The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1908-08-20
,ChapterW


Z
mad scamper. hut his satisfaction In
| finding himself aboard the King Ia
ward was supreme lie was and Is. II
may lie said. man who Saluies the
passing days right amlably. 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
Il hope" observed Dick. "that we
have shaken of all your transatlantic
snItors. That little Chauyenet died
easier than | had expected. lie never
turned up after we left Florence. hut
I'm not wholly sure that we shan't
find hlm nj the dock In New York Aud
that mysterious Arlnltace. who spent
so much railway fare following us
about and who almost bought you a
watch In Geneva. really disapponts
me His persistence had actually com
PEELED my admiration. For glass
blower be was fairly decent, though,
and better than lot Of these little toy
men with imitation titles"
"oh. my large brother. have a con
fesslon to make" said Shirley please
don't Indulge In great oaths or stamp
hole Ia this sturdy deck. but there
are flowers IN my staieromn"
Probably from the Liverpool con
sui. He's been pestering father 10 help
him get transfer TO less gloomy
hole"
Then | shall intercede myself with
the president when get home. They
are orchids from London but with
Mr.. Armitage's card Wouldn't that
excite yonF
1T makes me sickl" and Dick hung
heavily on the rail- and glared AT n
passing tug
'sThey are beautiful orchids ! don't
remember when orchids have happened
to me before Rlchard-in such quanti-
lies. Now. you really didn't dlsapproye
OF him so much, did your This is prob
ably goodby forever but he wasn't so
bad. and he may be an American. after
ALL"
"A common adventurerl Such fel
lows are always turning up. like bad
pennies or n one eyed dog II should
see him again"
"Yes. Richard. II you should meet
again
I'D ask him TO be good enongh TO
stop following us about, and " he per
sisted should muss him up"
Yes: I'm sure you would protect me
from his opportunities 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 trim yacht
that was steaming slowly beneath
them,
Il shan't. but please don't be violent!
DO not murder the poor man. Dickie.
dear and she took hold OF his arm en-
for there he is-as tall aud
mysterious as ever-and me found gull
ty with few OF his orchids pinned to
my Jacket
This is good fortune, Indeed" said
Armltage a moment later when they
Ind shaken hands Il finished my err
rand Mt Geneva unexpectedly. and here
| am"
He smiled az the feeblcness Of his
explanation and Joined In their passing
comment on the life OF the harbor He
was not so dull but that he felt Dick
resentment Of his presence
IN board He knew perfectly well that
bis acquaintance with the Claibornes
was too slight 10 be severely strained
where a fellow Of Dick
clalborne's high spirit was concerned
He talked With them a few minutes
longer. then took himself OF and they
saw little Of hln the rest OF the day
Armitage did not share their distinc-
lion OF seat AZ the captains table
md Dick found him late nj night In
he smoking saloon with pipe and book
nodded and asked him 10 sit
iown
You are o sailor as wen as sol
Her captain. You are fortunate
ilways sit up the first night 70 make
iure the enemy doesn't lay hold Of me
n my Steep
lie tossed his book aside, had brandy
nd soda brought aud offered Clai-
B0Fne q cigar
This Is not the most fortunate sea
on for crossing ! am sure 10 fall TO
morrow My father and mother hate
he sea particularly and have retired
or three days My sister IL the only
me q us who Is perfectly immune
Dlek Claiborne sas . good deal
unused at finding himself sitting be.
ade Armitare- enjoying indeed. his
eliow traveler's hosb,ality. bnt Arni
aee he was forced 10 admit, bore all
he marks 4 gentleman He had. 10
y sore. followed shirley about but
ven ihe young mans manner IN this
vas hardly matter ri which b. could
aYil And there was something alto
.riber likahIe 10 Armiiage His very
umposure was attractive 10 Claiborne.
nd the hold lines of his figure were
10, wasted on the young officer
Armitage wss thlnkiug rapidly of
be hsd suddeniy resolved 20 4
~ 10 capgsin Claiborne iie knew thar
he clallernes we're family of dis
inrsioa The father was aD American (
;ipionlAt aBl iswyer o. side reputa
Aon The family stood for the bes, cf .
; h.gh Apegigs u. Sz..---s. AID thel