Los Angeles herald., 1905-08-06
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him. Roger and Evelyn were leaning
over the rail- watching the sea and
speaking at intervals. for they had
come to a point where silence is elo-
quent. Evelyn's hand lay on the rail-
ing and looked so white and small and
dainty in the moonlight that-well.
Harvey sat bolt upright and rubbed HIS
eyes then laid himself down again-to
think. but not to sleep.
Evelyn turned her head In her
brothers direction. His sudden move
ment had startled her.
ASLEEP, Harvey?'' she asked.
mo, just incoming. Time to turn in,
sis. Are you ready?"
Never ready--but since you are
sleepy l needs must. Good night, Mr..
Courtleigh; Auf Wiedersehenl"
"I shall stay longer" said Roger as
they went below. Good night"
So Roger leaned on the rail where her
hand had lain and smoked and dreamed
of her in the vastness of the night; for
how long he did not know, but touch
on his shoulder reused him.
Look here said Harvey's voice,
''you and are good friends, Roger.
Now, let's talk sense"
"All right fire away!" and Roger
flung the last of his cigar far into the
ocean. The faint light of it glowed on
the surface for moment, then sank
out of sight.
"Own up, old boy, you're clean gone
on Evelyn-aren't you?"
"well, suppose 1 am?' said Roger,
reddening.
mo supposing-yes or no?"
"Yes-if you must have it,
Harvey nodded sagely-"I know the
symptoms-they all get that way
spoony. 1 never suspected you were hit
till 1 saw you take her hand tonight
I've seen other men try that game-and
1 never got uneasy before"
"And why now. may 1 ask?" de-
manded Roger, haughtily.
"Because-she didn't pull hers away.
Don't get mad-I couldn't help seeing
so doubled OH Evelyn, and came back
for word I'm her brother, you know.
and though she's five years older, I'm
responsible for her safe delivery-see?
You seem an awfully nice chap. have
no doubt you're all you paint yourself,
but if you intend to-to-well to propose
to my sister-you've got to prove tor
wait till you can. I've put it plain, and
made a mess of it, guess, but mean
the right thing, if you'll take it that
way"
II quite agree with you," said Roger.
heartily, land 1 admire your pluck.
Well put our heads together and see
what we can do. It's a mere matter
of time, of course, but don't want to
lose these precious days. Now I've been
thinking Here Roger lit a fresh
cigar and leaned back comfortably IN
his chair. There was silence for some
moments.
1.-The Lucretia is homeward bound on
this same route he announced, sud-
denly, land my father is aboard. Sup
pose we consult the officers on our ship
and see If we can send him a wireless
message. That would be proof enough
I-WOulQnC II!
"I should say so!' Harvey's eyes
snapped. But do you think it's pos
sible?'
1--WE can at least try" said Roger.
land if get satisfactory answer
''Then I'll say, Go ahead!'" cried
Harvey.
"And no one will be the wiser but
ourselves; is that a bargain?"
Agreed" said Harvey. shaking
hands upon it.
The next day Roger staggered the Of
ficers by his demand; but speedily re-
covering themselves they set about
figuring the position of the Lucretia
from the wireless reports from various
home bound vessels.
1--WE might not be successful" said
the. captain, shaking a doubtful head,
but we may get some result. What do
you want to say, Mr.. Courtleigh?"
Roger wrote:
"Mr. Chester A. Courtleigh passenger
Lucretia: Pay Purser Lucretia $3.50,
asking him to advise Purser Zenobia to
pay me- Left wallet at hotel.
ROGER"
This was sent through space amid
breathless interest in the presence of
the officers and many excited passen-
gers, including Harvey Stillwell and his
sister. Roger alone remained calm In
the long interval of waiting.
At length an answer came flying
against the Zenobia's disk, which read
as follows:
"Purser zenobia: Pay Roger Court
leigh $3.50; have collected amount from
his father aboard Lucretia. Will send
wallet on arrival.
| "PURSER LUCRETIA."
"Mr. Courtleigh, l congratulate you
said the captain heartily. and the little
crowd about them broke into cheer.
| Fvelyn's cheeks gloWed with excite