Hopkinsville Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1889-1918, 1908-07-11

Delaying a
;, Voyage.
FRANCES TRUMBULL.
Copyrighted, 1908. by Associated
Literary Press.


k&&@@3334@383@3%@@S3s@%s33@S
Had either Paul or Kate been less
stubborn their little misunderstanding
HOuld have healed quickly, and the sol
dtaire would have cleaned on Hates
finger instead of hiding its brilliant
Hight in a tiny corner Of the safe IL
Paul's office. Instead pride held sway
and just to show that she did not care
Kate flirted outrageously with Johr
Trent
Just who Trent was no one seemed
ITO know exactly 1t was said that ht
was looking for a site for a summer
hotel which should bring prosperity tC
The island. Certain it was that speedy
team from the livery took him on many
tours Of the island, and during these
ffips Kate frequently occupied the seat
81 the cutter with him.
Paul Condor, whose duties held him
closely at the dock, watched them speed
mast on their way to visit some likely
location. and, with a heavy heart, be
Wondered what the outcome would be.
a1e neither liked nor trusted Trent,
Egherein be stood alone, for Trent had
Bormed himself into the good graces
OF most Of the islanders. AT the sim
Ole entertainments Of its social life he
gas always the most welcome guest,
while Paul, glowering in a corner and
refusing to take part In any OF the
games suggested by Trent found less
and less sympathy as Trent's popular
aty grew.
1t was not often that Paul attended
social affairs now, urging the office as
an excuse, though be had not found 1t
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 semiweekly 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 If the fishing boats were
late coming In the steamer would be
held until their arrival, and frequently
e was long after midnight before the
start was made.
This furnished Paul with the excuse
for remaining away from merrymak-
angs, 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" be explained as he
laid down the money for round trip
ticket ITS good for young folks to
visit around a bit | think a trip to
Boston would be good for you 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 feet
would be in late he stamped out of the
office and on board the steamer to see
that Kate was made comfortable.
1t was the rule that passengers should
be aboard at the announced sailing
time, and when G 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, visit
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
arations TO cast of.
Paul had gone to the gaDgplank to
see that all was right when Trent en-
deavored TO press past him. For mo.
ment Paul hesitated. then resolutely
he barred the way
Tickets" he demanded Trent laugh.
ed.
'T'n Ak 1t with the purser" he as,
sured
"You cannot get aboard without q
ticket" Paul insisted.
"Then sell me one" suggested Trent
setting down his suit case and draw
ing out his biii fUid.
ssTha sale of tickets StOpDed at