New-York tribune., 1908-07-19

Parthian shaft ranking hint that the mate, if
not a gentleman. at least might qualify as a servant
in a public wash house
It was subtle perhaps; but Beasley understood
for Valda peeped over and him redden to the
roots of his ugly hair. He was standing directly
behind the kneeling man, and his action relieved
him of the possibility of being called gentleman
He raised one foot set it the middle of the others
back then pushed him sprawling on the sloppy deck
Valda leaped forward to the rail, but not more
quickly than the victim of the mates brutality
-1aganed his feet She his handsome face dis
torted by the lash of rage,-the eyes that glowed'
the teeth that set in fury Forgotten now were
the laws that govern land ana sea was
the gulf that lay between master and a man man
and Valda saw him crouch as the leopard croucheS
for it's spring the shoulders hunched, the head held
1ow-and then she caught his eye
He looked and the fury faded from his face; his
crouchinq figure became erect, while his fists un-
clenched and sank slowly to his sides For an IN
slant haa he sto9d 09 turned m tn his work again
Reaslev laughed His small, untutored brain
had misinterpreted; but Nalda understood She
knew that a man had torn a something from his
-r;da had torn it by its very roots,-and because
of her He had tramped on law that rules the
hearts of courageous men, and because OF hlgher
law of chlvalry
Nov in Valda's veins ran also the blood :, OF a
~ fqhting race Indeed old Oliver Cromwell was
in part responsible for her present role IN lite. Be
c;des there was a certain venerable Judge, square
soued man who dispensed his justice with an hon
est tongue; and now these two old boys came back
in Il
She harIened while her own fair cheeks were tlnged
with red She gripped the rail, and her heart was
pounding furiously.
M Morson." she called las the master of this
Yacht 7 give YOU my full permission to avenge
that insult to the limit of your strength and will
She had used his other name unconsclousy; but
somehow it seemed more ttSlng at the time ana 1T
made her glad to use it. As tor hn' ne SIMPLY
stared at her then he smiled, and the hight OF nope
came back into his eyes. He made her a courtly
bow In it were mingled reverence delight and
place of honor; then he turned on his enemy His
words were not intended for Valda's ears; but her
ears were sharp and she overheard
Mr. Reaslev" he said in his mOdulated Southern
voice YOU have taken a helsh pleasure in making
me wipe up this deck; and now, curse you! I'm
going to do it with youi'
Beasley questioned his foes ability along that
line and expressed himself without reserve. He
knew the game and felt entirely competent to dis
pose of him with few we'll planted blows, and yet
there was an air about his lean antagonist that
caused the mate to proceed with caution. He
moved his coat rolled up his sleeves to his hairy
elbows then tightened his belt and tossed his cap
aside He ready now to put the finishing
touches on a novice S education.
At this uncture Captain Joe walked out on the
bridge and marking the Polse OF the men below,
he started down the ladder on run; but Valda
checked him.
Captain Zoe" she called, this Is my affair, and
YOU Will please not interfere!
The old sea dog gazed at her with numbed ex-
preston of split jawed wonder then closed his
r,outh slowly while grin of pleasure Illumined his
r,qqed features AS long the responsibility
lifted from his own official shoulders, he could enjoy
\ go" as much as the next man; so he drew up
camp stool to the edge of the bridge, seated himself
in the front row of the gallery, SO to speak and lit
his pipe. s... ...o.,-..,,.. It'll.
mvsteriousy smelling out happy trouble, as 1t
were. and seeking positions of advantage to them
selves but of nconspicuousness to the mistress of
the Spitfire.
T l. A.