Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1908-07-19
I 2

IL
not a gentleman, at least might qualify servant
in a public wash house.
1t was subtle perhaps but Beasley understood.
for Valda peeped over and saw him redden to the
roots of his ugly hair. He was standing directly
behind the kneeling man, and his action relieved
him of the possibility of being called gentleman.
He raised one foot in the middle of the others
back then pushed him sprawing the sloppy deck.
Valda leaped forward to the rail, but not more
quickly than the victim OF the mates brutality
reganed his feet. She saw his handsome face dis
torted bv the lash of rage.-the eyes that glowed,
the teeth that set in fury. Forgotten now were
the laws that govern land and sea, forgotten was
the gulf that lay between master and man;
and Valda saw him crouch as the leopard crouches
for it's spring the shoulders hunched the head held
low-and then she caught his eye:
He looked and the fury faded from his face; his
crouching figure became erect while his fists un-
clenched and sank slowly to his sides, For an in
slant he stood in slenes-pantu1 salenee,mthen
Beasey laughed. His small, untutored brain
had misinterpreted; but Valda understood. She
knew that a man had torn something from his
pride-had torn it by its very roots,-and because
of her He had trampled on law that rules the
hearts of courageous men, and because of a higher
law of chivalry.
NTOW in Valda's veins ran also the blood of
~ fighting race Indeed. old Oliver Cromwell was
in part responsible for her present role IN lite Be-
souled man who dispensed his justice with an hon
est tongue; and now these two old boys came back
in spirit to % with aq 81 were ,e nged
with red. She grpped the rail, and her heart was
pounding furously.
yacht l give you my full permission to avenge
that insult to the limit of your strength and will
She had used his other name unconsciously; but
somehow it seemed more fitting at the time, and it
made her glad to use it. AS for him. he simply
stared at her then he smiled and the light of hope
came back into his eyes. He made her courtly
bow In it were mingled reverence, delight, and
gratitude, though might say which held the
place of honor; then he turned on his enemy. His
words were not intended for Valdas ears; but her
ears were sharp and she overheard
Mr. Beasley,' he said, in his moduated Southern
voice "you have taken hellish pleasure in making
me wipe up this deck; and now, curse you! I'm
going to do it with you!
line and expressed himself without reserve He
knew the game, and felt entirely competent to dis
pose of him with few we'll planted blows; and yet
there was an air about his lean antagonist that
caused the mate to proceed with caution. He re-
moved his coat rolled up his sleeves to his hairy
elbows then frightened his belt and tossed his cap
aside He was ready now to put the finishing
touches novice education.
At this juncture Captain Joe walked out on the
bridge and marking the poise of the men below,
checked him.
Captain joe" she called this is my affair, and
YOU will please not interfere!
The old sea dog gazed at her with numbed ex-
preston of split iawed wonder, then closed his
mouth slowly while grin of pleasure illumned his
rugged features As long as the responsibility was
a go" as much as the next man; SO he drew up
camp stool to the edge of the bridge, seated himself
in the front of the gallery so to speak and lit
Meanwhile seamen came from everywhere. silently.
mysteriouslv, smelling out happy trouble, it
were, and seeking positions OF advantage to them.
selves but of inconspicuousness to the mistress of
the Spitfre
rIMEi" called Captain Larris. "Clang!' went the
L Yachts bell struck by Lavne the second mate
who dashed his wheel and leaned as far possible