Waterbury evening Democrat., 1908-03-04

Tedu, FtdZlllL anu MltTOTu laleS OF
Old Japanp Where have l 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 an unconscious trick Of placing the
forefnger 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 examined the con-
tention.
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 a listener, l 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 a sudden consciousness
that they were speaking unguardedly,
for Isobels mirth had mockery in
! it-"there was laughing devil in her
sheer"
by the way, where is Joey?' she
asked
The dog answered her question by
appearing with stretch and a yawn,
from beneath bunk. He had heard
his name in Courtenay's voice. That
suff1ced for joey at any time.
You darling. You must have slept
with one eye open," said Elsie, stoop-
ing to pat him.
"Oh, take carer' cried Isobel. 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 Joey's white
coat, whereupon Joey tried to lick her
face.
Between the library and the cap
tain's dog you are installed as a prime
favorite on board the Kansas" com
mented Isobe. The other girl rose
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 is
busy. Joey. candidly canine. did not
try to hide his feelings"
Isobel swung her chair round to face
the door.
This is quite the best place in the
ship" she said. Il am very comforta-
Bile. thank you. Please don't send us
away, captain"
Before Courtenay could answer the
officer of the watch looked in.
cape Caraumilla bearing sou'west
Of the Buei rock, sir" he announced
and vanished again.
Don't hurry" said Courtenay, tax
ing up his cap. 81 must leave you for
a few minutes"
He was gone. with Joey at his heels.
and there was brief silence.
Really, Isobel. we should go back
on deck" urged Elsie uneasily. Al
ready she half regretted the impulse
which led her 10 intervene in her
friends special hobby.
Il like that didn't credit you with
such guile. Elsie Maxwell. You snap
up my nice captain beneath my very
nose and coolly propose that should
vacate the battlefield. oh. dear no.
l can't talk literature but can fiirt.
and / have not finished with Arthur
yet by long chalk"
Isobel leaned back in her chair. She
was insolently conscious of her SUI
perior attractions. Was she not the
richest heiress in Valparaiso? Had
not her father chartered this ship?
And was not Elsie even now flying
from an unwelcome sutton? She knew
full well that her friend would resent
the slightest semblance of lovemak-
ing on the part of any man on board.
AhtdNlg HeI dstOulSuutut at Isistt y
unlocked for vivacity was yielding 70
the humor of meeting such a rival.
The count might serve as foil. but
the real quarry now was the captain.
That very night there would be
moon. And the sea was calm as
sheltered lake.
Suddenly they both heard an excit-
ed bark from the dog and the quick
rush of feet along the deck. Courte-
nays voice reached them with new
and startling note in H.
stop that" he shouted.
There was an instants pause. Their
alert ears caught the sounds Of dis
tant scuffie. Then a pistol shot Jared
the peaceful drone Of the ship.
sheer of. there" roared Courtenay
again. Next time shoot TO KILL"
With terror in their eyes. with
blanched cheeks. they rushed TO the
door and peeped out Courtenay was
not to he seen. but the officer Of tIse
/lA