Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1908-07-22

for there Mt the top of
Europe the whole CONT
l.2 mental railway system Is
easily within your grasp, and you may
make your choice of sailing ports. 1t
is, to be sure, rather out of your way
to seek ship at Liverpool unless you
expect to gain some particular advan-
tage in doing so. Mr.. John Armitage
hurried thither in the most breathless
haste to catch the King Edward,
whereas he might have taken the Tou-
raine at Cherbourg and saved himself
mad scamper, but his satisfaction in
finding himself aboard the King Ed
ward was supreme. He was and is, it
may be said. n man who salutes the
passing days right amiably, no matter
how somber their colors.
Shirley Claiborne and Captain Rich
ard Claiborne, her brother, We're on
deck watching the shipping in the Mer-
sey rs the big steamer swung into the
channel.
II hope" observed Dick. "that we
have shaken off all your transatlantic
suitors. That little Chauvenet died
easier than had expected. He never
turned up after we left Florence but
I'm not wholly sure that we shan't
find him at the dock in New York. And
that mysterious Armitage, who spent
SO much railway fare following us
about and who almost bought you
watch in Geneva, really disappoints
me. His persistence had actually com
Id aOI .,,i, rrl,c
blower he was fairly decent, though,
and better thHn n lotspf these little toy
men with Imitation titles
"Oh. my large brother, have con-
fession to make" said Shirley. please
don't indulge in great oaths or stamp
hole in this sturdy deck, but there
are flowers in my stateroom"-
Probably from the Liverpool con.
sui. He's been Fostering father to help
hole"
"Then 1 shall intercede myself with
the president when l get home. They
are orchids-from London-b ut-with
Mr.. Armitage's card. Wouldn't that
excite you?"
at makes me sick!' and Dick hung
heavily on the rail and glared at
passing tug.
'They are beautiful orchids. 1 don't
remember when orchids have happened
to me before, Richard-in such quanti-
ties. Now, you really didn't disapprove
Of him SO much, did you? This is prob
ably goodby forever, but he wasn't SO
bad, and he may be an American, after
all"
"a common adventurer! Such fell
lows are always turning up, like bad
pennies or a one eyed dog. If should
see him again.
Yes. Richard, If you should meet
AGAIN.
I'D ask him to be good enough to
stop following us about, and II he per-
sisted should muss him up"
Yes; I'm sure you would protect me
from his opportunities ut any hazard"
Knocked Shirley, turning and leaning
against the rail so that she looked
along the deck beyond her brothers.
stalwart shoulders
Don't be silly" observed Dick,
whose eyes were upon trim yacht
that was steaming slowly beneath
them.
81 shan't, but please don't be violent!
Do not murder the poor man, Dickie,
dear'-and she took hold of his arm en-
treatingly-'' for there he is-as tall and
mysterious as ever-apd me found gull
ty with few of his orchids pinned to
my jacket!'
This is good fortune, indeed" said
Armitage moment later when they
had shaken hands. II finished my er-
rand at Geneva unexpectedly, and here
am"
He smiled at the feebleness of his
explanation and Joined in their passing
comment on the life of the harbor. He
was not SO dull but that he felt Dick
Claibornes resentment Of his presence
on board. He knew perfectly well that
his acquaintance with the Claibornes
was too slight to be severely strained,
particularly where fellow of Dick
Claiborne's high spirit was concerned
He talked with them n few minutes
longer, then took himself off, and they
saw little of him the rest of the day.
pArmitage did not share their distinc.
ton Of seat at the captains table,
and Dick found him late at night In
the smoking saloon with pipe and book.
Armitage nodded and asked him to sit
down.
you are sailor as we'll as sol.
der, captain. You are fortunate
always sit up the first night to make
sure the enemy doesn't lay hold of ME
in my Sleep"
He tossed his book aside, had brandy
and soda brought and offered Clai
borne cigar.
"This Is not the most fortunate sea
son for crossing. / am sure to fall to-
morrow. My father and mother hate
the sea particularly and have retired
for three days. My sister is the only
one of us who is perfectly immune"
Dick Claiborne was good dea
amused at finding himself sitting be
side Armitage-enjoyin indeed, hi.
fellow travellers hospitality, but Armt
tage, he was forced 10 admit, bore al
the marks Of gentleman. lie had. Il
be sure. followed Shirley about. bu
even the young mans manner in thi.
was hardly a matter at which he could
cavil. And there was something alto
gether likable in Armitage. His yer,
composure was attractive to Claiborne
and the bold lines of his figure wer,
not wasted on the young officer
Armitage was thinking rapidly o
something he had suddenly resolved II
say to Captain Claiborne. He knew tina
the Claibornes were family of dis
tinction. The father was an American
diplomat and lawyer of wide teputa
ton. The family stood for the best O
which America is capable, and the,
were homeward bound to the Amer
lean capital, where their social positio;
and the fathers fame made them con
spicuous.
Arlnitage put down his cigar ant
bent toward Claiborne. speaking Will
quiet directncss.