her, but only for an instant. The victory was as brief and fallacious as any of the engagements of the Dalmatian navy, for just then Romsteck entered, with a petty cough, to supervise the removal of the appetizers.
The major domo's manner as the footmen cleared away was perfect. The Colonel, on the other hand, seemed somewhat at a loss. He lit a cigarette, studied the bullet-holes in the panel, and then stood with his back to the room, looking off over the terrace. The underlings departed noiselessly; finally Romsteck signalled with another small cough.
"Romsteck," said the Colonel, without looking round.
"Sir?"
There was a pause.
"Could you cash a check?"
"No sir."
Another pause.
"But I'd have no objection to lending it to you, sir."
"Romsteck, are youtryingto embarrass me?"
