“Yes, of course you thought I was one for the moment. Everybody is obsessed with this same idea out here and are all on the lookout, but I happen to be an American newspaper writer. If you would like to see my credentials I carry them about with me, because I grant you my behavior may now and then appear suspicious.”

Rather to Nona’s chagrin her unknown companion was openly laughing over her confusion at his immediate interpretation of her first impression.

He was a tall, slender fellow, not a bit good looking, with a thin face, a large nose and humorous eyes. Yet he had a fine[119] mouth with strong white teeth, which Nona immediately noticed as he laughed at her.

[119]

“You see, I have been in Europe, in one country and another, almost ever since this war began and I have seen a lot of this barbed wire work, so I was interested to find out how well our American boys were learning the business. They have done a good job. I beg your pardon, but do you think it particularly safe for you to be walking alone in this neighborhood at this hour? If you don’t mind I’ll walk along back to the hospital with you.”

With apparent gravity Nona stood listening to her latest acquaintance. Now that she saw him more distinctly, he was so absolutely of the type one would expect him to be that it was scarcely necessary that he should present his literary credentials.

“This is the second time in the last quarter of an hour that this same warning about walking alone has been given me,” Nona answered, trying to appear demure, but in realty rather surprised at the unexpected feeling of friendliness, which this brief conversation with an entire stranger had inspired in her.

[120]It is curious how frequently a man’s profession affects his appearance.

[120]

The young man before Nona had a slight stoop to his shoulders, or else it was only that his head was thrust the slightest bit forward, as though his ideas went always a little beyond the movement of his body. Then his eyes were keen as well as humorous and his forehead broad and intellectual.

“You are very kind,” Nona returned, “but really I am not in the least nervous and I—”

“You don’t know me, do you? And I may be more dangerous than anybody or anything you might meet along the way. Was that what you were about to say? I don’t believe I had 

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