps but she dared not think of that. If God so 
 willed it spring might bring him also, and then ah, 
 then, let come what may. It would, indeed, be a new 
 life!
 
 CHAPTER XX 
 
 HELENE'S life in the home of the Schreibers 
 begun so happily continued as happily for 
 many weeks. She communicated with no 
 one in Weimar because she wished to forget, so far as 
 she could, the wretched time she had passed there. 
 She had not told the Princess where she was going 
 and, in her haste, she had forgotten to inform Donald 
 McCormick. It was better so, she thought, at any rate 
 for the winter. She would be happier alone with these 
 humble and kind people. 
 
 The people of Altenberg knew her as Miss Barton. 
 Frau Schreiber had taken care to explain to them that 
 Ilelene was the daughter of a lady in whose service 
 .she had been ; and was staying with them for the win- 
 ter, for a rest. 
 
 Life, in a little place like Altenberg, especially to 
 one accustomed to the atmosphere of a refined home 
 and the association with people of culture, is at best 
 a more or less dull round of daily duties. One must be 
 Lorn in such a place to accept contentedly its simple 
 offerings of friendly intercourse and common inter- 
 ests. For a time, the novelty of its picturesque streets, 
 its quaintly pretty houses, its museum and historical 
 landmarks, satisfied Helene's appetite for variety. She 
 enjoyed the "sights" as a tourist who might be visiting 
 the place. But familiarity, if it did not breed con- 
 tempt, did certainly destroy the novelty, and what once 
 was enjoyed a variety now palled because of the 
 monotony. The variety itself had become a same- 
 
 253
 
 254 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 ness. Even the different neighbors of the Schreibers 
 took on a ridiculous seeming of likeness to each other ; 
 and Anna herself, good and kind as she undoubtedly 
 was, became like the rest. Good people are seldom in- 
 teresting, and kindness alone does not always mean 
 that their thoughts are in sympathy with our own. 
 
 So that pretty Altenberg and its simple folk began 
 in time to pall on Helene. Anna noticed the change, 
 and put it down to the absence of congenial society. 
 She determined to supply the want. The well-meant 
 remedy but aggravated the disease. The good woman 
 took every opportunity to be with Helene, and it was 
 not long before the girl was almost afraid to see her 
 approaching on her kindly mission bent. 
 
 As often as the weather permitted, Helene would go 
 for long walks. She could the better "think things 
 over," as Anna would say, when alone in the open air. 
 She realized that wise as the step had been she had 
 taken in coming to Altenberg, it was just as wise now 
 that she should leave it as soon as the winter was over. 
 She must not be a burden on anyone. She must go 
 away and find something to do some occupation by 
 which she could earn, at least, a living. For she had 
 made up her mind that she would use no more of that 
 money Mr. Tyler had placed to her credit in the bank. 
 She was not at all satisfied that it was her father's 
 money. The six thousand marks she had drawn out 
 on leaving Weimar she would keep. She had calcu- 
 lated, at least to her own satisfaction, that this was 
 about the sum which her father might have possessed. 
 By what process of reasoning she arrived at that con- 
 clusion only a knowledge of Helene's honest and un- 
 worldly nature could explain. But the conviction was 
 fixed and with it also the determination to provide for 
 her own future by the work of her own hands. 
 
 The days grew longer ; the cool airs began to whisper
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 255 
 
 the promise of spring. With the approach of the sea- 
 son Helene's spirits returned. Her body, too, threw 
 off the lassitude which the winter's confinement had 
 brought on. Her cheeks showed a little of their old- 
 time rose-color; her eyes grew bright. Youth was 
 reasserting itself at nature's silent call. 
 
 One afternoon late in February, on her return from 
 a visit to an ancient church, she was surprised to see 
 Herr Kauffner approaching her dressed in holiday 
 attire. She knew him as a prosperous tanner, and a 
 friend of the Schreibers, and although he was a mem- 
 ber of the town council it was not usual for him to be 
 walking out on a week day dressed in his Sunday 
 clothes. Her surprise was not lessened when, on dof- 
 fing his hat, he stopped and begged permission to ac- 
 company her home. There was an impressive formal- 
 ity about the request which made her feel very uncom- 
 fortable, but she could scarcely refuse. 
 
 Herr Kauffner was a heavily built man with a tem- 
 perament that scorned circumlocution. He wasted lit- 
 tle time and less words in coming to his point. 
 
 "I am happy, Fraulein Barton," he began with a 
 self-satisfied air, "to have this opportunity of speaking 
 with you alone." He cast an ardent, admiring glance 
 on what he could see of her face. "Indeed, Fraulein, 
 I have been wishing for it ever since I had the good 
 fortune to make your acquaintance." 
 
 Helene quickened her step they were nearing the 
 main street. 
 
 "I am one of the richest men in the Faubourg," he 
 went on, and this time with a distinct note of pride in 
 his tones. "I am a good-natured fellow, in the prime 
 of life and sound as a thaler." 
 
 Helene turned pale and increased her pace as she 
 kept looking about her anxiously in the hope she 
 would see some person she knew.
 
 256 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 "But I am a lonely man. I ask your permission 
 to visit Herr and Frau Schreiber more frequently as 
 a suitor for your heart and hand. May I so consider 
 myself?" 
 
 Helena was utterly at her wit's end what to answer. 
 Her rapid steps had brought her to the turning of 
 the street in which the Schreibers lived. She paused 
 for breath for a moment and looked at Herr Kauff- 
 ner with such surprise and frightened eyes that he 
 stepped back a pace. 
 
 "I thank you for the honor you have paid me, Herr 
 Kauffner," she was able to say, "but it cannot be. Per- 
 mit me to go home now alone." 
 
 And without giving him time to answer she almost 
 ran down the street into the house. Once in the hall 
 she did not pause, but walked quickly up the stairs, 
 clinging to the balustrade for support and threw her- 
 self into a chair in her own room, overcome from ex- 
 haustion and fear. She had not dared to announce 
 her return to Anna, as she usually did after her walks ; 
 she was afraid Anna might question her on seeing her 
 distress. 
 
 For many minutes she sat trying to still the beating 
 of her heart. The rush of blood to her head had made 
 her dizzy. After a time she was able to get on her feet 
 and bathe her face in cold water. 
 
 Then the humor of the situation took her, and she 
 smiled. Poor man he meant well. She had been 
 rude to leave him so abruptly. What would Anna 
 say ? How could she tell her ? 
 
 Just then she heard a noise of some one entering 
 the next room and the sound of the closing of the door. 
 Then came loud voices in dispute. Anna and her 
 husband were talking about something that had evi- 
 dently made them angry. The voices came nearer and 
 she heard Anna say distinctly:
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 257 
 
 "You are very unreasonable. You ought to be 
 proud to have her here." 
 
 "Yes, that's what you say ; but I'm not. You keep on 
 telling me of the honor your 'gracious and noble Com- 
 tesse' is doing us by being here. But I don't see it. 
 After slaving all these years to be my own master, do 
 you think I'm going to be a servant again? And yet 
 that's just what I'm being driven to. Since she came 
 I am compelled to eat my meals where I won't be in 
 the way of your 'precious lamb.' I am not allowed to 
 talk loudly; I can't have my friends visit me and enjoy 
 a bottle of wine; I must be always dressed up and 
 keep on my best behavior and in my own house, too. 
 I never heard of such a thing. I can't smoke my pipe 
 except in a back room, and as for my wife, why I see 
 so little of you now that I might just as well never be 
 married." 
 
 "Anton, you must not shout like that." 
 
 "Not shout! Why not? Isn't this my house? I 
 don't care who hears me. I'd just as soon tell her if 
 she were here. Before she came I was as happy and 
 proud as a duke. Here we've been working all these 
 years for what? For our home. And now that 
 we've got it where is it? Not in this place. When 
 I want my wife, you are fussing with the 'gracious 
 Comtesse'; when I ask you to come for a walk, you 
 tell me 'Lady Helene needs me' ; when I want to talk 
 with her, you tell me I don't know how to talk to a 
 noble lady. What do you think I am a stone, a fool, 
 or a man ? I'm sick of it all. I want our old life back 
 again I want my wife my home." 
 
 "Anton, you are beside yourself. Don't you know 
 the poor girl has no one except us to help her ?" 
 
 "Well, let her do as other girls do let her marry 
 a decent fellow and have her own home. I don't mind 
 her visiting us but I don't keep a hotel !"
 
 258 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 When Helena had realized that it was she who was 
 the cause of their quarrel, her weakness became such 
 that she lost the power of movement, and collapsed in 
 the chair. She tried to cry out in an effort to make 
 them aware of her presence in the house, but her 
 tongue clove to the roof of her mouth she could but 
 sit helpless and listen. 
 
 She heard Anna weeping- and saying bitter words 
 to her husband. How he must have resented her com- 
 ing that he, a man usually so mild and gentle, should 
 have been roused to such anger. She heard a violent 
 slamming of a door followed by the sound of quick, 
 heavy treads down the stairs, and then, a deadly 
 silence. 
 
 So this was to be the end ! An adverse fate must be 
 pursuing her. Wherever she went unhappiness fol- 
 lowed. Even those who would befriend her suffered 
 because of her. 
 
 "Oh, I wish I was dead dead, and with dear papa," 
 she murmured brokenly, for she was too wretched to 
 cry. 
 
 She must go and go at once. Anna must not suffer 
 because of her. She had come between her and her 
 good husband who loved her. Anton Schreiber was 
 right. His wife and his home were his, and she had 
 no right here. 
 
 But where should she go? Ah, that was a hard 
 question to answer. She would not go back to 
 Weimar, and she knew nobody anywhere else. If 
 only Donald were here he would surely help her. 
 She must go to some big city where no one would 
 know her and where she could easily hide herself. But 
 if she went with Anna's knowledge, that dear woman 
 would suspect she had overheard the quarrel. She 
 must leave without her knowing it. 
 
 Her mind made up she stepped quietly down the
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 259 
 
 stairs and out of the house to the rear where the 
 Schreibers* little maid-of-all-work had her room. The 
 girl adored the Fraulein Barton and would do any- 
 thing she asked. Helene bound her to secrecy. She 
 was going to Munich on a visit, she told her, and 
 didn't want Frau Schreiber to know. Could she get 
 anyone who would take her trunk to the station ? The 
 girl smiled. Of course she could. The butcher's boy 
 would do it for her any time. When? She'd bring 
 him that evening at eight o'clock. He could bring 
 the trunk downstairs to the laundry and in the morn- 
 ing he'd come round with his cart and take it 
 away. Her Hermann would do it for a thaler not 
 for him, but for the porter at the station. That 
 settled it. 
 
 Helene returned to the front door and entering 
 noisily called out for "Mamma Anna" as she usually 
 did to announce her arrival. 
 
 "Where are you, 'Mamma Anna/ she called up the 
 stairs." 
 
 "I'm resting in my room," came the reply. 
 
 "Well, I'm going to write some letters. Call me 
 when supper is ready." 
 
 "I will, dear Comtesse." 
 
 Once in her room Helene commenced packing her 
 belonging quietly, but rapidly. It took but a little time 
 and the trunk locked, she carefully moved it, inch by 
 inch, until she had succeeded in placing it at the head 
 of the back staircase where the maid's Hermann would 
 be sure to find it. 
 
 At the supper table, Helene told Anna of her en- 
 counter with Herr Kauffner. She treated the matter 
 lightly and in a way that would not offend Anna. But, 
 to Helene's surprise, Anna was most indignant with 
 the man. 
 
 "The idea!" she exclaimed. "I'll tell that gentle-
 
 26o UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 man something that'll keep him away. That man 
 marry my darling why it's preposterous!" 
 
 "Let's forget all about it, Anna dear. Shall I play 
 you some of your favorite songs ?" 
 
 And without waiting for her assent she sat down at 
 the piano. But Anna was not to be restrained. She 
 loved to have Helene play for her, but her indignation 
 took a long time cooling, and Helene could hear her 
 muttering as she busied herself clearing the table: 
 "Preposterous! The idea! I never heard such im- 
 pudence !" 
 
 Anton Schreiber came in all smiles for Helene, but 
 she felt too ashamed to look at him. She stopped play- 
 ing and was about to rise and leave the room, when 
 he begged her to go on. She pleaded weariness, how- 
 ever, and, excusing herself, retired to her room. The 
 two, she thought, would be better left alone; it would 
 give them an opportunity to become reconciled with 
 each other. 
 
 In her bedroom she was again a prey to anxiety. 
 What would she do in Munich ? To whom could she 
 go there? She thought of Morton and wondered 
 where he was. He believed her to be still at Weimar, 
 for she had written him but once since they had parted 
 a simple acknowledgment of his birthday-gift. She 
 had promised to let him know if ever she was in need 
 of a friend, and surely he was in such need now! 
 Should she write to him? Torn by anxiety and pride 
 she knew not which way to decide. After much re- 
 flection she concluded there could be no harm in letting 
 him know that she had left the castle. Taking pen 
 and paper she began ; but it was only after several at- 
 tempts and with many misgivings of heart that she 
 finally decided to send the following :
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 261 
 
 "DEAR MR. MORTON: 
 
 "I have left the home offered me by the Duchess of Saxe- 
 Weimar. I was too unhappy there. I tried most earnestly 
 to become reconciled to my surroundings, but the dull rou- 
 tine of the empty life of the Court, the heartlessness of its 
 people, were more than I could bear. 
 
 "I have now decided to try to find my own proper place 
 in the world to get some occupation in which I can be 
 happy and, at least, be free to live my own life. I have not 
 forgotten my promise to you not to take a serious step with- 
 out consulting you, but I am sure you will agree that I have 
 acted lor the best. 
 
 "The letters of my father which Mr. Tyler gave me only 
 deepen the feelings of gratitude your kindness aroused in me. 
 I know everything now and I must ever honor the man who 
 proved himself so noble a friend. If I do not ask your 
 advice now before deciding it is because I know too well 
 what you would do and I cannot again burden you with my 
 sorrows. 
 
 "Please forgive me if I seem proud. I ask only for time, 
 in which to plant my feet on firm ground and, perhaps, find 
 some peace. 
 
 "I have taken some of the money Mr. Tyler gave me, so 
 that I shall not be in want. What other poorer girls can do 
 I can. 
 
 "I shall write you again in the autumn when my year of 
 mourning for my dear father is over. Until then, think of me 
 as kindly as you can and believe that I am obeying an inner 
 voice which commands me. 
 
 "Believe me, Dear Mr. Morton, 
 
 "Very gratefully yours, 
 
 "HELENE RONDELL-BARTON." 
 
 The letter took a long time writing and had cost 
 Helene many a heartache and not a few tears. She 
 had been filled with doubts even while writing it. It 
 was so easy to shift her burden, and this man would 
 have accepted it gladly. But how would she seem in 
 his eyes in that case? How could she accept such a 
 service from one who had already served her so abun- 
 dantly? What right had she thus to call on him? 
 No the letter was best. She felt more at ease with
 
 262 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 herself, more determined in spirit, more resolute of 
 purpose, stronger in will, now that it was written. 
 
 Early the next morning she packed her few remain- 
 ing possessions in a small valise and, after leaving a 
 short note for Anna, crept out of the house and 
 made her way to the railway station where she mailed 
 the letter to Morton. She waited until the butcher's 
 boy had brought her trunk and took a second-class 
 ticket for Hanover, where in due time she arrived. 
 
 An official at the railway station of whom she in- 
 quired after a hotel recommended the "Hanover." 
 Here she obtained a comfortable room and after satis- 
 fying her hunger she sat down by its window in the 
 dark to think out a plan of action for the following 
 day. 
 
 She sat for a long time looking out on to the bril- 
 liantly lit avenue with its display of the city's night 
 life and wondered what place she could fill in it. It 
 was a new world to her a bewildering world even 
 a terrifying world. She must now mix in it play 
 her part in it unprepared and unaided. Her heart 
 sank at the thought. And this was what was meant 
 by life ! This was what thousands of girls had to face ! 
 ,Well, she would face it, too, and do her best. If others 
 could succeed, why not she? And if she failed but 
 she would not think of that. She would not, must not 
 fail. She would begin by going to an employment 
 agency and offer herself for a position as governess. 
 She knew French, German and English these were 
 not common accomplishments and, surely, they were 
 wanted and would be paid for! 
 
 But what a change from her life in Roumelia! Ah, 
 beloved Roumelia! She pictured the Rosen's home 
 in Padina the last real home she had known. It 
 brought Morton back to her mind. Involuntarily, she 
 closed her eyes to the lights without, so that she could
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 263 
 
 be alone with her image. Had he meant all that was 
 implied in his last words ? Or had he but used similar 
 words to her that he had spoken to other girls he 
 knew? No, no, no, she could not believe that. He 
 was not that kind of a man. Her father had said of 
 him that he was true and noble, and her father, a wise 
 man and of great experience, knew men well. It was 
 wrong in her to doubt him. 
 
 "I must leave the rest," she whispered softly, "in 
 God's good hands. Until, then, good-bye, my knight." 
 
 Thus, greatly encouraged and with a mind calmed 
 and at rest, she lay down and slept the happy sleep of 
 those who feel they are loved.
 
 CHAPTER XXI 
 
 TRUE to her resolve, Helene called the next 
 morning at the "Agentur fur Gouvernanten," 
 the address of which she found in a directory 
 at the hotel. The experience was a disappointing one. 
 The official gave her a form to fill out for her name, 
 address, accomplishments and references. The regis- 
 tration fee was six marks, payable in advance. 
 
 As she had no references to give, since she did not 
 wish any of her friends to know where she was, she 
 filled in the form without the references. 
 
 Helene began to realize that finding a situation 
 might take a much longer time than she had expected. 
 She, therefore, decided to leave the expensive hotel 
 and take a room at a modest pension. She was soon 
 accommodated and spent her days mainly in reading 
 and answering the advertisements in the daily papers 
 and the "Teacher's Journal." On two occasions she 
 received replies requesting her to call, but nothing 
 came of her visits she could give no references. She 
 persevered, however, convinced that something would 
 turn up some day. 
 
 The days lengthened and the snow had disappeared 
 altogether from the streets. In the park, where she 
 loved to take her walks on sunny afternoons, the 
 keepers were busy cleaning up the grass plots and plant- 
 ing flowers. The trees were beginning to burst into 
 foliage; the leaf buds of the lindens were swelling; 
 the birches began to show their pretty little pussy- 
 tails and the sparrows and starlings were twittering, 
 
 264
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 265 
 
 their first spring songs. The faces of the people she 
 met took on expectant and hopeful expressions. 
 
 One beautiful, sunny morning she received a letter 
 from a Frau Professor Heimbach, asking her to call 
 in response to her application for a governess for her 
 two children. The Frau Professor lived on the sec- 
 ond floor in Hegel Strasse. 
 
 Helene had no doubt she had at last succeeded in 
 getting what she had been hoping for. She was so 
 overjoyed that, for the first time in months, she sang 
 while eating her breakfast. She arrayed herself in 
 her best clothes and set out looking the very incarna- 
 tion of the lovely spring weather. 
 
 Hegel Strasse looked like the very place in which 
 a Frau Professor might live. It was in a very respect- 
 able neighborhood and the house itself a faded rem- 
 nant of a one-time dignified and imposing struc- 
 ture. 
 
 With a beating heart Helene ascended the un- 
 adorned, cold stairway and pulled the bell-knob below 
 the brass-plate which indicated that Professor Albert 
 V. Heimbach, Ph.D., lived within. She could hear 
 in the distance the shrill tinkling sound of the bell. 
 After what seemed to her an eternity the door opened 
 and an unkempt maid with a red upturned nose ap- 
 peared. To Helene's request to see the Frau Profes- 
 sor, the servant made no reply, but looked her over 
 very carefully from head to feet. The inspection ap- 
 peared to be satisfactory, for the girl nodded and beck- 
 oned to Helene to come in. 
 
 At the end of the narrow entresol and sharply out- 
 lined against the bright light which came from a dis- 
 tant room, Helene saw a tall, slender woman approach- 
 ing. 
 
 "What is it you wish, Madame?" she inquired of 
 Helene. 
 
 18
 
 266 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Helena explained that she had come in response to 
 the Frau Professor's advertisement for a governess. 
 
 "Come into the room, and be seated." 
 
 In the increased light of the sitting-room Helene 
 faced a tired and somewhat faded woman, still young, 
 but of a most meagre appearance, and painfully flat- 
 chested, with pale bluish eyes and thin bloodless lips. 
 The close fitting bodice of her dress accentuated the 
 length of a thin neck which stuck up from her shoul- 
 ders and seemed as if it were a stalk bearing the small 
 head above it. She spoke in cold, knife-edgy tones. 
 
 "Have you had any experience as a governess of 
 children, Fraulein?" 
 
 "No Frau Professor but . . ." 
 
 "Pardon me, Fraulein answer only my ques- 
 tion, if you will be good enough. Have you any ref- 
 erences from your pastor, or the Council of your dis- 
 trict?" 
 
 "No, gnadige Frau Professor." 
 
 "Do you feel yourself competent to teach my two 
 children the subjects of the North German School 
 curriculum ?" 
 
 "I think I am quite competent. I am fond of chil- 
 dren and . . ." 
 
 "Pardon me, I did not ask you for that information. 
 Have you ever taught children ?" 
 
 "Yes, I have." 
 
 "Where?" 
 
 "At Gratz I assisted the Sisters of the Holy 
 Heart." 
 
 "What are your accomplishments?" 
 
 "I speak French very well also English. I play 
 the piano, draw and paint a little and can embroider 
 and sew." 
 
 The Frau Professor's face seemed as if it might 
 have been touched by a faint interest it almost smiled.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 267 
 
 Painting and embroidering were evidently desirable 
 qualities. She had kept her feet crossed during the 
 examination but she now separated them and displayed 
 a pair of shabby shoes sadly down at heel. Leaning 
 forward she examined the very young applicant care- 
 fully but not unkindly. 
 
 The door leading to an adjoining room, just at that 
 moment, slowly opened, and after a few moments Hel- 
 ene saw a curly-headed, blue-eyed little girl stretch its 
 head into the room. The mother turned quickly and 
 called out : "Close the door, Emilie you must not be 
 inquisitive." The child disappeared instantly. Helene 
 felt sorry to see her go her heart had gone out to the 
 dear little thing. 
 
 The interruption seemed to have acted on the Frau 
 Professor as a reminder of her position. She leaned 
 back and folding her arms gazed for a long time at 
 Helene's face and clothes with a dreamy look in her 
 eyes. Finally, she seemed to make up her mind and 
 began to speak, at first hesitatingly and then more 
 firmly : 
 
 "Fraulein, will you let me tell you something 
 something which I believe you will thank me for here- 
 after ? You are looking for a position as governess in 
 a family. By your own admission you have had no 
 experience in such work and cannot furnish testi- 
 monials." 
 
 Helene turned pale and then reddened. 
 
 "I want to be perfectly frank with you," resumed 
 the thin lady; "I admit that your accomplishments, 
 your appearance and your manners are greatly in your 
 favor; but you are seeking for employment in the 
 wrong direction, Fraulein." 
 
 "Oh, Frau Professor," cried Helene eagerly, "I can 
 learn; and I am so anxious to please. I would love 
 to teach your children, and I am sure they would like
 
 268 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 me. I shall try to make them like me. Won't you 
 just give me a trial, please?" 
 
 The Frau Professor's brow clouded and her face 
 turned a brick-red color. With an effort she seemed 
 to be suppressing her feelings. Then, laying a hand 
 on Helene's gloved ones, she bent over and in a soft- 
 ened voice said : 
 
 "My child, you cannot and should not expect that 
 from me. Ten years ago when I married I was a 
 blooming, fresh girl like you are, though, perhaps, not 
 quite so attractive. Look at me now. See what those 
 ten years have done for me." 
 
 She stood up and stretched out her arms. It was 
 a pathetic gesture. 
 
 "My husband is a kind and good man. He has his 
 work to do and his studies. But the romance of his 
 life so far, at least as I can affect it, has gone out 
 of him. Look at me and you will see what the drudg- 
 ery of household duties, the care of children, the worry 
 of making both ends meet, have made of me. My 
 youth has departed from me, and with it have gone 
 all the joy I have known and all the beauty I ever 
 possessed. 
 
 "Do you expect that I should bring a beautiful young 
 being like you into my home? Why, my dear, your 
 presence would be a daily reminder to me, and to my 
 husband, of my helplessness and futility. I could 
 not compete with you. And there is not a woman in 
 Hanover who would dare risk it. I am not doubting 
 you. I am sure you are good and pure. But we are 
 all fighting to keep the little flame of our husband's 
 admiration still burning in his heart for us. It is so 
 small that it would die, oh, so easily if ... ah, my 
 dear Fraulein, it is impossible. 
 
 "Take my advice and marry some good young man. 
 Or, if you must find an occupation, look for it where
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 269 
 
 women do not rule. Forgive me for my plain speak- 
 ing ; I do not mean to pain you. Were I a great lady 
 with a magnificent household and many servants, I 
 would engage you without a moment's hesitation. As 
 it is, it is out of the question. I ask your pardon, 
 Fraulein Barton, and wish you a good morning- and 
 good luck." 
 
 Helene knew not how she found herself in the street, 
 but the sunshine seemed as if it had been washed from 
 the sky suddenly as by a soiled rag. She walked 
 mechanically, her heart numb, her brain dulled, with- 
 out knowing where she was going.. She had but one 
 conscious feeling to hide herself, to be alone. At 
 the corner of the street she hailed a 'bus and shrank 
 into its remotest corner. She allowed it to pass her 
 pension; she would go into the park and sit there 
 and think over what she should do. There at least 
 she would not be molested. The trees and birds and 
 children would not chide her. 
 
 In a quiet circular spot edged with boxwood she 
 found a seat on a bench in a sunny corner where the 
 tender green of the shrubbery spoke of a reawakened 
 life. The sparrows hopped about her for the cake 
 crumbs she threw them. It was too early in the season 
 for the nurse maids and their perambulators and only 
 occasionally a park gardener would pass along the walk 
 wheeling his barrow of turf or soil and leaving be- 
 hind him the fresh scent of earth. 
 
 Helene sat in a pathetic mood, too depressed to think. 
 Her encounter with the world had stunned her, and she 
 found herself utterly at a loss how to renew the attack. 
 Suddenly, she heard the crunching sound of quick, 
 firm foot-treads on gravel. Turning her head in the 
 direction of the sound she saw a tall, fine-looking 
 woman coming straight towards her. As she ap- 
 proached nearer, Helene noticed that she was young
 
 270 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 and neatly dressed in a smart tailor-made costume 
 which set off to advantage a splendid, though rather 
 stout figure. She recalled now that she had seen this 
 young woman in the rooms of the Arts and Crafts 
 Exhibition, and had admired her freedom and grace 
 of movement, so unlike that of the other women. Evi- 
 dently she was a foreigner. 
 
 In passing, the lady gave Helene a smile of recog- 
 nition; then stopping suddenly, as if on a second 
 thought, she turned back and went up to where Hel- 
 ene was sitting. 
 
 "Do you mind my sitting here?" she asked with a 
 smile. 
 
 Helene was so surprised at being spoken to by her 
 that she could only nod her assent. She passed her 
 gloved hand quickly over her face to wipe away the 
 tears that had fallen unbidden. 
 
 "Don't mind me, Fraulein. I know how you feel. 
 I've been in trouble myself." 
 
 Helene looked up and met two kindly brown eyes 
 looking in sympathetic admiration into hers. The 
 face, with its healthy coloring and expression of good 
 nature, drew her in spite of herself. She could not 
 resist its strong appeal. Smiling bravely, she said : 
 
 "I am in trouble; but I feel ashamed of my weakness 
 in giving way. Thank you for your sympathy." And 
 rising, she made as if to go. 
 
 But the other put a restraining hand on her arm. 
 
 "Please, don't let me drive you away. I'm a 
 stranger here. Won't you sit awhile for a chat. I 
 think I saw you at the Art Exhibit. My name is Mar- 
 garet Fisher. I am an American and am here on 
 business. Don't be frightened, I can assure you I'm 
 a perfectly proper person. I may be able to help you, 
 if you will let me, Fraulein." 
 
 "You are very good," replied Helene, reseating her-
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 271 
 
 self. "I, too, am a stranger here. This is my first 
 visit to Hanover. My name is Helene Helene 
 Barton." 
 
 "Helene what a pretty name! Then you are not 
 a native, though you talk like one. Well, I'm not look- 
 ing for information, thank goodness. Are you staying 
 long here, Miss Barton?" 
 
 "For a few weeks only. Both my parents were 
 German born, but I know no one in this city." 
 
 "Then you are alone and an orphan, just like myself. 
 Well, we should be friends, then." She drew a tiny 
 watch from her belt. "It's past twelve; won't you 
 come and take lunch with me? I should enjoy having 
 you." 
 
 "Thank you. I shall be delighted. Do you live 
 near?" 
 
 "I'm staying at the Metropole. I suppose you live 
 in a pension. Much better ; but I'm only a transient 
 here to-day, gone to-morrow." 
 
 "Yes, I live at a pension; but I often go out for my 
 lunch." 
 
 "Good, then we'll go to the Park restaurant. It's 
 nice and quiet there, and we can have a good talk. 
 You needn't be afraid to come. I'm big enough to 
 chaperon you." 
 
 Helene laughed happily. It was so comforting to 
 hear her friendly, soft, confident voice. 
 
 "You certainly look as if you could take care of 
 yourself, Miss Fisher." The two laughed as they 
 walked towards the restaurant. 
 
 The good luncheon which Miss Fisher ordered 
 proved an excellent solvent for Helene's state of mind, 
 and Miss Fisher herself knew well how to break down 
 any barriers of restraint that might still remain. It 
 was evident that she wanted to help this young and 
 beautiful girl in distress, and when a woman of Mar-
 
 272 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 garet Fisher's temperament makes up her mind, there 
 is nothing that will stop her. 
 
 It was not long, therefore, before Helene had un- 
 bosomed herself of all her anxieties and told her 
 new-found friend of the difficulties which she had 
 encountered in her efforts to find some occupation. 
 Miss Fisher looked at her admiringly with tender, 
 motherly eyes. 
 
 "Poor dear!" she exclaimed, "I know all about it. 
 I've been through it myself. My father was a German 
 his people lived near Hanover, which is one of the 
 reasons why I am here. My business brought me to 
 Europe and I took the opportunity to look them up. I 
 am the head of a high-class dressmaking and millinery 
 establishment in New York, Madame Lucile's, and I 
 came on a buying trip. I'm going back next week 
 as soon as the new models are ready for me." 
 
 "It must be splendid to be so capable as you are," 
 Helene remarked with a sigh of regret. 
 
 "Ah, but you don't get there, my dear Miss Barton, 
 without a great deal of heart-breaking work. It's not 
 so easy as it looks." Miss Fisher's face clouded a little 
 as if recalling an unpleasant past, but her face resumed 
 its bright and alert expression almost before the 
 shadow had left it. She looked at Helene's beautiful 
 countenance for a long time and then suddenly she 
 said: 
 
 "Won't you let me help you? You are too young 
 and too pretty to fight this battle alone. It will make 
 me happy, if you will. I have lots of money my firm 
 pays all the expenses." 
 
 "You are more than kind, dear Miss Fisher. Thank 
 you. I know you mean well ; but I've some money of 
 my own. I'm not so helpless as all that." 
 
 Helene spoke with her gentle and distinguished cour- 
 tesy, smiling charmingly at the same time.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 273 
 
 "My dear let me call you Helene, won't you? 
 thank you. You see I'm much older than you are, 
 both in years and experience of life. We'll drop 
 the subject for the while; but let's stick together so 
 long as I'm in Hanover, shall we?" 
 
 "I shall be only too pleased. You are so encourag- 
 ing and so strong. You make me feel very hopeful." 
 
 "That's all right. We'll just go about and see the 
 sights. Maybe we'll think something out before my 
 week is up." 
 
 They spent the afternoon together, and Helene 
 promised her new friend to call on her that evening 
 at her hotel to look over the purchases she had 
 made. 
 
 The evening provided a rare experience for Helene. 
 Miss Fisher showed her a collection of wonderful 
 laces, ribbons, trimmings, jets and ornaments which 
 had been acquired for the New York market. What 
 impressed Helene more, however, was the quick deci- 
 sive manner with which Miss Fisher explained every- 
 thing; the nimble hands which displayed the articles 
 to their best advantage; the ready words which fell 
 from her lips in praise of their qualities. Helene had 
 never imagined a woman could be so capable, and at 
 the same time so jolly and witty. 
 
 Miss Fisher, in her turn, had not failed to observe 
 in her shrewd way, how quickly Helene assimilated 
 the information, and how alert the girl's mind showed 
 itself, in spite of its natural reserve. The remarks, 
 too, she let fall evinced a taste and judgment quite rare. 
 She insisted on taking Helene to her pension in a cab, 
 and promising to look in on her in her exile, as she 
 put it, left her in a happier state of mind than she had 
 known in many a day. 
 
 Miss Fisher returned to her hotel in a very thought- 
 ful mood. She knew enough of life to guess that her
 
 274 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 young acquaintance was a gently nurtured girl of a 
 refined family, unhappily thrown upon her own scant 
 resources, and in danger of being wrecked on the rocks. 
 Her beauty, her gentle ways and voice, the pure, simple 
 mind she had shown, all had made an indelible im- 
 pression on her and had won her completely. She 
 made up her mind to befriend her. 
 
 The next morning Helene was surprised to realize 
 how eagerly she was looking forward to Miss Fisher's 
 coming. The short acquaintance, so unusually begun, 
 had so quickly ripened under the benign influence of 
 the American girl's way of doing and saying things 
 that Helene was quite conquered. It was all so novel 
 and yet so humbly pleasant that she wished it would 
 go on always. 
 
 This was the first of a number of meetings between 
 the two. Miss Fisher sounded Helene, and soon be- 
 came convinced she was really in earnest. She did 
 not probe too deeply into the girl's family history 
 only just enough to find that her judgment had been 
 correct. She learned that Helene could speak English 
 and what a charming English it was, too ! She was 
 sure Madame Lucile would be delighted with her. She 
 would be a real acquisition to the business, she felt 
 convinced of it. 
 
 "See here, my dear," she said suddenly on one of 
 their walks, "why not come with me to New York? 
 You tell me you have neither friends nor relatives and 
 not even an admirer so there's nothing to keep you 
 here. Come with me, and I'll see that you get a posi- 
 tion. New York is a beautiful city with more oppor- 
 tunities for a girl than any other place in the world. 
 You needn't be afraid; I'll look after you. We can 
 have a little apartment together and live the jolliest 
 of lives. You are a born artist, as I saw from your 
 drawings and sketches. I am sure you'll get a good
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 275 
 
 position with the people I'm with. Will you come? 
 Say the word, and we'll fix it up." 
 
 Helene's big blue eyes opened wide in astonishment 
 at her friend's words. 
 
 "Do you really mean it ? Can I really do the things 
 you say?" 
 
 "Of course you can," and she put her arms around 
 Helene and kissed her. "We'll be a couple of the hap- 
 piest girls in Manhattan. And no man shall come be- 
 tween us, either, miss do you hear? Oh, I'm so 
 happy." And Miss Fisher forgot her dignity and 
 jumped again. "I can just see Madame Lucile's ex- 
 pression when she sees you. I'll tell her I've brought 
 the cleverest designer of hats in Europe the peer of 
 modistes! And won't Miss Foucher, the head trim- 
 mer, stare! Hooray." 
 
 It did not take Miss Fisher long to make all the 
 necessary arrangements for the voyage. She had Hel- 
 ene's berth engaged, a steamer trunk at her lodgings 
 and a quantity of necessary purchases made in less time 
 than it would have taken Helene even to think about 
 them. The money she spent seemed enormous to 
 Helene. 
 
 "Never mind, my dear. These things cost far more 
 in New York, where you'll want them and you're 
 saving money by buying them here. It's dollars in 
 New York not marks. Just you leave it to me." 
 
 Helene looked on aghast and could make no answer. 
 Miss Fisher had told her she was "some shopper," and 
 she had certainly not exaggerated. The way she made 
 the clerks skip about sent the cold shivers down Hel- 
 ene's spine. By dusk every article had been arranged 
 for, and there was now nothing to do but wait until 
 the next morning's train, which would take them to 
 Bremen. 
 
 As this was to be the last evening before sailing,
 
 276 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Miss Fisher proposed a "blow-out." They'd have 
 dinner together and go to the opera. With Miss Fisher, 
 to propose was to act. The dinner was most enjoyable, 
 and the opera, "Romeo and Julietta," neither of them 
 had ever heard, so that they had, as Miss Fisher put it 
 afterwards, " the time of their life." 
 
 As they parted for the night, they decided to pay 
 a visit to the park in the morning and have luncheon 
 in the restaurant there, for old time's sake, before tak- 
 ing the train. 
 
 The day opened cold and blustering. But Margaret 
 saw in it a good omen. "Leave in rain and arrive in 
 sunshine," she quoted from some hidden recess in the 
 treasury of her knowledge. But it didn't prevent them 
 shivering in the park. 
 
 "Wait until we get to New York. That's the place 
 for sunshine, if you like. And not only sunshine, my 
 dear Helene, but a sunny life." 
 
 To Helene, Bremen was a most bewildering place. 
 If it had not been for Margaret she would never have 
 known where to go or what to do first. But Margaret 
 knew everything. She saw that the tickets were correct, 
 saw to the tickets for the dock at Bremerhaven, had 
 their baggage carefully labeled and checked and wound 
 up at the big steamer as fresh as when they had left 
 Hanover. Immediately they boarded the vessel Mar- 
 garet saw to the stateroom, found out which side of 
 the ship was the sunny side and had their deck chairs 
 marked and placed there. She saw the chief steward 
 and arranged with him for good seats at the dining 
 table; she found the stewardess who was assigned to 
 their cabin and came to a satisfactory understanding 
 with her also. 
 
 "You see, my dear Helene," she explained to the 
 now utterly bewildered girl, "we're going to live on 
 this boat for eight days. We'd better be comfortable
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 277 
 
 while we are here. We might be good sailors, and then 
 we might not. You never know. So it's best to be 
 on the safe side. If either of us get seasick now, 
 that stewardess will look after us/' 
 
 The great foghorn sent out a roaring sound that 
 seemed to Helene loud enough for the whole world to 
 hear. Clumsily, at first, the big ship moved, and then, 
 as she gathered headway, steamed out into the gray 
 expanse of the seeming boundless sea. Helene gazed 
 with bated breath and beating heart at the fast receding- 
 land. There was no turning back now. She had in- 
 deed burned her bridges. How would she fare in this 
 new land to which she was sailing? 
 
 A strong arm slipped round her waist and a warm 
 hand clasped hers in a firm, motherly grip. Margaret 
 had seen the expression on the poor girl's face and had 
 come to give her comfort. 
 
 "Have no fear, dear, all will be well." 
 
 Helene let her head fall on her friend's ample breast 
 and looked up to the soft brown eyes that were so kind 
 in their meaning. 
 
 "You are a great comfort, dear friend. I shall al- 
 ways love you, Margaret." 
 
 The voyage was calm and uneventful. The weath- 
 er was fine all the way and they enjoyed the eight 
 days on the Atlantic as though they were two school- 
 girls out on a vacation. On the morning of the 
 eighth day the good ship steamed majestically up 
 the Bay and landed the girls on the Jersey shore, 
 from whence Helene had a river view of New 
 York. 
 
 But the impressiveness of that sight was nothing to 
 her to the noise and rush of the city itself when she 
 found herself being carried rapidly on the street rail- 
 road. A feeling of terrible depression came over her.
 
 278 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 It was all so dirty, so uncouth, so raw. From all sides 
 came clanging of bells, shrieking of whistles, raucous 
 cries. A wretched drizzle was falling from a leaden 
 mist of sky. The people hustled and jostled each 
 other, hot and steaming from under waterproofs and 
 umbrellas. They seemed an endless stream of human- 
 ity coming apparently from nowhere and going any- 
 where and everywhere. 
 
 But to Margaret it was glorious. She sniffed the 
 raw, damp air and her cheeks glowed. 
 
 "Oh, but it's good to be back! My proverb didn't 
 hold out! We landed on a wet day after all. Well, 
 never mind. It'll rain sunshine to-morrow. You 
 don't mind, do you ?" 
 
 "Oh, no, Margaret. I think it's wonderful." What 
 traffic! What life! Her voice was drowned in the 
 thunder of trains rushing over their heads. They were 
 traveling along the avenue towards Margaret's rooms. 
 Helene marvelled how the people could bear up un- 
 der such dreadful noises. Surely their senses must get 
 dulled and deadened in time ! They crossed Broadway 
 at the risk of their lives, as it seemed to her, but Mar- 
 garet had Helene by the hand and laughed aloud. 
 Soon they entered a quiet square in the center of 
 which was a little park shut in by iron railings. Mar- 
 garet explained that this was Gramercy Park where 
 she lived. 
 
 Ascending the brown stone steps of a house near 
 the entrance to the square, Margaret pressed the bell 
 button. The door had barely opened when a loud, 
 glad exclamation greeted the two girls. 
 
 "Oh, Miss Fisher, I am so glad to see you." 
 
 "Hello, Jane! How are you? How's Mrs. Kane? 
 Well ? Ah, that's good. Tell her I've brought a friend 
 who is going to stay with me. My room's ready, I sup- 
 pose? Good. Well, we're going upstairs, but we'll be
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 279 
 
 down for lunch. I'll be glad to see Mrs. Kane if she 
 can come up." 
 
 Then turning to Helene she smiled : 
 
 "Come along up, Helene. Our things won't be here 
 for some time; but we'll get along somehow." 
 
 Soon they were joined by the landlady, a pleasant- 
 faced, middle-aged little woman with a gentle voice 
 and manner. She greeted Margaret affectionately and 
 shook hands with Helene on being introduced to her. 
 
 "My friend will stay with me, Mrs. Kane, if you 
 don't mind, until you can find her a room. Have you 
 one free?" 
 
 "Yes, Miss Fisher, but it's only the hall bed-room 
 on this floor. Will it do?" 
 
 "Of course it will. Fix it up for her, there's a dear." 
 
 The landlady left, casting admiring glances at 
 Helene. 
 
 "Helen, dear it's to be Helen now, no French edg- 
 ings here, you know. Are you happy?" 
 
 Helene for answer went up to Margaret and put- 
 ting her arms around her neck laid her head on the 
 tall girl's breast. 
 
 "You are too good to me, Margaret." 
 
 Margaret was deeply moved. 
 
 "Who could help being good to you, my dear," she 
 said, stroking Helene's hair. 
 
 When night came and Helene laid her tired head on 
 the soft pillow of her bed in the little hall-room, she 
 breathed a prayer of deep gratitude. Mr. Morton was 
 right. His country was God's own country. Then 
 into her heart crept a feeling of sweet gladness. Per- 
 haps she would meet him again her knight, sans 
 pcur et sans reproche. And, smiling, she slept.
 
 CHAPTER XXII 
 
 JOHN MORTON walked the windy deck of the 
 ship as though he were tramping all the way to 
 Europe. He counted the throbbings of the great 
 engine and the turns of the screws, so anxious and im- 
 patient was he. The hours were like days and the days 
 like weeks. 
 
 Two months had passed since he had placed Helene 
 in Mr. Tyler's care, and those two months had left their 
 marks on him. They had changed him from an adven- 
 turous, happy young fellow into a sober, thoughtful 
 man. But while his brow had become lined his heart 
 still preserved its faith and hope. He had made up 
 his mind that he would seek out Helene and marry her 
 at once, if she would have him. During his enforced 
 absence in America he experienced so overwhelming 
 a desire that he could scarce restrain himself from 
 throwing everything up to satisfy his heart's cravings 
 for a mere sight of her lovely face. In his thoughts 
 she stood out, by day and by night, as a thing for rev- 
 erence and worship. 
 
 Surely, by this time Don would have traced her ; and 
 he pictured to himself the very place he would meet 
 her, how he would greet her, the lovely face as it would 
 look in response to his pleadings. 
 
 In Liverpool, disquieting telegrams and letters 
 awaited him. No trace of the Comtesse. The Prin- 
 cess wrote to say that she knew nothing of Helene's 
 whereabouts. She had left a short note on leaving 
 Weimar, but it contained no reference to where she 
 
 280
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 281 
 
 was going. She had drawn some money out of the 
 bank, and that was all she could learn there. Her maid 
 knew nothing definite. 
 
 Mr. Tyler had written in like manner. The police 
 of Dresden, Munich, Berlin and Vienna had been com- 
 municated with, but with no results. Detectives had 
 been employed to no purpose. Helene seemed to have 
 disappeared from off the face of the earth. 
 
 "The idiots !" muttered John in anger, "they couldn't 
 find the Great Pyramid in a ten-acre lot." 
 
 At Weimar he spent hours going over everything" 
 with Donald ; but what that faithful servitor reported 
 served only to deepen the mystery. One thing, how- 
 ever, was clear Helene had left in a very unhappy 
 state of mind. 
 
 He wrote an urgent note to the Princess requesting 
 an interview. The interview was a painful one to both. 
 The Princess broke down and bemoaned her bitter fate 
 her inability to protect her friend. She told him 
 the whole story of the scene in the reception-room and 
 its cause. 
 
 Faugh ! The thing was nauseating to John. What 
 a Court! What people these princelets were! He 
 guessed instinctively that it was Witherspoon who was 
 responsible for the article. He would settle with that 
 fellow another time. He left the Princess feeling no 
 great respect for her courage, and more resolved than 
 ever to leave no stone unturned. 
 
 And now he began a systematic hunt, on his own 
 account, throughout almost all Europe. Advertise- 
 ments were printed in the principal newspapers. Police 
 records and hotel registers examined, detectives em- 
 ployed. Blue-eyed girls who read Helene's description 
 in the advertisements dreamed thrilling romances and 
 envied the maid who, no doubt, was the heiress to some 
 enormously rich uncle. Girls with gray eyes thought 
 19
 
 282 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 them blue and weaved tales of a Prince Charming 
 coming to set them free. Old maids sighed and old 
 men smiled. But, with all the interest that was excited, 
 and despite the lavish expenditure of money, the real 
 Helene remained undiscovered. 
 
 Weeks went by and Morton became very anxious. 
 He grew nervous and restless. As he walked the 
 streets he would examine every young woman he 
 passed with quick, furtive glances in the vain hope 
 that one of them might be Helene. 
 
 He consulted with Mr. Tyler frequently and that 
 wise man told him not to worry. The girl herself, 
 he felt sure, would write to him. John clung desper- 
 ately to this suggestion. He began calculating the time 
 it would take a letter to get back to him from America 
 should she have written him there. Judge Lowell had 
 his instructions and would cable him immediately on 
 its receipt. The thought calmed him greatly and he 
 thanked Tyler. He would wait in Weimar until the 
 end of February, by which time he reckoned a letter 
 might arrive in Cleveland. 
 
 Tyler's judgment was justified. On the twenty- 
 seventh Morton received a cable from his lawyer in- 
 forming him that a letter from Germany had been 
 received and asking for instructions. He promptly 
 cabled back to open the letter and wire him the where- 
 abouts of the writer. 
 
 The answer came: "Party left for place not given. 
 Intends to remain hidden for some time. Is well. 
 Promises to write in good time. Copy mailed. My 
 advice not to worry. Family all well." 
 
 There was nothing to do now but to wait. His 
 fears, it is true, were allayed, but how long would it 
 be before he would hear from her again? And what 
 should he do meanwhile? On referring his perplexity 
 to Tyler, that sensible man suggested that he should
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 283 
 
 take a trip around Germany and look up his old haunts. 
 He decided to do this. 
 
 As there was now nothing which should keep Mc- 
 Cormick in Weimar, he sent him home, there to await 
 further orders. He himself went to Bonn, his Alma 
 Mater, and from there to Munich, where he renewed 
 his acquaintance with an assistant professor of philoso- 
 phy, whom he found happily married. This last visit 
 did him great good. The peaceful home of his old 
 tutor, where he stayed a few days, acted beneficially 
 on his nerves and gave him a taste of genuine happi- 
 ness which lasted him for many days. 
 
 But his restlessness returned. He could not recon- 
 cile himself to patient waiting. His thoughts of Hel- 
 ene, who was never entirely out of his mind, were 
 charged with anxiety about her welfare. She was so 
 inexperienced, so young, so beautiful that he felt she 
 would never be able to fight her way alone. He knew 
 how cruel the world could be to one of her sensitive 
 nature. 
 
 Obeying an irresistible impulse he suddenly took a 
 train for Vienna. It was there he had last seen Helene. 
 He stayed at the Bristol and idled his time wandering 
 aimlessly round the city pleasing himself with the 
 memories the place recalled. The son of Dan Morton 
 the pioneer was no longer the hard-headed man of 
 business. He had become nature's child the young 
 male longing for his mate. His mother was right; 
 there was more of the idealistic Randolphs than of the 
 practical Mortons in him. At the same time, his train- 
 ing made him chafe because he could not accomplish 
 what he had set his mind on so determinedly. Then 
 the humor of the situation struck him and he laughed 
 aloud. It was a saving grace of a laugh ; for it brought 
 back his common sense. 
 
 That evening, for the first time in many a day, he
 
 284 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 dressed and went to the opera. He listened to "Romeo 
 and Julietta," played by the splendid company of the 
 Imperial Court. He had an entrancing time. Juliet 
 was Helene and he Romeo. If only some kind-hearted 
 fairy could have whispered to him that the same strains 
 which were moving him to so exquisite a response 
 would, later, stir her heart strings in like wise! But 
 fairies have been banished from our sophisticated 
 world. Only children see them and hold communion 
 with them now. 
 
 From Vienna Morton went to Berlin and spent a 
 few days with the Tylers. They were glad to see him 
 looking so well and seeming more contented. "Youth 
 is a wonderful gift," thought the old diplomatist, while 
 his wife could not resist saying to her husband : "What 
 a pity the girl is so silly." 
 
 At last the long-looked- for letter arrived. John read 
 and reread it a dozen times, devouring every word and 
 examining each single sentence for some hint for which 
 his heart asked. He saw nothing to make him anxious, 
 but he realized now that he must respect her resolu- 
 tions. He gave up all further inquiries and search and 
 returned to New York, quietly resolved and happily 
 content to wait her own sweet pleasure. The fates 
 would be kind to him, he was sure. 
 
 When Morton returned to America, he found that 
 his mother and sister had gone South. He was not 
 sorry they were away, since it left him free to give his 
 entire thoughts and energies to the business work, 
 downright hard work was the best medicine for a 
 mind distracted as his was. With Morton-like en- 
 thusiasm he plunged into the maelstrom of the many 
 interests of his vast estates. He was at the office from 
 morning until, often, late in the evening, consulting, 
 directing, financing and operating. He took to the 
 game like a duck to water, and found a new interest
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 285 
 
 in its many-sided activities, and a new enjoyment in 
 meeting the men who were playing the game either 
 with him or against him. He was a king ruling a 
 mighty empire, the safety and integrity of which de- 
 pended largely on his wise judgment and decisive 
 action. The experience ripened him. 
 
 It was during this period that a letter came from 
 Mr. Tyler informing him that the Comtesse's maid, 
 Josephine, had heard from her aunt, Anna Schreiber, 
 in Altenberg, giving important news concerning her 
 mistress. It appeared that Helene, after leaving the 
 Weimar Court, had stayed with her old nurse for some 
 weeks in the quiet little suburb. Helene had exacted 
 a promise from her nurse not to disclose her where- 
 abouts ; but now that she had suddenly left her, Anna 
 had written to her niece to know if the Comtesse had 
 returned to Weimar. Tyler had immediately gone to 
 Altenberg to find out further details. He learned from 
 Mrs. Schreiber that Helene had left a note stating 
 that she was going to Munich; but on inquiry at the 
 railway station he was told that no ticket for Munich 
 had been sold on the day Helene had left. He con- 
 cluded by assuring Morton that he would let him know 
 if he learned anything of importance. 
 
 The receipt of this letter from Tyler threw John 
 back into his old state of anxiety and restlessness. 
 He absented himself from the office and spent the time 
 alone in his study brooding over what he should do. 
 
 His business associates could not understand him. 
 They had begun to admire the young man, and had 
 thought him a chip of the old block. He had taken the 
 reins with masterly hands and had proved himself a 
 worthy successor to the old man. But this sudden 
 change puzzled them. 
 
 With the approach of Easter Mrs. Morton and Ruth 
 returned and John joined them in a quiet hotel on
 
 286 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 the avenue. The first breath of spring brought him 
 the news that Helene had been in Hanover, but had 
 left quite suddenly, no one knew where. Mr. Tyler, 
 who sent the information, wound up his letter by ad- 
 vising John to give up troubling himself about the 
 girl. "It is evident," he wrote, "that she doesn't want 
 you to find her. Give up this useless hunt and sit down 
 calmly and wait until she fulfills her promise to write 
 to you." 
 
 John smiled sadly as he read the well-meant advice. 
 It was all very easy to write those words, but to act 
 on them was not quite so simple. However, he made 
 up his mind. 
 
 That evening he dined at his club and utterly sur- 
 prised his friends by his liveliness and change of man- 
 ner. They didn't recognize the Morton who chatted 
 to them in this free and easy way and told amusing 
 stories with the rest. It was his first plunge into a 
 sea of dissipation in which he swam as the mood seized 
 him, which it not unfrequently did. In a short time, 
 he was eagerly welcomed as "a sport" by those who 
 considered themselves of that select order of beings. 
 He went in for horses and fine carriages ; gave sump- 
 tuous dinners, attended race meetings, and became the 
 envy of the idle and the admiration of the foolish. 
 Well might his business friends wonder what had come 
 over John R. Morton! 
 
 His mother and sister were among the first to notice 
 the alteration in him. It distressed them deeply. The 
 two held a council of war and came to the conclusion 
 that John needed a change. Mrs. Morton suggested a 
 trip to Japan or papa's hobby to convert the home on 
 the Hudson into a Versailles, or a yacht. 
 
 But Ruth, with the wisdom that comes early to 
 American maids, pursed her pretty lips and turned up 
 her impudent little nose at her mother's ideas.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 287 
 
 "No, dear mamma, none of those things will do," 
 she said decidedly. "John is in love. If he isn't, he 
 ought to be. What we must do is to get him mar- 
 ried." 
 
 Mrs. Morton opened her eyes wide at her daugh- 
 ter's plain-spoken words. The precocity of the chicken 
 "was amusing and yet, it seemed to her, on second 
 thought, that it hit the bull's eye. The suggestion ap- 
 pealed to her strongly, and the woman in the mother 
 .could not resist the prospect of the peculiar pleasure 
 of match-making. Besides, it was time John married. 
 He was the head of the house. 
 
 Thus was formed the conspiracy in which two lov- 
 ing women sought to undo all that the object of their 
 affection had been living for. Against such a com- 
 bination, the strongest man must of necessity be help- 
 less. 
 
 The coming of the spring, therefore, found the Mor- 
 tons opening up their country residence on the Hud- 
 son. Officially John was the master, but actually he 
 was a guest with the rest who were invited. The 
 place was ruled by Ruth through her mother. 
 
 Every evening when John came from business he 
 would find the house and its magnificent gardens and 
 terraces taken possession of by friends who had been 
 invited for a week or the week-end. Mostly these 
 were young women friends of Ruth whom she had 
 known in college or had met at different seasons. He 
 was introduced to them all. Some he found interest- 
 ing, others amusing and others excellent companions 
 at riding, golfing or sailing. Before he had realized 
 it he began to look forward to these afternoons and 
 evenings on the river. The lovely spring weather, 
 too, acted on him like a tonic. He threw off his 
 moroseness and entered into the spirit of the healthy 
 gay life with all the gusto of youth.
 
 288 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Occasionally, he would ask his sister the meaning 
 of all this gayety and entertaining, but that young 
 woman would look at him innocently with round eyes 
 and would answer that she was just giving her friends 
 a good time and having one herself. If he wouldn't 
 bring his friends, she had to bring hers. And Ruth 
 would leave him not a little puzzled and also not at 
 all displeased that things were as they were. 
 
 But if Ruth and her mother had expected that John 
 would fall a victim to the fascinations of one of the 
 many charming girls they had so cleverly placed in 
 his way, they were doomed to bitter disappointment. 
 He took things as he found them and enjoyed himself 
 to the full. But it never went further. The pretty 
 faces and alluring graces only served to remind him 
 more poignantly of "the girl he had left behind him." 
 Helene's sweet face, Helene's blue eyes, Helene's soft 
 voice, were always in his mind, and if he ever was 
 roused to a tender feeling for one of Ruth's friends, 
 the vision of Helene would rise up and he would sigh 
 and turn away. 
 
 As the season advanced his mother and Ruth real- 
 ized that their scheme, like many others of "mice and 
 men/' had failed. It vexed Mrs. Morton and she took 
 occasion to vent her feelings to her son. 
 
 "John, what's the matter with you?" she asked, 
 "why are you avoiding the girls who come here?" 
 
 John smiled and at once saw the meaning of the 
 house-parties. 
 
 "Dear mother, I'm not avoiding them. I've had a 
 delightful time, thanks to you and Ruth." 
 
 "But don't you think, dear, it's time you settled 
 down?" 
 
 "Oh, there's still time for that. I'm only thirty- 
 three." 
 
 "Your father was married long before he was that
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 289 
 
 age. He used to say that it was to his early marriage 
 that he owed his success." 
 
 "Ah, my dear mother, but you forget he was very 
 lucky. There are not many girls like you in the world." 
 
 His mother smiled and shook her head. 
 
 "It's very nice of you to say that, John, but you 
 know it's no answer to my question. I am really seri- 
 ous. I want you to get married. I want to see you 
 happy and the father of children. My old arms ache 
 to hold a grandchild." 
 
 The good lady's eyes filled with tears. John was 
 moved. 
 
 "Dear mother, you're the best mother in the world. 
 I'll tell you the truth. I have not married because the 
 woman I love is lost to me. I met her in Europe, as 
 I told you, and she has disappeared. I've done all I 
 could do to find her, but without success. I am wait- 
 ing in the hope that I may meet her again." 
 
 "Who is she, John?" 
 
 "The most beautiful and the noblest girl in the 
 world." 
 
 Mrs. Morton smiled plaintively and nodded slowly 
 several times. 
 
 "Of course, my dear, but who is she ? The girl you 
 told me about when you came back?" 
 
 "Yes ; but please don't press me for further particu- 
 lars. When I find her I will tell you. I hope with all 
 my heart she will have me. I know you will love her. 
 All I ask of you, dear mother, is to give me time." 
 
 The good lady was greatly moved by this display 
 of her son's feelings. It was evident that this love 
 which possessed him was a very serious one. John 
 saw her anxiety and putting his arms round her shoul- 
 ders, he said : 
 
 "Mother, dear, you will love her, too, I know. She 
 is just about Ruth's age and the loveliest girl God ever
 
 290 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 created. Won't you, please, have faith in me? You 
 will not be disappointed. If I can wait, surely, you 
 can. Now, dear, just dry your eyes and believe that 
 I know what is best for my happiness." 
 
 She had to let the matter rest there. She told Ruth 
 it was useless for them to go on with their plans, be- 
 cause John had plans of his own. An unfortunate re- 
 mark to make to Ruth since it acted like a match to 
 the dry tinder of her curiosity. Who was she ? What 
 was she ? Where was she ? Where had he met her ? 
 Where was she now ? Would she meet her ? 
 
 To all these questions Mrs. Morton could, of course, 
 give no answer. John had not told her. They must 
 wait his time. He did not himself know where she 
 was. He was hoping to find her. 
 
 Ah, then it was a real romance ! How fascinatingly 
 interesting! And Ruth, afraid to question her brother 
 herself, gave free rein to her imagination. Nothing 
 but a princess would satisfy her ideas of what her 
 brother deserved. She must be the daughter of one 
 of the Balkan kings, and the lady had to wait until she 
 was called to the throne. She hoped, however, John 
 wouldn't get mixed up in those wars there. Still, John 
 would know how to handle matters when once they 
 were put up to him. She didn't mind what happened 
 so long as he would be happy. And, after all, it was 
 fine to have a brother who didn't run after girls and 
 who gave his sister good times. Thus did Ruth recon- 
 cile herself to the inevitable, like the practical philos- 
 opher she was. 
 
 The summer found the Mortons at Newport. John 
 would come up for week-ends from the city and suf- 
 fer the boredom of the clubs. The men he met ap- 
 pealed to him not at all; and a man can be no more 
 alone than when with his fellow-men if he declines to 
 live their lives. If, occasionally, he drifted with the
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 291 
 
 rest, he did not drift far. His good sense, his self- 
 esteem and inborn dignity of character prevented him 
 from losing himself in vulgar pleasures or in seeking 
 a cheap notoriety. 
 
 The understanding he arrived at with his mother 
 had this one good effect it recalled him to his better 
 self. He gave up his horses and avoided the "set" he 
 had come to know during his temporary lapse. He 
 went back to his business doubly determined to give 
 it his earnest thought and energies, and the dollars 
 kept rolling in. He became a recognized power in the 
 world of finance and people began to say of him that 
 "he beats the old man." 
 
 But in the quiet of his own room, he would sit of 
 an evening alone engaged in what he smilingly said 
 to himself were "Hellenic studies." Helene's photo- 
 graph the same he had received from Count Ron- 
 dell's hand on that memorable interview on the steamer 
 was never moved from his study table. The sweet 
 face looked out at him with all the power of its insist- 
 ent beauty. Why had he not carried her off at Vienna 
 and married her there and then ? What a fool he had 
 been! 
 
 Now, all he could do was to wait. She had said 
 in her letter that she would write him again a year 
 hence. He read the letter again. No ; it said, "when 
 autumn comes." Ah, well autumn was not so far 
 off. But oh, if he could but see her for just one min- 
 ute ! He wondered if there was any truth in his friend, 
 Professor Guermot's theory about thought transfer- 
 ence. If only he could send her a telepathic message 
 to say to her: "Helene, Helene, I love you. I am 
 waiting for you, dearest, with my heart in my hand. 
 Time is flying, and I want you I want you." Surely, 
 she was somewhere in this wide world where his im- 
 passioned thoughts might reach her ! Was she happy ?
 
 292 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Was she well? Perhaps she was in distress and in 
 need! Damn money! Damn fame! If it hadn't been 
 for that disgusting newspaper everything would have 
 been so different. Fate must have loaded the dice 
 against him, as though she had said to him : "Heads 
 I win, tails you lose."
 
 CHAPTER XXIII 
 
 MARGARET FISHER, the buxom chaperon 
 of Helena Barton, soon settled down to her 
 life in New York as she had planned it with 
 her friend in Hanover. The day following their land- 
 ing she was again in the spacious rooms of the Modiste 
 establishment known as "Lucile's," and, as of old, one 
 of its moving spirits. 
 
 As she had predicted, she found it no difficult mat- 
 ter to interest Madame Lucile (a canny Scotchwoman 
 from Glasgow by way of Dublin and London and a 
 two years' sojourn in "Paree") in her young protegee. 
 Madame no sooner set her shrewd eyes on Helene 
 than she became at once interested. She realized at a 
 glance the business possibilities in a girl of her refined 
 manners, winning ways and pretty foreign speech. 
 These qualities were certain to subdue the most petu- 
 lant and exacting of her clients. And when she found 
 that the girl also possessed both an excellent taste in 
 colors and an unusual gift for design, she knew that 
 a treasure had been brought to her. 
 
 Helene was installed in a little room at the rear de- 
 voted to the assembling of the ornaments for the fin- 
 ishing of those exclusive hats so coveted by the ladies 
 of New York, and it was not long before she became 
 indispensable to this department. Under her deft fin- 
 gers and with her enthusiastic good taste and happy 
 inspirations, lean old maids would be transformed into 
 blushing "buds," and faded society leaders of many 
 seasons would reappear as enterprising and yet digni- 
 fied dames. She knew instinctively when to apply 
 
 293
 
 294 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 velvet and where to mass flimsy, foamy billows. She 
 knew how to bend the brim of a hat so as to bring out 
 the good feature of a face; she would select just the 
 very sprig of flowers and give just the right droop of 
 plume; and she did it all with such grace, good-will 
 and a winning smile, accentuating her actions with 
 words spoken in so exquisite an accent, that there was 
 no resisting her. Margaret's prediction came true ; the 
 second month brought Helene an increase in her sal- 
 ary, and she became the happy recipient of a hundred 
 dollars a month. 
 
 Helene (Madame had rebaptized her with the pro- 
 fessional Heloise, Helen not being, in her opinion, suf- 
 ficiently "French"), Madame Lucile determined, was 
 too valuable to lose. Rather than any rival concern 
 on the avenue should entice her from her she would 
 double the girl's salary. But, of course, this was only 
 breathed to herself in the secrecy of her private office. 
 
 The two girls became closer friends than ever and 
 grew more and more attached to each other. Mar- 
 garet, in particular, seemed to have found in the 
 younger and more cultured Helene an object for the 
 satisfaction of her maternal instincts. No effort was 
 too great, no care too exacting, if only her little friend 
 was made the happier by it. She timed her lunch hour 
 to coincide with Helene's ; she accompanied her on her 
 shopping expeditions; she would take her away from 
 her designing and bring her home for rest. Rather 
 than Helene should go home alone, she would wait an 
 hour for her. At the Trust Company it was Marga- 
 ret who opened the bank account in her friend's 
 name and deposited every Monday the little surplus of 
 wealth. She selected the style of her dresses and the 
 material ; she fussed over them, sewed them, fitted and 
 trimmed them. She never tired of admiring the little 
 feet, the pretty hands and the wonderful hair. The
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 295 
 
 dressing of this hair for select occasions was one of 
 Margaret's chief delights. If her "darling" had a 
 cold or a slight headache, she would nurse and pet her, 
 and be the happier in doing it. 
 
 And Helene would accept this devotion laughingly, 
 knowing that it was given in love, and would return 
 that love with sweet and gentle affection. She was 
 very happy both in her work, which was pleasant and 
 interesting, and in their rooms, which were cozy and 
 "homey." 
 
 At the boarding-house Margaret Fisher was a gen- 
 eral favorite. Her ready good-humor, her quick wit 
 and her unaffected, if somewhat slangy, speech, always 
 found a ready acceptance and a responsive laugh. She 
 was ever ready with her help and sympathy, willing 
 to listen and equal to a gossip. 
 
 Helene the beautiful, reserved, lily-like maiden 
 was worshipped by all. From the scullery-maid with 
 the Kerry accent to Mrs. Kane, the kindly autocrat of 
 this little commonwealth, all bowed to her in delighted 
 homage. The women admired her without a taint 
 of jealousy; the two men who lived there reverenced 
 her from afar. She seemed to them like some rare lily 
 that had been transplanted into a city yard. 
 
 One of the men was a librarian at one of the city 
 colleges a ripe, old scholar ; the other, a young Balti- 
 morean, of a retiring manner, was struggling as an 
 obscure civil engineer. They considered themselves 
 fortunate to sit at the table and would gaze in awe on 
 the charming young foreigner perfectly content to 
 behold her across the six feet of tablecloth. If either 
 ventured on a nearer acquaintance, he would find that 
 Miss Fisher had interposed her ample form between 
 them. 
 
 Helene had not imparted to her protectress much 
 more of her early life than had transpired at their meet-
 
 296 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 ing in Hanover and on the voyage across the ocean. 
 Margaret, in the confidential atmosphere engendered 
 by the close companionship, found the need of telling 
 her friend all about herself. It was a simple tale, but 
 the pathos of it drew a sympathetic response from her 
 listener. 
 
 Margaret's father, an educated German of good 
 family, had come to America during the Civil War. 
 He had been compelled to leave the Fatherland because 
 of his activity in politics of a somewhat republican 
 tendency. In New York he became the city editor of 
 one of the more influential of the German newspapers. 
 It was during this period that he met and married a 
 German girl whose elder brother kept a small jewelry 
 and watch-repairing shop on the East Side. He was 
 a kind-hearted old bachelor and had been Margaret's 
 earliest admirer and playmate. 
 
 It was to this uncle's home above the store that she 
 and her mother went when her father died. A year 
 after her father's death, when she was fifteen, Mar- 
 garet went to work at a dressmarker's in the neighbor- 
 hood. They managed to get along very comfortably 
 together. Her uncle was kindness itself and a genius 
 at his trade. There was no style of watch or clock 
 he could not fix up and make keep correct time. He 
 was an expert at chronometer work and was regularly 
 consulted by captains of ships and even by the Navy 
 Yard. 
 
 Six years ago, Margaret's mother died, leaving her 
 alone with her uncle. The old man had aged and 
 grown quite feeble then. He longed to go back to 
 Germany. So strong was this homesickness for his 
 beloved Harz Mountains that the doctor thought it best 
 to urge him. to go. He went, promising to come back 
 soon, but he never returned. He died among the pine- 
 clad hills of his birthplace. The little property he left
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 297 
 
 fell to Margaret and became the foundation for the 
 now greatly discussed bank account. 
 
 About three years after her mother's death she met 
 a young man a decent, quiet fellow, an assistant in a 
 drug-store. She liked him. He dressed well and was 
 very attentive and kind to her. A year later she con- 
 sented to become engaged to him. They were to be 
 married as soon as his employer had fulfilled his prom- 
 ise to raise his salary and give him a percentage of 
 the business. 
 
 She was sure she did not love him ; but she was in 
 no doubt that he needed some good, capable girl to 
 look after him. He was rather weak and vacillating; 
 but he was good-looking and any girl would be rather 
 proud to go out with him. Margaret put it that way, 
 because it really expressed her mind. She didn't see 
 what else men were good for any way, except to be 
 mothered and to walk out with. It was nice for them 
 to take you out, and it felt good to have a man lean on 
 you and come to you for advice and the help that a 
 woman could give him. 
 
 Well, things went on very happily 'for some months 
 and then she noticed that he came less frequently to 
 the house. He would send notes instead, excusing 
 himself for one reason or another. One evening, when 
 she had stayed later than usual at the store to finish 
 some dresses for the Easter season, she went into 
 Krugler's restaurant, at the corner of Second Avenue, 
 for her supper, and sat down near a slight partition or 
 screen of plants. She had scarcely begun her meal 
 when she heard a familiar voice from the other side 
 of the screen. Peering through the leaves of the palm 
 she saw her Bert seated at a table with a young woman. 
 He had his back to her, but she could hear quite dis- 
 tinctly what he was saying. He was talking in the 
 most endearing words, exactly as he had talked 
 20
 
 298 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 to her. Then she heard the girl remind him of the 
 young lady the serious girl with the money in bank 
 she had seen him with. Wasn't he engaged to be 
 married to her? He passionately protested. It was 
 not true, he said. He only loved her the girl he was 
 with now. The other couldn't compare with her. The 
 other was all right, but she had no heart she was 
 always preaching and talking about getting on. Mar- 
 garet waited to hear no more. She had heard too 
 much as it was. The next day she returned him the 
 little gifts he had made her, including the engagement 
 ring, and when he called she declined to see him. Since 
 then she did not care to know any man. Of course, 
 Bert was no loss. She knew that now, but she had 
 liked him once. Oh, yes, men were all right in their 
 way; but a girl was far better off not to bother her- 
 self about them. She'd get along just as well. 
 
 Helene kept a discreet silence as to her own opinions 
 on that subject. She was afraid to trust herself with 
 Margaret, least she might betray her own heart, and 
 Margaret never again broached the subject. 
 
 In their promenades together in the city what struck 
 Helene most was the people. Apparently all belonged 
 to the same class. All were so happy, so satisfied and 
 so well dressed. Each seemed to be going about his 
 own business without interference from others and yet 
 everybody was so orderly. It was all so different from 
 what she had been accustomed to in her own country. 
 No poverty, no soldiers, no armed policemen, no 
 officious park keepers, no bowing and scraping be- 
 fore empty authority. Everybody was free to do as 
 he liked and yet everybody seemed pleased to be 
 decent and well-behaved. Even the children were un- 
 afraid. 
 
 In the park where she and Margaret found such en- 
 joyment in walking or sitting, the children would
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 299 
 
 come up and look their frank admiration at Helene, 
 their eyes bright and their faces wreathed in smiles. 
 To Margaret the little ones crept instinctively. She 
 had such an inviting, motherly look about her that 
 they knew no introduction was necessary for them to 
 be taken into her embracing arms. It did Helene's 
 heart good to watch Margaret's keen delight on these 
 occasions. 
 
 Helene could have had no wiser guide than this 
 friend proved to be. Margaret Fisher was a genuine 
 native of New York, bred in its peculiar ways of life, 
 which were at once the outcome of sharp competition 
 and bonhomie. She seemed to have the wisdom of 
 the serpent and the innocence of the dove. Her inex- 
 haustible supply of wit, her humorous way of seeing 
 things, her happy, healthy nature, gave everybody who 
 came under her influence a sense of the reasonable- 
 ness and fitness of things. "You can't help being in a 
 good humor when Miss Fisher is around," Mrs. Kane 
 truly said. 
 
 In the daily companionship of such a teacher Helene 
 ripened in experience. Without acquiring the slang 
 spoken everywhere about her, she obtained a command 
 of English which was at once smooth and polished, 
 though she never lost her quaintly pretty accent. Her 
 own instinct guided her and her refinement of nature 
 compelled from others a response which avoided the 
 vulgar. People felt they must be different with 
 Helene, so that they chose their words in speaking 
 to her. They felt they must be on their best behavior 
 with her. 
 
 Spring grew into summer, the more than benevolent 
 summer of New York. The girls in Madame Lucile's 
 employ blossomed in colors and gowns befitting the 
 season ; but Helene made no change in her own dress. 
 She retained her sombre black despite Margaret's
 
 goo UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 pleadings and Madame's hints. And with it all she 
 bloomed like a rare flower amid the commoner plants. 
 Margaret would put on an air of chagrin and talk 
 of the anxiety Helene was to her; but none the less 
 she was exceedingly proud of her protegee. To her 
 friends she would in mock despair say : "What chance 
 has any girl with Helene, I should like to know ?" 
 
 On their occasional visits to Art Exhibitions or 
 the Museum, the old librarian was proud to act as 
 cicerone. He had become the envy of the rest in the 
 boarding-house, and especially of the young engineer, 
 because of this privilege extended to him. He had 
 even acted as their host on two occasions when they 
 had accepted his invitation to partake of a table d'hote 
 dinner at a French restaurant. 
 
 The Baltimorean listened to the recital of the enjoy- 
 ment and waited patiently for his turn. He proved a 
 good waiter. On the eve of the Fourth of July, he 
 ventured to ask the two girls to go with him to the 
 beach. Robert McCreedy could hardly believe his 
 ears when his invitation was accepted. He made a 
 careful estimate and concluded that a week's income 
 would about meet the occasion, and prayed that the 
 day would be fine. 
 
 The day broke cloudless with a pitiless sun blazing 
 down. McCreedy was happy. He did not know that 
 the effect of the sweltering heat of the past few days 
 on Helene had more to do with Margaret's acceptance 
 of the invitation than anything else. He thought that 
 his patience had at last been rewarded; that the im- 
 placable duenna had thought it well to permit him a 
 nearer access to the object of his devotions. 
 
 To Helene, tired and overcome by the oppressive 
 heat, the day proved a boon and was also an experience 
 of a novel kind. The ride to the Battery; the ferry 
 trip to South Brooklyn ; the open, swaying cars of the
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 301 
 
 steam railway to the beach; the beauty of the Long 
 Island landscape ; the cool breezes of the rolling ocean 
 all were new to her and afforded such interest and 
 refreshment that she forgot her weariness of brain 
 and body and gave herself up to the enjoyment with 
 the abandon of a girl. Everywhere were men, women 
 and children on pleasure bent. Everybody seemed 
 happy. She had already learned many a lesson from 
 this wonderful democracy, but none appealed to her 
 so strongly as did this celebration. A great humanity 
 had assembled, as if at the call of some mysterious 
 voice, and here they were laughing, playing, singing, 
 carefree and happy, without a sign or a sound of dis- 
 cord all members of a national family, as it were. 
 This, indeed, was a new world new in a sense that 
 her people in Roumelia could never understand. It 
 was a revelation of the human heart, an insight into 
 the meaning of life which was denied to those who 
 have not known true liberty and have not been per- 
 mitted the free play of their finer natures. 
 
 The day came to a close but too quickly for Robert 
 McCreedy. He had spent his wealth gladly and had 
 known a happiness he had never known before. When 
 Margaret, after consulting her watch, announced it 
 was time to go home, he looked his disappointment so 
 openly that Margaret was compelled to laugh. 
 
 "I'm sorry, Mr. McCreedy," she said, "but we must 
 really get back." 
 
 McCreedy knew, from her tone of voice, that there 
 was no appeal. He must content himself with the 
 favor that had been granted him. In the seclusion of 
 his room, later, he relived his happy day. He would 
 see her again to-morrow. Sufficient for the day was 
 this joy thereof. After all, the ice had been broken 
 and some day he might get the opportunity to take 
 her out alone without that dragon of her friend.
 
 302 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Poor fellow! What dreams he permitted himself! In 
 the hour or two before retiring he had become so rich 
 that he was sailing in his own yacht with Helene, 
 happy and radiant, by his side on the deck. And when 
 he slept he dreamed of a magnificent home with splen- 
 did salons through which Helene "walked in beauty 
 like the night," and he by her side. 
 
 Margaret had long suspected McCreedy's state of 
 heart, and had taken care to keep him from Helene as 
 much as possible during the day. As she sat now, 
 with Helene, in their sitting-room, she looked at the 
 girl for a sign of resentment at her manoeuvres. But 
 she saw nothing but the evidences of the happy time 
 she had had. 
 
 "What do you think of Mr. McCreedy?" she 
 asked suddenly. 
 
 "He's very nice. He was so kind and attentive, 
 wasn't he ? I hope he didn't spend more than he could 
 afford." Margaret smiled. Her lessons in economy 
 had borne fruit in Helene's mind. 
 
 "Oh, I guess he wouldn't do that." 
 
 "No, perhaps not." 
 
 Helene spoke tha last words listlessly. The refer- 
 ence to money sent her mind reflecting on her own 
 life. She was so anxious to save as much money as 
 she could spare. If Mr. Morton should come, she 
 would then be in a position to pay him back all that 
 he had spent on her. And autumn would soon be 
 here, when she must fulfill her promise to write to 
 him. What would he say when he saw her again? 
 Ah but would he come? Cleveland eight hundred 
 miles away did people ever travel that long distance 
 to come to New York? And if he came, he surely 
 would approve! 
 
 "Why, honey, you're not listening to me. I de- 
 clare you've been in a trance for the last five min-
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 303 
 
 utes." Margaret assumed an offended air. Helene 
 started and blushed. 
 
 "Now come, what were you thinking of? I have 
 an idea there's a Count or a Prince buzzing in your 
 little head." 
 
 "Indeed, there is neither Count nor Prince. I was 
 thinking of my old home. I daren't think of men 
 with a man-hater like you near me." 
 
 "Well, I won't press you, my dear. But I'm not a 
 man-hater," and Margaret's voice softened. "I some- 
 times think it would do me good to have a man to fuss 
 about and look after. Men are such helpless things. 
 They wobble from one pretty girl to another, and I 
 believe they can't help it. What they want is some 
 woman to mother them. I really think I would want 
 to mother a man just as I want to take care of babies, 
 and as I love to take care of you, dearie!" 
 
 Helene looked at her friend. Poor, lonely Mar- 
 garet, she thought, God had made her to be a mother. 
 The revelation into her friend's soul was too sacred 
 to speak about. With instinctive courtesy she changed 
 her tone covering what she had seen with a veil of 
 light words: 
 
 "I'm sure, Margy dear, there are men who are not 
 what you call 'wobblers.' I haven't known many, but 
 I'm convinced there are loyal and true men. My 
 father was one." 
 
 "I have no answer to that, Helen. I believe it. But 
 as there are not many girls like you, there cannot be 
 many men like your father was. Well, dear, it's get- 
 ting late and we ought to be in bed. To-morrow will 
 be another 'scorcher,' and we have the new models to 
 go over. And this weather doesn't improve the dis- 
 positions of the women who want to wear corsets 
 two sizes too small for them like Madame Lucile 
 does."
 
 304^ UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Helene laughed. "Now you are not just to her. 
 I don't think she does that." 
 
 "Don't you, sweetheart ? Well, never mind, I know 
 better. A woman would be anything rather than fat. 
 Why, even I am sometimes afraid to eat." 
 
 "Oh, Margy, how can youl You are not a bit 
 stout, only big and strong. Everybody admires you, 
 and Madame is always praising your fine figure." 
 
 "You're an angel, my dear, and wouldn't hurt the 
 feelings of a tax-collector. Give me a kiss, my dear, 
 and good night." 
 
 "Good night, Margy, and thank you for the happy 
 day." 
 
 It was in such intimate talks that Margaret, the 
 strong, protecting tree to the slender vine, Helene, 
 proved her friendship. In breeding and education the 
 two girls were poles apart, but the native virtues and 
 sterling character in each drew them together in an 
 abiding love. A daughter of the people and a child 
 of an ancient nobility thus met on the ground of their 
 common humanity. With the passing of the days, 
 Helene found new interest in her work and became 
 more accustomed to the new life. Margaret, seeing 
 Helene's happiness, was happy herself. Sunshine 
 without and contentment within, with not a cloud on 
 the horizon of their lives! 
 
 Petty incidents like these may seem unworthy of 
 record; butf life is made up of such small happenings. 
 Most of us come into this world and flit more or less 
 swiftly and pleasantly through the playground of our 
 childhood and youth as though it were but the ante- 
 chamber to some richly furnished parlor. When we 
 enter the longed-for parlor, we find in it labor and 
 sorrow in plenty. We eat, sleep, dream, enjoy our- 
 selves a little and then one day we awaken to the 
 sad reality that we are no longer young. Some kind
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 305 
 
 friend will remark: "Why, your hair is growing 
 gray!" Another will sympathize and say: "Ah, we 
 are not as young as we used to be." He uses the polite 
 plural, but we know he has a very definite singular in 
 mind. And then comes the day when the roomy arm- 
 chair is inviting, and the favorite ballad which once 
 whispered gladness, now only recalls times long, long 
 past. Then it is that the chatter of youth is a forgot- 
 ten language; that the faces of women show only 
 the rouge on cheek and lip and not the glorious eye; 
 when an invitation to the dance compels us to the con- 
 fession, "I am too old to dance," and to the thought, 
 "did she really want me for a partner?" when our 
 conversation slips into the question, "do you remem- 
 ber ?" when the past is our present and the future a 
 dread. Ah, if youth knew the fulfillment of the prom- 
 ises of life, would he or she be gay ? It is in our mem- 
 ory that we live, and memory is but the storehouse of 
 little incidents. They are the little colored stones, 
 which form the mosaic background of life. The fig- 
 ures may vary, the genre may change, but the back- 
 ground is always the same.
 
 THE halcyon days of that summer were filled 
 with work and innocent enjoyment for Helene 
 and Margaret. The girls were so happy that 
 the gods themselves must have become envious, for 
 they sent one of their number to destroy their happi- 
 ness. 
 
 On days when the heat was oppressive, the girls 
 left their work at an earlier hour than usual and 
 would then walk along Fifth Avenue. At that hour 
 the streams of people from shops and business places 
 mingled with the current of those on pleasure bent. 
 In crossing the thoroughfare, Helene and Margaret 
 got stalled. Helene, undecided whether to advance 
 or return, became confused and before she realized 
 it a pair of spirited horses in an open landau was 
 almost on top of her. Margaret seeing the danger, 
 rushed up and pushed her into safety. In doing so, 
 however, she herself was caught by the pole of the 
 carriage, and thrown down and trampled on by one of 
 the horses. 
 
 A crowd gathered immediately and Margaret, now 
 unconscious, was carried to the sidewalk. Helene, 
 deathly pale and speechless with horror, held the 
 bleeding head of her beloved comrade in her lap. A 
 policeman who had promptly arrived on the scene 
 rushed to ring for an ambulance, when a richly 
 dressed lady of commanding appearance offered to 
 drive the young woman to the nearest hospital. She 
 was the occupant of the carriage which had been the 
 cause of the accident. Willing bystanders, assisted 
 
 306
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 307 
 
 by the officer of the law, lifted the lifeless form into 
 the landau into which Helena was invited by the 
 owner. 
 
 At the hospital Helene was not allowed to go into 
 the ward, but was requested to wait the doctor's report 
 in the waiting-room. Almost beside herself with 
 anxiety, she sat in a stupor and could scarcely answer 
 the usual questions put to her by the doctor in charge. 
 
 The lady in whose carriage she had come, sat 
 mutely near the window nervously tapping the sill, 
 staring absently into the court without. Some ques- 
 tions were put to her also, but she, too, was too over- 
 come to answer coherently. 
 
 In a few minutes, a terribly long time to Helene, 
 the nurse returned and whispered that her friend was 
 resting in bed and that a cursory examination had 
 revealed no serious injuries. The head physician 
 would be in shortly and would make a more thorough 
 examination. She could wait until then, Helene was 
 told. The other lady was given the same information. 
 
 The strain of her pent-up feelings relieved by the 
 nurse's report, Helene broke into sobs. She thanked 
 God in her heart that her dear Margaret would not 
 die as she had feared. 
 
 "Pardon me, miss," came a sympathetic voice, "can 
 I be of any help to you?" 
 
 Helene looked up and recognized the dignified lady 
 in whose carriage she had been driven to the hospital. 
 
 "I am glad to learn that your friend is not seriously 
 hurt. I am Mrs. Van Dusen. It was my carriage that 
 was the cause of the unfortunate accident to your 
 friend. Won't you let me help you?" 
 
 "Thank you, Mrs. Van Dusen, but I am scarcely 
 able to think. If my friend, Miss Fisher, is not very 
 badly injured I should like to take her home. It was 
 my fault ..."
 
 308 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Helene broke down, the tears choking her voice. 
 
 The unusual beauty, the sweet, refined voice and 
 manner of the young woman impressed the lady. 
 She sat 'down near Helene and said in kindly 
 tones : 
 
 "You must not distress yourself, my dear. Your 
 friend will be well taken care of here. I will see to 
 that. I am deeply grieved the accident occurred. I 
 saw you and your friend step right in front of the 
 horses and called out to the coachman ; but it was too 
 late. I want to do all I can to help Miss Fisher. Has 
 she any relatives or friends who ought to be notified ? 
 My son is outside and he will gladly take any mes- 
 sage." 
 
 "She has no friend other than myself. For her 
 sake I shall be glad to accept any assistance you can 
 give me. It was in saving me that she got hurt her- 
 self. Oh, my poor lovely Margaret . . ." 
 
 "There, there, my dear, it is not so bad after all. 
 Compose yourself. Here comes the nurse." 
 
 The nurse informed Helene that Miss Fisher was 
 conscious and the doctor would allow her to see her 
 friend for a minute but she must; not be excited. 
 
 Helene rose eagerly and walked rapidly into the 
 ward. Behind a screen, on a narrow cot, Margaret 
 lay white and helpless. Her head was heavily band- 
 aged so that only her eyes showed. On seeing 
 Helene, she smiled wistfully into the face that was 
 bending over her. 
 
 "Hello, darling! I'm all right only a little 
 bruised. I'll be out in no time. Wasn't it lucky? 
 But who's going to look after you while I'm here, 
 little one?" 
 
 The nurse approached and whispered to Helene: 
 "Just say a few kind words for the present. You can 
 come another time."
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 309 
 
 "Oh, Margaret, I'm so happy to see you. Don't 
 worry about me, dearest. I'll come and look you up 
 as often as I can." 
 
 Margaret looked back her content; she was too ill 
 to speak. 
 
 The nurse touched Helene on the arm. It was time 
 to leave. Kissing the pale lips, she retired slowly, 
 looking back at the wan face until the door had been 
 closed on her. 
 
 In the waiting-room she found a tall young man 
 by the side of Mrs. Van Dusen. 
 
 "This is my son," said the lady to Helene, "he will 
 take any message, Miss eh " 
 
 "My name is Miss Barton. Thank you, there is 
 no message I wish sent. I shall wait here for the 
 physician's report. I will tell Madame Lucile, my- 
 self, later." 
 
 The tall, carefully groomed and good-looking 
 young man approached, hat in hand : 
 
 "Permit me, Miss Barton, to go to her for you. I 
 have a carriage waiting." 
 
 "Thank you; but it will be better if I see the 
 lady. Madame Lucile is our employer." 
 
 "Here is my card, Miss Barton," said Mrs. Van 
 Dusen. "Let me know if I can be of any service. I 
 shall inquire regularly at this hospital and my son will 
 see the superintendent and arrange that special atten- 
 tion be given Miss Fisher. I am deeply grieved at 
 the accident and hope sincerely that Miss Fisher will 
 not suffer. Good-bye, Miss Barton. Are you coming, 
 Howard?" 
 
 The young man came up to Helene and said in a 
 kind voice : 
 
 "Pardon me for suggesting it, Miss Barton, but 
 you ought to consult a lawyer on this matter." 
 
 "Howard, what do you mean?" exclaimed his
 
 3io UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 mother angrily. "What should Miss Barton consult 
 a lawyer about?" 
 
 "Well, mother, Miss Barton's friend may suffer in 
 other ways than from the injuries she has received." 
 
 "Well, of course, I am not going to shirk any re- 
 sponsibility. The young lady has my card. Come." 
 
 "Don't forget, Miss Barton, to let my mother know. 
 May I have your address?" 
 
 "Thank you, Mr. Van Dusen, there is no necessity 
 for that. Good afternoon, madam." 
 
 Mother and son had no sooner left than the nurse 
 came in bringing the physician in charge. Dr. Loomis 
 relieved the girl's mind by telling her that her Miss 
 Fisher was in no danger. She would remain for the 
 present in the ward until she had recovered sufficiently 
 from the shock. No bones had been broken, but the 
 bruise on the head was rather severe. Every care 
 would be given her friend. "Don't be anxious, my 
 dear young lady," he said, "we shall get her quite well 
 again. Good-bye !" 
 
 The nurse informed Helene that she could visit her 
 friend every day and that Mrs. Van Dusen, who was 
 a patroness of the hospital, had left word that the 
 patient should be most carefully attended to. Helene 
 thanked the woman. 
 
 From the hospital she hurried to Madame Lucile's 
 home and was greatly relieved that the lady took the 
 news as she did. Madame promised to look after 
 everything. Helene, for the first time since she had 
 been in America, went home alone. 
 
 And now began the trying and anxious time. 
 Every day Helene called at the hospital, but was not 
 permitted access to the sick-room. Margaret had an 
 attack of brain fever and could recognize no one. She 
 would leave for Madame Lucile's in tears. There she 
 worked for two to drown her anxiety. But the lonely
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 311 
 
 evenings and tearful nights followed and they had to 
 be borne by herself alone. 
 
 Mrs. Van Dusen had called on Madame Lucile and 
 had offered to defray the expenses; but Helene firmly 
 refused to accept the offer. Margaret and she could 
 afford to pay them themselves. 
 
 Whenever Helene visited the hospital, she would 
 find Mr. Van Dusen waiting, ready with a courteous 
 request to be of service, and repeated the offer his 
 mother had made to Madame Lucile. But Helene 
 declined both. On one occasion he asked permission 
 to call on Miss Barton. This she also declined. When 
 Margaret recovered from the fever, he sent her 
 flowers almost daily. Twice Helene received a large 
 box of beautiful lilies at the boarding-house with his 
 card. She wrote him a polite note of thanks in which 
 she told him that she would take the flowers to 
 Margaret. 
 
 At the end of three weeks, Margaret was declared 
 to be out of all danger. Her wounds had healed and 
 the bandages had been removed. On the left temple 
 showed a livid scar, but the nurse assured Helene 
 that this would disappear in time. In a week Mar- 
 garet would be allowed to go home; but the doctor 
 advised a rest at the seashore or in the mountains be- 
 fore returning to work. 
 
 Mrs. Van Dusen claimed the right to provide for 
 this rest, at least, and begged Margaret to accept the 
 hospitality of her country place in the Kittatinnies, 
 which was only an hour's ride from New York, and 
 where the mountain air was cool and invigorating. 
 "I have been so unhappy, Miss Fisher," she said, 
 "about the accident, and you've let me do nothing." 
 
 Margaret compromised by agreeing to stay at a 
 farm-house near Mrs. Van Dusen's place and to use 
 that good lady's carriage. But she insisted on pay-
 
 3 i2 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 ing for her board. Mrs. Van Dusen was only too 
 glad that she had been able to prevail over Margaret's 
 independent spirit to that extent. Her visits to the 
 hospital had made her acquainted with the girl's fine 
 nature, both in the courage she had evinced in pain, 
 and in the devotion she showed to Helene. Mrs. Van 
 Dusen could not help but look up to so grand and yet 
 so finely democratic a character. 
 
 In the younger girl, with the gentle, well-bred 
 bearing which, as she readily saw, but veiled the reti- 
 cence of inborn dignity, she had found a rare person- 
 ality. A girl entirely aloof from her surroundings 
 and who was yet self-supporting and happy in the 
 small circle of her life. Mrs. Van Dusen, the society 
 leader and proud wife of one of the wealthy men of 
 New York, could not fail to see that this simple, digni- 
 fied girl was her equal in everything but worldly gifts. 
 She tried hard to pierce the armor of modesty and 
 unselfishness in which the girl clothed herself; but its 
 very inoffensiveness proved it to be a stronger pro- 
 tection than anything else could have been. 
 
 Her son, Howard, had confessed to her that the 
 younger of the two girls had made a deep impression 
 on him, but, he ruefully added, "I've not made much 
 headway with her." 
 
 To Helene, the American custom which permitted a 
 young man and girl to meet and converse freely and 
 alone, was one which she either did not understand or 
 did not approve. Van Dusen's escort to the boarding- 
 house was rather suffered than accepted. Upon arriv- 
 ing at the home, she would bid him good-bye, and 
 take no notice of his hints for an invitation to call. 
 His floral gifts she invariably transferred to Margaret. 
 He had to admit frankly that he had not made a very 
 favorable impression. His mother wisely said 
 nothing.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 313 
 
 At the Post's farm-house Margaret found herself 
 comfortably established on the second floor. She 
 wrote every day to Helene glowing accounts of the 
 beautiful country and urged her to come and visit 
 her for a few days. The people were nice and kind 
 and there was a quaint room which she could have 
 all to herself. She was getting quite strong again and 
 had acquired a tremendous appetite. She pleaded so 
 earnestly that Helene finally agreed to go if Madame 
 Lucile gave the permission. 
 
 Certainly the prospect of a vacation did look al- 
 luring. She had been working hard during Mar- 
 garet's illness and had been very lonely and depressed 
 in spirits. She had even denied herself the few hours 
 of relaxation she had enjoyed when Margaret was at 
 home, and had kept herself confined during the hottest 
 days a trying ordeal to anyone living in New York, 
 and especially so to a foreigner. 
 
 The canny lady from Glasgow was too pleased to 
 extend a vacation to Mademoiselle Heloise, and thus it 
 happened that by the Saturday before Labor Day 
 Helene had made all her preparations and was ready 
 for the great event. 
 
 As she was utterly ignorant of ways and means, 
 Mr. Diderot, the fatherly librarian, was duly im- 
 pressed to act as escort to the dreaded Terminal and 
 Ferry. Mrs. Kane, with many motherly admonitions, 
 kissed her good-bye and put her in charge of her elderly 
 lodger. The old gentleman, proud of his duty, had 
 spruced himself up and assuming a youthful gait, 
 walked vigorously by her side carrying the suit-case. 
 His hailing of the street car was done with a dignity 
 which can be compared only to the bearing of the 
 Mayor escorting the President of the United States 
 to the City Hall. 
 
 In the waiting-room at the Ferry, Helene was glad 
 21
 
 3H UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 to sit in the cool protection from the heat while Mr. 
 Diderot negotiated the various transactions necessary 
 to obtaining the ticket and checking the baggage for 
 the particular place in the New Jersey vastness to 
 which his charge was bound. The crowd of people 
 hurrying here, there and everywhere, so bewildered 
 the poor girl that she hardly dared to lift her eyes. 
 She almost regretted her step in taking such a long 
 journey alone into an unknown country. 
 
 At last her escort returned. She rose eagerly and he 
 led her into the pushing crowd where she was gently 
 propelled through a narrow strait flanked by two 
 sharp-eyed men armed with shining punchers, into a 
 spacious room filled with a motley assortment of 
 people of both sexes and all ages. 
 
 A slight shock followed by a tremor through the 
 wood flooring startled Helene. But Mr. Diderot ex- 
 plained that she need not be afraid it was only the 
 arrival of the ferry-boat. At the opened gateway, he 
 handed her the ticket for Charlotteville and wishing 
 her a pleasant journey he bowed in his punctilious way 
 and left her to the mercy of the crowd that soon 
 pushed her on to the boat. What a hurrying and scur- 
 rying and jostling and hustling! Men with packages 
 and suit-cases, women with suit-cases and packages 
 and children; men with golf bags and women with 
 dogs; children clinging frantically to their mothers' 
 skirts all perspiring and all craning their necks to 
 swallow the river's breeze, thankful of this respite 
 from the 1 city's heat. 
 
 A clanking of bells, a shrill, long-drawn whistle, a 
 clinking of chains and she was off off on her won- 
 derful journey across the majestic river to the hazy, 
 mysterious shore of Jersey her first travels into 
 America. She gazed about her at the people sitting 
 on the low seats and standing in the doorways; they
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 315 
 
 seemed to her to be different from those she had met 
 in New York. The men were so important, the 
 women so self-conscious and the children so droll. 
 
 Through the open windows shone the reflection 
 from the waters of the river, the waves of which 
 sparkled in the sunlight. Busy little tugs saucily 
 stretched their prows; cumbersome ferry-boats glided 
 past as mountainous shadows. The fresh air and the 
 wide expanse gave her a sense of assurance. She 
 decided to risk the outside platform. 
 
 As she stood up to go out a sudden recollection 
 made her start. Where was her suit-case? For a 
 moment she felt as if her heart was sinking; but the 
 next moment she gave a sigh of relief as she remem- 
 bered that Mr. Diderot had "checked" the case to 
 Charlotteville. She felt for the precious pasteboard 
 in her handbag and smiled when she found it was 
 safely there. 
 
 On the platform without she looked about her 
 drinking in the wonderful expanse of water and free 
 air and blue sky. The great river with its baggage and 
 floats, tugs and steamers, sailing vessels and a big liner 
 steaming slowly down towards the Bay, little launches 
 and graceful yachts, appeared to her like the river of 
 life itself. Looming up and drawing nearer and 
 nearer, the cavernous train-shed flanked by stupendous 
 grain elevators, looked to her like gigantic fortifica- 
 tions guarding and preventing a possible entry into 
 the green country beyond. Where did the railroad 
 begin, she wondered? 
 
 And now the people began their jostling and hus- 
 tling once more. Packages were seized and children 
 grabbed at the sound of the clanking of chains and the 
 turning of windlass. Then came the rattling of iron 
 gates being opened and the living stream poured it- 
 self on to the land.
 
 316 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 For a moment she looked about her, bewildered, 
 but seeing a uniformed individual, she plucked up 
 courage to ask him the way to her train. He scarcely 
 deigned to notice her, but with a motion behind him 
 he said : "Track number four to your left." Helene 
 was no wiser, but she dared not risk another inquiry 
 and walked with the crowd. She heard a benevolent 
 looking elderly person in a magnificent uniform and 
 gold-laced cap singing out some words she could not 
 understand. She found her courage, however, and 
 put her inquiry to him. To her relief he led her to 
 the car and even assisted her to mount the steps. The 
 quick transition from the outer glare to the dark in- 
 terior caused her to falter; but seeing that other peo- 
 ple were making free with the cushioned seats, she 
 chose one for herself opposite a wholesome looking, 
 stout lady and a small girl. She was too timid to 
 look about her and was almost afraid to return the 
 happy smile of the little child across the aisle. At 
 last came the long cry "All aboard," followed by a 
 hissing noise and, the train her train moved slowly 
 out. 
 
 She was really on her great journey! As the 
 engine gained headway the train passed the pillars 
 along the track and dived into a cavernous deep cut 
 on to a long trestle over the housetops. Then wind- 
 ing its way between simmering and smoky factories, 
 past ugly board fences and stretches of open land 
 covered with rubbish, it thundered over a bridge span- 
 ning a broad expanse of muddy water. Round a 
 sharp curve with a shriek as if of desperation, and 
 there she was in a lovely meadow gleaming green in 
 the sunlight, the reeds and the bulrushes waving in 
 the breeze the country! America the long sought 
 for land of romance the New World! 
 
 Her heart beat with the excitement of the rush, her
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 317 
 
 eyes fixed on the swiftly moving landscape. The 
 deep rose color of the giant mallows enlivens the sage 
 green of the reeds; narrow veins of tidewater wend 
 their courses with almost geometrical directness 
 through the dark muck of the salt meadows; in the 
 distance are seen the rounded humps of dwarfed 
 hills and the tall smoke-stacks of factories. Then an^ 
 other river is crossed a broad stream with shallow 
 barges loaded with crimson bricks and yellow clay. 
 The landscape gradually changes to cultivated farm- 
 lands. Clumps of trees, cottages and cows real live 
 cows grazing along the hedgerows appear and dis- 
 appear. Through, the opening in the foliage are seen 
 small villas and occasionally more pretentious houses ; 
 lawns and stone walls; highways with carriages andi 
 bicycles. Another rush into a deep cut walled in with 
 rocks and then a gentle gliding into the open revealing 
 a hilly country with houses, gardens, rows of trees and 
 avenues. With a rumble, a short bridge over a stream 
 traversing a deep green pasture is crossed and the 
 train rushes through a quiet street. Out of the vil- 
 lage with a noise as of many waters and into another 
 cut flanked by a rocky ledge dripping with moisture 
 and overhung with brambles that almost brush the 
 windows of the cars. Then once more into the open, 
 rolling land. 
 
 On and on, northward, the train speeds. Now and 
 again it stops at some small station with a grinding 
 noise and, after a few passengers alight, the engine 
 bell rings once more, the hissing of the brakes deafens 
 the ear, and with hoarse puffs and groans, it is off 
 again, squeaking, bumping, swaying with dust and 
 cinders floating and flying into the cars. 
 
 It is all a stunning, bewildering, amazing and won- 
 derful experience to Helene. She finds herself spec- 
 ulating as to what will come next, hoping it won't
 
 3i8 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 last long, and wishing it wouldn't be over quickly. 
 She is under the fascinating spell of quick motion 
 through space and is in a continual tremor of excited 
 anticipation. 
 
 And now, all at once, the landscape changed en- 
 tirely. Beautiful valleys, fine streams shaded by 
 giant trees, broad fields, endless levels of tasseled 
 maize moving in the wind passed by her like a swiftly 
 moving panorama. The hills became more abrupt, 
 the mountains shut out the horizon. Houses were 
 now fewer and smaller. The mirror of a lake 
 gleamed between dark foliage. A weather-beaten gray 
 structure resembling a wrecked whaler, though it was 
 only an ice-house, causes Helene to start back as its 
 black shadow darkened the windows. Then came a 
 grinding of iron wheels on the metal, a creaking 
 and a scraping, the train began to slow down, and 
 with a shock it pulled up at the station Charlotte- 
 ville. 
 
 She doesn't realize that this is her goal until the 
 conductor speaks to her and a begrimed brakeman 
 grabs her bags with a "your station, miss." Helene 
 follows with a sinking of the heart and is left, stand- 
 ing forlorn on the hot, dried boards of the platform, 
 contemplating a number of boxes, trunks, plows and 
 lawn-mowers which lie around. She gazes after the 
 fast disappearing train utterly at a loss what to do or 
 where to turn. 
 
 "Be ye lookin' for somebody, miss?" The ques- 
 tion came to her in a quavering, falsetto voice. 
 
 Turning quickly she beheld a whiskered nonde- 
 script of a man looking at her with shrewd eyes and 
 a dry smile on his thin lips. 
 
 "Yes, sir," she answered; "Mr. Post was to meet 
 me." 
 
 "I guess, it's Bill Post ye mean, miss. Thar's his
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 319 
 
 team that sorrel over yonder. I guess I'll tell 
 Artie." 
 
 It was Bill Post's team all right the large blond- 
 ish horse of the breed of hard working cousin of a 
 percheron and a box-like wagon on the driver's seat 
 of which a boy of tender years with the face of a 
 Methuselah, sat humped. The whiskered owner of 
 the falsetto voice deposited Helene's valise on the 
 tailboard of the wagon and helped her to a seat by 
 the side of the silent and prematurely aged Artie who, 
 without opening his lips or moving a facial muscle, 
 gave a peculiar chuckle, and the noble steed was off 
 at a heavy, leisurely amble. 
 
 "Git ap, Major !" came from the tightly closed lips 
 of the boy, and at a slightly faster gait they skirted 
 the long, rambling frame building with the sign, 
 "John P. Brown's Hotel," the guests of which on the 
 stoop stared inquiringly after the ill-assorted pair on 
 the wagon. Next came an unpretentious structure 
 greatly in need of the painter's services bearing the 
 legend, "Post Office." Passing this they entered a 
 gray highway, bordered with dust-covered bushes and 
 weeds. 
 
 The first part of the drive lay across an unattrac- 
 tive stretch of level fields baked hard by months of 
 constant sunlight, the green of the sparse vegetation of 
 which seemed as though it were struggling hard to 
 overcome the all-enveloping gray. The air vibrated 
 with the heat and was laden with floating particles of 
 dust. Helene's spirits sank. Was this the beautiful, 
 wild rural America? Her eyes were smarting and 
 her throat parched and itching. Suddenly the vehicle 
 turned round a sharp bend in the dust-covered road 
 to a short bridge with a somewhat elevated approach. 
 
 What a miraculous change ! And oh, what a blessed 
 relief! Under the rattling boards of the bridge ran
 
 3 20 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 swiftly the most refreshing- of clear waters on which 
 graceful fronds floated and trembled in the current. 
 The banks of this stream were fresh in green and 
 resplendent in the gay colors of flowers. A little be- 
 yond the road were deep shadowy woods of giant 
 trees with moss-covered trunks. The bright foliage 
 was altogether free of the oppressive dust. The bril- 
 liant yellow of the golden-rod vied with the helio- 
 trope and the purple of wild asters to form a charm- 
 ing foreground inviting to the shady depths beyond. 
 Helene was enchanted. 
 
 "What is the name of this pretty stream?" she 
 risked in her meekest and softest of tones. She was 
 really afraid to speak to this boy of twelve, with the 
 serious immobile face that appeared so supernaturally 
 indifferent to mere worldly things. It was almost a 
 sacrilege to disturb so calm and superior a being. 
 
 "Pequannock." And then, as if he had conde- 
 scended too greatly, "Git ap, Major!" The rest was 
 silence. 
 
 But the ice was broken, for when they passed an 
 opening in the wood which showed a large house with 
 broad, sloping lawns in front of it, he volunteered the 
 information, "Mr. Van Dusen's place." 
 
 Helene was greatly relieved. He was just a boy 
 like any other boy, after all, and not a youthful Cy- 
 clops or a Rapunzle. She asked more questions 
 about the district, about Miss Fisher, about himself 
 to all of which he replied in sentences of gradually in- 
 creasing length. So that when at the end of the two 
 miles' drive which took the ungainly horse half an hour 
 to cover, they drew up before a newly painted house 
 with a row of fine old maples shading it, she and 
 the youthful "whip," had become fast friends. 
 
 Margaret had spied the family vehicle in the dis- 
 tance and was at the gate to meet Helene. Affection-
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 321 
 
 ate greetings exchanged, Helene was shown to her 
 room and ordered to remove the stains of travel. 
 
 "I'm just too happy for words to have you here," 
 exclaimed Margaret. 
 
 Helene looked at her friend and was delighted to see 
 that she had improved greatly. Her cheeks showed 
 the return of color, the scar on the temple had lost its 
 dull purple, and the expression on her face was just 
 the same Margy's of old. 
 
 As they were descending the stairs, Margaret whis- 
 pered : "They are dying to see you ; but they wouldn't 
 for the world let you see their curiosity. We must 
 go to them in the kitchen." 
 
 "Mrs. Post, I've brought my friend, Miss Bar- 
 ton." 
 
 Mrs. Post, a painfully plain and stolidly built wo- 
 man of middle age, was busily engaged at the range, 
 cooking. She turned a kindly face on hearing Mar- 
 garet's voice. 
 
 "Pleased to meet ye, Miss Barton." She wiped her 
 hands deliberately on a clean apron and let them drop 
 resignedly. Then, seeing the hand of Helene stretched 
 towards her, she seized it with a glad smile. 
 
 "So ye be Miss Fisher's friend, be ye? Maybe 
 ye're tired after yer long trip, hain't ye, miss?" 
 
 "Oh, no, Mrs. Post, the journey was delightful 
 and new; especially the drive to the house." 
 
 "Waal, I guess it be. I ain't had a ride ter the city 
 for nigh on five years. I mean Paterson. I've never 
 been to Noo York all my life. But ain't ye hungry? 
 Dinner' 11 be most ready in an hour can ye wait that 
 long, miss?" 
 
 Helene could and gladly would. 
 
 The two friends retired to rest in the shade of the 
 roomy porch, and to exchange confidences. There 
 were not many but, such as they were, they were in-
 
 322 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 teresting to them since they were born of their own 
 lives. 
 
 Margaret betrayed an anxiety lest others who were 
 more wealthy and could offer more pleasure and 
 comforts, might entice Helene away from her. Her 
 questions were carefully framed, however, and 
 Helene replied frankly and freely. She had not seen 
 Mr. Van Dusen more than she could help. She had 
 really thought little or nothing about him. Her 
 mind had been too much occupied with her work and 
 with thinking of Margaret. 
 
 Margaret, however, was not quite satisfied and per- 
 sisted in putting more questions all bearing on the 
 same subject, until Helene was quite puzzled. 
 
 "What is it you are driving at, Margy? Tell me, 
 now what's in your head?" 
 
 Margaret looked into the honest eyes of her friend, 
 clear as a June sky, and was satisfied. 
 
 "I guess, nothing, my dear," she said, "nothing at 
 all. I love you so that I suspect everybody has de- 
 signs on your affections. I guess I'm just a jealous, 
 selfish old thing. Forget all about it." 
 
 After the mid-day meal Margaret, in obedience to 
 the doctor's orders, retired to her room for a rest. 
 Helene, left to herself, took a book and recalling a 
 shady nook she had passed on her way to the farm- 
 house, crossed the road and sought its seclusion.
 
 CHAPTER XXV 
 
 THE small, moss-covered clearing under the 
 beaches proved to be an ideal retreat a place 
 good for the soul longing for isolation a 
 refuge for those desiring to escape from the insis- 
 tent call of the obstinate present. 
 
 The sloping ground, soft and furry like a carpet, 
 invited relaxation. The book seemed clever and prom- 
 ising but somehow she could not concentrate her at- 
 tention on its pages ; her mind would wander off aim- 
 lessly. She began to muse, and the volume slid on to 
 the moss. 
 
 This life she was living was it really to be her life 
 always? This wonderful land had opened up to her 
 new vistas and new experiences. The people were, oh, 
 so kind and good to her. It was all very interesting 
 and no doubt worthy the efforts. But was this the land 
 for her for her, the last of her race ? 
 
 She had been so enthusiastic in the morning. She 
 had been looking forward to this little vacation for 
 many days; and now, when it had come, when every- 
 thing was just as she had wished it to be, she was not 
 happy ! 
 
 What had become of her dreams of intimate ex- 
 change of noble thoughts with dear friends? Where 
 were her romantic fancies of a world of love, of glory 
 and poetry? She knew not what these dreams and 
 fancies might actually be, but she was sure they were 
 not being realized now. Was her life's horizon to be 
 landlocked as was this rural home? Was her life's 
 goal to reach no farther than the making of pretty 
 
 323
 
 324 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 bonnets for strangers ? Was this to be her ideal ? Cer- 
 tainly she had found a freedom from one kind of bond- 
 age, but had she not obtained it only to find herself 
 bound by far more cruel fetters the drudgery of a 
 life occupied in gaining a livelihood and losing its soul? 
 
 Would she be compelled to point to this as her only 
 achievement ? And what would Mr. Morton say when 
 her hour of reckoning came with him? "And it was 
 for this that you disobeyed your father's wishes, and 
 gave me unspeakable pain!" Had she pained him? 
 Had she disregarded her father's injunctions? Oh 
 if she could but be enlightened on these doubts, these 
 ever recurring questions! 
 
 She sat meditating, lost to her surroundings while 
 the busy bees hummed and the flies buzzed about her. 
 A slender catbird, smooth and droll like a dainty squir- 
 rel, its -bright beetle eyes turned inquisitively upon the 
 intruder, slipped in and out of the underbrush "Peep" 
 "Peep" its mate joined in the sport, "Peep," and 
 they were gone. Little kinglets with their wine-colored 
 caps flitted from branch to branch, chirruping in sweet 
 confidence. A subdued whirr drew Helene's eyes idly 
 to a tall plant swaying in blossom in the glaring sun- 
 shine; above it was the most exquisite of little 
 creatures floating in a haze produced by the rapid mo- 
 tion of its delicate wings, its thread-like bill seemingly 
 resting within the flower. Whirr it had vanished! 
 
 Was this an enchanted glade or a fairy's retreat? 
 
 Yes even if she had done wrong in running away, 
 she had learned to know something of life, life as it was 
 to the vast majority of humankind. She had come to 
 know this great Western world his own land. 
 Surely he could not but approve he 
 
 An aggressive noise, resembling the sound of scis- 
 sors being ground on a whetstone, piercing and dis- 
 turbing, broke her reveries. Helene sat up staring into
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 325 
 
 the leafy tangle which screened her refuge. What 
 could it be ? There it was again. It was only a locust, 
 had Helene but known it, but its arrival had broken 
 the spell; her retreat became once more but the hot, 
 sweltering clearing; the buzzing of the flies became 
 an annoyance, the bees a threat. She was again alone 
 a stranger among a strange people. 
 
 Oh, no not alone! There was always her good 
 Margy. No one could take her from her. And there 
 were her own thoughts and memories. No one could 
 steal them from her. And autumn would soon be 
 here the day of reckoning and, perhaps, the day of 
 promise, also the day when her letter must be written 
 and sent. But her first duty was to Margaret. She 
 must help her dear friend and protector to get well. As 
 soon as they were again settled at home, she surely 
 would set to work on the letter. And an inward voice 
 whispered to her : "my knight without blemish." She 
 rose and smoothed out her crumpled dress to cover 
 her self-confusion at the unspoken words. 
 
 Carefully picking her way through the tall weeds 
 and brush she gained the road. Glancing for a mo- 
 ment towards the house she saw no one about ; but the 
 next instant her attention was drawn to a distant cloud 
 of dust and the sound of the regular hoofbeats of 
 horses. A carriage was approaching, and soon it drew 
 up before the gate of the Post's farm-house. Hesita- 
 ting what she should do, she saw a man alight, but, 
 instead of going up to the house, he turned and made 
 straight to where she was standing. 
 
 As he approached nearer she recognized Mr. Van 
 Dusen. Her indecision died in its inception. Hat in 
 one hand and the other extended cordially he called 
 out: 
 
 "How are you, Miss Barton? I am so glad to see 
 you. What good fairy brought you here?"
 
 326 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Somewhat embarrassed, she permitted him to take 
 her hand, and press it lightly. He felt rather than 
 saw her indifference. "You are not pleased to see me, 
 Miss Barton?" he added with a weak smile. "But 
 never mind, since I am here, may I walk with you ?" 
 
 "Y-e-s, Mr. Van Dusen. Miss Fisher is resting 
 the doctor's orders, you know but it is almost time 
 for her to waken. Do you wish to see her ?" 
 
 "Ah, Miss Barton, I am not going to let you get rid 
 of me in that way. Let Miss Fisher have her full al- 
 lowance of sleep ; my message to her can wait. Mother 
 sent me to invite her and you for a drive around the 
 lakes to-morrow. The country is looking so beautiful, 
 she thought you would enjoy the water and the hotels 
 along the shore. But may I be frank? I agreed to 
 be her messenger because I had heard you were ex- 
 pected to-day. Now, please, Miss Barton, don't look 
 so forbidding. I do so want to speak to you." 
 
 Helene made a motion as if about to step back, a 
 slight blush suffusing her cheek and neck. Courteously 
 bowing her proud little head she said in somewhat stac- 
 cato tones: 
 
 "Very well, Mr. Van Dusen; but I really think we 
 ought both of us go in to Miss Fisher. I am her guest, 
 you know." 
 
 "I know, Miss Barton, but let me Have my way, won't 
 you? This place, these woods, fields and lakes," he 
 added with a wave of his arm, "have been my play- 
 ground ever since I was a boy. I know every nook 
 and corner. You are not alone Miss Fisher's guest 
 but the guest of us all who live here and love this se- 
 cluded corner of Jersey. Do let me be your guide and 
 show you around." His humorous eyes gave his face 
 so whimsical an expression that Helene almost re- 
 gretted her coldness towards him. 
 
 "Have you seen the orchard and the enchanted
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 327 
 
 bovver of Kittanah, the Indian Maiden who dwelt here 
 more than two hundred years ago? No? It's right 
 round the bend of this road, less than a minute's walk, 
 and really well worth a visit. Shall we go ?" 
 
 His playful insistence and her own desire to efface 
 the impression of her cool reception of him conquered 
 her indecision. She turned with him along the road 
 to where the orchard was situated. 
 
 Gnarled old fruit trees laden with red, green and 
 speckled apples, deep grass that clung to ankles, weeds 
 of unusual size and luxuriance, and all against a dense 
 clump of birches as background. 
 
 Within these birches were flat boulders covered with 
 lichen and small tufts of living green "The Indian 
 bower, Miss Barton; behold the throne of Kitta- 
 nah !" 
 
 It was a pretty spot, and Helene felt no regret that 
 she had come. Van Dusen drew out his handkerchief, 
 spread it carefully over the rock and invited his com- 
 panion to sit down. "You must let me see how a white 
 maiden would appear upon the throne of her ancient 
 copper-colored sister." 
 
 Helene smilingly obeyed, and the young man stepped 
 back in mock criticism, nodding approval. 
 
 "Miss Barton, tradition tells that this Indian maiden 
 outrivalled in beauty all the other girls of her age and 
 place. But I think there never sat upon this rock 
 a more beautiful girl than she who is sitting there 
 now." 
 
 Helene rose. The very thing she had dreaded was 
 going to happen. She had been very foolish to come 
 to this place. 
 
 "Miss Barton, please sit down." 
 
 Hardly knowing what she was doing, Helene re- 
 sumed her seat, helplessly. 
 
 Van Dusen came close up to her, the smile gone
 
 328 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 from his face, and in its place an expression of grim 
 determination. 
 
 "Miss Barton, ever since I first met you I have had 
 but one thought to win you if I could. I know you 
 have given me no encouragement ; indeed, I believe you 
 have avoided me. Yet, I still beg of you to permit me 
 to plead my cause." 
 
 Helene, with downcast eyes, sat patiently, her hands 
 folded, a troubled expression on her face. 
 
 "I don't amount to much, I know, but I am a pretty 
 clean fellow and I am awfully fond of you. Won't 
 you give me a chance to show you how in earnest I 
 am? To see more of you? There isn't another girl 
 like you in this world. I know there are lots of fellows 
 much better than I, but do give me a chance !" 
 
 As he spoke the last words he took Helene's hand, 
 his eager face flushed with his emotions. She gently 
 drew it away, and looking up piteously at the young 
 man she mustered just enough strength to say sadly: 
 "Mr. Van Dusen I don't know what to say, and if I 
 did I wouldn't know how to say it. You are very kind. 
 I I have never thought of any man as you wish me 
 to think of you. We ought not to have come here; 
 we should both of us then have been saved this great 
 embarrassment. Please, remember, that I have no one 
 but Miss Fisher that I am her only friend. Shall we 
 return to the house?" 
 
 "Miss Barton, Helen dear, will you not give me some 
 encouragement, some hope " 
 
 "Oh, Mr. Van Dusen what can I say? Really, I 
 must not listen to you any longer. Pray, permit 
 me!" 
 
 Her heart in a riotous beating, her temples throb- 
 bing and her face filled with indignation, Helene rose 
 and ran toward the orchard. And as she ran she kept 
 thinking : he had no right to speak to her thus : Margy
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 329 
 
 would have to tell him that he must not visit them 
 again. Her feet became entangled in the deep grass 
 and treacherous brambles, and she was compelled to 
 walk and pick her way. 
 
 Van Dusen, who had followed her at a quick pace, 
 hurt and offended at he knew not what, was the first 
 to break the awkward silence following on the pre- 
 cipitate flight. 
 
 "Don't be angry with me, Miss Barton. I did not 
 mean to hurt your feelings. I can see I am distasteful 
 to you; but you need have no fear." He paused for 
 breath. Then seeing that she was finding it difficult 
 to get over the brambles, he added in an unconscious 
 non sequitur: "Pardon me, if you don't keep to the 
 path you will tear your shoes and skirt. You are get- 
 ting into a patch of low bush blackberries; they are 
 worse than barbed wire." 
 
 Helene stopped short, her sense of humor overcom- 
 ing her. After all the young man had not done any- 
 thing very grievous! Of course, it was absurd, but 
 he meant well and she had been wrong to be indignant 
 with him. 
 
 She turned to Van Dusen, and the smile which 
 met him was like a ray of sunshine breaking through 
 threatening clouds. "Mr. Van Dusen I am sorry. It 
 was rude of me to run away. I was taken unawares. 
 Please pardon me. You may show me the path. I 
 can't afford to ruin my shoes and spoil my vacation. 
 But you must promise me not to refer to the subject 
 again. Will you promise, Mr. Van Dusen?" 
 
 "Miss Barton, I may not be a genius but nobody can 
 say I don't know when I am not wanted. I apologize," 
 he added in a more earnest and subdued voice, "and let 
 us be friends. I guess I am not good enough for you !" 
 
 "No, Mr. Van Dusen, you are unjust to yourself. 
 You are a gentleman and you have been very kind to
 
 330 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 me. But oh, well, I suppose I am foolish. Let us 
 go back to Miss Fisher." 
 
 Van Dusen, silent and depressed, led the way back 
 along the path over the hard-baked field, through the 
 orchard and into the road. Helene spoke not another 
 word all the way. 
 
 Whether she intended it or not her silence convinced 
 Van Dusen that he need look for no further hope from 
 her. It was not coquetry, but a definite and permanent 
 refusal. What an ass he had been not to see that she 
 never cared for him! But that he, a Van Dusen, 
 should have been turned down by a snip of a milliner! 
 No, no, he must not think that. He was a cad to call 
 her names even in thought. Ah, she was a beautiful 
 girl as good as they made them but, she had not 
 been made for him, worse luck ! Of course, there must 
 be another fellow. But, by George, couldn't she look 
 proud ! And what a temper she could show ! Ah, but 
 she looked more beautiful angry than smiling. Oh, 
 well, if she didn't care to talk he wouldn't make her. 
 There was the gate, and there was Miss Fisher, all 
 in white, smiling and wholesome. After all, there was 
 no girl like an American girl. These foreigners 
 
 "Hello, people, where have you two been?" came 
 Margaret's cheery greeting to the silent pair emerging 
 from the cover of the trees ; "exploring the landscape, 
 Helen?" 
 
 "How do you do, Miss Fisher!" Van Dusen wel- 
 comed the break in the oppressive silence he had en- 
 dured. "You look very well. I need not ask if the 
 country is doing you good! Mother sent me with a 
 message to you, but as I learned you were resting I 
 proposed to Miss Barton to visit the 'Kittanah Rock' 
 and here we are." 
 
 "How are you, Mr. Van Dusen. Come in and sit 
 down in the shade. This is the only cool spot I know
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 331 
 
 around here. Were you interested in the Indian Rock, 
 Helen? You didn't know we could boast of ancient 
 history here, did you?" 
 
 They sat on the camp chairs in the grass under the 
 spreading maples, chatting in desultory fashion. Hel- 
 ene, however, soon retired to her room, offering as an 
 excuse her dishevelled condition after the walk. 
 
 As he sat facing the comely Margaret with her 
 shrewd eyes, Van Dusen realized that it would be use- 
 less for him to make a secret of what had happened 
 in the orchard. He saw that she already more than 
 guessed. Moreover, his disappointment at the rebuff 
 made him feel a deep desire to unburden himself; per- 
 haps, also, to obtain a little sympathy. He sought for 
 an opportunity, and it came when Helene left them 
 together. But it was Margaret who seized it first. 
 
 "What have you been saying to Helen, Mr. Van 
 Dusen? She seems unusually quiet, and she kept her 
 eyes away from you. I have elected myself Helen's 
 guardian, you know, and her happiness is dear to me. 
 What's been the trouble?" 
 
 "Miss Fisher," the young man fidgeted and spoke 
 nervously. "I know you will be angry with me. I've 
 made an arrant fool of myself. I proposed to Miss 
 Barton, and was promptly refused. I hardly know 
 how I came to do it, but, I suppose I couldn't help 
 it." 
 
 Margaret's face paled ; she closed her eyes and said 
 not a word. 
 
 "Miss Fisher, I see you are angry. But I've made 
 it all right. I don't know how I came to forget myself, 
 because, as I sit here now, I feel as if I'm not in love 
 with her at all and never have been. If I feel hurt 
 it's not my heart that has been wounded, but my van- 
 ity. Do say a kind word to me, Miss Fisher. I don't 
 want you tQ send me a,way in anger,"
 
 332 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Margaret opened her eyes and looked at Van Dusen 
 for a moment with slight disdain. The ingenuousness 
 of the young man, however, was so transparent, and 
 indicated so honest a nature that she was moved to 
 smile the free and open smile which only she could 
 give. 
 
 "Poor boy!" she said, "I guess you are right, you 
 couldn't help it. I don't blame you. If I were a man 
 I would have done as you did. But you must not come 
 with us to-morrow; it would be awkward for both 
 of you. Oh, I do wish men wouldn't insist on making 
 love to every pretty girl they meet ; I'm afraid you've 
 now spoiled Helen's vacation the first one the child 
 has had. I don't know if you understand what that 
 means to a working-girl, because you've never done 
 a day's work in your life." 
 
 "You're right, missie, I don't. But what can I 
 do ? Father thinks I am a dunce ; the fellows I know 
 don't do anything great, and mother wants me to do 
 the social stunt and shine. I wish I could do some- 
 thing. Won't you advise me, Miss Fisher?" 
 
 "Advise you? Why, Mr. Van Dusen, I don't see 
 that it is any of my business! And please don't 
 'Missie' me. I am too old for that. Really, you make 
 me laugh. I honestly believe you haven't grown up 
 yet." 
 
 Any other young man might have resented the snub- 
 bing he was getting, but Van Dusen enjoyed it. 
 
 "Never mind, Miss Fisher," he said laughingly. 
 "I'm not nearly the boy you think I am. And if you 
 keep on looking at me with those nice eyes of yours 
 I'll make another fool of myself. Now, please don't 
 get angry. I'm going to behave from now on. You 
 are right about the drive to-morrow, though I'm 
 awfully sorry to miss the pleasure of showing you 
 round, I had been looking forward to it,"
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 333 
 
 His tone was light, but it was evident that he was 
 feeling the deprivation deeply. 
 
 "Don't think little of me, Miss Fisher. I hope 
 some day to prove to you that I can be of some use 
 in the world. Say good-bye to Miss Barton for me, 
 please. Good-bye, Miss Fisher, and think kindly of 
 me/' 
 
 Van Dusen rose and held out his hand to Margaret, 
 who had reddened in spite of herself. Really, he 
 looked a manly fellow in his earnestness, despite the 
 flippancy of his manner. She couldn't help apprecia- 
 ting the sterling nature which it hid. 
 
 "Good-bye," she said quietly as she took his hand in 
 her friendly clasp. 
 
 She watched him get into the carriage and take the 
 reins from the waiting groom, and noticed how well 
 he sat his seat. Van Dusen turned and raised his hat 
 in a parting farewell to her smiling nods. There was 
 not a trace to be seen of either disappointment or 
 chagrin in his laughing eyes, as he drove up the road 
 and was lost in the wooded avenue. Margaret turned 
 and walked pensively into the house. 
 
 Labor Day had become a memory; Margaret was 
 now fully recovered, and both girls were back at their 
 duties. Their well-regulated life, which had been so 
 rudely interrupted by the accident, resumed its even 
 course. The new actors which, in consequence of that 
 distressing event, had come into it, in no way disturbed 
 the even tenor of their ways. 
 
 Helene met the spurned wooer, after not a few 
 qualms of conscience, with quiet friendliness. Van 
 Dusen, on his part, had swallowed his disappointment 
 and became a devoted friend, using the privileges of 
 an elder brother, which had been extended to him. 
 Helene had but hinted to Margaret at what had oc-
 
 334 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 curred between her and Van Dusen, and Margaret had 
 refrained from inquiring too curiously. It was best 
 to leave well alone, she thought. 
 
 Flowers still came to the house in Gramercy Park; 
 but their destination was the reverse of what it had 
 been before. Then it had been Helene who was the 
 recipient of the roses and giant asters and Margaret 
 of the lesser flowers. Now it was to Margaret that 
 the more gorgeous plants were addressed, and to Hel- 
 ene were relegated modest little bouquets of lilies and 
 pansies (pansies? Did he mean heartsease?) and 
 cornflowers. 
 
 The arrival of the flowers for Margaret usually 
 presaged an evening's outing, and Helene soon came 
 to understand that the bouquets which came for her 
 were but the expressions of courtesy and brotherly at- 
 tention. She did not fail to tease Van Dusen on the 
 change, in her more audacious moods, to his smiling 
 content. 
 
 With renewed health Margaret's cheeks filled out 
 and regained their old roundness and color. Indeed, 
 her illness had improved her appearance. She began 
 to add to nature's gifts the productions of the lore of 
 the "Modiste" and blossomed into as charming a woman 
 as ever attracted the eyes of the dwellers of the Park. 
 
 And now, with the waning of the summer, the first 
 signs of the new "season" began to appear on the 
 Avenue. The World of Fashion was returning to its 
 urban fields of activity; the shops once more became 
 busy hives of jostling women. The evenings scintil- 
 lated and sparkled with brilliant lights and more bril- 
 liant costumes. The glamor of the city drew people 
 from the country, and once again the busy stir of busi- 
 ness and pleasure filled the blue-covered canons of 
 New York. 
 
 As for Margaret and Helene, work kept them from
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 335 
 
 ennui. It was a lesson to Helene, and she entered on 
 the work of the season with all her heart. 
 
 The letter, the task of writing the important letter, 
 had occupied her thoughts for many months, some- 
 times as ominous, often as a ray of hope, occasionally 
 as a burden, but always as a sacred duty a pilgrimage 
 to a shrine. She had begun its composition and had 
 destroyed what she had written time and again. And 
 every time she had put off its completion, waiting for 
 a happier mood. When did autumn begin? Mrs. 
 Kane's almanac said the twenty-second of September. 
 And that was but a few days off. Well, she would 
 obey the promptings of her heart and do it now. It 
 was an evening when Margaret had decided to take 
 an inventory of their belongings to see what they re- 
 quired in the way of dresses for the coming season, 
 and she had retired early, leaving Helene to herself. 
 She sat down determined to get it done with once for 
 all. At the end of an hour the letter was finished, all 
 but the date and signature. She read it over carefully, 
 and although she was not satisfied she decided it would 
 have to do. 
 
 Surely he would understand! She wondered what 
 he was doing in Cleveland, and if he ever thought of 
 his friend of the Carpathians. Perhaps he had found 
 some rich and beautiful girl of his own country! 
 
 And his mother and sister? Was the Ruth he had 
 spoken of like the girls who came to Madame Lucile's 
 free and lively and gay and often slangy? Was his 
 mother like Mrs. Van Dusen, with her haughty air and 
 jewelled fingers? 
 
 These and the like questions she put to herself only 
 to add to her hesitancy of purpose and distress of 
 heart She had learned much but she was still a child 
 and knew very little of life, especially of life in 
 America.
 
 33 6 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 The greatest of all teachers, the omnipotent opener 
 of all eyes and all minds, had not yet come to her. Love 
 may be blind, but it is a wonderful magician for open- 
 ing the heart's far-seeing eyes. It may be blind to the 
 object of its passion, but as a teacher it takes the high- 
 est rank. Helene did not know this. She was alone in 
 the world without a home, without a father or 
 mother, without even her birthright. In this land of 
 her adoption she was still a stranger. She could but 
 follow the impulses of her heart blindly. She did not 
 realize it, but it was love that led her. And Monday 
 would be the twenty-second !
 
 CHAPTER XXVI 
 
 VERY soon after he had entered on his adminis- 
 trative duties in connection with the business 
 his father had bequeathed him, John Morton 
 had found that one thing was certain he must give 
 his whole heart and mind to the work, or things would 
 go wrong. Judge Lowell had put it to him character- 
 istically when he said : "You must either attend strictly 
 to the executive work, or pay some one else to do it 
 for you. A leader cannot sit astraddle." Morton had 
 not believed him, at first, but it was not long before 
 he found, to his sorrow, that the judge was right; and 
 then he knuckled down to the system. 
 
 When he began gradually to master the fundamental 
 principles of generalship underlying the direction of 
 so gigantic an enterprise, he experienced a curious 
 sense of elation and self-satisfaction. Nothing pleased 
 him more than to notice the admiration in the eyes 
 of the old warhorses of his father's army. The knot- 
 tiest of problems, he found, would yield to earnest 
 thought and tactful work. 
 
 Those who, at the beginning, had looked at him 
 evasively or contemptuously, had of late given both 
 their approval and confidence. The heads of the many 
 diversified interests had tested him and had found he 
 was not wanting. They realized that he was both able 
 and strong. "A chip of the old block," some of them 
 said with a smile, and others would remark: "I told 
 you the acorn wouldn't drop very far from the oak," 
 or "Old Pan in his prime wasn't in it with the boy." 
 
 337
 
 338 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 These were the opinions expressed by those who were 
 in the business with him. 
 
 "The Street" had even begun to whisper that it 
 wasn't wise to monkey with young Morton, and griz- 
 zled old bankers had found it desirable to consult with 
 him before deciding on some of their "big moves." 
 From the outset he had declined offices on financial 
 boards, pleading lack of experience; but somehow im- 
 portant enterprises would be mentioned to him at their 
 inception. The players on the chess-board knew that it 
 was safer to give Morton a chance to make a move or 
 not, as he felt inclined. Thus it was that every day 
 found Morton more firmly seated in his father's ample 
 chair, and found also that the work connected with his 
 duties left him more and more invigorated. 
 
 His life with such responsibilities was bound to be- 
 come circumscribed in ever-narrowing- circles, and 
 could not fail to leave on him, both in his features and 
 bearing, indelible marks of care and thought. He 
 found little room for indecision, small opportunity for 
 moroseness, and fewer moments for idle dreaming. 
 He carried himself so seriously that his old friends at 
 the club scarcely recognized in him the John Morton 
 of the past. He no longer found time for intercourse 
 with men of science, nor for indulgence in reading 
 books. John Morton had, indeed, come into Adam's 
 legacy work and plenty of it. 
 
 Mrs. Morton and Ruth, although they could have 
 but few opportunities for coming in contact with the 
 business world, heard some of these good opinions. 
 Married ladies, from whom their husbands kept no 
 business secrets, would repeat what they had been told ; 
 fiancees would carry the expressions their future lords 
 and master had made about Morton; Judge Lowell, on 
 his occasional visits, never failed to avow his high es- 
 teem -of this paragon of a son. They heard that he had
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 339 
 
 been elected to the dignified offices his father had held, 
 and to which only honorable and estimable men were 
 called; that his advice and counsel were sought in 
 matters of public welfare, civic improvement and works 
 of charity. The Randolph in him may have been 
 strong, but there was enough Morton in his compo- 
 sition to make his power felt, and those who looked to 
 him for action were not disappointed. 
 
 Mother and admiring sister regretted his now regu- 
 lar absence from their drawing-room gatherings and 
 his even less frequent visits to the country home. But 
 the women of America are content to accept the de- 
 mands that business makes on their husbands and 
 brothers. As long as John kept his health and looked 
 as handsome as ever, with his face lit up by his humor- 
 ous smile, they were satisfied. 
 
 They had almost forgotten the existence of "the 
 dark lady" of the Carpathians. Ruth had gone so far 
 as to say that she believed John "had been stringing" 
 them about her. She still was as determined as ever 
 to marry her handsome brother to some beautiful 
 American girl, which was her reason for not sharing 
 in her mother's pride at his continued devotion to busi- 
 ness. Not that she objected to hear people talk in 
 praise of John; but she could see no sense in working 
 so hard for money when they already had more than 
 they needed. John lived like a hermit, she said. 
 
 Her brother would listen to her smilingly, pat her 
 on the cheek and explain that the interests of their es- 
 tate demanded it. Her mother would talk of the 
 sacred duty John owed to his father's plans. But 
 neither argument had much weight with Ruth, for 
 whom life was a much more interesting affair than 
 mere money-making. However, she said nothing, but 
 quietly made up her mind to carry out her plans. She'd 
 see that John married, come what may.
 
 34Q UNDER THE. BIG DIPPER 
 
 Moved by the desire to be nearer her son, Mrs. Mor- 
 ton, towards the middle of the summer, had brought 
 her household goods from Newport to the big mansion 
 on the Hudson. John had agreed to come there at least 
 once during the week and to spend his Sundays with 
 her. She made occasional trips to New York for 
 shopping and visiting purposes, on which Ruth would 
 often accompany her especially for the shopping. On 
 such occasions they generally succeeded in bringing 
 John home with them. They found that he was will- 
 ing to break important engagements, though to them 
 these engagements seemed strangely unimportant. He 
 would meet them at some store or at the Terminal, 
 and his escort was always an added pleasure to them. 
 Mrs. Morton, in particular, felt a great pride in driv- 
 ing home with her son. Their arrival was like a tri- 
 umphal entry into some feudal castle. Her eyes would 
 beam with delight as she noted the servants' admiring 
 glances at "Mr. John," or the proprietary pride of the 
 old station-master's greeting of "Mr. Morton." 
 
 Sometimes Ruth would go alone to visit a school 
 friend, who would assist her in selecting her purchases. 
 It was on one of these private expeditions that she 
 'phoned John and, catching him in a moment of weak- 
 ness, wheedled him into a promise to meet her at Mail- 
 lard's that day at five, and to take her back to Tarry- 
 town. 
 
 Punctual, as always, John was at the confectioner's 
 the favorite place of those ladies who believe they 
 need reviving refreshment of a stronger nature than 
 can be obtained at the ordinary department stores. 
 His arrival made Ruth and Hattie Brown, her friend, 
 the envy of the other girls, who saw this distinguished- 
 looking man greeting them. Is it unkind to suggest that 
 Ruth had selected the place of rendezvous with this 
 effect in view?
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 341 
 
 John had met Miss Brown on many previous occa- 
 sions, so that he looked at the girls' effusive leave- 
 taking without much emotion. Ruth's great charm to 
 him had always been her perfect naturalness of man- 
 ner, but this did not prevent her behaving as other girls 
 did when she was with them. Once alone in the car- 
 riage with him, however, she quickly resumed her 
 vivacious self and was her brother's comrade again. 
 
 The girl was excited, full of fun and bubbling over 
 with laughter, much to her brother's amusement. 
 Something unusual must have happened. 
 
 "You know that piece of fine old timber on our 
 grounds, John? I mean on the slope to the river." 
 
 John nodded. 
 
 "Well, I've taken a fancy to it and want it all for 
 myself. It's been neglected, because it hasn't got what 
 people call 'a wonderful view.' It needs draining and 
 some paths cutting through it. Won't you spare an 
 hour and come with me to look it over?" 
 
 "I don't mind," her brother remarked carelessly. 
 
 "And you will please me, won't you, John, dear, and 
 have the woods put into good condition? I'm tired 
 of hearing about grand vistas and glorious sights and 
 distant purple hills and all that kind of rot. It's a 
 perfectly lovely bit of timber, and if you go the right 
 way about it, it can be made into a most delightful spot 
 and a real refuge for birds and small game. Put some 
 quail on the place and mummy and I will see that they 
 are taken care of and fed in the winter. Now is just 
 the time, before it gets too cold. If you do this for 
 me, John, I'll reciprocate. Oh, I've made the most 
 marvellous discovery to-day. I'll let you in on it, if 
 you'll be good." 
 
 Ruth rattled away without pausing for breath. 
 
 "Well, sis, I'll go round the place with you and try 
 to see it with your enthusiastic eyes; but the superin-
 
 342 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 tendent is really the right man. However, your wish 
 shall be a command. Now, what's this wonderful re- 
 ward I'm to get for being good?" He spoke in a ban- 
 tering voice, smiling at the excited face. 
 
 "I'll tell you in good time. It'll do you good to feed 
 on your curiosity a little. You haven't enough emotion 
 in you, anyway, John. All you do is work and plan. 
 Before you know it, you'll be nothing but a thinking 
 machine. Ah, but I've got a charm up my sleeve that'll 
 make you come out of your shell and be your old self 
 again. Oh, John, if you only knew!" 
 
 "What is this mysterious thing you are hiding? A 
 new collie, or a plant that sings between drinks, or 
 some new genius ? Tell, oh, sloe-eyed daughter of my 
 race!" 
 
 "You can laugh at me, if you like; but I tell you, 
 John, I've struck it rich. You'll have to wait. All 
 things come to him who waits. First my woods and 
 roads and drains, and then your reward." 
 
 They had arrived at the Terminal by this time and 
 John had all he could do to guide Ruth through the 
 crowd into the train. In due course they reached home 
 and a short time after the modest family of three were 
 seated round the dinner-table. 
 
 Though a simple function, dinner was always an 
 important affair for Mrs. Morton when her son was 
 with them. She took pride in seating him in the high- 
 backed chair at the head of the table and would gaze 
 lovingly at his handsome face and listen entranced to 
 his conversation. In Mrs. Morton's opinion John could 
 talk better than Daniel Webster. A day's absence 
 would afford her an excuse for discovering new vir- 
 tues in her boy. Unlike the other women of her sta- 
 tion, she had remained what they would have charac- 
 terized as "old-fashioned." Home to her had its old 
 meanings and old duties it meant home, and not a
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 343 
 
 mere stopping-place for the country club or the golf 
 links or the porch for slangy gossip. So that visitors 
 to her house still found in it the air of bygone days 
 and were grateful for it. 
 
 Mrs. Morton had long since laid out her course of 
 life and kept to it. She knew that so long as John 
 felt that he was taking care of her and Ruth, he would 
 stick to his business. She herself was not at all neces- 
 sary to him ; but her pride lay in his strength and ability 
 to succeed. She was deeply afraid he might drift 
 again into the "bohemian life" of aimless study and 
 travel, as she classed his previous lapses into those 
 fields. She could understand being a gentleman of 
 leisure, even approve of it; she could easily accept the 
 life of ceaseless labor and planning of business enter- 
 prises, for she had had the example of that in her boy's 
 father; but she could see nothing in studying for 
 study's sake, or in a devotion to research for the ob- 
 ject of discovery. This might do for eccentric for- 
 eigners or crazy college professors ; but for a Morton 
 or a Randolph ? Never ! 
 
 But Ruth had no such compunctions of mind, no such 
 scruples of conscience or carefully set plans. As they 
 sat over the meal and she listened to the serious discus- 
 sion between her mother and John on subjects in which 
 she had not the slightest interest, she became impatient 
 
 "Mother, dear," she said, breaking in. "I must tell 
 you what happened to me this afternoon. Please stop 
 talking shop and bothering about those horrid men in 
 their offices, without souls, who sit there like spiders 
 in webs. Anyone listening to you two would think you 
 were a couple of promoters." 
 
 "I think, Ruth, you might have chosen a better com- 
 parison," remarked Mrs. Morton severely. "What is 
 this wonderful thing that happened ?" 
 
 Ruth, not a bit abashed at the reproof, went on :
 
 344 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 "Well, Hattie and I were snoopin' around looking 
 for things, you know " 
 
 "My dear, I wish you'd be a little more select in your 
 vocabulary," remonstrated her mother mildly. 
 
 "Mummy, dear, you must let me tell my story my 
 own way. As I was saying, Hattie and I were shop- 
 ping. You know Hattie simply won't have anything 
 else but the latest and Frenchiest, and no trouble's too 
 much for her so long as she digs it out. We had been 
 to all the likeliest places to Arnitt's and Longman's 
 and Carson's and many others, when she insisted that 
 we should go to Madame Lucile's. The great lady 
 herself waited on her, and Hattie tried on almost every- 
 thing there was in the place hats, bonnets, laces, 
 plumes, frocks and could not be suited. While the 
 things were on the shelves they looked beautiful, but 
 when Hattie tried them on she couldn't bear them. I 
 am sure Madame must have been disgusted. Even I 
 was getting ashamed of her. Well, at last Madame 
 suggested that Mademoiselle Hello-a, or a name some- 
 thing like that, should come and give her opinion. The 
 young lady, she said, was the very latest arrival from 
 abroad and was absolutely faultless in her taste. Well, 
 Mademoiselle with the profane name was sent for and 
 well, she is simply wonderful !" 
 
 Ruth gazed at her listeners with eyes that said what 
 no words could express. They seemed to suggest 
 dreams of delight and beauty. John leaned back and 
 roared with laughter. Ruth gave him a mingled look 
 of pity and disdain, and turned to her mother. 
 
 "Mamma, you never in your life saw such a beauti- 
 ful girl. Honest, she's simply a wonder. It's all very 
 well for you to laugh, John, but you've not seen her. 
 But I'll take you to see her and then you'll know if I'm 
 right or not. I don't believe she's a day older than 
 I am, but, somehow she's quite womanly. And her
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 345 
 
 face, oh, mother, it's like the face of that beautiful 
 Gainsborough picture we have, only much younger. 
 Her hair is the loveliest color and her eyes are like 
 violets. As for her figure well I'd give my eye- 
 teeth to have one like it." 
 
 "Say, Ruth, let up a little, won't you?" chuckled 
 John, "if you go on I'll have to be carried out by the 
 butler." 
 
 "Let me tell you, you'll have to be carried out when 
 you see her ; she's a stunner." 
 
 "Ruth, dear, don't get so excited," begged Mrs. 
 Morton. 
 
 "I'm not excited, mother; but John doesn't under- 
 stand. He's never heard her speak, or he wouldn't make 
 fun of what I'm saying. She talks the prettiest Eng- 
 lish in the loveliest voice you ever heard and she's 
 so modest and refined. I tell you she's one in a mil- 
 lion. I bet she's a lady every inch of her and I 
 couldn't help saying nice things to her. You ought 
 to have seen her blush when I said I'd like to know 
 her. If the girl ever does her blushing stunt when 
 you're around, John, you'll just walk right up and pro- 
 pose to her on the spot. And I hope she'd accept you. 
 And now, here's my proposition. If you fix up my 
 woods, I'll introduce you to her. Mummy, dear, you 
 must come to New York with me and invite her out. 
 You'll fall in love with her. You will come and ask 
 her, won't you?" 
 
 "But, Ruth, how can we invite a shop-girl to this 
 house? You are so impulsive, my dear." 
 
 "She's not a shop-girl; she's a lady," exclaimed 
 Ruth, indignantly. 
 
 "But a girl you know nothing about ; how can you 
 think of it? I never heard such a thing! What did 
 Hattie Brown say?" 
 
 "Oh, Hattie! She thought her very beautiful; but 
 33
 
 346 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 she prefers dark people. Madame Lucile told us after- 
 wards that the young lady was highly educated. Now, 
 I've said all I have to say. If you don't want to meet 
 her, John, that's your loss. But I tell you she's a 
 wonder." 
 
 John saw that his sister was really in earnest and 
 would hurt her feelings if he carried his jocular man- 
 ner too far. Rising, he went up to her and put his 
 arms around her shoulders. 
 
 "All right, sissie, some day I'll ask you to introduce 
 me. But not just now. I'm going to Idaho. I'll seek 
 your kind favors when I get back. Mother, dear," he 
 turned to Mrs. Morton, "I've got to go to Jackson's 
 Hole next week. Do you mind if I take the oppor- 
 tunity to put in a week's shooting? I feel I need the 
 rest." 
 
 "Oh, John," exclaimed his mother, "I'm so glad 
 you're going to take a vacation. You deserve it, and 
 I'm sure you need it. When do you start? There's 
 nothing to keep you so far as I am concerned." 
 
 "Thank you, mater, I'll start next Tuesday. That 
 will give me two days here. Judge Lowell arrives on 
 Friday and promised to remain until I return. He'll 
 see to everything you may want. When you feel like 
 going to town to stay for the season, I've leased 
 the Arkwright house, and I've taken the even 
 days for Box 17 at the Opera. Shall we have our 
 coffee on the verandah, mother; it's a lovely even- 
 ing?" 
 
 Mrs. Morton smiled her assent; but said nothing 
 further about his going away. Since her husband's 
 death she had clung to John with a double tenacity 
 a mother's love for a son, and a woman's reliance on 
 the man. But she was too wise to permit her own 
 feelings to come between them. When, later in the 
 evening, the three were together in the spacious living-
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 347 
 
 room, Ruth took her brother aside and finally got her 
 way about the little wood. 
 
 The following morning Morton returned to the city. 
 But this time he carried back with him his old dreams. 
 Ruth's story at the dinner-table had unlocked a door 
 in his memory which he had kept closed ; and now the 
 gracious spirit wandered once more about the cham- 
 bers of his mind giving him neither rest nor hope. 
 
 Would the promised letter arrive? Perhaps it was 
 even now on its way to him across the ocean! What 
 if it should come while he was away in Idaho? He 
 made a note to leave instructions that it must be for- 
 warded on to him. 
 
 Love is said to give the lover almost supernatural 
 powers of insight and vision, as if the mysterious force 
 produced a psychical state which responded in har- 
 mony to the presence of the loved one. If this be true, 
 then Morton must have been born of a different species. 
 In all his concentrated thoughts of Helene he saw 
 her either in some retired village in Germany, or in 
 some nunnery, or sitting in tearful neglect in a dreary 
 attic, or living with some high-born relative and walk- 
 ing the world a queen in grace and beauty, the cyno- 
 sure of all eyes. But never for one instant did he pic- 
 ture her in New York, working patiently and hope- 
 fully in a place he had passed a thousand times. 
 
 On the Saturday which was to be his last in town 
 for some weeks to come, Morton decided to lunch at 
 his club before leaving for Tarrytown. On the way 
 he stopped his brougham at a gunsmith's to purchase 
 a rifle and ammunition for his hunting trip. Was it 
 fate or did a mischievous fairy plan it? 
 
 It was a lovely day, one of those days on which 
 in certain places of the earth, far from the madding 
 crowd, fairies would come out of their secret places 
 and dance in the green glades of the cool forest.
 
 348 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 New York's canons of streets were blue and gold under 
 the gracious sunlit skies. Surely one of those lively 
 sprites must have mistaken the city in its shining 
 beauty for a new kind of forest; for of a certainty 
 he was there. He must have skipped in past the yawn- 
 ing policeman at the corner, heedless of the noise and 
 the crowds, and careless of the consequences. Seeing 
 Morton in his carriage he must have whispered to 
 him to stop at the gunsmith's shop and go inside and 
 take his time. And this sa,me little fellow must have 
 arranged it that Michael Sweeney, the best judge in 
 the city of a damascened barrel, with the finest touch 
 for adjusting the trigger, should just then be in the 
 shop to wait on customers. For Michael, withal his 
 watery eyes, could weigh powder with the skill of an 
 assayer and discourse of guns as though they were 
 his beloved children. Morton forgot where he was 
 and who he was, so entranced was he. All he felt 
 was that he was going away for a vacation he was 
 putting work away and going to play ! The fairy had 
 certainly enchanted him. 
 
 Outside on the avenue the horses in the brougham 
 stamped in nervous impatience, switching their short 
 tails in vain efforts to keep the flies away; the old 
 coachman on the box had grown tired of flicking his 
 whip and had dozed off in the warm shade. And all 
 the time Morton was under Michael's spell. Then 
 the fairy, who had timed it well, touched the weight 
 of the old clock in the corner and started so loud a 
 whirr that Mike was disconcerted. The asthmatic 
 gong gave a hoarse ding-dong it was one o'clock! 
 
 Immediately Morton realized that he was to get the 
 2.30 train and that he had had no luncheon. He made 
 for the exit hurriedly, giving at the same time brusque 
 instructions to Michael to bring his purchases to the 
 carriage.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 349 
 
 Michael had wrapped everything very carefully, as 
 was his custom, using the brown paper and string 
 which the famous establishment always took care 
 should be of the best, and hurried out in obedience to 
 Morton's instructions. Now what followed proves 
 conclusively that there was a fairy or a leprechaun, 
 as Michael would have called him, in New York that 
 afternoon. For Michael had not taken two steps be- 
 yond his door, when the string broke and the con- 
 tents of the brown paper parcel hooks, lines and 
 sinkers were scattered, like the buttermilk from the 
 pitcher of the fair Kitty of Coleraine, all over the 
 place. Sweeney, the impeccable, looked aghast and 
 could but stare at the articles rolling and sliding in 
 every direction. 
 
 Morton was on the point of stepping into his car- 
 riage, but hearing the commotion he stopped and 
 turned round. And here is where the fine Italian hand 
 of the fairy came in. For now Morton also made a 
 discovery.
 
 CHAPTER XXVII 
 
 AS this Saturday was to be the last of the half- 
 holidays of the summer, Margaret and Helene 
 were devoting it to replenishing their ward- 
 robes for the coming autumn. Monday would be "Fall 
 Opening" day, with its resumption of longer working 
 hours, and no other opportunity would be given them 
 for this most necessary preparation for the winter. 
 
 The avenue was crowded. Idle promenaders 
 mingled with people hurrying to and from work, all 
 exhibiting, in dress and manner, the many phases of 
 life in the metropolis. A touch of crispness in the 
 air gave warning of the change in the season. 
 
 Margaret, broad and commanding, walked by the 
 side of Helene as though protecting the slender figure 
 in black from the press about them. Bent on their im- 
 portant affairs they stepped briskly along regardless 
 of those about them and arrived at the gunsmith's at 
 the very instant of Michael Sweeney's mishap. 
 
 Michael, bent and perspiring with the effort of col- 
 lecting the scattered objects, straightened up to allow 
 the two ladies to pass. Morton, at that moment, 
 turned and saw one of them skip gracefully aside and 
 then catch up with her companion's gait. In that same 
 instant Morton experienced a sudden singing in his 
 brain followed by an association of ideas and an awak- 
 ening of memory. He became dimly conscious of 
 something familiar about the graceful skip of the 
 young woman in black, and looked searchingly at the 
 face beneath the broad-brimmed hat and veil. At
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 351 
 
 once he made an undignified jump from the car- 
 riage step and was walking rapidly after the two 
 girls. 
 
 He caught up with them and looked sharply as he 
 passed ; the next instant he had stopped right in front 
 of them. 
 
 "Comtesse Helene !" he exclaimed, "you here ?" 
 
 Helene shot a frightened look at the man before 
 them. 
 
 "Mr. Morton!" The silvery voice bathed him in 
 beatific memories. He saw nothing but the girl; nay, 
 it may be doubted if he even saw her. He had taken 
 the little hand which had been involuntarily stretched 
 out to him and he now held it firmly as though fear- 
 ful it might slip away from him, his face mirrored with 
 his emotions. The rest of creation did not exist; it 
 contained but this girl and himself. 
 
 "Comtesse Helene for once fortune has favored 
 me I am so glad, so glad." He could find no other 
 words. 
 
 "Oh, Mr. Morton, I wrote you last night and mailed 
 the letter this morning. And that I should meet you 
 to-day of all days!" 
 
 "Pardon me, but I guess you've forgotten me," in- 
 terposed Margaret in her driest of drawls. "Won't 
 you introduce me, Helen?" 
 
 John's face flushed and Helene looked prettily em- 
 barrassed. 
 
 "Oh, I beg your pardon, Margy," and then turn- 
 ing to John smilingly, she said slowly and distinctly: 
 "Miss Helen Barton has the honor to present to 
 Mr. Morton her dear friend and chum, Miss Margaret 
 Fisher." 
 
 Margaret offered hep hand with somewhat cold re- 
 serve. This entrance of a male friend into her shy 
 ward's acquaintance was both unexpected and inex-
 
 352 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 plicable. Mr. Morton looked all right too much so, 
 she thought with a tinge of resentment. 
 
 Morton, by this time, had regained his composure, 
 and shook Margaret's hand heartily. 
 
 "Now that we have been properly made acquainted 
 with each other, may I inquire where you ladies are 
 bound for? It is a long time since I last saw Miss-er- 
 Barton. Have you had luncheon?" 
 
 No, they had not. And then, to Margaret's aston- 
 ishment, the timid, ingenuous Helene immediately ac- 
 cepted the offer which followed. On their way to the 
 hotel, Morton did his best to appear calm and divided 
 his attentions equally between the two girls. When 
 they were settled comfortably near a window looking 
 out on the avenue of one of New York's famous hos- 
 telries, Margaret could not help speculating as to who 
 this man was. He evidently possessed AH Baba's 
 countersign, for he was waited on most assiduously. 
 A seat at this particular hotel had always seemed to 
 her to be the reward of the world's elect. She glanced 
 inquiringly at Helene, who was all unconscious of 
 what was passing through her friend's mind, and to 
 Margaret's increasing wonder Helene was taking the 
 whole affair as if a luncheon at the Waldorf were an 
 everyday occurrence. With the utmost sang-froid she 
 removed her gloves and, to Morton's delight, the pro- 
 tecting veil. Her eyes were sparkling with a light 
 Margaret had never before seen in them. Who and 
 what was this Mr. Morton? She was becoming really 
 jealous of this interloper. She remembered that Helen 
 had once casually referred to a Mr. Morton she 
 had known "in the old country." But this man was 
 unquestionably an American ! She watched him closely 
 and noted the animation in look and tone whenever 
 he spoke to Helen. Then she remembered that on 
 meeting her in the avenue he had addressed her as
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 353 
 
 "Countess." What did he mean ? Margaret was both 
 puzzled and hurt. 
 
 Morton felt a restraint in himself and rightly judged 
 that a similar feeling existed in the girls. He made 
 an effort to remove it. Turning to Margaret, he said : 
 "I cannot tell you, Miss Fisher, how glad I am to have 
 met Miss Barton. When we said good-bye to each 
 other last it was thousands of miles from here, and I 
 suppose we both find it difficult to realize that the world 
 is a very small place after all. You will, therefore, 
 pardon me, I hope, for seeming unattentive. But I 
 promise to behave better." 
 
 Margery at once saw the situation now. She 
 guessed they would have many things to say to each 
 other which her presence prevented them discussing. 
 "Two is company and three is a crowd," she said to 
 herself. 
 
 Smiling amiably in response to Morton's explana- 
 tion, she turned to Helene and said : 
 
 "Helen, dear, I'm sure you and Mr. Morton have 
 much to say to each other. Now, please, don't mind 
 me. I am going to devote myself to the good things 
 I see before me, and then I can enjoy looking at the 
 styles of the women passing by the window. This is 
 a rare treat for me." 
 
 Helene said nothing, but a tell-tale blush spoke vol- 
 umes. Morton laughed and said that Miss Fisher was 
 right ; he'd take full advantage of her forbearance. 
 
 Suiting his action to the word he drew his chair 
 more closely to Helene, and before many minutes had 
 passed the two had quite forgotten Margaret's pres- 
 ence. 
 
 "I have kept my promise, Mr. Morton. I sent the 
 letter this morning and it would have reached you on 
 Monday the first day of autumn. You will believe 
 that I have never forgotten your kindness to me, Mr.
 
 354 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Morton. It was, indeed, not ingratitude that kept me 
 silent." 
 
 "I am too happy to think of finding fault. Now 
 that we have met again, I shall say not a word of 
 censure. You are looking, very well. Ah, Miss Bar- 
 ton, I give you warning that you won't lose me again. 
 To think that you should have been in New York for 
 these five long months when I have searched the con- 
 tinent oi: Europe for you !" 
 
 "I know now, Mr. Morton, that it was, perhaps, 
 wrong of me not to have communicated with you 
 earlier. But I am very happy now." 
 
 "I cannot tell you how glad I am !" 
 
 "I have been very content of late in my independ- 
 ence. It makes me proud to be able to say that." 
 
 "I can well believe it," responded Morton thought- 
 fully. 
 
 "But Mr. Morton it is all owing to Margy. She 
 was and still is my good angel. I don't know what I 
 should have done without her. She has been my com- 
 fort and stay and the most patient and dearest friend 
 in the world." 
 
 Helene stretched her arm across the table and 
 pressed Margaret's hand, the tears filling her eyes. 
 Margaret blushed and stroked Helene's slender fingers. 
 Praise always called up her innate modesty of nature. 
 "You think too much of me, darling," she whispered, 
 smiling happily. 
 
 Morton looked at Margaret keenly. This was an 
 unusual woman, he thought, as he noted the broad 
 forehead and firm yet kindly mouth. He would not 
 forget her kindness to the orphaned girl. 
 
 During the meal Margaret kept stealing glances at 
 Helene. She could scarcely explain the nature of the 
 change she now saw. This erstwhile quiet, simple 
 maiden might be a princess, so queenly did she bear
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 355 
 
 herself and so beautiful was she in her animation. 
 "What a difference a man makes!" she thought bit- 
 terly, "especially if he is the right man," she added as 
 an afterthought. 
 
 The luncheon over Morton remembered that he 
 ought to have been on his way to Tarrytown. 
 
 "Will you excuse me for a moment, ladies? My 
 mother expects me home, and I ought to send word 
 to her that I will be delayed. Have you any engage- 
 ment for this evening, Miss Barton?" 
 
 "No, Mr. Morton," Helene replied, "but I must not 
 keep you from your family and friends." 
 
 "Miss Barton, I have been in great good luck to-day, 
 and I should like to take every advantage of it. Shall 
 \ve say dinner at seven and the theatre after? Help 
 me, Miss Fisher, won't you?" 
 
 Morton was longing to be alone with Helene, and 
 as he did not quite understand the relationship which 
 existed between the two girls, he put the question 
 hoping that she would take the initiative. He was 
 determined not to part from Helene until he had had 
 an opportunity to hear her whole story from her own 
 lips. 
 
 Margaret's practical nature saw more than the sur- 
 face of things showed, and she had seen sufficient to 
 know that she was de trop to the man, at any rate. 
 
 "Helene, dear," she said, "you have had enough of 
 me for one day. Make your plans without considering 
 me. I expect Mr. Van Dusen this evening, so that I 
 cannot avail myself of Mr. Morton's kind invitation. 
 You go. I am sure you and he must have a great deal 
 to talk about. Mr. Morton, let me thank you for in- 
 cluding me in your invitation." 
 
 Helene seemed somewhat uneasy. Before, however, 
 she could reply to Margaret's suggestion, she heard 
 Morton say:
 
 356 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 "You are quite right, Miss Fisher, Miss Barton and 
 I have a great many things to talk over. You are 
 very kind. Am I to have the pleasure, Miss Barton?" 
 
 Helene had decided. "I shall be very pleased to dine 
 with you, Mr. Morton ; but I do not care to see a play 
 for some time yet." Then turning to Margaret she 
 asked : "You are sure, Margy, you don't mind ?" 
 
 "Not at all, my dear. Mr. Morton, I have acted 
 as guardian to Helen for the past five months, and 
 have been very strict, as you see. Perhaps I have 
 been selfish ; but Helen has been nowhere without me. 
 She is very dear to me. You may, therefore, con- 
 sider it a great compliment that I am willing to place 
 this little treasure of mine in your care. But you must 
 promise that you will look after her, won't you?" 
 
 "I am honored, Miss Fisher, and beg to assure you 
 that I deeply appreciate your trust. I shall take your 
 place with Miss Barton." Morton smiled, fully ap- 
 preciating this unusual anxiety on Miss Fisher's part. 
 
 "Will you excuse me now, for a few minutes, while 
 I 'phone to my mother?" 
 
 Margaret followed him with her eyes as Morton 
 wound his way between the tables. Helene sat gazing 
 dreamily out of the window absorbed in her thoughts. 
 Margaret turned to her friend. 
 
 "Well, my dear, am I to know all about him ? I am 
 bursting with curiosity, you know; but don't tell me 
 more than you care to." 
 
 Helene turned her clear, honest eyes on her friend's 
 face. "There is not very much to tell, Margy. I 
 met Mr. Morton about a year ago under unusual cir- 
 cumstances. He was a friend of my father's. My 
 father died since then, and you are the one friend I 
 have now. Mr. Morton was very kind to me at the 
 time, and I believe was willing to assume certain re- 
 sponsibilites on my behalf, for my father's sake. I
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 357 
 
 promised that I would let him know this autumn how 
 I had fared, and it was only this morning that I sent 
 him the letter which he has not yet received. I shall 
 tell him now all that lias happened to me, and he may 
 be able to give me news of old friends abroad. Did 
 you really intend to go out with Mr. Van Dusen?" 
 
 "Yes, dear. I was going to tell you about it, and 
 now it will be pleasant for both of us. Your Mr. Mor- 
 ton, Helen, is the real swell !" 
 
 Helene laughed. "Yes, I suppose that's what you'd 
 call him. But to me he has been a fine friend the 
 best I have had except you, dear." 
 
 "Well, I accept the compliment. But you know 
 what the old song says: 'A girl's best friend is her 
 lover.' I can see, Helen, where I pass out." 
 
 "Oh, Margy!" she exclaimed, adjusting her veil 
 quickly. 
 
 Morton's return at that moment ended the con- 
 fidences between the girls. He was now, he told them, 
 entirely at their service. It was then arranged that 
 he should call for Helene at seven o'clock at the ad- 
 dress given him by Margaret. 
 
 Helene's hand lingered an instant in Morton's at 
 parting, and as he saw her happy face he knew that 
 he was welcome. 
 
 Morton drove to his rooms. Events had been crowd- 
 ing on him and he wanted to be alone. On his way 
 he stopped at a florist's and ordered flowers to be sent 
 to the house in Gramercy Park. 
 
 Once in his room he drew a deep chair to the 
 window and after lighting a cigar sat down to his 
 thoughts. 
 
 How beautiful she was! More beautiful than even 
 he had pictured her in his dreams. This evening she 
 would tell him everything and explain why she had 
 kept herself away from him. And how pleased she
 
 358 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 had been to see him ! One look at her face had assured 
 him that no other man had come between them. She 
 must have carried out her intention and come to New 
 York to work for her living. That explained Miss 
 Fisher. By George, that woman was a splendid pro- 
 tectress ! He had no fault to find with her not in the 
 slightest. Yes he must put off his Western journey, 
 now. 
 
 John rose and began walking the room, whistling 
 and smoking by turns, smiling happily. His valet in 
 the next room could hardly believe his ears. He came 
 obedient to a summons and was ordered to lay out 
 evening clothes. Mr. Morton would stay in town over 
 Saturday night. What had come over his master? 
 
 John ,had told his mother that he would be detained 
 in town that night and promised to be with her for 
 luncheon the next day. He had laughed to himself 
 as he thought of the guessing match that would fol- 
 low, between mother and daughter. Ah, if they only 
 knew! 
 
 He dressed with great care and took a hansom, 
 thinking it would be more fitting than his own more 
 pretentious carriage, and as he drove down the avenue 
 he could not forbear smiling at his thought he was 
 just like any ordinary young "chap" calling on his 
 
 "best girl." 
 ********* 
 
 Margaret and Helene, after leaving Morton and fin- 
 ishing their shopping, arrived home, their arms filled 
 with packages, most happily expectant. An evening 
 such as this promised to be to each of them was a 
 rare occasion. Helene had been afraid that Margaret 
 would question her further, but to her surprise and re- 
 lief, she made no reference to Mr. Morton. 
 
 "I think, Helen, dear, you must let me help to dress 
 your hair," she said quietly, "your hat will sit better."
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 3 59 
 
 Helena sensed a slight coldness in her friend; she 
 came over to Margaret and seating herself on the arm 
 of her chair, cuddled up to her. 
 
 "Margy, dear, you are not disapproving, are you? 
 Do you think I ought not to dine with Mr. Morton 
 this evening?" 
 
 Margaret held her tight and patted her shoulder 
 affectionately. 
 
 "You mustn't mind me, dearie ; I suppose I'm a jeal- 
 ous old thing. It's perfectly right to go out with Mr. 
 Morton, and I'm glad you are going. I've been sel- 
 fish; you'd get quiet rusty if you allowed me to mo- 
 nopolize you. There now, little girl, hurry and get 
 dressed and when you are ready call me." And Mar- 
 garet kissed her affectionately. 
 
 Helene knew that her friend had only her good at 
 heart and thought it wisest to say nothing more. She 
 went to her room, though not to dress. Her mind had 
 been so disturbed by the sudden meeting with Morton 
 and she was so excited over it, that she felt she must 
 regain her composure. She took out her box of treas- 
 ures containing the dried leaves of flowers and a few 
 letters and sat fingering them thoughtfully. What 
 passed through her mind it would be too curious to 
 inquire. The thoughts of a girl are sacred to herself. 
 All we need to know is that she did not sit long, but 
 stole quietly to the mirror and looked earnestly at her 
 face and then with a sigh of satisfaction, turned away 
 with a happy smile. 
 
 Margaret, in her room, could hear her humming a 
 pretty melody, the words of which she could not make 
 out; but, certainly, they were not those of a dirge. 
 When she responded to Helene's call she found her 
 ready and saw spread on the bed the latest acquisi- 
 tion a gray silk dress. Margaret pretended not to 
 notice it.
 
 360 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 Indifferently at first she began her task of dressing 
 Helene's hair; but gradually the feel of the silken 
 tresses, almost human in their touch, brought her back 
 to her true self. With a sudden movement she leaned 
 forward and kissing the cheek before her, whispered : 
 "I am so glad you are going to wear that dress you 
 must look your prettiest to-night." 
 
 Helene gave her a glad look and smiled. The two 
 were once again dear friends and each felt the happier 
 for it. 
 
 Mrs. Kane came in bearing two boxes of flowers. 
 "From Thornley's," she cried, "we sure have some 
 swell admirers, haven't we?" Her face was beaming. 
 Not for anything would she have foregone the pleasure 
 of bringing in the flowers. She also saw the dress and 
 catching Margaret's eye she gave her a meaning look. 
 How quickly women seize at the little straws floating 
 on the swift current! 
 
 The box addressed "Miss Barton" contained some 
 magnificent roses on long stems. Margaret gave an 
 exclamation of admiration. . Then taking out a large 
 bouquet of violets she held them out to Helene : "To 
 match your eyes, my dear," she laughingly remarked, 
 with a low curtsey. 
 
 At last both were ready to their mutual satisfac- 
 tion, though not before Margaret had made a care- 
 ful survey of Helene from all sides to make certain 
 that she had received the finishing touches that would 
 heighten her darling's charms. Then she had to leave, 
 because Mr. Van Dusen had arrived and was waiting 
 for her in the parlor. 
 
 The Mr. Van Dusen who had now become a regu- 
 lar frequenter at the Kane boarding-house was a dif- 
 ferent gentleman from the dapper young man of the 
 summer. His visits to Margaret had become the talk 
 of the table. Helene, however, was the only one who
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 361 
 
 seemed to see nothing of a special purpose in his calls. 
 She always took him as a matter of course. Under 
 Margaret's influence, no doubt, Van Dusen's manner 
 had lost its flippancy and air of condescension. He 
 had gained both in reserve and tact, so much so, in- 
 deed, that in his intercourse with Margaret, it was he 
 who played the part of the serious friend and she that 
 of the light-hearted tease. To see them as they sat 
 in the parlor one would have said that Van Dusen was 
 undoubtedly a man of experience and good sense. 
 
 Margaret had not failed to notice the improvement. 
 She was glad of the change and her lightness of man- 
 ner may have been part of her strategy to bring out 
 the stronger nature she knew he possessed. She 
 told him of her meeting with Helene's friend and the 
 luncheon at the Waldorf. 
 
 "Who was he?" inquired Van Dusen somewhat 
 anxiously. 
 
 "Oh, a very handsome man, evidently rich, and 
 looked like a Westerner and with the nicest manners 
 and voice. He is a Mr. Morton." 
 
 "Oh, how did he come to know Miss Barton?" 
 
 "They met abroad some time ago. He didn't seem 
 sure of her name, because he called her by a word that 
 sounded like Countess. What do you make of it? I 
 didn't like to ask Helene more than she cared to tell 
 me." 
 
 Van Dusen sat looking down thoughtfully. 
 
 "You know," he said after a pause, "I always had 
 an idea that Miss Barton was not any ordinary young 
 woman. She is so different, don't you know. I'll 
 wager she's some aristocrat. Poor girl, she must have 
 gone through great trouble. Did she show any sign 
 of anxiety when he spoke to her?" 
 
 "No, on the contrary, she was very surprised and 
 then very pleased. She kept on blushing whenever he 
 24
 
 362 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 spoke to her and he well he sat looking at her as if 
 he couldn't take his eyes off her face. I was afraid 
 he'd forget himself and begin making love to her right 
 in the restaurant. If ever a man was in love with a 
 girl that Mr. Morton is with Helene, or I don't know 
 anything about men." 
 
 "What's Mr. Morton's business, do you know?" 
 
 "No, I don't, and I believe Helen doesn't know 
 either. He's a gentleman, there's no doubt about that, 
 and as good-looking as they make 'em. His face seems 
 familiar as if I had seen him before; but I can't place 
 him." 
 
 "Are you thinking of a portrait of a Mr. Morton 
 you saw in the newspapers, Miss Margaret?" 
 
 Margaret stared at him for a moment and then ex- 
 claimed : 
 
 "That's it ! You struck it ! That's just where I did 
 see that face. It's a strong face with a slightly droop- 
 ing mustache and gray eyes so calm that you feel 
 small as you look into them. That's the very man! 
 Who is he?" 
 
 "Well," replied Van Dusen, "if he's the Mr. Mor- 
 ton whose portrait was in the 'Tribune' the other day, 
 he's John R. Morton of Cleveland." 
 
 "Who is he?" 
 
 "You don't mean to tell me you've never heard of 
 him?" 
 
 "No, I never did, and I am sure Helen never reads 
 the papers carefully enough to have seen it. But don't 
 look so surprised at me who is he some criminal 
 or a politician?" 
 
 "Oh, Lord," groaned Van Dusen, "this beats any- 
 thing I ever heard. Why, John R. Morton is the only 
 son and successor of old Dan Morton ; he's just the big- 
 gest man in New York and some man! You know 
 my governor is no piker when it comes to dollars, but
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 363 
 
 Morton why all the blue bloods of New York are 
 not in the same class with him. He could buy and sell 
 them all without the wink of an eyelash. I've met him 
 at the Metropolitan Club this summer. He's a biggish 
 fellow, about 33, a couple of inches shorter than I am. 
 Talks like a professor, gentle and quiet. By George! 
 I remember now. There was something in the papers 
 about his being mixed up in some foreign business with 
 revolutions and princesses. I shouldn't be surprised if 
 he's the man. No wonder Miss Barton turned me 
 down. Why, John Morton is the greatest catch in 
 the country and as fine a fellow as ever stood in shoe 
 leather, so they say." 
 
 Margaret suddenly realized that she had not been 
 wise to open the conversation on a matter which con- 
 cerned Helene alone. Indeed, she had done wrong, she 
 felt, especially as she had not pressed Helene herself 
 for information. She was deeply vexed at her indis- 
 cretion. 
 
 "Excuse me, a moment, Mr. Van Dusen," she said 
 quickly, "while I get my coat. I shall not be long. 
 Helen will not be down this evening." 
 
 Without waiting she walked rapidly out of the 
 room. The door closed behind her, she became at once 
 thoughtful. No she would say nothing to Helen of 
 what she had been told. Besides, she did not know 
 how to broach the subject without betraying herself. 
 She put on her coat and opening Helene's door she 
 looked in and called out smilingly : "I'll sit up for you, 
 dear." Before Helene could reply the door had been 
 closed and Margaret was running down the stairs. 
 
 Helene heard the front door slam and knew that 
 she would have to face the coming ordeal alone. How 
 she dreaded the announcement of Mr. Morton's ar- 
 rival! Mrs. Kane would draw her own conclusion 
 immediately. The new dress, the flowers, the elabo-
 
 364 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 rate preparations well, Mrs. Kane must think what 
 she liked! It could not be helped now. To-morrow 
 would be the twenty-first of September the last day 
 of summer. She glanced at the royal roses crowding 1 
 the vase, their heads proudly erect as if in challenge to 
 the world. Then her eyes fell on the sweet purple of 
 the violets on the table "The last rose of summer," 
 she murmured ; "but the violet is blue true blue." 
 
 Her watch told her that it was still some minutes 
 before the time. She must not betray any anxiety or 
 show any undue haste. She would wait . . . ah 
 the electric bell was ringing. A deep voice, his voice, 
 reached her above the hum of talk then quick steps 
 ascending and a knock at her door brought Nora, 
 the maid. 
 
 "Miss Barton, Mr. Morton is waiting in the parlor."
 
 CHAPTER XXVIII 
 
 BRILLIANT lights flooded the gallery adjacent 
 to the sumptuous dining-room from which 
 it was separated by a balustrade of palms. 
 The tables were occupied by men in sombre evening 
 dress, setting off to greater advantage the bright cos- 
 tumes of the ladies who sat with them. The air palpi- 
 tated with the hum of talk, the peals of light laugh- 
 ter, the clinking of silver and glass and the music of 
 a string orchestra. The perfumes of flowers, the 
 odors of viands and the scent of tobacco smoke rose 
 like the incense from a burnt-offering. The place was 
 typical of one of the more select of the restaurants 
 in the best sections of New York. 
 
 At a small table sat Helene and Morton facing each 
 other. Helene's face was radiant with a happiness 
 that was reflected from Morton's eyes as he gazed at 
 her and her only. Morton had quite forgotten the 
 months of anxiety of the spring and summer, he had 
 cast into oblivion the many questions he had intended 
 to ask. It was enough for him that she was there, 
 facing him, happy and her dear self again. He was 
 wishing he could tell her all he felt and all he could 
 not repress in his face. As a matter of fact, however, 
 he was conversing with her just as any man would do 
 who might be dining at Berry's with a lady. But he 
 was not conscious of the power habit gave him to hide 
 his emotions. 
 
 Helene's modest frock was quite in contrast to the 
 costly and elaborate gowns of the ladies near her. 
 Those of the sisterhood who sent occasional searching 
 
 365
 
 366 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 glances at her wished they had the courage to wear so 
 simple a dress and to look so beautiful in it. The 
 men eyed her in open admiration, and the waiters evi- 
 dently were of the same opinion, for they were most 
 deferential and suave to the slender girl in dove gray 
 with the violets in her corsage. 
 
 To Morton the fresh beauty of Helene grew so 
 overpowering in its insistency that he put his feelings 
 into words before he knew what he was saying: 
 "You are bewitching, to-night, Comtesse," he 
 breathed, "wonderfully so." 
 
 Helene's face suffused with blushes while she gave 
 him a quick look of surprise; but the next moment 
 she smiled and her smile was like a ray of sunlight 
 through a rift in the clouds. 
 
 "The dress is pretty, is it not?" she said. "I am 
 glad now I had the courage to wear it. I did not 
 expect you would take me to so fashionable a place as 
 this seems to be." 
 
 Morton said nothing, but looked volumes. He dared 
 not to say any more; he dreaded a return of shyness 
 and timidity in her, and yet he hoped it would not 
 pass away. He saw the two pretty little hands rest- 
 ing flower-like on the white damask, fingering a fork, 
 and an impulse came over him to take them in his own 
 and tell her there and then, of his love and his heart's 
 desires. But the primitive man in him held him back ; 
 it was so delightful to watch the ebb and flow of shy 
 reserve and unconscious expression in the sweet 
 mobile face. What is it in the human male that 
 prompts him to seek this peculiar pleasure, as of a 
 cat playing with a, mouse? Morton would have been 
 highly indignant had any one dared so to characterize 
 his attitude at this moment and he would have been 
 justified, because he was as much the victim as the 
 victimizer he was simply obeying the compulsion of
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 367 
 
 the moment, enjoying in anticipation the pleasure that 
 he somehow was convinced the future held for him. 
 
 The current of his emotions must have leaked 
 through some faulty insulation and induced a cor- 
 responding current in Helene, for she suddenly be- 
 came reserved and shy again. She sought refuge in 
 a question. 
 
 "Shall I tell you of my adventures after I left Wei- 
 mar?" she said. 
 
 The waiter had deposited two high-stemmed glasses 
 filled with a pale liquid before them. 
 
 "I am most anxious to hear everything," he said; 
 "but first let us drink to good luck." 
 
 He raised his glass and watched her take a dainty 
 sip of the aperitif and then with a puzzled expression 
 replace the glass on the table. 
 
 "Your very good health, Comtesse Helene," he said, 
 "and may we always be good friends," and emptied 
 his glass. 
 
 The orchestra had struck up a new piece. She lis- 
 tended intently for a moment to the first few bars, 
 and then her face lightened and the tears came to her 
 eyes. 
 
 "Do you hear, Mr. Morton, do you remember, it's 
 'The Blue Danube/ ' 
 
 "Yes, I remember well. We heard it at the Bristol 
 in Vienna on the day I left for home," he whispered 
 back hastily, overcome with the emotion born of the 
 recollection. The next moment, however, he was- the 
 courtly host again. It was the present, not the past, 
 that concerned him just now. 
 
 "And now, Miss Helene, may I hear your story?" 
 
 At first hesitatingly, then somewhat more fluently 
 and occasionally with a rush of words, she began and 
 continued the story we know. When she came to the 
 incident with the Frau Professor in Hanover, she
 
 368 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 scarcely knew how to relate it without conveying a 
 false impression about herself to Morton. But he 
 realized the situation without her assistance. 
 
 "I think I can fully appreciate the Frau Professor's 
 motives," he said, "the poor woman, worried and har- 
 rassed by cares, had become soured by her life. Many 
 other women would have been only too glad to avail 
 themselves of your services; but you know, Miss 
 Helene, Germany demands diplomas and references 
 more than she does ability. But go on with your 
 tale." 
 
 Helene then told of her meeting with Margaret 
 Fisher and told it so enthusiastically that she forgot 
 the excellent food before her. Then came the voyage 
 to America and her adventures in New York. When 
 she had finished, she looked at Morton, searching his 
 face for a sign of interest or reproach ; but what she 
 saw there made her cast her eyes down quickly. 
 
 "Do you not think I did right, Mr. Morton, in 
 coming to America?" she asked, playing with the ice 
 before her, "or did I act too hastily ?" There was a 
 pleading note in her voice. She had not intended to 
 say the words, but her confusion consequent on seeing 
 the expression in Morton's face threw her back on an 
 instinct which women possess and which they exercise 
 in self-protection, the instinct which appeals to the 
 man and acknowledges his superiority. 
 
 Morton did not reply at once, but busied himself 
 slowly pouring out the coffee the one menial office 
 a man permits himself at a dinner-table and took the 
 time thus granted him to reflect on what he should 
 say. This was the point which he had been hoping to 
 reach in order to discover her real motives. 
 
 "Under the circumstances, Miss Helene," he said, 
 "I think I would have acted as you did. But why the 
 secrecy towards Mr. and Mrs. Tyler, both of whom
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 369 
 
 had become greatly attached to you? And why did 
 you not let me know? Surely we had done nothing 
 to deserve your displeasure! Ah, Miss Helene, how 
 I searched for you and scoured the most unlikely 
 places in my efforts to find you! Why did you do 
 it?" 
 
 Morton's face expressed his grievance and he could 
 not repress a slight tremor in his voice. 
 
 Helene had become white at his words of reproach. 
 She struggled with herself to regain composure and 
 find a fitting answer. About them everything had 
 become suddenly quiet and she felt as if everybody in 
 the room were looking at them. For an instant she 
 gave a frightened glance around to see if her feelings 
 had been justified; but she found the same people 
 there, all absolutely unconscious of her. Imme- 
 diately she realized that the place was her best pro- 
 tection. Alone with him she would have confessed 
 herself here, in the crowd, she could tell him only 
 what she judged proper. 
 
 "Do you remember, Mr. Morton, that we had 
 agreed to wait until the autumn? To-night is still 
 summer my dress and the lovely violets bear witness 
 to that. Why should we not enjoy the season while it 
 is still with us ? This is my first dinner en fete will 
 you not allow me to taste its pleasure to the full with- 
 out scolding me? If I have been naughty, be kind to- 
 night, mon chevalier!' 
 
 She breathed the last two words and looked at him 
 pleadingly, her lips tremulous, the blue eyes shining. 
 Without saying a word, Morton bent over and kissed 
 the hand on the table. 
 
 "My dear child," his voice was husky with emo- 
 tion, "I am a brute. Of course, it shall be as you 
 say. And, after all, what does anything matter? You 
 are here, safe and well, and I I am fortune's, favor-
 
 3/0 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 ite in the privilege you have extended to me this even- 
 ing. To-night, as you have said, is still summer. I 
 shall match the sunshine in your eyes with the warm 
 friendship in my heart." 
 
 "Thank you, dear friend," whispered Helefne with 
 drooping lashes. 
 
 "And to-morrow, Miss Helene, is another summer's 
 day. Will you not give me a second opportunity to act 
 as your escort? Let me take you to our home in 
 Tarrytown. My mother will welcome you, and you 
 and Ruth do you remember my little sister? you 
 two can roam as you please in the park and woods. 
 It promises to be a beautiful day. Will you come?" 
 
 "You are very kind, Mr. Morton. I don't know 
 what to say. I have thought of your sister with the 
 pretty name, very often. Does she know of my exist- 
 ence ?" 
 
 How utterly different is the trend of women's minds 
 from men's, thought Morton. He had not dared to 
 bare his soul even to Ruth, and yet Helene took it 
 for granted that he had spoken of her, and she was, 
 perhaps, speculating at this very moment, if his de- 
 scription of her had been favorable. 
 
 "I want you to be my surprise to them, Miss 
 Helene, if you will. You have become so thoroughly 
 Americanized that I doubt if my mother will guess at 
 your identity, though she knows I met you in Europe. 
 But Ruth knows nothing, and she will throw her 
 slang at you as she would at any New York girl she 
 knows. So permit me to introduce you merely as a 
 friend without any further explanations." 
 
 "Why, Mr. Morton, they will know immediately I 
 am a foreigner my first words will tell the tale 
 they always do. Still, I will accept your invitation 
 gladly." 
 
 "Thank you," replied Morton simply.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 371 
 
 "Won't you tell me about your mother and sister?" 
 Helene asked shyly. 
 
 Morton laughed ; the question was a natural one for 
 one girl to put to another, but to him, a man, it was a 
 puzzling one to answer. However, he entered into the 
 spirit of her curiosity and told her what he thought 
 would interest her. Helene had become quite ani- 
 mated now, and Morton enjoyed keenly watching the 
 sweet play of her features, the dainty gestures of her 
 little hands, so slender and soft and dimpled, as he 
 told her of his home life in his quiet unassuming man- 
 ner. His eyes kept looking at the finger which he 
 was hoping some day to adorn. 
 
 "Is it not getting late, Mr. Morton?" Helene' s 
 voice broke in on his thoughts with a seeming sud- 
 denness that startled him. "Margy will be waiting 
 for me, and I must not keep her up late. If I abuse 
 my present privilege, she'll not let me go another time. 
 Margy is very strict, you know. Sometimes I think 
 she is jealous. Oh, but we've been so happy together, 
 and she's been so good and so patient. I can never 
 hope to repay her." 
 
 "Yes, Miss Fisher is a fine young woman," he said. 
 "It was a Providence that sent her to you." 
 
 To himself he thought that if the buxom Margaret 
 were his only rival, he could afford to be gracious. 
 And as for her jealousy well he could well under- 
 stand that. 
 
 "Won't you ask Margaret to come with me, Mr. 
 Morton ?" 
 
 "I shall willingly do so, if you wish," he replied 
 with a slight dropping of his voice ; "but if you came 
 alone it would fit in better with our plan." 
 
 Morton thought he saw a threatening cloud in the 
 distance. "Go slow, old man, go slow," he said to 
 himself, "let her do the talking."
 
 372 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 To his surprise, however, she dropped the subject. 
 
 "When do we start ?" she asked. 
 
 "There's a good train at 9 140. Will it be too early 
 if I call for you a little after nine?" 
 
 "Oh, no, we breakfast early on Sunday. Shall we 
 go now, Mr. Morton?" 
 
 Morton settled the bill and the two left followed by 
 the admiring glances of the late diners in the room. 
 John's vanity had been suppressed from an early day ; 
 his training and habit of mind had made him indif- 
 ferent to what people might say of him. But as he 
 walked across the spacious salon he could not help 
 noticing the looks sent in Helene's direction, and 
 felt quite proud. Yes, the girl was worth admiring, 
 he said to himself. 
 
 The fairy of the afternoon must have been near them 
 all the time, for in spite of the salaaming manager at 
 the exit and the cry of "Cab, sir?" from a waiting 
 driver, Morton was compelled to turn his head away 
 and look up at the big moon floating in the spangled 
 blackness of the gorge's roof. A voice seemed to 
 whisper to him : "Make hay while the moon shines." 
 Instantly he had taken Helene by the arm and though 
 his heart beat within him he said, in a most matter-of- 
 fact tone: "Shall we walk? It's a delightful even- 
 ing." 
 
 Of a certainty the fairy was at work; for the cool 
 air was laden with the scent of the meadows across 
 the river and touched with the dew distilled of youth's 
 innocent hearts. Margaret was forgotten, the night 
 was bathed in beauty and the bell of a neighboring 
 clock lost one of its strokes in the reverberating 
 sounds from the canon's sky-scrapered sides. 
 
 It is good to be young and to be pure in heart; 
 for then we stand well in the esteem of the fairies of 
 our land. Morton trembled at the touch of Helene's
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 373 
 
 arm as he walked by her side, breathing- in the cool, 
 scented breeze, and realized, for the first time in his 
 life, that he was, indeed, rich. 
 
 When they arrived at the shadowed doorway of the 
 boarding-house, Helene gave a quick look upward 
 and saw a light in the window of her sitting-room. 
 She felt guilty and a little afraid. John stood for a 
 moment, hat in hand, and took the dear hand in his 
 own warm, friendly grip. Then bowing deeply he 
 touched it with his lips. 
 
 "Good night, Miss Helene, and pleasant dreams at- 
 tend you. I shall call in the morning." 
 
 "Good night, Mr. Morton, and thank you for a 
 most enjoyable evening. I hope these violets will 
 keep. I should like to wear them to-morrow." 
 
 Morton smiled and watched her go up the steps. 
 The door opened. Helene turned to the still waiting 
 man standing bareheaded in the moonlight. 
 
 "Good night, Mr. Morton," she cried in her happy 
 voice. 
 
 "Good night, Miss Barton," but his words were 
 drowned in the sound of the closing door. 
 
 He looked up at the light in her window for a 
 moment and then, replacing his hat, walked slowly 
 away. 
 
 Helene tripped up the stairs rapidly and almost 
 rushed into the sitting-room ready with an explana- 
 tion to Margaret for her late return ; but although the 
 light was brightly burning, no Margaret was there. 
 She looked into the bedroom but she was not there 
 either. Where was she? What had detained her? 
 It was so unusual for her not to keep her word. Well, 
 she would wait until she arrived. The soft arm-chair 
 was inviting and Helene was not sorry to be alone 
 and dream over the wonderful events of this wonder- 
 ful day.
 
 374 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 But where was Margery? Ah, that is another 
 story. Shortly after leaving the boarding-house, she 
 and Van Dusen were comfortably seated at al table in 
 a restaurant very similar to the one in which Helene 
 and Morton had spent such intimate hours. Miss 
 Fisher, the buxom damsel, and Van Dusen, the gilded 
 youth of Gotham's pride, may not have appeared to 
 the ordinary eye as fit subjects for romance, but the 
 ordinary eye is ordinary just because it does not see 
 below the surface of things and people. We, who are 
 not ordinary, see more deeply and know better, 
 which is our reason for being present at this second 
 dinner also. 
 
 Van Dusen had evidently made up his mind, though 
 it would seem he lacked somewhat of courage. He 
 had had his cocktail and not a few glasses of wine. 
 Margaret had not failed to notice his nervousness 
 and the frequency with which he refilled his glass, but 
 she said nothing and tried to look unconcerned. She 
 was herself nervous; her usual self-possession and 
 poise seemed to have left her. She had tried on pre- 
 vious occasions to restrain him but to-night he was 
 more than usually reckless. 
 
 As the wine began mounting to his head, he be- 
 came more and more sentimental and more and more 
 talkative, and unbosomed himself to her of his hopes 
 and aspirations. He called her Margy and dearest 
 Margy, and laying his large bony hand with its prom- 
 inent knuckles over her plump one, he fastened on her 
 ox-like eyes that gleamed amorously. He was plead- 
 ing his cause with her. 
 
 Margaret, full of doubt and distress, with her lips 
 tightly compressed and her bosom rising and falling in 
 her agitation, knew not which way to turn. 
 
 "Margy, dear," he said almost tearfully, "I know 
 you haven't much faith in my protestations and that
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 375 
 \ 
 
 you think me fickle; but you are unjust to me hon- 
 estly you are. I know I've been a fool ; but I've been 
 cured of my folly. Margy, I want you only you. 
 
 "I love you, Margy. Give me a chance to prove it, 
 won't you? You always understood me better than 
 any girl I've ever met. I know now that it was 
 you I really cared for from the first really I do. I 
 know it sounds silly to say so, but my running after 
 your little friend was only a momentary fancy an 
 impulse of admiration, and not love. Instead of being 
 unhappy, I was glad she refused me. Margy, don't 
 let that silly business prejudice you against me. I 
 don't amount to much; but I want to be somebody, 
 and you can help me. There isn't anybody like you 
 and you can do what you will with me." 
 
 He paused while his exploring hand groped for 
 hers : "Say something, Margy. Say you will believe 
 me and give me a trial." 
 
 Margaret had kept her eyes all the time fixed on 
 the table ; she raised them now and looked full into his 
 now thoroughly serious, pale face. The earnestness 
 she saw there was as evident as it was unexpected. 
 Was she wise in permitting him to talk like this? 
 And yet, after all, he was a man and should know his 
 own mind. She could but admit to herself that he had 
 been very kind, very courteous to her, and what he 
 said was really true he had been marked in his at- 
 tentions to her from the first time they had met. He 
 was young but that was only in manner, not in 
 years. And, she could not help confessing that she 
 liked him better than any other man she had known. 
 
 Van Dusen sensed her kindlier feelings for him from 
 the changing expressions in her face. 
 
 "Listen, Margy," he urged, "mother likes you. She 
 says you are the most sensible and wholesome girl she 
 has ever met. Only last night she told me that I needed
 
 376 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 a girl like you to wake me up and keep me straight. I 
 know she will be glad if you will have me honest, 
 she will!" 
 
 In a moment Margaret the strong, big, wholesome 
 Margaret forgot all her doubts, forgot her oft-re- 
 peated vows to celibacy, forgot everything except that 
 she was lonely and still young, that Howard was the 
 kindest of men, and that it would be pleasant to take 
 care of him, to make a good husband and a success- 
 ful man out of this spoiled boy. She looked at his face 
 and noticed that his hair had become disordered in his 
 excitement and felt an irrepressible desire to brush it 
 straight. She hesitated what to say began to tem- 
 porize with herself and ended where all end who hesi- 
 tate by being lost. 
 
 "Do you really care for me so much?" she mur- 
 mured. "I never, never thought you did." Howard 
 made an impulsive movement towards her. 
 
 "Please, remember, we are in a public place. Don't 
 lean over and look at me like that. Please, sit up 
 straight and let us be calm." 
 
 "Then, tell me, Margy, that you care for me. Tell 
 me that you love me." 
 
 Margaret admitted that she was very fond of him 
 and immediately felt very happy. 
 
 He made another movement to get nearer to her. 
 "Please, please, remember where we are !" And to her 
 own surprise she burst into tears. 
 
 Quickly drying her eyes, she whispered: "Do you 
 really love me, clear?" 
 
 This time Howard disregarded all injunctions. 
 Leaning over the table he almost sent the solitary sugar 
 bowl between them sliding to the carpeted floor, and 
 whispered in her ear: "Shall we go, dearest?" The 
 question sounded ridiculously inane, but it had a very 
 practical import.
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 377 
 
 Proudly and with a new-born sense of protection, 
 he assisted her with her coat and walked with her to 
 the door. To the boy who handed him his hat and 
 cane he gave all the change his large fist could grab. 
 Flushed with victory and anticipatory happiness, he 
 followed the tall, striking figure of the girl into the 
 street. 
 
 Once outside, he lost not a moment in drawing her 
 hand through his arm and leading her down the quieter 
 side street. Where they walked or what they said to 
 each other neither of them knew. The evening was 
 balmy and the little park in Madison Square a quiet 
 haven with most accommodating benches in the deep 
 shadows. And as the benches can neither see nor speak 
 nor hear, what transpired there was, therefore, never 
 recorded. 
 
 When Margaret reached the house in Gramercy 
 Park, she found it as quiet as a church. The vestibule, 
 that time-honored institution of America, the ever- 
 ready refuge for laughing swains and coy maidens, was 
 inviting and bright. Margaret did not see the fantastic 
 designs on Howard's face made by the arabesques 
 etched on the glass panels of the door, nor did he see 
 anything but her sweet eyes and arched lips. And 
 here they sealed their plighted troth ; here they made 
 their plans for the morrow's new-coming happiness. 
 John Morton need have no fear about Margaret going 
 with Helene. The good fairy had done his day's work 
 most excellently well. 
 
 Helene was sitting in comfortable deshabille, wait- 
 ing for Margaret. She had almost made up her mind 
 to chide the lax duenna for her dereliction of duty. 
 But when she saw Margaret open the door she greeted 
 her as if a midnight home-coming were a common oc- 
 currence in their lives. 
 
 And Margaret? Margaret carefully locked the door 
 25
 
 378 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 and then walked straight up to Helene. She knelt 
 down before her, put her arms about her and kissed 
 her without giving utterance to a single word. 
 
 For a few moments the two rested thus in close 
 embrace, and then Helene, the inexperienced, innocent 
 child-woman, kissed her dear friend and stroking her 
 cheek and hair, murmured : 
 
 "I am glad from my heart, dearest, that it has come. 
 I am sure you will both be very, very happy." 
 
 Who had told her? Ah, who knows? 
 
 The workings of a woman's brain are mysterious, 
 her moods subtle, and the communion between one 
 woman's mind and another's ever a miracle. The in- 
 stant she had spoken Helene felt that she had always 
 known that Van Dusen loved Margaret; nay, that he 
 could not help loving her. And yet, a moment before 
 she would have denied vehemently the possibility of 
 her entertaining even a suspicion of such a thought. 
 Scientists may write volumes about the feminine brain; 
 they may dissect and weigh it as much as they please 
 their experiments will but bear witness to their fu- 
 tility, for their analyses will have been in vain. It is 
 wisest not to analyse but simply to bow down and 
 accept this perfect organism. Man may intellectualize 
 and reason ; but woman knows, and she never questions 
 how or why she knows. 
 
 Margaret, her head against Helene's breast was cry- 
 ing softly and protesting that she would never leave her 
 darling, never forsake her so long as Helene wanted 
 her. Helene said nothing, but sat still and allowed the 
 girl to kiss and embrace her. Her sympathetic silence 
 had its beneficent influence, and when Margaret had 
 quieted down, Helene said to her : 
 
 "Margy, dear, it is the best that could come to you. 
 I have known it all along. You must think now only of 
 your own happiness. And now, good night, Margy,
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 379 
 
 dear, it is very late and we must be up early in the 
 morning. Happy dreams be with you." 
 
 Helene lay in her bed thinking, not of her friend's 
 new-found happiness, but of the morning's meeting, 
 and the visit to Morton's home. She was anxious 
 about the impression she would make on his mother 
 and sister and painfully timid of the ordeal. Of Mor- 
 ton himself she had no fear he had been so kind, so 
 happy to meet her. There was but one problem with 
 regard to him she had still left unsolved it related 
 to the money in the bank at Weimar. She was at a 
 loss how to broach the subject and how to dispose of 
 it once and for all. She lay awake for a long time 
 turning it over in her mind again and again. She de- 
 cided finally that she would speak of it at the first op- 
 portunity and have done with it. She would not then 
 be his debtor, and would feel free of the burden it had 
 been to her. 
 
 Comforted by this decision, she closed her eyes and 
 with a happy sigh slept peacefully the deep and 
 strengthening sleep of a mind at rest. 
 
 Margaret sat for a long time going over in her mind 
 all that happened to her on this momentous even- 
 ing. She was doing battle with herself to subjugate 
 the doubts that kept assailing her as to the step she 
 had taken. For, indeed, she had gone through a won- 
 derful metamorphosis. Yesterday, an ordinary work- 
 ing girl to-day, the affianced of a Van Dusen! A 
 few hours ago she was a confirmed spinster, and now 
 she was happy in the possession of the truest lover a 
 girl was ever blessed with. Her eyes fell on the finger 
 of her left hand on which shone a gorgeous diamond 
 his betrothal ring. He had had it ready in his pocket 
 nay, as he told her, he had had it there for weeks, 
 waiting until he could muster up the courage to speak 
 to her. What a man !
 
 380 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 She began slowly to undress, speculating the while 
 as to whether or no she should wear the ring in the 
 morning. What would Mrs. Kane and the others say? 
 She extinguished the light, but not before she had 
 taken a last admiring and loving look at the glittering 
 gem, and crept into her bed. Should she remove the 
 ring or wear it? The pillow was soft and soothing. 
 She stretched her limbs luxuriously. Should she wear 
 the ring or her eyes closed in sleep. 
 
 Sleep, dear girl; sleep and dream of the happiness 
 that has at last come to you. Your brave spirit shall 
 soon receive its reward. Love, with which you blessed, 
 will bless you.
 
 CHAPTER XXIX 
 
 THE harvest moon that had smiled so benignly 
 upon New York in all its fullness the evening 
 before had proved a false prophet. The wind 
 had shifted to the east and brought a copious rainfall 
 during the early morning hours, and it was still 
 drizzling when Morton's carriage drew up before the 
 Gramercy Park house. 
 
 The feelings of Helene, who had risen early, and 
 in high spirits, had begun to oscillate while awaiting 
 the arrival of Morton, alternating between looking 
 forward with hopeful expectancy to meeting the ladies 
 of whom she had thought so often, and the dread of 
 a possible unfavorable impression she might create. 
 
 Laboring under these depressing doubts, her greet- 
 ing of Morton appeared less spontaneous than he in 
 his optimism had anticipated. The exchange of salu- 
 tations became quite formal, his compliment on her ap- 
 pearance sounded commonplace. When, during the 
 short drive to the Grand Central Station, he once more 
 and rather soberly expressed his regret that their out- 
 ing had begun in such unpromising weather, Helene 
 turned to him with a somewhat pathetic smile : 
 
 "I don't mind the rain at all. I think I am really 
 frightened at the prospect of meeting Mrs. Morton and 
 your sister!" 
 
 "You dear child you need not worry on that score ! 
 They can't help but like you, and I am quite confident 
 that you will like them." 
 
 "You give me courage, Mr. Morton I do hope you 
 will prove to be right !" Helene's smile had now lost 
 
 381
 
 382 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 its pathos, anticipating to Morton the breaking of the 
 sunshine through the clouds which was promised by 
 a rapidly widening strip of heavenly blue. 
 
 In the drawing-room of the now quickly moving 
 train, Helene found the opportunity she had been wait- 
 ing for so long. 
 
 "Mr. Morton I want to speak to you on a matter 
 which has been constantly on my mind. It relates to 
 that money in the Weimar bank. I cannot accept it 
 it is not rightfully mine. Please withdraw what of it 
 is yours. I cannot take money from you, really I 
 cannot !" 
 
 Morton was not surprised. He had expected some 
 such outbreak as this. In the stillness of the past night, 
 in which he had devoted some hours to his "Hellenic 
 studies," he had once again read the girl's last letter 
 to him, and while in the blissful state of having found 
 her, had also decided what he would do should she 
 speak of this matter. 
 
 "Miss Barton, you told me yesterday that you had 
 written to me to Cleveland. The letter should reach 
 me in two days. In that letter, I presume, you accept 
 the injunctions laid upon you by your father? Am I 
 right ?" Helene, who had been anxiously awaiting his 
 reply, nodded. 
 
 "Your father had enjoined me to act in his stead. 
 Consequently, I have become, so to say, your legal 
 guardian. Now, Miss Helene, as you are still a minor, 
 any action with reference to any property or money 
 you may own, lies with me. You surely do not ques- 
 tion my qualifications for this duty?" Helene gave 
 a protesting and frightened, "Oh no!" 
 
 "Very good, then, suppose you leave this all to me 
 and to my office. When the proper time arrives, my 
 secretary will render you a full account. Until then, 
 please let us dismiss it!" The mouth of his vis-a-vis
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 383 
 
 showed a decided droop, which made Morton imme- 
 diately change both his tone and tactics. Taking the 
 little hand that hung listlessly at her side, and giving 
 her his most brotherly smile, he said, as insinuatingly 
 as he knew how : 
 
 "Poor child, you have been worrying all these 
 months without any real cause! You should have had 
 full confidence in your father's wisdom and in me. 
 Now remember what you promised me last evening? 
 To-day is still summer, this is to be yours and Ruth's 
 day. Brush away the wrinkles from your brow and 
 let us all be happy. See, the sun is shining again, 
 bright and warm. The country will look the better for 
 the rain. Even the elements are on their best behavior 
 in your honor, Miss Helene, and you should recipro- 
 cate!" 
 
 His eyes met her searching glance unwaveringly. 
 She saw no guile in them and her heart found its hap- 
 piness in surrendering to his authority. 
 
 Helene and Morton were the sole occupants of the 
 lumbering "carry-all" that deposited them at the open 
 park gate. The gravel paths had dried, but the lawns 
 still glistened with myriads of dazzling rain-born gems. 
 The foliage of bush and tree shone with a renewed 
 gloss and the sweet scent of new-mown hay belied the 
 spring-morn redolence of the balmy air which was 
 filled with faint whispers of bird-song. 
 
 Helene breathed the gracious air and with care-free 
 heart tripped joyously by the side of her companion, 
 exclaiming her delight in the beauty of her surround- 
 ings. Then both grew silent. The restfulness of the 
 garden, the peace of the Sabbath and the hush of mem- 
 ories were upon them. 
 
 The path rose gradually. The sauntering pair ad- 
 vanced slowly until, emerging from a group of thick 
 shrubbery, they caught the first glimpse of the majestic
 
 384 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 river glistening in the broad sunlight. The charming 
 vista drew renewed admiration from Helene and 
 brought the suggestion from her companion that she 
 should rest upon a convenient stone seat in the deep 
 shade nearby. 
 
 "We have many things to talk about, Miss Helene, 
 and, I fear, once my mother meets you, I shall find 
 very little further opportunity. You have given me an 
 outline of your life during the past ten months, and 
 you have told me you are now quite happy. Will you 
 not tell me of your ambitions, of your work and, 
 perhaps, of your plans? This is a cozy spot, almost 
 made for friendly confidences." 
 
 Helene's eyes rose questioningly to his ; but the calm 
 face beamed kindly and invitingly on her. 
 
 "I am, indeed, very happy, Mr. Morton. I have not 
 heard from either Weimar or Roumelia, so that I am 
 entirely out of touch with my old life. What has 
 been the fate of my country and my Princess? Per- 
 haps you can enlighten me ?" 
 
 She paused questioningly. Was she trying to gain 
 time ? But surely, it was Morton's turn to speak. 
 
 "The last information I received from abroad," re- 
 plied Morton, "said that the Princess Marie-Louise was 
 still at Weimar. Some ten days ago I had a letter 
 from Mr. Rosen, the first news from Roumelia since 
 we left it. Conditions there have at last begun to 
 improve somewhat; life has become bearable, he writes. 
 Miss Rachel is well. About the political state of the 
 country, however, he is silent. From Berlin come 
 rumors that the Royalist party is growing stronger 
 every day and that an important move may be expected 
 shortly. Would you wish to return to your own coun- 
 try, Miss Helene?" 
 
 "I have no one left there, Mr. Morton, who would 
 claim me. And even if restitution were offered and
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 385 
 
 papa's land should be returned to me what could I 
 do there? No, Roumelia and I have parted forever, 
 I fear. This country, your country, Mr. Morton, has 
 opened to me a new vista in life, even if its prospects 
 are not quite clear. But to tell the truth, I have not 
 thought much of what is to come, and I have formed 
 no plans for the future." 
 
 But John had his plans, however, but these lay hid- 
 den in his breast, for the time had not yet come for 
 him to reveal them. He had his road cut out before 
 him. 
 
 "I am delighted to hear that our beautiful country 
 finds an admirer in you. It well deserves it. Do you 
 know, your remarks recall a curious prophecy pro- 
 nounced by your father in one of our frequent conver- 
 sations. He pointed out that history proves the con- 
 stant trend of progress from the East to the West, 
 and predicted that the most powerful commonwealths, 
 the most enlightened people will in future dwell in the 
 West. His words recurred to me the other night while 
 thinking over what a friend of mine, a prominent pro- 
 fessor of the city, had said to me on the subject of 
 telepathy. I was wishing I could speak to you by 
 means of this mysterious power, wishing I could bring 
 you nearer to me or know where I could find you. 
 And, behold, the very next day I met you! It must 
 have been this mysterious force of the "westward 
 trend" that brought you here." 
 
 A flush suffused Helene's face. "Then you did 
 sometimes think of me?" she asked shyly. "I see now 
 that it was wrong in me not to write. But, oh, I was 
 so ignorant of life will you not forgive me? Happy 
 as I was with Margaret, the thought of my negligence 
 was never out of my mind and I corrected my 
 error just as soon as I could !" 
 
 "My dear Miss Helene, my dear child all is well
 
 386 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 that ends well!" He glanced about him; for he had 
 a sudden feeling that eyes were hidden in the bushes. 
 But all breathed rest and solitude, not a sound dis- 
 turbed the still air. "Miss Helene, we have still some 
 time before us. Mother and Ruth are at church. Let 
 us walk up to the brow of the hill, where you can get 
 a wider view of the river. It is but a few rods from 
 there to the house, and we can time our arrival by 
 observing my mother's carriage drive up !" 
 
 Helene was chatting vivaciously now about her 
 interesting work, and was expressing her admiration 
 for the customs of this, her country by adoption. She 
 permitted Morton the full enjoyment of her con- 
 fidences. The path led to a low marble building pat- 
 terned after a Grecian temple, which occupied the 
 summit of the gentle hill. 
 
 "There is our goal, Miss Helene. Please do not 
 turn round until you are on the porch; to obtain the 
 full effect of the beauty of the view, it should come by 
 surprise!" She smiled up to him happily and, obe- 
 dient to his request, sat down on a wicker-bench he 
 drew towards her. The next moment a glad cry of 
 wonderment escaped her. 
 
 There before her gaze spread the broad river bor- 
 dered by luxurious trees, the waves of which shim- 
 mered in the brilliant light of the sun now high above 
 them, and beyond the glorious waters the olive smooth- 
 ness of the hills on the opposite bank. The fore- 
 ground, a well-kept park, lost itself into neighboring 
 slopes equally parklike. On the waters, the one thing 
 in motion, an ungainly barge towed by a powerful 
 tug; and over all the quiet of leisure, the restfulness 
 of solitude. 
 
 "Oh, Mr. Morton," she exclaimed, "I am so grateful 
 to you for bringing me here. It is glorious ! And to 
 think that we are but a few miles from the gigantic
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 387 
 
 city and its teaming millions ! Wonderful ! I see now 
 why your people love this place. Will you point out 
 your house to me?" 
 
 "The house is hidden beyond that slight swell to 
 your left. There, right under us, is the driveway. 
 Shall we sit here awhile? It is so quiet and restful 
 almost like in a church, don't you think ?" He found 
 a seat on one of the steps of the porch. 
 
 Helene, smiling assent, gratefully relaxed in her 
 seat. She was too happy to speak. She felt at peace 
 with herself and all the world. 
 
 "Miss Helene," Morton broke into her reveries. 
 "Would you be interested to know what happened to 
 me since we parted ? You have not inquired ?" 
 
 "I am more than interested, only I had not the cour- 
 age to ask. Please tell me." She placed her hands 
 together supplicatingly. 
 
 "May I go further back than one year? I should 
 like to tell you about my earlier life. You may find it 
 entertaining." 
 
 "Nothing would please me more ;" her animated eye 
 confirmed her words. Morton sat leaning against the 
 fluted column. 
 
 "It seems a long time as I look back, but as a boy, 
 I was, no doubt, as fond of studies and athletics as 
 most boys ; but somehow, I never became intimate with 
 my schoolmates. My father's wealth prevented me, 
 for I was always reminded of it, and I resented it. It 
 was the same at college. Whenever I attempted to 
 embrace a friendship offered me, my father's position 
 interfered. I don't believe that the young men of my 
 country are any more devout worshipers of the Golden 
 Calf than those of the rest of the world; but I sup- 
 pose I was over-sensitive. At all events, I came in 
 time to hate wealth. I put down to that the loneliness 
 of my youth; for I became more and more a solitary.
 
 388 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 In time this so grew on me that, after my graduation 
 from Harvard, I went abroad to England and then 
 to Germany. There I devoted myself to literary and 
 scientific studies. Strange to say, the people there 
 were more willing to value me for what I was, and 
 I lived there some of the happiest days of my life. Do 
 I tire you with this autobiography, Miss Helene?" 
 
 "Not at all, Mr. Morton. I am greatly interested. 
 Please continue." 
 
 "I returned to Cleveland with the full intention of 
 entering one of my father's enterprises. I had quite a 
 leaning towards engineering and had acquired consider- 
 able knowledge of it. My father approved when I spoke 
 to him, but I could see that he did not believe I was 
 serious. He suspected that I had made the suggestion 
 to please him. I believe now he was right, because I 
 soon grew restless again, il tried travel for one year 
 and was attached to our Embassy in London but 
 nothing satisfied me. Again I returned to America 
 and assisted my father in some work in the Rocky 
 Mountains ; but wanderlust once more seized me and I 
 went to the Soudan. It was on my return from that 
 place that I met and came to know the Count, your 
 father." Morton paused and locked his hands over 
 his knee; then he continued in a softer voice: "To 
 know him was to reverence him. The few days of 
 companionship I had the privilege to spend with him 
 have had a great influence on me. When I came home 
 I was a changed man. To-day, I am engaged, heart 
 and mind, in the work my father so ably laid out for 
 me. I am a business man; and, strange as it may 
 sound, I am proud of it." 
 
 Helene had listened with the deepest attention and 
 interest showing in her mobile features. When Mor- 
 ton paused, she said simply: 
 
 "I do not think it strange, Mr. Morton. Since I have
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 389 
 
 lived in America I have come to look up to the business 
 man the man of action. I think his is the noblest of 
 occupations. The European attitude to the man of 
 business is both foolish and wrong. Were I a man, I 
 would want to be in business." Her eyes sparkled and 
 her cheeks glowed. 
 
 Morton had risen and was standing before her with 
 folded arms. 
 
 "Miss Helene," he said in a low voice, "will you let 
 me tell you what else happened to me during the few 
 weeks between my meeting with your father and my 
 leaving for home ?" 
 
 The words were simple enough ; but the man's face 
 wore so strange an expression that Helene was filled 
 with trepidation. She could barely stammer her assent 
 and stared helplessly into space. 
 
 "Miss Helene," Morton was pale now and his voice 
 had gained an impassioned vigor. She felt she dared 
 not look at him. "Miss Helene, when I met your 
 father I also met his daughter by means of a por- 
 trait which has since never left its place near my heart." 
 
 The girl's lips formed as if to whisper, but no sound 
 passed through them. 
 
 "A voice in me spoke to me, and said 'this is the 
 woman of your dreams,' and I exultantly obeyed the 
 call. When I met you in Padina my dream woman 
 was surpassingly realized. And during the days that 
 came after, when I saw you, hour after hour, so brave, 
 so loyal, so good, my heart went out to you. All my 
 manhood cried out to protect you, and all my soul de- 
 sired to worship you. On that memorable morning 
 in the Transylvanian cottage, when I stood near you 
 and held your hand, I almost forgot your distress and 
 came near opening my heart to you. And in Vienna 
 when at parting you spoke those words of friendship 
 and approval, it was all I could do to hold myself back.
 
 390 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 I left determined to come back to Weimar and speak 
 to you ; but you had flown. Oh, how I have searched 
 for you ! But I had to be content with your letter and 
 its promise for the autumn. I have lived on that prom- 
 ise and no man ever longed for autumn as I did! 
 Helene, I am not a youth to be caught by a beautiful 
 face. I am a ripened man tried by the fire of life. 
 When I met you, face to face yesterday, I knew it was 
 the answer to my prayers. I know now what love is > 
 true, ennobling love. Helene, I love you. Will you not 
 look at me? Speak to me, Helene!" 
 
 Deeply agitated, she raised her eyes, which shone 
 with the bliss of a revelation, to the impassioned man 
 towering over her. Her lashes were wet with tears 
 they had tried to hide. Then a mischievous little smile 
 parted the lips as she whispered : 
 
 "I am still a minor what does my dear guardian 
 command ?" 
 
 Morton gave a quick step forward and gathered her 
 into his arms. Her face was hidden in his breast ; she 
 Rvas safe in the harbor at last ! He held her for some 
 moments when a timid voice muffled in the folds of 
 his coat came up to him: 
 
 "Mr. Mortondid you say those words because you 
 pity me because of your promise to my father ?" 
 
 "Pity you, my darling! Why, sweetheart, you are 
 the greatest, noblest gift God can bestow on any man. 
 r All my life I shall bless Him and thank Him for the 
 great boon he has vouchsafed me. The promise I gave 
 your father was given long after the sacred promise I 
 had given myself to protect you always as my dear 
 wife." Then in a softer voice: "But, sweetheart 
 you must call me John." 
 
 No reply, only sounds suspiciously like a child's sobs, 
 came from the hidden face. Helene was weeping her 
 tears of unspeakable happiness, Morton gently lifted
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 391 
 
 her head back and saw her face transfigured with love. 
 With reverent finality he kissed her moist lips as she 
 murmured : 
 
 "My dear knight, without fear and without 
 blemish." 
 
 The shady porch is transmuted into an altar. 
 Framed between the pillars and above the balustrades, 
 templelike, the blue vault of true heaven looks down. 
 In an air vibrating with a whispered symphony a little 
 butterfly alights on the seat a harbinger of security. 
 And over the pair passes that happiness which the 
 human heart knows but once in a lifetime. 
 
 Through the shade of the lofty pillared portico Hel- 
 ene and John entered the spacious reception hall of 
 "Rhinecliff." Helene was still under the influence of 
 the emotion aroused in her by the solemnity of the 
 last hour. She barely noticed the transition from the 
 park to the broad driveway, lined by ancient elms, lead- 
 ing to the commanding terrace. Indeed, she could not 
 have told how she reached the room to which Mor- 
 ton's guiding arm had led her. The dread which had 
 possessed her in the early morning had now returned 
 with increased insistence; so that when they stood be- 
 fore a handsome gray-haired lady, she heard Morton's 
 voice as through a veil : "Mother, I have great pleasure 
 in bringing to you Comtesse Rondell." She could just 
 see the winning smile upon the fresh face and hear the 
 cordial words: "I am happy to welcome you, Com- 
 tesse." As in a dream she took the hand which was 
 held out to her, and mumbled a polite sentence, im- 
 agining, in her trepidation, an investigating pause on 
 the part of the elderly lady. Try as she would she 
 could not master her embarrassment; but her gentle 
 breeding and natural charms came to her aid, and 
 she expressed eloquently what the disobedient lips 
 failed to say. She looked the pure girl she was. One
 
 392 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 glance of Mrs. Morton's approving eye was sufficient 
 to take it all in. 
 
 "We entered through the South Gate, mother, and 
 Comtesse Rondell must be tired. She has agreed to 
 stay for luncheon; I trust you will persuade her to 
 remain until after dinner." 
 
 "Permit me to ring for the maid, Comtesse. You 
 will require a rest after your journey and the warm 
 walk," suggested the hostess. 
 
 "Hello, Ruth!" His sister had entered from an 
 inner door. "Ruth, I want you to meet Comtesse Ron- 
 dell, a dear friend of mine my sister Ruth, Comtesse. 
 I have often spoken of you, Ruth, to the Comtesse. I 
 hope you will be friends." 
 
 Full of animation, Ruth came forward. A glance 
 at Helene's face caused her to halt momentarily and to 
 send an indignant look at her brother, both of which 
 actions escaped all but Helene. Then her willing hand 
 grasped Helene's shy offering in a hearty clasp: "If 
 the Comtesse is minded like I am, it won't take us long 
 to be the best of friends." 
 
 Helene reddened deeply, but this time the little dim- 
 ples came into play. The smiling eye veiled the recog- 
 nition which the parted lips were longing to betray : 
 "Miss Morton, I shall be very happy if we are friends." 
 
 When the maid appeared, Ruth and the visitor were 
 occupying seats next to each other in a retired nook 
 engrossed in a low-voiced conversation. "Comtesse," 
 said Mrs. Morton, interrupting them, "Nettie will show 
 you to your room. Luncheon will be served in a few 
 minutes." 
 
 When Helene retired, John turned to his mother: 
 "I hope, mother, you will like Comtesse Helene. If 
 you are disengaged before luncheon, I should like to 
 see you. Can you spare the time?" 
 
 "Certainly, my dear boy. You will find me in the
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 393 
 
 lounging room. Was the matter that kept you in town 
 disagreeable, John?" 
 
 "Not at all, mother. I will tell you all about it. I 
 shall put off my Western trip, however, for the 
 present." 
 
 On his way to his room John was intercepted in the 
 hall by his excited sister. "John," she hissed breath- 
 lessly. "I wouldn't have believed it of you! How 
 could you be so mean?" 
 
 "I don't understand you, sis. What have I done?" 
 
 "Couldn't you wait until I had brought you two 
 together? Who introduced ypu to her?" 
 
 John looked his astonishment. "Do you refer to 
 Comtesse Rondell ? Why, I met her abroad last year, 
 through her father. What are you driving at, little 
 one?" 
 
 "Oh, John this is too wonderful! You big stupid 
 don't you see! The Comtesse is my beautiful dis- 
 covery of two days ago, the replica of papa's Gains- 
 borough !" 
 
 At once John saw everything, even the ambiguous 
 situation in which his darling might find herself. 
 
 "Ruth, I didn't dream of this ! Please do not refer 
 to it in any way. I would not have Comtesse Helene 
 embarrassed for anything in the world. Promise, sis ?" 
 
 "Sure, Jack, cross my heart ! But, brother of mine, 
 isn't she all I said she was?" 
 
 John laid his arm affectionately about his sister's 
 shoulder. "She is all that, my dear, and more. Now, 
 run off and be discreet. And Ruth it is my dearest 
 wish that you and Helene the Comtesse, you know 
 should be dear friends." 
 
 "Oh ! Does the wind blow from that quarter, Jack ? 
 I am so glad !" A lightning-like hug, an ethereal kiss 
 and she was off! 
 
 In the lounging room, later, John sat facing his 
 26
 
 394 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 mother. The breeze entering through the open Vene- 
 tian windows relieved the noon heat, but failed to 
 lighten the task he had before him. Many a time had 
 he gone over this interview in his mind, always look- 
 ing forward to it with exultation. And now, when 
 the moment had arrived, he felt greatly ill-at-ease. 
 
 "Mother, dear you may remember my telling you 
 that I had met a lady whom I hoped to win that 
 she had been lost to me. Well, I have found her 
 again. She is the Comtesse Rondell. I met her in 
 New York yesterday, quite by chance and I have 
 won her. Mother, I am very happy. I want you to 
 love her for my sake, though I know you will gladly 
 embrace her for her own virtues." 
 
 John had spoken very earnestly. Mrs. Morton 
 looked at her "boy" in sheer astonishment. "John, 
 my dearest boy I don't know what to say it has 
 come so unexpectedly! Of course, John, I will do my 
 best she certainly looks sweet. But, John. . . ." 
 
 "Mother, you will love her and be proud of her 
 when you see me the blessedest man in America." 
 
 Mrs. Morton's eyes filled with tears. "Your hap- 
 piness, John, dear, is all I ask for." 
 
 "Thank you, mother. And now will you do me a 
 kindness? I have no ring to give Helene. Can you 
 give me one of yours?" 
 
 "Wait until after luncheon, John. Do you love her 
 very much?" She rose, floundering again on the 
 verge of tears. The news had almost overwhelmed the 
 good lady ; or was it jealous resentment or simply the 
 fear of the change that it would mean for her? 
 
 Morton rose quickly and, laying his hands affection- 
 ately upon his mother's shoulders said, with deep feel- 
 ing : "Mother, I do. It is not a momentary fancy or 
 infatuation. When you know Helene, you will under- 
 stand that it was not her beauty only but her golden
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 395 
 
 heart that drew me to her. Mother, I feel blessed be- 
 yond all men that this heart has been placed in my 
 keeping." 
 
 "Oh, John I do hope it's as yon say. You must 
 forgive me I am a little unnerved. If Comtesse Ron- 
 dell should come down before I return will you ex- 
 cuse me to her, John ? I shall be back shortly." 
 
 Luncheon proved a very simple affair and the con- 
 versation which at the beginning had rested upon 
 Ruth's shoulders soon became general and animated. 
 Helene, who sat at Mrs. Morton's left, had lost her 
 shyness and entered into the spirit of the occasion with 
 the tactful modesty and grace of manners which never 
 yet had failed to charm. Mrs. Morton's formal polite- 
 ness gradually melted into admiration. She was evi- 
 dently charmed with the girl. John observed with 
 lightened heart the approving eye and the pleased ex- 
 pression on his mother's face. 
 
 On rising from the table Mrs. Morton pleaded some 
 duty and left the young people to themselves on the 
 porch. At once Ruth rose and took her new friend 
 by the arm. "Let's leave John to his cigar, Helene (it 
 had been Helene after the first, of course), I want to 
 show you my patch of woods if you don't mind the 
 hot sun. Mother and John always talk shop at this 
 hour even on a Sunday, I believe. Come, dear." 
 
 John caught Helene's eye and saw the look of re- 
 lief and longing for a respite to be enjoyed with her 
 girl friend, and prudently resigned himself. 
 
 It was not long before his mother came to him, 
 smiling happily, her cheeks faintly flushed. "The ring 
 your father gave me upon our engagement, John," 
 she whispered with a catch in. her voice, handing him 
 a brilliant stone. And John knew all was well Hel- 
 ene had won! 
 
 Ruth's chatter became audible from the stairway,
 
 396 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 the clatter of youthful feet resounded from the hall, 
 and the two girls entered hand in hand. Ruth looked 
 first at John, then at her mother, and lastly at Helene, 
 who had remained somewhat in the rear. Draw- 
 ing the hand she held towards her, she encircled her 
 friend's waist with the other, and curtesying in mock 
 reverence, and with a well-assumed dignity, said : "I 
 have the honor to present to you both the Comtesse 
 Helene Rondell my darling sister." Then, running 
 up to her brother she threw her arms around him and 
 gave him a resounding kiss. "My congratulations, 
 brother!" 
 
 Of course, after this, all ceremony had to be fore- 
 gone. But it was Mrs. Morton's affectionate embrace 
 of Helene which sealed the welcome. It brought a 
 great happiness to Ruth and John and a transcendent 
 light into Helene's girlish face. 
 
 At dinner John announced that Helene would re- 
 turn to New York that night and that he would escort 
 her home. It was, indeed, a happy meal for these four 
 now reunited in love. 
 
 Later they were sitting on the porch enjoying the 
 lovely evening over their coffee. Faint stars were 
 beginning to twinkle and the air had the warmth which 
 comes with the dying summer. 
 
 "John," broke in Ruth, "it's a glorious evening; you 
 should show Helene the hill-view from the east loggia. 
 I will let you know when the carriage drives up." 
 
 John stood with his beloved in the dusk of the pro- 
 tected wing. Below them the evening haze of autumn 
 enveloped the valley and slopes, leaving a clear outline 
 of wooded hillside against the bright glow whence the 
 rising moon was promised. From the distance blinked 
 occasional gleams of light marking dwellings here and
 
 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 397 
 
 there. Out of the darkened lawn came the song of 
 crickets and the whisper of the invisible night life. It 
 was the very time and place for our fairy. Surely he 
 was behind that dusky bed of cannas, crouching under 
 the giant leaf of that caladium ! 
 
 Helene sat supported by John's strong arm, and 
 over both surged a flood of golden memories. She 
 was the first to break the stillness : 
 
 "Mr. Morton John you are so very rich and 
 powerful. I did not dream of it. And I I have 
 nothing not even a dot! Is it right that I permit my- 
 self to love you? Will you not regret it, some day?" 
 
 John tightened the arm round her shoulder, and 
 gave a love chuckle. "Darling, the girls of our coun- 
 try never have dots, even if their parents have sinful 
 wealth. And you the good God has given you wealth 
 beyond compare. He has given you a heart finer than 
 gold, beauty rarer than a vision. And ... I love 
 you, Helene, I love you." 
 
 She drew herself closer to his breast and gave a 
 faint sigh of ineffable content. "If papa could know, 
 John," she said softly. 
 
 "I think he does know, sweetheart, and is smiling 
 down on us. See, Helene, there is my faithful ally, 
 the 'Great Bear.' He kept his promise and spoke for 
 me." 
 
 "You mean the 'Big Dipj>er,' John," said Helene 
 with a smile. "He has been my good friend also. 
 Other girls may have a star of destiny ; but I I have 
 seven !" 
 
 The fairy behind the cannas rubbed his palms to- 
 gether in great glee and grinned. 
 
 With faces upturned they stood as if listening for 
 the message of promise from the twinkling stars, their 
 souls in union the brave hearts tried, the abiding 
 love tested. It was the last day of summer; but for
 
 398 UNDER THE BIG DIPPER 
 
 these two happy ones, it was the dawn of eternal 
 spring ! 
 
 A door slammed and energetic heels tatooed a warn- 
 ing. Ruth's form stood outlined against the dimly 
 lighted glass door. 
 
 "Children," she called out in her fresh, cheery voice, 
 "the moon will be up in five minutes and your car- 
 riage is coming up the drive !" 
 
 THE END.
 
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