The Topeka state journal., 1903-06-20

the slow steady roll Of the ocean had
relieved the horror of his internal vol
cano.
Then he went on deck. He had en-
gagged three chairs together and hoped
that they had been able to occupy
were empty; so he read the cards and
got the names into his slightly dizzy
brain, and then stretched himself out,
smelt the salt air for half an hour
drank some beef tea, and began to feel
fairly fit once more
I ought to find out where they are
located, he said, when returning
strength made the idea of moving ap-
pear pleasurable.
He got the number from the head
steward and went to the passageway.
The first officer had moved out for their
accommodation and as Tristan went
along the corridor, the first officers door
suddenly opened and very lovely
brown-eyed girl came out with a hot
water bag in her hand.
I've been rining and ringing" she
began furiously; then saw that he was
not steward, stopped and altered her
speech.
DO get this filed as quick as you
can" she half commanded, handing him
the bag. I don't know how to ask for
hot water in German. Don't let them
wet the case-and hurry
He lgasped-then obeyed- The hot
water bureau was having its capacity
taxed 80 the utmost. Everyone who did
not want a trunk that was in the hold
was perishing for hot water that in
slant. Tristan managed to secure his
quota. but it took time and when he re-
turned and tapped at the door, he heard
the girl exclaim:
There hasn't gone overheard. af-
ter ALL"
She opened a crack and took in the
bag.
Thank you a million times" she said.
without showing anything but her hand.
T0Tr a 16
Go on deck and I'll be up presently
Auntie's awfully i'll and / must fix her
first
He went up, feeling a little stunned.
After a while she appeared, wrapped in
a long blue cloak and followed by
steward overloaded with things for max
ing her comfortable. He jumped up and
assisted in establishing her When she
was enthroned he took his station at
her side and felt deep content for him
self and a pity for poor old King Mark,
probably the first compassion ever
vouchsafed to that character
This is jolly the girl said. I feel
I'm going to enjoy this trip immensely
I always have a good time aboard ship,
though, because Auntie's always i'll.
You see, it's perfectly respectable, be
cause she's a chaperon just the same if
she can't leave her berth And when
she can't leave her berth she doesn't
bother me little Bit
L see,' said Tristan. IF she appears
to gain a any time We'll give her
dose of lobster or some such dainty"
"Oh, that isn't necessary, laughed
Isolde, lust the smell of coffee will do
for her. She is the sickest mortal on
! the water that you ever saw. I've been
sick myself, but never like that. don't
i believe she'll ever cross again, II she
gets home alive this time"
And you2" he asked.
~Oh I'll be willing to settle downy-too,
for a while" Her face fell slightly
IN have to settle down whether want
to or not she added signing.
Tristan calculated that there must be
Is years between this buoyant creature
and King Mark Then he turned tow
ard her and noted afresh how pretty
she was. Then he looked within him
self and never having developed his
conscience to any troublesome extent,
he pitched all considerations of friend
ship overheard and spread his net with
no delay whatever.
I'm glad to be going home'' he said.
with a guileless air of weIl-founded con-
fdentiaI intent I've had the worst
kind of luck this trip Lost my heart TO
two married women, and haven't met a
single really charming girl without ind
ing out afterward that she was engag-
ed"
Isolde laughed.
IT'S bad about married women she
said but as to engaged girls, you must
be a funny sort of man if you can't get
the one you want to disengage her
SELF
Tristan gasped
But if She was engaged to a fellow
that ! know" he asked
That's his lookout" responded Isolde
coollv.
They launched out then on a tremen-
dous Irritation, and King Marks ghost
never troubled either of them a biz.
The sick aunt did not interfere, either.
and the days of the voyage sped along
in a delightful sequence until the com
ing down of the night before Fire island
was due
Everybody aboard believes that ours
is an ocean love affair and that We're
engaged Isolde conhded gaily, as they
paced the deck that evening.
Tristan felt a horrible clutch at his
throat. and no stage Tristan up behind
the mast ever came down to his lady's
call more heavy-hearted than he felt
that moment.
I wish everyone were right" he ex~
claimed. i1npetuous1y. L never went N
for anything so hard before. I'm going
to be awfully cut up after we land.
Fiddle dee -dee-yOu know better!
said Isolde Il know all about you, ana
twice all about you and you cOult
swear by the sun and all below it, aud
[ wouldn't believe word you said
What's thato' he demanded. DO
YOU mean to say that you don't believe
that I've really grown to care-to care
| immenselv2'
you carer she cried. mockingly
you dear. adorable. lovely, abomina BILE
/ feIlow-you, You don't know anything
about really carng!"