Page:Harris Dickson--Old Reliable in Africa.djvu/70

 In a corner of the writing room where nobody could see him, Colonel Spottiswoode placed seven hundred and eighty-five dollars in an envelope. Then he took the four cards—Reifenstein, Castelleone, Torreale, and Shields—enclosed them with the money, and sealed the package.

"Steward," he said, "take this envelope straight to Signorina Certosa, and tell her it is from these gentlemen whose cards are inside—to buy one ticket each. If you mention my name, you don't get a cent; if you keep your mouth shut, I'll give you five dollars."

As he started for the music room that steward's mouth could not have been opened with a jimmy. Colonel Spottiswoode hurried out on deck and watched through a port hole. He saw the steward as he laid the envelope in Signorina's hand, and delivered the message accurately.

"Four more tickets sold, my dear," the singer laughed, and patted Miss Stanton's hands. But when Aurora saw the large size of the bills, and the gold besides, her eyes widened. Excitedly she counted: "Seven hundred and eighty-five dollars. Who sent this? Who" She looked up but the steward had vanished. A card dropped out, "Carissima, look! It's that dear, dear Reifenstein. Where is he? Where is he? Come, we must find him dear, generous Reifenstein."