The newspaper., 1909-09-17

learned how to go nesting. What if
you should be left alone here? Be-
sides, it looks to me like the signal is
tearing loose"
She accompanied him out along the
cliff crest until they stood in the midst
of the bird colony, half deafened by
their harsh clamor. She had never
ventured into their concourse when
alone. Even now she cried out, and
would have retreated before the charp
bills and beating wings had not Blake
walked ahead and kicked the squawk
ing birds out of the path. Having
made certain that the big white flag
was still secure on its staff he led the
way along the seaward brink of the
cliff, pointing out the different kinds
of seafowl and shouting information
about such of their habits and quail
ties as were of concern to hungry cast
Always.
He concluded the lesson by descend
ing a dizzy flight of ledges to rob the
nest of a frigate bird. 1t was a focl-
hardy feat at best, and doubly SO IN
view of the thousands of eggs lying
all around in the hollows of the cliff
top. But from these Blake mad re-
Gently culled out all the fresh settings
other eggs equaled them in delicacy
OF favor.
"How's that" he demanded. as he
drew himself up over the edge OF the
cliff and handed the big chalky-white
egg into her keeping.
Il would rather go without than
see you take such risks" she replied,
coldly.
You would. eh?" he cried, quite
misunderstanding her, and angered by
what seemed to him a gratuitous re-
bun. Well, I'd rather you'd say
nothing than speak in that tone. II
you don't want the egg heaye IT, over"
Unable to conceive any cause for
his sudden anger, she was alarmed
and drew back. watching him with
sidelong glances.
What's the matter?" he demanded.
Think I'm going to bite you?"
She shrank farther away. and did
not answer. He stared at her. his
eyes hard and bright. Suddenly he
burst into a harsh laugh and strobe
away towards the cliff. savagely
kicking aside the birds that came in
his path.
When. an hour later. the girl crept
back along the cleft TO the baobab
she saw him hard at work building
little hut several yards down to-
wards the barricade. The moment
she perceived what he was about her
bearing became less guarded. and she
took up her own work with a spirit
and energy which she had not shown
since the adventure with the puff
adder.
At her call TO the noon meal Blake
took his time to respond, and when
he at last came to join her he was
morose and taciturn- She met him
with a smile and exerted all her wom-
anly tact to conciliate him.
You must help me eat the egg.
she said I've boiled II hard
Rather eat beef" he mumbled.
But Just to please me-when I've
cooked it your way"
He uttered an inarticulate sound
which she chose to interpret as as
sent. The egg was already shelled.
She cut it exactly in half and served
one OF the pieces to him with bit of
warm fat and pinch OF salt. AS he
took the dish he raised his sullen
eyes to her face. She met his gaze
with a look OF smiling insistence.
Come now" she said: please don't
refuse. I'm sorry l was so rude"
Well. II you feel that way about
it,-not that care for fancy dishes.
he responded. grufIiy.
1t would be missing half the en-
joyment to eat such delicacy with
out some one TO share It," she said.
Blake looked away without answer.
But she could see that his face was
beginning to clear. Greatly encour-
aged, she chatted away as though they
were seated at her fathers dinner
table and he was an elderly friend
from the business world whom 1t was
her duty to entertain.
For n while Blake betrayed little in
terest, confining himself to monosyl-
lables except when he commented on
the care with which she had cooked
the various dishes. When she least
expected. he looked up at her. his lips
parted in a broad smile. She stopped
short. for she had been describing her
first social triumphs and his untimely
levity embarrassed her.
Don't get mad. Miss Jenny" he
said. his eyes twinkling. You don't
e.. -lt No