The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1908-07-25

distance and II we have to, wen al
turn Robinson Crusoest
The joke was insane enougn, o1 a,a ~
down, and when It was round that the
boat was not sinking, everyone decided
to accept the happening AZ huge
lark.
One of the boats put on with men to
wire that the steamer was safes ana
Esterbrooke suggested to Betty that
thew 90 with the boat. I'VE can get
the night express home. We are
good four miles from snore ana the
rest Of the party cannot be taken on
until the Champion comes along IN
the morning. There IL no steamer at
this end of the lake."
1--WE will stay with the Others" she
declared, and with no very good grace
Esterbrooke led the way back to the
upper deck.
I'VE might as well have some sup
per-" he declared. as he motioned 70
lunching OF the remnants OF the
hampers contents.
The evening fell, and Betty insisted
upon going below. Esterbrooke held
back as they entered the saloon. Here
was a babel of sound. Babies ana
fear, and tired mothers sought ine1-
fectually to secure quiet
Through the confusion Osbon
passed with the assurance that TWO
row boats had been sent out to forage
| and that food would presently arrive.
His good humor had not failed him:
and wherever he passed. he left trail
| Of smiles behind.
At. the sight of the mass of rugs
borne by Esterbrooke's man, OSBORN !
| eve frightened, and after seeing tnat
Betty was made comfortable, the rest
were Communicated for the women
| and children. Esterbrooke ventured z
| protest. but for once Osbon forgot to
! smile. =,
"Your order. got US into this hole.
he said fiercely. IF I hear another
word from you, I'll throw you over
board"
| He looked as though he longed t.
do it. and Esterbrooke subsidized with
| suddenness that was surprising.
The return of the boats with sucf
| stores as they could obtain helped e
lessen the discomfort. Osbon deal
out the supplies with careful hant
and a CHEEKY word, ana presently tn
women and children sought resi- OF
the saloon floor. The men gatneret
on the lower deck and smoked AMI
slept as the fancy dictared.
Esterbrooke, finding the situation
intolerable, at last engaged some Of tn
crew to put him ashore. When tn
morning sun began 10 pdiiI e.io SoS'
and Betty came out of the cabin Tor
breath Of fresh air, she found Osbol
; leaning against pillar and searching
the horizon for the smoke that shoul
signal the advent or the rescuin
steamer.
you have been up all night?" sh
asked with quick sympathy.
ct never did like to sleep In Coz
bin," he explained. This was har
coal, too"
!, "How did Mr.. Esterbrooke stan
I it?" she asked.
t HE went ashore" explained Osbol
I '.He felt assured that you would Z
looked after"
with you on board" assented Bet
/, tenderly you were a most In you
self dear IL guess I love you even
= you are not romantic"
Good humor is better than romano
s sometimes" he said softly as he toe
her in his arms. But never though
o that it would win you Tor me. dear
n Betty looked into the heavy-Hdde
s ewes now glowing with affecfton ar
o saw the man behind the boyishness.
s I'm glad 1t did," she simply sal
a and to that Osbon added amen"
e copyrighted 1908 by Associated Ii
: erary Press.) rE ssi