The Washington herald., 1909-08-22

''Was IT, Miss Minturn demanded
promptly IAN American ship?"
But, no. American ships do not steam
by on the other side. Witness the Han
kow. which. though a mail boat. had
swung miles out of her course 70 invesu-
gate his blinking lanterns. The tramp
steamer sailed under an ensign well
known, but little loved on the seven seas.
Seafaring men IN distress did not sight II
with any Overwhelming rapture.
"Oh!" said Miss Minthrn Il hate TO
think that there are such men, She
was silent for moment. gazing out over
the rail. And now" she asked at last,
what would the captain do?
Put back to Yokohama and refit," he
said
And them" Miss Mintlirn persisted.
Then. the captain said. he should con-
tnue his voyage.
II wouldn't" said Miss Afinturn. I'D
60 back to Marseiles and make somebody
else try It."
once again the smile lighted the face Of
the man from the south Of France.
Biadenoiselle suggested the impossible he
limited Ships always went where they
were bound. and their crews with them,
unless something happened lie had never
heard of a ships putting back just be-
cause she couldn't go ahead. The sug-
gestion seemed 20 him both novel and
mademolselle would pardon amusing
"Oh." cried Miss Minturn, how per
fectly that sums It up. Ships 30 where
they are sent and their sailors with them.
unless something happens You have
taught me the secret 1 searched for mon
sieur It's just that simplicity and hope
fulness and courage that make sailor 50
different from other men, isn't itg'
NJ. lie Captaine seemed a bit puzzled
and more than bit abashed, at this
wholesale tribute to his profession lie
bon Dieu might have hand IN II some
where. too. ne suggested.
Just then. 20 his evident relief, the first
officer came ait, trailed by the solemn
boatswa!n. The scrape OF oars sounded
oversize. and Miss Minturn held out q
firm young hand TO the captain. Good
by she said earnestly. Il shall! never
forget this night, or YOU monsieur. or
your beautiful Duchess de Richeiieu /
Just know smell get to Valparaiso, ! shah
hope II so hard.
"In that case" said the gallant raga-
muffin promptly, she is already there.
mademolselle.' With a word 10 the skip
per and 10 John ne clambered over the
rail and went down the ladder 10 the
night and the sea frcm which he had
come. and the passengers hung over the
rail and called fareweils. which the four
men OF the boats crew answered In the
twangy speech OF the quays u Marseilles-
You may put her on her course, Mr..
Hamp," the skipper said, when the boat
had showed clear. and Put her on her
course. Mr. Sullivan" the first oitieer
hailed the bridge The engine room tele-
a - go M
pipes roared. the cylinders coughed. and
the beat Of the hankOWs screw set her
a-quiver. while the siren roared hcarse
goOd-by. FOR Mr. Sullivan on the bridge
was a friendly soul. The passengers
turned sleepily 20 the saloon companion.
and the episode was done. Ii had hardly
been worth dressing Tor.
But from the ran behind the after
wheelhouse. where the tilier gearing chat
tered, Miss Minturn and John looked back
over the froth OF the wake In the midst
Of Il a c0ckle-shell OF a boat was tossing
while fare blazed at her stern. and far
/ back OF II. once morse shapely pile OF
silvery canvas. each sail distended by a
rising breeze, a jet OF spray bubbling IN
der her forefoot. the Duchess de Rich
ellen. as foil Of proud. wild life as any
other seabird. came booming down 70
]
on the great waters.
For a moment John sazed at the vision
Of her entranced, and then a sound that
was half sob made him remember his
companion. The girls slim fingers gripped
an awning stanchion. her eyes were shin
J ing with the mist OF starting tears, and
when she spoke her voice was unsteady.
oh look at her" she said Just look
at the beauty. II you only knew how l
hope she'll get 20 Valparaiso. and that
nothing will-happen!"
John stared with growing oomprehen-
sion why. ne said at last, i believe
you care as much as I do"
AS much as YOU the girl cried
why. you've had 1t all your life. and
I've been dreaming Of # all Of mine
and have It only this once, and see
men Hke-like the little captain and
and all the rest. and then must gc
/ back. Oh. don't want to go back,
want TO stay here always" she shook
/ her head impatiently. for a single tear
/ had started down her cheek What
a baby I ann" she said. with an at
tempt ct ightness.
II didn't suppose YOU cared Ike thatv
said John solemnly. 7 didn't suppos,
anybody cared that way but me" All a
once a mighty impulse swept over him
drawing him irresistIbly 20 the GIRL VIII,
leaned there on the rail looking down a
the sea she loved as much as he did HI
laid a biz. strong. protecting hand On he
little ones. Miss Minturn." he said
"Helen-Tve nothing 20 offer you. bu
if-if YOU dare 10 trust me, you needn'
so back toto anything you
oh said Helen Minurn. her face hid
den In Johns arm. 7 knew I'd have u
tell you, I've known it for-fOr w,
days. ] wonder you-want me-"
Want YOU" said John. and for a lonl
time they stood there silent, slowly real
izing what had come TO them. Il won
der you'll take me. said honest JONI
at last. You've only known me
week."
I've known you always, said the girl
And I've nothing 10 give you" Johl
continued Truly. I know I have n,
right You don't know what life you'v
chosen"
The girl looked up into the worried
boyish face. where the clear gray eve
met hers unwaveringly. I'm not afrait.
she said Didn't the little captain sa,
ships always went where they were sent
and their sailors with them? Our shil
Will get to our Valparaiso-John. Tha
means Vale Of Paradise, doesn't IT."
It's a good port. dear" said John
Wen make II unless something-hap
pens. And II 1t does. then-we'n go dow
together. Even that wouldn't be so bad
would it?'
No." said Helen Minturn contentedly
ut wouldn't"
The Duchess dc Richelieu had becom
only a brighter CLINT on the heaving
rnnnrlit rr.netn hchinl thnrn when NJ las