The Washington times., 1908-12-23

80 treasure IS tnerer jim
Harrison End Helene
were seated on the snow
white deck enjoying the
morning sunshine as the
cruiser sped swiftly on her way toward
Manila.
This was their first opportunity for a
talk since leaving the island.
Naturally. they had slept late that
morning, and during breakfast, and
since, had been constantly surrounded
by a cOterie Of officers eager TO hear
thei- adventures
These had all departed now upon one
duty or another, and at last the two
were alone.
Helene. her anxiety over the distress
OF auntie relieved by the knowledge that
the old lady had already been apprised
of her safety, was bubblinS over with
gayety and high spirits; but Jim seemed
a bit dOWnClSt and Elum-
You almost act as though you were
sorry to have been rescued" she raj
lied him I believe down in your heart
you hated to leave that terrible island. %
NO" he protested. ION your account
am delighted; for I can tell you now
that was beginning to feel pretty
away. And I, too, am glad to be back
among white folks again, and TO talk
good United States, instead OF having
10 act it out every time I want to say,
Please pass the bread Still
He paused and gave a little sigh
Sill" she questioned.
Well. getting back into the world
again this way sort OF brings home TO
"A fellow where he stands. don't YOU
know? On the island things outside
didn't seem TO make much difference.
There I was chUms with the chief and
right bower to the great enchantress;
but now I'm bound 70 recognize that
IN just Jim Harrison down and out
and with my way TO make all over
again.
I tell you. it's all a mistake. Helene. -
he burst out passiOnately. II had no
right to speak to you when I did. I
must have been mad, indeed, to do so.
] have no right to hold you TO your
pledge now. Just think Of It. I am
fat broke. without a penny or a pros
pect in the world, and thousands of
miles from home. A pretty subject 70
he proposing matrimOny TO any wom-
an. am I not2 Why. ought
But she laid her hand quickly on his
lips.
There is Just one question I want 10
ask, jim. Now that we have got back
into the world. as you call II. do you
still believe that you love me?''
Love you. grip His tone left no
doubt Of his constancy.
Then let us hear no more such silly
talk as not holding me to my pledle
and all that sort OF thing. I'd rather
he the wife of Just Jim Harrison .
whether he is down and out or not.
than would Of any other man alive"
But, Helene, don't you see, I can't
ask
'JinT' She sat bolt upright in her
Chsir and eyed him with mock severity.
Please don't tell me that 1 shall have
10 ask you to marry me for the third
time I have done so twfce-once IN
that unfortunate letter. and once on the
island, and now I was hoping that
YOU would take the initiative. If only to
vary the monotony-
Besides, dear. r.''-and the banter died
out OF her voice as # grew deep and
tender-'ft belongs to neither OF US
any more to ask the other to share his
lot. We have agreed to that. for
richer or poorer, for better, for worse.
until death do US part All we can
obtain now IS a formal ratification of
our vows
Then you stand by that compact
made on the island?" He could not
quite conceal the joy and relief culver
ing Beneath his words: Remember, I
claim nothing under it. release YOU
from all promises would not take
advantage Of
There can be no question OF taking
advantage" she interrupted quickly:
nor can you release me from an oath
which I took with open eyes and a
single heart. The heather ceremony we
passed through may have been of no
avail, I do not know; but surely we are
bound by the solemn promises we made
20 each other and TO God. So let rs
have done with this prohtless discus
sion.
I am your wife. Jim, as much as
though we had been joined by bell and
book and candle and bishop before the
world. I am your wife, Jim, boy. May
God help me to be a good one to you
There was, OF course, but one answer
10 be made TO this, and since they were
around the corner Of a turret, and the
only Jacky IN sight discreetly had his
back turned, Jim promptly proceeded to
make II.
Later. when they were sitting blame
lessly side by side again-their hands
clssped, it Is true, but able 10 be drop
ped apart at moments warning