But I cabled the department my resignation the
day Mendoza gave me my walking-papers. You may remember," Everett
added dryly, "the department accepted by cable."

The great man showed embarrassment.

"It was most unfortunate," he sympathized. "We wanted that treaty, and
while, no doubt, you made every effort--"

He became aware of the fact that Everett's attention was not
exclusively his own. Following the direction of the young man's eyes
the Secretary saw on the deck just above them, leaning upon the rail, a
girl in deep mourning.

She was very beautiful. Her face was as lovely as a violet and as shy.
To the Secretary a beautiful woman was always a beautiful woman. But he
had read the papers. Who had not? He was sure there must be some
mistake. This could not be the sister of a criminal; the woman for
whom Everett had smashed his career.

The Secretary masked his astonishment, but not his admiration.

"Mrs. Everett?" he asked. His very tone conveyed congratulations.

"Yes," said the ex-diplomat. "Some day I shall be glad to present you."

The Secretary did not wait for an introduction. Raising his eyes to
the ship's rail, he made a deep and courtly bow. With a gesture worthy
of d'Artagnan, his high hat swept the wharf. The members of his staff,
the officers from the war-ships, the President of Honduras and the
members of his staff endeavored to imitate his act of homage, and in
confusion Mrs. Everett blushed becomingly.

"When I return to Washington," said the Secretary hastily, "come and
see me. You are too valuable to lose. Your career--"

Again Everett was looking at his wife. Her distress at having been so
suddenly drawn into the lime-light amused him, and he was smiling.
Then, as though aware of the Secretary's meaning, he laughed.

"My dear sir!" he protested. His tone suggested he was about to add
"mind your own business," or "go to the devil."

Instead he said: "I'm not worrying about my career. My career has just
begun."

THE BOY SCOUT

A rule of the Boy Scouts is every day to do some one a good turn. Not
because the copybooks tell you it deserves another, but in spite of
that pleasing possibility. If you are a true scout, until you have
performed your act of kindness your day is dark. You are as unhappy as
is the grown-up who has begun his day without shaving or reading the
New York Sun. But as soon as you have proved yourself you may, with a
clear conscience, l