OLD GLORY AGAIN.
Before the fall of Louvain, Jack and his friends were across the border
in France. Ultimately they were lucky enough to rejoin the _St.
Mark_--sent for the accommodation of refugees--at Marseilles.
A cable was despatched to America, telling of Tom Juke's safety.
Pottle, the young photographer, cabled his paper, asking for permission
to remain in the battle zone. This was granted.
So the trio--Jack, Bill and Tom--said farewell to Pottle.
"When I get back--possible--the paper will make--hurrah!--look me
up--eh?"
"We sure will, old top," promised Tom.
The voyage across was without incident, save that, as was expected, they
were stopped by British warships.
So, one fine morning, unannounced, Jack called upon Uncle Toby Ready.
The old tar gave vent to a great cry of joy. Though Jack had often been
away for long periods, Uncle Toby never fully knew the thrilling
adventure Jack had participated in. Now there was no hiding of the
truth. The war was at hand. The Germans were sweeping everything before
them. How had it fared with Jack? This uncertainty had worried Uncle
Toby. He felt that he would never be able to forgive himself, had
anything happened to Jack.
When the first greetings were over, Uncle Toby could not help but ask
about his Golden Embrocation and Universal Remedy for Man and Beast.
"Did you meet up with the King of England?" he queried.
"No, Uncle Toby," laughed Jack, "I did not."
"Be it so with the Kaiser?"
"No, not the Kaiser, either."
"How now--was it the Czar?"
Jack shook his head.
"But made a--use of 'em?"
"Yes," replied Jack with a twinkle in his eye. "I did make----"
At this moment there came a sharp rap on the door. Jack opened it, and a
messenger, upon ascertaining who he was, handed him a telegram.
"What now?" demanded Uncle Toby.
Jack tore open the envelope. The inclosed sheet read:
"Congratulations and grateful appreciation. Report immediately.
"JACOB JUKES."
"Yeou ain't a-goin' back to Europe!" declared Uncle Toby emphatically.
"Don't worry, Uncle," replied Jack. "I don't think it is for that Mr.
Jukes wants me."
"Well, if he don't," replied the old captain, "give 'im a bottle of my
Golden Embrocation and Universal Remedy for Man and Beast with my
compliments."
"All right," laughed Jack as he put the bottle in his pocket, never
intending, of course, to carry out the errand.
Jack found Mr. Jukes in earnest conversation with his son, Tom. However,
the moment Jack entered, father and son arose.
"Jack," said Mr. Jukes, extending his hand, "let me thank you."
It was said sincerely and simply. Their handclasp was hearty and true.
Mr. Jukes began to pace the office.
Tom looked at Jack and winked.
"Young man," suddenly said Mr. Jukes, sternly addressing Jack, "you are
bound to succeed in life. You have the _makings_. You have your
trade--or shall I call it profession? But operating wireless is not
everything. You can be a wireless operator all your life and your salary
will be your only means of keeping the wolf from the door. Too many of
our people have to depend on that means of support. Some day I feel it
will be different. At all events, I shall make a beginning with you. So
Tom and I have decided to give you a number of shares in our Combine."
Thereupon Mr. Jukes went on to explain the value of the shares,
instructing Jack just what he should do with them. To tell the truth,
Jack had never troubled himself very much with the intricacies of stock
values.
Finally Jack left Mr. Jukes' office feeling like a millionaire.
"Strange," mused Jack, "that this good fortune should come to me when
thousands of others are losing their all in Europe."
Feeling thus satisfied, Jack decided to acquaint Helen Dennis with the
good news. As he strolled down to the dock, he could not help but note
that in so far as New York was concerned, the war did not exist. People
went about their business in their accustomed way. Beyond the usual set
or serious expression characteristic of the average New Yorker when he
is engaged in earning his dividends or salary, as the case may be in
different instances and walks of life, the average person seemed
absolutely unconcerned of the World Tragedy that was unfolding itself
across the sea.
At the docks, however, there was increased activity. The demand upon
American ammunition and commodities had jumped by leaps and bounds.
Shippers were reaping a harvest.
The _Silver Star_, Captain Dennis' ship, was in port. Jack had little
difficulty in getting aboard. Captain Dennis was delighted to see Jack.
He could spare but little time, so when Jack had told him only briefly
of his experiences, the wise tar, his eyes twinkling with mischief,
said:
"Really, Jack, don't you think Helen would be more interested in your
adventures?"
Jack blushed.
"Never mind, lad," laughed the captain, "we all have those days, you
know."
So Jack made his way to the captain's cabin.
But let us say nothing more of them; rather let us ask what became of
Bill Raynor?