Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-06-14


his newspaper. remained passive though
deeply interested spectator The foremost of
the women to catch his eyes was Valda her
self. slender. straight backed. square shout
dered, an ideal product of healthy, vigorous
American girlhood, from the brim of her
rakish yachting cap to the tip of her rubber
soled canvas shoes. There is character in
shoes, and these particular shoes were not tiny.
They were good. honest ives.-the kind that
daughter of freedom might stand in squarely
and fight for her independent principles.
Captain joe she saying, Il dare
say you thought we were lost for good and
all: but Why. what's the matter?"
THE Captain. instead of his usual joviality,
had nodded in solemn gloom and jerked
his thumb in the direction of his unconven
tional guest In an instant more that person
was looking into pair of fearless brown eyes
and grasplng a firm. slim hand extended in
cordial greeting
:" This is Mr.. Ormond. is it not?"
He bowed over her hand in acknowledgment
of identity and responded with a gallant
smile. And this. beyond doubt, is Miss
Valda: for indeed l have spoken of you SO
often with your good father that | seem to
have known you for a lifetime.
Thank you" she answered. I'm happy
to welcome you as al member of our little
party: Let me present you to the Others.
a friend of fathers"
Aunt Mary came forward cordially and gave
her hand. both murmuring their pleasure at
meeting, while Captain Joe looked on in pro-
found amaze. his jaw stretching wider every
second.
Come, Polly" called Valda; and Polly came
with a bounce. She was delighted to catch
at any chance of any man at any age what
ever. SO long as he broke up a three-cornered
conversation with a woman at each corner.
Mr. Ormond." she chrped. Il do believe
you have dropped down right out of the skies
on purpose to Danish the sleepy horribleness
of hen party!"
MY dear young lady" he answered. with
a f1attering inclination of his head and body.
81 shall do my best to crow for you at all
times" Then. amid the resultant laughter.
he turned to Valda. with twinkle in his eye,
And now l beg you to present me to your
worthy Captain. who is; / fear just little
Why. Captain joe! exclaimed Valda
chidingly. and that officer shuffled forward.
blushing to the ears; but Ormond came to
his rescue. Shaping him on the back. and de-
claring that they were now even. and on
the end of happy voyage.
You see. Miss Girard." he offered in ex-
PLANTATION. your fathers telegram was rather
mystifying. and
"Oh. yes she interrupted so was mine.
Funny to be introduced by wire. isn't it,
From her handbag she produced two tele-
grams. reading aloud:
"Ormond and Tracy coming aboard. On
arrival leave CALAIS at once. No delay. I'M
perative: My good friend Ormond to take
charge of Spitfire. Don't worry. FATHER"
you see. Captain" she said. turning to
the silent officer. g dropped into the telegraph
Office few minutes ago and found two mes
sages. l confess at first that l was as much
in the dark you are; but this. no doubt.
will throw some light on the subject"
She handed him the second telegram and
watched him read it twice, while frown of
annoyance ridged his brow.
Well. Captain joe"
Shall l read it aloud?" he asked.
eyes. of course she laughed Among
friends there are no secrets.
The old salt was not sure of this: but
he sighed to himself and did her bidding The
wire was in cipher; but, being translated,
read as follows:
captain JOSEPH LARRIs.
Yacht Spitfre Calais. France.
lanes Ormond to take full charge. No
questions. Reach New York by twentieth.
Fly private signals and lie off Sandy Hook
till further orders. Drive her as hard as hell
will let you. MARCUS GIRARD."
The message was characteristic. eminently
so; yet for a full half minute after its reading
there was a silence of establishment. Then
everyone laughed that is to say. all but Cap
tain Larris. who acted strangely. He bowed
to Ormond with the utmost respect and defer
ence. then turned on his heel and descended
to the engine room. swearing softly under his |
breath.