The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1908-05-29


taking off his hat. $50 far above
sea line, you know. everything that is
loose comes to grief when the ship
rolls"
Then what becomes of your paoto-
graphs?" demanded Isobel promptly.
her quick eyes having discovered the
pictures of two ladies in silver frames
on writing table.
II take care to put them away.
There is always plenty of warning
No ordinary sea can trouble q big hulk
like the Kansas"
rs that your mother, the dear old
lady in the lace cap?"
yes, and the other is my sister,"
"Oh, really! Is she married"
mo. Like me, she is welded to her
profession"
Twill you think it rude if ask what
that is?''
"She is hospital nurse-the ma.
tron, indeed, of public institution in
the suburbs of London"
Isobel filled q cup Of tea, asked ii
Captain Courtenay took milk and sug-
ar and said demurely. with sip Of o
spoonful:
"Let me see if can guess your
tastes"
Elsie's blue eyes assumed a deeper
shade. Men might l&e that kind of
thing, but she felt that her face and
neck would be poppy red in another
moment. Thus far she had not adj
dressed a 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
was beginning with the adroitness of
a skilled campaigner. And she. too,
could use her eyes to advantage when
she chose.
what q curious library you have,
Captain Courtenay," she said, looking
not at him, but at row Of books
fitting closely into small case
over the writing table-"Shakespeare
the Pilgrims Progress Montaignes
essays, Herbert Spencer, 'Goethe's
Life by Lewes; Marcus Aurelius, Mar
tial, Wordsworth, The Egoist,' Tho
reau, Hazlitt and 'Mitfords Tales of
Old Japan! 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 Elsie's 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
forefinger of her right hand on her
lips when deeply engaged in thought.
Elegant as lsobel Barring might be in
her studied poses, Elsie need fear no
comparison as she examined the con-
tents Of the bookcase with eager at
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 IsobePs .mirth had mockery in
it-"there was a laughing devil in her
sneer."
"By the way, where is Joey?' she
asked,
The dog answered her question by
appearing, with a stretch and a >yawn,
from beneath a 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 carer cried Isobel. "He
may bite you"
mot he! When you see that wistful
look in a 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 prime
favorite on board the Kansas" COM
mented Isobel. 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. 1--WE 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. 81 am very eomforta-
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
q 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 to intervene In her
IL