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"There it is on the mantel," the secretary said "We found it in the basement in an unmarked crate A beautiful piece of work The President insisted we bring it up where it can be admired"

Dana's eyes narrowed as she found herself looking at the lass case above the fireplace

"He was hoping you ht on its history," the secretary continued "As you can see, there is no indication of a name either on the hull or the dust case"

She moved uncertainly toward the fireplace for a closer look She was confused; this was hardly what she had expected Over the telephone earlier that , the secretary had simply said, "The President wonders if it would be convenient for you to drop by the White House about two o'clock?" A strange sensation passed through her body She wasn't sure if it was a feeling of letdown or relief

"Early-eighteenth-century merchantman by the look of her," she said "I'd have to make some sketches and compare them with old records, in the Naval Archives"

"Admiral Sandecker said if anybody could identify her, you could"

"Admiral Sandecker?"

"Yes, it was he who recommended you to the President" The secretary, moved toward the doorway "There is a pad and pencil on the nightstand beside the bed I have to get back to my desk Please feel free to take as much time as you need"

"But won't the President?"

"He's playing golf this afternoon You won't be bothered Just take the elevator down to the main floor when you're finished" Then, before Dana could reply, the secretary turned and left

Dana sat heavily on the bed and sighed She had rushed home after the phone call, taken a perfuinal white dress over black lingerie And it had all been for nothing The President didn't want sex; he simply wanted her to put the make on some damned old ship's model

Utterly defeated, she went into the bathroom and checked her face When she came out, the bedroo by the fireplace, looking tanned and youthful in a polo shirt and slacks

Dana's eyes fleide For ato say "You're supposed to be golfing," she finally said stupidly

"That's what it says in my appointment book"

"Then this model ship business"