I was not so much as aware that Captain West was in the city until a very short time ago.

I am sure he will bear me out in this statement." "I could not do otherwise, and be truthful," West felt compelled to admit.

"The announcement was quite unexpected." "But what is this all about ?" asked a female voice eagerly.

"Remember we have not heard, Judge Cable." "It is my pleasure then," he said gallantly, bowing, and at once instituting himself as master of ceremonies, "to introduce to you, Miss Natalie's fiance, Captain West--Mrs.Lonsdale, Professor Scott, Miss Margaret Willis, Colonel LeFranc, Mrs.Wilber Somers.

Possibly there may be no necessity of my presenting the next gentleman--Mr.Percival Coolidge." "Oh, but there is," the last mentioned interposed, a tall rather portly man, with grey hair and moustache, "I must confess this is as much a surprise to me as to any one present.