Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1907-02-12
CHAPTER v.-(Continued)

strongly At these times she felt her
self another being, exalted. sublimated,
lifted from this little world with its
petty affairs and vanities up to dizzy
heights. She had felt the same sensa-
ton when for the first time she had
viewed the glories of the snow clad
Matterhorn, she had felt it when on
q summers night at sea she had sat
on deck and watched with fascinated
awe The respondent radiance of the
countless stars, she felt it now as she
looked at the foaming, tumbling waves.
ut is SO beautiful" she murmured
as she turned to walk. The ship was
arm to steady herself. Shirley was
an athletic girl and had all the ease
and grace of carriage that comes of
much tennis and golf playing. Barely
twenty-four years old. she was still in
the first flush of youth and health, and
there was nothing she loved so much
as exercise and fresh air. After few
turns on deck, there was a ruddy glow
In her checks that was good to see and
many an admiring glance was cast at
the young couple as they strobe brisk
ly up and down past the double rows
of elongated steamer chairs.
They had the deck pretty much to
themselves. 1t was only four o'clock,
too early for the appetite-stimulating
walk before dinner and their fellow
passengers were basking in the sun
shine, stretched out on their chairs in
two even rows like so many mummies
on exhibition Some were reading,
some were doing. Two or three were
under the weather, completely pros
trated, their bilious complexion of a
deathly greenish hue. At each new
roll of the ship, they closed their eyes
as if resigned to the worst that might
happen and their immediate neighbors
furtively eyed each Of their movements
as if apprehensive of what any moment
might bring forth. A few couples
were flirting to their hearts content
under the friendly cover of the life
boats which, as on most Of the trans
atlantic liners, we're more useful in
saving regulations than in saving life
The deck steward was passing round
tea and biscuits, much to the disgust
of the i'll ones, but to the keen salts
faction of the stronger stomached pas
sengers who on shipboard never seem
to be able to get enough to eat and
drink. On the bridge, the second Off
Ger, tall, handsome man with the
points OF his moustache trained up
wards a Ia Kaiser Wilhelm, was strid-
ing back and forth. every now and
then sweeping the horizon with his
glass and relieving the monotony of
his duties by ogling the better looking
women passengers.
Hello, Shirley" called out voice
from leap of rugs as Shirley and
Jefferson passed the rows of chairs.
They stopped short and discovered
Mrs. Blake ensconced in a cozy cor
ner, sheltered from the wind.
why, Aunt Milly, exclaimed Sbir-
ley surprised. 81 thought you were
downstairs. didn't think you could
stand this sea-"
st is little rougner than | care
to have it" responded Mrs. Blake with
a wry srimace and putting her hand
to her breast as if to appease disturb
ing quelms. 1T was SO stuffy in the
cabin could not bear it. It's more
pleasant here, but it's getting little
cool and think I'll gu below. Where
have you children been all afternoon?' 2
.The children have been rhapsodiz-
ing over the beauties of the ocean,,
he laughed. With a sly glance at
Shirley, he added, "Your niece has
been coaching me in metaphysics
Shirley shook her finger at him.
"Now, Jefferson, if you make fun OF
me I'll never talk seriously with you
again
"Wie gent es, meme damen?"
Shirley turned on hearing the gut
tural salutation. 1t was Captain
Hegerman. the commander of the ship
a big fiorid Saxon with great bushy
golden whiskers and basso voice like
Edouard de Reszke. He was imposing
in his smart uniform and gold braid
and his manner had the self-reliant
authoritative air usual in men who
have great responsibilities and are &C
customed to command. He was taking
his afternoon stroll and had stopped tt
chat with mis- lady passengers. He hat
already passed Mrs. Blake dozer
times and not noticed her, but now
her pretty niece was with her. which
altered the situation. He talked t.
the aunt and looked at Shirley, mucl
to the annoyance of Jefferson, who
muttered things under his breath.
when shall we be in, captain?'
asked Mrs. Blake anxiously, forgetting
that this was of the questions which
according to ship etiquette must neve
be asked of the officers.
But as long as he could ignore MIS-
Blake and gaze at Shirley Capt Heger
mann did not mind. He answeres
amiably:
"At the rate we are going, we ough
to sight Fire Island sometime to-mo1
re i evening. If we do, that will ge
us to dock about II o'clock Frida
morning, l fancy. Then addressing
Shirley direct he said. and yor
fraulein, 1 hope you won't be glad tn
voyage is over?"
Shirley sighed and worried, ans
ious look came into her face.
Yes, Captain, shall be very glat
II is not pleasure that is bringing m
back to America SO soon"
The captain elevated his eyebrow
He was sorry the young lady ha
onx;at;oc IN Lpap her SO serious an