She even shows a decided preference for the society of the American, allows him to carry her parasol, to assist her up the steps when they visit the signal tower, and on several occasions they manage to slip off by themselves, and can be seen eagerly comparing notes and exchanging opinions respecting the magnificent views that are to be suddenly discovered at various points.
The British soldier is too old a campaigner not to know what all this signifies, though the bull-dog elements in his composition will not let him dream of giving up as yet.
"It's all owing to that beastly little affair of yesterday.

The boy made a big jump in her estimation, when he saved that child.

It was a brave act.

I don't want to say a word to the contrary, and the lad has grit, more than I ever dreamed of; but I want Lady Ruth, by Jove, more than I ever wanted anything in all my life, and as I've said before, when a British soldier fails to succeed one way, he will another." Thinking thus, Sir Lionel cudgels his brains during the day, in order to invent some _coup de grace_ by means of which he may cleverly regain his lost prestige.
When a man allows his passions to get the better of his judgment and sense of fair play, he is really but a single step from being a scoundrel, and although Sir Lionel would have vehemently scouted the suspicion of his doing anything to sully his fair name, he nevertheless, in his desperation at being worsted in a love affair by a mere boy, goes about some things that are hardly fair.
It has been decided that the little party shall go aboard after supper, by the light of the young moon, which will be nearly overhead.
Two boats have been engaged to wait for them at the quay.
It is at this time Sir Lionel hopes to make his point, and to accomplish it he does not hesitate to descend to a low plane, and even imperil human life.
When they reach the quay a breeze is blowing, but not strong enough to cause any uneasiness.
The party place their luggage in one boat.
Then comes a pretty piece of by-play that really reflects credit upon the engineering skill of the soldier, for it is his hand that pulls the strings.
Lady Ruth steps into one boat.

One of the men having stopped John to ask him something, the colonel is given a chance to occupy the same boat, and, when Doctor Chicago arrives, he is told by the boatman that this craft having two passengers, and being smaller than the other, can carry no more.
Sir Lionel as they push off sings out to him, pleasantly: "A Roland for an Oliver, Chicago." John smothers his chagrin and enters the other, boat with Aunt Gwen and the professor.