re."

This was so direct that Jack Benson could not well escape. Nor, truth
to tell, did he want to. He found Mlle. Nadiboff's bright, gentle smile
most alluring. So, when the music for the waltz sounded the submarine
captain led her forth on to the floor.

At the finish, after Jack had led his partner to a seat, Lieutenant
Featherstone joined them. One or two others approached, and Benson
slipped away, though just before he did so the young woman's eyes met
his with a flash of invitation to seek her again later.

"You've been extremely, attentive, but I, imagine some of the other men
are combining to thrash you, Jack," smiled Farnum, when Benson returned
to his friends.

"Mlle. Nadiboff is a very delightful young woman," Jack answered,
heartily. "I'm sorry you don't dance, Hal."

"If I were very sorry, I'd learn," rejoined Hastings, simply.

During the waltz and the number that followed Jack remained with his
friends, looking on.

Then Lieutenant Featherstone, feeling that the Navy must look to the
enjoyment of these strangers, came over to them.

"How many of you dance?" inquired the lieutenant.

"Two of us," answered Hal. "I don't."

"Mr. Farnum, I must introduce you to an agreeable partner," urged the
Navy officer. "Who shall it be? I know most of the ladies here."

"Don't think me a bear, Mr. Featherstone, but I don't believe I'll
dance to-night, though I thank you tremendously," replied the
shipbuilder.

"Then, Benson, you must uphold the honor of your party," laughed the
lieutenant, linking his arm in Jack's and drawing him forward.

Captain Benson's next dance was with a California girl; after that he
led out a jolly young woman from New York. As he left the latter
partner, Mlle. Nadiboff, on the arm of a gentleman, passed close enough
to murmur:

"Captain, you are neglecting me--and I have saved the next, a waltz,
for you."

Not being engaged for that waltz, Jack could hardly do, otherwise than
claim it. Indeed, he greatly enjoyed dancing with this gracious,
handsome young woman. Yet, soon after he had taken Mlle. Nadiboff
to her seat, and another partner appeared to claim her favor, Benson
slipped away.

"Go after Captain Benson, I beg of you, and bring him back here for
a moment," requested the young woman of her new partner. That gentleman
obeyed, even if with a poor grace. Jack returned, bowing, while the
gentleman walked away a few feet.

"Captain, you are a stranger her