The Pagan Madonna - Page 43/141

Jane Norman did not return at one o'clock; in fact, she never returned to

the Astor House. Dennison waited until three; then he went back to the

Palace, and Ling Foo to his shop and oblivion.

Dennison decided that he did not want the police in the affair. In that

event there would be a lot of publicity, followed by the kind of talk that

stuck. He was confident that he could handle the affair alone. So he

invented a white lie, and nobody questioned it because of his uniform.

Miss Norman had found friends, and shortly she would send for her effects;

but until that time she desired the consulate to take charge. Under the

eyes of the relieved hotel manager and an indifferent clerk from the

consulate the following morning Dennison packed Jane's belongings and

conveyed them to the consulate, which was hard by. Next he proceeded to

the water front and engaged a motor boat. At eleven o'clock he drew up

alongside the Wanderer II.

"Hey, there!" shouted a seaman. "Sheer off! Orders to receive no

visitors!"

Dennison began to mount, ignoring the order. It was a confusing situation

for the sailor. If he threw this officer into the yellow water--as

certainly he would have thrown a civilian--Uncle Sam might jump on his

back and ride him to clink. Against this was the old man, the very devil

for obedience to his orders. If he pushed this lad over, the clink; if he

let him by, the old man's foot. And while the worried seaman was reaching

for water with one hand and wind with the other, as the saying goes,

Dennison thrust him roughly aside, crossed the deck to the main

companionway, and thundered down into the salon.