ve invented one that would blow--well--
I've got it."

"Congratulations, felicitations, laudatory, remarks, and enthusiasm,"
cried Harry. "Without having slightest idea what a torpedo is, I
rejoice with you. Come on back to the house, and tell us about it."

"I'm sorry, I can't, Harry, now. I'm engaged for a conference with the
Naval Board, and I'm late already. But will you and Miss Marvin come
to luncheon with me tomorrow?"

"Why not you with us, we saw you first?"

Summers laughed. "Well, for this reason, I want you to meet Mlle. de
Longeon, who will preside at this particular luncheon, and who is--"

The flush that came suddenly to the cheeks of the young officer brought
involuntary laughter from Harry and Pauline.

"I take that as an acceptance--the Kerrimore, East Fifty-sixth
street," he called, sharing in their laughter as he fled.

But at the gate of the Marvin house he came upon Raymond Owen. There
was a hasty clasp of hands and "You're to come, too," cried Summers,
continuing his flight.

"Where am I to come?" asked Owen, as he approached Harry and Pauline.

"To luncheon with Ensign Summers tomorrow. Isn't he dear? I love men
who blush. They seem so innocent."

"The Fates defend us!" implored Harry.

* * * * *

Ensign Summers had gained a position beyond his rank in the navy. A
natural bent toward science and a patriotic bent toward the use of
science as a means of national defense had inspired him to experiments
which had resulted in success amazing even to himself. He had been
allowed--during the year preceding the meeting with Harry and Pauline
--a leave of absence. In that time he had visited Italy, France,
England and Germany, and had studied under naval experts. He had come
back home with his own little idea undiminished in its importance to
his own mind, and he had proceeded with youthful enthusiasm and
effrontery to prove its importance to the highest of his commanders.

The tests now about to be made--tests of a new torpedo gun and new
torpedo--had been ordered by the mightiest in the land. Triumphant
in his discovery and wealthy in his own right, Summers was the happiest
of men. It was in Paris that he had met Mlle. del Longeon.
Exquisitely beautiful, of the alluring and languorous type, quick of
wit, tactful, and with great charm of manner, she had completely
fascinated the young officer. He had vowed his adoration of her almost
before he knew her. His av