But when, through their powerful
binoculars, the girls became aware that Drummond and the Prince were
in the small boat, they both fled to the chief saloon, and sat there
holding one another's hands. Even the exuberant Kate for once had
nothing to say. She heard the voice of her father on deck, giving
command to the mate.
"Make for Stockholm, Johnson. Take my men-o'-war's men-- see that no
one else touches the ammunition-- and fling the shells overboard.
Heave the gun after them, and then clear out the rifles and ammunition
the same way. When we reach Stockholm to-morrow morning, there must
not be a gun on board this ship, and the ridiculous rumor that got
abroad among your men that we were going to attack something or other,
you will see is entirely unfounded. You impress that on them,
Johnson."
"Oh, Dorothy," whispered Katherine, drawing a deep breath. "If you are
as frightened as I am, get behind me."
"I think I will," answered Dorothy, and each squeezed the other's
hand.
"I tell you what it is, Captain," sounded the confident voice of the
Prince. "This vessel is a beauty. You have done yourself fine. I had
no idea you were such a sybarite. Why, I've been aboard the Czar's
yacht, and I tell you it's nothing-- Great heavens! Katherine!" he
shouted, in a voice that made the ceiling ring.
She was now standing up and advanced toward him with both hands held
out, a welcoming smile on her pretty lips, but he swooped down on her,
flung his arms round her like a cabman beating warmth into his hands,
kissed her on the brow, the two cheeks and the lips, swaying her back
and forward as if about to fling her upstairs.
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