The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1905-02-02

the blood behind the eardrums became
an oppression. The ocean tiptoed to-
ward the land with tiny rustling steps.
The west was one gigantic stained win
dow, the ocean floor a solid simmer
OF opalescence Behind them sullen
puppies marked the horizon, hooded
with mountain crests, and after long
While the moon shrugged a cleaning
shoulder into view.
Wilbur, dressed in Chinese jeans and
blouse, with Chinese wicker sandals on
MS Dare feet, sat with his back against
the whales skull, smoking quietly. For
long time there was no conversation.
Then at last:
NO." said Moran in a low voice.
'"rhis is the life I'm made for. In six
years I've not spent three consecutive
weeks on land. Now that Eilert'-she
always spoke Of her father by his first
name-'now that Eilert is dead, I've
not tie, not relative, not even a
friend, and don't wish it,
But the loneliness Of the life, the
Solitude" said Wilbur-''that's what I
don't understand. Did it ever occur to
you that the best happiness is the hap
piness that one shares?'
Moran clasped a knee in both hands
and looked out to sea. She never wore
hat, and the red light of the after
glow was turning her rye hued hair to
saffron.
"Hoh!" she exclaimed, her heavy
voice pitched even lower than usual.
"Who could understand or share any
OF my pleasures or be happy when I'm
happy? And, besides, Pm happiest
when Pm alOne-I don't want any
one"
But" hesitated Wilbur, zone is not
always alone. After all, you are a
girl, and men, sailor men especially, are
beasts when it's question of a wom-
an-an unprotected woman"
I'm stronger than most men," said
Moran simply. ''If you, for instance,
had been like some men I should have
fought you. 1t wouldn't have been
the first time" she added, smoothing
one huge braid between her palms
Wilbur looked at her with intent Gu
r1oslty-noted again, as if for the first
time, the rough, blue overalls thrust
into the shoes; the coarse flannel shirt
open at the throat, the belt with it's
sheath knife, her arms big and white
and tattOoed in sailor fashion, her
thick, muscular neck; her red face,
with it's pale blue eyes and almost
massive jaw. and her hair, her heavy,
yellow. fragrant hair, that lay over
her shoulder and breast, coiling and
looping in her lap.
NO." he said, with a long breath, 81
don't make it out. l knew you were
out of my experience, but I begin to
think now that you are out of even my
imagination. You are right, you should
keep to yourself. You should be alone
your mate isn't made. yet. You are
splendid just as you are" while under
his breath he added, his teeth clinch-
ing, "but love youw
It was growing late, the stars were
all out, the moon riding high. Moran
yawned.
Mate, I think I'll turn in. Well
have to be at that schooner early in
the morning, and I make no doubt
she'll give us plenty to do Wilbur
hesitated to reply, waiting to take his
cue from what next she should say.
Its hot enough to sleep where we
are" she added, without going aboard
the Bertha, though we might have
couple of blankets off to lie on. This
sands as hard as a plank"
Without answering, Wilbur showed
her couple of blanket rolls he had
brought off while he was unloading
part of the stores that afternoon. They
took one apiece and spread them on
the sand by the bleached whales
skull. Moran pulled off her boots and
stretched herself upon her blanket
with absolute unconcern, her hands
clasped under her head. Wilbur rolled
up his coat for pillow and settled
himself for the night with an assumed
self possession. There was long 81
lence. Moran yawned again.
81 pulled the heel off my boot this
morning." she said lazily, land I've
been limping all day."
II noticed it," answered Wilbur.
'Kitchell had new pair aboard some
where, if they're not spoiled by the
water now
"Yes?" she said indifferently. ''We'll
look them up in the morning."
Again there was silence
II wonder" she began again, star
ing up into the dark, eff Charlie took
that frying pan off with him when he
WENT
II don't know. He probably did"
ut was the only thing we had to
cook abalones in. Make me think to
look into the galley tomorrow. This
grounds as hard as nails, for all your
blankets. Well, good night, mate. I'm
going to Sleep"
"Good night, Moran"
Three hours later Wilbur, who had
not closed his eyes, sat up and looked
at Moran, sleeping quietly, her head in
pale glory of hair-looked at her and
then around him at the silent, deserted