The Democratic advocate., 1908-05-01

o. Literary Press. G
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Had either Paul or Kate been less
sf11bborn their little misunderstanding
would have healed quickly, and the SOL
itaire would have cleaned on Kate's
finger instead of hiding its brilliant
,;rht in a tiny corner of the safe in
Paurs office. Instead pride held sway.
and lust to show that she did not care
Kate firted outrageously with John
Trent.
Just who Trent was no one seemed
10 know exactly. 1t was said that he
was looking for a site for a sun ner
hote which should bring prosperity to
the island. Certain it was that speedy
team from the livery took him on many
tours of the island, and during these
trips Kate frequently occupied the seat
Of the cutter with him.
Paul Condor, whose duties held him
closely at the dock, watched them speed
past on their way to visit some likely
location, and, with q heavy heart, he
Wondered what the outcome would be.
He neither liked nor trusted Trent,
wherein he stood alone, for Trent had
Wormed himself into the good graces
of most of the islanders. At the SIM
ple entertainments of its social life he
Was always the most welcome guest,
While Paul, gowering in q corner and
refusing to take part in any of the
qames suggested by Trent, found less
and less sympathy as Trent's popular
ity grew.
1t was not often that Paul attended
social affairs now, urging the office as
an excuse, though he had not found it
dificult to leave the dock even on sail
ing nights when he was to act as es-
cort to Kate Pyfrom. He and his ia
thcr owned the steamer Robert G.,
which made semiweellly trips to the
mainland In winter this was about
thc only means of communication, for
the heavy gales made the passage of
HE pleasure sloops almost impossible,
and the stancher boats were engaged
On the fishing banks. The Robert G.
carrieI the catch across the strait to
the city. and it was this traffic which
made 4 regular communication with
the mainland possible.
The sailings were scheduled for 6
o'clock but if the fishing boats were
late coming in the steamer would be
held until their arrival, and frequently
Ii Was long after midnight before the
start was made.
This furnished Paul with the excuse
for remaining away from merrymak-
Ing. and gradually in the society of
HE fishermen and merchants he heard
little of what was going on, though
Kate's increasing fondness for Trent
was gossip even among the seafarers.
SO completely had he isolated him
self from the local gossip that he was
surprised when one sailing day George
Pyfrom drove his daughter up to the
dock and engaged passage for her
across to the mainland.
"She's going to visit her Aunt Kate
down to Boston," he explained as he
aid down the money for round trip
ticket ITS good for young folks to
visit around bit. l think a trip to
Boston would be good for you Just
now. Paul"
There was meaning in the tones. but
Paul shook his head
Il guess there's no chance even in
Boston. captain" he declared. 'I guess
I've lost all hold on Kate
Pyfrom. unconvinced, shook his head,
but he offered no further argument.
and after learning that the fishing fleet
would be in late he stamped out of the
office and on board the steamer to see
that Kate was made comfortable.
1t was the rule that passengers should
be aboard at the announced sailing
locked the ticket drawer and went out
on the dock to look after some freight.
He studiously avoided glancing toward
The after part of the steamer, where
the passenger accommodations were,
and he did not notice the white, wist
full face pressed against the pane of
one of the staterooms.
Nor did he see that the face was still
there when he returned from supper
and the first of the fishing fleet lined
PIP alongside of the dock and began to
pass the barrels of fish across the dock
to the steamer.
From that time ON all was confusion.
AS rapidly as boat could unload she
gave place to another, and by mid
might the last of the cargoes was stow
ed and the sailors began to make prep
arations to cast off.
Paul had gone to the gangplank to
See that all was right when Trent en-
sdeavored to press past him. For mo-
ment Paul hesitated,' then resolutely
ne barred the way.
& Tickets" he demanded. Trent laugh
ed.
"1'll fix it with the purser," he as
sured.
You cannot get aboard without
Ticket" Paul insisted.
"Then sell me one," suggested Trent.
setting down his suit case and draw
ing out his bill fold.
The sale Of tickets stopped at 6
O'Clock" reminded Paul mo more
tickets will be sold for this voyage.
You will have to wait until Thursday"
& 1T is vital that should catch this
8Doat," declared Trent. II just hap
pened to remember that l have an i'm
portant stockholders meeting in New
York on Friday"
You should have remembered before
g o'clock" said Paul. II cannot let
you board the steamer now"
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