The Somerset reporter., 1908-05-28

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Had either Paul or Kate been less
stubborn their little misunderstanding
would have healed quickly, and the sol.
itaire would have cleaned on Rates
finger instead of hiding its brilliant
light in a tiny corner Of the safe In
Paul's office. Instead pride held sway,
and just to show that she did not care
Kate firted outrageously with John
Trent.
Just who Trent was no one seemed
to know exactly. 1t was said that he
was looking for a site for a summer
hotel which should bring prosperity to
the island. Certain it was that a speedy
team from the livery took him on many
tours of the island, and during these
trips Kate frequently occupied the seat
of the cutter with him
Paul Condor. whose duties held him
closely at the dock. watched them speed
past on their way to visit some likely
location. and, with a heavy heart, be
wondered what the outcome would be
He neither liked nor trusted Trent.
wherein he stood alone, for Trent had
wormed himself into the good graces
Of most of the islanders At the sim,
pie entertainments of its social life he
was always the most welcome guest,
while Paul, gowering In corner and
refusing to take part in any of the
games suggested by Trent, found less
i,- H.
ity grew
1t was not often that Paul attended
social affairs now. urging the Office as
an excuse, though be had not found ii
difficult to leave the dock even on sail
ing nights when he was to act as es
cort to Kate Pyfrom. He and his ia
Their owned the steamer Robert G..
which made semiweelly trips to the
mainland In winter this was about
the only means of communication, for
the heavy gales made the passage Of
the pleasure sloops almost impossible
and the stancher boats were engaged
on the fishing banks. The Robert G
carried the catch across the strait to
the city, and 1t was this traffic which
made a regular communication with
the mainland possible.
The sailings were scheduled for 6
O'Clock, but II the fishing boats were
hate coming in the steamer would be
held until their arrival, and frequently
1t was long after midnight before the
start was made.
This furnished Paul with the excuse
for remaining away from merrymak-
ings, and gradually in the society Of
the fishermen and merchants he heard
little of what was going on, though
Hates increasing fondness for Trent
was gossip even among the seafarers.
SO completely had he isolated him
self from the local gossip that he was
surprised when one sailing day George
Pyfrom drove his daughter up to the
dock and engaged passage for her
across to the mainland.
She's going to visit her Aunt Kate
down to Boston," he explained as he
laid down the money for a round trip
ticket ITS good for young folks to
visit around a bit think a trip to
booloh Nouid NC 6oOu iOl JOu just
now, Paul"
There was meaning In the tones. but
Paul shook his head
81 guess there's no chance even In
Boston, captain" he declared 81 guess
I've lost all hold on Kate"
Pyfrom. unconvinced. shook his head,
but he offered no further argument.
and after learning that the fishing fleet
would be in late he stamped out of the
office and on board the steamer to see
that Kate was made comforta BILE
1t was the rule that passengers should
be aboard at the announced sailing
time, and when 6 o'clock came Paul
locked the ticket drawer and went out
on the dock to look after some freight
He studiously avoided glancing toward
the after part of the steamer, where
the passenger accommodations were,
and he did not notice the white, wist
full face pressed against the pane Of
one Of the staterooms.
Nor did he see that the face was still
there when he returned from supper
and the first Of the fishing fleet lined
up alongside Of the dock and began to
pass the barrels of fish across the dock
to the steamer
From that time on all was confusion
As rapidly as a boat could unload she
gave place to another and by mid
night the last of the cargoes was stow
ed and the sailors began to make prep
81 ro tiOnS To asst off
Paul had gone to the gaDgplank TO
see that all was right when Trent en-
deayored to press past him. For a mo
ment Paul hesitated then resolutely
he barred the way.
Tickets" he demanded. Trent laugh
ed.
"I'll' fix 1t with the purser," he as
sured
You cannot get aboard without a
ticket" Paul insisted
Then sell me one" suggested Trent,
setting down his suit case and draw
ing out his bill fold.
The sale of tickets stopped at 6
o'clock" reminded Paul. mo more
tickets will be sold for this voyage.
You will have to wait until Thursday"
ut is vital that | should catch this
boat" declared Trent. Il just hap
pened to remember that | have an i'm
pOrtant stockholders meeting in New