and bluer mountains beyond
took fairy shape against the sky; and over all spread the tremendous
heavens where fleets of white clouds sailed the uncharted wastes, and
other fleets glimmered beyond the edges of the world, hull down, on
vast horizons.

"I want to make you happy," said Brandes in his low, even voice. It
was, perhaps, the most honest statement he had ever uttered.

Ruhannah remained silent, her eyes riveted on the far horizon.

* * * * *

It was a week later, one hot evening, that he telegraphed to Stull in
Saratoga:

"Find me a chauffeur who will be willing to go abroad. I'll give you
twenty-four hours to get him here."

The next morning he called up Stull on the telephone from the drug
store in Gayfield:

"Get my wire, Ben?"

"Yes. But I----"

"Wait. Here's a postscript. I also want Parson Smawley. I want him to
get a car and come over to the Gayfield House. Tell him I count on
him. And he's to wear black and a white tie."

"Yes. But about that chauffeur you want----"

"Don't argue. Have him here. Have the Parson, also. Tell him to bring
a white tie. Understand?"

"Oh, yes, I understand you, Eddie! You don't want anything of me, do
you! Go out and get that combination? Just like that! What'll I do?
Step into the street and whistle?"

"It's up to you. Get busy."

"_As_ usual," retorted Stull in an acrid voice. "All the same. I'm
telling you there ain't a chauffeur you'd have in Saratoga. Who handed
you that dope?"

"Try. I need the chauffeur part of the combine, anyway. If he won't
go abroad, I'll leave him in town. Get a wiggle on, Ben. How's
things?"

"All right. We had War-axe and Lady Johnson. Some killing, eh? That
stable is winning all along. We've got Adriutha and Queen Esther
today. The Ocean Belle skate is scratched. Doc and Cap and me is thick
with the Legislature outfit. We'll trim 'em tonight. How are you
feeling, Eddie?"

"Never better. I'll call you up in the morning. Ding-dong!"

"Wait! Are you really going abroad?" shouted Stull.

But Brandes had already hung up.

He walked leisurely back to Brookhollow through the sunshine. He had
never been as happy in all his life.

CHAPTER IX

NONRESISTANCE

"Long distance calling you, Mr. Stull. One moment, please.... Here's
your party," concluded the operator.

Stull, huddled sleepily on his bed, picked up the transmitter from the
table beside him with a frightful yaw