Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-10-19

easily within your grasp, and you may
 make your choice of sailing ports. It
 Is, to be sure, rather out of your way
 to seek ship at Liverpool unless you expect to gain some particular advan- tage in doing so. MT. John Armitage
 hurried thither in the most breathless
 haste to catch the King Edward, whereas he might have taken the Tou- raine at Cherbourg and saved himself mad scamper, but his satisfaction in finding himself aboard the King Ed ward was supreme. He was and is, 1t may be said, man who salutes the passing days right amiably. no matter how somber their colors.
 Shirley Claiborne and Captain Rich ard Claiborne, her brother, were on deck watching the shipping in the Mer- sey as the big steamer swung into the channel
 T hope" observed Dick, "that we have shaken off all your transatlantic suitors. That little Chauvenet died easier than had expected He never turned up after we left Florence, but I'm not wholly sure that we shan't find him at the dock in New York. And that mysterious Armitage, who spent so much railway fare following us about and who almost bought you a watch in Geneva, really disappoints me. His persistence had actually con- pelled my admiration. For glass blower he was fairly decent, though, and better than lot of these little toy men with imitation titles.''
 "Oh, my large brother have con- fession to make," said Shirley. Please don't indulge in great oaths or stamp hole in this sturdy deck. but there are flowers in my stateroom'-
 Probably from the Liverpool con- sul. He's been pestering father to help him get a transfer to a less gloomy hole"
 'Then I shall intercede myself with the president when I get home. They are orchids-from London-but-with MT. Armitage's card. Wouldn't that excite you"
 Tt makes me sickv' and Dick hung heavily on the rail and glared at a passing tug.
 They are beautiful orchids. I don't remember when orchids have happened to me before, Richard-in such quanti- ties. Now, you really didn't disapprove of him so much, did you? This is prob ably goodby forever, but he wasn't so bad, and he may be an American, after all"
 "A common adventurer. Such fel- lows are always turning up, like bad pennies or one eyed dog. If should see him again.
 "Yes, Richard, {. you should meet again. !
 ''Id ask him to be good enough to stop following US about, and if he per sisted I should imuss him up."
 Yes; I'm sure you would protect me from his importunities at any hazard" mocked Shirley, turning and leaning against the rail so that she looked | along the deck beyond her brothers stalwart shoulders.
 Don't be silly" observed Dick. whose eyes were upon a trim yacht . that was steaming slowly beneath | them. !
 T shan't, but please don't be violent! | Do not murder the poor man, Dickie, lear"-and she took hold of his arm en- there he is-as tall and mysterious as overland me found gull y with a few of his orchids pinned to ny jacket"'
 This is good fortune, indeed" said Armitage a moment later when they lad shaken hands T finished my er- and at Geneva unexpectedly, and here am."
 He smiled at the feebleness of his explanation and joined in their passing on the life of the harbor. He vas not so dull but that he felt Dick resentment of his presence n board. He knew perfectly we'll that lis acquaintance with the C1aibornes vas too slight to be severely strained, 'articularly where a fellow of Dick 1, aaiboxne's high spirit was concerned.