Part 54 (2/2)
”Monte!”
”It's a fact.”
”Then--what am I to do?”
She looked quite helpless--deliciously helpless.
He laughed joyously.
”You are bankrupt,” he said. ”So am I. We have only fifty-five dollars between us. But that is something. Also there is the machine.
That will take us over the Italian frontier and to Genoa. I ought to be able to sell it there for something. Come on.”
”Where?” she asked.
”We must get the car as soon as possible. I have a notion that with every pa.s.sing hour it is going to be more difficult to get out.”
”But I'm not going with you, Monte. It's--it's impossible!”
”It's the only way, little woman.”
He gave her no time to argue about it, but took her arm and hurried her to the garage. It was necessary to walk. Taxis were as if they had never been. They pa.s.sed groups of soldiers who turned to look at Marjory. The eyes of many were hot with wine, and she was very glad that she was not alone.
At the door of the garage stood a soldier in uniform. As Monte attempted to pa.s.s, he was brought to a halt.
”It is not permitted to pa.s.s,” explained the guard.
”But I want to get my car.”
”I 'm afraid monsieur has no car.”
”Eh?”
”They have all been taken for la patrie.”
”You mean my machine has been confiscated?”
”Borrowed, perhaps. After the victory--” The guard shrugged his shoulders.
Monte shrugged his own shoulders. Then he laughed.
”After all,” he said, ”that is little enough to do for France. Inform the authorities they are welcome.”
He saluted the guard, who returned the salute. Again he took Marjory's arm, and turned toward the hotel.
”There is nothing to do but to walk,” he declared.
”Where?”
She could not understand his mood. It was as if this were a holiday instead of a very serious plight.
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