Page:Ruth of the U.S.A. (IA ruthofusa00balm).pdf/125

 tion; two of the destroyers sent up balloons which they towed; and now, by day, British and French dirigible balloons and British and French and, yes, American seaplane pilots appeared. And no submarine, in those waters supposed to be infested with U-boats, once showed a periscope. By day and night, the patrol and protection of those American destroyers proved perfect. So by that protection they came at last to France.

Gerry sought out Ruth upon the last morning when they would be on shipboard. It was a smiling, sunny day, warm for that time in the year. In addition to the ships of the sea and air which recently had accompanied them constantly, strange little business-like boats approached, airplanes from the land spied upon them; and as they drew near to the port, Ruth got amazing sight of the multifold activities of even this still distant threshold to war.

"You're going to Paris right away?" Gerry asked.

"As soon as I can get through."

"We'll get a train that'll probably bring us in at night. If you've not made arrangements ahead"

"I have, thanks; rather Hubert's offered to see to me; besides his aunt gave me letters to cousins of hers who've been living in Paris for years. They're Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Mayhew; they've an apartment on the Avenue Kléber. I'm to go there my first night anyway."

"That's good. I've heard of the Mayhews; they've done a lot all during the war. Then can I look you up at the Mayhews' when I'm in Paris? I hope for service right away, of course; but Paris is close for our leave always."