that his
father was loyal.

As the coupe stopped, he rushed into the station, just in time to see the
famous engine No. 999 pull in. She was on time to a second, as indicated
by the great depot clock. A ponderous thing of life; the steam and air
valves closed, yet her heavy breathing told of tremendous reserve power.
What a record she had made, 436-1/2 miles in 425-3/4 minutes! Truly,
man's most useful handiwork, to be surpassed only by the practical dynamo
on wheels! It was not strange that the multitude on the platform gazed in
wonder.

There at the rear of the train was the "Alfonso," and young Harris in
company with his artist friend, Leo, who by appointment had also hastened
to the station, stepped quickly back to meet the occupants of the new
car.

First to alight was Jean, valet to the Harris family. Jean was born near
Paris and could speak French, German, and several other languages. His
hands and arms were full to overflowing of valises, hat boxes, shawls,
canes, etc., that told of a full purse, but which are the very things
that make traveling a burden.

By this time Alfonso had climbed the car steps and was in his mother's
arms. Mrs. Harris was more fond, if possible, of her only son than of her
beautiful daughters. She was a handsome woman herself, loved dress and
was proud of the Harris achievements. Alfonso kissed his sisters, Lucille
and Gertrude, and shook hands warmly with his father, who was busy giving
instructions to his car conductor.

Alfonso in his joy had almost forgotten his friend Leo, but apologizing,
he introduced him, first to his mother, then to Gertrude and finally to
his sister Lucille, and their father. All seemed glad to meet their son's
friend, as he was to take passage in the same steamer for his home near
Rome.

Leo Colonna was connected with the famous Colonna family of Italy. From
childhood he had had access to the best schools and galleries of his
peninsular country. He also had studied under the best masters in Paris
and Berlin, and was especially fond of flesh coloring and portrait
painting. He had studied anatomy, and had taken a diploma as surgeon in
the best medical college in Vienna, merely that he might know the human
form. Alfonso, aware of all this, had invited Leo to join their party in
making the tour over Ireland, England, and through the Netherlands.

As Lucille left the car, Leo offered aid, taking her blue silk umbrella
with its wounded-oak handle, the whol