Page:Biggers and Ritchie - Inside the Lines.djvu/146

 the group caught in the imminence of disaster.

"What's this—what's this?" She caught sight of the filmy creation draped from the sergeant's arm. "Oh, the beauty!" This in a whisper of admiration.

"The last one made by Worth," Jane was quick to explain, noting the sergeant's confusion in the presence of the stranger, "and this officer is going to rip it open in a search for concealed papers. He takes me for a spy."

Surprised blue eyes were turned from Jane to the sergeant. The latter shamefacedly tried to slip the open knife into his blouse, mumbling an excuse. The blue eyes bored him through.

"I call that very stupid. Sergeant," reproved the angel of rescue. Then to Jane "Where are you taking all these wonderful gowns?"

"To New York. I'm buyer for Hildebrand's, and"

"But, Lady Crandall, this young woman has no passports—nothing," the sergeant interposed. "My duty" "Bother your duty! Don't you know a