Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1908-05-07

Elsie's blue eyes assumed a deeper
! shade. Men might like that kind Of
thing, but she felt that her face and
neck would he poppy red in another
moment. Thus far she had not adj.
dressed word to Courtenay, though
by his manner he had included her in
the conversation. She now resolved TO
break in on the attack which Isobel
wns beginning with the adroitness Of
a skilled campaigner And she, too,
could use her eyes to advantage When
she chose.
What curious library you have,
Captain Courtenay," she said, looking
not at him, but at row Of books
fitting closely into small cnsc
over the writing table-"Shakespeare,
the Pilgrims Progress Montaignes
essays, Herbert Spencer, 'Goethes
Life by Lewes: Marcus Aurelius, Mar
tial, Wordsworth, THE Egoist,' Tho
reau, Hazlitt and 'Mitford's Tales Of
Old Japan" Where have ] heard or
read of that particular galaxy Of stars
before?"
"Go on. You are on the right track"
cried Courtenay, setting down the tea
cup and Fastening to Elsies side. She
was leaning on the table reading the
titles Of the books. The motive OF
her exclamation was merged now In
the fine ardor OF the book lover. She
had on unconscious trick of placing the
forefinger of her right hand on her
lips when deeply engaged In thought.
Elegant as Isobel Barring might be in
her studied poses, Elsie need fear no
comparison as she exc mined the con-
tents of the bookcase with eager at.
tenti0n.
1--WE have actually hit upon a topic
that should prove inexhaustible," con-
tinued Courtenay. believe me, Miss
Maxwell, that Is my pet subject. More
than once, needing q listener, I have
even lectured my long suffering ter
rier Joey, on the point"
Isobel laughed softly. The two,
standing in front Of the bookcase. start.
ed apart with sudden consciousness
that they were speaking unguardedly,
for Isobels mirth had mockery in
it-"there was a laughing devil in her
sneer."
by the way. where Is JoeyT' she
asked.
The dog answered her question by
appearing. with stretch and yawn
from beneath bunk. He had heard
his name in Courtenay's voice. That
sufficed for Joey at any time.
You darling. You must have slept
with one eye OPEN" said Elsie, stoop-
ing to pat him.
"Oh. take care" cried 1sobel. He
may bite you
= Not he, When you see that wistful
, look in dogs eyes, have no fear. He
wants to speak then. You won't bite
me, will you, dear?" And Elsie sank
on one knee to stroke Joeys white
coat, whereupon Joey tried to lick her
face.
Between the library and the cap
tain's dog you are installed as prime
favorite on board the Kansas" COM
mented Isobel. The other girl rosa
hurriedly She had caught the touch
of malice in the smooth voice.
Captain Courtenay is too polite to
remind US that we are intruders," she
said lightly. I'VE forget that he il
busy. Joey, candidly canine, did not
try to hide his feelings"
Isobe swung her chair round to face
the door.
This is quite the best place in the
ship" she said. II am very comforta-
Bile. thank you. Please don't send us
away. captain
bcfore Courtenay could answer the
officer of the watch looked in.
"Capc Caraumila bearing sou'west
Of the Buei rock. sir" he announced
and vanished again.
Don't hurry said Courtenay. taxi
l ing up his cap. 81 must leave you for
t few minutes"
, He was gone, with Joey at his heels,
D and there was a brief silence.
! Really, Isobel, we should go back
, on deck" urged Elsie uneasily. Al
= ready she half regretted the impulse
r which led her to intervene in her
friends special hobby.
, 81 like that. didn't credit you with
; such guile. Elsie Maxwell. You snap
l up my nice captain beneath my very
, nose and coolly propose that should
vacate the battlefield. Oh, dear. no.!
r I can't talk literature. but l can f1irt,
, and | have not finished with Arthur
0 yet by long chalk"
E Isobcl leaned back in her chair She
I was insolently conscious OF her SUI
, perior attractions. Was she not the
: richest heircss in Valparaiso? Had
| not her father chartered this ship?
: And was not Elsie even now flying
. from an unwecome sutton? She knew
| full we'll that her friend would resent
the slightest semblance OF lovemak-
r ing on the part Of any man on board.
;. Already her establishment at Elsie's
unlocked for vivacity was yielding to
the humor Of meeting such a rival.
a The count might serve as foil. but
a the real quarry now was the captain.
, That very night there would he a
, moon And the sea was calm as u
sheltered lake.
, Suddenly they both heard an excit.
. ed bark from the dog Hnl the quick
q rush of feet along the dcIl. Courte-
: nays voice reached them with new
!. and startling note In it.
stop that" he shouted
There was an instant's pause. Their
alert ears caught the sounds Of dis
=. tant scuffle. Then a pistol shot Jared
tho peoceful tr0np Of the shin