Take the advice of an old campaigner, and make hay while the sun shines." "Oh! I mean to, colonel," replies John, and there is a hidden meaning in his words that causes the officer to look at him steadily and mutter: "Hang the boy! I really believe he expects to enter the lists against me, Colonel Lionel Blunt, who carries a Victoria Cross and knew what a love affair was before he was born.

Well, the end is not yet, and he laughs loudest who laughs last." All of which is very true, and proves that the colonel of Royal Engineers does not mean to let the opportunity pass.
A few minutes later John and Lady Ruth stand on the piazza of the hotel.
The scene is well worth looking at, with its many lights, bright colors, and constantly changing crowds.
She expresses surprise, and seeks an explanation which fortunately the young doctor is able to give, thanks to certain information he picked up in scanning his guide book.
"In time of peace prepare for war.

They seek by a double allowance of gayety to make up for the amount to be lost during Lent," he says.
"Is Mr.Craig here ?" asks a voice, and all look at the speaker, who is a quiet appearing man, perhaps a native of England.
"That is my name, sir." "John Alexander Craig ?" "The same." "Of Chicago ?" "Well, what can I do for you ?" The other has been looking at him steadily.
"I desire to speak a few words with you, Doctor John Craig." "Go on." "I beg your pardon--it must be in private." "In that case my friends will excuse me for a few minutes." "Oh! yes," replies Lady Ruth, looking at the bearer of the message again.
"Certainly," says Blunt, promptly dropping into the chair John vacates at her ladyship's side, and his celerity to take advantage of the circumstance arouses a little suspicion in her mind that after all it may be a ruse to get him away, with the Briton's gold backing it.
She pays little attention to what the colonel is talking about; twice she turns her head and looks to where John and the stranger talk, while to herself she says: "Strange why I am interested in him and his fortunes.

What is this singular story concerning his mother, which some time he means to tell me--when we become better friends?
And now comes this man to hold a secret consultation with him! Where have I seen him before, where heard his voice?
I cannot remember just now, but there is something familiar about him.

The doctor appears to be excited--there, he lays his well hand on the other's arm and speaks quickly.